Alien Argus Custom Group Show

Here's a few sneaks of my piece for Mark Nagata's Alien Argus Custom Group Show, opening Feb. 26th and running thru March 26th, 2011 at Toy Art Gallery in Hollywood, CA.

The figure has crazy awesome detail and was super fun to paint up. This piece also marks my first ever Kaiju custom!

I'll post the full reveal next Friday when the show opens.

New Moon @ My Plastic Heart

Happy New Year Sketchbot followers!  It's been a very busy start for me, as I just completed a big freelance gig for Saatchi NY and am putting finishing touches on a few new pieces for various shows early in the year.

First up is New Moon, Interpretations of the Chinese Zodiac, opening tonight (2/11) at My Plastic Heart NYC. This is the third iteration of the zodiac-themed show, curated by John Wong.

My concept took a few twists and turns before settling on an idea that was partly inspired by my 1-yr old daughter's wooden toy blocks. My birth year is 1965, so naturally I chose to do The Snake. Pigs are on the direct opposite on the zodiac scale, so I wanted to incorporate them into the composition. The humanoids were based on old sketches I did years ago while doing simple, volumetric character studies.

The final piece, titled "Why Do Opposites Attract?", is an 11" x 17" Giclée print and will be on display thru March 13th, 2011.

Happy Holidays from Sketchbot!

It's been an incredible year for Sketchbot. We debuted the original colourway this past June at My Plastic Heart and had them available at San Diego Comic Con in July, Variant 2 was introduced at New York Comic Con at the end of July, and the DIY blanks were announced at Designer Con in November. We also had not one, but TWO Custom Shows - the first was held at My Plastic Heart in March, and the second at Munky King LA at the end of November.  Next year we have four more exciting variants rolling out, and the possibility of Sketchbot Custom Show 3 is already in the works. I'm also participating in a few exciting shows early next year - most notably, I've been invited to do a series of Star Wars Galaxy Sketch Cards for series 6 and also will be contributing to the third New Moon show at My Plastic Heart.

Here's to a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

P.S. Longtime readers will recognize that the above image is based on this concept from two years ago. I had always intended to bring that concept to life in 3d, and finally had some time this year to crank it out.

Sketchbot Custom Show 2 - Captain Cavebot!

When I first began this custom, I was going to do an entire figure covered in sculpted fur based on two drawings I did called Furbot.  I started with the body, but then had to put work on hold for 2 weeks while I took on some paying jobs.  When I returned to the figure last Sunday I started rethinking the concept and was doing a few colour studies in Photoshop when it hit me - "why not just do a figure with a hairy body only?" The classic Hanna-Barbera character Captain Caveman immediately popped into my head, so I snapped a picture of work-in-progress and mocked up that idea.  I think it turned out pretty good, considering the last minute change and working out of my normal "mask 'N spray" comfort zone.

You can see this, along with 70 other amazing pieces beginning tonight at Munky King LA.  See you at the show!

Sketchbot Custom Show 2 Sneak Peek Day Five

Alright, technically, it's Thursday as I compose this final teaser grid before we head out to LA. I'm simply not going to have any time to do this in the morning before heading to the airport, so those of you up late get first dibs.

This last group is comprised of pieces by: Atomos, babyVtec, Steve Talkowski (hey, that's ME), Jenny Wolf, Mister Toast, Kingquan, Phetus, Gumpy Revolution, and Scott Tolleson.

I hope you've all enjoyed a week's worth of teasers. Be sure to come back for complete coverage from the show at Munky King, plus all the cool events going down in Pasadena this Saturday at Designer Con!

Sketchbot Custom Show 2 Sneak Peek Day Four!

Alright folks, here we go with day four's teaser grid. As the incredible imagery continues to pour in I get excited as to the impact this show will have on the DIY custom community. People are going above and beyond with their entries and I am truly blown away!

Artists in today's grid are: George Gaspar, LYSOL, Overkill Creations, Ritzy P, Nathan Hamill, Ayleen Gaspar, Betso, Triclops, Kelly Denato, Pocket Wookie, Sour Bones, and Abe Lincoln Jr.!

Sketchbot Custom Show 2 Sneak Peek Day Three!

Are we really only 3 days aways from opening night?! Hells ya, and I'm just now painting MY entry for the show! (I work best under pressure)

This third installment of the teaser grid includes work from: Cris Rose, Jimmy Foo, Rusted Halo, Scottoons, Cameron Tiede, Jon-Paul Kaiser, Bucky Lastard, Rotobox Vinyl Anatomica, Kevin Gosselin, Kat Brunnegraff, Paul Shih, and Phu!

Sketchbot Custom Show 2 Sneak Peek Day Two!

Alright, we're in the homestretch for the big show this Friday night. Here are two more sets of teaser grids for you all to drool over!

