Sketch Charlotte

For those of you possibly checking out the site because of the back-up story in
Transhuman #2, welcome. Here is a new one page Mr. Lune strip for you.
I hope you enjoy it. I will be at Heroes Con this year and I'll also have a new Mr. Lune
comic. So, stop by and say "hello". I'll be set up at the 803 Studios booth. While you are here
check out our site. There is a lot of good stuff. Take care.
Peace,
Herc

Hey gang,

Here is an early cover idea I had for the new Mr. Lune book.
In the end I didn't like the drawing that much and didn't feel like it worked.
Stay tuned for tomorrow when I post a new one page Mr. Lune comic.
peace,
Herc

Here's a quick sketch of myself. hahahaha Roughing out ideas for an upcoming
strip.
peace,
Herc

Hey Gang,
This was the initial drawing I worked up for an adaptation of the Tell Tale Heart for a local company. I had to make changes, but still like my initial idea.
Peace,
Herc

And thus concludes our segment. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
peace,
Herc

And we have page three. Hope you like.
peace,
Herc

Here's the second page.
peace,
Herc

Hey gang,
here's the first page of a story I drew for a good pal of mine. It's for an anthology called Sequential Suicide. Hope you guys dig. I'll post all four pages each day for the next couple of days.
peace,
Herc

Figure Drawing on Saturdays
Figure Drawing sessions continue at CAL
each Saturday from 8:30 - 10:30am, with a nude
female model. This is a drop in, with no commitment
for any time period.
Bring your own drawing or painting supplies;
CAL will provide the lighting, tables, and
chairs. You need not be a member, so bring a
friend, as more participants will keep this session
going. Each session is ten dollars. For more information,
call Shanti at 803-631-4041.
.

Look here for directions: http://charlotteartleague.org/ABOUT/about.htm

I decided to post this since it doesn't look like the site I originally wrote it for is actually going to use it. :-(

Friday night at 7pm on October 5th, Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find hosted a signing with Bryan Lee O’Malley, creator of indy darling Scott Pilgrim. O’Malley worked on Hopeless Savages then moved on to Lost at Sea before creating Scott Pilgrim. With Scott Pilgrim he really hit on something extraordinary. O’Malley has created a unique blend of comics and video game culture that leaves you with the feeling of listening to your favorite song. Like his contemporaries Corey Lewis (Shark Knife) and Brandon Graham (King City), O’Malley joins them in bringing music back into comics. It’s truly an awesome experience and a great series. There are three volumes of Scott Pilgrim currently published by Oni Press. Do you yourselves a favor and run out and purchase them.

Let me briefly talk about Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find. This is the type of comic shop everyone dreams about having in their home town. The store is nicely designed and the selection is out of this world. There aren’t many stores that carry such a wide variety of independent comics. The staff is knowledgeable, friendly and shockingly; quite attractive. Seriously, come to the store sometime. It’s all overseen by Shelton Drum, who puts on one of the best comic conventions in the country with Heroescon.

Things started promptly at 7 pm. The crowd started out a bit slow but grew steady as the night progressed. I was expecting to see a large portion of the Emo set come out for the signing, so it was nice to see that people of all ages standing in line. One of the things that stood out right away about O’Malley was how personable he was. O’Malley, not only signed each book, but drew headshots as well. He drew detailed sketches for anyone who asked. He even did a portrait of one fan that was dead on in accuracy. It was nice to see an artist take the time for his fans. The fans seemed enthusiastic and grateful for his generosity. One fan even drove eight hours just to get a chance to meet him. He never grew tired of signing peoples copies of Scott Pilgrim and Lost at Sea.

O’Malley told the crowd that he had just finished Scott Pilgrim Vol. 4 on Sunday and if all goes well, it should be on sale November 7th. The crowd was quite happy to hear the news. He had original pages from the previous volumes for sale with him. I had the chance to peruse them and they were quite beautiful. It’s always neat to see a fellow artist’s pages up close and to be able to examine how they lay down the ink. The pages were only 8 ½ x 11 but highly detailed. Looking over the pages it was interesting to see that he actually letters them digitally. Another thing I noticed was how clean they were. They almost looked effortlessly drawn. He wound up selling a few before the night was over.

