Tony Sarrecchia's Pictures and Words

Illustration Friday: Fearless

2010-05-09T03:13:00.000-04:00

Quick sketch

2010-03-28T21:40:00.002-04:00

A quick sketch using Sketchbook Pro on my iPhone.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T12:45:00.000-05:00

and a Happy New Year!

Entangled

2009-12-03T14:28:00.001-05:00

Thomas Jefferson said: "Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none." Unfortunately, we've strayed so far from his advice that I believe the snake is about to swallow us whole. Have a nice day :)

Pencil Sketch on stenographer's pad.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T12:01:00.001-05:00

This Thanksgiving cartoon is also avialable as a t-shirt or greeting card from my Zazzle Store. Just sayin' :)

Technorati Claim

2009-11-24T19:45:00.000-05:00

AEPUGBSVED7E

Just short post for Technorati. Regular readers may safely ignore. Thank you.

Sketchbook Mobile

2009-11-23T16:52:00.001-05:00

So I downloaded the Sketchbook Mobile app for my iPhone today. It had great reviews at the app store and was only $3.00; how could you beat that? Well, turns out you can't. This is a great little finger drawing program that may eventually replace the need to carry a Moleskine notebook. These are a couple of quick sketches.

The top sketch is my first effort, the bottom is my second effort.

Don't judge to harshly, I am still getting used to the tool.

Illustration Friday: Music

2009-11-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

Hello IFers! Long time no see. This week's entry is a photo illustration of a poster I designed for my son's band The Aquards.

I hope everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving this week (or, just their Thursday).

Your feedback is always encouraged.

Instant Karma and my cartoon for Fox Animation

2009-09-09T12:01:00.000-04:00

I am in a contest to win a development deal with Fox Animation and need your help to win. Please view and rate my animation by clicking on the link below. Much good Karma will come your way.

To see it, and rate it, please click here or cut and paste this link into your browswer http://www.aniboom.com/animation-video/393121/Happy-Halloween/

Illustration Friday: Shaky

2009-07-08T18:26:00.003-04:00

The little fellow is quite shaky being out in the woods alone at night. There is something disturbing going on here, but he cannot quite put his finger on it.

Two week in a row I have an IFriday entry---whoa. I rock. This pencil sketch was done in a Strathmore 400 Series sketchbook with a Papermate Mega Lead .7mm mechanical pencil.

Your comments are encouraged.

Illustration Friday: Worn

2009-06-29T18:22:00.006-04:00

This fellow with the worn jacket was drawn during a down period at the office. I used a .05mm OfficeMax mechanical pencil in a Pastel Rose steno book. As an aside, does anyone actually do stenography/shorthand anymore?

Illustration Friday: Parade

2009-05-12T12:46:00.007-04:00

This week I included the original pencil sketch—most of my stuff starts out as some type of pencil sketch—sometimes vague geometric shapes that only make sense to me. Other times the sketches are detailed like the one with this entry.

I take the pencil sketch into one of four apps (Corel Painter, Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Flash) depending on what I want the final piece to look like and trace over it. More often than not, I will modify the final from the sketch as I go.

This is the AI art board with the layers pallet opened up showing the number of layers this screen. I like to keep each element (eyes, head, hair, body) on it’s own layer and then grouped by major element (skateboarder, girl, balloon boy) in a super layer. (Click for larger image)

And finally, the completed version. For the record, I did the pencil sketch with a .5mm Techniclick II mechanical pencil in a Moleskine notebook. The final version was created in Adobe Illustrator CS.

Your comments are encouraged.

Sketchbook: Things I Sketch While Watching TV

2009-05-11T22:09:00.003-04:00

Illustration Friday: Hierarchy

2009-05-05T12:05:00.003-04:00

Hierarchy.

Interesting choice of word to illustrate—and by interesting I mean—wtf? But hey, it certainly was a challenge to come up with something unique to represent the mundane.

The only thing I could think of was one of those organizational charts that list the boss in the big box at the top, and then the descending echelons of minions, lackeys and worker bees. The chart where people hope that they are at least as high (if not higher) on the feeder scale than the schmuck who wants you to buy his daughter’s Girl Scout cookies.

Anyway—I’ve seen (and designed) enough of the ‘org’ chart that my mind automatically goes there for ‘hierarchy’ and refuses to leave. Thus, I bring you the little doodle below. For those who keep track of this stuff: this ‘toon was created Illustrator CS3 though it probably could have been done just as easily in MS Paint.

