ink cloud

BATMAN layouts Part 2

2011-07-21T10:22:00.001-07:00

Sorry for getting these up late! SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) is in full swing, and has put me behind schedule.

These are the last 3 page layouts of the 6 page BATMAN:WAR script we're working on at the COMICS & MANGA WORKSHOP. We covered Pages 4 & 5, but didn't quite get to 6.
I'll try and add some commentary on these layouts a little later tonight (after the show).

Headed down to the Con!

-MATT

COMICS & MANGA Workshop - LAYOUTS

2011-07-13T14:56:00.000-07:00

Had a great workshop yesterday! We're working from script - to 6 comic page layouts.

HERE ARE GENERAL LAYOUTS for the first 3 pages. Its an unusual BATMAN story - to keep it interesting. I chose BATMAN because he's a familiar character for most people, and easy to interpret in most any art style. That AND he's just plain COOL!

For those in the Workshop, (if you aren't - join in the fun!) again these are GENERAL layouts for you to help get the ball rolling. Even after final layouts are finished, there is always room for 'jazzing' each panel up a bit when moving on to the finished page.

Some important things to remember in constructing the layouts:

a) - vary the size of the characters from panel to panel. Close-up, medium close-up, wide/far shot. Keeps the page visually
interesting.

b) - Have at least 1 establishing shot (background with vital elements/characters in the scene/situation).

c) - decide which panel(s) is most important in the page, this will help you determine how much space (what size the panel should be) to emphasis this.

d) - figure out what it is about the character (esthetics) that you enjoy drawing the best, and incorporate it into your storytelling

SIDE NOTE: I noticed in PAGE 1, I didn't insert "the dozens of alien ships" into panel one. -
TO REMEDY: I could change the angle in PANEL 1 to include the sky full of ships and burning buildings - or I could change the angle in PANEL 3 to BATMAN looking up at dozens of ships above him.

Any questions, feel free to leave a comment or email!

Have fun! Look forward to seeing your layouts!

-MATT

COMICS & MANGA Sequential Art WORKSHOP!

2011-06-25T10:52:00.000-07:00

Love to draw?! Love comic books and manga?! Come learn storytelling techniques from Comic Book industry professionals!

A 6 Week course in THE ART OF VISUAL STORYTELLING.
Come join in the fun!

It doesn't matter what drawing level you may be at. Whether a beginner for the fun of it, or in need of help putting together a portfolio for the San Diego Comic Con!
We will teach you the very bedrock principles that industry professionals use in bringing their stories to life on the printed page! While meeting people with the same passion of the visual arts!

-INSTRUCTORS-

The COSSIN BROS - MATT & MIKEY COSSIN, have over 15 years of combined Professional Comic Book Industry experience!
Working in both U.S. and European markets, on titles such as G.I. JOE, TRANSFORMERS, TOY STORY, MICKEY MOUSE and DONALD DUCK!

STARTS: JULY 5 2011 and runs [every TUESDAY/ 6:00PM - 7:30PM] until AUGUST 9th!

WHERE:

The Abalone Room at

Coronado Community Center
1845 Strand Way
Coronado, CA 92118

MAP:
Coronado Community Center
Just a few minutes away from Downtown, overlooking beautiful Gloria Bay!

-REGISTRATION-
There are 6 classes in this session - each class is $25 per student.
(Suggested ages start at 13- adult)

[SPECIAL: for students paying upfront, the entire 6 classes, will receive $25 OFF the total! 1 FREE LESSON!
*San Diego Comic Con attendees will receive 20% off of Tuesday's [July 19th] class!]
*Receive 20% off with proof of purchase @ Anime*Manga (Rising Sun Creations), Comickazi and Comics-N-Stuff comic stores.

Please notify Matt of class interest: cossinart@hotmail.com
Students have the option of payment via PAYPAL (info will be emailed) or at the class site, but all students must contact Matt for class registration. Class space is limited.

We look forward to working with you on your comic book endeavors!

Morgan

2010-05-25T19:05:00.000-07:00

Just a quick Photoshop sketch. Morgan (from DARK STALKERS video game) Inspired when Skyping with a friend - who was also painting said character. I'll probably be doing more of these. Photoshop color sketches.

-MATT

Ramones VS. Yeah Yeah Yeahs!

2010-04-21T23:54:00.000-07:00

Mixtape cover.

HUNTER'S FORTUNE - reviews!

2010-03-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Getting some new material to post up. New sketches, illustrations and 'how-to" tips!

For now, I found a few good reviews for Hunter's Fortune #1 and #2 on some comic book news sites!

