Rabbit Town Animator

GRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-02-13T22:02:00.001+11:00

Not a good day today in some aspects but quite productive in others.

I have to create new business cards soon. It will be fun picking a bunch of pictures to print out when I get the chance...

IF: Popularity (aka Half a Dozen Roses)

2012-02-12T22:56:00.001+11:00

Did you know that if you give someone 6 red roses it means " I want to be yours". It would certainly increase your popularity with that person. My first school of flower fish. Did you guys notice the bunnies? It's nice to travel with company.

I went and sold my zine and a print of this image at a zine fair today. I've never done it and I had a great time and sold a few things too. Anyone interested in this print? There are still some left! Send me an email and we'll work something out ;) I did find it interesting that people didn't notice that they were fish. I shall label the signage next time. I am thinking of releasing a limited edition picture book of this series. I am currently working on a pair of Bluebell fish.

I also trained today. I had McDonalds before training. Note to self, never have that junk ever again. Meh, I was silly and in a rush to get back to the Zine fair. I paid for it at training though.

Much work needs to get done tomorrow...I think I may have an early night and just get right into it. Need to do some stuff in the afternoon though before places close.

Box Models

2012-02-11T09:35:00.000+11:00

Well, after two and a half days on Maya, I kinda know how to texture...more or less. The exercise today involved us being given a template then, creating our own texture/boxman to go around cubes. Seamlessly. We first start out with one cube for the first exercise. Afterwards we were then provided a Maya file with the whole character. I found it a lot of fun. I did all the drawing/ texturing in Flash. Wacoms are not provided at school and drawing in photoshop with a mouse is a pain so as soon as I found out they had Flash...that's all she wrote. This is good anyway as I do most of my animate-able character designs in Flash and this will be applicable to a few animation ideas I have in the future. I am barely touching the surface of Maya yet but I will get there. It will be good to go through some tutorials on my own before class next week. We shall see how we go.

I am still working on my first school of fish painting. It's taking a while I must admit. The aim is to get it done today and scanned at Officeworks for a print run the next day. I am hoping that everything goes well and that there are no delays come Sunday morning for printing.

First model..

2012-02-10T07:30:00.000+11:00

Hah! Behold my first 3D model done yesterday. Yeah...it needs some work. I've never really touched Maya and certainly haven't modelled in it. I didn't get the chance to sit down in front of the computer before school to study it. Ah well. This is why I went back to school...to learn. Used mostly circles for this one and one cone. It will be nice to know how to use the tools properly. We weren't suppose to get into Maya yesterday but the class more or less blitzed the Photoshop tutorials so we got to play with Maya in the last few hours of class.

One of the exercises in school yesterday. Essentially it's getting a whole heap of images and creating a new world / look to it. I had some scanned drawings on my thumb drive so I thought to toss one of them in as well!

IF: Suspense

2012-02-09T22:06:00.000+11:00

Oh no! Are they playing tag or is it something a bit more sinister? A rush job tonight am afraid. I actually doodled this at 3D school while at lunch time. I went off on my own today for lunch. I just wanted to relax and draw. Shut down for a little bit. I shall socialize with fellow students tomorrow lunchtime. I have barely spoken to anyone the last few days. I've just been concentrating on the tasks at hand in school and formulating plans on how I could make the tutorials am doing more folio worthy. Because at the end of the day, that's what I need to show to people and I can't waste the opportunities. learn how to do something. Then do it again and make it better.

Being back at school is challenging. I painted after school last night. Then today I trained after school, putting up this post and then am going to go and do more painting because I need to do the prints and the scans at the very latest on Saturday night. It is challenging juggling everything. I freelance, I am trying to establish myself as an illustrator/artist with my fish bones and learning 3D, as well as training. I do need the training, keep myself fit and active and to help break down the mental barriers in my head.

Training with Justin today was tough. I have been training with Justin for a month now. I hired him as my personal trainer at the start of the year. I have started to lose my drive at the gym and my food eating habits got a bit worse and I missed having challenges and someone there to just kick my ass into gear. I don't have the mental capabilities to train myself in a manner that could get me to my ideal fitness and to be able to physically do certain things that I have always wanted to do. The mental barriers that break at exercise will stick with me outside of it. I need to break some mental demons. I am not to a point that I am happy with yet. I will get there though. Training with Just has been awesome though! I look a whole lot better, am trimmer, I can see progress, I am fitter than I have been in a long time and I do enjoy it. I mean, I am wrecked at training but I really do enjoy it. I really am a sucker for punishment. Tsk.

First day of School.....again.

2012-02-08T19:10:00.002+11:00

Howdy! How is everyone? Well today was my first day back in school...after 10 years. I am currently studying a few days a week at AIE. Wheeeee! Well, it's pretty good so far. I am not the oldest but I would say I came pretty close...though I think I blend in pretty well with this crowd. Too soon to tell at the moment. Anyway, no 3D today, instead we had some Photoshop action. Things I don't really use Photoshop for which is pretty awesome cause I get to review a few things and learn about the capabilities about some of the functions of Photoshop that I do not use. For instance, I never generate anything out of Photoshop. I always use it to enhance things I have already drawn.

The first image was me trying to follow the tute exactly and the second is me doing it again but with my own spin on it. I forgot to download the tutorials though so I can't explore anymore tonight but I will remember to pick it up tomorrow. I'm not used to the different steps so I need to practice a bit more. This was a tute for creating GUI's (graphical user interface), which are essentially buttons.

As far as I can tell, things are going to be fast paced if todays' tutorials is anything to go by. Everyone does seem nice and I do like the lecturer but again, today is only the first day so it's much to early to tell how the year is going to go. There are windows to toss people out off though....which may or may not be a good thing.

I am feeling a little fried, but it's good to get back into the swing of things. Off to do more painting now and get away from the computer a bit. I have all day for that tomorrow. Then training! Gotta keep active! I may even skip rope tonight before bed. Here's hoping...

Air Balloon Screenprint

2012-02-07T21:39:00.002+11:00

Howdy! One of my screen printing pieces I did months ago. Sorry, nothing new to put up. I spent most of the day drawing and painting a new fish bone piece today but I didn't get it done. Anyway, I am working on it as a "Valentines Special". I don't really celebrate Valentines but nevertheless it's what inspired me to do the piece. My first "school of fish" illustration ever! So keep posted. I am trying to get the illustration done for a Sticky Zine Fair to sell this Sunday. I have never sold at a Zine fair before so this is going to be new and exciting! Anyone down in Melbourne, come and visit!

Speaking of selling, I made another print sale today. A lady saw one of my pieces at the launch and she bought it to decorate her office! Wheeee! I am very pleased. It's the Steampunk Fish that got sold. Every little bit helps..cos am going to be a student soon. Tomorrow!!! School starts tomorrow! I am pretty excited and nervous. I haven't been to school in 10 years! Gosh...I am so old. You know, I was the youngest when I took up the 2D animation Post Grad. Now that I am starting 3D...I will probably be pretty close as being one of the oldest. Bleh.

Yesterday, I had one of my toughest training sessions ever. I was so ready to give up. It was a cardio session and I hate cardio. My friend, (who is training to be a Personal Trainer), wouldn't let me give up though and I amazed myself physically by discovering that after the initial wanting to give up, I still had a lot more in me to give. It was an amazing feeling going beyond what I thought my limits where. It's amazing what can be achieved with focus. Now to apply this to every aspects of my life....that said...this year will be a year of focusing on goals and perhaps with a little luck and blessing I may actually achieve them.

Tooth Dilemmas

2012-02-06T21:21:00.000+11:00

Ayuh....visited the dentist today and it cost me an arm and a leg. Yikes. Okay...so I have been a bit slack with the whole seeing a dentist every 6 months thing. Costs, time and I don't find a dentist visit pleasant are all contributing factors for my dropping the ball on that one. Why is the cost of healthiness so expensive? Gah! I was told to get an electric toothbrush by my dentist too...that cost the other arm and leg. Grrrrr......but since I am not too keen on the idea of having dentures by the time am 50, I'll listen to the specialist.

