Chiaro[OB]scuro

blagh...

2008-11-04T21:01:10Z

Today is so frustratingly distracting. I've voted, I'm working, but my mind is not with me.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T21:04:40Z

Play it safe tonight!

I'm like a bad penny...

2008-10-22T22:17:41Z

It's been seven months and 15 days since I've last posted on here. Sorry to have just vanished. I'm sure it would have been much more excusable if I'd vanished in a puff of smoke, or turned into an owl and flew away or something cool like that, but I didn't. Over half a year with no word on my life or my work so it's almost like starting over. Too much has happened since my last update but I don't want to be a bore. But not mentioning ANY of it would just be rude.

Work has been insane. I've been working on so many other books that I never really had a chance to work on my own. One of those books, Gustav Hayes: Lounge Singer of the Apocalypse, can actually be read online here.

There have been other gigs that, unfortunately, never saw print. But I got payed and that's all that counts on my end. The writers, editors, and publisher involved in those books certainly weren't starving, either, and I got to work with some VERY cool people through those. I'll post some samples from those books shortly.

My own projects were supposed to have been on hiatus but that didn't work out in one way or another. "KING!", for example, a book about a former professional wrestler turned monster hitman who also dresses like Elvis, has been talked about quite a bit by some pretty groovy people I met back in February. I can't really say anything else about it until this coming January.

And I've started drawing Robot13 again in the hopes of getting issue one ready for print by January followed by the remaining two issues and a second one shot issue of KING! before we begin that three issue series. So no more pay gigs for me for awhile. I'll be bringing in steady income for my family by going back to substitute teaching.

In the mean time, please enjoy this completed page of Robot13.

Wizard World L.A.

2008-03-07T19:57:09Z

Next Tuesday I celebrate my 29th birthday, then on Wednesday I'm working my ass off because on Thursday I jump in the van and drive to L.A. for the Wizard World convention. If you are gonna be there, come say hi. I'll be in the Artist Alley at table 2460. I'll be the bald chap.

Brief Q/A interview at Zeros 2 Heros

2008-02-14T21:18:32Z

It's short and will be the best minute and a half you've ever spent learning about me. ;)

Enjoy
http://blog.zeros2heroes.com/2008/02/14/rollin-rollin-rollin-gustav/

Long nights satisfied by an orgy of violence and potato chips.

2008-02-09T21:05:42Z

So I've been working on a new book for a publisher that has been keeping me on a pretty strict schedule. I don't mind it at all...I'm the kind of guy that needs strict schedules otherwise I'd be doing something stupid like...I don't know...stupid things. But last night I needed a bit of a break so my wife kindly allowed me to go see Rambo. Wow. What a movie. So many people that I've talked to about it have raised some pretty interesting questions concerning it's message. It certainly is a violent movie...made Saving Private Ryan look like a special from National Geographic. So what kind of message did I get from a movie so violent? A very simple, yet extremely important and life saving lesson. If Rambo tells you to go home...then go home. This whole movie could have been averted if those nice, kind missionaries had just taken the very buff, growly man's advise: "Go home."
I mean...he told them about 5 times.

...course, then I wouldn't have been able to watch a guy get shot in half by the biggest damn machine gun I've ever seen. But, keep in mind I've only ever seen maybe 2 machine guns in my life so I'm not a very good judge.

After the movie, I walked back to my van (which, for some reason, I kept thinking to myself how much I really wanted to attach a big ass machine gun to), drove home and found quite possibly the lamest TP attempt on my shrubbery. Now, seriously...who TPs someone's shrubbery?? A house, yes. A car, sure. Your grandpa sleeping on the laz-e-boy? Absolutely. But a bush? I wasn't pissed because we got TPed...I was pissed because it was a gay TP attempt! If I'm gonna get TPed, I want it to be good...don't TP my shrubbery! And don't use good toilet paper...that was some soft toilet wipes somebody used. I wanted to go poop just so I can use such fine papers.