First off, comicbookresources.com gave us a great review for HF issue #1 !!

And HF issue #2 received some kind words from majorspoilers.com, (holy cow, 5 STARS)!!!

Check em out!
And while your at it, check out the rest of their COOL sites and see what else you might be missing out on!

More to come!

-MATT

HUNTER'S FORTUNE #4 out in stores!

2010-03-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hunter's Fortune #4 is now IN STORES! So if your local paper peddler doesn't carry it (for some strange reason) then politely ask them to order a few!
My brother, Mikey, was brought in for the colors on this issue.

One of the cover artists, Joe Quinones (Amazing Spider-Man), shows his work process in creating his cover art for HF #4.

Check it out here!

Here's a few sample pages.

HUNTER'S FORTUNE complete!

2010-03-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

Finished the last issue of HUNTER'S FORTUNE!
Made a trip down to BOOM! STUDIOS in L.A. and got a look at some proofs for the final collected book! It looks GREAT!
Its been awhile, but things are coming together. Expect a new post SOON!
(P.S.- this piece is a cover I did for issue #2 of Hunter's Fortune)

best,
-MATT

Remembering our Veterans

2009-11-11T22:57:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to post a THANK YOU to all of our U.S. Veterans, for their dedicated service for our country, families and friends! Having both grandfathers serve in WWII and a father and uncles in the Army during Vietnam, I GREATLY appreciate the men and women in our armed forces, bravely dedicated to serving the greatest country on God's green earth.

Thank you!
-MATT

Note Pad series#2

2009-11-02T14:29:00.000-08:00

PART II- of the NP series. One panel at a time, remember. Hey, I'm working on an actual comic book mini-series, 11 pages due every week, what do you expect?! Never thought I could do work on a schedule like that. It really made me change mindsets, and I believe this job (on Hunter's Fortune) has really made me into a true professional. Despite having drawn comics professionally for almost 7 years (not straight thru mind you).

Tomorrow, page #3 of NP series!

-MATT

Note Pad series#1

2009-11-01T23:36:00.000-08:00

I've decided to upload one page a day from my little note pad comic I've started. I've been carrying a small 4" X 3 1/2" Note Pad in my pocket, to sketch in while waiting in the car, waiting for my food order at a restaurant (ok, ok, fast food joint), or shopping at Best Buy. Anywhere, anytime. I just keep my Dollar Store, Pentel/ EnerGel .05 pen, and wide tip Sharpie handy.

I started creating a little story, one page (panel) at a time, not fully knowing where I'm going with this little yarn. Its sort of like a little adventure for me. Anything can happen. Its also a challenge, to create scene after scene in such a small space. It really stretches the storytelling skills. I picked this little exercise up from the late, great, Alex Toth (my favorite comic book storyteller).

He'd draw these postage stamp size, comic panels, each containing an actual "scene". Like a small house next to the beach, a car parked in front of a house. Rolling green hills, with distant forestry in the background. ALL in this very "confined" space.

I realized what it was he was doing. Forcing himself to create these scenes with the least amount of detail.
He had to... there was no space for it! (He was a consistent practitioner of economy, when it came to drawing comic books) It was pure genius! Well, I'm not quite there.. to handle "postage stamp" size panels. So I'm starting out at 4" X 3 1/2"!

AND SO IT BEGINS.....

HUNTER'S FORTUNE #1

2009-10-30T23:59:00.002-07:00

Hunter's Fortune is finally out! My first mini-series with BOOM! STUDIOS! I've been working on Hunter's fortune for a few months now, and just finished with issue #2 a few days ago.
The book is written by Andrew Cosby (co-founder/publisher of BOOM! STUDIOS) and Caleb Monroe!
Covers by Phil Noto, interior art by yours truly, and colors by the talented MIKEY!

I must say, I'm really enjoying the scripts sent to me so far! Just received the script for issue #3, and will be starting the comic pages this weekend.
Be sure to check back for more updates and further details, which I will be making regularly!

And PLEASE, ask your local comic retailer to order HUNTER'S FORTUNE for the store and a copy for yourself (of course)!

Thanks,
-MATT

HUNTER

2009-10-30T23:59:00.001-07:00

Comic-Con San Diego Day 1: prep time

2009-07-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

The plan was for Matt to get up go to work and for me to print both our portfolios; so we could leave when he returned home. But the printing took more time than either of us had imagined. And by Matt's return ,I had already run out of ink printing just a portion of his portfolio alone. I decided to make a run to Best Buy for ink and Matt decided to stay back and nap for the drive ahead. I wisely purchased two ink cartridges while out (since I quickly went through the first of them), and quickly resumed printing after returning home.
After a few hours rest Matt, woke to see I had still much printing to do and asked "Do you want to leave tomorrow?" "You look tired." he added.

