I wish there were more hours in the day. Here's the deal, Universe, either you inject more time between sunup and sundown, or you give me the ability to regenerate like a starfish. That way I'll at least be able to cut off my arm and regrow another me. If that's what it takes, I'll do it. I've got so much stuff I want to do, and it's all awesome. There isn't anything that I can easily eliminate to make room for something else.
I'd rather you go with the former though, and just make more time, because the other solution still requires me to spend 70% of my awake time at the office.
Until something changes I'm stuck trying to fit a minimum of one hour writing, one hour reading, one hour illustrating, and all the rest of the death-prevention stuff that I can't avoid. All the while trying to balance being selfish with enjoying my amazing relationship (maybe that fits into the death-prevention category).
So, while I'm making great strides in the races towards visually artistic satisfaction, there is a cheetah made of Times New Roman 10pt gaining on me fast. I wrote a good chunk on Tuesday, tweaked a bit on Wednesday, and just finished 500 words a minute ago. But that doesn't feel like much for an entire week's worth time.
Still, that's something. Forward progress. I think I finished Chapter 5 today. I'll know for sure this weekend when I read back through it.
Cheers to all those that know just what I'm feeling.
Amanda's Logo
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After Luke and Jeff got their pictures, and responded positively, I felt a bit more confident about the whole endeavor. The most important person in my life hadn't yet gotten a logo, so she was the only option for what to work on next.
I wanted to do something simple, but bold, and it needed to be a challenge. I liked the results of my first few projects, but they didn't really push my limits.
I've never drawn an octopus before. I spent some time looking at google images, figuring out how their anatomy works. The sketching and rough work went well, but took a long time. The hiccups came when I was drawing the final outlines. I find that a variety of bold line weights can turn a mediocre drawing into a statement. I work with detailed building drawings all day long, and line weight is one of the most important aspects of visual clarity. In architecture, the line weights have to be extremely clear and precise to 'tell the story' of the construction. I guess that is probably where I learned the value of strong lines.
Anyway, I did the octopus' outlines, and they didn't work at all. Too thick, too consistent. I had to go through each limb individually and use a few different weights, and feather the edges to get it right. I think it made all the difference in the world.
Here is the original, click to make bigbigbig:
I'm very happy with the results. I had a lot of fun creating the planks that her name is written on. The little green orbs are a sort of abstract representation of the suckers lining it's tentacles. It's amazing how just three simple layers: Wash color, shade color, and highlight can make something pop.
Amanda loved it, she loved the color of the octopus (so do I) and said, "He has sad eyes"
Here is Variation number 2:
Simple color swap. I haven't done any crazy variations on Amanda's drawing yet.
As I write this, I realize that probably the most important element of this kind of drawing is the composition. I spent a lot of time making sure that all the limbs were spread out and arranged in a way that complimented the structure of the drawing. That goes for the placement of the planks as well.
Hope you like it. Leave a comment if you're so compelled.
Next post, Scottie2Hottie's logo.
I wanted to do something simple, but bold, and it needed to be a challenge. I liked the results of my first few projects, but they didn't really push my limits.
I've never drawn an octopus before. I spent some time looking at google images, figuring out how their anatomy works. The sketching and rough work went well, but took a long time. The hiccups came when I was drawing the final outlines. I find that a variety of bold line weights can turn a mediocre drawing into a statement. I work with detailed building drawings all day long, and line weight is one of the most important aspects of visual clarity. In architecture, the line weights have to be extremely clear and precise to 'tell the story' of the construction. I guess that is probably where I learned the value of strong lines.
Anyway, I did the octopus' outlines, and they didn't work at all. Too thick, too consistent. I had to go through each limb individually and use a few different weights, and feather the edges to get it right. I think it made all the difference in the world.
Here is the original, click to make bigbigbig:
I'm very happy with the results. I had a lot of fun creating the planks that her name is written on. The little green orbs are a sort of abstract representation of the suckers lining it's tentacles. It's amazing how just three simple layers: Wash color, shade color, and highlight can make something pop.
Amanda loved it, she loved the color of the octopus (so do I) and said, "He has sad eyes"
Here is Variation number 2:
Simple color swap. I haven't done any crazy variations on Amanda's drawing yet.
As I write this, I realize that probably the most important element of this kind of drawing is the composition. I spent a lot of time making sure that all the limbs were spread out and arranged in a way that complimented the structure of the drawing. That goes for the placement of the planks as well.
Hope you like it. Leave a comment if you're so compelled.
Next post, Scottie2Hottie's logo.
Luke's Logo
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After having so much fun with Jeff's logo, I wanted to do another. I asked my buddies if anyone else wanted a logo, and Luke piped up. I didn't ask what he wanted, I just said, "Do you promise to use the logo I give you, no matter what it looks like?" He agreed as long as it wasn't overly offensive.
I went with the same method that I used for Jeff's logo. I sat for about 30 seconds and the first thing that popped into my head was, Aborigine. I can't explain why that came to mind when I thought about Luke. I guess he's wiry, athletic. Something about him just says aborigine.
