I Will Be A Star Wars Artist - UPDATED WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS!

Avengers, Assemble!

2012-02-24T15:27:00.006-05:00

The email from Upper Deck hasn't even cooled off in my inbox yet, but I had to share these right away! Below is a look at some of the sketch cards I've done for their Avengers movie set. More to come, wanted to just start with a healthy taste! =) Happy Friday!

Commissions!

2012-02-10T15:06:00.001-05:00

Commissions are open! Above is my most recent one, but you can surely commission another one! Rates are here.

Happy Friday!!!

Back in the Saddle

2012-02-03T04:08:00.006-05:00

Happy Friday, bloggers!

After a long, unexpected hiatus, I'm back on the scene for some Friday updates once more! I'm going to do my best to catch up for the weeks lost in January and December, so let's start with some new content, huh?! Here's a look at some of the cards I did for Topps' Star Wars Galaxy 7, in stores in the next few months!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T20:35:00.002-05:00

On a happier note than yesterday's post, I just wanted to wish you all a happy and healthy new year! 2011 was very kind to me (while not without its challenges), but I'm truly grateful to all of you for your love and support! I love you guys, you're the best, and I'm super lucky to be friends with you all.

Stay safe, and have fun!! Bring on 2012!!!

Buyer Beware =(

2011-12-30T18:37:00.011-05:00

I really wanted to end the year with a note of gratitude and positivity, but unfortunately, I'm in a situation that needs to be resolved. On December 8th, I ordered a Gentle Giant Grand Moff Tarkin minibust off of eBay for $85.00 USD, including the shipping. This was to be a gift for one of my best friends, Joe Sorbera. Joe's been a constant pillar of support both in and out of my career, and has recently begun collecting the GG busts. I thought, with Tarkin being one of his favorite characters, and one missing from his humble collection, this would be a great way to say both "Merry Christmas" and "thank you for always being there" at the same time. But instead...

Two weeks come and go and I've still not received the bust. I reached out to the seller, "monteoutlaw", who, as you can see, has great eBay feedback. When I asked them where my bust was, I was told that it was sent to the wrong address due to a "clerical error" but they'd correct the mistake immediately. Fair enough, I thought, mistakes happen. However, it was apparent that the bust wouldn't be here in time for Chrismas. Bummer.

This past Tuesday, I was finally greeted with the package. Yet, I was in shock of the contents:

A high-quality minibust that I had payed $85 dollars for (mind you, it was $60 at retail) was in a box way too large for it, with no packaging peanuts or paper to pad the interior. My worst fear was that it was damaged during shipment, but stayed optimistic that it'd be fine upon inspection...

Yeah, not so much. As you can see, the chair has a a HUGE crack and is barely still attached to the rest of the bust itself. So, again, I paid $85 dollars for a LATE item that arrived DAMAGED with NO CARE taken in the way it was shipped.

I contacted monteoutlaw about the issue. I was told that they never had this problem before since the interior of the Gentle Giant box had styrofoam padding to protect it. Clearly it wasn't enough protection, though. The seller requested that I send it back to them so they could investigate that the broken bust I complained about and the one they sent me are one in the same. In other words, they wouldn't refund my money until they verified I didn't pull a switcheroo, sending them a damaged one that I already had. Fine by me! But before it's sent back to them, take a look at the photos I snapped:

There it is, folks. Number 1229/6000 on both the bottom of the bust itself, and on the sticker the eBay seller applied to the bottom of the box. I'm still shipping it back because, frankly, what am I going to do with a broken minibust that is already late for the purpose it was intended for? I want my money back so I can buy Joe an UNDAMAGED present elsewhere.

But wait, what else am I seeing on this bust? Dust? The kind of dust that's in a hard to reach place with a cloth or finger to brush off, on an item that had to have been sitting out of a box on a shelf somewhere in order to accumulate.

Hmm. Let's take another look at the listing for this item, shall we?

Meanwhile, what I received was neither unopened or undamaged. Please, take a look at the original listing and confirm it with your own eyes. Last time I checked, not too many items collect a lot of dust inside a box that's only been opened to check the number at the bottom of the bust, which, I was told by monteoutlaw, was the reason the clear tape sealing the styrofoam was already broken. This item was CLEARLY not in "new" condition as told in the listing. When I complained about it being opened, the seller assured me that it was only to copy down the number so that they could print a sticker on the bottom of the box for their records.

Call me crazy, but I'm smelling a lot of shenanigans here. What's to stop them from having another "clerical error" and telling me "oh, this isn't the number we sent you", with their own sticker on the bottom of the box matching the bust itself. So, that's why I involved you folks. An extra hundreds of pairs of eyes (between this blog, Twitter, Facebook, and 700 followers on DeviantArt) to make aware of the types of nonsense some people try to pull. And during the holidays? Come on. The bust has dust on it, I'm not stupid. It wasn't new. Photographic evidence, conclusive proof. But anyway, it's being sent back to them (and I have to pay for shipping it back first, though the seller claims that I'll be reimbursed for it along with the bust).

Now, I understand why they want me to send it back to check, but the entire story and stance this guy is taking...there's clearly some dishonesty going on here. At this point, without accusing the seller, I highly suspect it was already broken and was sent to me anyway. The dust clearly indicates it's been opened and displayed, which makes his claim of opening it once for inspection, a lie. Goodbye, credibility! On top of the fact that I wouldn't have even received one in the first place if I didn't speak up about never receiving my item, it's also a huge possibility that the seller was totally ignorant of the condition of the items they're selling in the first place.

I'll post again tomorrow on a happier note, because I refuse to let the negative actions of one to be the last note I touch on for 2011, a year that was very good to me. But man, some people suck.

A Lame Look ;)

2011-12-23T21:11:00.004-05:00

Hey, guys! Hope you don't mind the weak updates lately, but in all honesty, I haven't had much to report other than TOPPS TOPPS TOPPS everyday. =) So, I snapped a few shots to show you guys a little bit of the "wrapping" process.

Signing my life away!

The main box the cards fit into. all 212 packed.

I know, that's all I got. Lame or what?! haha Don't worry, this week I'll have plenty of time to come up with some actual content for you guys. Until then, thanks for bearing with me!! =)

Star Wars G7: That's a Wrap.

2011-12-21T00:32:00.001-05:00

212 completed Star Wars cards have been signed, scanned, counted, and packed into their little box from Topps. The contract is signed, the return cards are chosen, the invoice is written, and the UPS box is sealed. Tomorrow, they make their way to Topps, and I'll have officially completed my second professional Star Wars art gig. It feels really good.

I'd like to thank you guys for all the support along the way! I'm going to have some new previews to show you all this week, and these will be in full color. Lots of really cool ones I'm excited for you to see.

12/14/2011 Sketch Card Update!

2011-12-14T02:30:00.001-05:00

Whew! 16 cards to go, guys!

I expected to be finished today or tomorrow, but it looks like it'll spill into the weekend.

Will have some more previews next week! =)

Rag-NERD-Rok! Finally!

2011-12-09T05:18:00.002-05:00

Here it is, folks! My appearance on Rag-NERD-Rok!

I talk about my experience as a Star Wars artist, and some STRONG opinions about the prequels. Nah, I'll admit, they're a guilty pleasure, but I enjoy giving them a hard time! Anyway, be warned that there's NSFW language, just the nature of their show. So, shield your ears if they're sensitive!

Hit the link!!!

12/7/2011 Sketch Card Update!

2011-12-07T03:04:00.002-05:00

Whew! Above are some more of my favorites from the red retail cards done for Target stores across the country! As you can see, I did quite a few troopers, and a few special ones just for Captain Fordo!

As for this week's count, by end of day today, I'll be hitting 162/212...Officially 75% done with the set! Can't wait to show you the color cards I've been working on...

