paperengine

IDIOT ENGINE ep 51:Storytelling without pictures!

2012-01-24T23:02:00.001-08:00

A big "Thank You" goes out to writer/author/animator/teacher Abby Goldsmith for co-hosting the latest Engine! We discuss writing and how it differs from other forms of storytelling like movies and comics. Topics include 2001 A Space Odyssey, Stephen King's IT and even Wikipedia... Piqued your interest? Then take a listen!

Shifting gears...

2012-01-22T15:34:00.000-08:00

I'm currently finishing up THE DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION, but shifted gears the other day and did some painting... and it was really enjoyable! Sometimes taking a break from one project to work on another is just what the doctor ordered to keep one's creative energies going strong! Just something to keep in mind the next time your creative "fires" start to wane!

DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION preparing to TRANSMIT!

2012-01-15T11:32:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple more pages of the graphic novel I'm working on. I'm in the scripting phase, (using the Marvel method, I illustrated the story first and am scripting last) I'm having a blast and am just hoping that "Blast" is transmitted to the audience! Boom!

IDIOT ENGINE ep50:How do you write for your characters?

2012-01-11T23:18:00.000-08:00

Join me and self-publisher Javier Hernandez on this, the 50th episode of the ENGINE as we discuss how we write for our characters!
And since this is the 50th episode, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all the great cohosts that have been on the ENGINE!

Javier Hernandez!
Krishna M. Sadasivam!
Jim Lujan!
Ryan Dow!
Aldin Baroza!
Mark Rudolph!
Jerzy Drozd!
Steve Martinez!
Kevin Cross!
Dave Baker!
Eric M Esquivel!
Mary Bellamy!
Mark Jiro Okui!
Manuel Arellano!
Sherm Cohen!
Keith Rainville!
Luis Escobar!
Tyler James!
Chris Robertson!
Michael Aushenker!
Peter Palmiotti!

Thanks for co-hosting everybody!

Ringin' in the New Year makin' my comics...

2012-01-02T02:05:00.000-08:00

So, it's farewell to 2011 and welcome 2012! After staying up 'till 12am Jan 1st and toasting the new year with some sparkling apple cider, I spent the first few hours of 2012... you guessed it, working on my comics! And to prove it to ya, here's a page from THE DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION! Happy New Year Everybody! Thanks for checking out my blog and podcast and videos this past year, and I hope you get a kick out of what's to come!

If PRINT IS DEAD and COMICS ARE DEAD... then what is the ZOMBIE TRANSMISSIONS SKETCHBOOK?!!

2011-12-31T02:59:00.000-08:00

That goofy creepy weirdo from Zombie Island Zero is back, and he's got 2 words for ya...

IDIOT ENGINE ep 49:DEATH in Storytelling!

2011-12-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

Join me and self-publisher Javier Hernandez as we talk about how Death is used in storytelling. Now, it may sound like a down beat subject, but take my word for it we're absolutely animated! As a matter of fact, I'd say we were Alive about Death! Take a listen... if you DARE!
*note, I couldn't remember the name of a film I referenced that starred Eliot Gould. Well, thanks to the internet I have it, it's called LITTLE MURDERS (1971).

Holiday Craft Fair 2011, Always a pleasure!

2011-12-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

I just wrapped another Holiday Craft Fair, and it was fun for all. I had good sales (for me that means I made table costs with enough extra to buy dinner!(Mongolian BBQ, Oh Yeah!) and I did a load of Supermonster sketches for alot of appreciative kids.

I like making something special for every craft fair, and for this one I made a set of SUPERMONSTER Holiday cards. They came out pretty cool, and I think I'll be making more every holiday season.

I'd have to say doing a Craft Fair isn't the best arena to sell comics and graphic novels. But if you're like me and have other types of merchandise like coloring books (a big hit this season) or greeting cards or prints or t-shirts, I think your local craft fair is worth a look!

Giants find homes! And they're bringin' dinner guests in the form of original Ink Sketches!

2011-11-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Yay! For sales with sketches!

New to the WEBSTORE! GIANTS RISING...

2011-11-21T10:38:00.000-08:00

GIANTS RISING is a 96 page graphic novel I did a few years back that I'm very proud of. It combined my childhood fascination of the "kid and his giant robot" genre with a modern, more cynical world view. I've posted it on the webstore, so check it out if you can!

Here's a cool writeup I received at the time!

Guys and now Dolls!

2011-11-18T01:13:00.000-08:00

One more kit bashed creation for my ArtSketchbook. The Robot Woman... LADY RED!
onLady Red!

There's room for "Apples AND Oranges" when you make a book!

2011-11-13T09:19:00.000-08:00

One of the projects I'm working on is a full color Artist's Sketchbook covering art used in the DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION graphic story I've got in the works. I'll be including portraits of some kitbashed 12 inch figures I put together for stop motion videos and other project reference. I've always loved toys ever since I was a kid. I think my first foray into storytelling was playing and creating adventures for my GI Joes or Shogun Warriors, or Micronauts, so this is a real treat for me to share another passion of mine in a book. Yeah, I play with dolls, wanna make somethin' of it? Hah!

And in case you missed it, here's ZOMBIE NOMAD ZERO the loner superhero stopmotion music vid!

Zombie Nomad Zero,
the loner Superhero!

He's got no Friends
and he's got no foes

He's got bottled Lightning
coursing through his toes!

So take my advice
and give him space

Zombie Nomad Zero
may win the Human Race!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 48: To Begin the Beginning!

2011-11-07T07:28:00.000-08:00

A big big "Thank You" to self-publisher Javier Hernandez for co-hosting this latest ENGINE! We discuss how to begin a story, citing movies like Pulp Fiction, Star Wars, as well as comics and TV shows. While we both spend a bit of time hawkin' our latest comics at the beginning heck, they're pretty cool books AND for those of the listeners on a strict time schedule, you can FF to the 10 min mark anyways!
Also, those inclined can play the "You Know" game and take a shot every time I say "You Know"... I guarantee no one out there will make it to the end of this ep! (Yikes!)