I appreciate your comments.

Things I Draw During Meetings

2009-05-04T22:15:00.003-04:00

So I was in a meeting today and my boss mentioned how the gremlins in the machine caused a system failure last week. She went on to talk about IT things--I sketched this out while she was talking. Materials used: .7mm Mechanical Pencil, generic stenographer (no, I don't take shorthand) pad.

Illustration Friday: Talisman

2009-04-08T00:09:00.002-04:00

Torchwood Season Premier

2009-03-20T18:12:00.002-04:00

One of the best sci-fi shows ever is returning this summer. It's only going to be 5 days long--but it's one story. Check out the preview.

New Political Cartoon

2009-03-16T14:55:00.001-04:00

But you have to go here to see it: http://shamelesshacks.com/?p=1046

Illustration Friday: Clandestine

2008-12-27T16:43:00.003-05:00

I hope you are enjoying your Holidays and have a wonderfully prosperous 2009.

Clandestine was created in Photoshop using my brand-spanking new Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet that I received for Christmas.

Your comments are encouraged.

Illustration Friday: Rambunctious

2008-12-12T22:04:00.004-05:00

It's time for these guys again!

2008-12-07T17:49:00.001-05:00

They are now placed at the spot of honor on my studio desk.
(Pic from cell phone)

Illustration Friday: Similar

2008-12-06T10:33:00.004-05:00

Your comments are encouraged. Thanks for stopping by.

Sketchbook: Dump

2008-12-03T20:20:00.004-05:00

Just some quick sketches from my notebooks--no order or reasons. Some are things I saw, some are just the things that live in my head. I'll let you figure out which is which. Feel free to comment.

Illustration Friday: Balloon

2008-12-02T14:43:00.005-05:00

Another oldie but goodie.

Your comments are welcome and encouraged.

Puttin' On My Fanboy Hat

2008-11-12T14:10:00.001-05:00

Doctor Who 2008 Christmas Special Trailer

Zombies, ghouls, and vampires, oh my!

2008-11-04T11:12:00.000-05:00

And so it came to pass across the land that an election for the ruler of Halloween Town would take place.

Read the rest here....

Bob Barr and I

2008-11-04T11:09:00.003-05:00

Note the halo-like glow over both of our heads.
This was shot at Kennesaw State University last week.

Illustration Friday: String

2008-10-14T12:18:00.003-04:00

It’s an oldie but a goodie, and it ties in (get it—‘ties in’) with ‘String’ because Jim’s wife is wearing a g-string. Ten points for you if you knew I posted this for an I-Friday back in the darks ages of 2005 for the theme of ‘Surprised”.

String/Surprised was done in Corel Painter IX.

Your comments are encouraged.

The Whiteboard in my Cube

2008-10-03T13:08:00.003-04:00

Pumpkin: Go ahead, try to carve me. I dare you.

Just getting into the season at the Corporate Behemoth.
Also displaying my inability to take a 'still' picture with my cell phone camera.

Illustration Friday: Clique

2008-09-20T11:53:00.003-04:00

This is a logo for my new talkshow airing on www.ksuradio.com (8:30 pm Eastern Tuesday nights). It ties in with 'clique', because the cool kids and the enlightened clique all tune to listen :)

This was done in Illustrator CS. Your comments are always encouraged.

A New Post

2008-09-18T09:44:00.000-04:00

Over at my talkshow blog. Click here.

This is wrong on so many levels

2008-09-01T17:21:00.005-04:00

Want to make friends with him?

Wear these to my house:

Yes folk, those are actual beef jerky underwear or, as the creators call it, "meat haute couture".

For more information go here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6216878

Your Mother Won't Know You: Goodbye Mr. Bubble

2008-08-14T09:46:00.004-04:00

Bad corporate decision making sends another childhood icon down the drain. From the New York Times Dealbook (http://dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/06/pop-goes-mr-bubble/?hp):

Ascendia Brands filed for bankruptcy protection Tuesday evening, with hopes of finding a buyer for the company, whose brands include Mr. Bubble and the breath freshener Binaca.

