Art

Fun with Photoshop tutorials

Art, Projects
Chi Blast

Chi Blast

I’m almost convinced that with basic computer skills and the ability to use the internet anyone can become a graphics professional. There are so many high quality Photoshop and Illustrator tutorials out there that the work is basically done for you.

I think we had a discussion about this with my painting professor back at Mason. She was of the mindset that it didn’t take any “skill” to be a digital artist because you couldn’t add emotion using more forceful “brush strokes” using the mouse. While I agree to some point, you do have to build up a vast knowledge of slider settings and a wide array of brush and texture files to produce high quality pieces.

I’m clearly not at the level I want to be yet. I’m at the level where I can take some of the pieces of these tutorials and combine them into something cool. So I made this background for Wade, I think it’s more my style than his, but… whatever.

Retro Illustration Tutorial

Delivering art is hard

Art, Projects

Well it’s not that hard. I mean all I really have to do is set up a meeting place and bring the piece with me. But the problem is that i’m not known for the details in my work. I should clarify that, before I started selling things I wasn’t worried much about the durability of the pieces. If something broke I could always fix it or at least reuse it for another project.

When I’m getting ready to deliver a final version I get nervous about the buYer noticing all the little flaws. But that hasn’t happened yet! That either means that they aren’t really flaws or I’m pretty good at covering them up. The skull door knickers are kind of good at that, they hide cracks and chips. The prints are different, they seem to how every speck of dust and scratch no matter how small. I’ve sold a couple of them and have never even had a question about quality. I could be worrying too much, or because I’m selling them at $60 the expectations might be set low.

Oh well. Off to deliver another print!

Getting Art done.

Art, Projects

Or at least that’s what I call it.

Laurel was working tonight and I had some projects that I needed to get done so I put on my art boots and got to work. Once again this camera sucks, but I think it’s good enough for this.

This did not turn out right

This did not turn out right

black and red "carter"

black and red

Purple and Green "Hamill"

Purple and Green

Old copper

Old copper

Pewter

Pewter

I still need to work on a couple of these, but I really had doubts about a couple of them. The red and black one is my favorite, I was REALLY unsure about the purple and green. I couldn’t seem to get it not to look cheesy. But a little time, some chances, and I’m really getting siked about the results.

Later!

Maybe my blog should be about things I'm doing.

Art, Projects

I’ve got that post-Artomatic, post-All Good Festival, post-Cardboard Boat Race itch. This is the time of summer that really gets my creative juices flowing. I’m trying to find projects that don’t involve buying furniture at IKEA, *(but that is so damn hard). Here are some of my current project ideas.

  • Finish last Door Knocker orders from Artomatic.
  • Sculpt new skull ideas for door knockers.
  • Mounted Tentacle wall display (original and plaster cast)
  • Sci-Fi mad scientist tube wall mount set (bubble light)
  • Closet Light thing (what do you call a box that’s above a curtain?)
  • RAD poster (oh it’s gonna be sweet)
  • Artificial wetland using overflow from washing machine

    • I’ve cleaned up the house a little (new IKEA shelves) and now I think that I have some room to start a new project. I’ll post some pictures up here whenever I get around to it.

    Thoughts on the End of Artomatic 2009

    Art, Projects

    It actually ended last weekend… But I’ve been busy…(more on that later). So it’s over, I’ve delivered most of the works that I sold, but I still have to do my volunteer shifts on the 22nd and 23rd. Obviously this years show was a great success, they had the biggest attendance ever and I think some of the best works ever. I think everyone is really stepping up their game, I think competition is great for the DC art scene. I made some friends and contacts that I’ll have to keep in touch with in the Non-Artomatic months.

    It was a really successful show for me personally this year! Not just because I sold about 90% of all the work that I displayed, but because I gained a lot of confidence that I can make, show, and SELL artwork. I’m hoping to break into internet sales by joining Etsy in the coming months. I have talked to a few people on there and I’m excited about the possibilities.

    I’ll try to keep posting on my site whenever I have a development.

    Mark