2015 in Review

So, this has been another odd year for me...

A good chunk of 2015 I've spent dealing with the pinched nerve causing problems with my drawing arm. Needless to say I haven't done a ton of drawing or freelance art.

Despite that, I was able to actually finish my animation video tutorials and likewise, make them available to the public on udemy.

If you still haven't seen them, check out the link here:

https://www.udemy.com/animating-traditionally-with-toon-boom/

I've also gone back to learning video game creation. It's something that I really enjoyed as a kid, but never pursued, and it's amazing seeing all the tools now widely available.
I got hooked on Game Maker Studio back in 2013, and I'm already rusty. So this year, I've been having fun going through a couple more tutorials.
Let me know if you want to see a sample of one of the finished tutorial games!

I was also able to complete a re-creation of Dungeons & Dragons' Keep on the Shadowfell, using RPG Maker VX Ace! Basing much of the game on playing sessions I ran back when I was teaching at Sheridan. Unfortunately, I can't release it to the public as it was made with liberal use of copyright materials/media. So it's going to have to stay a personal project. Sorry all.

Speaking of games... Development continues on my table-top card game.
Mechanically, I'd say it's pretty much done, and I'm hoping to start drawing up art in January.

In case you're wondering; no, I won't be publishing the game through Kickstarter. It would be logistically impossible for me to handle publication and distribution by myself. Hopefully, I'll be able to show it to a few publishers at gaming conventions next year, and find someone to pick it up.

In the meantime, I'm still waiting on a couple other developments, but I guess I'll just have to see what 2016 brings.

Until then, here's wishing everyone a happy holidays and all the best in the new year!

Inktober - Dino Bear

InkTober, for those not familiar, is a drawing challenge, started by artist Jake Parker, to draw one inked drawing every day for 31 days in October. It's a great way to make sure you get in some inking practice and have some fun doing it, in the process.

So while my drawing arm still isn't 100%, it was as good an excuse as any to dust off my brush and pens and try to get in a little bit of inking. So, after asking around for suggestions and mixing up their ideas a bit, came up with this duo. Hope you like it!

Animation Tutorials Now Online!

About a year ago, I posted that I had started working on a series of animation tutorials using Toon Boom's Storyboard Pro and Harmony.

I'm pleased to announce that the video tutorials are now available on Udemy's website!

ANIMATING TRADITIONALLY WITH TOON BOOM

Affordably priced, this beginner course is great for animation students just starting out, or even professionals looking to quickly figure out how to animate traditionally in Harmony (YES, it's not just for cut-out animation!).

As mentioned in my earlier post, the series walks the viewer through the entire workflow from analyzing dialogue, to storyboarding, to completed animation.

If this sounds interesting to you, or someone you know, definitely check it out!

Is that a Zombie on my Lawn?

I was able to sneak in a couple of art pieces in Palladium Books', upcoming Chaos Earth® Resurrection™  sourcebook.

With all the zombies shambling around in this tome about a post-apocalyptic, zombie-plagued, Wisconsin, you might catch a glimpse of a particular zombie, of the plant-eating variety, amongst its pages.

Chaos Earth Resurrection is slated to come out in December!

Open House Sketches

The Palladium Open House was last weekend, and while I didn't get to go, I thought I'd share a few of the drawing requests that I received. Thanks again to those that ordered sketches!

Sketch Commissions Now Open - For a Limited Time!

As regular visitors may know, over the last couple years, I've been battling debilitating spinal injuries, that have at various times left me unable to draw.

On May 14-17, Palladium Books is hosting what will likely be their last Open House convention.

I'm hoping to attend, but dealing with disability expenses have left monetary funds rather lacking...

So, for a limited time, I'm taking character sketch commissions for those that will be attending the Palladium Open House that you can pick up at the event!

UPDATE: Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get enough sketch commissions to cover the costs for the Palladium Open House. Huge thanks to everyone that ordered a sketch!!
All commissions will be mailed out shortly.

Hope everyone there has a blast!!