Ghost World.

Daniel Clowes illustrated the classic comic "Ghost World" and I have seen/own the movie, but never actually got around to reading the comic until yesterday. The movie is surprisingly very much like the comic and I hope that Clowes felt the movie did his comic justice. If you haven't read or seen it, check it out. It stars Thora Birch, Scarlett Johansson, and Steve Buscemi.

Peacock..?

Why did I wake up at 6 in the miz morning? Because now my body is adjusted to this new sleep schedule and I can't wait until I can screw it up again. I'm finding that the Cranbrook job is going to take up SO MUCH time. I haven't done any art in 4 days. I can't even read the books I checked out from the library; talk about MIZ! I drew some David Roberts things in my sketchbook that I really enjoyed. You have to check him out (David Roberts: the illustrator). His work is great. It kind of reminds me of Lane Smith (one of my all time favorites). Anyway, the job is great. I love it. I just hate getting up so early and getting off at rush hour. I might start illustrating kids and changing their names so you can hear some of the things I have to hear on a day to day basis. Now I'm going to go eat dinner for breakfast (my new tactic) because I never eat at lunch because lunch, like sandwiches, sucks.

Tornado Alley.

This summer, we've had a lot of storms and we've heard a lot of sirens. The storms weren't bad HERE, but in other areas, it has been terrible. The sirens went off today, 10 times total, between 2:30 and 3:15 pm. I'm starting to think it's like the boy who cried wolf. I have yet to witness destructive forces OR a TORNADO and a tornado is what I want to see the most. I think I can hear the sirens. The sound is resonating in my ear drums. When I was little, I wanted to be a storm chaser just like the movie Twister. I can quote just about every word to the movie still. My family is full of a bunch of nuts. Whenever the prospect of a storm arises, we rush into the backyard and our eyes dart in all directions for funnel clouds. Mother Nature keeps letting us down though. I say, enough with the bluff, show me a twister.Tomorrow is my first day at Cranbrook with the kids. I am anxious, excited, and nervous. This is going to be crazy and hopefully fun. It's not my first day going solo (I will be helping a fellow teacher out) and I am actually relieved that I don't have to spend the first day on my own YET. I want to get into the swing of things and see how it works, but I will let everyone know how it goes so wish me luck!

King Chan/Art Deco.

Brother Chan recently joined the ROBOTICS team. I found this odd since Brother Chan isn't into that sort of thing AT ALL. I thought, for some reason, that he joined out of boredom. After Zachary dropped me off, I asked Brother Chan why he joined and he informed me that he's planning on running for Homecoming King in the fall, but in order to do so, you have to be involved in 4 after school activities. Brother Chan has a STRATEGY. I'm putting myself in charge of the "potential dates for Brother Chan" department. Any lucky ladies that wish to join him in this endeavor should inquire. The entire ordeal is hysterical to me, but you go, Brother Chan, you GO. This message has been approved by the Brother Chan Homecoming King Court Council.Mickey gave me an Art Deco book and I scanned some of the images that I thought were cool. I love the dog in this first one. It just has a really organic, almost fluidity to its shape and it works really well next to the elongated form that the woman has. The second image has neat etchings on the left with a lot of angularities and the shoes on the right are just rad. Enlarge for details!

Ed Emberley.

I found this Ed Emberley book where you can create an entire world so I decided to draw a bunch of things I liked. This is the last Ed Emberley encounter I will have.

Fun Fact.

This post is being automatically updated because I am in a coma aka sleeping. Cranbrook orientation took the life out of me (or maybe it was the fact that I had to get up at 7 am). I found this fun fact that I would like to share with everyone in case they wind up lost. Lucky for me, I always carry around a spare compass.

Fly Guy.

I came across this wonderful website & I had to share it. It will make you smile & maybe forget what you're doing for a second. Anyone can enjoy this & I hope you do. Turn your speakers up (the music is great). Let me know what you think.

FLY GUY: A game of sorts.

Lovers Embrace.