Take a listen if you get a chance!

COMIC ASSEMBLE!!!

2011-11-03T21:02:00.000-07:00

I'm hard at "Fun" working on my next project, this one's going to be roughly 90 pages with comic as well as painted pages. Though it's more pricy, I'm planning on having a color centerpage spread to treat everyone's eyeballs. Playboy it aint, but heck, this one you don't have to pretend to read it just for the articles!

Normally I'd go digital, but this time I used a china marker to add a mid tone to the art. Looks good, though it's a little riskier since it's applied to the original art.
I was planning on going b/w with the whole book, but felt having a color centerfold added the right impact to this particular part of the story.

This is probably one of my favorite parts of making a book, the editing and assembly.
"Comic Assemble!!!"

EARN A SUPERMONSTERAMA TODAY!

2011-10-08T08:58:00.000-07:00

I finally set up a page to sell my work! It feels good to have taken this step finally. I've done shows and will continue to do so, but now that I've actually built a storefront (it ain't much, more like a hotdog stand!) I have more reason to create work, express my art, and entertain. So... if any of you are so inclined, take a look at my "Hotdog cart" and if you like, I'll serve you up one with mustard!

Comic Book Workshop Comic Jam!

2011-10-06T00:59:00.000-07:00

I was a guest speaker for Self-publisher/teacher Javier Hernandez's comic book workshop class in Pico Rivera recently and I had a great time! I asked Javier prior to class if I could work with his students on a comicbook jam rather than giving a demonstration or lecture and he gave me a green light, so that's just what we did. I must admit I wasn't sure how it would turn out, having never tried this with a class before, but it turned out great! Man, Jav's students really did an outstanding job! A big "Thank You" to Javier for inviting me to speak to his class, and to all his students for reminding me how special comics and art can be to the young and young at heart!

Sketch Painting to unwind after a busy day!

2011-10-05T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here's a sketch painting I did tonight, done with acrylic on 5" by 7" canvas board. I had a busy day, and unwinding with some loose paint and firm canvas really hit the spot!

Going OLD SCHOOL in a digital age...

2011-09-23T11:10:00.000-07:00

Here's the way I work when I'm not on the computer . I use a fairly large, not too thick, hardback book(This Popeye book is great!). I can keep projects saved between the pages.

Right now, I've got three projects in the book:

My latest SUPERMONSTERMOTION Flashanimation storyboards

A comic book story I'm illustrating for a fellow self-publisher

And my DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION graphic novel project

I'm not gonna let the lack of tech hold me back... I hope you don't either!

One does not live on Art Alone!

2011-09-23T10:23:00.000-07:00

One does not live on Art alone. Translation: My friggin' computer is still down so I can't scan or make stuff yet! So, here I am enjoying the STAN SAKAI exhibit in Little Tokyo over in Los Angeles at the JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM. It was a really cool exhibit, showcasing one of the premier comic creators of our time! If you can, go check it out! He's got an amazing body of work on display! Oh, and don't forget to check out the Mitsuru Cafe across the street! That cafe has been around since I can remember, and when it comes to food, I remember, I REMEMBER! Good old fashioned Japanese American food at really inexpensive prices! Don't believe me? Check out the pic!

Now THAT'S a lunch plate!

Making headway on DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION project!

2011-09-10T15:53:00.000-07:00

Like most of us Artists/self-publishers I've got more than a couple projects going. Until I figure out how to draw with my feet(Man, my legs just hang there off the chair while my arms do all the work!) I've got to budget my time so I don't neglect any one of them.
So far, today, 5 pgs and counting of my DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION graphic story! Here's a couple of pages just to show you I ain't blowin' smoke up your chimney!

IDIOT ENGINE ep48: Finding Style in your Art!

2011-09-07T23:30:00.000-07:00

This episode of the ENGINE I'm joined by self-publisher/illustrator/character designer Mary Bellamy as we discuss finding style in one's art. It's a solid, informative and enlightening episode, and if you don't believe me, take a listen for yourself! (See how I'm gettin' you to listen to the episode? But seriously, it's a good one, and just at the hour mark too, so you'll still have time to catch that episode of that show you always like to watch aferwards!)

IDIOT ENGINE ep 47 Chasing that Great White Whale!

2011-08-15T08:09:00.000-07:00

Join me and Artist/self-publisher/teacher/podcaster Javier Hernandez as we discuss chasing that One elusive art project... You know the one, the GREAT WHITE WHALE, Ishmael!!!(Man, I've gotta read Moby Dick... dangerous making reference to a story you haven't read yet!)

Who can stop...ZOMBIE MONSTER ZERO?!?!!

2011-08-12T23:09:00.000-07:00

Who can stop ZOMBIE MONSTER ZERO?!! is my latest SUPER MONSTER MOTION animated short and breath a sigh of relief because there's NO "Robot Rap" included in this one!
I incorporated live action, stopmotion, and some specific effects in this piece that I think work okay. While every short I do shows me how much I have yet to learn, I don't let that discourage me, Why? Because every short I do, shows me what I can do with what I DO know! I say, Celebrate what you "Can" do rather than lament what you "Can't" do.

Leftover paint? No Such Thing!!!

2011-08-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

So, what do you do if you have leftover yellow paint after you finish your wrap-around t-shirt face mask you're gonna use for your next stopmotion silliness? You go back in to that painting with the giant robots blasting the city... Here's a snapshot of my work desk circa Tonight...
I'm fightin' a cold, but I'm hopin' a prescription of creativity will cure me quicker than you can say, "Take two and call me in the morning!"

ZOMBIE BADGE ZERO the Enforcer Superhero!