Smoking Helmet Fish

2012-02-05T20:49:00.000+11:00

Hello, hello! I just got my internet back! Whee!!! I have to make this post quick just in case it dies out again and also because my parents are over tonight and my Mum just finished cooking dinner!

Anyway, thought I'd try making the fish slightly more cartoony and check the feel of it! Thinking of whether or not I should make the fish bones all thematic when I do my first exhibition or just display everything I've got. They're all fish bones anyway, right? Thoughts?

Seahorse Garden

2012-02-04T18:14:00.003+11:00

Oh my gosh! Today I had a bit of a heart attack. So I left the studio and had to take two trains to get back home and with me I had some shopping and my folder containing this new watercolour piece that I just finished today. I went to the groceries and went back home and I what do you know....NO FOLDER! I freaked a bit and then I just took a deep breath and thought of the situation rationally. At first I thought I left it on one of the trains and then realized that it's not like me to leave an important item like my drawings behind. I re-traced my steps back to the grocery and hooray! It was there! I was so sad and depressed when I thought I lost the painting.

Another watercolour piece. I actually finished inking a new fish at the Studio today as well. Going to colour it tomorrow morning before seeing some friends and then my parents. I may not get it done though. Got a lot of stuff to do.

I also have a new skipping rope exercise I need to do everyday. I still have to do my 20 minutes for today! Perhaps after a little bit of food. Am starving. I've been getting hungry every 2 hours and I get grumpy without food. I need to bring almonds, sandwiches and apple slices when I go to school.

Teal Coiffure

2012-02-03T15:01:00.000+11:00

Another busy day today. Doing work and chores. The usual stuff. Not too much to report except that I just found out that the Squishface gang is on Time Out magazine...check it out! You can apparently buy the mag at your local Newsagents. Whee!

I am looking forward to a weekend of painting and drawing. I will be in the studio pretty much all day tomorrow and most of the day on Sunday. Should be good fun. I'll actually be able to post up some proper artwork instead of just scribbles...that would be nice.

Teacup Fish

2012-02-02T21:42:00.001+11:00

I am wrecked today! I had to put up one of my older pieces now, just too exhausted to make a new one am afraid. This week has been abysmal for drawing and for my fish bone pieces. I still have one in the studio that is unfinished. I have a bit of freelance am trying to make good headway on before school starts next week. I am well and truly depleted from exercise today too. I think it may have been my best session yet.

Anyway, am tired and need an early night. Feeling better about some things which is good. Freelancing and study....then paying off my school fees through tax. Yay.

Swords

2012-02-01T17:51:00.001+11:00

Well another quick one. Really don't have much time in the day to sit down and work on an illustration for hours. Too much stuff to get done before next week. A lot of little irritations today and I am reminded again that being accommodating towards people does have it's drawbacks from time to time, especially when I feel that it is being taken for granted.

Working out has been great though. Feeling stronger but I feel that I am still too weak mentally and would like to be able to break that barrier in my head.

Anyway time for some chill out before getting back into the swing of things later tonight.

Squishface Opening Video

2012-01-31T09:17:00.002+11:00

SQUISHFACE OPENING VIDEO

Do check out our new video which shows stuff happening before and during the opening! Squishface Opening Video edited and filmed by David Blumenstein.

Pink Punk

2012-01-30T22:32:00.000+11:00

Another day, another dollar. Hopefully it stays that way. Several dollars more would be even better, in fact. This is another quick sketch done straight with pen, no pencils and played around with in Photoshop. I do find doing post on my iffy sketches and fixing, prettying it up, both therapeutic and relaxing.

So many things have happened this month that it doesn't feel like it's the start of the year anymore. Feels more like we're in the middle of 2012 instead of just the start of it. Does that make sense? Guess my month has been really jam packed and I've been focused on achieving certain goals and milestones that the year feels longer than it really is. Always more to do though. No rest for this bunny. 3D school starts in a week. I am rather excited!

IF:Forward

2012-01-29T11:13:00.000+11:00

Run forward for your goals, run forward for your dreams...just run forwards.

I've been doing a lot of exercise and have been trying out new things and experiences lately. I do feel like life is moving forward and so many more new experiences and challenges are about to come my way. I sometimes feel like I am struggling to keep up and that I get tired far too quickly but I want to make sure I keep on pushing. Things wont change or move forward unless I put the hard yards into it.

Commissioned/Present Koi fish painting

2012-01-28T11:34:00.002+11:00

Hello, hello. This is an acrylic painting I made for my friend Mayu who is going away to Canberra. It's a going away present that she requested and she paid for the materials. She said she was happy with it. I was quite pleased with how it turned out. She picked it up two days before the opening and I just haven't had a chance to post the picture up. This is the first acrylic painting I completed since 2009. Woo hoo!

Check it out...I can paint a whole fish without the fish bones showing!

A scorcher today in Melbourne. I need to do some work after some chores.

Squishface Opening Personal Review

2012-01-27T10:46:00.005+11:00

Our Studio Shop Front, right before the opening

Mine and Ben Hutchings' selling space

Work I was selling and displaying. I had 3 original watercolour pieces framed, some prints, my business cards, a sktechbook and my first zine. The Rose Fish (framed picture on the right) SOLD! I was very very pleased.

My wall, displaying and selling the limited prints (1 out of 20 and 30s) The pink one right in the centre with the green tipped fins also sold. My very first print sell!

An open page of my zine.

My very first zine! Wheeee! Lots of people seemed to like it and buy it too! Thank you everyone!

David Blumenstein, Sarah Howell and Sacha Bryning's selling space

Me and my mum by the buffet table and Sarah Howell by the sink. Arran Mckenna's selling spot is right behind Sarah.

Very first stranger/dude that just came in and started eating the food, before the crowds.

Didn't take long for the crowds to come!

The folks arriving outside or going out for some air

A packed house!

Uber packed house!

Spilling onto the streets!

The Squishface Studio Opening was a major success. People came, we socialized, made contacts, people bought stuff and folks seemed to really like the place and the works and many have mentioned that they would like to drop by and see how things are going down the track. It was an amazing day. I've never really had to host an opening and I can't think of better people to have done it with. Everyone at the studio chipped in and cleaned up to make sure that yesterday would be absolutely fantastic. There are currently six of us at the studio: Ben Hutchings, Arran Mckenna, Sarah Howell, David Blumenstein, Sacha Bryning and myself. Then our friends and family brought stuff. My mum brought yummy eclairs, profiteroles and coconut macaroons. Sacha's dad brought us chicken, sausages, chips and an Australia cake. My friend Sarah Dean brought us a Tim tam cake! People chipped in for beers....everyone was just so awesome and we at the studio are really very happy and pleased for all the support and help.

On a personal note, this was the first time I've actually exhibited my work for sale and I am very happy with the feedback and people actually bought stuff! I sold my first print and original painting along with making sales of my very first zine! It make me very happy and gives me the confidence to actually hold a proper exhibition before long and approach galleries with samples of my work and to bring out a nicer and better zine that isn't rushed and done in 3 days flat and with proper stapling! I am not really used to selling anything that I have actually created on my own accord. When people pay me, it's because I've created or done a job for them...it's a new and wonderful thing for me to discover that people like my personal work enough to pay for it. I would also like to thank Ben Hutchings again for convincing me to make a zine at the last minute. I would not have done it otherwise! And for helping me out with the whole zine process. I found it very confusing at best but we got there in the end.

Thanks again everyone for all your support and for coming to the Opening. Those who couldn't make it, come visit us sometime!

Lantern Fish

2012-01-26T11:19:00.001+11:00

I wont really have time to draw today as it's the launch! Woo hoo! This is one of the pieces I put up on sale today. I don't really expect anyone to buy or anything, just hoping for a fun, good day and that everyone enjoys themselves. Looking forward to it!

Stretchy Kitty

2012-01-25T01:14:00.000+11:00

A very stretchy kitty indeed. A rushed drawing for tonight and a quick post, just incase I don't get a chance later.

I just finished baking mountains of chocolate chip cookies for the launch. I am knackered but at the same time, it is too hot to sleep. Gah! My sleeping patterns have been terrible since the weather warmed up.

