Hiya, B-Man!

(Third post today! Yes, I'm on a role!)

Remember when I mentioned Batman a few posts back? Yeah. This is that post. :) But wait, Brittany, this is an Art Blog isn't it? Yes, it is random reader, but whose to say art must be limited to just a few sketches and photos? Because, well, it's not. It should never be limited to just that. 

So, why Batman?

Because Batman is, to a lot of people, a symbol, and has been around for years, and years, and years. Constantly revamped and brought to the screen over and over again (both successfully and unsuccessfully). The characters have been remade again and again, and well... to be honest, I've been a part of it since I was young and my Dad started rambling on about how badass the Batmobile was to me. Back then, I would just smile and nod and pretend as if I found it interesting when I didn't. I'm not sure what clicked with me the past month, but suddenly...I finally understand my Father's obsession over Batman.

Not to say I wasn't in love with Superheroes and Villains before, because I am and have been for a long time. It's part of the reason I have such a respect for Graphic novels (Western and Eastern). But suddenly, I just seem to understand something that I have not gotten for a long time. 

I've been overloaded with old Batman movies, watching from 1966 all the way to the 2008 movie. Suddenly, I just...get it! I've been learning everything I can, drawing all that I can, and just being engulfed in all that is Batman. But the one thing that has been catching my attention in particular is Batman: Arkham Asylum, the video game. I suppose you can blame that for my sudden obsession (and Brandon, but that's another story).

Either way, it's lead into another part of my life as an artist. I have suddenly...so much more respect for the artists involved in the Arkham Asylum (and Arkham City) projects. From the concept art, to the promotions that went into it. I cannot put into words just how much I really respect them. All the work that goes into this (and any other major superhero project) - it's mind boggling! 

Perhaps, I should get to my point. I'm beginning to ramble again. I'm quite good at that, aren't I? :)

I'm not quite sure if it was fate or just mere coincidence, but upon browsing right on through Deviantart, I came across the concept artist behind the incredible character designs found in the Arkham games. His name is Chuck Dee, according to his Deviantart Alias. I did not question why I found him, just that I had indeed found him. Not quite expecting what to find, I browsed through his gallery and

...mind. was. BLOWN. 

And this...this was just the start of it. I always found concept art and artists interesting, and it's one of the many things I can see myself getting into one day. It takes a peek into the sort of process that goes into this. It's not just something you put down into paper. Great thought actually goes into this. Changes are made and eventually everything falls into place - but it's the journey there that is the most interesting part :)

Now, I haven't even shown you the Joker yet. He has several lying around his gallery that I just gawk over. First, let's take a look at just how the Joker is presented in the game, shall we?

Can I tell you how in love I am with this piece of work? Granted, it's hard to top the Joker as played by Heath Ledger, but this...well...I'm left speechless. But the Joker, as he is here, did not just...show up like this. There was a lot of thought and planning. I took a look back and saw just how much he has changed since the first few sketches of him were were presented. Here is one of Chuck Dee's earliest designs. 

I'm going to share what he says in his Artist Comments:

"... this is the first or second doodle I ever did for the Joker design... initially, there was the idea floating around that the Joker could be decked out as a 'mad scientist'. Also, I wasn't sure how far Eidos was trying to push the Joker's gruesomeness, so I did a few tries with the heavily scarred and torn mouth, but there was too much of a resemblance to Heath Ledger's Joker, so we eventually went a different route.

This is the process I absolutely LOVE about design in general: the exploration of ideas... just throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what sticks, BUT like I said before, the Joker was one of the hardest designs to nail down."

So, you see, these things just don't happen. I'm beginning to learn that for the first time. There's a lot of thought that goes into these sort of things. A lot of the times, (as my Idea, Process, and Criticism professors keep telling me), your best idea won't be your first one. You have to work your way there. It just doesn't happen, unfortunately, no matter how much I would like to believe that. 

So, let's look at how this concept art develops into what we currently know though. After all, it's a process :)

(I suggest reading all the comments throughout the image. They're really interesting).

Now, a few more images... 

