Shaggy Christmas Me!

This is what a Burly Canadian Barbarian Looks like. If you want me to raid, pillage or simply be a terror in your home or neighborhood, feel free to drop me a line. I love this look. Unfortunately the family doesn't. So Soon it will all be gone.

Happy holidays... - Enjoy

Not Sexy - Just Born This Way!

As I posted before a shaggy looking me. Perfect for a western Holiday feast... I love this look. My wife thinks I look to old with the whole shag. I can't keep everyone happy. I sure love the look. I decided that a picture, with a few of my illustrations would really make an impact. It almost looks like I could use this in some sort of biography... Nah... Just a bit of fun as a designer and illustrator. I never really play with my self enough. This is a chance to do that a bit more.

Happy Holidays!!!

To everyone that I missed or forgot or simply ran out of time to do a meet and greet with. Have a very Merry Christmas. I sure am looking forward to a much better and more solid new year. After so many failed attempts at so many things this year perhaps my greatness is yet to be discovered.

Mr. Man child to you...

I have to agree with you all - I really have not changed that much since High School. I'm Only 15 pounds heavier...Not a significant change. I like to think it is all muscle. Salt and pepper hair and slightly weathered facial skin are the only real indicators I've aged. I still have the same hobbies of swimming, canoeing with the odd hike and lots of art. I love the way things turned out. I really do get to take life easy thanks to a wife with a real job. I've never shrugged away from responsibilities, I just don't tie myself down to things that will stress me out. As long as the bills area paid I don't worry about the rest of life much. Children are getting to a point where they are pretty much self sufficient. I would like that to move along a bit faster. With that said I'm not in any rush to be a slave to some job or career that I might hate in two years because of unrealistic expectations set by any employer. It would be nice to live at the cabin full time. I suppose the lottery will have to work in my favor for that to happen. Could you imagine! Oh one day. I'd like to loaf even more then I do now.... Not that I loft about much - Regular outings keep me pretty fit. Oh and my Man Child Beard and stash is really growing in nicely. Maybe I can travel the path of the red neck Canadian once it gains a few inches.... My wife can't wait for it to be shaved off. Maybe after Christmas... I'll have to take pictures first. -Enjoy.

10,000 views

I never thought that this blog or snippets of my life would ever garner the 10,000 views. Sure it has taken a few years. And I'm not the most prolific writer/creator on this planet. I am full of heart and drive and try my best... Still 10,000 page visits is a huge number for me. If I had a toonie every time some one dropped by I'd be a much happier guy. Perhaps there is a living to be made from all this blogging stuff after all. I wonder what the longest running blog is today???? Maybe time for some research. -Enjoy!

much to do...

I've slowed down on posting -- Just to busy. It seems that my mind is pushing me in strange directions of creativity. I had several visions of greatness and have put a few on paper. Thing is no one seems to have the money or desire to pay me to put the ideas into motion. I also realized how much I have done over the last two months. Nothing work related of course. It seems that I have scared every employer in my general area. A word to the wise, if you can't pay me, you better not hire me. I don't play games. From a creative side, man It is crazy to think how narrow minded the world has become. So many people have so much to offer, yet even my work is being neglected. So much cool visuals need to be offered. I learned that if people are not going to pay, you don't need to waste your time on the internet giving it away for free... At least nothing good. Issues here, issues there... Lucky for me it is all working out...Yes Lucky me. It seems I'm living off of the generosity and luck of time. One break after another just trying to keep my head above water. Not an easy task as many people know. Balancing money, family... Gee ... Makes me wonder how others manage the added task of office romances and affairs on top of the other things happening in life. I suspect that part is just a way of giving up and working through a new path in life. So much chaos . . . I get small bouts of luck. I suppose I have to be like everyone else. Wish for a lottery win... Yes... The new game plan is in place. -Enjoy!

Poetic Space...

I just completed a new book that you can get right here....... This is a teaching aid for those of you educating children on the aspects of Haiku. It is illustrated and provides a ton of new ideas on the poetic form. For a one time low price you could make children see the greatness of spoken word.

The generic cover that you see is just the simple mock up. The real cover is displayed right on this site for you to see. Let me know if you are in Alberta and use this in your class room. I'd love to visit to chat with the children about aspects of poetry and art! -Enjoy! P.S. *** If you want sample pages or sheets of select pages, contact me via this blog and I'll try to arrange to have them sent to you by email in a work sheet format to use in your class room.

Ethical choices....

I'm flattered that people offer me work from time to time. Unfortunately I can't take work from places where I know I have been previously linked to. Not only is it unethical, I could be directly blamed for stealing work from the other employer. That of course leads to legal issues. If you too are ever in doubt as to what to do, the answer is nothing. Politely decline and move on. There are days I love to work and get paid, there are days when I just want to help out. Today I simply had to say no thanks. I suppose if people came to me directly I could take the job. A business owner has a right to choose who to work with and who not to. Still, I would rather avoid the gray area all together and simply keep things legit. making signs and doing Signage can be a very profitable business it seems. Thanks for your kindness. - Enjoy.

Christmas get together????

Well it is time to plan for such events again. This year the target day is Dec. 23, 2012.......... If your a friend that has an interest in a brief get together, this might be one of the few days I can open to you. You know who you are... Drop me a line and see if I can make it happen. Family that want to meet ... simply, I will run into you some place as usual, so no special invite is going to go out to you. Heck, I don't want to see anyone's ugly mug unless I have to, still it is often appreciated that I at least pretend I want to meet you all at least once or twice a year. - Cheers If I don't run into you - Well have a good holiday too. - Enjoy!

To many holidays...

