Decided to pick up some Posca markers and try them out! Our whole house was sick over the weekend, so we all had some down time to create some art. I'm sort of in love with these markers! I love that they can be layered easily and the colours are rich and vibrant. Will definitely be experimenting more and picking up even more colours!

Labels: elves, fantasy, markers, posca, swords

I very rarely find myself wanting to draw other people's characters. I always start with an odd shape or a basic idea, and eventually flesh it out into a new character. Then, naturally, build an entire world around them and get paralyzed by the sheer weight of it. Rinse, repeat etc. Some stories or worlds stick with me though. The "Song of Ice and Fire" characters are a good example. I've only watched the show, so I don't know if they're completely off base from the novels, but I get caught up in that world none the less. Another world that sticks with me is "Adventure Time"...

At any rate, here is "The Hound". He's very under utilized in the show to date, but perhaps that changes. I like the complexity of a completely ruthless killer that can befriend a lost princess and has a complete aversion to fire. I didn't stay faithfully close to the design on the show, I just sort of ran with the idea. Hope you enjoy!

Labels: A Song of Ice and Fire, fantasy, fire, Game of Thrones, The Hound

My apologies in advance if this particular piece of artwork ruins any plot lines for those of you not familiar with the "A Song of Ice and Fire" novels by George R. R. Martin, or the "Game of Thrones" television show (based on the books). I've only watched the show, so I can't speak to discrepancies between the two. Eddard (Ned) Stark is a favorite character. I added the direwolf just for kicks. The biggest issue with "Game of Thrones" is it feels like a creepy, guilty pleasure that's a very well-written, creepy, guilty pleasure. I have a hard time recommending it, because it can be a very brutal story at times, but it's a great fantasy world that's well realized, if not a bit, ah, adult.

At any rate, I wanted to really limit my approach this time around. I really fall into a trap of over working my art, and wanted to limit the tricks. I think it worked, but I'd love to know what you think. For kicks, I've included some of the other steps in the process. As always, enjoy!

Pencils (mechanical pencil over non-Photo blue pencil): Inks (done in Adobe Illustrator): Flats: A note about the flats: This was the first time I added a light layer over the flats. Normally I'll flat to the highlight color, then added shadows. For those of you interested in that sort of thing.

Labels: A Song of Ice and Fire, Direwolf, fantasy, Game of Thrones, ghosts, Ned Stark, wolves

Fablewood is available in better comic stores everywhere! I have a copy myself and it looks great. It's still very surreal to see my little story published, let alone along with so many talented artists and writers. Here's hoping it's a sign of great things to come. Thanks so much for everyone who supported the project, and to William Ward for all the hard work he put into making this project a reality. Here are some more reviews:

Wednesday is My Sabbath
Ain't it Cool News
Comics Bulletin

Labels: anthology, comics, Fablewood, fantasy, review

Just thought I'd post a few Fablewood related news items. The media ball has started to roll, and so far things seem to be pretty positive. I've got another interview in the hopper, so I'll post that soon.

First off, you can check out the Fablewood trailer at:


There's also a review over at Fantasy Book Spot.

Interviews with the following Fablewood creators:

Scott Hallett (Me): Jazma Online
William Ward: Wednesday is My Sabbath, Jazma Online, Newseed Comics
Joe Infurnari: Jazma Online
JP Ahonen: Jazma Online
Joe Suitor: Jazma Online
Jonathon Dalton: Jazma Online
Axel Medellin Machain: Jazma Online

Remember to order your copy (NOV07 3306)!

Labels: anthology, Fablewood, fantasy, interview, review

The first volume of the Fablewood Anthology, which includes my story "The Spirits & The Woods" is available to pre-order, and appears in this month's Previews. It should be in stores around January 30th, 2008. I cannot express how utterly exciting this is for me. The stable of talent in this anthology is really phenomenal, and it is an honor to be a part of it. Here's the official word:

FABLEWOOD GN VOL 01
NOV07 3306 (Page 208. Page 16 in the order form Catalog.)

Softcover, 144 Page Full-Color
$19.95

FABLEWOOD compiles the talents of up-and-comers like Ryan Ottley (Invincible, Superman/Batman Annual #1), Manny Trembley (Panda Xpress, Sam Noir: Samurai Detective), Joe Infunari (Oni Talent Search, Borrowed Time), J.P. Ahonen and Sarah Mensinga (Flight 4) with talented newcomers like Chris Studabaker (Howard E. Day Prize Nominee), Kevin Crossley (Event Horizon), Axel Machain (Metal Hurlant), Joe Suitor (Popgun Anthology) and more.

Our longest FABLEWOOD story “Under the Midnight Sun” was nominated for the prestigious Howard E. Day Award. Comic legend Dave Sim (Cerebus) stated that "through a balance of pencil and ink on the interior pages and Christopher Studabaker's evocative, austere and expressionistic dialogue and narration, it's a very successful experiment."

http://www.ape-entertainment.com
http://www.fablewoodcomic.com

Labels: anthology, comics, Fablewood, fantasy

I coloured my previous sketch to test atmosphere and overall color palette in a story I'm trying to write, but I couldn't decide on which time of night I wanted (dawn or midnight). I ended up doing both, and I like them each for their own reasons. Let me know what you think!

Labels: colour, fantasy, Forest, ghosts, sketch

Just trying to work out some environments/backgrounds for a fantasy short story. The idea I initially had has completely changed and then run away from me, but I think I really like it. I'll post more when I have it, and perhaps I'll color this sketch.

Labels: fantasy, Forest, ghosts, sketch

Another character sketch. I'm toying with the idea of entering a submission for a fantasy comic anthology, so I'm trying to get my head in that mindset. Comments and criticisms welcome!

Labels: character design, comics, fantasy