Rag-Nerd-Rok!

2011-12-02T01:38:00.004-05:00

Hey guys!

Not much of an update today, as I'm cranking on all cylinders to get through Topps. Tonight I hit 132 of 212! A little past the halfway mark.

Anyway, later today I'll be heading over to Long Island to appear on the all-things-geek podcast, Rag-NERD-rok! I'm really excited to talk to these guys, so look forward to that once it's live. I'll link here, of course!

Anyway, happy Friday, and have a great weekend! Keep working hard, guys!

11/30/11 Sketch Card Update

2011-11-30T15:35:00.002-05:00

These are some of the RED retail ones done exclusively for Target stores. For those unfamiliar, Target's "thing" is marketing in red, so all of the artists doing their exclusive cards have to make red a central theme. I'm doing a little over 100 of these, and over a hundred of the regular cards too. I'm almost done with all of the Target ones, but here's a few of my favorite of the Jedi/Sith ones.

Advice You May Have Missed!

2011-11-25T05:00:00.001-05:00

I know, I know. This post is kind of a copout, but hey, I'm wrapping up a decent amount of my sketch cards right now, and haven't had much time to dig up some new content for you guys. BUT, each of the following links contain a lot of great info you may have missed from industry artists and I highly suggest you revisit them for some solid advice!

Kate Cook's Advice

Interview with Grant Gould

Interview with David Fernandez

Interview with Randy Martinez

Interview with Denise Vasquez Part I & Part II

Will try to get some new stuff up soon! =D

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T05:00:00.005-05:00

Well, it's Thanksgiving 2011, and that means it's time for a list of 11 things I'm thankful for!

My parents, for all their love and support.
My girlfriend, for always being the first to hear good news.
My followers on DeviantArt, for coming to my rescue when I lost my job in March.
Topps, for bringing me back for Star Wars Galaxy 7!
Upper Deck, for helping me expand professionally past Star Wars!
Grant Gould, for constantly being awesome.
My bandmates of Pleasantly Immature, for being a source of stress-relief and fun.
All those who purchased my first self-published art book, for helping me realize another dream.
The time I had with my grandfather, Tim Hogan, who, with my father, influenced me more than I'll ever fully know.
My sister and her fiancee, who're my biggest chearleaders, and are getting married this Saturday!
You, for following this blog! =D

So I guess the long and short of it is: I'm thankful for all the people in my life who help me make a difference each day. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

11/23/11 Sketch Card Update

2011-11-23T01:01:00.002-05:00

Hey, guys!

Unfortunately, I don't have much of an update in terms of content, but I'm happy to report that I'm very much on schedule and will be reaching 80 cards by the end of today! After tonight, I'll have 132 to go, and I'm making great progress.

Next week, I've got my eye on two sets of cards that I'm going to try and get approved to show you all, and I think you'll really get a kick out of them!!!

Anyway, hope you all have a great holiday weekend! I'll be throwing together a Thanksgiving post tomorrow, so be sure to check that out should it interest you. =)

Skyward Sword Lands

2011-11-20T12:16:00.000-05:00

Today I'm taking what I feel is a well-deserved break from Topps (gonna knock out a quick commission, though!) to play the game I've waited 5 years for: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. It's finally out and so far, 2 hours in, I am in love. More thoughts to come, but I've gotta get back to playing. Enjoy this little art to celebrate!

Interview with...ME?!

2011-11-18T05:55:00.001-05:00

That's right! Kristen Archer of TORWars.com was kind enough to consider me for this interview! I had a lot of fun answering these questions and I hope you'll check it out in place of today's update!

A quick note about Wednesday's lack of update: I'm of course in the thicket of Topps' Galaxy 7 series, but have no yet gotten any cards approved to show yet. Hopefully by next Wed I'll have something to share! As of today, the card count is 50! =D

Why Chris Duhaze is Awesome

2011-11-11T05:00:00.003-05:00

THAT'S WHY.

Dude sent me two SWEET sketch cards of Kyle Katarn and Dash Rendar for my birthday, and a hilarious postcard with it. And if that wasn't enough, he went out of his way to send me THREE white gel-type paint pens AFTER the first package for my sketch cards to experiment and get better whites on my cards. WHO DOES THAT?! Only awesome people like Chris, that's who!

I'll let you know when I return the favor to him...But this week's post is dedicated to Chris for being an all-around awesome dude, and a talented artist in the making! Keep up the intensity, buddy! You can check out more of his work at his DeviantArt, so go do it!

Topps Has Begun!

2011-11-09T13:36:00.003-05:00

Not much of an update, but my Topps cards arrived yesterday morning!

If you have no idea what you're looking at, it's the box Topps sent with all 212 (106 Hobby/106 Target Retail) cards divided into 10 (and 2 6's), for me to do per day. So that's 22 days of work!

I had a few more cards to do last year and far less time to do it. You can see with my box last year just how many I was doing per day...20 - 30 per day!! YIKES!

Anyway, not the case this year. Not to mention, Upper Deck's Marvel Beginnings 2 set, which was originally scheduled for a December deadline, is now pushed back! So I have all this and next month to work on Star Wars. I'm ecstatic!

Interview with Denise Vasquez! Part 2

2011-11-04T05:05:00.008-04:00

Photo courtesy of SketchCardStudio.com

Q: "Sketch Card Mania" is a FANTASTIC read and has so much practical advice for entry-level artists that are serious about breaking into the sketch card business. What inspired you and Randy to compile so much valuable information for us beginner artists?

The more I started doing sketch cards, the more emails I started receiving from artists asking me questions. Randy had been getting the same questions, over the years. Then I started receiving questions for Randy as well! At first I tried to write each person back that took the time to write me. It got to a point where I was receiving hundreds of emails every day & I couldn’t find the time to answer every one! I noticed that these artists had the same questions I did when I was starting out as an illustrator. There were no guidelines posted anywhere, and many people do not like to share information!

Over the years, I’ve been invited to do panels on the topics of Promotion and Sketch Cards. After the panels I would get asked the same questions. I was very happy to offer my advice and share information! I quickly discovered that there was a demand for the knowledge I had to offer. I work with & endorse companies like “Daisy Rock Guitars”, “Audix” Microphones, Sakura” and “HK Holbein USA” to name a few. I’ve worked with many companies and artists for over 20 years (including Randy), showing them how to market & promote themselves. One day I was bombarded with more questions, I walsed into Randy’s studio and asked him if anyone had ever written a book about sketch cards. When he said no, I pitched him my idea for the book, he pitched it to the publisher & the result is our book “Sketch Card Mania”.

Q: What was your favorite part of creating the book?

I love so many things about creating this book! It was a crazy, wonderful rollercoaster ride for two years! Working with Randy Martinez was truly a wonderful experience! Through all of the challenges, we stay focused on what our goal was and did it….we wrote a great book! I truly love sharing information in a positive light! I love to inspire. I love showing others how to DO IT YOURSELF while BEING THEIR UNIQUE SELF! I love being able to include fellow artists by featuring their art & photography! I love that our book is the platform for the art directors of sketch card companies to express their personal views on how they find their artists and what is expected of them! I love sharing information that is accessible to everyone at any time! My favorite part of creating the book was being able to share my knowledge on the topic of “The Art Of Self Promotion”! This part of the book was really important to me, and it was all me! I found a way to fit my knowledge into the book! I wrote, wrote, and rewrote to make it fit! So many artists have a hard time promoting themselves! I know some pretty amazing artists, who people have never heard of! The book gave me an opportunity to help people understand “The Art Of Self Promotion”! Whenever I do panels on Promotion, I have students approach me and invite me to talk about promotion at their schools. So many artists have approached me thanking me because their schools didn’t have any course that taught them what I did. In the end, I love watching people who embrace what I share with them & use it to their benefit! It is truly a gift to see!