I quickly answered" Yes, please!" to which he in response turned his attention to calling our father and alerting him to our delayed departure and our new schedule.

to be continued...

San Diego Comic Con.

2009-07-24T15:24:00.000-07:00

I'm my third day into the San Diego experience; already having set up several interviews and a few project pitches, and documenting it all in comic journal form.
I should definitley have some fun stuff to post, when I get home.

Just got to figure out where home is... I feel a move coming ^_^

"The Ramen Girl"- Brittany Murphy

2009-06-13T00:33:00.000-07:00

Been, working none stop the last several months all of which has lead me to some serious bags under my eyes and some sore finger tips (probably from holding the pens and pencils too tightly).

Still once in a while my brother, Matt and I manage to take a break in the form of eating out(take out) and watching a movie.

Today,on this occasion, we enjoyed some orange chicken from Panda Express and rented a flick from Hollywood Video, "The Ramen Girl"- starring Brittany Murphy.

I really enjoyed this flick and after watching the deleted scenes I came to appreciate it even more; for the great editing choices made.

The story was centered around ,Abby. An American abandoned and stranded by love in Tokyo, Japan ; having just made the move to bridge her long distance relationship gap.

Heart Broken she seeks refuge at a ramen shop that can be seen from her apartment balcony, and imposes herself on the shops grumpy cook.

She finds her calling after seeing the spirit of the shop and buggers the old, cook into taking her on as his apprentice. Of course along the way she forms a relationship, with the cook , his wife, and his friends despite the language gap; and they both manage to help each other mend their troubled souls.

I gotta admit Brittany Murphy, really steals my heart here, with her big eyes and comedic sensibilities, she gives a very honest experience to her emotions that I haven't found in many young actresses.

I highly recommend this film and think fans of Nipon cinema, will enjoy this especially.

I think the best way to watch this is to cook yourself up some ramen or if you like order some chinese and sit back and enjoy this sweet hearted, American japanese exchange.

THE INKING

2009-02-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

While working on a short story for ZOMBIE TALES the series(#8) (from BOOM! STUDIOS), I did a little filming of my work process.
(BTW- The ZT cover, shown here, is actually a cover I did for issue #6, not #8)
On this project I used a DELETER-MARU pen nib, BLACK CAT india ink, and a Japanese PILOT-2 sided calligraphy pen.
The video image and sound quality didn't format the way I would have liked it to. But I'm still new to the edit program.

best,
-MATT

yeah, this post ,makes me want to kick my own butt!

2009-01-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

One of the personality traits you will come to recognize in me , if you get to know me, is cheapness( if that can truly be considered ,a personality trait).

Don't get me wrong I pick up plenty of checks and treat plenty of people; but I am really cheap when it comes to spending a lot of money at once on myself.

Which is why it took moving to Las Vegas, not far from one of the worlds greatest inventions , the outlet mall , ( on Las Vegas blvd. and warmsprings) to turn me into a sneaker freak!

Well, not really, but it is the first time in my life, that I have owned more than 2 pairs of shoes at once!

I think Las Vegas can be blamed for this change for several reasons.

1). My comicbook purchases have been cut in half by a string of awful Hobie shops out here; that either stock nothing of interest and seem incapable of filling specialty orders.

2). Now with an excess of money ( that I a lot myself for wasteful spending) I find the Van store located in the outlet mall.
And this store really knows how to push my buttons often offering by one get one half off or buy one discounted sneaker and get one free!

Looking back at myself in high school; I am now reminded, how I often referred to guys ,who spent more than a few bucks here and there on clothes as , "Someone in need of a butt kicking!" Ridiculous!

But don't worry I really haven't changed that much...I only take 5 minutes to style my hair! Ridiculous!

"You can do what you want, but don't step on my blue suede shoes"
uh-huh,
Mikey

Life , it ain't easy

2009-01-04T23:24:00.000-08:00

Well, hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. A lot has happened, just as some close friends were welcoming a new life into the world an old and precious one, departed.
My grandma June, left behind some great kids and some okay grand kids and a lot of memories, for those that loved her.
She was quiet and kind and a bit of a champion worrier; and I often wished I could say or do something to help her overcome her worries. I have always thought with age, worries should lessen.
I know one things for sure just like money, you can't take them with you(worries)when you pass.
Like my Mom, Grandma June, had a lot to do with my interest in art(obsession really).
She encouraged my Uncle Dave and Aunt Sandy to open their first Art Store (Art Store & More); and helped them run the books.
And She was constantly giving Matt and I art supplies for Birthdays and Christmas.
I remember looking forward to birthdays more then ,than I do now as a result (now it's mostly socks).