2011-08-06T16:11:00.000-07:00

Zombie Badge Zero
The Enforcer Superhero

He Slips out of the Shadows
and Into the night

Protecting the innocent
with all of his might!

He can dodge silver bullets
and stakes to the heart

He can eat a can of beans
with nary a fart!

So breath a sigh of relief
when you're lying in bed

'Cause Zombie Badge Zero
is out flashing Red!

What the F@#* am I doing with my time?

2011-07-25T23:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, even I'm getting kinda skeptical with how I'm spending my limited free time now... Kitbashing (making my own model out of parts from other pre-existing model kits) a spaceship for my latest Super Monstermotion stopmotion video actually does kinda feel like I'm wasting my time... NOT!
Hey, you gotta have faith in your creative side, your "Muse" so to speak. Why follow your Muse? It can't be any worse than following anybody else, that's for sure! I promise you one thing, there's a kind of integrity you nurture when you do. So, I say give your creative Muse a chance, you might find wasting time never felt so satisfying!

ZOMBIE NOMAD ZERO the Loner Superhero! Stopmotion video with ... gasp...a beat?!?!?!

2011-07-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here's my latest experiment with stopmotion. I'm having a blast and am now ready to make a slightly more ambitious short, step by step it'll get done! But for now here's

Zombie Nomad Zero,
the loner Superhero!

He's got no Friends
and he's got no foes

He's got bottled Lightning
coursing through his toes!

So take my advice
and give him space

Zombie Nomad Zero
may win the Human Race!

Squeezed out another Stopmotion exercise!

2011-07-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

I'm really busy with stuff, but managed to squeeze out a quick little stopmotion exercise. Sometimes life is so crazy all one can do is just keep moving, and this is just me "Keeping moving". You've heard of Dynamotion and Stopmotion? Well this is... SUPER MONSTERMOTION!

My Incredible HULK one sheet fan doodle!

2011-06-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows what it's like waiting... for the DMV, at the dentist's office, getting your car fixed... Well, to pass the time I cracked open my trusty notepad, and here's the result!(I used photoshop to color it)

SUPER MONSTERAMA Comic Art Book Trailer #3!

2011-06-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Zombiemask Zero "The Homemade Superhero" can't take it in this third SUPER MONSTERAMA trailer, check it out!

ZOMBIEMAN ZERO MINI!

2011-05-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

In case some of you haven't seen it yet, here's the first ever Bronze Age version of ZOMBIEMAN ZERO "The Man Made SuperHero" in his very own full color minicomic!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 45:Short and oh Sooo Sweet!

2011-05-26T08:23:00.000-07:00

Join Me and premier indie animator/podcaster JIM LUJAN as we talk about the short format and it's challenges, advantages and disadvantages in storytelling. Jim really knows this format well, as is evident in his "Short" body of work! (His body of work isn't "Short" its actually long... It's his working in the "Short" format that I'm talking.... well you get it!) Take a listen when you get a chance and you won't be sorry!

SUPER MONSTERAMA Comic Art Book trailer #2

2011-05-21T14:20:00.001-07:00

IDIOT ENGINE ep 44 Adrift in a Sea of Content

2011-05-19T00:13:00.000-07:00

In this episode of the IDIOT ENGINE, artist/self-publisher/teacher/podcaster Javier Hernandez and I discuss the challenges we face being creators in a world of ever increasing content. With more Movies, tv shows, internet shows, podcasts, video games, animations, comics, mini-comics, magazines, blogs, etc. than ever before, how do we as creators compete and survive and get our content to our audience? I'm not saying me and Jav answer this question, but I am saying that we have fun trying! Take a listen if you get a chance!

SUPER MONSTERAMA Comic Art Book trailer!

2011-04-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Don't let go until it's over!

2011-04-24T23:02:00.000-07:00

Yup, I said I was done like 6 hours ago, but you know what? It was still a little "Raw" in the middle. I rendered the kneeling figure more and I think it helps the piece. One thing I've learned over the years of making my own comics and stories and personal art is never be afraid of going back in when you know you could make your work better. That's one of the few advantages of doing your own personal work, YOU have the time to go all the way with it.
That being said, I can't honestly say I went ALL THE WAY with this piece, but I know I at least got to third base!

Final version of Final Battle

2011-04-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Here's the final version of the final battle for my current project, THE DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION. I had a tough time before figuring out how to render the energy of the battle, trying a couple approaches before finding just the right one, but I found it. It's always satisfying finding that round hole for that round peg, or using another analogy, finding that last piece of the puzzle that brings the whole picture together! Man, I dig analogies.:)

Prelim painting for my latest series...

2011-04-23T08:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the preliminary painting for another piece in my latest series THE DEATH'S HEAD TRANSMISSION. Man, I dig having a painting I can wake up to. It's like having cold pizza in the fridge or having the last few chapters in a favorite book to finish. Sometimes, "Getting" there IS where the fun is really at!

Spring Craft Fair 2011

2011-04-17T08:37:00.000-07:00

I just got back from the Spring Craft Fair where I had a fun time talking with some delightful vendors and public. It was a rather small turnout this time around, but I managed to make a few sales and make a few "smiles" with some free sketches. Afterwards, I stopped by a local store and sold a few more books which made my sales for the day tip JUST over my table costs, which is always a good feeling. There are a few watermarks one tries to meet when tabling at a show...

(1) Make table cost
(2)Make expenses cost-motel/hotel/gas/meal
(3)Make production costs-gross sales are not Net sales, it costs money to print the stuff-
(4)Make labor cost-paying ourselves for our time and labor making our merchandise-
(5)Make "Build a gigantic robot statue" cost, wherein you make enough money to build that gigantic robot statue in that public park you just know EVERYBODY wants someone to build.

One of these days that friggin' robot statue is gonna be made and all will rejoice... Who's going to be the one to get it made? Maybe... YOU! So keep the faith and keep convention-ing!