Q: Where can people interested in "Sketch Card Mania" get their hands on it?

If you’d like an autographed copy of the book with a personal sketch from Randy & I in the book, go to Randy’s website to see our special offer. “Sketch Card Mania” is also available on Amazon.com and at your local bookstore. If they ran out of copies at your local bookstore, you can ask them to order more!

Q: Do you have any other advice for artists specifically looking to break into the Star Wars arena?

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Be your unique self! Stay true to you in everything you do! Keep drawing! Write down your goals. Know what you want! Stay focused on what your goal is! Do your homework! ALWAYS BE PREPARED! Carry business cards with you everywhere you go! Find ways to show your creativity in everything you do & share! Get a portfolio together featuring your best work. If you’re looking for work in Star Wars, then show how you draw Star Wars. Learn about your industry! Know who’s who! Learn names. Be determined & persistent, but not overly aggressive! Go to Star Wars events & conventions. Don’t be afraid to talk to people & let them know who you are and what you want to do! Stay positive! Be nice to everyone you meet, you never know who you’re talking to! Always be professional! Stay away from negative people or negative conversations, those energy vampires can suck you dry! Never listen to those that try to bring you down! YOU CAN! Dare to dream & LIVE IT......AND most importantly, NEVER GIVE UP!

Q: What's next for super-star artist Denise Vasquez?

Where should I start! LOL! I’m currently juggling a lot of amazing art & writing projects right now! Randy just reminded me that I’ve done four gallery shows in the last three months! Crazy cool! Right now My GLOW IN THE DARK Star Wars Dia De Los Muertos Vader Helmet is being showcased at “Petra Gallerie” where it is available to purchase 310-247-0252 I’m working on a NEW Darth Vader Helmet for a contest I’ve been selected to participate in for a couple of great causes! I can’t tell you what I’m making right now because there are 24 other artists participating & I want my idea to be a surprise! Be sure to follow me on Twitter where I’ll be posting sneak peek photos! I’m collaborating with Randy Martinez on a piece for SHEVACON in Feb 2012… I’ve been having fun creating custom vinyl toys for “Bean Pot Toiz”…. As soon as we finished writing “Sketch Card Mania”, I started writing two books: one is on the How To Art side, and the other book I’m writing is more on the spiritual side… Topps Trading Cards invited me to be a party of Star Wars Galaxy 7 so I’m waiting for my sketch cards to arrive. More projects in the works so be sure to check out my websites:

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Awesome stuff! A thousand thanks to Denise for taking the time out of her busy schedule to provide us with so much great information. I hope you guys reading will take advantage of her and Randy's advice and follow in their examples like I'll be striving to do myself!

Interview with Denise Vasquez! Part 1

2011-11-04T05:00:00.010-04:00

Hey guys! I've condensed today's post into 2, in order to make sure the formatting doesn't go all wiggy again like the one with Randy did. Anyway, today I've got an AWESOME interview with superstar artist Denise Vasquez for you guys!

Q: Denise, you've got so many artistic talents! When did you decide to take illustration seriously as a career?

Being an artist is all I’ve ever known. I’ve been an artist for as long as I can remember. My mother always made sure that dance, music, art & the theater were in our lives. Being raised by a strong, independent, woman who happened to be an artist, had a big influence on me from a very early age. I began singing as soon as I could talk, dancing as soon as I could walk, drawing from the time I could hold a pencil, and writing songs and poetry as soon as I could form a sentence. All I’ve ever wanted to do is create, and all I’ve ever wanted to be is who I am, an artist. I’ve always taken my art seriously as a career, that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do! It doesn’t matter which medium I use, whether it be dancing, singing, writing, drawing, painting, playing the violin or guitar. Having a number of mediums on my palette means more opportunities for me as an artist to do what I love the most, create!

I lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands on a beautiful Island called St. John for many years. The first week I moved there, I was walking down the street with my guitar on my back, wearing this rocking hand-painted t-shirt I made. This lovely couple stopped me on the street & we had the best conversation! One of those kismet moments in life where you’re at the right place at the right time! The woman asked me where I got my t-shirt & when I told her I painted it by hand she got so excited! Turns out she was the manager for a store called “World View Graphics” and was looking for an artist to hand paint on clothing! (*0*) Also turned out the gentleman with her was a music producer & musician (I ended up working with him over the years & recording music with him!) I applied & got the job at “World View Graphics” and the cool thing was people could come in and actually watch me paint on the clothing! This was the beginning of me getting paid to draw, paint, build a fan following. Working here opened my mind, and many doors, which led to many private commissions, as well as from local businesses!

Q: What was your first "official" Star Wars gig and how did you get involved with it?

I met this amazing artist, Randy Martinez while I was working at “Blick Art Materials”. Working at Blick was great! I met a LOT of people in the industry, some of my favorite artists, actors and musicians who inspire me BEYOND, would come in on a daily basis! I learned so much about the about the artists, products, events, the industry, about projects, about websites & I got discounts on my favorite products! Randy would come in & ask for my help quite often. We always had great conversations about art & music! We were actually friends for a couple of years before we got together. Randy has helped a LOT of artists break into the art scene! I always give props where props are due & I am truly grateful to Randy for bringing the Star Wars Art scene into my life! Randy invited me to work with him on some projects. I felt like he had me work with him to see what I was capable of (^.^). Topps was looking for artists for their “Indiana Jones Masterpieces” set & Randy recommended a number of artists including me. I submitted samples of my work & that was my first gig working on sketch cards. Working on this set was a great lesson in focus, determination, deadlines…I had a week to do 116 sketch cards & I did it! When I finished that set, I was invited to work with Topps Trading Cards on Star Wars Galaxy 4 where I did exclusive sketch cards for “Target”. That was my first Official gig as a Star Wars artist!

Q: So far, what's been your favorite Star Wars-themed project?

My favorite Star Wars themed project is a gallery show I was a part of with Randy Martinez called “ART FROM A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY”! The way everything happened from start to finish was pretty spectacular! Hold Up Art Gallery was interested in having Randy do a show featuring original Star Wars Art he’s created over the years. The owner came over to our place to select the pieces he wanted for the show. Randy expressed his vision for doing a show with 3D art and talked about how he wanted to do a show showcasing my 3D art along with his art. When the owner of the gallery saw the art I’ve created in my studio he was blown away! He was sold on the idea of Randy & I doing the show together. Once the date was set, I made some time to go to DKE Toys to find some DIY vinyl’s to work with. Dov asked what I was going to create & I told him my idea “Star Wars meets Dia De Los Muertos”. He loved my concept, and thanks to Dov , I walked out of DKE Toys with some cool vinyl toys & two Vader Helmets left over from the Vader Project! I LOVED having the opportunity to come up with my own concept for the show! It was really freeing! I decided to do every piece I created for the show in the theme of “Star Wars Dia De Los Muertos”. I’m obsessed with glow in the dark paint, so everything I created for the show glows in the dark. This show was really a challenge for me, but a GREAT challenge! I love seeing what I’m capable of when put to the test, and it really showed me what I was capable of! I had a short amount of time to create all the 3D mixed media pieces I made for the show. I improvised on every piece. I trusted myself, my ideas, my skills, my love, my inspiration & just went for it. The response from the media was beyond incredible! My art went viral worldwide! I received messages from fans in Taiwan, Australia, Africa, Mexico, Germany… telling me they saw me & my art on the news! It was truly exciting and humbling at the same time!

