NDA makes Ray a dull boy.
Well, hello again!
I’ve been working sixteen to twenty hour days for a couple of weeks. Multiple snow, skate, surf, and clothing lines. Band merch. Logos. Lettering. An art book for Comicon.
Almost all of it is NDA, though. I’ve posted a few things to Flickr that are public and a ton more set to private. I really wish I could show the work. Whenever I have a slew of jobs strung together with little reprieve, I feel I do some of my best work. It’s the singular focus on work that helps me make better stuff. It can be a detriment to my personal life, though, as my overly patient wife can attest.
In the meantime, though, let me ask you guys. Would you rather have Twitter like updates, with anything and everything that hits my Flickr feed coming over here, or more well rounded, almost narrative, posts such as this one?
I’ve been trying to post only when I can show the beginning, middle, and end of a piece. Something with meat to it. But, I can see the counter argument. “Give it to us as it comes. Just update something!” That sort of thing.
Anyhow, how about some illustrations?
Family Force 5 decided to make some changes to the final art from my last post. They wanted some text added to the image. Not a problem. Well, not a problem except for the fact that I took down my notes incorrectly. I wrote down a song title instead of the album title. So, for your viewing pleasure, here are both versions. This is the song title version:
And here is the corrected version:
Luckily, this isn’t a common occurrence, har!
Lastly, here’s my next tee in progress for them:
I think I’m on board for one or two more.
Jun 30th, 2008 #
Your wife’s blog is great. My wife is vegetarian as well. I’m only part vegetarian. Now you know.
Jun 30th, 2008 #
I intend to turn you vegan through proximity alone! Heh.
Jun 30th, 2008 #
Post when you want Ray (in response to your query…), speaking for myself, I don’t know how you manage to keep up with all of this stuff. You are headed for early burnout or the insane asylum at your current rate. Live a little longer and post a little less.
Jul 1st, 2008 #
What GC: TMP said. Tidbits or full blown posts, all are treats from you. I appreciate your posts and are inspired by them.
BTW, it seems that Smith Micro has a booth at ComicCon this year. And it seems that SM and Celsys has an announcment of some MANGAtude to reveal…hmm… july 24 may be a very nice date…
Jul 1st, 2008 #
Here’s to hoping, Mike! The quicker they release it for PC, the sooner I can get it Mac!
GC, I have days where I create a crapload of work and others where I am dead in my tracks. Energy levels have a way of normalizing!
Jul 1st, 2008 #
NDAs are the bane of my existence as well. Damn them!!!
Jul 1st, 2008 #
Ray, I’ve been following along with you since that GoMediaZine post a while back. I appreciate you helping out illustrators.
I like the long, detailed posts, so please don’t give up on them. But those times you feel yourself not posting because you feel you don’t have enough, go ahead and post the “smaller” stuff. A healthy mix between more frequency and the more complete content would be great.
I also think it would be great if you added a page to your blog about your setup. It seems that you get a lot of repeated questions about that.
Or maybe state in bullet points what software/hardware you used under the pictures of your work per post? That way we could see if you were still using Manga Studio in Parallels, or your new Painter X techniques, or your new Cintiq vs the Intuos3, and what dpi.
Personally, I’d love a quick post with your general setting for CocoaPotrace. I’ve searched the net for people’s suggestions, but so far found nada.
Thanks a lot.
Jul 1st, 2008 #
Also, I really like the dithering you got on the hair/underside of the lettering. Did you photoshop that coloring aspect?
The sketch for the new design is also very fun.
Jul 1st, 2008 #
Thanks for the advice, InLikeALion. I will try to be as forthcoming as possible about my setup.
I’ve been experimenting heaps with different pieces of software and have to admit - I get very similar results regardless of what I am using. It does have less to do with the app and more to do with your own sensibilities.
Bear in mind, I’m saying that less for your benefit than that of someone who might be stumbling upon this conversation.
I had specific settings for the Windows version of Potrace, but I tend to use CocoaPotrace at its defaults. As long as the canvas size is around 10,000 pixels, it does a fine job. Any smaller and I start to see details dropped out.
I found some settings via tinkering that worked even better, but I failed to take a screen grab (not realizing the app would totally nuke them and return to defaults on the next use).
Jon, I hear ya!
Jul 1st, 2008 #
That same stipple/texture effect was put to use in Medusa (A Threadless Select submission) ages ago. I can make that texture in Manga Studio, Painter, or Photoshop; it’s harder to pull off in Manga Studio, though.
Jul 2nd, 2008 #
To answer your question:
I like the narrative style bloggery. It’s a nice insight into what’s happening with you and your current mental state.
:)
Jul 3rd, 2008 #
Ray,
You know I always love your stuff and coincidentally I also love FF5. I’m sure you’ve seen Chris Rushing’s work for them. You two seem to have similar style.
Great work. I can’t wait to see the next one.
Peace,
T
Jul 4th, 2008 #
Chris’ style is a bit like mine. I talk with him from time to time on Flickr and iChat. Nice chap.
Jul 4th, 2008 #
I’d love to hear more about the concepts behind the art.
Jul 10th, 2008 #
I think this is one of my favorite pieces you’ve done. Have to say I liked it better pre-title text, but I what can you do? Clients!
Jul 28th, 2008 #
I really enjoy your thoughtful and in depth process explanations. I appreciate the time you take to create valuable posts. Please keep ‘em coming!