Anyhoo...much anticipation and excitement is coming up with the launch and then am starting 3D school shortly after that. Phew! 2012...a year of big changes I think.

Title page

2012-01-24T21:14:00.001+11:00

Hello all! Well, I can't produce a new drawing right now. I produced 10 new fish bone drawings since last Friday night and compiled it all into my first picture zine today. It was a bit of a rigmaroll but with Ben Hutcho's help I managed to produce my first zine thing. I think I might have stuffed up the stapling though. Not centred or seamless. Oops. I will know better for next time.

Now I am off to bake cookies for the launch. I may be baking for a long time tonight. Oh dear.

Video footage for Squishface!

2012-01-23T21:14:00.001+11:00

Sorry! Can't post any of the drawings today as it's going to be released in my very first picture zine thingymajig this Thursday. Fingers crossed at any rate. Instead, check out this video shot at Squishface Studio! This happened last Friday.

IF:Twirl

2012-01-22T23:30:00.000+11:00

This is for Illustration Friday, the theme being "Twirl". Wheee!!!

A busy day today, I finally have back-up copies of all my A3 fish bone pieces and I still need to select my best work for printing tomorrow, among other things. I'm going to be running around doing errands for most of the day tomorrow and I am hoping to get it all done. Still, all has been good. A little panicked...but good.

Gun Fish

2012-01-21T23:14:00.000+11:00

Sooooo....this is one of the drawings I created today. I am going to be making a small picture zine/book using the fish bone theme, steam punk style that I am trying to finish before the Squishface Studio opening. However...I don't think this fish will make the cut....it doesn't really go with the other fish. This guy is packing some major heat!! Very unlike the other fish and I also made an error in the drawing. Machinery is not a strong suit of mine. I am better at drawing organic things like plants and fur but I wanted to challenge and pressure myself into practicing doing machine type drawings, hence the Black and White steam punk fish bone series~!

I actually pumped out quite a few today so I am rather pleased. I need to do a few more though!!! Ah!!! I need to do a print run and A3 scans by Monday and then set-up the zine on Tuesday and hope I get it all finished. I also have to bake for the launch and do an emergency illustration gig that's due next Friday. Wheeeeeeeeeee!!! All fun and games at Rabbit Land!

Does anyone have any idea what I can title a book full of steam punk fish? Titles is not a strong suit of mine either.

Machine!!!

2012-01-20T21:51:00.000+11:00

Another drawing of straight pens, no pencil and some Photoshop love. I am currently enjoying testing out textures and layer properties. It's good fun.

Yesterday was a very productive day. I finished animating on the pilot job which makes me happy and also wondering if I should find other work, in case this contract am waiting for doesn't go through. I also finished my first acrylic painting since 2009. Yup, it's been a while since I actually painted with acrylics. I also managed to draw 2 miniature Black and White fish bone drawings which am planning to put out as a picture book. A self-published and made one....which I am trying to do for the opening but will most likely go to the zine fair instead. I am a machine......which unfortunately gets tired. Like today...my batteries really felt rather flat.

I mentioned that I've been keeping a food diary. It really is amazing on how much easier it is to keep track of what I eat and it also prevents me from eating unhealthily....or tells me when I am. I had a wee bit too much sugar today, I actually feel a little ill. I haven't had much sweets the last few days and I had a vanilla milkshake at dinner and I felt really sick afterwards. It didn't take very long for the effects of not eating sugar to kick in. I went to the gym today and will be going again tomorrow cos as of next week, my gym account will be frozen until I know how much I can handle at school, the studio and training with a friend.

Flight

2012-01-19T11:49:00.001+11:00

Today has been a good day thus far. I got another shot approved and I believe it's my last one for the pilot gig. Woo hoo! Fix-up stage will happen later. I am also close to finishing off an illustration gig too...perhaps I may get some downtime before school starts after all! We shall see. Knowing me...I tend to panic if there's no job in the horizon and may very well start hunting for freelance work before long.

Today is all about painting at the studio and hoping to get that commissioned piece for my friend done so I can start on my first picture book type thing for a zine fair. It will involve the fishbone series am working on.

2012 Goals

2012-01-18T23:57:00.003+11:00

Now, am not a big fan of making New Years resolutions and all that jazz. To be honest, I can't remember the last time I made any. I always went with the approach of just doing what I need to do as soon as possible (mostly jobs) and doing what I want to do when I can (my personal projects) and whatever else...I'll just wing it. However, this time I would like to do things differently. Perhaps am inspired by all the upheavals and changes of 2011 and also because I accomplished a few goals I actually set my mind to: drawing everyday, loop animation every month and finally doing a screenprinting course and biting the bullet and applying to learn 3D animation and 2012 seems to be the year of changes and jumping into the deep end.

So goals:

1) Do the best I can at 3D school. It's been a decade since I studied 2D animation and here I am learning another animation form...I'll be damned if I end up slacking off or any of that nonsense. Am too old to act like a juvenile.....for most things.

2) Post everyday....or get to 365 posts at least. Let's face it, I may not always get back home by midnight to post something.

3) Achieve fitness goals. I mean I want to be as fit as I can possibly be within a year. I want to be able to do all the things I could never physically do and stop envying people who can actually do them and take the steps to achieve them instead.

4) Eat healthier, to help out goal number 03. Am a sugar junkie. I could eat a whole packet of oreos with milk and not feel sick and with a family line that has diabetes in the genes that tends to appear by the age of forty....this is not a good thing. I would like to avoid diabetes and other diseases that comes from bad eating as much as possible. I have started a food diary to help control my eating habits. Seriously, if you want to know about your eating habits and how much junk food you actually eat, start one.

5) Get a zine/ comic/picture book/ anything in print form that can be sold at comic fairs and whatnot. I'm in a comic studio now, surrounded by awesomely talented people and I've always wanted to do one and there is no better opportunity than this.

6) Prepare or do that exhibition I've always meant to do. At least produce all the works I want in a gallery for either later this year or definitely in 2013. I'm going with my fish bone theme.

7) Play with resin. I am seriously fascinated by the medium, it looks so cool! I just need a place to do it as the studio doesn't have much ventilation and my home is covered in carpet. I think I may have to do it in the kitchen....is this a bad idea?

8) Don't let anyone stop me from achieving my projects or goals. I let that happen before...no more.

9) Be a bit more conscious with money....some little things like switching the light off when am not in the room, shopping at the markets or buying food on sale at groceries. A big one would be not extending myself financially if it's going to stress me out.

10) Heh....this one is a secret.

On another note, I didn't plan on making a series of these little girls. It just happens to be what I felt like drawing the last few days. I am enjoying them.

IF:Prepare

2012-01-17T22:26:00.001+11:00

Preparing for baking. Always need to have all the ingredients and materials ready before starting. Who knows what she's going to make? My bet is brownies. My entry to Illustration Friday.

Having a studio opening next week and I'll be baking for it. Brownies and chocolate chip cookies are in the menu for mass production, so am going to be looking a lot like this little girl next week. Probably more panicked and messier though.

It was so hot today that I literally felt like I was being cooked in the sun. I retreated into Squishface Studio to hide from the heat. The studio is so nice and cool and am happy about that but it's going to freeze in winter! Heaters need to be invested for that place, that's for sure. I would like to keep my fingers and toes. I like them and I need them.

I haven't had much time to do any detailed drawings. The last 6 posts are all done without pencil and straight with a fineliner and brought into Photoshop for some loving post.

WAH!!!

2012-01-16T21:31:00.001+11:00

I am bemoaning on just how unfit I am. Seriously....I was hoping to be a lot tougher but am not. Oh well, this is the reason why I asked a friend to help me train. Sheesh....I totally enjoyed it though. Don't get me wrong, nice to get adrenalin going, heart pumping and an endorphin hit and it is good to get an idea on how much more I have to do to reach my fitness goals and what's more, it's great to have company and a watchful eye. Let's face it, many of us don't physically train (unless we're trying out for a major sporting event) to our absolute limits. The mind starts screaming, "STOP, I FEEL PAIN AND AN UNCOMFORTABLE BURNING SENSATION" long before the body is actually ready to give up. In short, I have some physical goals and I want to achieve them, so am gonna suck it up. No pain, no gain.

