One of the somewhat recent things I was playing with in illustrator. Basically wanted to create some chains, but they can be pretty annoying if you are just building them out in standard fashion. However, I was toying with making them brushes, then expanding them so i can edit them down and adjust colors. Over all it was quite a fun task and just a nice element to add to some illustrations.

I was looking for file to reference today and when I opened up a older K2 folder, I discovered a bunch of files that I pretty much forgot about. After checking them out, I was just impressed by how many revisions it took to get the most basic structure (there are quite a few more than what I posted). I really enjoyed the final product and thought Fran did a amazing job sorting out the details on the board (which is a couple season ago). However it’s just that whole evolution to final that is funny. Even now as I work on various projects and see how much time goes into comps to figure out that final look, takes up at least 90% of the time invested. If I were to have this super power or ESP, instead of saving the world from evil, I would rather have the ability to be able to see into the minds of the client. Think about how much more could be done within a given year. Even with my old boss, who was a utter nut case, changed his mind on a hourly basis. Just to have that insight to be able to know would be a amazing thing and at times, a life saver. But with all that said, I have to admit, as painful as comps can become when you just want the project done, there is this learning process that defines your craft. I have to say, I do love it, but during crunch times, hate it.

Anyway, I guess the point is when you take a look at what goes into a project and what is selected is rarely the first thing that you produce. But in the end, the results and learning involved are always, and will be the reward.

Pale Horse Studios just uploaded the video that they did for the last art show. Again, Chris Parks did a fantastic job with it and had some amazing talent. http://youtube.com/watch?v=1rk-gQpWliM

I was looking over some older files that were not organized on my desktop and found this mock I did a while back. I didn’t think much of it when I was doing it, just playing around with already done illustrations, but now, looking at it, it’s pretty slick. I rather love that skull illustration that is on my splash page as well as the one being used on this piece. This is just a mock and not commissioned by Mad L.

Revolver Magazine just did a special issue called ‘The Book of Tool’ which should be hitting news-stands soon. I assisted Josh Bernstein who did a amazing job on the layout with some illustrations for various pages. I didn’t do the cover, however inside you’ll see quite a bit of Hydro74 in there. The concept was to give this alchemy style, but with a twist. I included a few of my illustrations along with the clip art constructions. The type was slightly tweaked but mostly standard fonts so they could produce the various section headers. It was a pleasure to work with Josh, and yes, your other type treatments are on their way for Royal Flush.