Anatomy for the Arist; Mid-Term Assignment part 2

Create a creature from referencing real life animals. I used ink and prisma color pencil for my design.

Mid-Term: Anatomy Study

Life size anatomy study for Anatomy for the artist class mid-term assignment. Completed on butcher paper using prisma color pencil. Purpose was to understand human bone and muscle anatomy by creating full size reference.

Art 371A Illustration- Assignment 1

Assignment: Select one of the sports phrases from the excerpt of the New York Times' "On Language" column and use it as inspiration for a drawing that illustrates the concepts explored in the text. Is the article about sports language, or about vernacular used out of context, or about the use of metaphors? Use any medium you wish (except marker). The finished illustration should be 5"x7.5" black and white continuous tone image. This assignment is an introduction to the basic elements of editorial illustration, emphasizing an awareness of the relationship between a text and an illustration, and creativity within the responsibility of the drawing to the client commissioning the drawing.

Art 371A; Illustration- Assignment 2

Standing Figure: An introduction to modern pictorial styles and an investigation of their effect on form and content. Create a standing figure at least 20" high and divide into 5 equal, horizontal sections. Each section is to exemplify one of the following styles: Art Nouveau, Expressionism, Surrealism, Art Deco and Cartoon.

Upper Arm Challenge Presentation

This is an upper arm study I created for a group presentation. Each muscle can be removed and reveals the name of the muscle on the back. I made it out of illustration board and ink wash. I hope the class enjoys the little game I have for them.

Slave to Society

An old design re-visited. I created this design in high school and I took the time to give it another go around. I feel inspired to look at my high school journals and elaborate more on the art work to insert along side my upgraded journal entries. My journals consist of poems, stories and thoughts. Each journal is a glimpse into several periods of my life.

Flaming Coward

Flaming Coward
This critter is a large creature, approximately 12-15 feet in length. The Flaming Coward is a clever, skulking predator that travels the Underdark in search of easy prey. It is particularly fond of Drow sandwiches.Flaming Cowards are, as their name says, cowardly creatures. They prefer to lie in ambush or stalk foes from the shadows. A Flaming Coward will often wait for it's prey to engage in combat before moving in for an opportunistic bite attack. Because of this hunting technique, the Flaming Coward will normally "shadow" other creatures that are often in contact with Drow. The Flaming Coward, if attacked, will try to run from the fight unless victory is assured. In the event that it is unable to flee, and it's death looks evident, it will use it's special attack. Once a day, the Flaming Coward has the ability to put their body into a state of extreme stress. This causes a chemical to be released into their body (similar to our adrenal response) that causes a dramatic rise in body temperature. So dramatic is the rise in temperature, that is can cause burns upon contact, and is even known to cause flammable material to spontaneously combust within 10' of the Flaming Coward.
For this creature I came up with the idea that the power of the heat comes from two seperate chemicals that when mixed causes a reaction and radiates immense heat, killing anything up to 10 feet away.

Earthquake Dragon

Concept Name: Catastrophic Dragon
Due Date: July 12, 2009, Noon PST Concept
Description: Let's get back to our roots here - critters!
Our very first challenge had to do with development of a critter, and it just seems fitting to have the first challenge for the next "best of ArtOrder" kick off with a critter piece. Not to mention - I love critters! While critters are cool, let's kick it up a notch. I've received a million requests to make an art challenge based on dragons...well now is your chance. Yesterday, Dragon® magazine rolled out a playtest article so you could test drive a new catastrophic dragon - the Volcanic Dragon. It's a really cool new dragon. Without getting deep into the story and mechanics of the piece (you want that, then subscribe!) - the basic concept of the catastrophic dragon is simple. They are infused with the elemental fury that brings about catastrophic effects in the world. So, a volcanic Dragon is infused with the elemental fury of the volcano. When you look at the concept art created by Richard Whitters, Wizards of the Coast Lead concept artist, you will notice that the "body" of the dragon is just a shell or carapace that holds the elemental fury. It is a fun and cool concept.The Details
• The catastrophic force that you will be using is "earthquake".
• You can choose how you show that elemental force.
• Create a catastrophic dragon that follows the basic body style shown in the Volcanic Dragon
• Create a unique head profile/silhouette, and other body elements that create a easily identified dragon (from the other catastrophic dragons)
I designed my Earthquake Dragon to be a ground dwelling dragon; this means the Earthquake Dragon cannot fly. The Earthquake Dragon can dig and borrow underground and as it moves beneath the surface the "rock like" spines on its back tear through the earths crust creating devastating tremors ultimately destroying everything in its path. Once the Earthquake Dragon emerges from the depths of the earth it is just as destructive. The Earthquake Dragon does not have the ability to breath fire like the traditional dragons, but it does have the ability to release seismic sound waves from its vocal cavity that can crack through rock and stone mountain sides. The size of the Earthquake dragon is catastrophic in itself. Any movement shakes the earth beneath its claws.