I just finished watching Before Sunrise before sunrise. The previous sentence isn't really a paradox or ironic so I don't know what to call it exactly. Funny? Kind of. Anyway, it's a Richard Linklater film (he also did Dazed and Confused, Waking Life, Before Sunset [the sequel I just placed on hold at the library], A Scanner Darkly, Fast Food Nation and a variety of other films). I love how Linklater constantly promotes communication and interaction between people. His films are often infused with lengthy, thought-provoking dialogue and it never seems contrived. I wish people talked more and carried on conversations in real life. I had a long talk last night with Angela Pham and I just miss having lengthy, deep conversations. I swear, trying to have a GOOD conversation is like pulling teeth. Everyone's always talking about surface stuff; boring, devoid of all meaning. I want something beyond that, but I really want it to happen organically. I guess it's just finding the right people. I digress though, the movie was great. I really enjoyed the spontaneity of the situation and the connection between the two main characters (Julie Delpy and Ethan Hawke). Linklater has nailed it in the movies I have seen by him and I commend his efforts. I suggest checking it out. I hope the sequel is as good. I am often skeptical of sequels because they usually suck, but I'm optimistic about this one. We'll see.

Last night, Angela picked me up and I got to see a lot of my art friends (and some cool couch surfers). I also saw Curtis and gave him gifts. Angela gave me a gift too; LYCHEES! I was so happy! I haven't had lychee fruit in over a year. They are the most curious of things. The outside is a weird, spiky shell and you peel it to expose this sort of fleshy fruit that's milky in color. It's juicy and delicious. Luckily, everyone in the house hates them so I know they won't steal them.We went to see the Detroit Fireworks from the top of a giant building. We had to walk up what felt like 100 flights of stairs, but once we reached the roof, it was worth it. The view was spectacular. We waited about 10 minutes before the fireworks started and unlike last year, it wasn't as hot and it was a lot more peaceful and enjoyable from way up. However, just like last year, I didn't know when the finale was, but I tried my best to snap some shots. Click the photo to enlarge!

Larry David!

This week's pick on The Hallway Show is Larry David. I decided to collage all of my drawing attempts/versions together with some LD catchphrases. Curb for life.

JFKJL.

The John F Kennedy Jr Library is probably my favorite place to go. It's like I get to go shopping, but it's for free things that I have to return in the near future (although I am notorious for renewing my due dates). I went today and picked up these 10 gems. That one book says LISTS for life; lists is covered up. I am excited to read Russell Brand's autobiography because it got some pretty dece reviews AND I may or may not have a crush on him. I've seen A Clockwork Orange, but I haven't seen it in awhile so I'm brushing up. This is why the library rules and will continue to do so.My friend, Carmen Tice, had this awesome fortune cookie quote on her FB so I wanted to share it: "The secret of getting ahead is getting started." REMEMBER THAT! Amanda Prosch posted a hilarious link about Comic Sans and I think it's GREAT so check that by clicking HERE. I am busy making lesson plans for CRANBROOK, but art is coming soon! And blog checks and returned emails!

Kittens.

I slept for 19 hours today and now Brother Chan and I are playing this Harvest Moon game for gamecube (thanks to Heidi) in my room at 2:30 am. Apparently, you have to find yourself a husband in this game and I've got my eyes on this son of some family because he called me a babe when I gave him a flower. I was going to go for the artist, but he resembles a gorilla and looks like he could kill me and make a sculpture out of my bones so I'm going with this cutie named Rock. I also walked past the bridge in this farm town and this girl told me she got cheated on by some guy from the city and it was the first time we met. WHAT? I'm playing this video game so I don't have to worry about infidelity or marriage; gimme a break NINTENDO!

I talked to my friend, Zack, and he said he didn't know how much to charge for a piece he's working on. I feel this is a common problem artists share, and, it comes down to charging a price that is fair for both parties. Just because it's art doesn't mean you should under sell your time or product. Lately I've been doing jobs where I'm under selling BIG TIME and once you really get into it, you realize it isn't worth your time at all if you aren't going to do it for an amount that is fair to you too.

