Birthday Wishes

So I am doing more of those doodles of my friends (I'm pretty sure this one is self-explanatory). But these are quick and kind of fun. Although my tablet and sketching programs have been getting on my nerves lately...

AFI's #94

Pulp Fiction

(1994)

Last Friday a friend invited me to see Quentin Tarantino's classic over in Beverly Hills at a revival movie theater. It was a bit of an interesting experience. I, like most, if not all, people in that theater had seen the movie several times, yet we were all there to enjoy it again on the big screen--it kind of gave a different vibe to the room.

There is nothing I can say other then this is just a cool movie. I could talk about the non-linear story structure or speculate on what was in the briefcase. But I would much rather just call it a cool movie and move on.

However, I did take note at many of the shot decisions that were being made. Tarantino's movies are always rich with long scenes of dialogue and they are always handled so nicely with much variety.

This gave me the idea to start a swipe file:










I sifted through over 8,000 images and swiped over 100. And I feel like I really learned something from it (like how Tarantino really likes upshots). It's a little easier to understand the decisions be made for every shot when you look at everything as a still.

This may help me become a good story artist yet!

AFI's #35

Annie Hall

(1977)

Choosing my movies based on availability and whatever the hell I feel like, I am kicking off the list with Woody Allen's Annie Hall.

Within the first few minutes of the movie, I had the feeling that I wasn't going to enjoy the movie very much. I think it had to do with the fact that it started with an introductory monologue by Woody Allen--and quite frankly there is something about his person that I find disturbing to watch. But once the movie really got started with its wonderful 4th-wall-breaking asides, long unabridged shots, and quirky meandering story telling, I found myself drawn into it much more.

The main characters are awkward, cynical, distraught, and confused--and they feel far more real because of it. For a movie that is mostly comprised of long scenes of dialogue, there is plenty of variety to keep interested.

It's also pretty neat to see actors when they were much younger. Including the likes of Jeff Golblum, Christopher Walken, and I guess Sigourney Weaver (though I seemed to missed her entirely when I watched the movie).

("What's my mantra?)

All in all I liked it. And I can see why many people regard it as their favorite Woody Allen movie. I dunno if I could pass a judgment like that--he has so many freakin' movies and I have seen so few of them. But of the ones I have seen, I can say this is one my favorites. Vicky Cristina Barcelona may have something to say about it, but I'm pretty sure it's just my hots for Penelope Cruz talking....

(Aren't Al Hirschfeld caricatures wonderful? I sure think so)

American Film Institute's Top 100

I have decided to up my movie education. And I could read some books on cinema, watch documentaries on directors, or listen to podcasts on Hollywood...

...or....

Just watch a bunch of freakin' movies! I am starting with this list:

AFI's top 100
(the updated 2007 list)

The plan is to watch every movie on that list--and I guess I could write about them as I do. I have seen several on this list already, but I guess I could watch them again (even though I know don't like a few of them).

It's too bad it doesn't have foreign films, but I figured this was a good place to start.

Whatev. I have the rest of my life for movie watching.

Soooo....

...I doodled this one like I did the last for a friend. He asked me too, but now that I think of it, it may have been just a set up for the rest of his comment--where he insults me. The moral of the story is: I'll find any excuse not to work on my portfolio.

And that my tablet needs proper calibration.

No Work and No Play

(Cali in his natural habitat--notice he is posturing for snoo snoo)

I have been drawing and painting for a several hours today and NOTHING I have done is any good. Ugh. Just one of those days....

Lately, I have just been out of it. I think I am in one of those funks. The kind that life just likes to slip you into when you weren't noticing.

And Cali no like. Cali want it stop. Or Cali smash!

Vive La France

I feel like I have art attention deficit disorder, A.A.D.D., if you will (but you wont and you shouldn't because it sounds stupid!). Anyways, I can't seem to stay focused on any one project! I did this for fun, but half way through it I thought it would look waaaay cooler if I vectored it. So, I'll probably re-do it in illustrator.

Then the vector version I have in mind may also look cool on a t-shirt.

Anyways, this was from a sketch I did while I was in France.

The sketch was inspired by a very cliche lookin' french girl when I was out 'n about in Paris. The writing was my attempt at journaling while on the trip.

....But then I realized how lame journaling is so I stopped a few days later.

The Opposite of What I Wanted

About a week ago I sat down to attempt to work on a gift for a friend--it is supposed to be a set of 3 nude females. The plan was to make them artsy and expressive, but instead I got this very rough tonal studay... (ugh!)

But not too bad for not having a model in front of me (although I did have to refer back to my anatomy books several times). In any event, I can use this as a reference for when I attempt the drawing again. As for the other two figures....

I have NO idea what I am going to do! Or where I am going with this set. I have an idea in my head but can't seem to get it down. Guess we'll have to see how this project evolves.

I miss life drawing classes....

A Graphic Aside

Here is a Thank You card I was commissioned to do for two newly weds. It is to be printed on 5x7 card stock. I haven't seen the final prints, but I am told they look great. Side projects can be quite fun at times. It also helped that the bride had a fairly clear idea of what she wanted the cards to look like i.e. vintage carnival theme.

Front

Back

Well, back to my drawing!

Designer's Block

So I'm working on a project (one that has been on my mind for over a YEAR now!) and I think I am finally starting to get somewhere. I've been really trying to work out my characters' designs and I think I am FINALLY starting to get to a look that I like.

The cork board in front of my drawing table is clearly not big enough for my concept development.

Finished designs coming soon.

Back from Hiatus

Yesterday marked my first "official" day back from my own personal vacation since I graduated from school in May. I spent all of July backpacking through Europe with my buddy, The Bui (most photos go to his credit). Then August came and I was back home.

Since back I have been really enjoying my free time. I have been working. I have been drawing and painting. And I even had a few small free lance gigs. But now it's time to get back into gear.

First order of business is my portfolio which I have started working on. And back to blogging!

Anyways! Here are some photos from the trip. I just selected a few because there are just too many! Seriously though, when I look through the folder with the all the pictures from Europe (I think it contains over 600) I question whether or not all that really happened...

But it did.

4 weeks -- 7 countries -- 12+ cities

All I can really say is this:

I went to Europe for a month and got my ass cultured.

4th of July in Paris...

...no complaints.

Life After College

So. I am done with school. And that has been the truth for just over one week now. I feel like I can accomplish anything--it has nothing to do with having a college degree either--it's because I feel like I have all the time in the world to do whatever it is I feel.

And you know what?

It feels good.

But I guess the question is: What now? I do have a few things in mind. And some current personal projects that I have been working on. Not to mention some potential freelance down the line. I would also like to say that it has been a week since school has been out--and yes, I have animated something (so kudos to me!).

This summer is shaping up to be quite an adventure. Just finished up my internship last week over at Nick--although I do have some unfinished business over there, so I'll be visiting two different days next week. There have been more parties than this guy is used to. Camping with friends next weekend (maybe I'll try to do some plein air water colors). And an entire month in Europe with one of my best buddies in the whole world for just about all of July. And I do have my fingers crossed for some other things to happen...

...but...

...the only thing that really matters are the little things. Like waking up a little hung over in L.A. with some of your best friends and having a coffee and nachos on the curb just outside the 7-11 you bought it all from. Only to get up and go to Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles.

Because these are the reasons it feels good to be alive.