The last time I used Mr. Bubble was sometime in the 60s, I would have been about 8 years old. I remember pleading with my mother for months to buy a box of Mr. Bubble. When she finally agreed I couldn't wait to get home and jump in the tub. And jump I did. And frolic. And play. And get a nose bleed and a skin rash. Whatever they were putting in this stuff in the late 60s was apparently too harsh for my still hairless and tender skin. I, of course, didn't want to believe it was Mr. Bubble--it was probably that stupid washcloth; maybe the tooth powder (yes, tooth powder). Yes, I was quite sure it was the tooth powder. I cried like a baby when my mother dumped the rest of the box of Mr. Bubble down the sink (I don't know why she didn't just toss it in the trash, but my mother was all about dumping things down the sink or the toliet--like my deceased pet turtle).

Anyway, here's to Mr. Bubble, we hardly knew ye....

Illustration Friday: Sail

2008-08-12T19:27:00.003-04:00

I was on the phone with tech support while doodling. The sail boat came first--then the mountains. The clouds were the most fun.

This is an old school pencil sketch. I used a 0.5 mm Techniclick II mechanical pencil and a Pentel Clicks Eraser (for the clouds). It was draw on a page of my soft cover Moleskine notebook.

Your comments are appreciated. Click the image to see it larger.

Illustration Friday: Canned

2008-07-30T23:44:00.006-04:00

Canned.

Canned?

Seriously?

Interesting word. It wasn't until I was driving to the Corporate Behemoth this morning that I thought about things in a can. My son's last band's tag line was 'better than sex in a can'. I thought about 'Whoop Ass Creative' in a can. But it wasn't until I was watching Senator Obama on some news show that I thought sheesh, this guy is a great speaker--dynamic, enthusiastic, quick on his feet. Essentially all the things Senator McCain is not. This isn't to say who is the better candidate, I don't like either of them for different reasons. But if the election comes down to personality, as they often do, Obama will win.

Anyway, this illustration is about the heretofore unknown secret weapon in Obama's medicine cabinet. The 3d can, background, and text, was created in Illustrator CS. The not-so-good likeness of Senator Obama was drawn in Flash.

As always, your comments are encouraged.

Tired of High Gas Prices, Call Nancy 202-225-4965

2008-07-22T12:04:00.001-04:00

Progressive Democrat and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi refuses to allow a debate to expand offshore drilling to come up on the house floor. Pelosi and her equally partisan troll Harry Ried, (Democratic U.S. Senate Majority Leader) are ignoring the will of their party members (somewhat surprising), the Republican party (no surprise there) and the American people (again, no surprise there). Pelosi and Ried, would rather you and I continue to pay back breaking prices for fuel rather than reach across the aisle and work with the Republicans. She and Ried are invoking parliamentary procedures to avoid the discussion—much like spoilt birthday childen screaming ‘it’s our party and you have to do as we say’.

Read the rest here

A couple of new commentary pieces from moi

2008-07-13T22:58:00.002-04:00

Shock Bracelets: Coming Soon To an Airline Near You?

Old and Qualified versus Change and Inexperience

at my Commentary blog located here T-files

Sara @ the mall

2008-07-05T14:26:00.001-04:00

Illustration Friday: Fierce

2008-06-29T00:05:00.005-04:00

Years ago when my daughter was about a year or so new, we moved to Ocala Florida courtesy of Time/Warner (this was the pre-AOL days). Having lived in metro areas most of my life, I was unaware of the dangers that lurked in the grass just outside my door.

On this particular day I was sunning in the back yard, minding my own business when I noticed an ant on the filter of my cigarette (hey, it was 90s, everyone smoked). I crushed the filter and the ant, lit a cigarette and didn’t give it another thought. A short time later the girl child starting fussing about something so I stood up to bring her in the house. In the process of walking towards her, I felt something sting my toe.

When I put her down in the house my toe was throbbing and my face felt like it was swelling. A quick check in the mirror showed that ‘swelling’ was an understatement—I looked like an Italian blowfish. Things happened fast after that--it was painful to move my foot and my eyes were swelling shut. I remembered putting up the child gate so Sara couldn’t get too close—I still didn’t know what was happening—for all I knew, this was some strange Florida disease. I called my wife and suggested she come home from work if she wanted to see me before I blew up.

The doctor in the emergency room said I had a ‘reaction’ to a fire ant bite. A reaction? Seriously, a reaction is the scream you get when you jump out of a closet and shout ‘booga booga’ at someone. I was well beyond reaction and into terminal response. Anyway, I’ve been bitten since then but I’ve never had a ‘reaction’ as severe as that first incident. I’ve also wondered what possible evolutionary purpose could these little bringers of pain serve? I am still waiting for a satisfactory answer.