I Love you Grandma, and I will miss you.
Say hello to the Big Kid(Grandpa), for me.

(Some art for those who don't like to read , the sentimental.)

Victory!

2008-12-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Germany vs. Allied P.O.W.'s in a soccer match, to take place in occupied Paris, their loss is to demonstrate Aryan superiority, only one will achieve Victory!
Man I love this movie! Having recently purchase and watched "Victory" on DVD. It reminds me of how strong the influence of cinema can be on ones life (or at least my own). And how a good comic book ,can do the same thing. But perhaps on a more personal, more intimate level.

A few new works of mine, are to be published ,in the near future. And I find myself wanting to convey much like Hollywood does a message in my work.
Unlike Hollywood though, not a message filled with false righteous indignation( like many of the new crap); but one that lets people understand me on a more personal level and affects people.
The way a good movie or true to life story (with no hidden agendas) can express what sometimes can be difficult to express.

The first of these works will be short stand alone stories.
Two are for comic book anthologies. One from an established big publisher and the other from an up and coming group of individuals ,that make me excited about comics again! And the last has been along time coming!
Man I'm pumped!

new updates!!

2008-11-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

Hey, the first part of this short comic, probably looks familiar to you all!
To make up for not publishing the rest of this earlier; I decided to add color, enjoy! Next up ,some comicbook reviews, from my reading room, see you real
soon!

Mikey's T-Shirt Shop !!

2008-08-23T14:41:00.000-07:00

Just recently , I opened up a T-shirt shop at Redbubble.com and hope to gave some more up soon! Visit the link to your right Mikey's T-shirt Shop and pick one up.

ROCK ON!!!

2008-08-16T16:52:00.001-07:00

Coming at ya' with a pin-up I did for my friend (from Germany) Tristan's comic. (A joint comic project he did with friend and another creative giant, Ralph from Donald Hello Studios.) Zany characters galore in this comic.

A fun piece to do, that really let me stretch my artistic legs.

-MATT

New Pages!

2008-08-11T21:08:00.000-07:00

This past July 24th-26th, Mikey, my friend Andy and I attended the San Diego Comic Con. WHAT A SHOW!!!
Saw Keanu Reaves being interviewed for his newest movie, The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Unfortunately I was only able to attend for 3 days this year. But I plan on attending all 5 for the next. Theres so much to see and do, so many people to meet and greet.
So many talented artist I wanted to talk to. I was able to talk to a few. One of whom was Anson Jew, a professional storyboard artist for film/games/tv and comic artist.

Missed out talking to other talented friends and associates, sorry Al, Mark, Marshall, Francis and Miles! The show is just to big to try those chance meetings. We need to plan meeting places AND times. AND Attending all 5 days is a must, I think.

In those 3 days I was able to show some of my newest pages around. Unfortunately I wasn't able to finish inking all of them.... or even pencil the last page (pg 6) in time. I was actually inking the pages late at night while at the various hotels we stayed at.

These 5 pages are the end result of watching old 70's car chase flicks as well as the Mad Max film, over and over again.
They really knew how to film kinetic car chases then. Don't really see it done much today.

Anyways, let me know what you think... and I'll get to work on that last page!

-MATT

Cossin Bros.

2008-07-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

It has been a while(yeesh)! So here is what's up this week , Matt and I are making our annual trek to mekka or San Diego comic con. , if you prefer.
If you haven't been out to the bigest show in comics; Comic con takes place July 23-27 and is definitely a Hollywood spectacle now.
As you can see Matt and I have been following a strict diet in preparation for all that walking ^_^
Pictures from the show upon our return.

Settling in ^_^

2008-06-01T21:38:00.000-07:00

Design this little illo for the closing of the old "art of catfu"website.
Since the opening of this blog and now my deviant art page ; catfu was not getting the attention necessary to make it... well necessary!
HHHMMMM I think this might make a nice T-shirt? What do you think?

keeping fit...

2008-05-23T16:04:00.000-07:00

A series of shorts I am working on representing urban exercise plans(heh-heh).
#1). Whistle at the nastiest looking guys girl and egg him on with a smart remark( be sure to have ample distance between you and him, before doing so).
This is a sure way to get that heart rate racing; along with your flight for life!
( visit my deviantart account in the links , to see a larger view of this comic strip.)

osamu tezuka's -Dororo: review

2008-05-18T18:06:00.000-07:00

I think the name ,Astro Boy, is a name that everyone has some familiarity with.
Whether you've actually seen the cartoon show or read the comic book; most people are aware that it relates to the fictional boy robot, that was popular in japan in the 50's to 60's.