I am also moaning about not having enough time to do everything this month. Yes, it's been the recurring theme lately. I like to think of myself as efficient and with abilities to get into a project/job and see it through and I am frustrated that I can't go any faster or accomplish much more than what I already am in a day. I mean, I don't want to do nothing but work. I did that straight for 3 years when I first started freelancing and trust me, things can get most unpleasant with that sort of thing. I have started enjoying my life as a freelancer more when I actually took breaks, got myself physically exerting hobbies and spending money on travel. I would like to continue to do that however with school coming up...I have no idea what to expect! Simultaneously terrifying and exciting.

Anyway, it was good today. I got a bit of work done, have a few more to do before bedtime and I got my exercise. Life is good and I can't complain.

PS. I am under no false illusions that I won't be hurting tomorrow. I am going to be hurting and am sure I will be swearing with every step I take. Lower body is what was trained today.

Fun in the Sun

2012-01-15T22:40:00.001+11:00

Today was awesome. I made today my designated day off from work and I went to a BBQ with some friends and they made BBQ Paella. Yup, they cooked the paella on the BBQ and it was awesome! Got quite a few hours in the sun and walked along the beach, it was really lovely.

Tomorrow is another busy day though. I have a tough shot to work on, I have a scheduled workout and then more work to do afterwards. It's going to be a long day.

Paperboat Traveller

2012-01-14T22:37:00.002+11:00

Busy, busy day today but a lot got done. Finally finished one section for a job which am pleased with and did some more work on that painting. It's getting there and am a bit happier with it. I haven't done a new A3 fish bone piece for ages and I really need to find time to do some printouts and scanning. Will cost me quite a bit though. Boo. I'll need to do select prints until am more liquid or just sell the originals. I also haven't gone to the gym this week. I may pay for that come Monday.

You know, for an artists I've never done a paper boat properly or a paper aeroplane or anything origami actually. I don't think paper folding is one of my skills.

Aeroplane Girl

2012-01-13T14:41:00.001+11:00

Hello, hello. Ever pretended you were an airplane as a kid? That's what inspired this drawing anyway. Also, am feeling pretty good having had done a lot of work today.

I need to earn more cash...my savings is looking rather depleted after paying all those bills and whatnot last year. I expect I will be on the poor side while I am studying since my working hours and my finding work hours is about to get cut. Tsk. Tsk. I always think on how much further ahead I would have liked to have been in life. So many delays and spanners being thrown in the works tend to affect that. Ah well. Just got to keep up the pace and soar away from the people or things that bring me down.

Pudgy Popsicle

2012-01-12T22:41:00.001+11:00

Ah....had to do a quick one tonight. I have been busy all day. There's still so much to get done too. I have to do a bit of work tonight, my schedule is really erratic at the moment.

Spent some time at the studio on a commissioned painting. My first commission since I became an animator. Painting takes forever....am hoping to knock out a big chunk of it on Sunday or Saturday night...

Pudge

2012-01-11T22:12:00.002+11:00

I did this quick doodle at the studio today.....I felt like drawing something cute and pudgy but also looking a bit tired and down. I am really starting to feel the pressure of getting everything done. Less than a month now when things start to go really crazy....I expect to not sleep at all when school starts. I am also currently struggling with a big painting that I am doing for my friend who is moving away. It's just not flowing as well as I would like. I am using acrylics for it and perhaps am just not as used to the medium since I've been using watercolours constantly.

I also managed to have dinner with an old friend tonight. Always lovely catching up and keeping up to date.

IF:Grounded

2012-01-10T21:00:00.000+11:00

The naughty little bunny wants to take off elsewhere but mummy bunny isn't having any of that.

My entry for Illustration Friday: "Grounded". The picture shows both meanings which I rather like. I had this idea a few days ago but just had no time to paint it. I did this one today after doing some work at home and after some downtime I need to finish more work. I am pretty pleased with how this one turned out. Painting with watercolours is a great way to relax.

I am trying to finish everything before school but I don't think it's going to be possible. That said, I am going to finish as much as I can and make the deadlines. I need to study too before school starts...so much to do...so much to do...

Been thinking a lot about what has happened last year and how I can make this year better financially, physically and mentally.

Okay...after a breather...back to work!

Inked Cat

2012-01-09T19:29:00.002+11:00

A real quickie today and not even the one I was planning to draw. I saw a friend in the morning and it was lovely to catch up. I was working till about 2am last night after I got home from badminton and dinner. I love being a freelancer since I have flexibility but it does come with a price. Never being sure what's around the corner; jobs showing up, jobs dropping out, delays in payment, deadlines coming all at once, all jobs drying up at once....I do love freelancing though. I miss studio environments which is why I joined my friends when they formed the comic studio. I also want a back-up in the freelance world that is still in the animator profession, which is why am going back to school to learn 3D. Wheeee! Fun all around.

Spent most of today animating a shot for the pilot gig. Almost there...got to do a bit more tomorrow and will hopefully get it done tomorrow night. I didn't get a chance to study Maya today. Grrrr.... I think I need to dedicate a couple of days to it a week...hopefully later this week.

Murasaki

2012-01-08T16:09:00.002+11:00

Hello, hello. I did this doodle while I was at the studio today. A bit of fun, I haven't done anything Anime-ish in style for a while. "Murasaki" actually means purple in Japanese. I wanted to post something that was on the subdued side.

I was at the studio till quite late last night with a whole lot of other artists. It was great fun. I finished another A3 fish and a bit of work.

Not much else to report at the moment. A lil' freaked out on how quickly the days are just passing by. I also think a lot about the past and the people in it when am alone, which is not often these days ever since I joined a studio. I am really happy about that. Soon, school will start on top of that. I am going to make it a point to go through some Maya tutorials tomorrow night. Needs to be done! I refuse to be shown up too much by people who are a decade or so younger than me! Least I can do is know how the program works...more or less.

Blue Owl

2012-01-07T23:18:00.001+11:00

I know that the drawing everyday challenge is over but I still like posting everyday. I'm rather used to it I guess. The question is will I be able to continue once school starts? It's a tough one, isn't it? A part of me thinks I will and it will probably involve a lot of ranting and showing of progress. Another parts says I will be so snowed under that I will need to drop something in my hectic schedule. I am currently trying to finish off my current freelance gigs, been painting like a madwoman at the studio and socializing with friends and trying my best to keep fit. I still need to find time to study Maya on my own before school. Perhaps this week...one can hope.

This was done quickly with watercolours. I like owls. Perhaps I should make an Owl fish.

More fishies at the studio

2012-01-06T13:30:00.001+11:00

I did this about a month ago but just havent posted it. They're also A3 pieces which I did at the Squishface Studio.

I am thinking of trying to sell these (the originals...maybe) at the local cafe. I need to hunt some frames soon...and possibly an A3 scanner so I can have back-ups of most of my works!

IF:Highlight (also Puffy Fish)

2012-01-05T23:50:00.000+11:00

Illustration friday's entry for "highlight". The fishy has highlights and it was one of the highlights of 2011 when I came up with the concept, randomly. Now I keep making new and interesting breeds.

Today was a very busy day with work and socializing while working. Worked at the studio today on an animation scene and then did more freelance at "crafternoon" with friends and I also managed to find time to paint this lil guy! I better sort out that exhibition thing this year....

Tired already

2012-01-04T22:01:00.000+11:00

Howdy boys and girls! Well, I drew this one up a few days ago but it more or less rings true for today...I am feeling a bit exhausted and the year has barely begun. I have started full swing with work now and I need to get everything done before the end of the month when it's all due. Wheeee! Then school begins in feb. Double wheee!

I went to the gym today too and it was too packed to do weights so I started running instead and got a massive headache in the process. Not too sure what's going on there. I spent most of today in front of the computer getting an action shot done. Time to do clean up on it now and hopefully get it done by Friday morning.

Fishies at the Studio

2012-01-03T12:33:00.000+11:00

Steam Punk Fish

Goblin Shark Cello inked

Goblin Shark Cello water coloured

Some photographs of the fish bone pieces I painted at the studio. It was so hot yesterday and I spent most of the painting the Goblin Shark. I've been having a lot of fun with watercolours and the blending is a lot more fun than the copic pens. Check out Squishface Studios where I've been painting!