Throughout the night O’Malley talked about comics and music to a very responsive crowd. He may try to do some shorter stories in the future. O’Malley seemed excited at creating web and mini comics again. Especially, after something that could be as daunting as a 200 page graphic novel. The crowd would often talk about their favorite parts of the Scott Pilgrim stories. Some went so far as to dissect the characters a bit. You really got a sense that it spoke to them on many levels. O’Malley assured the crowd that more stories of their favorite slacker were on the way. What ever he decides to do next you can bet this crowd will follow him.

As the evening started to wrap up Shelton and crew popped open some wine and beer. They brought out some finger foods and the get together lasted into the night. Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find hosts a great event. This was one of the best signings I have ever been to. This felt more like a gathering a friends than a traditional signing. O’Malley seemed to enjoy himself and he came off as a witty and friendly creator. I even heard whispers that he may come down for Heroescon. I sincerely hope so

Friday night me and sweet had the pleasure of seeing one of my inspirations, Henry Rollins. We were lucky enough to be a stop on Henry's latest Spoken Word tour. We were both anticipating the night since we bought the tickets. He played Amos's, and while it wasn't packed, a good number of people showed up.

For those of you that don't know, Henry Rollins was in a punk band called Black Flag. He was at the forefront of DC's hardcore scene for years. Befriending many a musician. He has books out describing the early scene, as well as many topics that range from music to politics. He conducts Spoken Word tours all over the world. In recent years he switched to tv shows, where he conducts some of the most thought provoking interviews, to his radio shows. He's a world traveler and an advocate on issues ranging from the war to the death penalty. He visits the troops in the battlefield as well as in the infirmary. Passing on good chear and laughter when he can. Needless to say I admire the man greatly.

Henry went on to speak for three hours. Yes, you read that right three hours. Most people may have lost you some where along the way but Rollins kept your interest with his travalogue of stories. I loved the enthusiastic way he described the honour it was to be asked to sing for a one night reunion show fo the British Punk band the Ruts . It was a benefit concert to raise money for Paul Fox the guitarist. He has been battling cancer. The thing about Henry that really jumped out at me, beyond someone who really wants to help the world, is that he wasn't that far removed from us. Even after all these years and all the people he's met. He is still a Fanboy. He talked about owning all the different pressings of the Ruts singles. The German version. The Spanish version...etc. The only difference was a small, made in the different countries label. hahaa He talked about what it was like to walk into a room meeting some of his idols. Touching the guitars that actually recorded those legendary albums. And the strange looks the rest of the band gave him. :-) He was truly like a kid in a candy store.
Youtube it. The show looked to be a blast. If the reunion of the Ruts wasn't enough UK Subs and the Damned were also some of the bands that where there too. I can't imagine what it must be like to play on stage with a band that inspired you in your youth. If that wasn't enough to warrent my jealousy, Henry talked about singing back up with Nick Cave's side project Grinderman. OMG!!! How cool is that?!!

He went on to touch on many topics throughout the three hours. Everything ranging from the war, homosexuality to traveling to Syria and Iran. He ended with a plea to the audience of the importance of voting. It was truly a unique night. One we won't soon forget. Henry came off as a creative and humble individual and I thank him greatly for promoting awareness through out the world. We definitely need more people like him.

Who would of thought listening to Black Flag all those years ago, that the singer would go on to be such an important voice in the world. Just goes to show you, we all have a voice so we should use it to be heard. I know I definitely want to.