Up until 2004, when I became aware of Osamu Tezuka's "Phoenix" series; Astro Boy was about all I knew of him as an artist.
Phoeniz, impressed me in its creative storytelling and world building.
And that is exactly what Tezuka's "Dororo" did!

Vertical Inc. Publishing, is doing everything right in terms of production value for this 3 volume series. The Front cover right away jumps out at you with its medical chart backdrop and floating neon characters decals as well as the hot pink back cover.
I think this story is going to appeal a wider range of fans then the previously mention works.
The story begins with a noble man in feudal Japan offer the body of his soon to be born son to 48 demons ( each taking an eye, limb , ear,etc.) in exchange for being made ruler of the country.

When the child is born it is little more than a slug and left to die in the river.
Fortunately a doctor takes him in and provides the child with artificial eyes, and ears, and prosthetic limbs.
Combined with the supernatural 3rd eye and telepathy, the child grows ; until finally he must leave the nest and hunt down the 48 demons to restore his body.
His, adopted father gives him the parting gift of 2 blades hidden in his prosthetic arms. On his journeys, he is haunted by the spirits of the dead and the god of death; but still he goes on helping people along the way, no matter how ungrateful they may be.
Highly recommended!

Been a long time gettting from here to there...

2008-05-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

I recently moved the last of my belongings from Motown(Detroit) to a storage bin across the country in showtown(L.A.). I currently live and breath in Las Vegas( moved here 2yrs. ago).
Before the move I left most of my stuff boxed up in my Dad's basement. When I flew into Detroit ,the other week to load the moving truck.
I decided to go through some of my boxes and see if I could downsize anymore.
Turns out I could and so I did!
And what remained of my years of living after being even further condensed; fitted neatly into 8 boxes!
8 fairly , heavy boxes of records ,and art ,and photographs ,and books.
And I as I helped my Dad and brother, Matt load the truck; their stuff filling it well over capacity. I realized that those 8 boxes were in possession of the most memorable moments in my life. Memories of friends I will most likely never see again and loved ones who have passed away. Old pets, and current ones.
Trinkets and to remember moments in my life; all of these memories that helped shape who I am today.
Having a close grasp of your past is probably, the best way to guard yourself from becoming someone who is unrecognizable to your former self in the future.

I think I learned this best from my ,Great Grandma Bacha. She never let the hardships of her life change the nature of her core beliefs.
That of ,family and friends being the most important part of living and how we treat the ones we love.
She also had an amazing recollection; and would often share with me, with a chuckle tales of her life. She didn't keep a box of many trinkets; she was a very clean and orderly woman, but did adorn her walls with photos of family and friends.

Perhaps if she was faced with a cross country move as the one I undertook, she would need only one box.
One big enough to hold the photos of a city of family and friends that adored her.

Here is to hoping to fill a box in such a way- Mikey

Space Oddity

2008-04-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hey out there in cyberspace!! Coming at ya' with a new scribbling. This is one of those pieces where interpretation is dependent alot on the viewer's film savy. The inspiration for this "Odd" piece was for one of two covers of a news letter to family about Mikey and I's latest adventures in life. Life IS an adventure!! I hope you look foward to seeing some of our (Mikey and I) newest adventures!

Later!,
-MATT

Girl Trouble

2008-02-27T23:09:00.000-08:00

New pages!! Yes!!! 4 luscious, juicy black and whites here. I had alot of fun doing these.
I based the girl's likeness after the sultry songstress Eryka Badu and those fabulous wigs.
The cat was an extra.

-MATT

"Diary of the Dead" and stuff

2008-02-15T12:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Matt, Joel, and I went to see a sneak-peak of George Romero's "Diary of the Dead". I love George Romero's work and happen to own all of his flicks, but I really doubt this was a straight Romero piece.
The story didn't add to the world that it's creator has spent a good portion of his life making. And listening to the response from the croud around me, seemed only to exist for those who love to see blood and killing. Now some who don't know me, might think I'm a little too sensitive to such stuff. True fact of the matter is though, I am not. I just watched the new Rambo and despite its extreme nature, the film never glorified the acts of violence diplayed but portrayed them as the reality of that world the story took place in. Big difference, to killing as of yet to be zombies , brutally for fun. I get real irritated about this ; mostly because I think this kind of entertainment creates the warped and cruel generation , we see coming up , today!

Keep drawing and having fun doing it!