The last image was seen on GameInformer Magazine. It shows just what can make a great character design. It shows what it takes. And it's not just determining hair or eye color. It's about actually creating an individual unique from the rest of the world. Think about it. How does this Joker (played by Mark Hamill) stick out against say, the Joker played by Heath Ledger? They are the same person, right? I would have to argue otherwise. Throughout the years, there have been a number of representations of this particular character, and the question is, now, how to make him stand out again?

Somehow, they did. I may be stretching this a bit, but now that I've had the wonderful privilege to play the game, Arkham Asylum Joker is likely my favorite of all the ones I've come across to this day. Sorry, Heath Ledger. ):

Now, of course there's concept art, right? What's the next step. You have your game (film, or whatever it may be) and your cast of characters. I suppose the most logical next step would be promotion and advertising. The work that has been out...well...I'm going to let you see for yourself. And for once, I'm going to sit back and just admire this art for what it is. :)

It puts a smile on my face :)

All of this only makes me jut that more anxious to finish and beat the Arkham Asylum game, especially when the release date for Arkham City draws ever closer. So, where does this leave me? Where does this leave my art? All I have are sketches and not-so-awesome images to share, but I choose to share them anyway. After all, as I have stated before, this blog is not about perfection. It's about just showing the rest of the world what's going on inside of my head. And, right now, this is what's been on my mind. 

So, here's a peek into my head, again. :)

 Have I mentioned I'm obsessed at the moment? Nevertheless, I have never had so much fun drawing two individuals, at least not in a long time. Finally, a character I can have fun with expression and face structure, and well...to just go crazy with - pun intended. Harley Quinn is another fun individual, and I have gone on drawing her on several occasions now. She is very expressive and lively and just...well, all-around-fun to draw (and imitate). 

Have I mentioned I love drawing these two? Yes. Yes I do. I like drawing Scarecrow too. In case you can't tell. :) I'll be chatting more about Scarecrow later on. He is such an intriguing character! And probably one of my favorites in the entire game. (Thank you, Brandon!). In fact, he's the one that lead into this whole obsession to begin with.

Another version of Harley, as how I imagine she would look like in the Dark Knight movie. Scarred, makeup-smeared, Harley. Oh how fun you are to draw.

I pulled out my tablet and Photoshop for this one. Curves...are so much fun to draw. As horrible and perverted as that sounds, I just love drawing hips and a figure. :) Catwoman was great fun in this department, and Poison Ivy...well...she is the perfect candidate for this sort of drawing!

So, remember how I mentioned that I would be talking about Scarecrow? Yeah, here it goes. :) First, I am going to note that Brandon introduced me to the game in the first place. By showing me Scarecrow. Yes. Scarecrow. Haha. Because a gas mask I was wearing reminded him of the character. I am...so glad he did show me him! Scarecrow...wow, he is just...something else. Absolutely insane, crazy, like the rest of the inmates at the Asylum. And I absolutely love it! 

So, we came across the wonderful idea that I shall be him for Halloween. I fell in love with the suggestion, and, almost immediately, my book was covered in gender-bent Scarecrow doodles, and how I imagined it would turn out.

I am...absolutely ecstatic for Halloween! I can't explain just HOW excited I really am. Already, my dear boyfriend has started to help me put it together. Granted, he's far more talented than me when it comes to that sort of stuff, and I trust him entirely with it. :) There's no way I could manage to pull this off on my own. Construction on it has already began. Firstly, here's the image of what Scarecrow looks like according to the game.

We figured the biggest issue to tackle would be the hand/gauntlet/syringe thing going on. Materials? Cans, glow sticks, syringes...and tada! We have a work in progress :)

I am going to note right here, that I literally have done nothing on my own yet. Haha. But I'm placing myself in charge of sewing, considering I have just a little bit experience with that. This is just the start of what will be here by Halloween. :)

But aside from my own costume, Brandon has a few other things up his sleeve as well. Bane. Yes. Bane. :) This is the part where you look at the image below and go 'oh!'.

 Probably one of the tougher costumes to pull off, but I have no doubt he'll be able to pull it off. :) As I've mentioned before, he is far more talented in this sort of department than I am. And already, he's started some hard work on it. Starting with the mask!

He came across two different concepts, and it's all very much a work-in-progress, but I am so, so, so very excited to see the final result! Wow, I sound like I'm completely gushing over him haha (probably because I am).