Eep!

2012-01-02T23:04:00.000+11:00

Ever been caught without your pants? I haven't but I imagine it would be a tad bit embarrassing.

The heat is god-awful in Melbourne at the moment. Retreated to the studio today to do some painting and actually finished doing a Goblin Shark Cello, requested by my Dad. I didn't have my camera today so no photos yet am afraid. I have to stay home and brave the heat and do work tomorrow. Hoping my computer can handle it without crashing. Mmmmm..wont be as bad tomorrow as it was today though, looking forward to the cool change on Wednesday.

Gerbil Balloons

2012-01-01T20:00:00.000+11:00

First post for the year! Yah!!! Oh my goodness, it is soooooo freaking hot. So hot that I spent most of the day hiding in a shopping centre with some friends. I drew this in a food court.

So, I had an awesome time yesterday with friends at Red Bennies. One of the most fun New Years I've had in a while. So awesome and I can't think of a better way to start 2012. Here to better and brighter things!

Now, I did complete my 6 month goal of drawing everyday so now all I want to do is just keep posting regularly though not necessarily a drawing. Perhaps photograph some of the drawings I cannot scan in cause they are too big?

I have a lot of goals for this year and am hoping to achieve most if not all of them. We shall see!

New Years Eve: 6 month drawing everyday Complete!

2011-12-31T13:25:00.000+11:00

Illustration 183 and that is 6 months completed! Goal achieved. Woo hoo! Happy New Years to everyone for later! I am going out and having fun tonight in vintage form. Yup, I have a cherry dress and am not afraid to wear it. Tee hee hee! Might be giving away what am going to be dressed like tonight, ah well.

Year 2011 went by in a flash. Here are some of the events that happened this year:

I went to Europe instead of Japan and had a fantastic time, despite the bedbugs in Austria.
I managed to enter animations to loopdeloop every month this year without fail.
I met and developed bonds with new people and social groups as well as letting go of some people I used to call friends.
I got to experience Armageddon in full costume as well as the Zombie Shuffle...both events I have never gone to before.
I drew everyday for 6 months and achieved that goal and with that I developed new illustration styles, became pretty good at copic pens and my watercolour skills are getting there too. Furthermore I finally came up a theme for an exhibition I want to do.
I was constantly employed and have managed to live comfortably as a freelancer. My animations have become noticeably better though my drawing of hands can certainly use some improvement.
I finally bought a laptop after all these years despite a financial set-back.
I have joined a studio containing a band of comic artists and animators at Squishface Studio..where we all do our own thing but with company and space.

I have plenty of things to be thankful for and I am so looking forward to 2012. Working at the studio, trying to make an exhibition, going back to school to learn 3D animation from the ground up, it's insane. I will be looking for more work to do at the same time as school by mid-January. I also plan to be a bit more hardcore with gym/training. I want to be fitter, slimmer and tougher before the year is out. I want to be able to do proper pull-ups and achieved front splits. I am hoping to have time to make a comic too..or at least a couple of strips. Here's hoping I achieve all that!

Now, may everyone have a safe and Happy New Years whether or not you're celebrating or staying home in bed. For all that read my blog, thank you and I hope you enjoyed the ride and there will be more posts next year. May 2012 be awesome for you all!!!!

Corn Fish

2011-12-30T23:56:00.001+11:00

Allo, allo! Illustration 182 out of 183 to total 6 months of drawing everyday. I had to double up today as when I decided to do the 6 month goal, it was July 04 and I didn't have an illustration on July 02 and I've made up with this! Anyway, the idea came about when my friend David B. went to the Fruit and Veggie shop and he picked up a bunch of grapes and I said "Grape fish", in which he replied " I want a Corn Fish"....so I made one! I also made a Steam Punk fish for my sister but alas it's an A3 sized piece and so it wont be going on the blog. I got a fish request from my parents today so I'll be getting on to that too. Good ideas as well. I am serious about having an exhibition of these guys so the more fish I make, the more options I have later.

New Years Eve tomorrow! I am looking forward to it! I intend to have fun.

IF:Messenger

2011-12-30T11:55:00.000+11:00

Illustration 181 in a row. It's been a while since I submitted anything to Illustration Friday. I am going to try and make sure that I enter one every week next year. One of my New Years resolution. I was actually inspired to do this after watching an episode of Naruto and I saw a frog deliver a message by pulling a Japanese scroll out of his mouth. I thought it was pretty cool. Here I changed it to a message in a bottle. I love the idea of putting a message in a bottle and see where it turns up. I first saw the whole message in a bottle concept by watching "Rescuers" by Disney when I was a little girl. Have people seen that movie?

Anyhoo, today is gym day and am still deciding on whether or not to do weights or swim.

Black Swans

2011-12-29T23:05:00.000+11:00

Illustration 180. Only 2 more to go before I hit the 6 month mark. I saw a couple of black swans in a river yesterday while walking with my friend and thought it would be a bit of fun to draw. Been doing work and trying to come up with more exhibition pieces for next year. I do find that I need to keep pumping out the illustrations as I am going to school early next year and I can't imagine being able to do as much while am studying and hopefully working. Definitely need to find more work to do for the next year which I can do in-between study and painting. I am also going to be studying Maya while working on my current jobs as soon as I recover from the New Years party on Saturday. I have so much to do! Gah!

New Year is approaching and am looking forward to it!

Kitty Pillow

2011-12-28T21:06:00.000+11:00

Illustration 179, only 3 more to go till 6 month goal is complete. This is more like a Kitty Bed than a Kitty Pillow I realize but I rather like the title. This one is influenced by the big fat white cat my sister has called Smoo. He's so big, white and fluffy and I can't help but want to squeeze him like a stuff toy. Anyway, if I was smaller, he would be such a nice thing to lie on. If I actually wasn't allergic to cat fur. Ah well.

Rose fish

2011-12-27T18:40:00.001+11:00

Illustration 178 all done with watercolours. I did this at my parents place soon after completing the Orchid Fish. It was a beautiful day in Melbourne today so just went out to enjoy the sun with some friends. I gave one of them a shirt with my screen print design too. I was very pleased that he liked it!

Orchid Fish

2011-12-26T21:57:00.001+11:00

Illustration 177 done at my parents place over Christmas. All done with watercolours. Christmas this year was awesome. I have so many new outfits and went out today for the Boxing Day sales and bought so many new shoes, coats and more dresses. Essentially, I have decided not to buy any new clothes until I have worn everything in my wardrobe. I have a lot of stuff I have had for years and have never worn. It's time to change that. I also need to tighten my belts as soon as the festivities are done. Got drained quite a bit this month with the festivities and paying my very big bills. Ugh. I'm feeling a bit poor to be honest. Must find more work once New Year is done. Wish me luck!

Hope everyone had a spectacular Christmas

Butter Cookies

2011-12-25T18:11:00.000+11:00

Illustration 176...Merry Christmas everyone!!! I've been enjoying mine and having lots of butter cookies and awesome food that my mom cooked. It's been a great and relaxing Christmas. Most of my presents are gorgeous dresses and pain supplies which I am incredibly pleased with. Hopefully everyone else liked their presents from me.

The next year and the commitments I have placed upon myself has started to freak me out a bit. School, work, studio, paintings...sounds insane. I am a lil worried about not being able to handle it but I have already committed so am going to do what I always do when am scared...don't think too much, just go for it.

Chrissy

2011-12-23T12:36:00.000+11:00

Illustration 175 is up early as it is Christmas Eve tomorrow and I may not have time to post. Merry Christmas to all of you that celebrate it. For those who don't, hope you have an awesome day too!!!

A lil bit rushed but I think she's kinda cute anyway.

Red Robin

2011-12-23T00:59:00.001+11:00

Illustration 174. Another piece purely done with watercolours. Am really enjoying this painting again. I also think I need to post another drawing in a few hours. Christmas time is upon us and things are rather busy! Hope you all have an awesome and fabulous Christmas period!!!

