Jay's Sketchbook [Updated Mar.17th]

[zombiejay]

I'm currently a student at the Academy of Art in San Francisco studying character animation (3d). For years I've always wished I could draw, but never put the effort into building that skill. That's something I'm working on changing.

The foundation courses at the academy are helping, but I know I need to do so much more. I've been really amazed by all the wonderful work posted on these forums, it's really inspired me to pick up my pen and draw.

This afternoon I did a page of creature sketches. I didn't try to think too hard about what I was drawing and instead just sorta doodled. I still have the problem of editing my work as I draw, instead of letting myself be totally free.

[zombiejay]

Bit of a art dump here. I've been sketching off and on the last few months, but it was only until Summer break started that I really got back into it. I recently watched the dvd by Vyle and was blown away. I've always liked his style and it was amazing to see him work.

[My57]

i like that house! its pretty cool.

[SkyTheArtist]

Wow, that school must be teaching you a lot. Your stuff is very good! The house definitely caught my attention. I loved the details you put into it. The figure drawing is pretty good too. Keep this up, and you'll be even better in no time!

[My57]

aw man i just saw that cube painting! thats so good. (it must have loaded up slow the last time i was on this page) Can ya tell me how ya got that effect?

[zombiejay]

My57 - Thanks! As far as the cube image, which effect do you mean? I created a cube brush in photoshop to give myself something to start with (I used it to paint in random cube structures). Then I started to add light direction and cast shadows and details here and there.

I created this image to use as the base for the cube brush.


SkyTheArtist - Thanks for the comments! Watching other artists has taught me a lot. I'm always so inspired by what I see others doing and try to learn from them. The academy has given me a nice structure to work within and I've been fortunate enough to have some wonderful teachers. I'd highly recommend taking a look at http://thegnomonworkshop.com dvd's, I've learned so much from them as well.

[zombiejay]

Bit of an update here. I've been doing a number of comic images recently, it's been a good exercise in linework and shading.

I started drawing these style characters on the BART ride to school. They're nice and easy to draw and fun to pose.


Here I expanded on the idea from the first comic. I wanted to add bodies to the characters so I could start adding in clothing.


I started a sketch for an illustration I want to do, I took this guy and did a color test to see how he'd look. I was pleased with the result.




Prompt: A glowing dome of information surrounds a person as she mixes and mashes together the glowing and encompassing atmosphere of light.

[My57]

lol those comics were pretty good, I also like the last pic, cool background.

[SkyTheArtist]

Hello again! Wow, I'm really diggin' this last piece with the 3D Background. Very nice work on that! The comics are also cute and funny too. Keep it up! I'll keep stopping by from time to time.

[Arbinn]

The latest picture is really good! I keep scrolling up and down just to feel the 3D effect.

Keep it up!

[zombiejay]

My57 - Thanks, those comics are a lot of fun to create. I've always been interested in story telling and it's fun to explore the different ways I can present and tell stories.

SkyTheArtist - A friend of mine gave me the prompt for that image and I really wanted to give the effect that the screen was wrapping around the figure. I was daunted by the idea of trying to plot out the curves, so I just created a sphere in maya and took a screenshot from inside. Quick way to perfect reference!

Arbinn - I'm glad you're enjoying that effect!

I did a little sketching today, it felt nice to pick up my pen. I had some intense music going which really inspired me to loosen up in the second sketch.

Some character designs for Magnolia and Patience. I'm working on a comic, "Art School 101".


This sketch started with photo reference of a man walking down the street and then I just had some fun with it.

[zombiejay]

Well, it sure has been a while since I posted anything here! I was rather swamped last semester and just wasn't drawing as much as I'd have liked. I've gotten back into it though and thought I'd post the old and the new. The first few were drawn during workshops last semester and the rest are my attempt to learn painter.

[zombiejay]

I started a daily drawing challenge for myself a couple weeks ago, here are a some of the pieces that have come from those drawing sessions.

(the "challenge" in this case is not about the subject matter, but instead a I'm challenging myself to draw everyday!).

[zombiejay]

More daily drawings, these range from just a few minutes to a couple hours, depending how tired I was. Most days I don't have an opportunity to work on my daily image until right before going to bed.