My little one have been off from school far to much. It seems that the last few years teachers have been slacking off far more then is needed! Why do they get paid so much if instructional time is being reduced? Add to that Halloween, Thanks-giving, Christmas, Valentines, Easter... Do these children ever learn a thing???? I'd gladly cut Halloween from the list of holidays needed...Mind you we would never see our neighbors if that happened. It is the only Holiday that lets you get face to face with people (Neighbors) you try to ignore all year long because they annoy you in one way or another. My vote ... Cut Halloween. Thanks-giving is a historical event that has no more meaning...I mean when was the last time you were interacting with a first nation Indian???? I certainly did not get my winter blanket or turkey from them this year... Not to mention that term "Indian giver" came from that very holiday. It was customary that they share resources with those in need. When the season changed or another had the need, they would take back items offered for 6 months to return to the elders of the tribe or new babies in the family. My vote ... Cut Thanks-giving. Christmas ... Keep, Family should be the most important part of this holiday. I recognize that many people do not have a family. I also know that some people hate their families. Still, world wars and major military conflicts have stopped for this day alone! If that is not a reason to keep this major holiday - Then you all need medical attention. It also symbolizes a major shift in religion and belief, from Jews, Christians, Baptist and more... all who mention or recognize this character named Jesus. Crazy, one baby can have such a profound effect on the entire world. I vote keep! Valentines... Well I'm not a fan. But if this is the only day of the year you can muster the courage to profess your affection then you clearly are a true capitalist! This day needs to be a regular day... Oh wait it is! - Not a real holiday! Get rid of it! Paper is a dead medium! You can't save that business of printing cards. My vote ... Cut Valentines. Easter... Seriously - this one is a touchy subject. As a christian I try to keep a sense of humor about my belief and aspects related to it. But a guy dies, then he comes back to life, we have a tale about zombies historically documented in the bible. No wonder "Hollywood" makes a fortune from un-dead style movies. Everyone relates to this one tale! I recognize that it is part of a great story... But it is far fetched. Yet medical science has proved that people can be brought back to life. Everyday people are saved in hospital emergency rooms in much the same way that is in the bible from equally deadly or worse injuries. Science, medicine, spiritual power... Whatever you call it... This is a real event today. Unfortunately over commercialized aspects really turn me off from this day. I would rather have it turn into a major educational day. A day where people learn how to save lives with more advance rescue or medical training they can apply in there everyday life. But that might never happen in my life time. My vote ... Cut Easter. Now you have something to mull over this week. -Enjoy

Sketching a little sketch...

Actually I've done a ton of offline art. I've filled two sketchbooks this year alone. Crazy considering how many people have moved entirely to a digital work flow. I simply don't feel the need or same relationship with a digital system. I might have to try one of those monitors you draw on directly, that may change my mind. I just love the organic effects and imperfections you get with paper at times. Maybe I'll share more later. As for now I'm caught up with real life and things that matter and need to be taken care of first. I wish I could be like some of these other artists that have great paying jobs where all they need to do is focus on the art they create. The rest of us have real issues out side of work that we need to tend to ourselves with our own bear hands. Perhaps I too will meet someone with lottery winnings to spend on my work one day... Dreams sure are nice. -Enjoy!

Met the Baby Yet????

I met the new baby this weekend... Small delicate thing. Out of respect for the parents I will not share photos. Met people old and new as brief as it was it was good to see everyone pushing ahead with their lives. Need to get together soon for a bit longer time frame. Still The baby is now officially welcomed to the world and I still need to catch up with posts and life details. Have a great week-as cold as it may be! -Enjoy!

little blessings....

Not many people get to wake up with this view on a Wednesday morning!!!!

It was a needed break and escape in the middle of the week for my self and family as we try to collect ourselves after a very tumultuous time with employers / work and life in general. It is a challenge to relax knowing that the little things were waiting for us at home. However taking the step of removing ourselves from the crazy world and focusing on each other was really needed break. It was a reminder that what we do is worth it and that we can overcome any issues by staying focused on one issue at a time. I wish everyone could escape to a cabin, lake, beach or whatever the dream destination is. Forrest and mountains seem to be good for us though. Now we brace for round two refreshed and ready to reign Hell on all comers. Lets get it done folks! -enjoy!

busy...

Yes I'm busy, be back soon. -Enjoy!

My Design and layouts in action

Here are a few of my created pieces using material which I created and art borrowed from web sources to complete. The cover layout pays homage to those by Palladium books. The interior pages were my doing as well as the "Gifter" logo and a few more bits of goodness you can find inside each of these. https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-eEO_c5LsEOZTllOWQ0YjctYjNkMS00ZjgxLTgzNTEtZGYwYmIyZWU0OTJj https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-eEO_c5LsEOODQ0ZjFiYjUtMDljMS00OTEyLWE5MWYtMzRmNDMyMWU4N2Vh https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-eEO_c5LsEOODdiODhiNzUtNjk4NS00OGIxLTlmNWItOTE0ZTkwMzgwMGVl

lightning pirate

When lightning strikes you have to go with it. So I put a flash of color in a bit of pirate and you get an interesting teaser.

-enjoy

current work...

I've been digging into the whole web design thing again. For those of you that don't know, I design in a variety of mediums. My focus is print but I have been pulled into web work at least 40 times in the last 10 years. I am the first to admit that the web is not my first love or my best working medium. There are to many tools to choose from to get the same result. Also add to that challenge is the programmers tend to dictate the final result or output. Not my Pride and joy because of that. I'm pretty pleased to announce that I was given a web challenge recently that I enjoyed. It was the new site for http://writesigns.com/ The goal was content. Not written but visual. To demonstrate the skill of a company using visuals more then text. Telling a company story with pictures is more of a challenge then one could believe. I was pretty successful though. Many people have commented that they have a hard time getting off the first page because it offers so much to look at and then you want to see more. That is a huge compliment. The most important thing is that the site owner loved the site too.

