Peter Hong - Izanami's Choice

It's hard for me to choose between these two. I like the simplicity of this one:

But I also think the shading here adds some depth. Lines are there at the edge of the eyes that I'd rather leave out, though...

Adam Heine - Izanami's Choice

This is not technically accurate, because the main character of Izanami's Choice carries a folding sword, not a regular sword. But you know, whatever.

Oh, and if you want to buy the book (and have not done so already), there are links to pre-order it here!

Hey, who has next topic? Is it me or Charles?

Marie Criddle - Izanami's Choice

So I jumped the gun and didn't realize that Adam's book wouldn't be out until September for perusal and inspiration, but I still went ahead and drew me up some Japanese robots. If it doesn't fit exactly what the robots in Izanami's Choice look like, I apologize...but I'm excited to read it in September!

Topic for June 2016

So hopefully we're all ready and hyped up for this month's topic and I probably should have cleared it with the relevant parties but...here we go anyways! As some of you may know (and I just learned this because what is facebook) Adam Heine is the author of a now published and honest-to-goodness out in the world BOOK! Cue muppet flailing: YAAAAYYY! To celebrate this, I've chosen as this month's topic...and I hope this is okay, Adam...

IZANAMI'S CHOICE!

That's right, we're going for full on fanart up in this here house. Here's the summary via amazon:

Samurai Vs. Robots. Progress. Murder. Choice. In 1901, the Meiji Restoration has abolished the old ways and ushered in a cybernetic revolution. Androids integrate into society at all levels, following their programming for the betterment of every citizen, as servants, bodyguards, and bureaucrats. Jinzou are the future. Japan is at the threshold of a new tomorrow! As a ronin steeped in the old ways, Itaru wants nothing more to do with the artificial creations posing as human. But when a jinzou is suspected of murder, he's pulled into a mystery that could tear the nation apart. Malfunction or free will? When is a machine more than just a machine?

Also, other excerpts and Izanami thoughts can be found at Adam's website...AI! Samurai! Japan! Turn of the century aesthetics! What is not to love, SERIOUSLY? I'm so excited to get my hands on a copy. In the meantime, Adam, you don't HAVE to post anything because you wrote the thing, but I personally would love to see any sketches that went into the world. 

Congratulations, Adam!!

Nathan Heine - Tattoos

Nathan wanted to get into the action on this one.

Charles Eubanks - Tattoos

Do you suppose cephalopods get inked too?

Sorry for the late entry!  Some days, my brain is totally broken when it comes to art...

Peter Hong - Tattoos

Thank you for extending the deadline, Marie! I started this a long time ago, but never had time to finish until now. It was really cool using Photoshop and a tablet to color again. I have to get used to these tools for the project I'm working on right now. Also, I really liked this movie. Cap is supposed to be in the middle of a fight with Iron Man here when his costume gets ripped in battle! But he has super strong skin, right? Hmmm...maybe not. ;)

Adam Heine - Tattoos

Tattoos are fairly central to the game I'm working on. Among other things (including peel-off tattoos, Marie), the story's central character jumps from body to body to live forever. The bodies he uses all all have a special tattoo that he uses as a kind of psychic gate. It looks something like this.

Does it count as fan art if I'm a lead for the game? That's a thing, right?

Anica Heine - Pixar

My youngest daughter provided this very late entry for Pixar (or off-brand Pixar, as noted last time, but Baymax is too cool). She wanted to show you guys.

K. Marie Criddle - Tattoos

Fun fact! You are NOT allowed to go to a Japanese public spa if you have tattoos; it's associated too closely with the Yakuza. Possible solution! They should make living tattoos that can peel themselves off your body when needs be. Get on it, science!

Topic for April 2016

I thought this would be a fun topic with potentially wacky ideas:

TATTOOS!!
Pssst! I think next month's topic goes back to you, Marie!

K. Marie Criddle - Pixar

So the most oft-repeated Pixar line in our household is "Preston, ENGAGE!" (as said by Helen Parr to Mr. Incredible when chasing crazy kids). So here's Mrs. Incredible, my spirit animal...carrying my son. Forgive my late submission for this month! Pixar is too fun to miss.

Adam Heine - Pixar

I realized too late that Baymax is not actually Pixar. Oh well. I still like it.

Charles Eubanks - Pixar

Just messin' around with Kyle Webster's Ultimate Megapack, trying to get something that looks painterly and realistic...

Peter Hong - Pixar

I love Pixar movies and I like their mascot Luxo Jr., too. His stance does make me think of this in my current context, though (Thailand...I'm not actually posting this on the potty). I thought it would be fun to depict.

Topic for March 2016

I was all proud of myself for posting two topics at once that I forgot it was my turn to post the next topic! So here it is!

PIXAR!

They've been making movies and short features since 1986, many of them classics, many of them your favorites (probably). There's a lot here to choose from, so I'm sure we can all find something to love!

(P.S. Peter, you're up for posting April's topic!)

Charles Eubanks - Back Burner

This is Claire.  She's the main character of a picture book I've been working on, on and off (mostly off) for ages now.  The whole manuscript is written, but I keep getting overwhelmed at the idea of illustrating it.  I actually picked this topic to force myself to do something on this project.  Take that, procrastination!  HA!

Also, huge shout-out to Kyle Webster's Photoshop brushes.  I used his animation pencil for this piece.  Closest thing to a real pencil I've found for PS.  Like buddah.  (Butter, that is.  Not Buddha.  Although this brush does feel like nirvana...)

Adam Heine - Back Burner

It was apparently a year ago that I said I would color and ink this sketch. Thanks to Charles's topic, I finally did!

Adam Heine - Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Tiny-headed Rey.

I actually drew this before the new topic went up, but I never had a chance to scan it until now.

Marie Criddle - Back Burner

So a million years ago, I ordered a bunch of small blank cardboard sketchbooks in bulk for super cheap. I wanted to do SOMETHING grand and glorious with them, but alas, the time got away from me and they sat unused for a long long long time. This week I finished up a few big projects and decided to dig these out again for my back burner project...lo and behold! Now what do I do with them?? :)