I Want The Gold!

I made these gold shoes yesterday morning with a pair of white slip ons I bought from the Salvation Army. They were brand new. It was probably the best decision I've made in the past month. I'm pretty sure upon putting them on, all your troubles go away and you can do the Michael Jackson toe stand. Regardless, these shoes are 18K Gold Plated and I am PUMPED to wear these. Nothing can stop me now.

Party In The USA.

This is a MISC ENTRY. THE HARRY POTTER THEME PARK OPENED YESTERDAY and my heart is breaking because I am not there to be giddy like an 11 year old that has received their owl/letter from Dumbledore. My goal is to get there in a year or less. Robert Pattinson is going to be starring in Water For Elephants. It was a book first and it was enjoyable. I think it's set in the 20's. Each chapter had an old photo and those paired up with a great story make a killer combo. Russell Brand is going to be playing Fred in the Drop Dead Fred remake which I wasn't too thrilled because it doesn't need to be remade, but I sorta have a crush on Russell Brand so now I'm just biased. He's zany enough to do it though. Toy Story 3 got FOUR STARS. I have yet to see it, but everyone keeps raving. Here is a photo that Lindsay took of us in the bathroom at the Magic Stick. This is her CREEPING. Note the GOLD. Maybe in a past life I was a leprechaun or a thief.

Nice Necklace.

I found this giant necklace that I wanted, but instead of buying it I just drew it because I'm pretty sure it was like $100 and I don't have $100 and even if I did, I don't think I'd spend it on some cheap necklace that just looks sort of bohemian and chic. The necklace was by itself so I drew it and then added the neck and head. Did I know what I was doing? Not really, but here it is. On a different note, I wanted to thank everyone for the comments they've been leaving me (and Nicole, I don't mind your essay-sized comments one bit) and I promise Saturday or Sunday, I'll catch up on everyone's blogs (so expect some comments from me). I'm almost done with this freelance thing and then I'll post about it. Hang ten everyone and keep it real.

Do What You Love.

I'm going to go on a little bit of a RANT. Kind of. I've been having a lot of convos involving dreams, goals, working, and people lately. Why does it seem to me like we're in a sea of apathy? Why does everyone have something to complain about, but at the same time they're fine with being completely complacent? Why do people settle; in relationships, careers, and life? Is it because they're scared? NEVER BE SCARED TO DO WHAT YOU LOVE. TAKE RISKS. Someone said "It's rare that people get to do what they want, even though it shouldn't be" and how true that statement is. Instead of doing nothing, I want people to do something. Chase your dreams. Come up with new goals. Something is better than nothing. I'm not happy with where I am, but I'm not giving up. I'm not letting apathy get the best of me. I am making art on the daily. I am working on getting my illustration act together and I'm going to do something with it in the next month or two. I am constantly asked the ever-so-pretentious "Well, what are you going to do with THAT degree?" question. Well, what am I NOT going to do with it? I can do anything I want. Someone I know was telling me that their 19 year old self that dreamt of going into film/media studies would look at the person that they are today and be disappointed. You know why? Because that person isn't following their dream. Whatever you want to do or choose as a career is never unrealistic. It isn't impossible; contrary to what most everyone will tell you. Everyone has an opinion about everyone else and if people stopped caring a little less about others and a little more about themselves, we'd be a much better place because of it. Confucius said: " Wherever you go, go with all your heart". I think that's a great quote to live by. If you're going to have anything, have heart. Make the most of your life; it's the only one you've got. All of the cheesiness aside, grab life by the balls, tell it who the boss is, and DO SOMETHING.

Game Cube: FTW.