So after coming home and explaining to my wife why I was carrying a bundle of toilet paper, I got back to work. I finished the page (penciled one, inked 3), sent it the client, wrenched open a beer, took a sip, got instantly drunk (I'm a light weight...), and chowed on some chips. And now, my dear suckers, you're wondering what the whole point of this bulletin is. Ok. Here it is: I'll be in L.A. in March for the Wizard Convention in the artist alley. Come check me out, say hi, but don't TP my table.

And when Rambo tells you to go home...dude, go home.

Hugs and Kisses!
Da!

Another Con, come and gone...

2008-01-30T04:37:10Z

Been awhile, and for those of you that read my journal when I post, I'm sorry for the lack of updates. It's been one hell of a past few months all coming to a climatic and exhausting (yet hopeful) weekend. The Phoenix Comic Con has come and gone and damn was it satisfying. I met some incredible people, some amazingly supportive "fans", and clinked beers with some awesome talent. I hung out with editors, artists, writers, producers, colorists, and people that just simply rock as individuals. Not to mention I made close to $200 just on $3 sketches alone (that should give you an idea of how busy I was). I also had on display the cover to the series I'm currently working on (see the image below) and if any of you remember my other book "KING!" (gigantic, muscular, monster fighting, Elvis impersonator packing two blue suede Colts), then I hope you will be pleased to know that some incredible steps have been made to make that book a series debuting this summer.

It was a blast, and I have soooooo much more to do now. Three titles on my desk, so I need to get back to work.

Cheers!
Daniel

chiarobscuro @ 2007-11-03T17:37:00

2007-11-04T03:18:18Z

Below is a print of Robot13 standing above his latest kill: an aquatic demon awoken from it's long slumber deep inside the bowels of an ancient castle which has risen from the eternal depths of-- ugh, screw it. It's a spirit inhabited robot that just killed a giant squid. Sold a few of these prints at the First Friday Art Walk last night. My cute little art book "Nervos" had sold even more, however. Turned out to be more popular than I thought. It was a fun night. Jay Fotos (jayfotos.com) showed off his always impressive, horrifically beautiful prints. The man is a force not to be messed around with. He's also a guy I can proudly call friend.

Next stop: Tucson. Details soon to come. More prints, and more "Nervos". I'll also be prepared to do some sketches there as well. So swing on by, keep me busy and help feed my children ;)

First Friday Art Walk

2007-10-25T01:17:10Z

First and foremost:
I'll be at the Phoenix Cactus Comic Con studio at the First Friday Art Walk - Novemeber 2nd - showing and selling a bunch of work and drawing commission sketches. I've also got the last few remaining KING! books that are just damn near sold out, so pick up one of those. I'll be selling some little artbooks as well and a free sketch that will go in them. Jay Fotos of Spawn and Death Dealer fame will be there as well. I love hanging out with this guy...one of the most amazing color artists in the field. The First Friday Art Walk is a new thing for me so I hope I don't come off as a total goober. If you come by, be nice. I'm shy.

Today's image: Sweeney Todd. Normally I don't do my own fan art - with the exception of some classic horror drawings and some batman. The fan art stuff is usually done as commission work for clients, and it's rarely of a character that I'm particularly a fan of. Whatever the client wants. But last night I took some time out to draw a bit of Sweeney. While at a movie with my wife we came across the poster for the new film and I can't think of any other time that I looked at something and said "Holy Moses! I've gotta draw that!" So I did. Enjoy.

HIGH FIVE!

2007-10-20T05:00:41Z

Just recieved this board from my shop:

Very nice. Colors look great and the print out is quite sexy.

I've got more here: http://www.boardpusher.com/artofda

I'm making a couple of comic book appearances in the next couple of months. I'll be giving the details very soon. Some horror-ish fairy work is in the process for some possible prints to sell.

Cheers.

New Skateboard Design - and other things I'm whore'n out...

2007-10-10T03:29:39Z

The shop is up. My decks can now be purchased over at boardpusher: http://www.boardpusher.com/artofda

I'm still working on the store design. Currently my artwork is available on 7.75" and 8" decks, I'll soon have some 7.5" and 7.8" decks ready.