Painting for fun!

2011-03-30T08:08:00.000-07:00

So, this one's called "Torture Tech" It's a piece that started out to be part of my ZOMBIEMAN ZERO story but just didn't work. I finally decided to let it run and it became a piece that anyone with a PC can relate to... Friggin' Trojans, viruses... dang popups! Anyway, the lesson here is, if the painting doesn't want to be something, chances are it's supposed to be something else!

IDIOT ENGINE Ep 43: Working for a Publisher VS Self-Publishing... And the winner is?

2011-03-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

A big "Thank You" goes out to Artist/Podcaster Peter Palmiotti for cohosting the latest ENGINE! We discuss the blessings and curses of working for a publisher as well as the challenges of self-publishing. It's a good one folks, take a listen!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 42: Violence and how it's used in storytelling

2011-03-20T22:39:00.000-07:00

Join Me, Journalist/self-publisher Michael Aushenker, and Teacher/self-publisher Javier Hernandez as we tackle the topic of "Violence and how it's used in storytelling!" We discuss violence and how it's used in works from the Godfather to the Three Stooges in this one folks. I'm not going to lie to you, it's a big one, just shy of 2 hours, but it's also a Good one, so give it a listen if you get a chance!

ZOMBIEMAN-MONSTER ATTACKS! Finished piece

2011-03-20T10:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the finished ZOMBIEMAN-MONSTER Attacks painting. I kept much of the original loose rendering on the tanks and background to help focus attention on the figure who is the center of interest for the piece.
It's interesting to compare the rough and final... I lost some gesture and energy of brushstroke, but gained detail and definition. Walking the line between gesture and detail can be precarious indeed.

ZombieManMonster Attack Painting: Preliminary pass...

2011-03-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the first pass for my latest ZombieMan-Monster painting. It's very loose and rough and fluid, which is what I look to establish in this early phase.

Another character painting from ZOMBIEMAN ZERO Super ManMonster!

2011-03-08T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here's another character painting from my latest project, ZOMBIEMAN ZERO Super ManMonster! (title subject to change) I arrived at this design after customizing an old action figure I had, so by combining two of my favorite "Tastes" ( action figures and painting) I got something that I think "Tastes great together"! Man, I want a peanut butter cup right about now!

PWG TAG TEAM TOURNAMENT 2011!

2011-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I went to the PWG tag team tournament last night, and had a blast. I got to see wrestlers from the east coast, Japan, Canada and all around. The crowd was great, the wrestlers were great and everybody was very cool.

The coolest moment for me was when a wrestler accidentally spit on a guy in the audience when he was yelling at his opponent in the corner. During the match he went over and sincerely apologized to the guy. I dig wrestling because of its contradictions. Guys are fighting, but actually they are working together making each other look good. It's fighting and violence, but nobody gets hurt.

I understand that sometimes in life we have to fight, and make a stand. I understand we have to defend ourselves and our loved ones and what we believe in with violence sometimes. But I don't feel the "Glory" of true battle. It has to be done, and blood has to be spilled, but it's not glorious.

WRESTLING can be glorious in it's violence, because it's pretend. It's Play and Drama and everything you loved as a kid chasing Cops and Robbers and Cowboys and Indians. I get plenty of "Reality" from real life, and I prefer to enjoy and relish my violence and hate and anger when it's pretend.

To pass the time waiting for tickets I made a comic you can check out here!

THUMB BANANA PRIVATE EYEBALL part 5: Low there cometh the ending!

2011-02-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

THUMB BANANA PRIVATE EYEBALL finally solves the case of POTATO HEADER PUBLIC ENEMY #1!

This was a silly project, but it was really fun for me to do something a little different! Hope you guys got a chuckle out of it!

THUMB BANANA PRIVATE EYEBALL part 4

2011-02-27T13:33:00.000-08:00

Private Eyeball, THUMB BANANA learns that you can never escape from your past!

THUMB BANANA PRIVATE EYEBALL part 3

2011-02-25T00:12:00.000-08:00

THUMB BANANA meets undercover police officer DUSK JACKET!

THUMB BANANA PRIVATE EYE-BALL part 2

2011-02-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

Our favorite Private Dick THUMB BANANA is hot on the trail of public enemy #1 escaped convict POTATO HEADER!

THUMB BANANA : PRIVATE EYE-BALL part 1

2011-02-20T23:33:00.000-08:00

I was busy taking care of stuff and I found myself in a situation where I had to do alot of waiting. So I did some drawing and here's what I came up with, THUMB BANANA : PRIVATE EYE-BALL! *Note, I cleaned up the lettering and threw a tone on the work before posting, for clarity's sake. **Note, the story's 20 chapters long so, for better or worse, there's more to come!

Gotta make stuff to make better stuff...

2011-02-18T00:25:00.000-08:00

I believe it's important to make stuff if you want to make better stuff. Case in point, this piece which I just painted. While it's not one of my favorites, I realize it is an essential "stop" on my journey to make a piece that will surely be one of my favorites. And since I've gotta stop here, I figured I'd share the view with you, too.(:^)

IDIOT ENGINE ep 41:Hiding Behind One's Art

2011-02-13T22:50:00.000-08:00

Fasten your seat belts, this episode's an Adventure in Introspective Space! Me and web cartoonist Ryan Dow of Introspective Comics discuss the idea of hiding behind one's art. We discuss how one can use his/her art as a "Crutch" and the possibility of using one's art to avoid facing the real world. I know it sounds like "Snake pit of the Mind" material, but trust me it's more like "Earthworms of the Soul" material. If you get a chance, take a listen and find out for yourself!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 40: Can technology improve Comics?