Peace,
Herc

Here are some studies for a buddy's anthology story I'm going to draw. Still working on the style though.
peace,
Herc

Here's my cover drawing for The Comic's Camp handout I did.
Peace,
Herc

Here's some sketches I did during a meeting.
Peace,
Herc

Here's a quick sketch for our work newsletter.
peace,
Herc

Hey Gang,
Heroes was a blast. I was covering panels for Comicon's Pulse. Check it out:
http://www.comicon.com/pulse/ They just posted the Daniel Way Breaking into Comics Panel. Keep looking, my SCAD coverage should be going up today and tomorrow. I really enjoyed it. Let me know what you think.
Peace,
Herc

Quick drawing I worked on this weekend.
peace,
Herc

Here's a couple of panels from the new Mr. Lune book. The scan is a bit distorted. :-(

Peace,
Herc

Hey gang,
Here are some new sketches I was working up for a newsletter. I hope you like.
Peace,
Herc

Hay gang,
My new review is up at Independent Propaganda.
Check it out:

http://independentpropaganda.com/ip_wp/review-greek-picks-glacial-period-published-by-nbm-publishing/

peace,
Herc

A card I did for Jen in marker and ink.
Peace,
Herc

John and Lindsey had little Isaac last night at 10:44 pm. So warm wishes from all of the Sketch Charlotte posse. Now get a comic in that boys hand asap.

I wrote a review on a cool site called Independent Propaganda. I hope to do a different one each week. Check it out and tell me what you think.
http://independentpropaganda.com/ip_wp/review-greek-picks-aline-and-the-others-by-guy-delisle/#more-513

Here's a color rough for a possible freelance gig. Some anatomical and color issues but I think it has a neat feel nonetheless. I was going for a Richard Scarry vibe. I drew it with the Wacom.
Peace,
Herc

Hey guys,
Here's some new drawings I've been working on. The top are some rough ideas of what my semi-autobiographical strip the Greek may look like. The bottom one was an idea I was working up for a Christmas illustration. I'll be posting more shortly.
Peace,
Herc

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Here's another Halloween inspired pic.
Peace,
Herc

Just a quick sketch inspired by the great day of Halloween. The scan isn't too good unfortunately.
Peace,
Herc

Tonight we were fortunate enough to get free passes to see Nightmare Before Christmas In 3d. Before I discuss it let me first talk about my feelings toward the original film. I had always been a Tim Burton fan so when I heard he was making a new stop motion (my favorite form of animation) film I was overjoyed. I began seeing promotions for the new film and even though Henry Selick would direct it, I couldn't wait. When opening night soon arrived I sat in the theatre and was literally spellbound. I loved every minute of this movie. The movement of the characters and their designs were uniquely Burton. I was hooked. I would go on to see the film nine more times on the big screen. I bought the toys. The Art Book. The childrens book. The soundtrack. I even bought a complete set of the trading cards. Years later when Disney realized they could still make money on a film they did so little to promote, they released a limited edition snow globe. Yes, I was first in line to buy that as well. Am I a dork? Yes...yes I am. :-) So, to say I was apprehensive when I heard that they were making Nightmare in 3d would be an understatement. I thought surely this was a marketing ploy. What can I say? A free movie ticket is a free movie ticket.

As we sat there and the film started all my fears were gone. This was the beautiful film I fell in love with in my early twenties. Being able to sit there and watch it with my wife (who has never seen it on the big screen) was a bonus. This isn't your novelty Friday the 13th or Jaws 3D. This film works. When Sally flings herself out of the window it's like you're right there next to her. The scene towards the end of Jack in the graveyard after he's been blown out of the sky is just a wonder to watch. The grand finale in Oogy Boogy's lair is so much fun. Let me say....This film is AWESOME!!!!! Go see it. You won't be disappointed.

Peace,
Herc

I found this on www.no-spec.com. A great site for illustrators/designers. I thought you guys would find it interesting.
Peace,
Herc

Top 10 Lies told to Naive Artists and Designers
Mark W. Lewis www.paintercreativity.com

1 "Do this one cheap (or free) and we'll make it up on the next one."
No reputable business person would first give away their work and time or merchandise on the hope of making it up later. Can you imagine what a plumber would say if you said "come in, provide and install the sink for free and next time we'll make it up when we need a sink." You would be laughed at! Also the likelyhood is that if something important came along, they wouldn't use you.