New business oppertunities

I've spent the last few days exploring a few option on the business front. If I get the replies that I want then things might be a bit more busy then I intended. Until then, feel free to contact me for web, or paper design products. I know people that can really make things happen.

Write Signs

Wow what a great little company lead by a Classy Hard working Guy. Check out his site and visit his shop if you need a store front or in store sign. http://writesigns.com/ I'll be the first to say you get what you pay for and it is well worth the price, it is always a good result. If your going some place else your not going to the right place. Only http://writesigns.com/!

A huge weight lifted...

ALMOST.... I have never had so many issue fall on one person so quickly. I feel happy to be leaving. I feel happy to almost have everything resolved. I hope that the next week is the finally of everything. I need to have all things closed so I can move forward in a positive manner. My stress was created by others, not me. If I knew the nightmare would be so dramatic I never would have taken this position. I thought I had 12 months, not 6... I literally only had 4 and a half months. My best was very impressive... Just not enough. I do get lots of praise, but it was still not enough.... nothing was enough. I pushed hard and still not enough... I wonder why people wait so long to make important changes in their lives... I can't wait that long.... I don't have the luxury... I only have a future to look forward to... I leave losing but a better person for it... I beat the odds and it was not enough. Maybe next time.

more problems....

Ever get the feeling that you have to triple check everything?! Well this weekend I did. I have to go and cal Canada Revenue Agency to make sure my employer is remitting taxes and that paper work is properly filed. Then I might have to take him to court! I also need to get my paper work ready for Employment standards because he failed to give me a proper payroll form in the 6 months I have been employed with him... Why is this such a night mare. Well I do know that answer... He (Employer)feels he is entitled to everything and needs to be reminded that this is a democratic country... Your going to have to play by the local rules not your own. We can do things the easy way or I'll see you in court (The hard way). The choice is all his. I'm just happy that the end is in sight. Now to finish my paper work.

$1000 dollar day...

I did enough work today to earn a minimum of $1000 cold hard ones. Yes I did... Thing is shit don't work!!!!! No matter how hard I try and push the gear is failing left right and center. The customers love me and my work. The customers love my colleague. They don't love when stuff is not completed on time because the machine crashed yet again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes this is where I say "FUUUUUUUUU----------KKKKK! Well the $1000 dollar potential day then turns into a $20 day and the customers have to wait. They wait because they have no choice. The machines are shit!!!!!! Needless to say I continue to bend over backwards to make money and the stuff keeps on breaking down and clients love to hang with us. So we end up with clients, hangout, mingling and networking and we try to keep them all happy as we plug away. All for $20 because the machines crashed and we can't do any damn thing about it! Crazy world. I love it... Life is sending me a message. It is not me, it is the world I'm in...time to get out! Thanks for the message world! I needed that sign. -Enjoy everyone.

I had all I can handle...

Warning *** Rant alert*** Warning *** Rant alert*** Warning *** Rant alert*** Man oh man, some times life gets out of hand and your stuck with the problems others create. I've done every thing I can do. I try to stay very specialized. I try to stay fresh and always try to keep a positive out look. But don't keep playing me for a sucker. Enough is enough... You made your bed now you lie in it! I'm sick and tired of making your bed and you keep messing it up. That's right you need to clean your own room from now on. You don't pay me enough to deal with your issues... issues that never should have existed in the first place.

goblin in your soap!?!!!

I always wondered what it would be like to know how raw materials might look when forced into semi-finished processed goods. Well I made a trip to a very fragrant shops with a ton of soaps and balms and such filled with materials that looked to raw to be useable in a finished product. Apparently that is the hip new thing for granola and beauty experts. Well I decided to go a bit comedic and gross and then decided on a comic type of character. So many ideas came up fro this concept that I just had to stop... I mean it was just a warm up to get the juices flowing... Not to become an entire project.

tech conflict....

Sometimes things happen that slow the whole process down... I wish I had all the answers, but even if I did... One person can't do it all. Time for others to pull up there socks and get at it.

Need a Designer - A graphic designer that is....

I hear this guy is pretty good. You can have a simple, elegant or complex technical look with this guy on your team. His card is full of great Canadian appeal too. Those living in Ottawa will likely recognize the color scheme on his card too.

What a Croc!!!!!

Well the day off is always nice. With the extra time I decided to indulge in a little personal growth and experiment with color a bit more. Here is a nice little piece.

All I know is that one day everything will all work out.

rainy dayzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Yes a hot head and a cold day... Never the best mix for the weeks end. So I decided to create an Icon for others to use and play with as they see fit... Funny little pic too!

sketch because I can... Maybe...

This is for a planned project. Brainstorming is always part of the day for me... Needless to say if people ask I tend to do. Not for money as much as it is for the joy. Some of the time it does turn into money... I'm nutty that way. I just put up with stuff because it can make a difference. So here is a few mockups and dood

les...

Sparta !!!!!!!

They say Spartan women are two times better then any non-Spartan man, the women also speak out turn because "because only Spartan women give birth to real men".... Well that sure is high praise for me then. My wife competed in the Spartan race in Calgary and Finished! I suppose that makes me equal to a Spartan! Aroo, Aroo, Aroo, Aroo,Aroo! Seriously though the wife did well. Here is the proof.

If you can do 50 burpies, 50 pushups and 50 situps and can walk 5 kilometers then you can finish this race. We were there for 5 hours, me in the heat and two boys and the wife in the heat battling heat exhaustion during the race. I suggest you race early in the day or later at night. The heat is to much. Be ready to get dirty, If you avoid an obstacle you get extra reps of calisthenics. It is easier to do the obstacles. Needless to say I'm pretty proud she did it. My wife thought that I should do it next year because I teased her about walking the whole way. She insisted she jogged. - Ha! It would not be marriage if I did not give her a hard time. Congrats to the wife. _ Enjoy your weekend all!

designer-here i am

if you have a project that needs tweeking - drop me a line. I have some free time!