Red and Blue Fighting Fish

2011-12-22T13:44:00.000+11:00

Illustration 173 in a row. I wanted to try and do the fish bone theme in pure watercolours. No inking this time around. I think it works rather well. A different look. Softer. I think I will do a couple more watercolour pieces. I am enjoying the medium. I also really like the paper am using. I'm going to do another piece using a different type of paper today. I really am just in the mood to draw out in the city.

So close to Christmas. Still a lot to prepare....

Butterfly fish

2011-12-21T23:16:00.001+11:00

Illustration 172. This fish is done a little differently to the others. I coloured it with water colours this time on smooth Arhes paper. I love it! I haven't touched water colour paints in ages and it was a lot of fun getting back into it and the blending is a lot of fun. The size is actually A5 too. A lot smaller than the A4 pieces I've been posting here.

I was at the studio most of today, then did Christmas shopping and met up with some friends. Not looking forward to having to strap my belt tighter next year since I will be in school. Bleh. More market shopping needs to happen next year...but at least I will eat healthier. Here's hoping.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-20T21:28:00.000+11:00

Illustration 171. The Holidays are upon us, Christmas and New Years! I still haven't finished my Christmas shopping. Hoping to do that tomorrow. Am also very close to finishing off the 6 month goal of illustrating everyday! Woo hoo! I think I would really like to concentrate on working on my fish bone designs/illustrations and illustrate for the blog when I can.

I checked my schedule for school next year and it is full on. Barely any breaks at all and I need to spend as much time as I can at the studio when am not studying, working and lets not forget gym. Next year is where I really want to go uber fit and commit to a good diet for a change. My diet is terrible....too much sweets and fried food. I am up to a point with my working out that am no longer going to get any visible results if I keep eating junk.

It's going to be a very busy year next year. I want to freelance as much as I can on top of work. Work on my fish bone illustrations so I can have an exhibition...that would be so cool. So much to do. So many new things to learn. 2012...feels like it's going to be explosive.

Thought I would try texturing the pink bunny just to see what it would look like.

Tree Frog Swirly

2011-12-19T18:21:00.000+11:00

Illustration 170. So close to the 6 month goal. Not long now at all! Spent most of today working on a new fish bone design and did a little bit of painting. Want to get a start on a scene for the pilot gig tomorrow. Hopefully get it done before Christmas. That would be nice!

I am currently moving like an old woman. Had a workout with a friend a few days ago and I got caned. My muscles are crying...and am back at the gym training on my own tomorrow! Yup...slightly masochistic. Just slightly.

Formal Cat

2011-12-18T08:48:00.000+11:00

Illustration 169. A quick drawing today...much to do and places to go! My muscles hurt from yesterday...feeling pretty good though!

Owie...

2011-12-17T23:25:00.000+11:00

Illustration 168....had to be really fast today as am out of energy. First of all, I made the this sketch (which is suppose to e me) too long limbed. I am not a tall girl...not by a long shot, however this pretty much sums up me. I had an awesome (but difficult) training session today at the park with a friend and it was challenging. I have almost forgotten how good it is to be challenged and supported by someone while exercising. It makes the workout more difficult but I like it more. I have been training on my own at the gym since March and I know I most certainly don't push myself as hard as I could. Today proved that. Exercise is a funny thing...I'm full of endorphins and feel great but at the same time my muscles are on fire. I need sleep soon. I hope am not so sore tomorrow.

For other news, had a great time at the studio today. Everyone was there and I had a productive day. I haven't painted but did a couple of pen and ink A3 fish bone pieces with a totally new theme and I like the results!

Bunny can't swim...

2011-12-16T13:33:00.000+11:00

Illustration 167....I am not a strong swimmer....this is a drawing inspired by yesterday's gym endeavours. I spent most of today finishing of another job for Christmas, house chores and things like shower and eating and doing a drawing for the day and I find that time is really escaping me. I was hoping to be in the studio by now....grrrrr..... painting today!

Lady in Purple

2011-12-15T23:08:00.000+11:00

Illustration 166 in a row, sketched out while waiting for the train on the way home from my last screen printing class. Boo hoo hoo! I really enjoyed screen printing but I don't have the means to equip myself from scratch to continue, nor do I have the space. That said, I will definitely get back into it in the future when I have both means and space. I printed out a whole heap of shirts today and I hope people like them.

I also went swimming today. I am bad at swimming. No stamina or technique for it, which makes me want to build it up! A challenge! Wheee!

Lady in Blue

2011-12-14T19:09:00.000+11:00

Daily Illustration 165. My endeavours for today. I drew her up while waiting to meet a friend today. So I am now officially enrolled at the AIE to learn 3D next year. Wheeee! Next year is going to be big. Finding more freelance work, studying and painting at the studio...I guess I wont be sleeping.

I have also decided to ramp up my training at the gym and have taken up swimming. I actually almost drowned when I was very young, I would say the water and I have never really been good friends but I would like to be a whole lot better at it. It's great exercise too.

kitty balloon

2011-12-13T22:08:00.000+11:00

Illustration 164. Hurray! Still working on a tough shot for the pilot gig. Hoping to finish it soon...gah! It is being rather difficult. I've also started painting again and it is both refreshing and tough. I am rather rusty at it. I am starting to feel I should have started on something smaller rather than a canvas that's practically my height.

This drawing is a possibility for screen printing. I was wondering if a dude would wear this if the design was on his shirt. I thought it would be all right but am now starting to have my doubts. Perhaps back to the drawing board.

Seeing Red

2011-12-12T21:18:00.002+11:00

Illustration 163. Not a great day. A quick sketch since I need to do more work tonight. Hoping to chill a bit for the Christmas week. We shall see. I came across a homeless man that was being rather abusive and rascist towards me. It made me very, very angry.

Fantail Fishbone 02

2011-12-11T20:28:00.001+11:00

Illustration 162. Another design that I will be putting on the shirts. It is the same breed as the last fish. First time I've drawn the same type of fish twice. I have an idea for screen printing that requires the same type of fish, that's all. I really love screen printing, I have a knack for it. However I need space and the equipment. Alas, I neither have the space nor the money to start up a new hobby just like that. A real shame. This week is my last class. Makes me kinda sad.

beehive hair

2011-12-10T11:39:00.000+11:00

Illustration 161 in a row. Beehive hairdo! A quick drawing for today.

I have a 1950s party and a BBQ to go to today. This Saturday is all about catching up with people and having a darn good time!

Uuuuuuh....

2011-12-09T18:14:00.000+11:00

Illustration 160. So close to reaching the 6 month goal which ends on Dec 31! Debating on whether or not to still keep going. It was scorching today! Blah!!! My skin has gone to poo cause of the heat, the humidity and being all sticky. Yech. Submitted some work today and the client was very pleased which in turn also makes me happy. That said, I need to play catch up on another job next week and finish a couple of things off! I need to re-charge this weekend so I think I will start that painting I have been meaning to do at the studio.

Fantail Fishbone

2011-12-08T22:48:00.001+11:00

My drawing for the night. Illustration 159. I actually used this as a print for screenprinting class today! It was very hectic today. Was doing work and I as I was about to leave I discovered that my kitchen was flooded by the faulty washing machine next door. Luckily I was home and managed to save the carpet from getting too soaked and cleaning up the kitchen floor. Was rather insane today. Newspapers are on the floor now to hopefully soak up the remaining water in the carpet. Feeling that am spread a bit too thinly. Haven't even had a chance to go to the gym this week. Feeling a bit icky because of it. Just want some of the jobs done so I can chill for a bit.

Lifedrawing at Bigkidz session 03! Fight Theme!

2011-12-07T22:32:00.000+11:00

Hello, hello! Well here are my drawings for the night. Illustrations 158 (batched together) Tonight was life drawing at Bigkidz where we all took turns posing for each other. The theme tonight was "Fight" . So we did poses related to that. It was a lot of fun! I especially liked Kelly's idea where she does one pose for 5 minutes and then she does a second pose for another 5 minutes...which is essentially her kicking herself on the head. I need to do more life drawing. I need more time in the day!