Halloween certainly is going to be an interesting and exciting night <3

Looking back...I just realized how long this post has been. Did I really have this much to say? Yes, I did it seems or it would not have been able to write all of this. :) Still, I think I've proven a point that art can come literally anywhere, in any form or fashion...

Including Batman. <3

Nail Art

Yes. You read that title right.
Nail Art. 
I highly believe this is a form of art. If you've seen what people can do, (people meaning, for the most part, woman), you would believe it too. There are several artists on Youtube that I have come across that create absolutely incredible forms of 'body?' art. If only you have seen what I have seen...oh that's right. :) You can. This is a blog, after all haha.

Let me show you some examples of what can be done with just a few bottles of polish, creativity, patience, and determination.

These are a few of my favorites. haha. Yes, yes, this is all a little girly, but it is all very creative and, well, spectacular, and makes me go 'OMG <3'. Granted, I probably find this more appealing because I am a woman. But this opens up the door to the fact that make up is another form of art. It is always so interesting and, well, beautiful to look at. Whether it be cosmetic, zombie-makeup, or Broadway... I love it all! And should be considered a form of art in itself. :)

Art is art. <3

Sketch Dump and Rambling

Prepare for a long post ahead! I have a lot to say, and an unlimited amount of text to do so. You see, let's think back to my very first post. I opened up with a sketch dump, for the most part. And I would like to do the same here. The problem? Well, I have no access to the scanner, at least at the moment. You may ask 'Well, Brittany, why don't you just wait till you have a scanner?' 


Because I'm impatient.
That's why.

So, I came up with a solution. My Macbook has a camera, doesn't it? Of course it does! Is it as great as quality as a scanner? Of course not! But, at this point, I'm just so anxious to ramble about my sketches, that I don't really care more or less. It's probably a mistake. No, no, I take that back. I know it's a mistake, but the point of a blog is not about perfection. In fact, I think it's about something else entirely. It's about getting whatever is off your mind and letting others take a peak into what's going inside your head, and what's going on in your life. For once, 'invasion of privacy' does not apply anymore. You leave your whole mind open for the world to see and pick at and just read :)

It's a peek into what is you.


But perhaps I'm getting off topic. What was the point of this blog again? Oh yes, that's right. I was going to go on about my sketches. Or at least a few of them. I'm going to leave a few specific ones to another blog post concerning a lot of Batman. Yes. Batman. It will make more sense later!

Now, it's been a while, but even now I am still working on expanding on my style and making it more expressive and loose. This is a very important aspect for me, especially considering I am hoping to be an Illustrator. I don't want to be restrained to just one thing. I would be putting myself into a hole if that were the case.

Okay, so the quality isn't so good. Sue me :P Nevertheless, I love the expression on her face. I'm not quite sure what is going on at the moment, but it comes across that she has been caught in a private moment. As if she has been exposed. On another note, it's very... Egyptian like. On purpose, might I add! Haha. 

This...this was quite fun. :) This image is a very special one to me. Or at least the one to the left. Brandon was not feeling particularly well that day, and I did my best to try and make him feel better! It put a smile on my face to try and cheer him up :)

This image leaves a lot to be desired. A lot. You hear me? A lot. I wish he had more expression on his face. I was hoping that it would be a powerful moment. I wanted so much power and strength to come across, but I feel like I fell short of that, unfortunately.

Haha...now this one...this one has a lot of story behind it! :) Let me explain. I am...a Transformers fan. I'm crazy for it. Obsessed over it. I squeal whenever I see the Bumblebee Camaro pass me on the road, like a little girl. My text tone on my phone is the sound of a Transformer going between vehicle and robot mode, and there is an Autobot insignia on the back of my bright red Volkswagen Beetle. Oh, my Bug. I love my Bug. It was because of that Autobot symbol on my car that I came up with a little story. What what if it really was an Autobot? How would he act? Yes. He. Because Autobots tend to be a 'He' more than a 'She'. Or at least it seems that way. So, I drew an individual that looked like he would have the personality of my lovely little gay car. That's how I got that image up there. That lanky male to hte right, giving you a snide look? The one saying "I do what I want, bitch."? Yeah. That's him. My car :) Sunspot. Haha. Yes. I named it. Yes, I'm very much crazy, but I very much enjoy being crazy! I revel in it. Then I went on to make similar things all over this page.

