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Robots

Pedal Head

A while ago, I was introduced to the Character Design Challenge when I restarted my Facebook account. It’s similar to the Sketch Dailies themes that I used to participate in except that it’s a monthly theme and there’s more of a format to the submissions. I tried to submit for some of the previous months’ themes, but I would always end up missing the deadline. There’s even a couple of pieces that were pretty far along, but for some reason, I couldn’t figure out how to finish them. After four months of missing the deadlines, I finally got a jump on this month’s theme of “Robots & Androids.” Below is my final submission titled, “Pedal Head,” the massive rock ‘n’ roll droid.

Like I said in my superhero remix post, I’ve been trying to shake off the cobwebs after taking a break from art. I’ve been getting back into the habit of drawing regularly, but having to do robots ended up being a little tougher than I anticipated. It’s not that robots are hard to draw, it’s drawing robots that are interesting that’s the challenge.

Actually, it was fairly unenjoyable, until the last 10% when it all came together. But it’s satisfying to be able to figure out the design in the end. Below are some of the iterations that I had to go through to arrive at the final piece. By the fifth sketch, I was nearly ready to chuck my Wacom pen at the wall like a dart. Eventually I had to call it quits, better finished than perfect, I suppose.

As a reminder, Geek Girl Con is coming up soon September 30 – October 1. I still haven’t received my table assignment yet, but I will mention in a future post once I get it. I’m looking to see if I can get the “Haiku Pandas” together as a book, but I have a few more drawings that I need to finish in order for it to feel complete enough.

Also, I added my “Stand By Me” piece for the Stephen King tribute show to my shop. If there’s a piece on this blog that you’d like to see as a print, please leave a suggestion in the comments below.

Have a great rest of the week!

PS: There’s a panda in there. ;)

100th post

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Internet was down last night for some reason.¬† Here’s the drawing from last night…

I didn’t realize it until now, but tonight’s my 100th post. I know it’s been over a year since I switched over to my current domain. As the moment it’s past 2AM, and I’m in a gaming studio finishing some sketches while watching Ratatouille. Since it’s the 100th post, it’s time to write something profound…

Less than a year ago, I didn’t have any idea as to how I was going to break into this industry, and it’s been almost six months since I decided to go part-time at my engineering job to pursue an art career. I reflect on my circumstances, I realize how privileged and blessed I am to be in a position where I have the opportunity to try a new career in an area I really enjoy. Granted, I’m still not at that level professionally yet, there’s still a long ways to go. But, I do find it amazing how, despite not drawing consistently for six years in college or having any contacts with anyone in the gaming/art/animation industry, an internship with a studio falls into my lap. And I can’t help but think there is something divine about this situation.

Despite having an opportunity to work for an entertainment company, I know circumstances can change in a heartbeat. I could break my hand, lose my sight, or have something worse happen to me. In light of any unfortunate events, would I still be able to go on in life? Even if the art gig doesn’t work out, I know that it was a God-send. Last year, I doubted how I was going to be able to stand doing engineering for another year and feared that the my skills were waning away. I envisioned this big plan of saving up money, selling my place, quitting my job, and going on a hiatus to learn animation on my own. Instead, an internship arrives totally unexpected; I was even asking for it. Looking back, the hiatus plan was stupid and foolish, and I’m glad I wasn’t allowed to follow through with it.

Sorry if this is sounding serious, I know people usually come here to see the adventures of Puddles and Terrence or any other random thing that I try to draw. Things have been busy for the last 9 months, and this is one of those rare times where I’m able to stop and think.¬† I finished tonight’s sketch below before I began writing this, sorry if you were expecting a 100th post extravaganza. I just didn’t realize it until now. Anyways, it’s starting to get late and I’m nearing the point where I start to ramble on about nonsense. In the meantime, I’ll continue to update this blog as often as I can. It’ll be a journal on my progress in establishing myself in this industry. Hopefully you all will enjoy the ride as much as me. Cheers…

Sketch Session No.2

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Got a late start tonight. I got pretty dry on my ideas once I got to the third page. I’m feeling a little better with each drawing. I have some books here that will hopefully improve my technique, but I still got a long ways to go. Anyways, enjoy!