2 "We never pay a cent until we see the final product."
This is a croc, unless the person is leaving the door open to cheat you out of your pay. Virtually every profession requres a deposit or incremental payment during anything but the smallest project. Once you have a working relationship, you may work out another arrangement with a client. But a new client should not ask you to go beyond an initial meeting and, perhaps some preliminary sketches without pay on the job!

3 "Do this for us and you'll get great exposure! The jobs will just pour in!"
Baloney. Tell a plumber "Install this sink and my friend will see and you'll get lots of business!" Our plumber friend would say "You mean even if I do a good job I have to give my work away to get noticed? Then it isn't worth the notice." Also the guy would likely brag to everyone he knows about how this would normally cost (X) dollars, but brilliant businessman that he is he got if for free! If anyone calls, they'll expect the same or better deal.

4 On looking at sketches or concepts: "Well, we aren't sure if we want to use you yet, but leave your material here so I can talk to my partner/investor/wife/clergy."
You can be sure that 15 minutes after you leave he will be on the phone to other designers, now with concepts in hand, asking for price quotes. When you call back you will be informed that your prices were too high and Joe Blow Design/Illustration will be doing the job. Why shouldn't they be cheaper? You just gave them hours of free consulting work! Until you have a deal, LEAVE NOTHING CREATIVE at the clients office.

5 "Well, the job isn't CANCELLED, just delayed. Keep the account open and we'll continue in a month or two."
Ummm, probably not. If something is hot, then not, it could be dead. It would be a mistake to *not* bill for work performed at this point and then let the chips fall where they may! Call in two months and someone else may be in that job. And guess what? They don't know you at all.....

6 "Contract? We don't need no stinking contact! Aren't we friends?"
Yes, we are, until something goes wrong or is misunderstood, then you are the jerk in the suit and I am that idiot designer, then the contract is essential. That is, unless one doesn't care about being paid. Any reputable business uses paperwork to define relationships and you should too.

7 "Send me a bill after the work goes to press."
Why wait for an irrelevant deadline to send an invoice? You stand behind your work, right? You are honest, right? Why would you feel bound to this deadline? Once you deliver the work and it is accepted, BILL IT. This point may just be a delaying tactic so the job goes through the printer prior to any question of your being paid. If the guy waits for the job to be printed, and you do changes as necessary, then he can stiff you and not take a chance that he'll have to pay someone else for changes.

8 "The last guy did it for XXX dollars."
That is irrelevant. If the last guy was so good they wouldn't be talking to you, now would they? And what that guy charged means nothing to you, really. People who charge too little for their time go out of business (or self-destruct financially, or change occupations) and then someone else has to step in. Set a fair price and stick to it.

9 "Our budget is XXX dollars, firm."
Amazing, isn't it? This guy goes out to buy a car, and what, knows exactly what he is going to spend before even looking or researching? Not likely. A certain amount of work costs a certain amount of money. If they have less money (and you *can*) do less work and still take the job. But make sure they understand that you are doing less work if you take less money that you originally estimated. Give fewer comps, simplify, let them go elsewhere for services (like films) etc.

10 "We are having financial problems. Give us the work, we'll make some money and we'll pay you. Simple."
Yeah, except when the money comes, you can expect that you will be pretty low on the list to be paid. If someone reaches the point where they admit that the company is in trouble, then they are probably much worse off than they are admitting to. Even then, are you a bank? Are you qualified to check out their financials? If the company is strapped to the point where credit is a problem through credit agencies, banks etc. what business would you have extending credit to them. You have exactly ZERO pull once they have the work. Noble intentions or not, this is probably a losing bet. But if you are going to roll the dice, AT LEAST you should be getting additional money for waiting. The bank gets interest and so should you. That is probably why the person is approaching you; to get six months worth of free interest instead of paying bank rates for credit and then paying you with that money. Don't give away money.