I knew that I wanted to draw the original image, with his name being emitted simply from the Didgeridoo, then warp the image with some variations.
Here is the original, click to make bigbigbig:
I thought his tribal paint turned out nicely. Amanda really liked the colors of the didgeridoo. His hands were really hard to draw. I'm still working on hands and feet. I think most artists are still working on hands and feet.
Here is the dark side, variation number 2:
I loved drawing this. The colors were easy, the horns were not. Like those damned hands, I redrew the horns a bunch of times. They turned out as I'd hoped in the end though. The idea was that he was playing a giant bone didgeridoo. When I showed Luke he said, "I love it, but it's not very facebook friendly because of the giant doob."
It hadn't even occured to me that it looked like he was smoking a huge joint. I can see it now. In my defense, Wade said, "First thing I thought was Bone."
So I put together Variant number 3:
I changed the didgeridoo. I messed around with the 'outer glow' effect. It's alright I guess, I still like the bone Didg more. I also fixed the color of the ground shadow. I'd broken my own rule when I drew the original ground shadow. I'd made it a shade of gray, I fixed it to be a darker shade of the background color.
One last variation, just for fun:
I did this one on a lark, just messing around. In the end this one seems to be most people's favorite. I like it too.
Let me know what you think.
Next post, Amanda's logo.
I went with the same method that I used for Jeff's logo. I sat for about 30 seconds and the first thing that popped into my head was, Aborigine. I can't explain why that came to mind when I thought about Luke. I guess he's wiry, athletic. Something about him just says aborigine.
I knew that I wanted to draw the original image, with his name being emitted simply from the Didgeridoo, then warp the image with some variations.
Here is the original, click to make bigbigbig:
I thought his tribal paint turned out nicely. Amanda really liked the colors of the didgeridoo. His hands were really hard to draw. I'm still working on hands and feet. I think most artists are still working on hands and feet.
Here is the dark side, variation number 2:
I loved drawing this. The colors were easy, the horns were not. Like those damned hands, I redrew the horns a bunch of times. They turned out as I'd hoped in the end though. The idea was that he was playing a giant bone didgeridoo. When I showed Luke he said, "I love it, but it's not very facebook friendly because of the giant doob."
It hadn't even occured to me that it looked like he was smoking a huge joint. I can see it now. In my defense, Wade said, "First thing I thought was Bone."
So I put together Variant number 3:
I changed the didgeridoo. I messed around with the 'outer glow' effect. It's alright I guess, I still like the bone Didg more. I also fixed the color of the ground shadow. I'd broken my own rule when I drew the original ground shadow. I'd made it a shade of gray, I fixed it to be a darker shade of the background color.
One last variation, just for fun:
I did this one on a lark, just messing around. In the end this one seems to be most people's favorite. I like it too.
Let me know what you think.
Next post, Amanda's logo.
Jeff's Logo
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After Jeff made the previously mentioned logo, he asked me to return the favor. It had been some time since I'd last did any kind of visual art, so I wasn't sure what would come of it. Being obliged to produce something brought out the best in me, I suppose.
I had never used a digital drawing tablet. My knowledge of photoshop was (and still basically is) limited to arranging layers and using the brush tool. And, like I said, it had been a long time since I illustrated anything.
When I thought of "A logo for Jeff", Grizzly Bears immediately came to mind. The bear in general is the most awesome of animals, Jeff is a big lumbering kind of guy, and it was a simple enough concept that I wasn't jumping into waters-too-deep.
Here is the first version of the logo I sent him, click to make bigbigbig:
Three bears, three variations, and simple text.
It turned out just as I'd hoped, which surprised me, really. And it was easy. That's the craziest part, I was actually satisfied with something I'd created, and it was easy. It took an afternoon to do. I sat in bed and watched a movie with Amanda while I did it.
While I was drawing, I realized that this new digital medium allowed for variations on a theme with just a small amount of effort on my end.
Variation number 2:
Simple idea, satisfying results. My friend Wade said it looked like he was wearing, "revealing biking shorts"
You see what you want to see. I see a colorful bear, Wade sees sexy biker shorts.
Variation number 3:
This one is kinda boring compared to the previous one.
And finally (so far), Variation number 4:
This is probably my favorite. I had a lot of fun putting it together, and I think it suits his visual style.
Working on Jeff's crest was an eye-opener. It forced me to explore a new medium that probably would have remained unknown to me for a long time. All of my friends, and especially Amanda have been extremely helpful in giving me technology advice. Thank you to everyone for being inspirational and supportive.
Please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Next post, Luke's logo.
I had never used a digital drawing tablet. My knowledge of photoshop was (and still basically is) limited to arranging layers and using the brush tool. And, like I said, it had been a long time since I illustrated anything.
When I thought of "A logo for Jeff", Grizzly Bears immediately came to mind. The bear in general is the most awesome of animals, Jeff is a big lumbering kind of guy, and it was a simple enough concept that I wasn't jumping into waters-too-deep.
Here is the first version of the logo I sent him, click to make bigbigbig:
Three bears, three variations, and simple text.