2011-02-06T15:43:00.000-08:00

Me and Teacher, Illustrator and Web Cartoonist of PC WEENIES and UNCUBED, Krishna Sadasivam try to answer the question, "Can technology improve comics?" With this episode the ENGINE hits "40" and having Krishna cohosting only proves that much like fine wine, the ENGINE gets better with age! If you have a chance, take a listen!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 39: Struggling with Art!

2011-02-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

A Big "Thank You" goes out to frequent flyer Engineer JAVIER HERNANDEZ for once again cohosting the ENGINE! Javier is the creator of El Muerto, self-publisher, teacher, speaker, podcaster, events organizer and artist. And while this resume is impressive to be sure, it's his deep and sincere passion for communicating and storytelling that makes him an invaluable resource for all of us!

So, if you get a chance, give it a listen!

Gallery Show For Lisa Nguyen

2011-01-31T08:17:00.001-08:00

Here are a few pieces I'm donating to the tribute show for Lisa Nguyen. It was a very moving experience working on these pieces for the show, something very unique to what I'm accustom to. I make stories, create characters, and try to find drama and adventure with my art. But here, I was trying to find... something of Lisa Nguyen, a woman I never really knew. This was very difficult for me, until as I looked over a few pictures of her, spoke to friends that knew her and searched for my memories of the very few times I met her, it dawned on me that I'll never really know her personally, and it would be silly for me to even try. I couldn't "find" Lisa Nguyen, because I didn't know her. But I could see how special she was to all her friends and all the people in her life, and that was a very real and very strong place I could work from.

Now, I've seen alot of pretty pictures, awesome comics and amazing works of art, but there are VERY FEW things in life more beautiful than someone who means so much to others. THAT is true beauty.

The Fabulous Life of Lisa Nguyen
A tribute show
February 6 – 10, 2011

Opening Reception:
Sunday, February 6th in the Werby Gallery, 5:00-7:00PM
Student Gallery courtyard at Cal State University, Long Beach

Gallery Hours:
Monday – Thursday, 12:00- 5:00PM
Wednesday 12:00-7:00PM

Proceeds from the sale of work go toward the Lisa Nguyen Memorial Scholarship

SHOW AND TELL ep. STEVE MARTINEZ

2011-01-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

Painter/Illustrator/Storyboard Artist Steve Martinez shares some very amazing artwork with us directly from his studio!

Independent ANIMATION... IT'S ALIVE!!!

2011-01-27T21:01:00.000-08:00

I had a great time participating in Jim Lujan's latest Cartoon festival "WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' BADGES" at GEEKS comics in Whittier! It was really well done, from the great diverse selection of animated shorts to the superb job of hosting that Animator/Podcaster Raul Aguirre Jr. did. And the Press was there also, taking interviews, and adding to the excitement of the evening, along with a really great crowd of fans and supporters. It was a fun, inspirational and overall very satisfying evening for all in attendance I think, and I'm very appreciative to have been a part of it. I've also got to mention Animator Ken Mora, who was also very instrumental in putting the show together as well as the NUVEIN foundation. Ken, Raul, Jim and NUVEIN, thank you for giving us animators such a great venue to showcase our independent cartoons in!

Animators in attendance (L-R) Dominic Polcino, Raul Aguirre jr, Gras Rodriguez, Jim Lujan, Steve Sievers, Jose Cabrera, Ted Seko, and Ken Mora

Even More SUPER MAN-MONSTERS!

2011-01-24T07:23:00.000-08:00

After I gave up trying to literally follow my pencil rough this one came together for me. I just focused on what the image was about, instead of what it looked like and that was the anchor that kept the piece grounded. Of course, if something only looks like something to you, then I wonder, does it REALLY look like something? Does a tree really fall in the woods if nobody hears it fall? Hmm, sure it does! In that case, this one is okay!

This one is pretty straight forward, though again it only started to work once I stopped trying to follow my pencil rough. Painting really can show me what something is when I stop trying to "Draw" it. Thanks Painting!

SHOW &TELL ABOUT IT ep: Javier Hernandez

2011-01-22T12:10:00.000-08:00

Self-Publisher Javier Hernandez shares some of his favorite comics with us!

SUPERMONSTERS CARTOOOOON SHOW!

2011-01-17T11:04:00.000-08:00

I finally finished editing and revising my flashtoons into the SUPERMONSTERS CARTOON SHOW! for Jim Lujan's upcoming animation show at Geeks, a local comic shop in Whittier. I did several versions of this piece until it came out just the way it should be. And it took a buddy of mine, self-publisher Javier Hernandez who tossed a common phrase I use BACK at me to go that last bit. That phrase? "Are you gonna cr*p it out or CRAFT IT OUT? I'm really appreciative of Jim for motivating me to put together something for his show... he's an incredibly talented animator, but more important(in my opinion) he's truly superhumanly Driven and Focused!

This is one of those projects that I feel really satisfied with. It's like when I made and xeroxed my first minicomic and held it in my hand sitting alone in my room. It's cheezy, full of flaws and inperfections, but it looks good to me and I'm proud I made it!

BULLRED VS THE TENTACLE!

2011-01-15T01:23:00.001-08:00

Yet Another Painting Sketch!

2011-01-11T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here's the Post Apocalyptic Version of Zombieman Zero. I was worried his body type was too generically buff, AND his split face was again TOO generic, but that's just who he is. Don't be afraid to be generic when the situation calls for it. That goes for more than just art too. Now Go get me a sandwich! (J/K... just making fun of my Mr. knowitall big mouth!)

Another study for SUPER MAN-MONSTERS project!

2011-01-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

Painting a profile/portrait of a character is a great way for me to really figure out who they are. Here's another one for my new SUPER MAN-MONSTERS project. Once I realized it was okay to paint a person WITHOUT using flesh colors it came together for me. Part of me says, "Hey, you can't paint a person without using flesh colors, it doesn't look right", but then the Other part of me says, "Yeah? well I just did, and it looks fine to me, what you gonna do about it?" and then the first part says,"Okay then, it's your painting now, go to town..." Sometimes you just have to take control of yourself!