Artists represented in this group are: Grimsheep, Lunabee, valleydweller, Mike Gulen, Alisa Ross, Paul Kaiju, Squink, PodgyPanda, dodgrr, Scribe, Spanky Stokes, and Shawnimal.

Sketchbot Custom Show 2 Sneak Peek!

Alright folks, we're one week away from the big show at Munky King, and what better way to kick off the countdown than to release the first set of teaser images!

We've got 75 artists this time around and I have to tell you, everyone seems to be upping their game significantly for this show. The entries are as diverse as the first show, and I'm truly blown away by what people are coming up with for this platform.

Artists represented in this series of teaser grids: MAp-MAp, Euralis Weekes, Yoshii, David Lanham, J★RYU, A Little Stranger, Mr Munk, Lunartik, Mike Bell, Mike Slobot, Chris Ryniak, and Jim Bradshaw.

Stay tuned next week as I reveal teaser grids Mon-Thurs leading up to opening night!

Happy All Hallows' Eve!

It's been a crazy October, which started off with a whirlwind 3 days at NYCC, where Variant 2/Blue was released. (view my Flickr set here) I've been busy getting ready for the epic Sketchbot Custom Show 2 which opens at Munky King LA in 3 weeks, along with Designer Con the day after.  Stay tuned for some teaser images that I'll start releasing from all the participating artists about a week before the show opens.  In the meantime, have a safe and fun Halloween!

Sketchbot Custom Show V2 is ON!

After the huge success of the first Sketchbot Custom Show back in March, I've decided to curate a 2nd show to coincide with Designer Con in late November. Opening night is the Friday BEFORE Designer Con, November 19th, at Munky King LA so mark your calendars and plan your trip accordingly!

Check out this GARGANTUAN list of over 70 artists participating:

LYSOL ● Mike Bell ● Overkill Creations ● Betso ● Squink ● Kat Brunnegraff ● Rusted Halo ● Clutter Magazine ● Mr Munk ● Paul Kaiju ● Dodgrr ● valleydweller ● Kelly Denato ● Grimsheep ● Emily Bee ● Ritzy P ● Brian Ewing ● Jimmy Foo ● Alisa Furchess-Ross ● George Gaspar ● Ayleen Gaspar ● Mister Toast ● Kevin Gosselin ● Michael Gulen ● Nathan Hamill ● Monstafaktory ● Triclops ● James Yeah ● Ragnar ● Lunartik ● Jon-Paul Kaiser ● Frank Kozik ● PodgyPanda ● David Lanham ● Phu ● Rohby ● Abe Lincoln Jr. ● Sarah Jo Marks ● Drew Millward ● Lunabee ● Callgrim ● Pocket Wookie ● Lap Ngo ● TaskOne ● Rotobox Vinyl Anatomica ● David Palieri ● Atomos ● map-map ● Dave Pressler ● Gumpy Revolution ● Huge "Dred" Rose ● Cris Rose ● Scribe ● Reuben Rude ● Chris Ryniak ● Scottoons ● Paul Shih ● Mike Slobot ● Shawnimal ● Bwana Spoons ● A Little Stranger ● Troy Stith ● Spanky Stokes ● Steve Talkowski ● Cameron Tiede ● Bucky Lastard ● Scott Tolleson ● Kingquan ● BABYVTEC ● Euralis Weekes ● Julie West ● Jenny Wolf ● Yoshii ● J★RYU ● ManOne ● Rsinart ● Phetus ●Jim Bradshaw

I'm also dropping the Sketchbot DIY Blanks at both events, so in addition to acquiring original customs from many of your favourite artists, you'll be able to purchase and take home your very own blank and customize one yourself!

SDCC 2010 Recap

I know, it's already 2 weeks after San Diego Comic Con, but I didn't come straight home - I had a 5-day stopover in LA to attend Siggraph. Finally settled in back home and going thru a ton of shots from four days of Comic Con crazyiness. I had an absolute blast signing and drawing at Dragatomi's booth Thur-Sat. Huge thanks to Ray and Joanne for inviting me to be part of their first Comic Con experience as exhibitors.

Special thanks to my distributer, DKE Toys, for getting Sketchbot some awesome exposure at their booth. We announced the next two colourways and the response is overwhelmingly positive.  The blue variant will drop at NYCC, so mark your calendars and come out to Javitz Center this Oct to score Sketchbot Variant 2!

I've been going thru the multitude of photos I took over the course of 4 days and slowly getting them up on Flickr. The big draw for me this year was all the Tron Legacy stuff. I got in to the off-site Flynn's Arcade and checked out the awesome club-behind-the-arcade. Though I missed the Tron panel with cast and director, I DID get to see the Tron presentation at Siggraph a week later. I'm still pouring thru photos, so check back in a few days for more Comic Con coverage!

Sketchbots Revealed!