New short updated...

Podcast Powered By Podbean

This is a continuation of my tale - Three Dead Kings. Interesting twist for a pod cast as very segment is under 2 minutes.

crazy days

Strange things are happening and nothing really makes sense. But things are happening. Including people telling me their life story. I really don't care but I try to be nice. Now If they want my mad skills in design then I'll gladly offer them up. Unfortunately I'm not a shrink or a bartender...so Back to illustration and design for me.

proof and documentation...

I have a plan and every thing I noted, proposed and pushed forward with is just a part of the larger plan. Unfortunately I can't be every where and do every thing. All I can say is that I have been 98% accurate and 100% committed to the effort and the results don't lie. Look at the numbers. Now the real question is, what is the rest of the team going to do. Time will tell how successful things go with my push forward. In the mean time, if anyone wants a project completed that requires a graphic designer, feel free to drop me a line. Things are good, turn over great and the end result is working out. - Enjoy your week.

Great people....

Years ago I was a lifeguard and lucky enough to work with some talented wonderful people. To my surprise my son requested to go for a swim at one of the more popular pools I use to work at... That is where I ran into a familiar face...

I was not sure it was her at the time I saw her... It was Natasha! What! Yes a really great and humble person with a very dynamic skill set and strong personality. She moonlights as a lifeguard still. but calls http://www.xl103calgary.com her real home. She was gracious enough to say Hi as I for one was not sure it really was her. After a brief chat she confirmed it was her. I have to say, She aged far better then I have and actually looks far better then I do all these years later. Natasha is still beautiful, and still utilizing her skills as a lifeguard - left me both impressed and glad that she took 2 minutes to say hi. Most people never would have bothered. Of course I was in the deep water with my children. I think we Both felt a lot safer knowing we we again in the same pool together. Though me a s a patron and her as a professional. Yes - I'm very lucky to have known good people. She is but one more of those few...

funny little treat I found on-line.

i did not make this but I wish I did. It is simple and brilliant. Love the bounce too! -Ha!

Stats and stuff!

I'm not sure what all the numbers mean. Some numbers seem to be my visits and others seem to be the traffic from others. Whatever the case - They are not so clear. All I know is that I sometimes get a ton of traffic and it might be from bots and spiders, and other times it is so random. But I have never had a zero for a long time. Someone is stalking me out there. Who ever you are... Thanks, I guess. Not many people as old as I am get stalkers...Pretty funny really. I'm not sure why people find dumpsters so attractive. I mean I tend to walk past many dumpsters and never really post photos of them. So maybe the stalker wants to see how the better half live? I suggest looking into the alley. The person picking bottles from your recycling is very likely me trying to make ends meet. Now you all know the truth. No need to go stalking an old guy like me. I really am not going to take away from your greatness. I'm just trying to make some greatness of my own. Just like you I plug away and see what comes my way. I wish I could share a greater wisdom but hard work and pushing forward is all I know. It's not pretty. It is just what needs to be done. If your the kind of person looking for dirt or greatness, try a celebrity twitter. I wont bother you all there. Just let me be me and maybe we can all find greatness in our own way. till then - Enjoy the rest of the good weather. I'll leave the stats to the people who like numbers. Like Bankers... We seem to give them all our money for free. Wish they would give me a little more back in return. Heck the tend to keep more then I give them for free. Crazy world... -Cheers!

Art-Fianlly!

Here is a piece I submitted for publication. I should hear back soon as to whether it will see the light of day in a wider sense. Right now here is the snippet for your enjoyment! -Enjoy!

Many idea's - time = 0 results

I'm not sure how or if I'll ever get all the great idea's I have off the ground. I just keep plugging away to see what will come of the effort. All I know for sure is that I always have a few million dollar ideas in production and just waiting for the right person to spin the idea off on to see it grow and flourish. While all that is happening I'm also plugging away on my little creative designs. All of the work being fun and games so long as the designs get to see the light of day at some point. I'm just not sure what the best way is to pitch to publishers. They all seem to want you to have an agent or more pro level experience... The never ending struggle of how do you get what you will not be given by practice chances or trade. Still I push forward with bits and pieces... I must really love the pain of the creative world. Rejection must be the fuel to go on. I wonder how devastated I might be if some one offers me a glorious real gig. I might just choke under the real pressure. I suppose I have to wait and see how / if that ever happens. -Enjoy your week!

Design me up some more...

Well, I'm still a designer - Some folks want us to do more but we can't. Just so little of me, people do have to wait in line. Not to mention the amount of work I do in a day... Yes - People get their monies worth from all sides. I just hope they don't get to crazy.

art-and posts..

Why I don't post more... Well I like traditional art practices and most people are moving in a digital direction. Tradition takes time, digital can be fast. Tradition means it has to be made digital and that takes at least one extra step if not more. Rest assured I have lots of art produced for any number of projects. I just can't free them up for posting due to agreements or simply personal laziness. If you good folks want to see more the best way to ensure that is to request a commission or suggest a project you want me to do an illustration for. -enjoy your weekend.

small joys

I'm currently working on a book for a 500 copy press run. The author loves the work I've done so far. It is tiresome work but the joy I bring to people and the thrill they have working with me is a big thank you. This also leads to word of mouth... Yes I'm getting busy, popular and if things keep going, I'm really going to be in need of a raise soon... Lets hope the momentum continues.

life is hard...

be thankful for every little blessings and keep working hard. Be humble in the face of your own greatness. Never let the small things get in the way of greater glories. Be thankful for the generosity of others and never take any moment for granted. You never know when you will have a chance to experience another one quite like the one that just passed. Good things come, keep your head up. Push forward... Try harder... Be better. Nothing else really needs to be said. Now I have to get back to the drawing board...so much more to do. -enjoy.

toyboy or boytoy

I thought that it would be a neat idea to create shields for title pages. After a ton of sketching i started to move to famous themes in the fantasy world. Then I moved to plaques and came up with peter pan, Captain hook and a few other great roughs. Here is one of the final images.