SUPER MAN-MONSTERS!

2011-01-07T07:56:00.001-08:00

Yeah, I know, last year was the year of the SUPERMONSTERS, but hey, this is the year of the super "MAN"-monster!

SHOW & TELL episode: SKETCH COMICS!

2010-12-28T23:47:00.000-08:00

Messing Around with Photoshop and Flash animation

2010-12-26T14:54:00.001-08:00

I'm trying out some new techniques for my latest animation project. This test is a combination of Hand drawn artwork, Photoshop, and Flash. I like the potential I see in combining these techniques. The early development phase of any project is really the most fun, AND important. It's these early choices we as creators make that shapes the outcome of the final piece.

They'll be many more discoveries I make on the road to finishing this latest project... maybe that's one of the reasons I like making stuff!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2010-12-23T19:39:00.000-08:00

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM PAPERENGINE!

Thanks to everybody for their invaluable encouragement and feedback! I know there's Loads of blogs and websites and content online, so taking the time to check out what I'm up to is much appreciated!

Hope everyone has a great holiday season!

IDIOT ENGINE Ep.38: KID STUFF!

2010-12-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Me and Illustrator, Storyboard Director and Children's Book Author CHRIS ROBERTSON discuss the process of making Children's Books. I realized only AFTER finishing recording that this ep went almost 2 friggin' hours! This tells me that either me and Chris talked REALLY slow, or there's a whole bunch of content in it. The best thing about podcasts is You the listener can judge for yourself! Take a listen... If you can keep up with us!

SuperMonsters at the Christmas Craft Fair!

2010-12-05T09:12:00.000-08:00

I Had a fun time tabling at the Christmas Craft Fair this weekend. I did a lot of drawings and talked with some pretty neat people and even sold a few thing too! While I love making stuff, and blogging about it, participating in a show (craft, book, art, comic, etc.) gives me a real sense of completion. I'm like a farmer who just went to market to sell his freshly picked crop, or a fisherman sailing into market with his freshly caught fish.

It was a good day at the market but now it's time to work the ground again and get ready for the next harvest!

IDIOT ENGINE ep37: What the Internet means to our Art!

2010-12-03T07:49:00.000-08:00

Me and Artist/Self-publisher, TYLER JAMES discuss what the Internet means to our Art! Topics include his Really Neat and successful 30 Characters in 30 days Challenge which just concluded, as well as, well... ALOT of topics related to what the Internet means to our Art! Sure it's a "Broad" topic, but don't call her a "Broad" she's a "Lady"!
So, if you get a chance, give it a listen!

PEG HEADS!

2010-11-30T23:00:00.000-08:00

Just finished a series of PEG HEADS! They're like mini 3 dimensional action figure paintings! The wooden shape is so simple and smooth it's a great canvas that lets you "paint" with color and value and line. This series is a "ZOMBIEMAN ZERO" series with different zombiemen in it. The big "Kool Aid" looking guy in the back is a separate "Nesting egg" doll I've been working on. I still have to finish all the other egg dolls inside of him, but he's off to a good start! Fun Stuff Man!

Profiles from SUPERMONSTERAMA!

2010-11-27T09:20:00.000-08:00

The SUPERMONSTERAMA project is making headway this weekend! Here's two profiles of the Supermonsters from the main storyline! Mutator and Gigantotron!

I'm choosing to use the limited color pallet for a nice contrast to the fully rendered paintings throughout the actual story. It's kinda neat how the limited color in old comics and posters was a cost issue but really created a beautiful aesthetic for the artform. That aesthetic can really be seen in some of the old Hammer posters, which they have recently made a pretty friggin neat book out of.

In a time where artists can use literally countless colors and filters and effects to render, it's good to remember that sometimes less is just what the doctor ordered!

SUPERMONSTERAMA GALLERY page...

2010-11-26T09:38:00.000-08:00

Here's an example of an entry in the SUPERMONSTERAMA gallery section. It's really enjoyable writing the copy for the Supermonster gallery entries. Sometimes you can get bogged down trying to make something people will want to buy, or wanting to create an artistic statement on life. My advice is to take a break from making serious, thought provoking, or commercial art every now and then and just have fun. :)

Some SUPERMONSTERS illustrated pages...

2010-11-23T08:33:00.001-08:00

Here are some Illustrated pages from the Supermonsters project I'm working on. These will bridge the Supermonster series of Paintings I did. Why do this? Why not just fully painted storybook OR painted cover/comicbook? I'm doing the peanut butter cup equation... gettin' these "two great tastes and making them taste great together!" It also falls under the "Let your passion fuel your Purpose" idea(Hey, that's from the latest IDIOT ENGINE:) I'm passionate about Supermonster Paintings AND Comics so I'm using 'em to Fuel a story! Blast off!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 36 Passion and how it relates to our Artistic Purpose!

2010-11-06T08:38:00.000-07:00

A FIRST TIME EVER TITANIC 3-D Idiot Engine podcast! 3 Dimensions of Hosts that is! A big Thank you goes out to Storyboard Artist LUIS ESCOBAR and Artist/Self-publisher JAVIER HERNANDEZ for helping me triple team the latest ENGINE! . It's a scenic trip through the topic of "Passion and how it relates to one's Artistic Purpose" so pace this one out folks!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 35: The Suspension of Disbelief!

2010-10-24T09:16:00.000-07:00

Me and Publisher KEITH RAINVILLE finish up our talk on "The Suspension of Disbelief" as it pertains to movies, comics, pro-wrestling and Jerzy Shore! A big "Thank You" to Keith for coming back again this episode (If you missed the last one, Check it out!) and taking this one all the way Home!

The Suspension of Disbelief is something we deal with everyday in the modern media and definitely worth giving some thought to, so if you get a chance, give a listen!