Last week, Heidi Melin, (has a great blog) just so happened to be giving away a friggin GC, but she did so on her FB. She said, "Who wants a free gamecube?" and I was the first one to say ME, but a million other people also wanted it. She was prob overwhelmed by the number of participants and next did a pick a number deal. Well, I had to go with MY lucky #13 and BAM. I GOT IT. Instant reaction, shart. NOT LITERALLY, but I was freaking out. I was like, "BROTHER CHAN! BROTHER CHAN! GUESS WHAT!" Told him, he started screaming. Well, it came in the mail Monday AND I basically died when Janine woke me up to give me this gift. Thank you so much, Heidi! You know it will have a great home here! P.S. That song from the Karate Kid has a special significance which made it that much better.Yesterday, I had been up for 24 hours and went to the movies with Alison. We saw Get Him to the Greek. Not bad. Then we snuck into Splice. Horrible, but it had Adrien Brody. It was two movies for the SPLICE of one! [haha] THEN I slept for 16 hours which is why I'm just now updating. I have to go get to work on FREELANCE PROJECT 2010 and I will update about THAT when I finish. Wish me luck!

Alex Trebek.

I chose Alex Trebek over on The Hallway Show. My friends, Sean and Meredith, also submitted as my guests for this week. Head over there to see them! I was creeping on Ken Jennings' website, you know that guy that played for like a million times, and he said they film a ton of episodes in one day and Alex just changes his tie and that's IT. So here we are, being DUPED. WHAT?! My mind = blown.

Ellen Raskin.

I rented this book from the library called The Mysterious Disappearance of Leon (I mean Noel) and it was written and illustrated by Ellen Raskin. The book is kind of old, but I thought the design/illustration was really neat and I thought I'd share it.

Darth Vader.

This is a STAR WARS post. I had drawn Yoda and the Hoth battle scene, but Alison stopped by to see Darth and said the other drawings looked like a crackhead did them so I won't be posting those until modifications are made. I'll post more in a few days. I've got this job that I'm working on that's going to have me tied until Wednesday or so. May the force be with you. Star Wars > Star Trek.

Monster Truck.

This is my head on a monster truck. I can't stop laughing at this.

How To Feel Miserable.

My friend, Dre, posted this on and I had to borrow it for this blog. Every artist can identify with this list; even if you only agree with one. I hope this stands as a reminder to not take ourselves too seriously and to be aware of when we do happen to do these things. It's a tough battle, and the battle shouldn't be with ourselves. For those of you that aren't artists, you can see what we go through:

Mickey + Boston!

Mickey and Matt are in Boston! I was able to see them off at the airport alongside their fams. It was bittersweet and tears were shed, but I know everyone's happy for them. I was able to skype with both of them today*. Technology rules sometimes.I made this card for Mickey. The inside says Hello, Boston! I'm all about making cards because sometimes you just can't find the right one at the store.*Matt DeBeul not pictured because he was playing video games.

Great Book.

I finished The Kindness of Strangers. It's an anthology and features stories from 26 different writers; some are first time published and some are not. This book helped restore my faith in humanity. I recommend it to everyone.

Jack Johnson/Pizza Problems.

For my friend Blake's bday, I combined his favorite Jack Johnson songs into this.Last night, we wanted pizza. Janine ordered it and had it delivered, but I didn't want any confrontation with the pizza guy so I was like, I'm gonna leave a note. Janine told me not to do that, but she was going to bed and Brother Chan wasn't going to get the pizza so the note was the only viable option. I wrote this note, taped the money to the back, and taped it to the door. Brother Chan and I turned off all of the lights in the house. He maintained watch out of the window while I stood at the peephole. The pizza man showed up and walked to the door. Our dogs went crazy; which was good for me because I was laughing super hard. He read the note and when he got to the "I'm watching you" part, he looked around and made this really weird face. He then put the pizza on the bush, opened the door, took the money, did one last look around, and left. Before he left though, Brother Chan creepily cracked the door, stuck his hand out, and snatched the pizza. I was seriously dying. We then decided that when we order from that pizza place again, we have to use our cell phones because you KNOW that guy told them about our note. Thanks pizza dude for being a good sport and not questioning this shady, but successful, transaction!

So Long.

