Here is a quick logo I cleaned up for T.J. (my brother). He had an outdated blogger site that hadn't been touched in years. It is now time to make something new, stylish and full of all the fantastic and horrific goodness he always writes about. Stay tuned, I'l let you know when the URL is up and running. Until then, check out T.J.'s updated logo.

I spend most of my time creating illustrations, building guitars or playing with/watching my three kids (soon to be four). I don't have a lot of down time to read. There are few books I would like to read at some point. Maybe when summer comes I can sit down on the back porch while the kids play and read.

The Scott Pilgrim box set is something I'd LOVE to read. I read the first three books and just haven't had time to grab the rest from the library.

Charles Burns is another author I've always wanted to get into. I really enjoy the dark contrasts of his line work and bizarre subjects. Maybe I'll be able to sink into Black Hole one of these days and get some inspiration. I always enjoyed Blood Club and would like to read more.

Box Office Poison is another graphic novel I started but was unable to finish. I originally got the book by ordering it through my local library. It's a great system, but since my own library has a terrible graphic novel selection it makes it very difficult to get a book when I actually have free time. I'll find free time, order a book and by the time it comes I'm busy with coloring projects, illustrations, paintings, kids, guitars etc...

I think more libraries need to spend time researching the genre and choosing some major titles the various people will enjoy.

Wow. I didn't think I'd get this deep into the pile already. Here's another set of pictures. There are some decent records in here.

I'm always complaining about bands, comics and other creative folks who don't follow through on all their advertising, packaging, branding etc...

I recently saw that an old friend of mine was in a band called Creeping Weeds. I knew I enjoyed is older band, Bernie Bernie Headflap, so I knew he'd be in a band that I'd enjoy now. i was sooooo right. The music is great, but what really hit me hard was when I received the package from the band.  It was like someone slapped a work of product design art in my box. Here's a shot of the envelope. How stylish! I already knew the album art and production was going to be very cool, but they went the extra mile to spread their coolness all over the mailing envelope! On top of the visual explosion on the envelope I was pleasantly surprised with a funky little sticker and a custom thank you note.

TWO HUGE thumbs up for the Creeping Weeds for really pushing the envelope (bad pun) and not only producing great music, but letting that creativity spill over onto the rest of their work. They could have slapped it a plan envelope with a receipt and washed their hands. INSTEAD they did what very few indi folks thinking about. They gave a customer an amazing experience all the way around. They have successfully made me think about  my future projects and how I handle customer service. Thank you so much!!

Now go buy their album: www.creepingweeds.com

I have a lot of records. I'm not really a collector so much as a dump for free stuff. My grandfather gave me piles of old records as well as an old Victrola (which I have sitting in my studio to give me inspiration). My records have been sitting on a dusty shelf for years and have not been played. While cleaning my studio and shop I realized they should be cleaned up and stored properly. And with a newly organized office, I may be able to set up a record player and play some tunes now and then. I'll update now and then on what records I have. For now, I'll start with this incredibly random set of vinyl. I have a few friends who are into vinyl and they'll enjoy seeing what I have. Even if it is just for amusment. Enjoy.

The basic parts of my CNC machine have arrived. I had a friend of mine use his CNC machine to cut out my parts. It's going to be a long build and I will update as soon as there is any progress. The next step is to order up some hardware to assemble the chasis and gantry. Then I will order the PCB board and motors to drive this robot. I'm looking forward to having my own computer controlled router. I will be able to make a lot more things and have a LOT of fun doing it. Stay tuned!

The plans for this build were acquired from the amazing folks over at www.diylilcnc.org.

It seems that more and more people want me doing work for them. This means I need to get my studio ready to take on work in an orderly fashion. I've decided to upgrade the storage spots in my office and make it a little more homey. When you go to work on artwork you want to feel comfortable. You want to be inspired and WANT to work. Ever hear of writers block? The same happens to artists. The best way to avoid this is by stimulating the artist. Either with music, ambience, inspirational visual items and much more.

I thought I would share some photos of the work I've done so far. I need to neaten somethings up, add some paint and trim here and there and get some organization for files and such. One of the most important things I'm working on is storage for artwork. I have a lot of it and it is scattered throughout my studio and shop. As I clean my office, I will be contacting some of my biggest supporters to offer them free artwork. It needs to be hanging on walls, not stuffed in a damp dusty corner. Enjoy the photos. Please drop by my Facebook page and let the rest of the world know what you thought. 

I need to get a wide angle lens. I have an attachment for my Sony 900, so I held it out in front of my Nikon D70 to capture some interesting wide angled shots. Enjoy.

Looks like Nuerotic Films movie, I Am Steampunk will be coming out in 2011. They document the steampunk gallery show that I was a part of. Here is some more information regarding the film: click here

Go check it out. They are great folks and have captured some amazing artwork. I was very lucky to be a part of the show. I met a lot of great artists who I love to hear from. Please drop by my facebook page if you see the film and let me know what you think.