Art is more than ... Art!

2010-10-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Just finished doing a digital mock up for the title page for the gallery section of the project I'm working on and it's feeling just about right. It's one thing to make art but another thing to present it, either in print or on the web or in a slide show or etc.
It can be just as satisfying to design a composition for paste up as it is finishing a piece of art. It's all art after all just different mediums.

Recycling old paintings...

2010-10-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

So I reworked an old painting "Mr. Bacon" and turned it into "Green spiderweb of Skull Island" (Yup, I just made up that title...) Feels a little derivative, but that's what that painting is. If you looked at it's DNA the "Derivative" chromosome would be present... Don't deny your painting it's true identity!

More Painted Supermonsters!

2010-10-09T17:08:00.000-07:00

Yup! I'm still having a Blast plugging away at my latest SUPERMONSTERS project~

IDIOT ENGINE ep 44:Publisher Keith Rainville!

2010-10-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

On the latest ENGINE me and Keith Rainville, publisher of FROM PARTS UNKNOWN and VINTAGE NINJA.NET discuss Ninjas, Cartoons, Gigantor And how publishing has changed with the advent of the digital internet age. Sure, the "Geek" level is rather high in this one, but I've never been more proud to be "Geeky"! Take a listen!

Yet ANOTHER SUPERMONSTER painting!

2010-09-27T23:28:00.000-07:00

Yet another SUPERMONSTER painting in the series I'm putting together...

latest SUPERMONSTER painting!

2010-09-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Chugging away at my latest project SUPERMONSTERAMA! Painting is a fascinating medium, utilizing the various aspects of color alone is a blast, AND there's still composition, brush stroke, texture etc! Deep down though, it stokes my early fascination with the GREAT package art done for the classic GI JOE Toys and Japanese Giant Robots and Monsters and Heroes! Advice for the day: Don't ignore the little kid in you, just keep him off my friggin' lawn!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 33:Where do we as Artists/Storytellers fit in a struggling economy?

2010-09-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

On the Latest ENGINE me and JERZY DROZD ask the question, "Where do we as artists/storytellers fit in a struggling economy?" You see it in the headlines and on the news every day, unemployment is high and the economy is takin' a big hit right now. It's tough times and Me and Jerzy discuss how Art/storytelling fit into the equation of a Struggling Economy. Thanks Jerzy!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 32: ORGANIZING pros and cons

2010-09-06T08:52:00.000-07:00

Me and JAVIER HERNANDEZ discuss the pros and cons of ORGANIZING group gallery shows/conventions/events as well as ORGANIZING ourselves as artists into art groups/associations. Self-publishers/Artists are traditionally "Lone Wolves" in the professional world, heck, just look at the term "Self"-publisher. On this episode of the ENGINE Me and Jav look at how and in what ways us 'LONE WOLVES" can run in PACKS. Jav's been very active in organizing events as well as the artist group the CARTOONISTAS so he's takin' point on this one! Thanks Jav!

More SUPERMONSTERS paintings

2010-09-05T01:14:00.000-07:00

Yet more SUPERMONSTERS paintings... I wonder, does this ever get any easier? Maybe the struggle and challenge of the paint is it's charm, then again maybe I just need more practice!

Some More painted SUPERMONSTERS...

2010-08-29T09:14:00.000-07:00

Here's another in the series of SuperMonsters paintings I've been working on. It's really neat how Limitations can be seen as a "Yellow Brick Road" of sorts in our art. The fact that I don't have an unlimited pallet (Like I would with a digital medium) and I can't "step back" and erase mistakes with a flick of a click, are actually part of the "scaffolding" that guides me in my work. Sometimes, its easier to at least have limitations and do a MacGuyver than it is to do a StarTrek "Genesis Device" world building from scratch number. Hah! That's gotta be the most Quotation Marks I've ever used in a post!

SuperMonster paintings!

2010-08-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

I'm currently doing a series of paintings and here's one I just finished, Yay!

ZOMBIEMAN ZERO PEG HEAD box!

2010-08-17T08:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a finished version of my ZOMBIEMAN ZERO wooden "Peg Head" figurine complete with box and "Collect-me-card". I'm a big fan of those Japanese "Candy Toys" and this PEG HEAD toy was totally inspired by them! It's really satisfying to make something in a genre that inspires you! It's enlightening and it lets you appreciate it on a whole new level. So, my Life Tip for the day is... If you like something, Make it!

IDIOT ENGINE ep 31:Compromise or Conquer?

2010-07-30T08:15:00.000-07:00

Me and Podcaster, Illustrator, Self-publisher, Teacher and all around He-man MARK RUDOLPH discuss how we as artists Compromise with our limitations and/or Conquer our limitations.

And back after several months is the WARMUP QUESTION! This episode we warmup our discussion with a talk about one of the greatest television shows of all time. Are we talking about oh MADMEN maybe? Perhaps the SOPRANOS? Gimme a Break! You'll have to listen to find out, but in the meantime I'll give you a hint...

Cool Stuff from MARY BELLAMY!

2010-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

Just got some great work from MARY BELLAMY! Mary does some amazing sketch cards and I was finally able to commission her for my 4 favorite characters, needless to say I was delighted with her renditions of GIANT ROBOT, GAIKING, GIGANTOR and KIKAIDA! I also ordered her plush figures (Hey, a GUY can order plush figures if he wants to!) and they've been initiated into the neighborhood of toys I keep company with. They fit right in with the Bionic Bigfoot and Billy Cole!

Mary's exhibiting at San Diego Comic Con this coming week, and I encourage everybody to stop by and check out her work! Now if you'll excuse me, I think DVORAK(the dark one with batwings!) and Billy Cole are going to have a ROYAL RUMBLE with Bionic Bigfoot and Maskatron, OH YEAHHHH!

You've heard of SKETCH BOOKS, SKETCH CARDS and SKETCH DOLLS... Presenting SKETCH COMICS!