Photo by Sheldon Norton

I am truly honored to have my art featured all over the world by: Reuters, Wired, Huffington Post, Slashfilm, Forbes, Patron Of The Arts, Warholian, Daily Trojan, Geek Chic LA, Girl Gamer, The Edge On The Net, Comic Attack, Forcecast, Force.net, Galacticbinder, LAist, Nerdeux, Frequency, Eye Spy LA, networked blogs, Plastic And Plush, RamaScreen, Comic Book Resources, Buzz Box, Daily Motion, Action Figure Insider, Jedi Insider, Sir Steve’s Guide, Geek-Cartel, Geek With Curves, When Nerds Attack, Daily News 24, West Side Today, Omega-Level.net, and many more! Over 1,000 family, friends, fans, celebs, fellow artists came out & showed a LOT of love and support at the opening! Quite an experience! It is truly a blessing to be able to share my art, love & light!

Wednesday Updates

2011-11-02T05:00:00.003-04:00

Hey, guys! Hope you all had a great Halloween.

Just wanted to let you know that since I'm not going to be updating Wednesdays with comics, I'll still update to give you some progress on the Marvel and Star Wars cards. While Marvel isn't the basis for this blog, why not? It's another step in my career, so why not include it here? =)

Anyway, going forward for the rest of the year, Wednesdays will be Official Sketch Card Update days, as well as the day I update progress on my 501st As You Wish helmet project!

See you then!

Happy Halloween 2011!

2011-10-31T05:00:00.006-04:00

Hello, my friends!

I just wanted to drop in this beautiful Autumn morning to wish you a happy, safe, and fun Halloween!

100 Thank You's!

2011-10-28T03:00:00.002-04:00

Hey guys! Next Friday, I hope to have another awesome interview for you all, but I wanted to get a little personal this week.

Today, it's been 2 full years since I've started this blog. Back then, I was working a dead-end job that demanded more time and energy than I was willing to dedicate to it. While the job itself was surrounded by fantastic co-workers, it had a stranglehold on my dream because of the time and energy it robbed from my schedule. I took the office job because, frankly, I needed money and insurance out of college, because I couldn't find any art-related work.

About a year later, my girlfriend asked if what I was doing really made me happy. That moment, I sort of snapped out of the trance of settling for a job I didn't want. I'm really lucky, because it's an easy sleep to fall into and not wake up from. I decided it was time to start putting my dream ahead of "playing it safe." I wouldn't admit it then, but I partially started this blog to stay motivated and help keep my eye on the prize. I really did want to chronicle the journey for people that came after me with similar dreams, and I hope one or any of you have learned something or benefited from my experiences (see: "Rambling")! However, as I started to say a moment ago, this blog was also an excuse to keep working. I promised to the world, in my first post, that I would become a Star Wars artist. I guess that meant I had to keep working or else I'd be a liar, wouldn't I?

Another year has come and gone, and where I've ended up (and I use the word "ended" very lightly) is still a huge shock. The support I've gained through this blog, DeviantArt, TheForce.net, RebelScum.com, Hughes the Force, the Star Wars artists themselves, and of course Topps' Galaxy 6 series has been overwhelming ever since it all started pouring in at once. None of you ever let me feel like I couldn't do this.

Every speed bump has been a learning experience, every failure a new opportunity, and every success a victory I've been privileged to share with you and all of my supporters. I take no credit in my early success as a commercial artist, because it's OUR victory. Every single person that complimented my work, gave an honest critique, commissioned me for work, bought my first self-published art book, or simply told me they believed in me -- NONE of this was possible without each and every one of you. Make no mistake, I'm far from out of the woods. There's still a lot of hardship ahead, but the past two years have armed me with such confidence, determination, and energy that I know I'll make it. While I knew this was the right path for me back in my first post here, 99 posts later I can say "I told you so" with all the confidence in the world...thanks to you all.

So now, in my 100th post on this blog, I'm older and wiser, and the experiences I've been blessed with over the past two years have been nothing short of the best time of my life. I also beg you to follow my example and chase after YOUR passion as if you only had one more day to seize it. Whatever your goals are, however unachievable they may seem, you can do it. If you have to settle on another job, never, EVER, lose sight of your dream. Do what you have to do to keep reminding yourself that it's a temporary situation and you have the power, sometimes over time, to change it. I'm living proof that any idiot can end up where they want to, as long as they work hard, are kind to others, and stay focused on the prize.

I'll close with a tone poem for Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, voiced by Liam Neeson's character, Qui-Gon Jinn.

It will be a hard life.
One without reward,
Without remorse,
Without regret.

A Path will be placed before you.
The choice is yours alone.
Do what you think you cannot do.

It will be a hard life.
But you will find out
Who you are.

May the force be with you, my friends -- Always!

- Joe

"Rendezvous" Will Return!

2011-10-26T02:30:00.003-04:00

Hey guys!

I've come to a very difficult decision. Because of my upcoming sketch card sets for both Star Wars and Marvel, I've decided to hold off on the rest of the "Rendezvous" comic featuring Starkiller. I simply won't have the time to finish it until both sets are in the bag. They're literally going to take up all of my free time to complete, so I've got to make the sacrifice. I know I promised two comics, including this one, before closing 2011, but I'll pick up right where I left off in the first week of 2012.

It wasn't an easy decision, especially after getting you all involved with voting, and the excitement many of you expressed in the story, but I had to take the professional route to be certain that I'd meet my paid deadlines that I've committed myself to. I took on the short stories before Marvel and Star Wars were in the picture, so it was certainly something I've been mulling around ever since. Burning out or not making the card deadlines simply isn't an option, so this is the unfortunate reality for now.

However, to further the formal apology, here is a new Starkiller digi sketch card to hopefully hold you off until the comic returns. =)

Send in the Clones 5!

2011-10-21T17:10:00.002-04:00

Here's the fifth and final prize from the Clone contest, featuring a custom super sonic Clone Trooper!

Interview with Randy Martinez!

2011-10-21T13:50:00.015-04:00

Man, oh, man, I've got a treat for you guys today! If you aren't familiar with Randy Martinez & Denise Vasquez, two of the art titans on the Star Wars scene, you're about to get educated! This week, Randy was kind enough to take a lot of time to answer a few questions, just for you and me! Look forward to Denise's interview in the near future as well, but for now, soak up all the fantastic information and advice Randy shot our way! Thanks again, Randy!

Q: Randy, you're one of the artists who have set the bar for guys like me and my readers. Who inspired you when you were first breaking into the business?

First off, thank you, that is very kind of you to say. Sometimes I do have to stop and take a look at where I have been for the last 10 years. As you are working, you kind of don’t realize just how much work you are doing or have done. I guess, when you have done enough work and it gets around, you start becoming part of the standard, which is really odd to say, because I have spent much of my career looking up to so many great artists that have been doing this far longer than I have. It’s almost like paradox of sorts, when you become part of what you have a fan of. But it’s exciting, and is something I take great pride in, but I am also very humbled by all of the great talent (artists) that I am associated with and the new talents that are coming up with MUCH fire and desire. Art is such an amazing continuation of creativity and ideas, each generation inspiring the next.

My professional career started very young. I was 16 when I first started working at Magic Mountain drawing Caricatures in the park, but I was also apprenticing for my Dad was an illustrator. Both of my parents were artists so I would have to say they were my biggest influence, but I was really inspired by the master painters like Van Gogh, Degas, Picasso, and Lautrec. The honest truth is I really never paid much attention to the art in popular culture. I always liked Star Wars art, but through out the 80’s and most of the 90’s there really wasn’t much Star Wars art being produced outside of comics.