B&W Vampires Challenge for Wizards of the Coast

Concept Name: B&W VampiresDue Date: June 28, 2009, Noon PSTConcept Description: This is it - the very last challenge to join and get the qualified to be considered for entry in the first ever "Best of ArtOrder" book.
Twist 1 - I've asked two art directors from some competing games publishing companies to jump in and judge the challenge. As soon as I get confirmation, I will reveal the art directors in question. Think on it - three art directors...three companies...three times the exposure.
Twist 2 - I'm going to toss a commission into the mix. I'll put on B&W commission for an upcoming product into the ring, and see who wants to walk away with it. I will name that person, based upon their quality of work and ability to execute the art description to my satisfaction. I've also offered this option to the two other art directors...so keep an eye on these pages and see if they accept the challenge and sweeten the pot even more.
The Art Description:Illo 001: Gwenth and GarrethSpecifications: 1/3 V - 3” w X 6.75” hThis illo depicts a pair of vampires: Gwenth and Garreth. Must be B&W - no grayscale. You can use line, hatch, zip tone, stipple any tool or technique - as long as it is strictly BLACK & WHITE.
Gwenth: A female vampire, once a human, who excels at stealth and ambush attacks. She wears leather armor and carries two short swords. She should look both seductive and dangerous, but let’s avoid clothing that’s too revealing or risqué. She has short, dark hair, and is an effective assassin. If we see her partially obscured by shadows, that’s great.
Garreth: A male vampire, once a human, who is more of an up-front bruiser. He wears leather armor, and carries a heavy shield and short sword. He’s standing in front of Gwenth, almost protectively. He has pale, almost white hair, and the scars of several battles. He’s thickly built and muscular, and his mouth is open to reveal his fangs and vampiric nature.

Rendering 1- Assignment 8 Final

Assignment: Standing Figure- Create a standing figure based on a human and animal form. The basic form must be organic, with at least four distinct surface textures included and carefully rendered. Some parts should be metallic. Use a hot main light source and a cool reflected light. Due Wednesday, May 20.
This project was very challenging in the sense where I needed to concentrate on the light source as well as the way the light source will read when it hits a specific type of texture. I did a lot of research for reference in order to complete this final project. This project proved to be the most challenging for me. I chose to do a half female; half black widow spider creature with feather-like hair texture and liquid metal arms. I am not too happy with the results, but If I keep at it I think I can do better. I named the character "Blood Widow".

Typography 1- Assignment Final

In this assignment I was to create a workbook of all my typography projects from the semester. My book was 145 pages long! I made the design simple so that each project could stand alone on it's own page. This class was AWESOME! I had a lot of fun with the typographic drills although it was CRAZY!! Here are some of my typographic drills.

Rendering 1- Assignment 7

Assignment: Color still life- Create a still life of fruit. Use at least four kinds of fruit. Use Acrylic and Gouache. Make half the fruit in a non-fruit texture. Due Monday, May 4.

In this project I picked an apple, a banana, a small watermelon and a guyabano. I tried to choose two types of fruit that were interesting enough as they were in texture and two that were simple in texture. The two that were simple and texture (apple and banana) I chose to change the texture. I made the apple look like human heart tissue and the banana look like a cigar. I found this project tested my ability to, not only paint, but paint realism. I feel I learned the most from this project.

Rendering 1- Assignment 6

Assignment: Mask 2- Render the same mask with a texture of your choice. Render the mask in a gouache wash and detail in prisma color pencils. Use two light sources, one warm and one cool. Paint a flat black background behind the mask. DUE MONDAY, APRIL 20.
Again this assignment kicked BUTT! Just when I thought it couldn't get any COOLER, my instructor throws a texture into the warm and cool color mix. I had a lot of fun finding what texture I wanted to do. I went with Dart Frog skin texture. The trick was to make that specific texture look like it was being lit by a warm and cool light. Prisma color was easier to work with, but did not seem to have the same crispness as gouache, but I think it turned out pretty well. I got some good feedback from the instructor. I really think I can do a series of these masks. Could be fun! A mask for every mood.

Typography 1- Assignment 5

For this assignment I was to re-create an already famous corporate logo. I chose to do comic book companies. After I chose the logos I was going to remake I used one font out of the already illustrator traced fonts and created the company name out of that style. This was more difficult then it sounds. I was unable to use color or graphics. I could only use the specific font style and fill it black. Some I thought looked alright. I found that there were some spots I just wanted to make up, but then I would be breaking the rules. So, I kept to the policy and I got what I got.

Rendering 1- Assignment 5

Assignment: Mask 1- Select a Halloween mask based on a human face. Paint the mask matte white. Render the mask in gouache. Use two light sources, one warm and one cool. Paint a flat black background behind the mask. DUE MONDAY, APRIL 20.
This assignment was AWESOME! I had a lot of fun with the dynamics of this assignment from finding the mask to drawing the mask on illustration board then into the actual painting of the mask. I found that I had trouble actually stopping at a point. I really need to work on finding a point and STOPPING! Anyway, I was pretty happy with the finished product and can see myself doing a series of these masks. I like the way they eerily stand out of the darkness. I found that gouache is a pain in the BUTT to work with, but you can really get good crisp lines and detail.
(note) I was worried about walking with it in the rain cause gouache does not keep well.