Based on this experience, I think fire ants are fierce little monsters and therefore qualify for my Illustration Friday entry this week. I realize that the scale in the picture above would make the fire ants the size a small dog or a large rodent—a Fire Chihuahua perhaps—but, if you’ve ever been bitten by one of them, you know that the scale is psychically correct.

I did this piece completely in Illustrator. I used several different reference pieces as models for the ants and drew the body using a standard brush. Then I filled the bodies using the mesh tool, copied them, and created a red transparency (multiply) over the original body. I created the grass using a custom brush generated from 3 pieces (I read about this process in the Illustrator Wow Book). The sun is a yellow circle with a flare placed over it.

Your comments are encouraged.

Sketchbook: Things I Saw on the Internet

2008-06-24T23:10:00.003-04:00

Less Than Jake in Atlanta

2008-06-20T23:47:00.003-04:00

Start at the bottom and work your way up....

Suburban Legends

Bryna and Nick

Posting from Mobile Phone

2008-06-20T16:14:00.003-04:00

How freaking cool is this? Who knew you could post directly from a mobile device? Well, ok, I did--but I never really saw a practical reason to do so. I may update from the 'Less than Jake' concert tonight.

Creative Writing Revelations

2008-06-17T20:28:00.005-04:00

James Moran, writer of horror flick Severence, several episodes of Doctor Who, as well scripts for the closest thing to the X-Files since Season 7 of the X-Files, Torchwood has published a list of revelations about writing and the writing business that he wished he had known five years ago. Part practical--

Yes, most people/companies will probably only read the first ten pages (of your script) or so. Yes, this is unfair. Tough shit. Get over it. No, "the system" is not trying to keep you out, or crush aspiring writers, or give jobs to the chosen few.

and part inspirational,

They need you more than you need them. Movie and TV companies need writers, they need stories, they need scripts. They can't do anything without you. You generate your own scripts, you create stuff from nothing, out of your head. It all comes from you. Yes, the finished product is a collaboration. But you can't collaborate on a fucking blank page.

this is a highly recommended read for anyone considering a screenwriting/creative writing career. You should go read it here, now.

As an aside--if you've ever been forced to endure an 'off-site' team-building event, you will find Severance a slashing good time.

OMG: X-Files

2008-06-15T15:08:00.001-04:00

How did I not hear about this?

July 27, I am so there. Yeah--I will gladly put on my fanboy hat for this movie.

Classic Animation: Minnie the Moocher

2008-06-14T13:18:00.004-04:00

Is it just me, or does it appear that Cab Calloway invented the moonwalk sometime in the 1930s? Thanks to YouTube user GraemeW for posting this gem.

Illustration Friday: Punchline

2008-06-13T14:28:00.002-04:00

It would be funnier if it weren't so true. Illustrated in Flash 7 with a background created in Corel PainterX all from a pencil sketch.

Original Animation: Halloween Greeting

2008-06-12T15:44:00.007-04:00

I know, Halloween isn't until October, but I was playing around with an old project and decided to make it a regular animation instead of click through type thing. Have your sound on when you watch.

/swflash.cab#version=6,0,29,0" width="420" height="420">

Illustration Friday: Forgotten Part 2

2008-06-08T13:07:00.002-04:00

Ok, this is a little more like my usual stuff. Enjoy.

Illustration Friday: Forgotten

2008-06-07T20:32:00.004-04:00

A little different from my usual style/tone. "Forgotten" was composed in Corel Painter X.

Here is a link to my usual style.

Retro Sketches

2008-06-02T23:01:00.004-04:00

I really like the 'retro' look of The Fairly Odd Parents, Dexter's Lab, and similar, so I picked up Cartoon Cool by Christopher Hart and started practicing. Here are some sketches based on the exercises in the book (except for the water bottle and that first one in the upper left corner :) ).

Illustration Friday: Baby

2008-05-31T01:49:00.004-04:00

I drew/composed "Babies Got The Blues" in Flash MX Professional with a little help on the background from Photoshop CS.

Your comments are appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Worry

2008-05-25T01:13:00.010-04:00

Hello IFriday Folks--long time no see. Enjoy this weeks offering. Your comments are appreciated.

The Original Paradise By The Dashboard Lights

2008-05-02T23:39:00.001-04:00

Meat Loaf rocked back in the day.

