Dinner Out With The Sprats

"Jack dear! (POKE!) What is THIS on MY plate! Dearest? Jack, are you listening to me? (POKE!) I specifically asked that waiter to remove all LEAN foods from my dish! JACK! STOP EATING AND LISTEN TO ME! (POKE!) This is a real problem. STOP CHEWING! SO HELP ME JACK!!!"

Summer Job

And I had to use a push mower... dang.

Today I was running a bit behind again, so I only allowed myself 10 minutes to rough out this concept. That usually means there are many things I would go back and "fix", but it is a good exercise and it forces you to not fret over any details.

I was also able to capture my process in two clips... see how I scribble!

"Summer Job" - First Five Minutes
"Summer Job" - Second Five Minutes

(I have to give my co-worker credit for the subject...thanks Andy.)

Sad Movie

Will Rick ever get back with Jennifer? Does Sally know that Pete still has feelings for her? Do the puppies abandoned at the side of the highway ever get rescued? Stay tuned!

I took the train in this morning (dang gas shortage) and was running a bit late. Had to do this really fast. I might revisit it a bit later. I do have a list now of cool ideas involving kids and their robots, so hopefully I can do more next week.

Happy weekend.

Breakfast!

Imagine how many pancakes with peanut butter you could get on a Saturday morning if you had an awesome kitchen robot. A whole lot. With chocolate chips.

Thank you guys for the positive feedback on yesterday's video clips. I think I will post clips like that maybe once a week, and also be on the lookout for software that will offer me the best options . My goal would be to capture my process when I start painting these "If I Had A Robot" concepts.

Thank you so much for commenting!

Gone Fishing

Hey guys, I was playing Mr. Mom yesterday, so no blog update. I am trying something new today. I took some video clips of my process, and I am sharing them. Keep in mind, this is a really rough "daily doodle," and the videos are in little 5 minute clips. Let me know if you think this would be a worthwhile activity, as I am considering getting some proper software.

First Five Minutes
Second Five Minutes
Third Five Minutes
Yep... More Five Minutes

I hope those links work!

The Secret Saturdays: Code Of The Cryptids - 3

Hey everybody,

Today over at CartoonNetwork.com, they are launching the third and final installment to "The Secret Saturdays: Code of the Cryptids" game. I think it may be the best chapter yet! The game designers did a great job with the level design, and the music is fantastic. I have said it before and I will say it again... this was a blast to work on. The team did a great job, and since it was my first full project here at the studio, it was a great learning experience for me. And to be able to get started on a show like The Secret Saturdays... very cool.

As a single shot, this background looks like a giant pile of "stuff." In the game however, it rolls by as you are walking through the level, and hopefully gives you the feeling that you are passing through an awesome valley full of ancient artifacts. And stuff.

And here it is broken down into the many layers I created it in.

And as an added bonus, here is the background for the Chapter 2 Boss, Munya. If you haven't played through and fought him, you should. He's cool.

And remember to watch the show! Friday, October 3rd, 8:00pm!

Go Play Your Trumpet In The Yard

This has been a fun week. I managed to scribble out some ideas for "kids and robots" and I made it to Friday. Yesssssssss. Thanks to everybody for their great comments and suggestions. My hope is to crank out some more of these ideas next week, but that might get interrupted if I feel like I can do a cool Drawergeeks submission. The topic has some serious possibilities...

Have a great weekend. Enjoy the weather.

What's That Mrs. Shmoopkins?

Is there anything more embarrassing for a battle hardened SMASHbot 950 than than a tea party with Mrs. Shmoopkins and the Fuzzy Wuzzy twins?

Swimming Lessons

You Must Be Freezin Your Bolts Off

Wow, two drawings! I feel good about the looseness. I am just scribbling out the idea. It may stick. It may not. Whatever the case I haven't overworked any lines or worried that anything is perfect. I honestly think you have to jump onto a blank page and make a big mess before you can figure out any of the details. But that's just me.

I Am So Telling Mom...

Happy Monday Everybody.

This week I hope to continue drawing idea sketches (scribbles) for my "Kids And Their Robots" series. I realized over the weekend that I was trying to push the style of the kids in the wrong direction, and with this morning's drawing I think I have pulled them back to where I want to go. Very "cartoony" and simplified. I want to focus more on expression than anatomy... and we all know that kids are all about expression. And yelling. And running and hitting.

Crossing Guard

My Robot Plays Video Games

If I Had A Robot...

Good morning all! I have decided to focus my morning/evening drawing time towards something maybe a little productive for a change. I have had an idea knocking around in my head for a children's book that explores the age old question that every kid asks... "What if I had a robot?" My plan is to post my progress every couple of days, and eventually end up with a book's worth of art that I took time to polish. I am sure there will be breaks along the way.... but I will get there!

I also want to thank all of the awesome people who have stopped by the blog, and have either left a comment or emailed me to say hello. I have been so busy with life lately that I fail in my effort to respond to everybody, but rest assured that I appreciate every comment.

Code of the Cryptids: Chapter 2

Hey everybody.

Today, Cartoon Network launches the second chapter to "The Secret Saturdays: Code of the Cryptids" game over on CartoonNetwork.com. In case you don't know, there is a cool new show coming out in October from creator Jay Stephens about a family of secret scientists who travel the globe tracking cryptid creatures of every shape and size. (Who wouldn't want to watch that!?) This game is a cool warm up for the show, and so far we have had a blast working on it.

One of the goals in art direction on the game, was to show a progression through the jungle. While the first level had Zack walking around just outside of the thick foliage, this second level puts him smack in the middle of a dense jungle forest. You will see some cool sights as you make your way through the level, and also get a great new ability that will make the game play even cooler.

I thought I would post a mock up of the background I did, as well as a break down of layers showing you just how deep the jungle goes. These were all drawn and painted in Painter, using a Cintiq.

So take a few minutes today and play through these new levels. And be sure to catch the premiere of the new show Friday, October 3rd! Support cryptid hunting secret scientists!

My Destination?

" It was suddenly clear to me. My journey. My destination. My sacrifice. All were revealed the instant it spoke. Yet, while I understood the importance of my task, I could not help but wonder if the spirits had chosen the wrong man."

Yessss... A Stone

"Not much was known about these creatures that patrolled the woods in search of salt stones. I wasn't even sure if they were properly called "Horrifs" but that is what my father called them, and I knew no better. I did know however that they were cursed long ago by the Dark Witch when they attempted to steal her newborn daughter, and that their wooden masks are said to conceal a horror that can't even be imagined. Thankfully, they are so single minded in their task, that they go about their business as if I do not exist. I think I am safe to camp here for the night."

Treading Water

"As soon as the final syllables of the phrase fell upon the surface, I knew the creature had heard my cry. The tired rowboat beneath me seemed to quake in fear as the surrounding waters began to vibrate. What was once the shadowy depths of this mysterious lake quickly became a glowing sea of light. Then, with a powerful crash, the guardian emerged from his hiding place. I gripped my sword tightly knowing full well that I had no chance of defending myself against this giant. Not here. Not on the water."