3DeadKings-EP9-audio blog

I had to keep to my monthly updates. Three dead kings only seems to get traffic from Saudi Arabia... Perhaps they are paranoid that a poor old white creative guy is leading an uprising... Not likely. I have a hard enough time buying groceries. Maybe in another life. Right now I'm just trying to survive through this one life. The story is fictional. Did I mention that it is a story...fictional. International visitors can relax. I'm not looking to upset the international boundaries by imposing my will on your people. I'm living through a forced transition as it is in my culture. I certainly do not want to do the same else where.

Art---I knew I could do it.

Need a hand!-Ha! I helped a friend Move- this hand was inspired by that experience...Yup I'm a bit sore. Must be age catching up to me. The Cyclops was in part inspired by the cartoon "SideKick" I figured I'd make a cyclops and swipe the helmet design from the character from the show. I really liked how this turned out. digital colors are so tricky. I hope to get much better at it. Traditional art materials have a natural flow about them. Digital tools simply don't move the same way. It is really hard to get a look unless you really work a piece over. I think I'm getting better and faster. Still I need to be more skilled. I also learned that not all jobs are easy to do. I did tickets and it was really fast to complete. Unfortunately it needed to be perforated. I simple could not meet all the requirements of an easy perforation and efficient layout. Thank fully the press guy was looking for a bit more challenging projects to work on. One more week ahead. One day at a time, one step at a time.... Lets see what happens.

what a week...

Lots happening, Ran into an old friend, Helping another old friend move this weekend, need to keep priming up a company with ideas that I'm working for part time. Need to get a few new illustrations up... I just need to be me... You ever get that feeling... Yes... That is where I'm at.

What a weekend...QR

I decided to make a QR of my site... See it ">here...

Now a much larger plan is in place...Time will tell how it all comes about.

Devils Advocate

"Some Devils Hide their horns behind great hair." You Sexy Devil You!

I had to do this to blow off steam... Man I love art. You can use this as a side quote piece. It has a high enough resolution to use in print on a smaller scale. I thought it might be neat to see my work pop up in some web pages and print if I did this on a bigger scale. So to those of you who like to swipe my thoughts and idea's... Well this is one of the few I do grant permission to use. -Enjoy.

Wow-Ripped off!

A few years back I created a comic with maps and character information (Dual Convergence)... Pretty great idea. Jim Zubs... and Pathfinder rip off that idea and they expect to make a big seller. Nice message they are sending. The comic community, artists and writers scream bloody murder if you swipe there stuff, yet they swipe my stuff, as a little guy and it is okay?! Not.... That really bothers me. The bigger wallet wins the war- is that how it all works. Bloody hell that sucks. Thanks for the press release too - Jerks!

ART...bout time

This is really funny. I killed my first bug yesterday and it inspired this sketch.... It's about time I put some art up. Work has been crazy and I feel like this helped to bring me down to a humble state of - "Yup still poor"- Ha! Life is great.

Seriously though. The bug was a large centipede. I didn't think they ever ventured into homes? What the heck would they eat if they squirmed into the house? I might have to look up the life cycle of the centipede... The thing was 5 centimeters long too... Pretty gross.

pay to play...

you need to pay to play. so I did. look what I pulled...

I like the game, the dynamic and the fun art. A great escape into a new world. try it and love it. -enjoy your week end

People Bug me...

Why on earth would I lift a single finger for you if you don't pay me? I don't know you, I don't care one lick for your issues. If you want me, pay me. People are pretty rude when they assume that you can help out just because your there. That is not how life works. When I'm on a break, or other wise busy, don't expect me to lift a finger for you-your a stranger. Pay me or get out of my shop. I don't work for free.

Three Dead Kings #7

You thought I forgot... No the monthly posts continue. I have just been busy with so many things. I need to go Willa Wonka and stay focused. I did enjoy some activity this weekend. No I'm more refreshed to continue on my drawing and such. Check out that blog for the new addition to the tale. Till more time happens to free up...-Enjoy.

A frined past... I'm saddened.

I have to post this... He should never be forgotten. Danny McCUAIG

Visit Guest Book McCUAIG, Danny Royston William April 11, 1971 - April 18, 2012 Danny McCuaig of Calgary passed away suddenly at his home, at the age of 41 years. Dan was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and grew up in Calgary. He attended Diefenbaker SHS, Crescent Heights SHS, and was part of the first graduating class of Rundle College. Throughout his youth, Danny participated in minor hockey and minor league lacrosse; even touring Australia with his lacrosse team when he was twelve. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed life to the fullest never turning down a challenge whether it was scuba diving, sky diving, or bungee jumping. He was a lifeguard with the City of Calgary for twenty years leaving a lot of time for his true love of flying. Danny will forever be in the hearts of his loving family - his mother Bea; father Dave; sister Brenda (Rocky) and nephew TJ Pengelly; and many other family members and friends. Funeral Services will be held at CALGARY CREMATORIUM CHAPEL, 3219 - 4 Street N.W., (within the valley of Queen's Park Cemetery) on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com . If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Danny's name to the Alberta Children's Hospital or the S.P.C.A.