Angelfish

2011-12-06T22:24:00.000+11:00

Illustration 157 in a row. Well, I went to Sydney yesterday for a job and am now back. The person who hired me wanted me to be involved in a focus group for this animation I will be working on shortly. It was set in a school and the focus group consisted of 12 year olds. My goodness, I can;t remeber the last time I set foot in a school that wasn't a university. Was odd but at the same time eye-opening about what some kids do and do not know.

I am trying different types of fish for my fishbone designs. I do like where it is going! Much to do before Christmas...so much to get done!

Ice Cream Mountain

2011-12-05T12:30:00.002+11:00

Illustration 156 in a row. Big ice cream (with a custard topping) to go with the Kittys' big spoon.

A busy week is ahead of me. Trying to work on several jobs at once and trying to find that routine of going into the studio. The place is looking good. It will be great when things are more set-up. I don't have internet at the studio at the moment so communicating and sending files back and forth from the studio isn't possible yet. Hoping to find the time to buy an internet stick. That would be great!

Seahorse Fishbone

2011-12-04T23:09:00.000+11:00

Illustration 155 in a row. Wheee! I worked in the studio today...pretty much all day for the first time. It started out miserably too because I forgot the power chord for my laptop (which weighs an effing ton) and then I ran around the surrounding shops trying to find one. Then I decided to go home and pick it up and go back to the studio. Grrrrr! It will take some getting used to, working at a different place intsead of home. I pretty much have been working from home for almost an entire year. The longest I've been without studio contact. It can drive you mental.

My shoulders and back hurt from carrying all my gear from pne place to another. Either I will get very strong or I will start resembling the Hunchback from Notre Dame. Only time will tell.

My spoon is too big.

2011-12-03T22:35:00.005+11:00

Illustration 154 in a row. A friend reminded me of a quote from Don Hertzfeldts' film "Rejected" so I thought I'd draw it up today.

Didn't do much real work today but that's going to change tomorrow. I need to get a ton of work done for a Monday submission. Wheeee! Am going to need some sleep tonight methinks!

Hummingbird swirls

2011-12-02T16:43:00.000+11:00

Illustration 153. Well, went to the studio to do some work today and it was great! I will need to start having a bit more of a routine though. Perhaps late next week. I also prepped my canvas, ready for painting soon! Did bits and pieces of work today. Will need to do more in the next few days. Was inspired to draw up a hummingbird after seeing @sawdustbear draw one. I follow her on Twitter.

GAH!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-01T16:24:00.002+11:00

Illustration 152. I've had better days. Today was a day where not much has gone right, things are being difficult and work didn't go that great and ...yeah...while typing this post I just smeared the keyboard with peanut butter. Not happy.

Fat Cat

2011-11-30T16:39:00.000+11:00

Illustration 151. Another quick one today. Just have too many things to do. Been working on a shot all day and I've just got it to the point where I am happy on how it is animating. I love fat cats. I know that means they are unhealthy and due to keel over from the weight any time soon but I think they look so cute!!!! So huggable and squeezable. In fact...I like most fat furry things. Like giant puff balls!

Daifuku...number02!

2011-11-29T17:02:00.001+11:00

Illustration 150 in a row! Wooo hoo! Well, today was a day of re-charging and cleaning up the house (most of it) and a wee bit of socializing. The job that was on pause has started up again so I have stuff to do tomorrow. Yay! I will most likely spend Thursday back in the studio, getting stuff ready for painting and fixing up the place a bit more. Takes a while to set up a place when there is a lot of people involved. I figured I might as well start stuff while everyone else is setting up.

I have daifuku mochi on the brain. I do love my Japanese sweets!

Air Balloon Rabbit

2011-11-28T21:16:00.000+11:00

Illustration 149 in a row. Today I had one job paused and another one about to end. I spent most of the day watching Naruto after getting some work done. It's so distracting and I love to watch it all during a downtime. At the same time I feel guilty. I have a myriad of projects to do and people to see, network, gym, so much stuff. I am terrible at relaxing and just relaxing and I always feel a slight bit of panic when a job ends. Feels like I need to "top it up". Anyway, it is gym time and doing some illustration work tomorrow! Right now...am going to watch more of Naruto!

Truffle Day

2011-11-27T23:10:00.001+11:00

Illustration 148 in a row. Today was spent setting up the studio and realizing I didn't have enough mount boards and I need to get proper spray adhesives. It seems the one I have is on the flimsy side...though it makes making mistakes more repairable. Aftewards it was off to a friends' house where we made truffles and watched Game of Thrones! So nice. I rarely get to watch DVDs nowadays without working. Anyway, back to making truffles, we made them but she and I were really tempted to just eat it out of the bowl! Mmmmmmm..........

Kite Fish BW

2011-11-26T10:18:00.001+11:00

Illustration 147. It was moving day yesterday at the new studio and it's looking spiffy. Would especially like to thank my parents for helping out and for my mom reupholstering the ancient furniture. It's starting to take shape and look like a studio now and am very happy with my space. Thanks to Ben Hutcho too for helping out!

The current fishie is in black and white cause am going to test this out at screenprinting class. I will probably upload a colour version too once class is done!

Sleepy

2011-11-25T07:28:00.000+11:00

Illustration 146 in a row. It is moving day today to the studio and damn, I am tired! It is also the wedding of my friends in Perth. Congragulations to you guys! Sorry I couldn't be there.

Anyway, much to do today. Am hoping that everything goes well.

Jester

2011-11-24T13:04:00.000+11:00

Illustration 145 in a row. I felt like doing a Jester/Harlequin today. Drew it up really quickly with just pens and photoshopped it. I have screen printing class today and am looking forward to it. I've been having a lot of fun.

This was last weeks wares...

Behold my first screen printed shirt! Tada!

Burnt Noodles

2011-11-23T23:14:00.001+11:00

Illustration 144. Soooooooo....when I first moved out, my place had the kitchen and the computers in the same room..so I essentially developed the skills of cooking and working on the computer at the same time. I now live in a new place and it is much bigger than my first. Now the work room is in one end of the apartment and the kitchen is at the other end. I still have the bad habit of leaving things boiling or in the oven. In the old days, I would hear things and smell how things were cooking even though I had my back to it. I now tend to forget about it instead. Burnt noodles isn't my first disaster either. I get so easily distracted by work or replying to emails. I know I need to stay in the kitchen and wait for things to cook but.......bleh.

Oh! It worked out though, I ended up making delicious grilled soy chicken, mash potatoes and steamed broccoli.

I built my easel today....I had to improvise a bit....some of the screws didn't fit in right.....so I used a hammer. The bright side is that it looks like the picture. The bad part is..I better bring in some tape just for a little bit of reinforcement....

IF: Vanity

2011-11-22T21:49:00.001+11:00

Lucinda knew she was the prettiest kitty of them all.

Illustration 143 and my entry to Illustration Friday! Felt like doing another swirly animal today. Am feeling a lot more balanced out today which is great. Got work done, saw a movie and chilled out with a friend and now am off to get more work done! Whee! Got to keep clients happy as a freelancer!

I also spent a good portion of today backing all my files from my desktop to an external hard drive. Backing up is rather important for anyone that works on a computer. It's a horrific feeling to have, losing files of works and not having any back up to it. For all my computer dependent friends out there, hope you've backed up your files recently!

Throwing a Tantrum

2011-11-21T22:09:00.001+11:00

Illustration 142 and hoo boy...did I have a day where things just didn't go right. Ever had one of those days when you just get up in the morning and the day already felt wrong on the get go? Where you've just woken up annoyed by the very sun that's taking up space in the sky? Then things get progressively worse during the day? I just had one of those days. That said, I calmed down and felt more together after some good company, cake and gym. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day!

Snail Fish

2011-11-20T18:14:00.000+11:00

Illustration 141. I felt like drawing a Snail Fish. Sketched it up and inked it at the studio today. My friends (who am doing the studio thing with) were there too and we tore down all the drapes and curtains off the walls and bought a few supplies. The place has a lot of drapes because it used to be a bridal store.

Haven't done much work this weekend, which in a way is good. I need to chill out from time to time. Didn't make it to the gym though....hopefully tomorrow!