I love my life. :)

This image was great fun. <3 I love these two. Yes, they have names. Jamie & Iz. They are important people to me. And it is Jamie I tend to draw over and over again. He came about on his own when I began writing my stories. Jamie was...is...a unique individual. But this is why I enjoy drawing him so much. From sis gauges, to his Deathhawk, to his snakebites, to his black-polished nails. It makes for great fun, and it's why I go back to drawing him over and over again. He is an important individual to me. Even if he is not real.

Did I mention I love Jamie? Yes, I love Jamie. :) And I do believe this proves it. After all, he is the only individual in this entire blog post that is worthy of being painted in all his rocker-glory. He is so full of energy and life! I absolutely love his hair. No. Seriously. 

I. Love. His. Hair. 

I saved the best for last. This is the sketch to my first commission of the semester. Granted, since this has been drawn, I have painted on a 1'x2' watercolor paper. It has marked a new mileage this year since I've come to MCA :) But what do I love most about this picture? When the girl had given her boyfriend this painting, the very same night he had proposed to her. 

Needless to say, it put a smile on my face, and realized why I am artist again.

Pro Photography, Cheap Camera

In one of my earlier posts, I pointed out the "Pro Photographer, Cheap Camera" video. I thought it would be interesting to post the rest of the series in one post! It is an example of just what a professional can do when needing to adapt to the situation.

I highly suggest taking a look at all of these!! When I came across these videos for the first time, I was absolutely mind blown about what an artist can do. It proves that it's never the tools, it's the artist. This can apply to any medium of art. Either way, it's spectacular! And I love seeing just what they can pull off :)

On another note, this particular channel on Youtube (DigitialRevCom) is definitely worth taking a look at! I adore it. Absolutely adore it. <3

Photography Practice

Well, I had gone to the zoo this weekend and finally was able to use my new camera :) The day began with a Boston Creme donut and a cup of coffee from Dunkin' Donuts (compliments of Brandon). After I cleaned up a spilt mess of coffee on my lap during the drive there, my photo montage began.  I ended up taking well over 200 hundred photos that day! I ended up scrapping a lot of them, but I did get some really good shots! At least for an amateur. I'll share a few of my favorite shots:

^ All these bird shots were, unfortunately were taken through a glass, but I plan to remove the glare via photoshop :) It should not be too horrible of a challenge. 

^ This is one of my favorites! To me it looks like a bird with an attitude.

^ This poor sheep was in the middle of getting sheered ):

^ "Roadkill"

^ This poor hippo looks so sad. ): Fortunately they're about to update his exhibit. These hippos desperately need it! 

^ I think they were trying to have a private moment.

^ This particular shot was a story to get. He constantly sat there, staring at me, waiting for me to take a picture. And I took several. Oh boy, did I take a lot... But my boyfriend, Brandon, seemed particularly anxious for me to get the shot. He positioned me there and ensured I kept taking shots until I got it. I must have taken at least ten, and all the while, the monkey just kept staring at me. But my poor camera kept becoming blurry. ): I think it's because I did not have a tripod or something to set my camera on. Either way. It was becoming frustrating. Eventually, however, I got two wonderful shots of this wonderful monkey! This is my favorite of the two, and I'm so glad Brandon ensured I was patient enough to finally get it!

It was at this point that our zoo adventures had pretty much to an end. But it was so, so much fun! (Except for the part where I accidentally get bird crap on my hand. I freaked out so, so much and kept my hand as far away as me as I could.) Had a wonderful lunch, reviewed my photos on the way home, and played some much-deserved Arkham Asylum. From here on out, I do believe I am going to take the advice of a fellow MCA student and take my camera with me wherever I go now. After all, an opportunity might just hit you when you least expect it. :)

And oh...on a much less serious note, Brandon got a hold of my camera at some point during the day, and demanded to get a picture of me. I'll leave the result at the end of this ramble! I hope to get more photos in the futures. It certainly was an experience <3