One of the new designs:

Wanna see the others? Get on over to the shop and look around. Oh, and go peek at my cafepress shop as well ( http://www.cafepress.com/nervos )...plenty of shirts with pink, green, red, white, and purple skulls...and my Lil' Zombie. I know some of you need some new underwear under there, I got some for you ;)

Anyhow, I hope all of you are doing well and having a fab October.

Cheers.

"Rar!"

Happy October

2007-10-06T03:41:30Z

I love October. It's not my favorite month, but it's close. I love the seasonal change (though in Phx Az it's not much of a change), I love the holiday aroma candles, I love the browns and oranges and yellows...I love how the dead come to life to eat your brain...

Yeah. October is a very nice month.

...

I haven't posted much lately due to the lack of time and lack of personal projects I care to show off and say "look what I made!!". I took my daughter to see The Birthday Massacre a couple weeks ago. Had a brilliant time. They're easily my favorite band right now, unfortunately the crowd turnout sucked monkey butt and I'm afraid that it will affect whether or not they come back. It's not like they're desperate for venues, they're on a world tour right now and a number of their shows around the states have sold out (or so I'm told). But we had fun, regardless. And I'd totally travel to a neighboring state to see them again.

Been severely busy lately with work. Making t-shirt designs, skateboard designs, drawing comic books, lettering comic books, coloring comic books...I'd feel better about being so busy if I were getting much in the way of a financial kick-back from ANY of it, but I'm not. It's a genuine love for what I do that keeps me doing what I do.

A bit of early self promotion: On November 4th I'll be sitting with Jay Fotos at the Phoenix Comic Con studio for the Art Walk thing in Tempe. If you know what I'm talking about, cool...if not I'll find out the rest of the information and let everybody know closer to the event. I'll also be seated at the Phoenix Cactus Comic Con Artist Gallery drawing stuff for people. If you're goin, come on by. If not, you suck.

Today's image: One T-Shirt design, coming soon to a cafepress near you. Happy October, kids.

chiarobscuro @ 2007-08-23T12:19:00

2007-08-23T19:33:05Z

A publisher is still in the "talking" phase with KING! and I have no idea where it's headed right now (how I personally prefer it, my partner handles all of that stress). But, if it does get picked up, an editor will be assigned to the book and the first issue will be re-worked which I am very excited about. The self-published issue didn't turn out how I wanted due to the time restraints and the desperation to get something done for the local convention. Regardless, the book sold out (prints are still available, however), but the perfectionist in me strongly desires to make so many changes that the book in it's entirety will need to be redone.

We'll see what happens. In any case, I've a few more commissions to finish before hitting Enlightenment again.

KING! vs. Mayan Zombies:

New board design...

2007-08-06T18:14:03Z

I think I'm enjoying this new love in my life because it's a new medium for me. Designing on boards gives me new restrictions and new layout challenges. After I get a few more boards done I may open up an online shop or something so I can make these available to the public. I've had far too many interested buyers to ignore.

Here's the newest:

chiarobscuro @ 2007-07-31T16:21:00

2007-07-31T23:25:31Z

My daughter is learning how to ride a skateboard. I, being the responsible parent who doesn't believe in my children, told her that if she really dedicates herself to learning I'll design a board for her. I expected her to try for maybe a day or two and then give up. Well, after many falls, bruises, and scrapes she's called me on my word. I'm not totally sure on what to make for her just yet (she told me that she wants a flaming skull with acid dripping from it's mouth...my response was to promptly laughed in her face), but this is just one of a few of the designs I've come up with. If she don't like this one, I just may have it made for myself.

chiarobscuro @ 2007-07-30T23:15:00

2007-07-31T06:19:41Z

I swear it happened to me.

Harder than I thought...

2007-07-29T01:51:52Z

I tend to procrastinate in my work alot in the sense that I'll avoid working on a certain page because I know that it'll end up kicking my ass. Enlightenment doesn't always provide such challenges, hero titles usually do...dynamic drawing is fun and all, it's just not my bag.

This page, a palm reading sequence in Enlightenment, turned into a pretty intense study of the hand.

When work becomes play...