Paradise By the GoPhone Lights

2008-05-02T23:15:00.004-04:00

This is the full length version of the ATT/Meat Loaf commercial. The mom is 80s pop princess Tiffany and the son (who is NOT Meat Loaf's real son) is played by Adam Cagley.

Adam is a spunky young man. Check out this link to see how he responded to some snarky blogger's comment about him.

Nick's Birthday at the Warehouse

2008-03-25T16:37:00.006-04:00

Video from one of Nick's friends. About midway through, the little rock star crowd surfs while one of the other bands plays the Beatles birthday song for him. Somewhere along the way he lost his shirt.

Dr. Who Season 4 Trailer

2008-03-04T20:26:00.003-05:00

Apparently this is what is playing in cinemas in the UK. From what I can gather, the 4th series starts in the US sometime in April.

Comic Relief - Catherine Tate & David Tennant

2008-03-02T13:19:00.002-05:00

Ok, it helps if you watch Dr. Who and read Shakespeare.

ALB Live

2008-01-25T16:29:00.001-05:00

Nick's first gig in front of a live audience (as opposed to the dead audiences he has been playing in front of) is tonight at the Warehouse (2790 North Cobb Pkway NW). It is $7.00 to get in, and tell them you are there to see ALB.

Night Falls Logo

2007-12-30T19:09:00.001-05:00

The primary logo for the site:

The logo for the first episode.

Your feedback and comments are appreciated.

Final Cut Express HD, Sweeny Todd and other stuff.

2007-12-26T10:57:00.000-05:00

So...it was a good haul yesterday. Got Final Cut Express HD. It doesn't seem as intuitive as Sony Vegas was so I am open to suggestions for books or tutorials. The freaking install was almost 45 minutes.

Saw Sweeny Todd--DAMN. Beautifully shot. Johnny Depp rocked. Helen Bonham Carter can sing. Gallons of blood. And pie. What more can one ask? Go see it. Seriously, stop what you are doing and go. Now. You will like it.

And what of the Nightfalls Podcast (http://www.nightfallsproductions.com/) you may ask? Well, sir or ma'am, I have not been slacking. The script White Lady, a outright horror tale about an evil bride, is final. As is the The Replicant, a three part sci-fi script. Additionally, the first episode of a hard-crime/dark fantasy script is complete. I like the main character so I think he is going to stick around for a while. Auditions will start after the first of the year. I am torn between having a local cast or going the remote cast route. There are pluses on both sides. If anyone out there has any suggestions, I am certainly open to them.

I also discovered that my regular mini DV camera, when hooked up via firewire to The Doctor (that would be the powerbook) makes a nifty little webcam. Probably not news to you techno-geeks out there, but I was pretty darn surprised. I shot this pic of yours truly this morning. Before coffee.

Have a great day.

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-19T16:31:00.001-05:00

I know, it's a repeat--but according to web stats, this has been the image most linked to on my old blog.

To my US viewers--Happy Thanksgiving.
To my non-US viewers--Happy November 22.

Viewer Favorite: Remote

2007-09-21T14:50:00.000-04:00

From October of 2005. Viewer comments: 42. Click here to view the original posting with comments..

Busy days...

2007-09-21T13:20:00.001-04:00

So I just got a gig for 3 5 mins toons and 1 video production. All due before November 1. The I-Friday challenge is 'juggle' I have a couple of ideas for that and will try to post them soon.

Non-work related To-Do list:
1. Get my daughter to and from AWA this weekend.
2. Create IFriday entry.
3. Update links on blog.
4. Give list of podcasts I listen to and why.
5. Vent about wait time on Adobe's customer service line.
6. Go see Resident Evil 3

Narration Demo

2007-09-08T02:08:00.000-04:00

A short narration demo.

Click here to play my Narration Demo (MP3)

Night Falls Podcast

2007-09-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

Ok, as some of you may or may not know, I am really caught up in this podcasting thing. So much so that I have written six episodes of a dark fantasy story that I plan on producing soon. My target date was to release the first episode on Halloween and run until Christmas, then start up with new episodes in February. However, I've been somewhat leisurely in the revision process (and finishing up the final few episodes) so I've decided to go public with the plan. I will keep an update of weekly progress here so my 2 or 3 readers will be able to watch how a the podcast progresses from just a thought to final version. My triad of readers will also be able to smack me around (in a virtual sort of way) if I don't post regular progress reports.