Mickey and Matt are flying out for Converse tonight. It's bittersweet. It's hitting me that Mickey will no longer be a mere 15 minutes from me, but rather 15 hours* and that makes me really sad. However, I am so excited for her and proud of her. She is going to be Converse's photographer; the LONE photographer might I add, and Converse is lucky to have her although some might say that statement is a tad biased. Matt; this is going to be a big adventure. I hope you find yourself inspired by the change and that you produce a bunch of new, AMAZING work! When I come visit, I want to see what both of you have been up to and I can't wait to be reunited; like in this roidski. I'm pretty sure the reason I'm so pained/look like I'm crying is because Matt was trying to tickle one or both of us. Stephen Slachta said, "Don't invest in things; invest in experiences" in life. I like the sound of that and what an experience this is going to be. I love you both. Good luck. Love always, Chug Boat (as dubbed by Matthew DeBeul).*approximation

Suck it, BLOGGER, for being broken for the past 12 hours.

SLAYER!

My friend, Stephen Slachta, gave me this flyer. It is imperative that everyone participates. I have already participated, but will continue to do so sporadically throughout the day. Janine was acquainted with RAINING BLOOD about an hour ago. She was not happy, but hey, it's INTERNATIONAL DAY OF SLAYER, JANINE. I don't make the rules. When I was in high school art class, I would play Raining Blood on my desk and my friend Casey Wilson (he sat across the room) would join in. Mr. Stevenson hated it, but I was one of the few students that actually did my work so he just kinda dealt with it. I was also one of probably three people in the class that knew who Slayer was. Regardless of whether you do or don't, LISTEN TO SLAYER FULL BLAST TODAY. Get some ears to rain blood.

Birthday Card.

Here's a birthday card I made for Maria. A bunch of us met up in downtown Ann Arbor and celebrated Maria's birthday today. Maria likes ugly dogs so I found a french terrier and used this scratch paper that I found at Arts-N-Scraps to make this card. I went into it not entirely sure how it was going to turn out, but I like the way it came out. The downside to going out; I feel way worse than I did when I woke up. I'm big time sick and I feel like I'm gonna ralph. I'm hoping to sleep it off.

Blegh.

I just woke up, I am sick, and I think I took a one way ticket to Crazy Town because that's where I feel like I am. This was the original drawing that I was going to use for Juanita. I decided to go with the final illustrator portrait, but this is where I started. Drawing females is difficult. I need to keep working at it! PRACTICE TIME.

Jolly Ol England.

My cousin, Raechel Matyas, just got back from Europe (and I am jealous). She is a jack of all trades; she writes, photographs, etc. I was checking her photos out and they inspired me to get to doing some art this morning. I can't post the art yet (it's IN PROGRESS), but I thought I'd share a few of her photos. My favorite is this one with the chandelier. It's GREAT. She still has a ton of photos to upload. She got to visit AND stay in the HARRY POTTER castle AND visit stonehenge. I am excited for her to post those photos! One day I will get to go to Europe. ONE DAY...

Teachers.

Yesterday, Micaela kidnapped me (not really) at 9 am and we accomplished a lot. I didn't get home til 6 pm and then passed out and that is why it's 8 am and I am awake/updating. We went to CCS and all of my illustration teachers were there (including my adoptive father, Chuck). It was really great to see all of them again. So, here I am. I'm feeling a lack of inspiration. What are YOU looking at these days? Which blogs? Any cool sites? Let me know (regardless of what you do).

Also, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Maria Filar. Maria was one of my first friends I made in college and she's a great illustrator (check her blog out). Maria, I hope today is great, and I can't wait to see you for the birthday festivities. You rule, dude.

I Need Your Help!

I start my Cranbrook job June 24th and before that time, I need to make maybe 400 little sketchbooks for the kids to have. This is where YOU come in! I'm collecting boxes of cereal that look cool and have cool characters on them. Ask your friends or sibs if they eat cereal with characters on the box and if they do, save em! Side note; I posted a call-to-arms on The Hallway Show. Check it if you're a participant.