2007-07-23T16:54:44Z

Aside from working on Enlightenment (a job that doesn't pay) I've been hired to color and letter two other bi-monthly titles, both alternating which would wonderfully work out to be one book a month, both paying gigs. Aside from the random commission piece I don't have much more in the way of paying projects. Recently I was asked to submit some sample pages (penciled, inked, and colored) for a pretty fun project. I submitted the three pages and actually had gotten a response immediately (I never talk about discussions between artists and publishers simply because I'm very personal with that kind of thing). Nothing was promised yet because there were other submissions being considered and a meeting that still needs to take place during SDCC in order for decisions to be made.

The two color and lettering gigs will be pretty steady and very generous in pay, so I'm not exactly starving and my family won't be living out on the streets. I hope to be one of the selected artists for this next project because I had so much fun with the submission pages and my oldest daughter seems to really dig the toys that the books are based off.

chiarobscuro @ 2007-07-18T18:02:00

2007-07-19T01:27:55Z

Sometime ago I had created a cover for a preview issue of Enlightenment (the issue was the entire first chapter, the graphic novel itself will be a total of 6 chapters - the series will be 3 books with 6 chapters each - figure it out). Due to the printer screwing us as far as quality goes, the book was a total failure. I'm pretty embarrassed about it. The cover, however, came out very nice. Unfortunately, the cover image had nothing to do with the book itself, it was just a piece of gothic imagery intended to catch attention. This be that cover:

All done with colored inks.

Since that was strictly for the preview issue (which, by the way, was a full sized comic book completed in inkwash with extra sketches, just all the interiors printed like total crap) the image was never intended for the final book. That particular cover needed to be completed months ago for solicitation purposes. This be that cover:

This cover has everything to do with the book. Nice when things work out like that. The stained glass image behind the figure is inspired by an actual design my friend and writer of the book, Thomas Hall, found himself entranced by during a wedding.

Cheers.

(fill in the blank)

2007-07-14T22:25:19Z

An oldie...but still one of my favorites. I'm planning on using this as the cover for the sketchbook that I'm putting together.

4 years of evolution...

2007-07-13T16:21:20Z

As I mentioned earlier, Enlightenment is a project 4 years in the works. My biggest hesitation for putting the book out is the obvious change in the artwork - the style has changed, the inking has changed, even the way I work the pages has changed. The book is 6 chapters long (I'm currently working on chapter 3) and throughout the first chapter I worked on large sheets of paper. When I began chapter 2 I started working on actual size for 2 reasons...well, no, three reasons.

Reason 1: I am able to fit two pages on one sheet

Reason 2: I'm able to work much quicker

Reason 3: ........actually, there were only two reasons. Nevermind.

The style of the drawings had changed as well. Through most of chapter 1 I had worked with a much more stylized...style...(too many "styles" there, sorry). Everything from creases in clothing to fingers just looks different. By the time I began chapter 2 I found myself focusing less on style and more on mood and shape and committing myself to both. It wasn't a conscious decision, but the fact that Enlightenment has been cursed to be constantly put on the back burner due to various circumstances like family, teaching, other projects, having to take a crap and not getting off the pot because the book I'm reading is just too damn good and then I find myself physically not able to get up because my ass fell asleep leaving me paralyzed from the butt down on the toilet.

Next, I hope to talk about goats. In the meantime, here is a page from chapter 1 and 2.

chiarobscuro @ 2007-07-12T14:55:00

2007-07-12T22:02:33Z

One of the books I mentioned is Enlightenment, a horror graphic novel being published by Markosia Enterprises. This bitch we've been working on for the past 4 years or so...I'm very eager to get it done. We're scheduled to have it on shelves by the end of the year. I'll post the cover once I find it on my machine, but readily available is a seperate image, possibly a back cover or maybe a print, not sure. But I want to do something with it.

chiarobscuro @ 2007-07-11T14:13:00

2007-07-11T21:26:38Z

Hi! I'll be sharing my drawings and thoughts every now and then on this here LJ. Currently most of what I'm working on I can't really show due to me being silenced by contracts, except for the projects that I own, such as my comics "KING!" and "Enlightenment". So until I can show off some of my contract work I'll be digging up some older, less embarassing material. If I'm able to get around to doing a daily sketch I'll throw that up here too.

For now, here be a self portrait:

Cheers.