Typography 1- Assignment 4

For this assignment I had to take all of the alphabet sets that I created and pick the best set and then live trace it on Illustrator for a final black and white mixed font alphabet. This was a pretty easy assignment. There wasn't much to it, but I did learn more about Adobe Illustrator. Live trace is good for quick graphic logos.

Rendering 1- Assignment 4

Assignment: Morning room scene- Using 2 point perspective, render the scene on coquille board using a black prisma color pencil and a full range of values and smooth shading. The room should look as if it is being dimly lit by light that is coming from a window. DUE MONDAY, MARCH 23.
This assignment was the most challenging thus far. When I bought the coquille board I thought to myself "This is some BULL!" This type of illustration board is really toothy and textured so when I was shading with the prisma color pencil I found that I really had to press hard in order to get the dark values as dark as possible. "A little elbow grease," says my instructor. I say a sh*t load of elbow grease and 10 prisma color pencils for one drawing. After all was said and done the picture did not come out the way I wanted it to, but turned it in so that I can learn to stop myself instead of rendering things to DEATH! This was a great project for humility. I did, however, enjoy learning two point perspective and also creating my concept. I chose to do a dungeon scene with a knight coming to the rescue of a damsel in distress. The dim light source does not come from a window, but a port hole into the dungeon. I did get a pat on the back for originality. I think I would like to take the same concept and redo the drawing in paint on a NORMAL illustration board.

Typography 1- Assignment 3

In this assignment I was asked to take over a hundred different photos of text around my town of Aliso Viejo. I was to take pictures of each letter in the alphabet (Capitol and lowercase). I was also asked to do numbers 0-9 as well. I found it very easy to find text around my town, but found it very difficult to take the picture due to mall and store policies. I was sent to the mall security office and asked to leave the premises. I then went to Laguna to take pictures and was run off by shop owners. Luckily I was able to finish all five sets of alphabets. After I had the images I was told to place them in Adobe Illustrator and create five sets. This assignment taught me to LOOK at other text where ever I go. There are so many different kinds, some good, some bad, but all can be appreciated.

Rendering 1- Assignment 3

Assignment- Metaphorical Self Portrait- Compose a small still life made up of a single object that reflects something about you; your passion, your special interest. Render the object using pen and ink in four different approaches: line, parallel line, stipple and cross hatching. Use a single light source. DUE Monday, March 9.
This assignment proved to be very technical and difficult to do. I give MAJOR props to ARTISTS who specialize in inking cause it is HARD. Although there was some difficulty for me I had a lot of fun and did learn a lot about the different style of inking.

Typography 1-Assignment 2

For this assignment I was to create a full alphabet by using the concept from my first assignment and then name the new alphabet. I called my alphabet "GERMS". I first drew out my final concepts on trace paper and then scanned them into photoshop. After touching them up a bit I imported them into Illustrator and then live traced each letter and number. After they were all traced in Illustrator I formatted them onto an 11x17 page and then printed them for show in class. I then had to create a sentence using the font as well as create some words to go with the style.

Rendering 1- Assignment 2

Assignment: Life- Create a small, portable still life made up of a smooth, matte white cylinder, sphere and cube, glued to a surface. Render the objects and their cast shadows using a full range of graphite pencils and smooth shading. The still life should look as if it is being lit from above and to the left. DUE Mon. February 16.
This assignment was another assignment that allowed me to further understand smooth cross hatching while also using all different graphite wieghts. After creating the still life with several styrophome shapes I snapped off a few digital photos and placed them into photoshop to highten the contrast. I printed out the reference as well as kept the model constructed at home so that I could work at school as well as at home. I was to use ranges of graphite from H4 to B4. I had a lot of fun exploring and expirimenting with the different values of graphite. I wish I would have spent even more time darkening this picture for ultimate contrast.

Cuckoo's Nest Logo Design:2009

This is my very first Logo Design. Thank you Nina for giving me the opportunity to create this logo for you!
For this design I was told the logo needed to resembled a dear friend of Nina's. Nina gave me a picture and a couple of t-shirts that included past designs. The design also had to be pirate related. So, Nina asked if I could make her friend a pirate. I was also told that the pirate needed to be holding a wine goblet in one hand and grapes in the other. After a couple of practice sketches and dreaming up looks for this t-shirt logo, I finally came up with one that I worked. After I hand drew the picture of my pirate with reference to Nina's friend I then hand inked the drawing for crisp and richer lines. I then scanned the image into Adobe Illustrator and live traced the image for a cleaner graphic look. Lastly I added the text with Illustrator and sen it to Nina for approval....and she LOVED IT! YAAAAY!