2008-02-03T20:16:00.000-08:00

Remember when every drawing you did was a struggle? Anybody remember that feeling?
Great, Huh?! Youv'e gotten to love these moments. Because youv'e learned that just when you were about to break through to another level in your art they'd come. And the realization of that just made everything at that moment more exciting! A hundred bad drawings to get that break through one hundred and one great one!
Yeah...I'm feeling it! (HEH-HEH)
So here it is, a heads up to my next breakthrogh in the making, drawing 88...89..!! (Ha-Ha)
I can see that wall starting to chip! I'm breaking through!
See ya on the other side, my buds!- Mikey

getting back the drive!

2008-01-20T00:35:00.000-08:00

Facing the slumbering steps that comes with time, I shake myself awake. Remembering the endless world breaking energy of my youth , I goad myself on being my own peer pressure. All challenges excepted, come get some!

Vegas is weird!

2008-01-16T22:20:00.000-08:00

Tonight, Matt, and I made a quick run to the dollar store for our favorite treat, Arizona Green Tea.

Matt, being a little short on cash , the deal was I would treat ;if he ran in( I wanting to remain behind in the car reading my latest Fantagraphics catalog).

Barely looking up I gave , Matt a $10 and a quick verbal grocery list.

A few pages into the catalog and Matt was back already, "No ice tea." he said.
He showed me the goods he purchased 2 cokes and a chunky bar, leaving them in the bag he dug in his pockets for the change.

Matt counted out the change from my ten dollars , making sure to hold it below eye level of any passerby.

If you live in Las Vegas , for any considerable amount of time you will be approached for money handouts, usually just the motion of a hand toward ones own pocket is enough to catch the attention of the "open hand's".
You see so many open hands , that it becomes second nature just to wave off any approaching stranger with a negative "No."

(real example-"Hey, man can you give me some gas money , man. For my 2008 SUV , it be a gas guzzler,heh-heh." )

That is why when Matt, in the middle of handing over the remainder of the $10; suddenly paused looking past me my initial response was to turn toward the figure at my window shaking my head and repeating my mantra to all "open handers"- "No."

"No." I repeated out loud turning to the figure close at the window.
a cute girl , hair tucked under a white hood, tucked under a white crotchet hat, except for a thick brown braid along her cheek. She carried a white lunch box wrapped in plastic and smiled leaning closer inviting us to roll down the wind she waved.
"No." I repeated smiling as ,Matt waved back ,all while putting the car into reverse.
We backed away and looking back we viewed her in the review mirrors as she headed inside the blinding light of the dollar store.

As we drove home Matt, and I recalled how peculiar that unlike most "open handers" she was dressed in complete angelic white.

skate or die! - page 2

2008-01-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Here is the second page of "Skate or die!" web-mini-comic, as promised.
I'm starting to realize this strip could seriously use some dialog to flesh it out, I think when it's finished I'll go back and add some.
Hope everyone had a great New year! - Mikey

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

２００７去年が難しいでしたけど、２００８今年は新しいはじめことんです！
自由万！！「ばんざい！！」

2007 was a rough year, but this 2008 is a year of new beginnings!
Some years feel like a rip'em up bar room brawl (the kind you see in the old cowboy movies).
But this year I'm expecting. Expecting new and good things!
This (my first piece of art for 2008) sums up how I feel coming out of 2007. Beat up, but stronger for it... and ready for what may lay ahead. BRING IT!! (as they say)

web mini comic:page#1

2007-12-27T22:24:00.000-08:00

Just some more mini comic suff , done as practice, I will post more next week.
hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Good new year to ya too ^_^

jam sessions!

2007-12-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

This week we attempted something different for our group jam session. Each person was to come up with a basic theme and everyone would create an image around that.

The first image -was of devil girl on the rocks; second- aliens, futuristic vehicle ,and setting; third - perfect video game controller; And fourth- ninja girl and a skateboard.

If any one would like to play I'll set the theme for next weeks jam session post.
4 images of speed(motion) in action : 1.- representing man; 2.- repesenting animal ; 3.- repesenting object; 4- representing point of view.

Have fun see you next week. And remember you can e-mail me your jam sessions at inthelifeofmike@hotmail.com

More jams...

2007-12-03T22:37:00.000-08:00

More jams!

More jam sessions and more to come!

2007-12-01T12:04:00.000-08:00

Hey again here some more jam sessions. This one is Me , Levi, and Matt (in that order) with colors by Me, Mikey ^_-

Jam sessions!

2007-11-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

This past week my friends and I, while hanging out ,fell back into an old system we once used to motivate us to loosen up and be more creative," The Character Jam Session".