2nd Graphic Poem....

I'm currently writing my second graphic poem. The first was so well received that I thought another should be done. The first was called MyKraken, McKraken. People really loved the piece. More then I thought they would. So I might just put together a small anthology of graphic poetry after all. The second will only have art shared on the blog. I hope a real publisher will purchase the rights for the completed series of 5 poems ranging in subjects.

Look What I pulled....

This was a crazy find I pick up on a whim. Glad to have it though not a great card it really is a solid card to complete the story.

So ill....

This is crazy, I had the worst break ever.... Stress and sick and just plain bed ridden ruined my weekend. I will say that I did accomplish a lot of sleeping and dreading the next week due to the ongoing fever. I hope everything settles by next week end. I owe a few old friends a visit.

It has been far to long!

A "Plan" is in place...

I have been blissfully employed recently. Well it is possible that I am simply putting together a plan to stay employed. It seems I need the support of my peers to execute my idea's. You need to spend money to make money. That is the simple truth. How do you stay employed when you don't have the bosses support? Right now I have a plan. I need the rest of the people to understand how it will benefit everyone.

The weekend is near. I have time to think and maybe roll out the plan if the support is there.

Sort me....

A few days ago I was pretty down. Now I'm faced with the old saying of... Be careful what you wish for. No matter how bright I shine I'll be in trouble one way or another. I figured another youthful adventure was in order.... According to the sorting hat I have a house. Though I once was part of Hufflepuff it looks like I'm getting to nice again.

Ah well... More sketching, more designs. I suppose my lot in life is to make other people wealthy and my main job is to encourage others. So be it. At least I have a start.

Art - - Sketch - - What!...

Crazy binge of ideas dumped...

-enjoy

Typical Sunday Morning Breakfast....

Here is what our Sunday morning table looks like every single Sunday...
well, almost. We take pride in having every dinner together and breakfast once per week with the whole family. It is not always doughnuts, but may be replaced with pancakes, more often then not waffles and always a wide variety of fruit.

It is a small pleasure we enjoy that allows us to accommodate unexpected guest. We never have morning guest, but if we did the sample spread would easily accommodate another 4 people or so. We are probably the only morning week end people we know. Who else looks forward to getting up at 6:00 am ish on a week end... Well we do if we know we have this spread waiting for us.

We have to make it our selves. We are not pompous wealthy brats. We have to sweat for our food. But I thought that this might be worth sharing with others who want to find a way to improve their every day lives. This is one event that makes the next day a little more brighter.

What to do?

What can you do when your best honest attempts are all but thrown aside... What do you do?
Well I really do not have such an answer.
I will say that I decided to make Greek food... Yes Greek and it turned out fabulously. So while I shaked and baked and I drowned my sorrows in a Greek like feast, I realized there may be more to this whole world conspiracy against me at the moment. Over a year with out work is not good. More to the point it is pretty darn annoying to have to be faced with the troublesome bills and mundane aspects of life. I certainly am getting pretty nasty in temperament and just plain tired of the challenging bureaucratic hurdles I need to dodge through just for a chance to make a few dollars.

After a second day of delightful food I have to admit, a good meal makes personal challenges a little more tolerable. Still I have no clear designs for a future of employment. Sitting at home job hunting is not a joy that I share with anyone. The trials are personal and the depression is clearly starting to get the better of me. I truly hate the mundane aspects of life with out a chance to experience more. Currency is truly the only tool to experience life on any scale beyond ones own internet connection...... I suppose I still have to toil on. I just can't think of a better way to get more connections that are valid. The whole facebook world is so full of fluff that I can't be bothered.

I just want some results.

I suppose another serving a Greek may be in order too.

- enjoy your week.
As always, I'm home alone, with the internet.... waiting for a positive response.

Digital Painting...

Well what a chore that was.
Working in the digital format is only 100 times faster then the traditional way. There are however draw backs.

In the center of the page at the bottom is a sample of leaves I left in place to ensure correct color codeing.

After a sketch and several color samples I found that a single brush would never do. Still I stuck to a single brush and used a variety of sizes to get this piece done. I found the impressionist way of working to be the best way when doing a digital painting. I played with a few other ideas like transparency as well as multi-layers for a final piece. This is what happened when I flattened the whole thing instead of saving it as I wanted. Many of the effects were lost.
I'm please with the piece but you can see thar I rubbed, dragged and bleneded many pointillism colors to get this look too. I think I need to try other things to really make this work!

A problem with Comic Reviews...

There is a nasty problem with comic reviews where if a comic is not good, no one offers a review. If a comic is good they offer a review with out substance. Today I'll offer a review, one that is going to be considered as equally naive by the fan boys and girls who read the rhetoric offered currently. My review will have items that are a little more in-depth then what they are getting from review people currently.

This review is going to be about the comic SAGA....

In all that is fair I will admit I will not buy this book! It is likely my good sense has fallen by the way side when put up against my fear of a poor script. It is also likely that I am getting old and frustrated by the constant repeat of story lines offered in both literature and pop culture. Though this review should include a positive aspect to be fair.

The Art displayed by co-creator Fiona is with out a doubt some of her best in a long time. Only looking at the cover and the preview pages online, I find it hard to believe that it has sold out, as is the claim by Image, the publisher.

If any thing I give Fiona full credit for the character designs and offering in-spite as to the contents of the full story. Having studied History and Art history I'm immediately brought to the idea that perhaps we have a tale about Cleopatra and Alexander the great. The first hint is the male character depiction much like the old coin representation of the man himself.


Now the whole space alien theme is a neat twist. The question is, will that be enough to carry the whole story? For me the answer is no. Already there are similarities to Star Wars in the preview. I mean the main character dresses like Han Solo, at least on the cover.




