Monday, March 3, 2008

Comics and "Drawing Jams" and Astérix

Something that I would like to do more of is comic book/strip art.
It's an art form I really enjoy and admire. I learnt to read as a child with comic books and magazines - which is how I became a big fan of Astérix and Mad Magazine, two publications that I feel have influenced my drawing style.

It's a dream of mine to one day have enough really good work that I could publish my very own graphic novel *sigh*.

This fantasy is further fueled by, what I call, "Drawing Jams" with talented cartoonists such as Ben "Hutcho" Hutchings, and David Blumenstine. Two comic book artists with very different and distinctive styles, but both very focused.
They're very inspiring really *double sigh*

The strip I did below was essentially an exercise to test my "line work". I wanted to do something that was fine lined and looked finished. I'm pretty pleased with the result (and I think you can also see the Uderzo influence)
Heartbreak DIY style

A dark piece and yes a bit gross, I call this strip DIY Heartbreak and I dedicate it to anyone who's ever had their heart broken.
For me though, this strip was more about wanting something so badly but feeling I have no control on its outcome: "Fine! I'll save myself the wait of disappointment and stomp on my heart right now! That'll save us all a lot of time! That'll show 'em!! So there!!" (etc. etc.)

*triple sigh*