I was in Art College when the Star Wars Special Edition came out, and Drew Struzan produced those breathtaking one sheets for the trilogy. Those posters, and seeing the movies again really reignited my love for Star Wars. At the time I was really lost artistically, but Struzans art really gave me a glimpse of what I wanted to do with my art. So I began studying Struzans artwork, which led to me discovering artists like Marshall Arisman, CF Pain, and Philip Burk. I did not want to be the next Drew Struzan, I simply wanted to be an illustrator like Struzan who was obviously connected to his artistic soul. Some years later I had the good fortune of meeting Mr. Struzan and he actually ended up mentoring me a bit on the finer points of this business!

Q: You're no stranger to Star Wars, so what's been your favorite Star Wars themed project to date?

My Favorite project would have creating the key art for 3 Star Wars Celebrations.
Of course the glory of receiving the call to do such a project is great, but the glory is just a bonus. The Celebration Key Art gig was special to me because it was exactly what I wanted to do as an illustrator. It did not matter at all that it was Star Wars, I was working on a challenging project that required time, critical thinking, team work (with the art director), and a massive amount of creativity. Key art is the corner stone of any event, it’s the face and spirit you will be presenting to the general public. It’s not enough to just paint Darth Vader, you are responsible for setting the tone of the entire show. For CIV, the theme was to promote the 30^th Anniversary of Star Wars, not just A New Hope, but ALL of Star Wars. How do you say that in one piece without having a million elements and characters? That is tough, and it took a lot of sketches and conversations with the art director to get it right. Ultimately we felt the overall story of Star Wars was about Anakin and his family, but it was also about the family that is the whole Star Wars fan community. But, we also wanted some nostalgia for the first time we all saw Star Wars which is why we chose to capture the opening moment from A New Hope of Tantive IV being chased down by the Star Destroyer.

Celebration Europe was one of those things where all the stars align and you get magic on the first try. While Star Wars was Celebrating 30 years, the Beatles Sgt. Peppers album was celebrating 40 years. Since the show was going to be in London, we just married Star Wars and Sgt Peppers and it was a huge hit. I mean it said everything! To my amazement, no one had ever created a Star Wars Sgt. Peppers piece of art, so I knew I had to make the definitive version. I had done some 3D art before, but not much. The challenge was the engineering of the piece and figuring out how to get it all together. I got a lot of help from my Mom, who is a great carpenter, and Denise helped me a ton as I assembled the piece.

Celebration V was so much fun, mixing Star Wars with Florida. It was finally time to pull some of my humor out and put it in to the theme. The trick was to not go overboard. While the goal was to set a tone of FUN and Vacation, we did not want to make it seem like the show was about parody. When I attended CV I was very happy to see that the key art was doing its job. People were eating up the art I had done and there really was a tone of FUN and enjoying Star Wars because it was FUN.

Finally, I have to say that these projects were awesome because I got to work with Steve Sansweet, who served as the art director of these projects. He’s not only a great a friend of mine but he’s a great creator. He was really a pleasure to work with and brainstorm with. We really came together and worked both of our ides together to create a great a product.

Q: How did you get involved with doing work for Star Wars professionally? What was your first "official" Star wars gig?

I got my start in 1999, just after Star Wars Episode I was released. I was attending Star Wars Celebration I as a fan, but a fan with an agenda. I went strapped with all kinds of promotional art work and giveaways in hopes that I might somehow find some work. Well, CI was a disaster. It was held at this old condemned air force hanger in Denver CO. But only half of the show was in the hanger, the other half were in big circus tents. Not the WORST thing, until the monsoon rains hit. Ankle deep in mud, I made my way into the old hanger. I was in the middle of a packed aisle when I finally reached my breaking point. With my hands filled with art, I put my hands up and thought I can’t do this I quit. And in my mind I literally did quit, I was ready to go home and look for something else to do besides art. I turned around ever so sharply and started to stomp towards the exit. Instead of a clear path I smacked right into and knocked down this little guy with a salt and pepper beard, as I reached down to help him up I caught a glimpse of his shiny gold Lucasfilm ID tag. His tag shined with a glowing aura like it was the Holy Grail or something. With out thinking, and having just QUIT just 2 moments earlier, I started pushing my art work in the mans hands as he still sit there on the floor. He saw my excitement, and chuckled “Hey, help me up first”. Once he dusted himself off he began scanning my art with the rest of his Lucasfilm entourage. They loved it; I mean REALY loved the work. The man gave me his card and asks me to call him, which I did, and 2 weeks later I was doing my first illustration for Star Wars Kids Magazine.

Oh, who was that guy I knocked down? Mr. Steve Sansweet.

Q: "Sketch Card Mania" is a fantastic read! How did the idea come about to compile so much great information into a book?

Thank you, glad you like the book.

Sketch Card Mania is 100% Denise (Vasquez) concept. I had just released my first book “Creature Features: Draw Amazing Monsters and Aliens”, when Denise asked if anyone had ever written a book about making sketch cards. She did some research and found that no one had. So we sat down and brain stormed. At that time Denise had only done 2-3 sketch card sets, so I was kind of a resource in the beginning stages of the book, concerning the business. But it’s interesting, because the Book is kind of a journal of everything Denise had learned about Sketch cards in the next year. Both for the book, and for her own business. We each wrote about half of the book each, but Denise really deserves all the credit for the idea and deciding what was going to go into the book. She is really amazing.

Q: You gave me some great advice on being focused on goals, but also to not let myself get caught up in "tunnel vision." Can you reiterate for the readers trying to follow in your footsteps to become Star Wars artists?

Yes, Goals are great, but you have to be open to the idea that your goals can change while you're pursuing your original goals. I’ve seen many artists get burned out and lose their love for their art because they become tunnel visioned and only see their original goals. If you become tunnel visioned you will not see the countless opportunities that come up while you are on your journey. You will meet amazing people, and be exposed to ideas and places you never even knew were there. Star Wars is awesome, and it’s a great goal to have, but it’s only one thing. Being an artist, you can’t really survive on just one thing. You have to be diverse and have your hands in many different opportunities. I certainly don’t just do Star Wars, I do a bit of different projects. Some things no one will ever see or hear about, but I’m creating art for a living and that makes me far happier than any one subject matter could ever do. I’m simply LUCKY that one of those things I do is Star Wars.

Art is so diverse, and there are so many opportunities and avenues to use your talents. Don’t feel like Star Wars, or Comic Books, or anything like that will define you or validate your art journey. What validates you is when you are creating from your heart and spirit. Your personal relationship with your art is something you will have your entire life, listen to it, nurture it, and feed it what it needs.

Q: Do you have any other advice for artists trying to find their first gigs? Or any advice you'd like to share in general?

First gigs? In general, the best advice I can give is to NOT BE DESPERATE. Being desperate can put you in unfavorable situation where you either get underpaid, or not paid at all. Unfortunately there are a lot of people out there who prey on artist’s desperation. They don’t respect the hard work artists put in and try to make artists feel like they should be happy anyone wants to use them, even for free. Meanwhile those same people take that art and use it to make themselves a lot of money. So be careful. Always remember that what you do has value, there is only one of you, and your art is just as unique. Always make sure you feel good about what you are getting in return for your efforts. Sometimes that is exposure, and sometimes it is money, but ideally it is both. Just do your research, ask questions and sniff out who is being honest with you or not.

At the same time, continue to create. Work on your craft and get your work out there by way of websites, conventions, and anything you can think of.

The most important thing I can advise to anyone starting their careers is to have a positive attitude and be cool to people. Bottom line, people want to work with nice people. No one wants to deal with head cases who are always negative. Talent and skills only go so far. I know plenty of uber talented artists who don’t work because they are rude and unpleasant. You have to remember that you are a business person on top of being an artist. The same rules of business apply to you as they do someone working in a suit and tie. The better person you are, the more work you will get.

So just be cool to people, if you don’t know how, hang around positive people, it will rub off. :)

--------------------

WOW! Let all of that sink in, and then go follow Randy Martinez on DeviantArt and show him some love!!