It turned out just as I'd hoped, which surprised me, really. And it was easy. That's the craziest part, I was actually satisfied with something I'd created, and it was easy. It took an afternoon to do. I sat in bed and watched a movie with Amanda while I did it.
While I was drawing, I realized that this new digital medium allowed for variations on a theme with just a small amount of effort on my end.
Variation number 2:
Simple idea, satisfying results. My friend Wade said it looked like he was wearing, "revealing biking shorts"
You see what you want to see. I see a colorful bear, Wade sees sexy biker shorts.
Variation number 3:
And finally (so far), Variation number 4:
Working on Jeff's crest was an eye-opener. It forced me to explore a new medium that probably would have remained unknown to me for a long time. All of my friends, and especially Amanda have been extremely helpful in giving me technology advice. Thank you to everyone for being inspirational and supportive.
Please leave a comment with your thoughts.
Next post, Luke's logo.
Repurposed
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I'm a designer by nature and by profession. While writing is a new and exciting passion, visual design is a warm and familiar one.
I haven't taken on an 'art' project in quite some time. A couple years ago I bought some paint, canvas, and brushes. That last a a few afternoons before I lost interest.
Recently, I made the request of a graphic designer friend of mine that he should create for me a kind of logo that I can use for my social media profile pictures. He obliged.
His name is Jeff Schwartzbauer. He made this logo from the comment, "maybe it should have one animal eating another animal".
So, after the ball got kicked down the hill, he and I started creating these personalized pieces of art for all our friends. What started as logos has turned into something more akin to a family crest. My friend Drey said, "It's something I'd hang above my castle gates."
I will be uploading the 'crests' I've done so far over the next couple days, and hopefully continuing to post about creative projects on a regular basis.
I haven't taken on an 'art' project in quite some time. A couple years ago I bought some paint, canvas, and brushes. That last a a few afternoons before I lost interest.
Recently, I made the request of a graphic designer friend of mine that he should create for me a kind of logo that I can use for my social media profile pictures. He obliged.
So, after the ball got kicked down the hill, he and I started creating these personalized pieces of art for all our friends. What started as logos has turned into something more akin to a family crest. My friend Drey said, "It's something I'd hang above my castle gates."
I will be uploading the 'crests' I've done so far over the next couple days, and hopefully continuing to post about creative projects on a regular basis.
It's My Damn Blog
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So, the experiment didn't go anywhere. It's a lot to ask of people to be constantly vigilant about a project that have no vested interest in. But that isn't why I stopped posting. I realized that every section I wrote was in a constant state of revision, and the very first draft was nothing more than the ugliest it would ever be. So what I was really doing was polluting people's idea of what the story would eventually be.
The truth of the matter is that some of the story just needs to be belched out and left bare and abrasive until some future bit is written that allows it to be more fully formed and brought up to snuff. So, I'm not posting sections of the story as I write them any longer. I am still writing, have been the whole time. The last part of the story I posted was Chapter 3, Part 3. I am now writing the end of Chapter 5. If you read the story, and were hoping for more, let me know. I still need beta readers for particularly tough problems I run into.
I will post updates on my progress, and maybe some more of the story that I feel is appropriate for this forum.
I still don't have a title.
The truth of the matter is that some of the story just needs to be belched out and left bare and abrasive until some future bit is written that allows it to be more fully formed and brought up to snuff. So, I'm not posting sections of the story as I write them any longer. I am still writing, have been the whole time. The last part of the story I posted was Chapter 3, Part 3. I am now writing the end of Chapter 5. If you read the story, and were hoping for more, let me know. I still need beta readers for particularly tough problems I run into.
I will post updates on my progress, and maybe some more of the story that I feel is appropriate for this forum.
I still don't have a title.
Distractions
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Man, I get distracted easily. I purchased two new books as research material, What if the Earth had Two Moons, and Don't Know Much About Mythology. They're both interesting so far, and giving me some good ideas. Therein lies the problem, though, I find myself reading all these books and writing less. This has probably been the least productive writing week since the beginning.
Between those two books, the Breadmaker's Apprentice (which is fantastic) and The Name of the Wind, I'm full up with words and finding it difficult to make scenes coalesce on the page. Oh well, I got a good conversation started this morning.
I'm eagerly awaiting the end of this chapter. It should be cool, and it will mark the end of Part 1, at which time I'll really be able to start the big edits. Once part one is in good shape I will be contacting my novelist friend and crossing my fingers that she'll take a look at it and give me some pointers. We'll see.
I'll post Chapter 3, part 3 today, which is a departure I'm experimenting with, trying to let the narrator break the structure up a bit.
Between those two books, the Breadmaker's Apprentice (which is fantastic) and The Name of the Wind, I'm full up with words and finding it difficult to make scenes coalesce on the page. Oh well, I got a good conversation started this morning.
I'm eagerly awaiting the end of this chapter. It should be cool, and it will mark the end of Part 1, at which time I'll really be able to start the big edits. Once part one is in good shape I will be contacting my novelist friend and crossing my fingers that she'll take a look at it and give me some pointers. We'll see.
I'll post Chapter 3, part 3 today, which is a departure I'm experimenting with, trying to let the narrator break the structure up a bit.
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