Cat Stare

2011-11-19T16:27:00.000+11:00

Illustration 140. Was at home most of today doing work and miscellaneous things here and there. I actually slept in till 10am! Watch me be all indulgent! I still haven't even taken out my brand new laptop out of the box. Tsk, tsk. I have been flat out with work and seeing people. I need to head to the gym tomorrow in-between stuff and catching up with a friend.

I am pretty pleased with this drawing. I do love cats, though am slightly allergic to them.

Meh Bunny

2011-11-18T11:04:00.000+11:00

Illustration 139....soooo....I had a big night last night after the AIM screening and hanging out with Animation Folks is always fun. That said, I am paying for it a lil bit today. I think am going to take the day off and enjoy the sun while it's still available.....cause this weekend is suppose to be miserable weather-wise. BoooO! Do any of your guys find that awesome weather comes mostly during the working week and then it's crap on the weekend?

I also have my new animated loop up! Please click on the picture and check out the animation and vote by clicking on the stars!

Battle Condom!

Staying Afloat

2011-11-17T14:08:00.000+11:00

Illustration 138..and feeling a bit calmer today. Got some stuff approved and awaiting feedback so I don't feel that I am under the pump as much. Freelancing is a strange life. You do tons of work but it is ages before you see the cash or even the end result of the product once it's all put together either in a video, series or through post.

Heading to the gym at some point before screenprinting class today! It should be fun!

IF:Silent

2011-11-16T22:20:00.003+11:00

Illustration 137th in a row. My entry for Illustration Friday this week, the theme being "Silent". You all know the phrase "zip it" right? Sometimes it's better to say nothing at all.

Geez...I am soooooooo tired. I have a bit on my plate at the moment when it comes to work and I am pretty happy as it will pay for everything (when I get paid of course, joys of a freelancer :P ). I am a little frustrated that I can't get everything that I want done in a day. No time to go to the gym today, rather annoyed, hoping I get a chance in the next few days.

Tonight I sleep. I need it.

Flamingo

2011-11-15T19:48:00.000+11:00

136th illustration. Sleeeeeeeeepy!!!!!!!!! Today....was not so productive in terms of work...that said, I found a fish book for 1$ which will be a great reference for my fish bone drawings (bargain!), went to the studio and dropped some stuff off, found a short black wig for a costume party on Saturday and enjoyed the sun! It was such a nice day today. That said, tomorrow and tonight is all about worky work! I have new stuff to work on....mmm...gotta gym it tomorrow too. I also got the first script from my friend who am doing a short animation with. Woo hoo! It looks great too. Mmmmm.....much to do, much to do....but what else is new?

Jerboa

2011-11-14T17:48:00.001+11:00

Illustration 135! I felt like drawing a Jerboa today. I like Jerboas. Freaky little creatures but still so cute!

A productive day today! Finished the condom animation and it's now been sent to Daniel Luke for sound, done all my current footage for the pilot gig, both e-card briefs are awaiting client feedback and I made brownies for a friend who is coming over tonight!

All in all, a pretty darn good day.

Rainbow Fish

2011-11-13T18:51:00.002+11:00

Illustration 134. This was a request from a friend, to do a rainbow fish. It was challenging as I prefer to only use a couple of colours or only have two main colour palettes being used..a rainbow has 7 colours and making sure it didn't look icky was the challenge.

Went out with a couple of friends today and we came up with an idea for Tropfest. Yup, I put another project on my plate. Why not?!?! I've always wanted to enter something at Tropfest and I definitely need to team up with people and it looks like I found a good group of friend. Looking forward for everything to get finished. I definitely have a lot on but I'm feeling good about it all!

Contentment

2011-11-12T22:37:00.000+11:00

Hello! Illustration 133rd. It was a good day today. I finished cleaning up the first bit of my animation for loopdeloop, had enough sleep, saw a friend and had a good time, sketched another fish bone drawing, did quite a bit of work and figured some stuff out....all in all, a good fulfilling day.

Thought it would be nice to try the bunny with a background today!

Rabbit Flight

2011-11-11T22:25:00.001+11:00

Hello, hello! This here is my 132scnd illustration. Very pleased! Not long now before I reach the 6 month goal on December 31 of drawing everyday.

Today was a combination of work, working on my condom animation for this months loopdeloop and seeing friends and gym. A full day and it's not over yet. I had to do a real quick drawing today as I haven't finished cleaning up my animation yet. Phew! The days are just so busy and there aren't enough hours in them!

Anyhoo, last night was my frist screen printing class! I love it! I had so much fun and I want to set a space at home for that sort of thing now! Would be so cool...though I have no idea how to set up the table. They have some sort of canvas table at the studio am in to absorb the ink. So cool!

Here are some of my very first prints!

Tonight is a bit bunny themed! I do like my bunnies. Anyway, yesterday was on a think white cloth using a stencil and doileys. The stuff above is my first stencil too! A night of experimenting and learning. I think I shall bring some old shirts next week and screen print on some of them! That's going to be cool! I still have to set the ink on my first print by ironing it. I think I will use it as my table cloth!

A busy weekend full of work, personal work and seeing people!

Drained

2011-11-10T16:25:00.001+11:00

Illustration 131. Okie this is a quick scribble (apologies, not my best)....I am now relaxing with a big cup of coffee before screen printing class. Yup, am learning screen printing on top of everything else. Hurray! I was a bit drained today, had a lot of work that I needed to do and submit to various people. Gah! Most got good reviews so am pretty pleased with today's endeavours.

Now, being a freelancer, I do try and say yes and do as many jobs as I possibly can. After all, I want to maintain that I am someone that clients can rely on, continue building a client base and truth be told, I do like working. Not just for the money either...though it is awesome being able to pay rent and bills without freaking out about it, (more often than not anyway), I do enjoy animating and designing and I am trying my darndest to continue making a living out of it.

The thing is, I find, that it really is a feast or famine type of scenario. Rarely is it anything in-between and though I find that it is certainly better to have too much than too little...I tend sacrifice sleep to get things done and too much of that will drive anyone insane. In this scenario, the second thing about being a freelancer is that having good and reliable contacts of various skills is a God-send. Seriously. Good people to call on to help with the workload is definitely a must in any busy freelancers arsenal. I tend to move around circles full of animators, designers, comic people, writers and sound folk and have made a lot of friends and contacts. I do consider myself extremely fortunate that over the years, I have met a number of awesome and highly talented people.

Red Swirl Peacock

2011-11-09T22:53:00.002+11:00

Illustration 130! It's been a while since I did this style so here it is! Today was all about work and trying to juggle different gigs. I love having lots of stuff to do but it does do my head in occasionally. I had to sleep earlier than normal yesterday just to re-charge a bit. I don't have any deadlines at the moment. Everything needs to be done ASAP. Sigh.... I prefer deadlines. Gives me something to focus on but on the other hand, I just need to work on whatever I feel like quickly and that will work too!

My first screen printing class is tomorrow night! I am rather excited!

Anxious

2011-11-08T16:46:00.002+11:00

Well....a lot has been happening lately. Work, life, events, projects, it's been a bit insane to tell you the truth and it just amped up even more today. It's Christmas time and people want stuff done and as a freelancer, I need to deliver. Besides that, I have to work and save, got stuff to pay for, projects to do, upcoming studies and a condom to animate. Feeling a tiny bit...freaked out at what needs to be done. I also need to move stuff into the new studio. Gah!

Anyway, today's drawing was majorly rushed, it's been go, go, go since I got up. Illustration 129.

Sunflowers

2011-11-07T17:01:00.001+11:00

Howdy! This is illustration 128! Today was just so beautiful that I decided to spend a good few hours, after doing work this morning, outdoors at the local cafe. They really want me to display something in there. I am hoping to get around to printing and framing some works soon...or doing a big original canvas piece. Thought I would draw a nicer fish as my parents and a few friends thought that yesterday's one was really quite scary. So it's a Sunflower fish, something nice bright and happy....just like the weather today! I also had heaps of work approved today for several jobs and I came up with a good idea for an animated condom loop! Now to find the time to do it....

This week is all about work, gym and socializing as next week there's going to be a lot of moving into and fixing up at the the new studio!