Just a quick post to upload my official pictures of the new Sketchbot colourways, then off to the convention center for my first signing of the day!

- Posted using BlogPress from iPad

Sketchbot at SDCC 2010

It's that time of the year to head out to San Diego and geek out on comics, art, and designer toys! Sketchbot is out and will be available for purchase at the show. If you'd like a signed copy, make your way to the Dragatomi Booth #3848 on Thursday, 11am, and Saturday, 11am, when I'll be on hand to sign and sketch.

Another booth you're definitely going to want to swing by is my distributor, DKE Toys #4732. We'll be revealing Variants 2 and 3 in the Sketchbot series!

Looking forward to meeting all the new fans of Sketchbot at the show - see you in San Diego!

Sketchbot iPhone 4 Wallpaper

Did I hear someone ask for iPhone 4 wallpaper on Twitter?! Here's a quick Lock Screen version for all you brand new iPhone 4 owners, optimized for the higher resolution screen at 960 x 640. I'll be releasing lots more of these down the road, so follow me on Twitter and keep an eye out for release and availability. Enjoy!

LA Sketchbot Release & Signing at Crewest

Last Friday's Sketchbot launch at My Plastic Heart was a huge success. We sold out our allotment for the night and they are now taking pre-orders that will begin shipping after 06/21/10.

If you were unable to attend the NY signing - and, just happen to live on the West Coast - I'm flying out to LA this weekend for a signing at Crewest gallery on Saturday, June 19th from 6-9pm. You can also view my mini-retrospect on display, as I'm their featured custom toy designer for the month of June.

I'm looking forward to meeting all the West Coast Sketchbot fans!

NY Sketchbot Release & Signing, 06/11/10 @ My Plastic Heart

Sketchbot launch day is this Friday night! It's been 11 months since we began actual production and Sketchbot is now ready for his NY debut. I'll be signing and doing sketches at My Plastic Heart this Friday, June 11th, from 6-9pm.  If you can't make it to the East Coast event, don't worry - I'll be in LA at Crewest the following Saturday, June 19th, for the West Coast release & signing. Exciting times ahead, thanks everyone for the support along the way!

Sketchball & Refbot for World Cup @ Crewest

As I'm anxiously awaiting the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, it was only fitting to tailor my latest custom for Crewest's World Cup show after an event that is often times preceded by the histrionic talents of those presented with the ultimate penalty - the dreaded RED CARD EJECTION.  The show opens tonight, Saturday, June 5th, from 6-9pm in Los Angeles, CA.

Additionally, I was also chosen as their first ever "Custom Toy Designer of the Month" that, coincidentally, also takes place concurrently with the World Cup opening.  This included being offered the 3rd Saturday of the month to host an event of my choosing, which, thanks to the stars being in alignment, meant that I would be able to finally offer up Sketchbot to the world.  Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 19th, as I fly to LA for the release and signing of Sketchbot V1!  More info to follow.  In the meantime, do swing by the gallery to catch the current shows, along with World Cup First Round Viewing Parties (see attached flyer for match-ups and game time starts)

Sketchbot iPad Wallpaper - Series 1

Yes, I drink the Apple Kool-Aid big time. I got an iPad within the first week they went on sale and am having a blast with it. I still have yet to find the ideal stylus for drawing with (don't get me started) but the iPad is proving to be an excellent digital portfolio companion when I'm out and about.  I'm anxious to put it to the test in July, when I'll be attending SDCC and Siggraph back-to-back. Ideally, I'd love to leave my MacBook Pro at home and just rely on the iPad for all my computing needs while at the conventions. One crucial test will be how quickly I can load up photos from my Canon 7D and actually do some rudimentary editing before posting up here and to Flickr.  I'll be acquiring the hard-to-obtain(?) Camera Connection Kit soon and do some thorough testing.

In the meantime, I'm way overdue with getting some Sketchbot related artwork up for iPad wallpaper use. The trick is formatting imagery to look good in both portrait and landscape mode.  I recently completed some vector artwork for my Thought Processor custom last week, so I'm offering these up as the first in a series of Sketchbot iPad Wallpaper. If you're reading this page on your iPad, simply click on the image, save to your photo library, and assign as desktop, home screen, or both. Enjoy!

Sketchbot X Thought Processor Custom

It's been a busy couple of weeks since the big Sketchbot custom show. One of the projects I was able to squeeze in was this cool custom piece for Phoneticontrol's Thought Processor NYC Series. The show opened tonight, and I've posted my image dump up on Flickr here.

Each artist was asked to include an accompanying piece of art along with their custom. I thought this would be a great opportunity to put my Illustrator chops to the test and undertook a triptych that depicts the backstory to "Sketchbot Transformed." Fortunately, my 6+ yr-old Epson Stylus Photo 2200 printer came through if flying colours! The show runs thru June 21st, so swing by My Plastic Heart and check out all the amazing work in person!