Send in the Clones 4!

2011-10-20T16:31:00.002-04:00

Here's the fourth prize from the Clone contest, featuring a custom super sonic Clone Trooper!

Send in the Clones 3!

2011-10-19T17:35:00.002-04:00

Here's the third prize from the Clone contest, featuring a custom super sonic Clone Trooper!

"Rendezvous" Page 1 of 5!

2011-10-19T02:56:00.003-04:00

Whatup, punks! Today we begin the 5-part comic of "Rendezvous", starring Galen Marek (AKA Starkiller)! Hope you guys dig it, you voted for it!!

Send in the Clones 2!

2011-10-18T17:50:00.004-04:00

Here's the second prize from the Clone contest, featuring a custom super sonic Clone Trooper!

Send in the Clones 1!

2011-10-18T00:57:00.002-04:00

Here's the first prize from the Clone contest, featuring Zebar!

Fan Days 2011

2011-10-14T14:35:00.000-04:00

Man, yet another mind job!

Fan Days 2011 belonged to Hughes the Force. Last Saturday, Fan Days had a special screening of the film, and it was the first time unbiased, hardcore Star Wars fans got a chance to see it. The reactions were overwhelmingly positive, and we couldn't be happier with the amount of affection and acceptance the fans have already shown the film! I'm so pleased I could be a part of the project, and a big thanks to J.C., Steve, Ruark, and the rest for allowing me to be one of the faces of Hughes the Force! It was such a pleasure meeting the fans and signing the comic book!

The guys over at Nerd Heard actually captured the panel after the screening for us, too! Now you can share the moment when puberty struck Joe Hogan at age 25!

Part 2 can be found here!

The TFN crew was also there in full swing, sporting a banner done by an artist that you may have heard of...

It was great to meet Derek in person, as well as Erika and all the rest!

The convention itself was a LOT of fun. I scored a lot of really cool stuff, most of it discounted, as well as some really great art from the top Star Wars artists! I'll be talking about Randy Martinez's and Denise Vasquez's "SketchMania" book in the near future, but in addition to that, I managed to pick up a sketch book and sketch card of Dash Rendar from Tom Hodges, as well as a Dash sketch card and sweet BAMF print from Spencer Brinkerhoff III!!

I also got to hang out with those superstars (as well as Tom Kane, AKA The voice of Yoda) after the con on Saturday and Sunday night, and just toss back a few drinks! Brian Rood, Robert Hendrickson, Joe Corroney, and a slew of other bigshot artists were there, as well! Everyone was so friendly and approachable, it was truly one of the best nights of my life!

Joe Sorbera, Jazz Kopecek and the rest of our crew had a fantastic time, and are now officially counting down the days to our next family reunion, at Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando Florida, next August!!

Topps' Star Wars Galaxy 7

2011-10-12T05:00:00.003-04:00

A special Wednesday post is in order this week! Why? What couldn't wait until Friday??...

I'm extremely pleased and honored to announce that I will be returning for Topps' set of Star Wars Galaxy, Series 7 sketch cards!

While I can't say how many sketch cards I'm doing yet, I WILL be taking requests as prizes for my final contest of 2011. That's right, I'm going to close 2011 with the top ten winners' requests as real Galaxy 7 cards, and 1st prize will actually have their request as one of my limited return cards, mailed to them! There will be other cool prizes too, but I thought we'd close 2011 with a bang, since I'm super excited to be returning to the Galaxy arena!

Details on the contest to come soon. Hope all you Star Wars fans participate!! Also, a week from today, the weekly comic pages resume with "Rendezvous With Death", starring everyone's favorite secret apprentice, Starkiller! Tune in next Wednesday!

Hughes the Force Screening!

2011-10-07T04:50:00.001-04:00

The Hughes the Force premiere may have changed my life. I got to walk the red carpet, sign posters and comic books, take pictures with fans, meet people I idolize both as a fan and an artist, and generally experience one of the coolest events in my lifetime with some of my new and old best friends. Even if nothing else in my career comes close to the way the Hughes the Force crew and audience made me feel, I'll die happily knowing that for a day, I got to be a big fish in a big ocean. The amount of positive energy and warm welcomes from every cast and crew member was overwhelming. Opening a box and seeing hundreds (and I mean hundreds) of MY comic book, printed from the same press that Dark Horse Comics themselves use, was also an unreal feeling. I'll never forget how it felt to flip through my OWN published comic book!

And no surprise at all, finally getting to meet Catherine Taber (Padme on Clone Wars) and James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan!) was also even more amazing than I ever expected! Catherine was a class act and a total sweetheart, and even though she was surrounded by swarms of fans, she took the time to take a quick picture with me and my best friend Joe Sorbera, and called it a "Joe sandwich"! HA! We're looking forward to seeing her again at Fan Days next week!

James was another fantastic person to get a hold of. I spoke to him briefly after the Q&A he hosted, and he greeted me with a huge hug! I did my best to keep my professional composure, but I'm sure the fanboy in me reared his head anyway! Anyway, I caught him again at the after-party and gave him the sketch cards I made him (posted today). He was so gracious! And FUNNY! So we talked casually for a while and he really is just an amazing human being. One of the guys and still SO awesome! Another class act! He and I also talked about something else that I'll be mentioning down the road, but let's just say that James and I will be interacting more on a professional basis in the future...I won't say more than that! Believe me, IT'S AWESOME and I can't wait!! Anyway, you can check out the cards I made him here:

I also had the honor of meeting and chatting with Randy Martinez and Denise Vasquez, two juggernaut artists and no strangers to the Star Wars scene. The both of them were so encouraging and gave me a lot of solid, constructive advice, and were a complete pleasure to talk to! They're both going to be at Fan Days as well, and I can't wait to see them again!

And finally, the film itself. You guys NEED to see this. It's the ultimate Fan Film to a point that it's in its own damn category. If you're familiar with Kyle Newman's "Fanboys", you'll probably like this movie. It'll be available online soon, but you can also catch a screening of it next Saturday if you're attending Fan Days! And be sure to stick around after for the Q&A that I'll be a part of! But really guys, it's SO good. There's so much heart and wit, I know the Star Wars community will embrace it just like all the other great fan films out there. I'm so humbled and honored to be a part of this chapter in Star Wars history! I'm also so lucky to have so many people in my corner that got me this far, because frankly, without all of your love and support, I'd have gone nowhere in my life. So truly, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Yeehaw!

2011-10-06T13:49:00.002-04:00

Hey, Folks!

Just wanted pop in and say that tomorrow's usual Friday post should go as normally planned, but I won't be around to check up on it. I'm heading to Irving, Texas for Fan Days 2011!

Anyway, I'm sure it'll all be fine, but I figured I'd post today just in case. Hope those of you that follow along will get a kick out of my Hughes the Force pilgrimage/experience!

And just for fun, here's some sketch cards I did for the Sarlacc Pit Podcast's pre-Fan Days dinner tomorrow night!

See you guys next week!! Expect a full Fan Days post next Friday! =)

MOAR COMICS

2011-10-04T04:53:00.003-04:00

You can has them.

While "The Siren of Dathomir" has come to a close last Wednesday, I'm posting today to let you all know that the weekly comics were such a big hit that they WILL make a return this month! I'm writing two short stories, very similar to the Captain Fordo comic, for both Kyle Katarn and Galen Marek (Starkiller) respectively, since those are the two the good folks at DA voted for!

Starkiller's comic will be first. It's going to be 5 pages long, and will start on Wednesday, October 19th! It's tentatively called "Rendezvous With Death", and I'm using the poem with the same name (written by Alan Seeger) as the inspiration for the short story.

