So I’ve started working on a personal project with more of noir feel. Most art I’ve seen in the noir genre is gritty and dirty which is challenging for me as my line work is pretty clean. So I’m attempting to bring that feel with colors. Here is a test image I was playing around with. Let me know what you think or any colorist out there, please feel free to offer advise!
Poor archers of the super hero universe. They get no respect. I can get on a plane and fly. I can throw most anything in the microwave and watch it melt. But have you ever picked up a bow and arrow? It’s harder than you think. I expanded and tightened up a sketch of my beloved comic archers. Hope you enjoy!
For all those who don’t know me, I’m big into archery, traditionally and Olympic styles. No seriously, OH state champ and everything. Any who, as the cold weather is coming upon us, my itch to shoot the bow is ever growing. Only if I had more time, so here a quick scribble of the Green Arrow. I have a larger concept in mind for this pinup, but will continue to pick at it through the week. Stay tuned . . .
When I started my journey back into comic art earlier in the year, I wanted to find tools that would help me create art in the environment I’m familiar with in the digital world. That search led me to Sketchbook Pro, a light weight art program that was the extremely easy and intuitive to use. It offered the most natural drawing experience with art tools that are common and react to the real world. I instantly fell in love and start drawing late into the night! Although not as expansive and detailed as other popular art programs, SBP is quick and requires a small learning curve . . . just pick up the pen and draw.
Now don’t get me wrong, I still pick up my pencil and scribble on post-it notes every once and awhile. But I love how I can experiment and really explore with SBP without the chunks of eraser all over my art board or lead smears from my hand. It really has helped me grow with confidence as an artist from where I was just a few short months ago. The other big positive I get from it is communication. Whether concepting ideas or working on finishing inks, with a quick save and an email, I’m discussing my art with collaborators from all over the world.
To increase my communication with the comic community, I created a twitter account. For any aspiring artist, I highly suggest doing so. The amount of knowledge that is posted each day from artists, fans, and publishers is abundant and priceless. This where the fine folks at the Sketchbook Pro Product Division of Autodesk contacted me to find out more of my artwork and how SBP plays in that role. After numerous conversations, it was apparent that they really do care about the artist and how to help them express their art. This is where they asked me to discuss my outlook on creating comic art and my background of graphic design. If you get a chance, download the trial and give it a try (and if you have any questions, I’ll do my best to answer). I really look forward to seeing how they improve this creative and fun to use software.
Designer Spotlight: Matt Zolman
Sketchbook Pro
Matt Zolman Twitter
Sketchbook Pro Twitter
I’ll be heading over to Mid Ohio Con this weekend passing out my goods attempting to secure paying work. Should be a good time catching up with friends and creating new ones. Here is the cover to my second solicit book of Mindless Scibblings. Hope to see you there!
Joined up over at the board for Ten Ton Studios to check out the sweet art from their board challenges (thanks 3ill!). Their current challenge is of Atomic Robo and here is my scribble. Haven’t entered it as I believe this weeks challenge is over . . .
Mindless Scribblings 