It starts with each person dividing their paper into squares, then filling the first square with a quick character doodle, then everyone trades back and forth until everyone has done a rendition of the each persons characters.

The focus is to play with perspective , style , and storytelling elements using each others characters; while increasing the speed of your creative ( thought to action -)process and basically draw something that you might otherwise never find yourself having done before or often.

Anyways here are some of the pieces we cranked out, mine are colored while the others are presented in monotone. Enjoy!

MIKEY vs ASTRO-BOY!

2007-10-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

It was bound to happen! We just didn't see it coming! Mikey squares off with Japan's mightiest, constructed hero, Astro-Boy!

What could the outcome possibly be?!!

I couldn't say... it threw me off that Mikey could fly in the first place.

(P.S.- this sketch was created in the Ink-Cloud oekaki via Mikey, but his computer wasn't cooperating)

-MATT

DEATH PROOF?

2007-10-17T23:09:00.000-07:00

These "study boards" were sketched using tech pens and Copic graytone markers.
I loved the cinematography in DP. Kurt Russell's performance was outstanding! I don't think anyone could have gone through the range he did. I loved his expressions and the subtle AND sudden changes in them. Great shadows, so I sketched this tag line piece for practice.

Just for the record, I didn't really care much for the Grindhouse movies. That said, I really did like the marketing they used for it- I still have the trailer saved on my computer. (It just didn't deliver for me in the theater though) Scenes such as the ending car chase scene and the scene where he's whining about his injured arm and still gets the crapped kicked out of him! Were great.... except for the final blow. Just didn't fit the characters style. (plus those pencil thin legs?! ... COME ON!)

more sketches by Mikey, up and at em!

2007-10-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

Scot's San Diego Sketchbook

2007-10-16T22:36:00.001-07:00

Hey back as promised with more sketches. The image of Scott sitting on his computer is what I put together for his cover; all the rest is pure him!

Scot's sketchbook

2007-10-16T22:30:00.000-07:00

more sketches from ,Scott.

yeesh!

2007-10-15T23:51:00.000-07:00

Yeesh!

It's been over a month since my last update my apologies , to all who lurk here frequently. I have been busy ( slacking and working ) and I hope to make it up to you all, for the later real soon. ( with some stuff for sale as well as some freebies; more later).

A whole lot seems to keep happening day by day I celebrated my birthday Oct.6th and my cousin Adam, back in Michigan ,got married. Congradulations !!

Any ways here more from my sketchbook ,the top batch of characters all make a show, in my soon to be finished (fingers crossed ) story "Shack Town" . The middle figure with dog, also shows up in shack town, but in another story( the dog is based off of my sweet mutt back in Michigan). And the bottom post here is a what if I drew the punisher part 2 ( to see part 1 you would have had to purchase my sketchbook "Headphonica").

Tommorow - more sketchbook nonsense, this time all the way from Davenport, my cousin Scot's sketchbook.

San Diego SKETCHBOOK

2007-08-30T12:51:00.000-07:00

It was a great Con this year in sunny San Diego. HUGE, I mean HUGE crowds this year as well!
And this year, to keep a sort of log, Mikey made 'your's truely' a home-made sketchbook to fill up during our stay in SD.
And believe it or not, I did it! Every last page.
So today I begin with one of my favorite doodles created during this energy boosting show!

-MATT

The creative are made to create!

2007-08-25T21:57:00.001-07:00

I Bought the new English release of "Akira Club "-from Dark horse manga; and resparked that internal drive to create! Otomo! This man is pure genious! Akira is at the top of my list in terms of what comics should be , a real immersive experience!! Here's some quick sketches and now I'm off to create!

Joel's sandiego sketchbook

2007-08-20T17:43:00.000-07:00

Still coming in more sketches from San Diego Comic con. This one is from Joel Stokes(cover by Mikey).

After Comic Con. , Matt and I made a trip to Iowa to visit my Mom's Hometown.

2007-08-14T01:07:00.000-07:00

Here is some sketches made during the trip.

Images from Brandon's sketchbook cover by Mikey!

2007-08-14T00:58:00.000-07:00

Back from San Diego Comic Convention 07 !

2007-08-14T00:39:00.000-07:00

Some sketches relating to our trip. Postings are from Mikey's and Brandon's sketchbooks, enjoy. More tommorrow ;)

Mikey and friends go to the Comic con.

2007-07-24T23:18:00.000-07:00

This week a group of my artist friends and I will be taking a trip to the San Diego Comic Con.

I created a series of handmade-sketchbooks for them to fill and when I get back I will share them with you on this blog. Above is the cover of the one I made for myself.