And then shortly after, 2012 will be the return of my Order 66 story that I started way back in 2008! So those of you following along will hopefully get your fix! Thanks to those of you that have been so encouraging of the project so far!

As You Wish Project

2011-09-30T04:53:00.002-04:00

Helmet by Amy Provonost

Finally! Weeks ago, I teased with the notion of some really big news. Unfortunately, the announcement was pushed back, but no longer! With permission from Lucasfilm themselves, I now have permission to announce that I've been invited to take place in the 501st's "As You Wish" Helmet Project!

Last year, at Celebration V, a handful of absurdly talented artists and Star Wars celebrities took on the task of taking Stormtrooper helmets and making them their own. They painted, sculpted, and created some fantastic pieces of art that would later be auctioned off for the Make a Wish Foundation!

I'll be updating my blog, IWillBeAStarWarsArtist.blogspot.com, with weekly updates on the helmet's progress once I get started. That's right, the 501st has asked us to document our helmets in stages to share with the world! I'll be showing you guys how my helmet goes from start to finish! =) And then, of course, it WILL be on display at Celebration VI, and then auctioned off for charity following the event!!!

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Grant Gould for once again sticking his neck out for me and helping me get this gig. Grant, you are truly the man.

You can check out more about the As You Wish Project here! http://www.thedentedhelmet.com/content/you-wish-project-introduction-17.html

And here's a gallery from the last helmet project! http://www.rebelscum.com/c5/TKproject/

The Siren of Dathomir - Page 8!

2011-09-28T05:00:00.003-04:00

WTF HAS FINALLY SHIPPED!

2011-09-23T17:31:00.001-04:00

Today, it's no longer in my hands. WTF HAS SHIPPED.

Not much of an update, but it's great news. =)

The Siren of Dathomir - Page 7!

2011-09-21T05:01:00.003-04:00

The consequences of seducing Clone Troopers finally come to fruition when Captain Fordo lets the Siren of Dathomir know what he thinks of her luring song! Page 7 of my weekly Clone Wars story is now up! But be careful, this one is the SPOILER of the story!

Star Wars Day!

2011-09-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

Ahhhh, Star Wars day!

Today, the Heavens rejoice as Star Wars fans get a huge dosage of Star Wars goodness. We've got the entire saga released on Blu-Ray (something Blu-Ray fans have been waiting for since the technology debuted years ago), and of course the Season 4 premiere of The Clone Wars tonight on Cartoon Network! I'm pumped for both!!

Unfortunately I don't have much in the way of an update, but I think I'll be writing a review of the Blu-Rays for next week. In the meantime, here's some more sketch cards! Everyone likes sketch cards!

The Siren of Dathomir - Page 6!

2011-09-14T21:00:00.004-04:00

We Will Never Forget.

2011-09-11T23:44:00.001-04:00

Ten years ago today, thousands of innocent people were lost here in New York City.

No matter how you feel about the cause or the effect of this day, there's no denying that September 11th of 2011 was a testament to the potential of courage, selflessness and compassion that we as human beings all possess. A huge percentage of the lives lost were everyday heroes, who risk their necks every day for the line of duty, to keep the rest of us safe.

I'd like to formally thank all of the troops, emergency workers, and civilians alike that had a positive impact on the lives of our fellow Americans that day, and in the days following.

This sketch card is for a good friend of mine who has gone on to become a fire fighter since those dark days for the United States. I'm proud to know him.

September 11, 2011. We will never forget.

Hughes the Force Panel

2011-09-09T05:00:00.002-04:00

Not only will 'Hughes the Force' kick off 'fan night' at Fan Days 2011 next month in Texas, but there will be a Q&A immediately following the screening hosted by the one and only Steve Sansweet. You won't want to miss it! CLICK HERE for details!

Did I mention, that I'm going to be in the panel? =D

The Siren of Dathomir - Page 5!

2011-09-07T05:00:00.004-04:00

Care Package From Canberra!

2011-09-06T16:13:00.004-04:00

Drew Ridley, one of my favorite Star Wars fans and supporter of my career alike, was SUPER generous enough to snatch up a Commander Bly Clone Wars figure that I was unable to snag back in 2009, and shipped it to me all the way from Canberra Australia out of the goodness of his heart! And if THAT wasn't enough?! Dude included two awesome Canberra Collectors Club stickers and a SWEET Gentle Giant Bust-Up of Snaggletooth!! BADASS!

I hope Drew realizes that he just started a game of tag, and he's now IT!!! Thanks a BILLION, Drew!!!

Fan Days 2011

2011-09-02T05:00:00.002-04:00

I present the banner for TheForce.net's Fan Days 2011 booth! I had a lot of fun doing Rex & co in their new Phase II duds, and agree with my contact at TFN that it would be a great scene to have since Season 4 will have just debuted! Here's a look at the details on Rex, on his own little digi sketch card made just for this blog. =)

The Siren of Dathomir - Page 4!

2011-08-29T18:04:00.002-04:00

IT'S HERE!!

2011-08-26T14:07:00.003-04:00

That's right, that's 60 copies of my new 2011 art book, "WTF! The Art of Joe Hogan", in-hand and waiting to be shipped!

* 36 FULL COLOR pages!
* A unique 7x9 inch landscape format!
* Plenty of new art, exclusive to the book! Not seen online or anywhere else!
* Revised art from old favorites to create new scenes!

The cost is $20 USD, plus $5 shipping for US residents or $10 for international customers.

Keep in mind that I've only got 60 copies in-hand, and I have 38 Pre-orders! That only leaves 22 copies to fly off the shelves (which I expect them to do!). Because of this, I won't be putting aside any for anyone who hasn't paid for the book, as I've heard and done that before (with sketch cards) only to get screwed! But if you want one of the first batch, order right away to guarantee a copy!

And here's the special news: If you pre-ordered early, you'll receive a FREE traditional sketch card of the single character of your choice (no restrictions), a $20 USD value commission! I'm extending this free sketch card offer to September 1st for anyone who didn't get a chance to pre-order. Don't miss out on the first wave!

I hope you guys really dig it, I worked really hard to put together plenty of new content for the book and to make a strong representation of my most popular work. Thanks to all of you in advance for supporting this would-be artist, and may the force be with you!!!!

-------------------------------
IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!! How to order:

Make your PayPal payment to JoeWTFHogan@gmail.com, and be sure to include the following:

- A title indicating it's for the 2011 sketch book
- Your full name and mailing address
- The free sketch card of your choice. I am extending the offer to September 1st. We can discuss those here first if you like!

Commissions are back!

2011-08-19T14:08:00.002-04:00

Here's a look at two of the commissions I've been doing since starting up again! More to come soon!

The Siren of Dathomir - Page 3!

2011-08-19T03:59:00.001-04:00

Another week, another page! Hope you all enjoy part 3 of "The Siren of Dathomir"!

The Future Is Fordo...

2011-08-12T05:00:00.003-04:00

Expect a page every Wednesday! =)

Commissions Are Now Open!

2011-08-05T05:00:00.004-04:00

Well guys, it's that time again! Commissions are once again open. I've also added some new choices!

My rates:

Traditional work:

Sketch Cards Inked (Background color) = $10 USD Each
Sketch Cards colored with Markers = $20 USD Each
(Every 3 colored sketch cards you order, I'll do one free!)
(NEW!) 11x14 inch Jumbo Card + FREE sketch card = $50 USD
(NEW!) 18 x 24 Poster Card + (3x) FREE sketch cards = $100 USD

All originals mailed to you!

Digital work:

Full digital cinematic illustration = $50 USD flat fee (normally $100+!)
Digital Sketch Card (color) = $20 USD
(NEW) Digital Comic Page (ink, up to 5 panels) = $50 USD
(NEW) Digital Comic Page (color, up to 5 panels) = $100 USD
(NEW) Digital 18x24 inch poster (print-ready!) = $100 USD

No originals or prints will be mailed for digital work, but I'm more than happy to email the high resolution files to you! Including the Photoshop document, if you're interested.