To seal the deal I just need to see that the female character speaks like Cleopatra, a second or third language and refuses her own local dialect. You'll notice in the painting Cleopatra and Julius Caesar to the left, That the main character has a similar gown skirt. Of course using black instead of the paintings white gives the character a little more of an edge. Both Cleopatra and the main character have short cropped hair that is dark, adding to the alluring factor of the stories character. Her pose is less suductive and more one of a person of authority figure. Again hinting that Cleopatra is very much part of this character. The question remains is if the main female character will take on a lover if the male counter part dies to ensure the survival of her child.


The whole baby introduction reminds me of Star Wars. I mean we have a hint of a slave struggle in the preview. We have a child from two places and races that clearly will impact the story. By the way Witchblade also introduced a child in there story line.

((Hope Pezzini

Sara's mystical daughter with Jackie Estacado. She is neither of The Darkness nor The Angelus, but has unknown powers that are currently dormant. In Artifacts, Hope is the subject of a massive search by artifact bearers following her capture by The Survivor — it is during this search her parents, Jackie and Sara, finally consummate their feelings for each other, and Hope's nature is revealed by The Survivor; Hope is the "Codex" for the entire universe, meant to survive and ensure its survival. The Survivor plans to kill and replace her as the Codex to guarantee the resurrection of his own universe. )) - Found on wikipedia.org 2012

I don't feel compelled by this book, other then the few glimpse of art, I'll wait to download those visual goodies when they surface on the internet.

This looks to be a visually interesting book. Again that alone might justify the purchase. Still I simply have been exposed to far more history then I care to read again in a fictional tale like Saga. I would rather go see this book as a movie. Kill two hours of my life staring at a mind numbing screen and maybe having my soul stirred by the visual effects. The boost in testosterone for those brief 2 hours might be more worth my while then actually reading this book.

I hope the book does do well for both the creators. Still, I feel the larger effort was put on the artist shoulders here and the writer may have just regurgitated what has already been done in Star Wars, Witchblade and history as many of us have already studied it.

But don't let my review stop you. I mean when was the last time you all ran back to university just to learn about ancient Rome or Egypt? This may be the book for you if you need more of the same.

i bit more productive...

I thought that I would never get caught up! I managed to get not 1 but 2 new short tales up on the http://3deadkings.blogspot.com/

Just another blog to keep my idol thought and hands busy. I'd hate to think what happens when I think to much or to hard on my UN-employment. Still I beg when I can and try to keep myself productive when I can as well. I was never one to ask for much. I career might be nice though.

-Enjoy the posts!

currently...

I seem pretty busy...
on the plate was a pitch to a game company, I'm currently writing 20+ pages for a game book. Also finished 2 illustrations and working on a cover for said book to help push the product along if it should be accepted. Cover should be completed this week. I hope to have 40 pages written as well.

Children activities planned - Oh and did I mention preparing for an interview?
Yes I sure hope it all works out.

I expect that the book project will not get a response for a few month though. That give me a whole bunch of time to complete a ton of writing on the first draft, which of course I'll submit for feedback and more refining if approval is given.

- That is all for now.

What is that on the picture???????

The product I use to clear coat work is called... "Varathane" "Diamond Coat"

It has a strange separation until well stirred. That is what spilled on the picture. You will notice the milky color and the liquid separated. That's what happens when it is not mixed well prior to application. I sure hope I can fix the book mark. I was planning on using it for a book I picked up.

book mark fumble...

I wanted to get a writing pitch out of the way, and decided to do a small illustration to spur the inspiration on. This was 60 minutes of sketch and paint that ...well...... It started good.... Then I was getting ready to put a clear coat on the piece until I spilled the varnish on it. Needless to say the paint was not dry, the inks not set and the mess began.

I'm pretty disappointed. I'll try to salvage it later. Right now I need to write.

- Enjoy the trials of another struggling creative person.

Desperate times....

Well maybe not so desperate. I've been scrambling to get things done. I'm still battling a personal war with some virus. Fortunately I'm feeling like I'm winning this week. So I managed to get a bunch of things caught up. That of course means that I have some much more to tackle over the rest of the week. I also have a great need to have certain individuals help me out. You folks know who you are, and I would really appreciate your kind words when the time is right.

As for art stuff... It is on the back burner.
I know you want to see pretty pictures and not read about my life as it continues to unfold in strange yet extremely average ways, here are a few pics of a piece I've doodled about while I was bed ridden.

-Enjoy.

SideKick - Anyone...

I finally managed to get pencil to paper and used the animated cartoon - sidekick for inspiration. In one of the show time features, a orphanage is run by an older female who to me looks like a walking pickle. So what do I do... I spend an hour playing with brushes and decide the background would work well on this illustration. In total I spent to much time just loafing and messing around with brushes... Maybe feeling better after all. This piece was mesed around with for about 1.5 hours total.

cold and flu....

I'm happy to say that we have been a cold and flu free home for 3, almost 4 years.... Arghhh! Then it hit us. A nasty epidemic that has wiped me out and one of my little ones. After being literally bed ridden and caring for the children... I think we are almost over the hump.

Not much has happened creatively. Though a few memories of ideas have come back in my sleepless dreams. So I once again started attacking the computer with a multitude of writing. I hope to have another blog updated soon...(http://thewar-den.blogspot.com/)
Unfortunately it too has taken a huge hit and is delayed. With any luck some art will get posted and I can offer more in the way of creative juices for all to view.

On another note:
People wonder what I do for a living. Honestly I'm a professional Dad these days. That is all I do. When I feel like searching for work I go out and beg for a job and usually get rejected because of age or lack of references or simply - my references not getting back to people I want to work for.

