The other day, I had to call a client to discuss some work, and I borrowed an empty office to get some privacy.
While we spoke, I absently picked up the only writing implement on the abandoned desk – a red ballpoint pen – and started doodling on an old notepad the desk’s former occupant (or most-recent squatter) had left behind.
When the call was over, I had this drawing. I kind of liked it, so I snapped a picture with my phone.
*
I often doodle when I’m thinking… particularly when listening to another person or group of people talking about a project I’m involved with…
While I’m listening and making notes, I’m also usually filling up the spaces around the notes with Margin-Doodles. So if I’m doodling while you’re talking, don’t think that means I’m not paying attention… it’s actually just a part of how my brain works… part of how I synthesize information.
I’m sure this sounds strange to some people… and I’m equally certain that it makes perfect sense to others.
*
So I’ve recently been working on improving my personal workspace… and this has included a good bit of long-overdue housekeeping.
While sorting through old paperwork and notebooks to toss in the recycling bin, I culled a group of Margin-Doodles that I really liked, and didn’t want to lose…
So here they are for safe-keeping… with the added benefit that I now have a handy place to look at them when I want to see them…
Teh InterWebz is good :)
*
*
The Hunger Games trilogy really surprised to me… when my wife & daughter told me I should read the books a year ago, I smiled and said “You know, maybe I will” but in my mind I was thinking “I really don’t have time to spend reading a teenage girl romance novel.” And so I didn’t end up picking up the first book until about 2 or 3 months ago… and then it was only because I was incredibly bored, and figured at least this would pass some time.
Once I started reading, I was almost immediately caught up in the premise, and the story moved at such an easy pace that I was 1/2-way through the book before I knew it. I ended up burning through the triology in about 4-5 weeks (which is unusual for me, as I tend to read at a more leisurely speed.)
By the time I finished reading the books, the teaser-trailers for the movie had hit the Internet and I had a few weeks to digest what I’d read, and to wonder what the film interpretation would be like. I’m not going to review the books, or the movie… all in all, I’ll just say that I really loved the books, and thoroughly enjoyed taking my wife and daughters to see the movie, so the Hunger Games is ‘win’ in my book.
2012 is the Year of the Dragon.
It’s been a long time since I drew a dragon. I used to draw them quite a bit when I was a kid, but it’s been a while for sure. I heard that 2012 is the year of the dragon, and a friend at work suggested I draw a dragon for the blog, so… here it is.
Happy Halloween 2011!
I didn’t get around to carving a real pumpkin this Halloween, so I figured I’d at least draw up a Jack-O-Lantern instead.
When I’m asked to create illustrations for themed blog entries, the process – and the result – can sometime be pretty sketchy. But this time, when asked to do an illustration for a Dreams-themed blog, the idea and the image came together really nicely. That’s not to say that the idea came immediately… it didn’t. But when it did come, it was clear and complete, and I could see it in my mind… which really helps the drawing process.
There are a lot of ways to represent dreaming… but I really liked this one. It’s that innocent – and I think pretty universal – dream of just wanting to be with that person who makes your heart feel like a brightly-colored crayon drawing.
And that’s what my honey does to me… she makes me feel like a crayon drawing :)
I’m just living the dream ;)
Craig @ Cutting Edge DJs asked me for another drawing… to go along with another blog he wants to publish… a list of his favorite car-themed songs…
When he asked, I was really busy… and really tired…
But rather than saying “No” or “Maybe next month” I decided to have some fun with him… and I sent him this :)
He wasn’t impressed!
It still makes me laugh, even as I’m writing this.
LULZ
Another version of the White Rabbit character design.
Here I think I succeeded in eliminating the “creepy” feeling of the previous version (which seemed to really bother some folks) and he’s still more sleek & charismatic than the original “dirty bum” version… and most importantly, there is definitely the sense that he’s not at all safe or sweet… but somewhat sinister and dangerous instead.
I think this is a good base for me to move forward with this character design… more to come soon, I hope.
Here’s the 2nd draft of my White Rabbit character design exercise.
In this version I pushed the character toward a cleaner, sleeker look, as opposed to the dirty/nasty look of the 1st draft. But even as I was cleaning up his overall appearance, I still wanted my White Rabbit to seem menacing… dangerous… sinister.
I showed this design to handful of people, and ALL of them told me they found it very disturbing. “Creepy” was the word most of them used.
Honestly, I really like the look of this guy… including his creepiness. But based on the feedback, I’m going to go ahead and take another whack at this. For the next version, I’ll see if I can come up with a character design that retains the sleek & dangerous feeling, but is less disturbing to look at.
Stay tuned…*
When the Zombies come, I plan to be ready. I’ve read the books… I’ve watched the movies… I’ve played the video games… So armed as I am with all the necessary training, I fully plan to survive.
But you know what they say, Zombies laugh while men make plans… And I realize that even after all my intense preparations, there is always the chance that one of the filthy Undead will catch me offguard and put the bite on me.
In that event, I go to my backup plan… to be the most awesomest Zombie evar.
And yes, I will eat your brain… but it will be your honor.
Sean Gallo Designs 