Monday, August 27, 2012

TC12: Week Nine

Between creating crazy robots, animal-human hybrids and various other TOOMASOOBA strangeness, I realized that not many of my characters end up being little ladies. So in trying to remedy that, here is a brave and bold retro space-adventuring gal. I wanted to give her a jetpack, too, but there wasn't quite enough room in the design. And I kinda regret that.


This space case needs a name...any suggestions? Email your ideas to me and I'll pick a favorite. Winners will receive a print of the design along with a few other cool items...congrats to Samantha from California for naming Week Eight's illustration — Hector it is!

Below are a few behind-the-scenes sketches that led to my final design. This is the last week of TC12, but have no fear — I'll continue to churn out new designs like a madman! Lots of exciting stuff coming up this fall, so keep an eye out.

Monday, August 20, 2012

TC12: Week Eight

So here we've got a teenage vampire hunter...who happens to be a vampire himself?? How ironic, or whatever! I'm surprised I've never created a character with an eyepatch before...or a mini-mullet. No better time than now, I guess. I also stepped (a bit) out of my comfort zone with some asymmetry in the arms and it works well. Only one more week of TC12 to go!


Any ideas on a name for this stake-wielding warrior? Email your ideas to me and I'll pick a favorite. Winners will receive a print of the design along with a few other cool items...congrats to Ashley from Louisiana for naming Week Seven's illustration — Griffin it is!

Below is a look at a few of the early sketches for this design — as you can see, the final turned out pretty dang close to my original idea. Sometimes it just happens that way.

Monday, August 13, 2012

TC12: Week Seven

This guy has got some attitude. And he appears to be a member of some sort of extraterrestrial military brigade. I'd watch out for him if I were you. My artwork always features geometric and symmetrical shapes with unifying elements (that's what makes them "TOOMASOOBA-ish", after all), but I try to bring something fresh to the table for each new illustration. And hopefully I pulled that off again this week!


Do you have a name in mind for this guy? Email your ideas to me and I'll pick a favorite. Winners will receive a print of the design along with a few other cool items...congrats to Dave from Tennessee for naming Week Six's illustration — Dixie it is!

Below is a glimpse at the development process for this piece — though I've been featuring TC12 art in black & white on the blog, they'll all end up in color in one form or fashion. Here are some variations that may see the light of day, along with some different costume details.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

STRIP: The Dallas Webcomics Expo

Me and my good friend Brad Campbell headed over to Texas last weekend to split a table at STRIP: The Dallas Webcomics Expo. This was my first comic-type event to attend as an exhibiting artist and, all in all, we had a great time! Got to hang out with some cool folks and talk shop with fellow creators including Hector Cantu (writer of the nationally-syndicated comic strip Baldo), Jason Poland (Robbie & Bobby), David Wilborn (Urban Jungle), Michael Hawkins (The Amaizing Jim Corn), and more.

Oh, and the best part of the trip? I didn't bring any shirts or big table displays, so I was able to fit all of my merch into one box (instead of the full carload of stuff that usually accompanies me on these outings). You don't know how good that felt. Below are some pics from the day!

Our badges...that's right, we're official.
"Buy my book!"
My half of the table (dramatic angle).
Brad was selling his Roofus U books along with some sweet prints he designed.
A Marvel/Peanuts mash-up book Brad put together...turned out really great.
Now cross your fingers that "the man" doesn't sue him!

Monday, August 6, 2012

TC12: Week Six

It seems like I design a lot of cat-like creatures in the TOOMASOOBA realm, but tend to neglect other four-legged friends...so this week I made a little pup! She's cute, spunky, and has plenty of spirit. And most importantly? She's housebroken.


What's a good name for this doggone dog? Email your ideas to me and I'll pick a favorite. Winners will receive a print of the design along with a few other cool items...congrats to Ashlie from Louisiana for naming Week Five's illustration — Wendall is his name!

Below is a look at the original sketch that inspired today's illustration. I definitely made a u-turn from creepy to cute. But maybe I should have included a beret...