Ask me about any other things you might have in mind that I haven't listed. Paypal is my preferred method (all payments to JoeWTFHogan@gmail.com). All payments must be before the work is given. Don't worry, I'm not a deadbeat! Also keep in mind that this is NOT strictly limited to Star Wars. I'm more than happy to do Original Characters, other established franchises, whatever! Just send me a note with what you want when you make your payment.

I'm more than happy to do as few or as many as you're willing to commission me for!

And here's the card of the week, Boba unmasked! This was another prize for the OT contest, but I loved it to much not to include it here!

Introducing the Hughes the Force Comic Book

2011-07-29T05:00:00.005-04:00

COMIC BOOK, COMIC BOOK, COMIC BOOK!!!!

I will no longer be referring to the BIG PROJECT as the BIG PROJECT, but now, it will be the "Hughes the Force" companion comic book!

This is Page 11 of 22 of the prequel story of the fan film, chronicling the events leading right up to it! It gives plenty of back story on the lovable nerds from the film, and it was a BLAST to work on.

I was responsible for the Cover and all 22 interior art pages, and had to get it done in time for Comic Con last weekend. Now you know why I've been so busy! It was quite a bit of work, but I loved every second of working with the HTF team. I also squeezed in a LOT of easter eggs of both Star Wars, and nerd lore in general. Be sure to check out the finished product when the Hughes the Force fanfilm debuts later this year!

Hit up the official site to follow the film at:
www.hughestheforce.com

You can also check out ANOTHER preview HERE!

As promised, here's another weekly sketch card, which is actually a prize for the Glebe Brothers! Han Solo in his A New Hope duds!

Catching Up On Sketch Cards

2011-07-22T05:00:00.001-04:00

Still chiseling away at the contest cards! Above are the remaining EU prizes I had yet to finish for the first contest. Next stop: Original Trilogy contest prizes! =) Also, since it's been FOREVER, here's the first of a return to weekly digi cards, but this week is honoring the non-Star Wars universe...Captain America! =) Seeing the film tonight at midnight, can't wait!!!

EU Contest Prizes...Finally!

2011-07-15T05:00:00.001-04:00

Thought you guys might be interested in checking out the first batch of EU prize cards!! More to come soon!!

Wrapping The Secret HTF Project

2011-07-08T05:00:00.003-04:00

I'm extremely pleased to announce that as of the end of the day, my work for Hughes the Force comes to a close. There are still a few little things here and there that I'll be commissioned to do, but nothing like the long-term project I'm finishing today. It's truly a new personal achievement of mine, and despite all the time constraints and speedbumps over the past 3 months, I loved working on it!

Special thanks to JC Reifenberg, Steve Koistinen, and Ruark Dreher for inviting me to play in their sandbox with their characters. While I'm nowhere near the masterminds they are, after this project, Simon, Henry, and the whole gang now definitely feel like my babies. I can't wait to share the project with the rest of you, too!!

Happy Independence Day Weekend!

2011-07-01T05:00:00.000-04:00

I'm between big news this week, but wanted to quickly wish you all a happy, safe, and fun 4th of July/Independence Day weekend! I know, the comic is a cop-out, but today marks the LAST DAY OF WORK for my super secret project! I am officially finished with it and handing it off to my client today! What is it? Stay tuned...

In the meantime, this weekend marks my band's (Pleasantly Immature) not so triumphant return! Be sure to catch us in action when we post some videos from our first return "show"! =) Have a great holiday weekend, all!

Did You Proofread That?

2011-06-24T05:00:00.001-04:00

Here it is, my initial copy of WTF! The Art of Joe Hogan, in hand and ready for approval!

This is your last chance to pre-order and take advantage of the free sketch card that comes with each presale order! Don't miss out!

More Galaxy 6 Returns!

2011-06-17T05:00:00.002-04:00

Peter Sasaki of the Scoundrel Forums recently commissioned some of my blank return cards from Topps' Star Wars Galaxy 6. Peter, you see, has been amassing a pretty sweet collection of Star Wars movie posters as sketch cards. He's already got Episodes I, III, IV, V, and The Clone Wars, so that's where I came in! I took care of Attack of the Clones and Return of the Jedi for him, and I'm honored to have been part of the collection with those other great artists!! Here's a look at the rest of them:

Thanks again to Peter for commissioning me, and I hope you enjoy your full set of cards!!

My Thoughts on e3 2011

2011-06-10T05:00:00.006-04:00

Since I'm hurting for Star Wars art topics lately, I thought I'd give a brief overview of my thoughts on this year's e3, which happened this week in California. Video games have always been a huge source of my inspiration, so it's an appropriate topic, right? ;) These are my Top 10 most-anticipated games seen at this year's e3:

10 - Battlefield 3
9 - Modern Warfare 3
8 -Assassin's Creed: Revelations
7 - Rocksmith
6 - Gears of War 3
5 - Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary
4 - Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
3 - Super Mario 3DS
2 - Halo 4
1 - WiiU

What did you guys think? Were you surprised? Happy? Angry??

"WTF!" is Finished!

2011-06-03T05:00:00.003-04:00

The title says it all! I've finished the interior art for the book and have handed it off to the printer! I'm excited to finally wait on my proof for approval!! Here are the 3 types of art featured:

My old favorites and most popular art to date!
Brand New Art!
Old favorites given huge makeovers to make new scenes!

I'm really psyched about the brand new art (which is dominantly non-Star Wars art), but the "made over" art is really cool too! I'm excited particularly about the redone Ghostbusters 2-page spread, as well as a certain clone captain you all know I'm crazy about! Here's a quick glance at that...But just enough to wet your appetite!

There's still time to pre-order and guarantee a copy of the book with a free sketch card, too! You can find the full details HERE!

Return Cards and Zelda Informer

2011-05-27T05:00:00.003-04:00

Hey guys! I finally received my Galaxy 6 cards, and are putting them up for sale.

Available are:

- Luke Skywalker (Shadows of the Empire)
- Mara Jade
- Kyle Katarn
- Yoda/Mace Windu 2-piece (not for sale individually)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi (Clone Wars)

If you're interested in buying and owning one of my first pieces of OFFICIAL STAR WARS ART, please make me an offer! I am not accepting offers under $50 per card, because these are more special than my personal traditional sketch cards! Yoda and Mace are only for sale as the set, and I will not be accepting offers for less than $100 USD for them.

I'd love to see these go to DA members or blog subscribers, because I know you guys will be a good home and would much rather sell them to you, rather than put them on eBay.

***Also of note!!***

I've been sent a few Galaxy 6 blanks as well! If you have an officially licensed Star Wars character you'd like done by me to own, I will use one of the blanks to make it happen! The highest offers I receive will guarantee your request to make it into the Galaxy 6 family! This is a huge opportunity!

There are restrictions, set by Topps Trading Cards:
- No nudity or gore.
- No original characters, only licensed characters.
- Keep the scenarios in good taste, please!

Hope you guys are interested!

Also, in other awesome news, ZeldaInformer.com featured me in an article this week, plugging the release of "WTF! The Art of Joe Hogan!" They also revealed that we've made a deal to do a sweet canvas print of my own new Zelda: Skyward Sword art, exclusive to Zelda Universe! Stay tuned for details on that!!

Original Trilogy Contest Winners!!!

2011-05-20T05:00:00.001-04:00

I'll let the video do all the talking.

Congratulations to everyone who participated!! You did a fantastic job!!!!

For anyone who can't view the video on YouTube, I went ahead and uploaded it to a MediaFire server for downloading!