The podcast, working title: Night Falls, revolves around a town where unexplainable things happen quite often. Most of these are supernatural, but there is the occasional sci-fi adventure tossed in as well. Some characters are in a single episode, some in multipart of the same story, and others are links throughout the series. There may or may not be a season long arc...but that would be in addition to the self contained stories. I'm thinking a season will be between 7 to12 30-45 minute episodes released every two weeks. As such, I need to always have at least 6 episodes in the can to meet the 'air date' schedule.

I am revising two stories today: the 3 part sci-fi story 'The Replicant' and the stand alone horror 'The Bride/White Lady'. All the stories are told in OTR (old time radio format) with characters, announcers and side effects. This is as opposed to a book-on-tape format of having me read the stories to the listeners. I will be auditioning voice actors in the next few weeks as well. Since this is a labor of love for me, and I am already out a $500 dollars on equipment (mics and mixers), and will probably spend more promoting the podcast, no one gets paid. I'll handle all the legal stuff myself as well as the graphics, PR, etc. If, at some point this thing makes any money, most of that will go back into promotions. If it makes a fair amount of money, and by that I mean I get to recoup all my costs, then the talent will be paid. If it makes a lot of money, then I'll get paid also. Seems fair. If that sounds reasonable to you and you live in the Atlanta metro area, let me know if you are interested in taking part as voice talent. Talent will receive cds of their performances and well as promotional links on the Night Falls web site and promotional spots within the podcast itself.

The Nightfalls Productions website is up, albeit a little thin, but you're welcome to visit it and let me know what you think--it's here http://www.nightfallsproductions.com. If you'd like to be notified when this blog is updated, sign up in the sidebar.

As with anything else on this blog your comments are encouraged and appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Captain

2007-08-19T14:06:00.000-04:00

This was not my first concept. Actually, I was blank on this. A lot of obvious ideas popped up and they all, in a word, sucked. So I asked my wife to help and we brainstormed through some captains. The first sketch of that session is here.

She thought that sketch might be a bit to risque for IFriday. Soooo--I suppose since we were sitting in a Starbucks I thought about a logo for a fictious coffee shop named Captain's Coffee and this weeks entry was born.

This piece was done in Abobe Illustrator CS.

As always, your comments are encouraged and welcome.

Skecth of the Captain

2007-08-19T13:41:00.000-04:00

Or, "How the Captain Got His Name"

This was the initial sketch for Captain on IFriday. My wife and I were sitting in the Starbucks at Towne Center whilst our teens were wandering around with their friends. She was helping brainstorm for the entry and she mentioned the Captain and Tennille, an adult contemporary band from the 70s. This idea sprung to mind and I sketched in out in about 5 minutes.

After much debate I decided to go with the logo concept above, but couldn't resist sharing this as well.

IFN: Before the Internet

2007-08-18T01:16:00.000-04:00

For Illustration Friday Night's.

IFN: All you need is meat

2007-08-15T20:42:00.000-04:00

For Illustration Friday Night's 'All You Need is Meat' topic.

Illustration Friday: Emergency

2007-08-12T22:46:00.000-04:00

Done completely in Corel Painter IX.

Comments encouraged.

Some more sketchbook stuff

2007-08-08T22:57:00.000-04:00

I kind of like the 'Don't piss me off' girl.

Sketchbook

2007-08-06T23:11:00.000-04:00

Some sketches from the last few days...

Illustration Friday: Missing

2007-08-05T19:33:00.000-04:00

Thanks for you comments last week. This piece was created using Adobe Illustrator CS with a little help from Photoshop CS for the bullet holes.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Moon

2007-07-27T22:20:00.001-04:00

Hello I-Friers, long time no see. No excuses other than a mea cupla.

This piece was done completely in Adobe Photoshop CS. For those keeping score, please note the new url (http://www.creativetony.com/blog/)

As always, your comments are appreciated.

On Carrying a Sketchbook and Why You Should

2007-04-23T22:38:00.000-04:00

There is a great series of articles written by storyboard artist Mark Kennedy about why you should be carrying a sketchbook with you. Read it; you'll like it.

Illustration Friday: Polar (Opposites)

2007-04-23T12:26:00.000-04:00

I took a little artistic liberty with the Illustration Friday word this week because I didn’t get this piece completed in time for last week. The funny thing is, the idea for Fortune popped into my head shortly after Penelope sent out the email. I procrastinated until this weeks email. It seemed like this was the second chance for this piece; after all, what better polar opposites than Donald Trump and Mother Teresa?