Needless to say I'm just a stay at home Dad, begging for work! Since I have no criminal record or simply do not appear desperate enough, people do not want to hire me. I suppose bad luck could be part of the problem. Though the family tells me I'm the best ever! I really hope the family starts to pay me what I'm worth then.

Of course that will never happen. I believe there is a legal loop hole that specifically points out that no matter what, I have to take care of the family. So really, if no employer hires me, I really am screwed. No wonder men believe that the house hold chores are a woman's job. That being true, How the Heck did I get stuck wearing the skirt!

I suppose if you can't laugh with me, your welcomed to laugh at me!
-enjoy

what to do...

something is brewing...but what will it be.

Cleaning out D&D!

Cleaning out D&D!
This piece was inspired by my old D&D stuff. It was an NPC that I stumbled upon while throwing stuff out. As I read over the character I realized that I played this character more then I thought as an NPC to upset my players apple cart. After reading the stat block after so many years I decided to do a quick illustration of the little female assassin. She was a gnome and 12% dueger dwarf - hence the skin tone. A dagger of life stealing and a rune bow with about 10 other magical goodies too. All in all she could blend in as a little girl playing on the street with other children or use her size to the advantage when taking out other NPC.

I played the character as the one who eliminated all the NPC that were to useful to the players. Players that had enough cash to make things happen and enough lucky rolls to back up their words too. So I had this little ace in my hole to systematically kill off many of the NPC that associated with the player characters. It worked well. I even had the character interact with the players directly. They were to smart to poison though. They seem to be on to me. They never figured out who was behind the little troubles, though they never cared. They knew they could slaughter most things that reared their ugly heads at them. This character tried at least 6 times to poison or kill a PC. I have to say my rolls were never that great. Still this character could have done damage if the fight ever happened.

No this character only stole a few horses, missed a few arrow shots and failed to poison Players 3 times. Yes, it was troublesome. Still this character brought back a rush of good ideas rolled bad and she could have been a major player. People killed the dragon and that ended the game. The assassin, try as she might never had her chance to take out a PC. It would have been pretty awesome if she was more effective at rolling... Meaning my rolls of the dice were poor. enjoy the illustration.

p.s. yes she is on a magic carpet that looks like a picnic blanket. I never wanted anything threatening to be a real target to the PC. They spotted it once in the sky and began to make jokes... That was expected. And I knew it would not be taken as a real threat but just an eccentric character flying about their business.

published - Publisher.....

Well It should be noted that I do spend to much time creating stuff!

You can enjoy some of that work here...dairyriver

I visual creative poem that I have been mulling over for some time. Looks like others love it too.

I also finished a larger collaborative project. I nice piece collected from people who competed in "The Line is Drawn". It was a ton of work but turned out amazingly well for a bunch of unorganized folks.... Here is a link to that piece too.....

line not drawn
Enjoy.

Feb. Warm Week end... What!?!?!

This is Canada, the middle of winter and heat?! Strange and honestly I love it!
I hate cold weather, I hate rain too. Given the choice I would take snow and hot weather to alternate ever three days.

Still I expect to be outside a fair bit this week end. Thankfully loving this treat of the season. Maybe a few friends will catch up and meet with me.

Cards...Magic...lack of sleep....

It is Sunday,
I decided to revisit an old hobby. Magic the gathering. It was 12:01 am on a Saturday morning. A seal deck event. 3 Dark Ascention, 3 Innistrad.

I was loving the cards I found in my booster packs. I hated trying to piece together a winning deck. It was a challenge and I was slaughtered. The new cards now have double sides and a twist in rules. I enjoyed getting trounced and finally.... The last match I won best out of three. 2-1 win... awful yet sweet. He (my opponent) should have won. He destroyed me /my deck the first round killing me 20 straight points and I left him unscathed... some how I nickel-ed and timed him to death in the preceding two rounds in the fifth and last turn bout of the evening.

Would I do that again???

Yes.

I wished a few old friends joined me but they seem preoccupied with life. For me it was a sweet escape to another time which brought me a certain amount of reflection and joy. Joy for the moment of playing and joy for the the things I currently have. All in all, a great experience.

http://www.mythgames.ca/
Was an amazing host. If you need a store to open and run a game at, this is the place to go to. If you want to be part of a group of awesome people... That is the store to be at. Maybe another per-release party is in order!

Thanks all that joined.

New Banner....

It was time... The big ugly one was more used to scare people away. Guess what-it did the opposite and attracted even more people to the blog. That said, it was time for a change. It seems that the longer I go with all the turmoil and change in life I find myself grasping at things that were/are simple, and bring me joy.

That means I am in a perpetual state of adolescence.

I admit it. Since I can no longer attain a job that will pay me enough to act like an adult. You know things like owning a car, carry a mortgage and spend foolishly on drink and beverages, I find myself reverting to long walks, cartoons and video games and yes, even comics and board games that allow me to spend time with my family.

I think being in a position of low wealth makes you humble, but more importantly, it keeps you closer to the important things in your life... For me that is family. As much as I would love to own a car/ or meet weekly with friends... Money governs much of those activities. Cash flow being choked off really hampers ones ability to be social. As such, you all must understand that I'm not ignoring all the people I love. I just need to get my self in a place where I can join the rest of the world. That means I need a job and a cash flow that allows me enjoy greater pleasures... such as having a good meal with friends or simply a car.

With that said, I have been a stay at home Dad for three years only finding part time jobs with companies that are failing, or closing their doors.

If your a company owner that wants an artist or designer I can help you. I'm not cheap, but I can be there when you need me. You just need to hire me at a rate that I can afford to work for you at.

-Enough rants
-Enjoy what I have in place.
A new banner, a new year!

expect less and get more...

this could be my new mantra this year.
So without further a due...



-enjoy