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Can you see the difference? I have to say it was a good use of money.

And it started like this:

Final Panel

So here's the process of the final panel. By asking the artist (who you can follow on twitter @JackieMusial), I found out she uses Photoshop CS5 to scan her rough sketches in then layer on top of them. She provided the third panel as an example of how the process works. I think I have them in the right order (might have to ask her double check my order). Tomorrow I'll be adding the new panels with a little colouring, since the black and white thing wasn't just right.

Rough sketch #1

Some layering

Some more details with outlines showing where the figure will be.

I think I might try to write some captions when these are all done. Maybe try to tell a story, the truth but a story.

Round 2

So just after the brief description on the blog, there's now an illustration in progress. Things are coming along well. Oh, the creative process. I thought an illustration would be nice and, after reading this blog, an artist makes something a little awesome. So before I get the final drafts, I'm going to tell the entire boring story. You know, destroy the illusion before we see the pretty things it caused. Anyway, on to the images

So this first image is almost done, you can see the different between this and the one below (less fine detail, colouring isn't perfect, etc.)

Going from easiest to hard. These first two panels are going to be smaller than the last one.

The figure is almost invisible, just outlines at this point. Getting these tiny peaks into the process is kind of awesome. Shows how much work goes into the creation of an illustration. 

Rough Drafts!

So I had previous mentioned I've commissioned art work for the blog and now I've got the first drafts of the work. So far it's looking good. The basis for the work is my post about my sink being broken and having to do the dishes in the bathtub. Thanks Jackie Musial for all the hard work! Check out the artist's process on her tumblr. Apparently it's difficult to draw objects under water. Click on the tumble nail for larger image.

First look!

Revisions b/c I can't make up my mind!

Half-way there!

At my window sad and lonely

Don't know why I decided to use that title for this post. Okay, it's a song from the Billy Bragg & Wilco record of Woody Guthrie songs but it doesn't fit what I'm about to say next. I just got the rough drafts of some illustration I'm getting done for the blog (and, it seems, my apartment). Now, I was going to post the image but I just realized that I'm not entirely sure I can without the artist's permission. It's exciting. I've never commissioned something before. I've got sketches from comic book artists at conventions but this something entirely different.

Anyway, I give out more details next week. Stay tuned.

I thought it was already as heavy as it could be

Victoria Day holiday. Woke up surprisingly early for no apparent reason. Been up for a couple of hours so I feel like I've been super productive because I've actually got some stuff done before 9am. Used to believe I was a night owl but I think I'm just a slave to routine; seven hours of sleep and I'm up, regardless of schedule. Unable to change my schedule quickly, and if I don't get enough sleep I'm prone to sickness (nothing serious, just colds/sniffles).

I'm plans for the weekend evolved quickly from family BBQ dinner to actually doing stuff. Yesterday spent the afternoon exploring the parks near Old Mill Station. It was fantastic. My friend is involved with a local outdoor awareness school and I got to partake in their "tracking club". Probably go back next time as well, especially if it isn't raining.

Trying to make an effort to get out and meet people/join groups. Due to a fluctuating work schedule, I found myself unable to participate in scheduled hobbies. It was a little isolating but was mitigated by doing awesome fun things with my partner.Also having the entire weekend off is nice and helps. I used to have Sunday/Monday off, which was okay because it gave me and my partner one together to get everything we needed/wanted to get done. Monday was usually a write off, spent doing A) nothing (also known as video games) or B) running errands. A surprising amount of things are closed on Mondays, especially barbers. Now that I have a regular Monday-Friday, with my entire weekend off, it's easier to plan/schedule things and also not be rushed to cram it all into one day. 

Okay, now she's awake and I'm going to convince her to get brunch at the George Street Diner. Haven't ever been there and hope they're open on the holiday Monday. Rest of the day will be spent playing video games. 

Art for Art's Sake

So I've decided to commission a piece for this blog. If all things go according to plan, it'll be done mid-June so I can add it as a banner or something. The inspiration will be one of my previous post about having to do the dishes in the bathtub. A throw away post could become something. I'm willing to pay for this because it's interesting and something I've always wanted. Oh yeah, it's going to be a 3 panel comic strip. I'm excited and a little nervous.

So why did I pull the trigger now? (1) I've actually got a little disposable income. The stability of my employment situation has allowed me to be a little less frugal. But more importantly, (2) while I don't intend for this blog to become a huge success, I wanted to commemorate the little changes I've made with my online presence, growing up a little (but not that much). Basically put my money where my mouth is. 

  

So Lucero is a new favourite of mine. I discovered them while watching this web series called $5 Cover (produced by MTV, so I'm going to link to the companion documentary $5 Amplified) about the music scene in Memphis, another American city I'd like to visit now. Lucero sounds like just like all my favourite country-punk / alt-country bands. Can't believe I didn't know about them before. Also discovered Jack Oblivian's solo work. It was worth watching all those episode.