Fortune/Polar was done in Illustrator CS2 using Live Trace, the rectangle tool and the paintbrush.

As always, your comments are encouraged.

Illustration Friday: Green

2007-04-07T02:03:00.000-04:00

I can relate well with poor old Harold. The pollen count here in Atlanta was over 5000 last week. I felt like I should suit up in a deep sea diving outfit before going outside.

This was done in Adobe Illustrator CS whilst enjoying the last days of Spring Break in Florida.

Illustration Friday: Total

2007-03-16T23:29:00.000-04:00

The wife's idea.

Created completely in Illustrator CS.

As always, your comments are encouraged.

It's only Temporary

2007-03-14T22:32:00.000-04:00

Ok, I've gotten a few emails lately about the 'look' of my site. This is a temporary situation where my blog is doubling as my commercial site. There have been a few, oh, let's call them 'communication' issues between me and the hosting company.

At any rate, I'll be migrating more samples of my portfolio here until I can resolve the hosting issues. Think of this as the temporary housing you move into while your new house is being built.

Illustration Friday: Crash

2007-02-15T00:16:00.000-05:00

Hello folks.

It's been awhile. I return this week with a new illustration and, a new location. For those who have linked to me in the past, please note that the old blog is no more and it now lives here at http://www.tonytoons.blogspot.com . Please update your links.

This grusome piece was done in Corel Painter 9 on my trusty G4 while watching Lost and nursing some flu-like symptoms.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Thanks

Test Post

2006-12-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Is this thing working?

Illustration Friday: Thanksgiving

2006-11-19T19:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Created in Illustrator CS.
As always, your comments are appreciated.

Technorati Tags:
Cartoon
Illustration
Happy
Thanksgiving
Turkey

Quick Sketch

2006-11-18T01:31:00.000-05:00

He was done in Macromedia Flash MX 2004 using only the touchpad and my middle finger.

Illustration Friday: Clear

2006-11-12T22:53:00.000-05:00

Hello IFriday Folks. Long time no see. I've been working on some other projects: NaNoWri this month--woefully behind in word count right now, some political writing, and other things.

I am going to try to get back in to swing of things with IFriday and offer this little slice 'o life as my return to you.

This piece was done in Illustrator CS.

As always, your comments are encouraged.

It's NaNoWri Time

2006-11-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

See you December. It's time to compose my 50K word novel in month for NaNoWri
.

A New Post

2006-09-25T00:12:00.000-04:00

But it is on my other blog. Click here, you know you want to...

Illustration Friday: Match/Run

2006-08-25T22:50:00.000-04:00

Wow. Has it been 3 months? I guess so. Well, so much for 50 Ifridays for the year. I really tried to get ready for last week (match) but, things didn't quite work out. So I combined this week (run) with last week by cleverly adding an extra line of text. I love noir, it works so well for most topics.

Production notes: Illustrator CS.

Your comments are always welcome.

Illustration Friday: Angel & Devil/Sorry

2006-05-25T22:28:00.000-04:00

There just isn't enough time in a week.

Ok, this is a combination of Angel and Devil, and Sorry. Two weeks, one entry, 90 minutes to go. Sheesh.

Illustration Friday: Fat

2006-05-08T20:30:00.000-04:00

This topic didn't really grab me.

True confession time:

I have a weight issue.

Well, I don’t have the issue, I kind of like the way light bends around me when I walk—but my wife and my doctor think that I could stand to lose the not-so-secret store of Ho-hos and Ring Dings that I carry around my waist. And they’re correct. Being of Italian descent not only means I have to put up with people asking “Do you know any mobsters?” (I reply, “Luca Brazi sleeps with the fishes,” let them figure it out), but it also means I am predisposed to a hairy back and a hairless head (proof, once again, that God does have a sense of humor). It also means that I may end up with a body the size of a small satellite (as in moon not dish, though a dish of Moonpies sure sounds good). Of course, it’s my own fault that I wear the same size pants as Yang-yang the Panda.

Ok, that's actually an excerpt from a column I wrote about ~~trail~~ trial lawyers suing fast food companies on behalf of 'supersized sofa spuds' (was my bias obvious), but it seemed like an appropriate opening for this weeks topic. And, for those who are keeping score (just in case my doctor is reading this) I am down to a svelte 218--18 pounds to go. Now if only I weren't 4 foot 3.