SOUNDWAVE BREAK DANCING!

2007-07-06T23:19:00.000-07:00

My bro MATT and I used to love watching TRANSFORMERS when we were kids! SOUNDWAVE was rock'n it back then, and still is today! This guy who created this video is mad with skill!

Blockbuster Summer!

2007-06-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Its time for the Blockbuster Summer!!! Every year since I was a kid, the summer had always promised 4 things: No school, sun burns, watermelon and Big pop-corn movies! Some years were better than others. I'm hoping that this years theatrical shin-digs will at least be half as fun as yester-year. Transformers, Die Hard: Live Free or Die Hard, The Bourne Ultimatum, Rush Hour 3! I'm hoping that at least one of those delivers, and I'm pretty sure that at least 2 of them will.

One of those is Rush Hour 3... how can you go wrong with Jackie Chan AND Chris Tucker?!! If you liked the first 2, like I did, then odds are you'll be laughing this time come August 10th.

Transformers... I'm a little ifie about.... The Bourne Ultimatum.... I think will be very fun. As for Die Hard.... I'm a huge Die Hard fan, but this time around I miss John McClaine being in it. Some brooding shaved-headed guy has taken his spot. I'll probably wait for DVD, unless someone sees it and tells me otherwise.

Set your calendars, buy your tickets, and salt the pop-corn (light butter please)- its Blockbuster Summer once again!

-MATT

keep on keepin on!

2007-06-25T22:37:00.000-07:00

This week I've been busy sending more contributions out. but don't worry I still am comitted to getting more of my own comics done. Here another shot of a hunchback biker. I croped out what is going on in the back ground , to his right and added some sloppy gray for the post so as to not give away anything.

POWDER

2007-06-21T23:19:00.000-07:00

これはおれのSKETCHBOOKから新しい絵です。何を思うか？
Just another doodle from my sketchbook. I'm really loving those COPIC markers I bought in San Diego! I even bought refill cartriges. They work great!
At the moment, most of my time is spent finishing up the coloring for "L'INFINI #3" from Humanoids Publishing (Les Humanos Associes). Its not going as fast as I would like, but I am liking the pages thus far.
Can't wait until I can post some. Maybe I can give a "sneak peek" of a panel in the next post.
By the way, I just picked up a new "Super-hero-comic" for the first time in years (well, okay maybe not that long).
One of my favorites, John Romita Jr. is drawing "World War Hulk" and it looks great!
A throw-back to the old school days of Titans slugging it out on a massive scale. I also can't help but pick up a back issue or two of Brett Blevons old work on "New Mutants". Ah.. Memories.

Later,
-MATT

2007-06-10T15:46:00.001-07:00

Summer is here! And besides being a great time for pool parties; road trips; and concerts; It's also the greatest time of year for Comic cook conventions. Many have come and gone and more are on the horizon, so many so that I am sure to miss out on. So I have been sending in my place several submissions to there Con books. One of which is the new Fur Affinity Convention that was also hosting a T-shirt contest . The image to the right is one of the spot illo's I sent (the theme of their first con. is convention activities

Tagalo

2007-06-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

Its strange that an international vacation/business spot would be stationed in a desert of all places. But strange is only one word of many I can use to describe a city like Vegas.
These sketches were again drawn at the same cafe. Candid moments in Vegas captured for posterity. ( BTW, as for the title used in this post, TAGALO is the language used in the Philipines)
この絵はラスベガスのカフェテリアにスケッチしました。

MATT's first post

2007-06-05T23:33:00.002-07:00

Hello, こにちは、 my first post at INK CLOUD. Mikey encouraged me to do this as much as possible.
I'll do my best. Inbetween working on L'INFINI #3 (with Chuck Austen), I try to do some sketching
to get the ol' juices flowing. Recently COPIC greytone markers have seeped into my sketchwork.
This particular sketch(es) were done sitting in a cafe, watching interesting people walk by.
You get plenty of those in a city like Vegas.

MATT

2007-06-05T23:33:00.001-07:00

Shack town Citizen

2007-06-04T00:34:00.000-07:00

Just one of the crazy inhabitants that you'll see on the street.

2007-05-31T21:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a little promo poster I made for the before mentioned comic book. If this peeks anybodies interest let me know.( I got the broken frame design from a 70's poster book and later saw a similiar look done by the "Gad Guard "anime artist, on his sketches section. Got to re-find those links to post here.)

A looong time ago...

2007-05-29T01:01:00.000-07:00

Mikey here ^_^

Been a while since I put any post on the web; especially on a site of my own.

This here is a character from a book I'm working on at the moment.

more soon...