Now, this list wasn't meant to make anyone crazy or paranoid, but is designed to inject some reality into the fantasy.

You are GOING to be dealing with people who are unlike yourself. Their motivations are their own and their attitudes are probably different than yours. There are going to be demands, problems, issues and all the hassles that go with practically ANY work/job/money situation. Too many times I see the sad example of someone walking in to a situation with noble intentions and then getting royally screwed, because what they see as an opportunity and a labor of love, the other party sees as something else entirely, not at all romantic or idealized, but raw and simple.

How can you deal with this stuff and still do good creative work? Good question. THIS is why an education is important. You learn, out of the line of fire, how to deal with the art at it's own level and also how to deal with the crap that surrounds it. You may have tough teachers and think that it can't be worse, but wait until a business person has a hundred grand riding on your art! Then you will know what "demanding" means. You will then thank all those tough teachers for building up the calluses that enable you to enjoy the job rather than just feeling like it is all a big waste of time!

In the end, working commercially, being a terrific artist is about 25% of the task. If that is the only part of the task that you are interested in, do yourself a favor. Don't turn "pro."

A few weeks back we all tried coming up with ideas for a Sketch Charlotte logo. Something we could use on the site as well as merchandise. We decided we would use a rotating design. Here are a few of mine. We have a lot of things planned for our group. So, stay tuned.
Peace,
Herc

After a long drawn out battle with the mall security I finally got my sketchbook back. ;-) So here they are. Can you tell that I'm rusty?
Peace,
Herc

Just wanted to announce that Sketch Charlotte will be attending Hickory Con next Saturday the 23rd of September. It looks like Matt, Tom, John, Diego (our newest member), and me (Herc) will be sharing table space. If anyone is in the area come say "hello" and check out our books. :-) Also, setting up next to us are our neighbors from South Carolina the guys from 803 Studios. It should be a fun show.
Peace,
Herc

P.S. Check out Diego's site and see his beautiful art. http://www.diegojourdan.com/gallery/

Here are 5 of the ten pages of the discarded Herakles comic. See for yourself why they didn't work. I still like some of the storytelling and may come back to this story some day. I feel it's better to just keep moving on to the next thing. As artists sometimes we look at the finished piece and realize it's just not working. So on to the next one. Well, enjoy.
Peace,
Herc

Click here to download the 5 page PDF

This is a pin-up I did awhile back of my Herakles character. Next week I'll post some art from my ten page story. I've since scrapped the pages. I feel they weren't working and needed to be realized a bit more. I look forward to getting back into this world. I've always wanted to tell stories based on Greek culture. My heritage obviously. :-) I want these stories to be in the vein of Tin Tin or Asterix. Adventure for all ages. I know big talk, right? hee hee Enjoy.
Peace,
Herc

Salutations,
I've noticed that we've gotten a bunch of hits from all over the country as well as the world. So, I figured I'd say welcome to everyone checking out our group. We have quite a few things planned for this site in the coming weeks so please check back. We hope to have some kind of weekly strip for everyone to enjoy once we figure out the subject matter. Perhaps even reviews and comments on the local goings on. Also a shout out to our southern neighbors http://community.livejournal.com/sketchsouth/
Thanks for linking us to your site. Take care.
Peace,
Herc

Hello all,
It's great to see this up and running. Thanks again Rich. It looks good. I can't wait to see all of our artwork showcased in the weeks to come. Tom's art opening was a lot of fun. Hopefully, it'll be the first but far from the last of our groups accomplishments. It was also great to finally get to meet everyones better halves :-) The Penguin also rocked. Good food and even better company. Those pickles are addicting. We went back Saturday for more :-) I hope to have some new stuff to show you all this Thursday. We can work more on the comic we started last week as well. I hope everyone had a great weekend. See you soon.
Peace,
Herc