Today I launched version 4 of the Star Dot Star Website. It took about 5 - 6 hours from concept to initial launch. I know some of the functionality is missing like the about, other artwork, etc. but as I migrate those pages they will become available. I’m looking to complete the migration by next week.
So let me poll all of you. What do you think? What do you like? What you hate?
As per suggestion from Wayno. I went out on the town looking for Winsor Newton Kolinsky Brushes as a new tool for inking my comics. Unfortunately, I haven’t found them in any local art stores just yet. However, I did get some Utrecht Kolinsky style brushes that are supposed to be very similar. Since I really don’t know the difference I figured similar brushes are better than no brushes.
So I sat down at my drawing table unsure of what to expect. My brush in hand; I dip it into the ink for it’s inaugural run. Slow and steady the brush meets the paper and unexpectedly the it remains stiff. Quickly I retract my first line. This stiffness is not typical of brushes I’ve used for painting.
Nonetheless, I swivel around my drawing and try again. This time adding thin light details. I pause for inspection. Good consitant lines. No tracers or extra thingy’s hidden in the tiny yet descriptive line work.
From there I open it up and try a few things. Thick to thin. Heavy lines. Soft lines. Quick lines. slow lines. I’m amazed at the range, quality, and dynamics of my lines. Slowly I gain confidence in each stroke.
After about 20mins of playing and testing. Trying this and that. I pull back and inspect my work. Very cool stuff! My consnses is that Wayno is a genuis and that this was a turning point for me in my progression as a cartoon illustrator. I really feel like I’ve made a breakthrough. Looks and techniques that I’ve always wanted to employ but just couldn’t get it right are right around the corner.
So there you have it. Reason number 4,561 for getting involved in your local creative community. There is so much to learn from everyone around you.
Once again Britney Spears has captured headlines by freaking out on a photographer. She allegedly threw a baby bottle while yelling explicatives to the tune of death threats. The icing on the cake was when she had her bodyguard beat the crap out of the unsuspecting photographer. I don’t really have all of the details, but it’s still enough for her brand of craziness to reach another level. So in light of her career and life spinning completely out of control I made this drawing. Britney I hope you like it.
What is a toonseum? Imagine if you will, a museum completely dedicated to cartoons, illustration, the Sunday Funnies, Animation, and Comic Books. An entire exhibition dedicated the the art and craftsmanship of cartoon Illustration. That my friend is a toonseum. Now I know what you’re thinking. And you’re right. This is the coolest thing ever!
Now where can you find such a thing? Pittsburgh of course. In October Pittsburgh’s Children museum will host the toonseum exhibit. And I for one can not wait.
What a great way to celebrate cartoons! I’m so excited to see cartoon illustration get it’s due as a legitimate art form. More and more shows like this are popping up all over the country.
Ohh by the way I stumbled upon this by through Tom’s Mad Blog. He’s a great cartoon illustrator. Thanks for the info Tom 
For more information check out the links below.
Pittsburgh Children’s Museum
Tom’s Mad Blog
http://toonseum.com
Image from wayno.comLast nights meeting was awesome!! Not only did I learn some really cool things about mass emailing I also met some amazing people here in the Pittsburgh area. Like James from Wall to Wall Studios and Pittsburgh’s own Wayno.
Wayno is a premier Illustrator currently displaying his work at the Zombo Gallery in Lawrenceville. His vintage and tasty style has really drawn me in. I’m a sucker for classic illustrations with large contrasting areas of black on white. He does it very well. I’ve only started really looking through his work today, but every illustration is just awesome. His line control reminds me a lot of Jeff Smith’s work.
So if you need something to do this weekend go to Lawrenceville and check out Wayno’s work in person.
Wayno gave me some great tips about using a Winsor Newton Series 7 Brush # 2 or 3 for the classic thick to thin line work. I gotta tell ya, I can’t wait to get my hands on one and try it out! Currently I’m using a dipping ink pen with a hunt 104 nib. It’s adequate, but I just don’t feel like I have the dynamic range that I’m looking for. Hopefully the Winsor Newton brushes will be just with the cartoonist ordered.
The next Refresh Pittsburgh meeting will be listed on the website. Make sure you are there so you don’t miss out on all of the fun.
Thanks to Jesse of the Creative Treehouse for helping me set up my very own t-shirt store using spreadshirt. Right now I’ve only got one shirt but I’ve got more designs on the way. So if you dig the blog and the comic you should get a shirt.
This is my first Flex app! The Star Dot Star Blog Reader-Beta (requires Flash Player 9) Ta Da!!!
Two days ago I installed the Flex 3 Beta and I’ve been toying around with it ever since. Although Flex has always been on my radar I’ve been it pushing down my priority list of things to try out. Especially since I don’t have the Flex Builder.
Not to worry the Flex 3 Beta has saved the day.
So what have I learned so far?
Well…
All in all I’m really digging this technology. My next feat is to create my first Apolo… I mean AIP app. I’m still not sure what it will be. Any ideas out there?
I miss weezer. I would love to see them rock out at least one more time during my lifetime. Preferably in a small venue, like my wedding Or Mr. Smalls would be cool too. Long live Pinkerton!!!
The Coz came to Pittsburgh this past weekend to give the commencement address at CMU. Where he was also awarded an honorary doctorate. Way to go Coz!