Anyway, this topic really didn't grab me so I resorted to visual puns. Have fun.

Your comments are always appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Under the Sea

2006-04-30T20:58:00.000-04:00

Ok, I know some of you were expecting me to do something like this:

C
-------
Under
but that was too much for me.

So instead, I went with the next best choice--pick on the blonde celebrity. There is a link after the piece for folks who may not be familar with the wisdom of Jessica Simpson.

Click here to read the back story.

Hey, I'm a Winner!

2006-04-30T20:52:00.000-04:00

Check it out...first place on the All Alike contest hosted by The Unknown. Check it out.

Illustration Friday: Robot

2006-04-25T16:35:00.000-04:00

Really Bad Pun Number 3.

Your comments are appreciated.

The Things You See in the Mall

2006-04-21T17:18:00.000-04:00

So I was in the bookstore at our local mall this morning. I saw this and couldn't resist snapping a picture with the ole cell phone. I asked one of the bookestias about it and she looked at it, and the stack of books behind it, laughed a little and shrugged. Submitted for you amusement/chagrin.

Illustration Friday: Spotted or And all was right with the world

2006-04-18T12:05:00.000-04:00

As some of you know, this post was not here last week. My server had gone all Junior Soprano and did not recognizing me. Because of my cranky server, I had to use my other blog on the blogspot server to post. I am reposting this here just so there is an unbroken chain of my IFriday posts. Glad all that is cleared up.

This was done in about 15 minutes in MS Expression while I was waiting in the voice mail hell that is tech support.

As always, your comments are appreciated. If you posted a comment on Secret Rooms, thanks!

Illustration Friday: Speed

2006-04-08T23:10:00.000-04:00

Speed is a teenaged girl with a cell phone and a secret.

Thanks to all commented on last week's entry. We were on vacation last week (Florida, thanks for asking) and I didn't have a lot of time to respond to everyone. I promise to catch up this week.

As always your comments are encouraged and appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Spring

2006-04-04T21:48:00.000-04:00

Spring is the Air....

...or Really Bad Pun #2

Your comments are appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Monster

2006-03-25T19:44:00.000-05:00

Created completely in Illustrator CS.

Your comments are appreciated.

Illustration Friday: Feet

2006-03-21T13:11:00.000-05:00

Because I'm a sucker for bad puns.

Created completely in Illustrator CS2.

Illustration Friday: Tattoo

2006-03-15T00:10:00.000-05:00

This piece was created completely in Illustrator CS2. I imported a pic of Tatu and did a Live Trace, playing with the settings until I got the look I wanted. Ditto with Tattoo's picture. The text and the Tai Chi symbol were created fresh for this piece.

This is the first piece completed on my new PowerBook G4. Yep, I gave up the PC laptop and joined the cult of the Mac. So far, it has been a Very Good Thing; I am amazed at how easy things work on the Mac (no needing to reset/renew IP configs to plug into the hotel broadband, a nice suite of tools and playthings in the form of iLife, and that Garage Band thing is just too cool). I should have done this years ago.

Of course, my first PC was an Apple //e, so that should count for something.

As always, your comments are appreciated.

Tony

Dick Cheney, the girls, and Google’s Adsense

2006-03-08T11:29:00.000-05:00

Regular readers will recall that last week’s Illustration Friday entry was about roaches rising up and fighting the man; defending their freedom to infest; holding that they, while just roaches, still had dignity. Ok, technically, it was just a cartoon spoof of Braveheart, but all art has to have a deep serious meaning or thousands of art professors will be out of work.

Anyway, in the context of that ‘toon, I mentioned how roaches and lobsters were phylum cousins and questioned if their taste would be similar. I even mentioned Lobster Fest. Of course, as most of you commented the thought of eating lobster wasn’t as appealing after the roach relation was discovered. Google’s Adsense on the other hand, did not make such an association. Nope, when I logged in this morning every one of the ads at the top of this page had changed from the usual Adobe/Corel/Illustrator ads to four ads touting the tastiness of lobster. Apparently, context is not part of the algorithm for Adsense. It is actually funny until you think about the poor schmuck who is paying for those ads….

Sure is a good thing I didn’t mention anything about lesbians hunting for Dick Cheney, huh? No telling what type of ads that would generate.