2010-07-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

So, what's a SKETCH COMIC? It's a homemade one-of-a-kind comic done completely by hand, from pencil to ink to inkwash to lettering to painted cover to stapled binding. There's a really refreshing immediacy you feel when inking on the ACTUAL pages of your comic and painting on the ACTUAL cover of your book. There's not a wide margin for error, that's for sure. But it's great fun, and a good exercise for your artistic muscles.

Just imagine, JUST IMAGINE how friggin' amazing it would be to find out that JACK KIRBY did a Sketch comic, or STEVE DITKO or HERB TRIMPE or even ALEX TOTH! Well, I ain't no JACK KIRBY, I'm just "me" but I made one and it's not my imagination, and I guess that counts for something!

IDIOT ENGINE EP 30: How Color "Colors" our Perceptions!

2010-07-04T09:26:00.001-07:00

A Big Thank You goes out to Mary Bellamy for cohosting the latest IDIOT ENGINE! Mary's a Self-Publisher, and accomplished illustrator and character designer who's work you can marvel at HERE! We talk Color Technique, Theory and Gilligan's Island on this episode! And I dare you NOT to crave a McDonalds Burger after listening to this one!

Mary was the First Lady to be on the ENGINE, so it's only fitting that she be dubbed "The First Lady of the IDIOT ENGINE!" Huzzah! Thanks Again Mary!

GEEKS CON was ON!

2010-06-22T22:06:00.000-07:00

A great comic show well attended by the public, Geeks Con was indeed ON! The organizers behind the first Geeks Con have alot to be proud of. This show is exactly what a local intimate comiccon should be, a venue where artists and fans and the general public can get together and have a good time buying and selling merchandise, sketching for each other, and sharing knowledge. I spent the whole day with artists, animators, script writers, teachers, fans, and collectors, with one thing in common, an appreciation for the art that we all do. And as far as I'm concerned, that's what makes a successful comic show.

Me talking with Renato Aguirre of the Nuvein foundation.

Mike Aushenker!

AGIMAT Comics And their AMAZING NEW Video Game!

JIM LUJAN'S DVD!

It's a shame I can't show you guys all the neat people and stuff at the show, from RAFAEL NAVARRO and his friggin Amazing comics and SKETCHBOOK( honestly, every time I look at his work I am filled with equal parts awe and envy! The dude is simply great at capturing the best of the comic art form) to all the other amazing artists and creators in attendance, Jose Cabrera friggin CRYING MACHOMAN himself was there as was SHERM COHEN! Like I said, I can't show you everything, so all I can do is encourage you to check out your local comic shows and meet the people that make the stuff we all dig so much!

Gotta thank Javier Hernandez, Jim Lujan, and Sal the owner of Geeks (and everybody else who took part in the show!) for doing such a great job!

GEEK'S CON!

2010-06-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

Geek's comic shop in Whittier is hosting it's first ever GEEKS CON tmo from noon to 10 pm! There's a lot of comicbook buzz going down in the San Gabriel Valley of CA, and a majority of it is coming from Sal's store, GEEKS. If you get a chance, drop by and meet some of the coolest Comicbook creators, Artists, Animators, Bloggers and Webcartoonists around town! A couple things to keep an eye out for: Jim Lujan's latest and possibly greatest DVD of his GHETTOMATION animated cartoons, Mike Aushenker will be signing his just released comic book and Javier Hernandez will be premiering his new EL MUERTO Sketch Dolls! Not to mention Sherm Cohen of CARTOON SNAP fame, as well as a great list of other... greats! I'll also be there hanging out with my new PULPED sketchbook! come on by and say "Hi!"

IDIOT ENGINE episode 29: Using Comics as a springboard for Creating other Art!

2010-06-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

Me and Independent publisher/podcaster/teacher/artist/writer (whew, I'm runnin' out of (/) slashes!) JAVIER HERNANDEZ discuss how to use comics as a springboard for creating other types of Art. Comics can be seen as a "gateway" artform, that can branch off to Illustration, logo formation, toy creation, cartoons, etc. Does this compromise the integrity of comics as Art? Answers will vary... That's one of the fascinating aspects of any Artform, there's no ONE answer... Thanks for co-hosting for the nth time Javi!

OVER THE TOP AND UNDER THE PANTS

2010-05-21T00:33:00.000-07:00

Here's a short Flash cartoon I put together in Flash. Pretty Goofy!

THE GOOD SAMARITAN

2010-05-01T10:13:00.000-07:00

It's Free comicbook Day and everybody is out doing shows/parades/signings! Though I'm not "out and about" sharing the coolness that is comics, I'm "in and around" the 'net, so... Here's a 5 page short comic story done in the EERIE CREEPY PULPY vein... (Done on the cintiq from rough thumbnails scanned.)

IDIOT ENGINE episode 28:How Art makes us Strong

2010-04-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

Me and DAVE BAKER of MODERN MYTHOLOGY PRESS discuss how Art Makes us Strong on the latest IDIOT ENGINE. Dave really has a passion for Art and his work shows it. He's a true talent and the sky's the limit for this dude! No, I take that back. The sky's too limiting for this guy! Take a ride on the Idiot Engine and listen to one of the voices that's making the future of comics bright!

IDIOT ENGINE episode 27: "How do you breath Life into your artwork?""

2010-04-14T20:44:00.001-07:00

Me and Storyboard Director, Supervisor,Writer, Artist, Cartoonist and Teacher SHERM COHEN discuss how to breath life into one's Artwork. Sherm is a true Scholar of Storyboarding and Cartooning and it was my great pleasure to cohost the ENGINE with him. We discuss everything from Drawing with Confidence to "Ingesting" JACK KIRBY's Artwork! Take a listen and ride the IDIOT ENGINE!
Thanks for cohosting Sherm, it was quite a RIDE!