Blinded by Science

I knew who Magnus Pyke was before his rants of Science! set the tone for Thomas Dolby's ubercheesy techno pop smash hit. He was a panelist on the show Don't Ask Me. Hey, I'm a science geek.

The age of the gentleman scientist has passed, but there are like-minded individuals toiling away in relative obscurity, observing the world around them, taking notes and filling sketchbooks. I spent my formative years collecting insects and keeping a journal of sketches of the creatures I saw in the wooded ravine behind my house. That experience, and the observational skills it involved, laid the groundwork for a budding young illustrator. You have to have a boundless curiosity and a thirst for knowledge.

I had the chance to illustrate a cover for University of California, Berkeley's College of Engineering magazine Forefront.

 

Forefront used an illustration on the cover for the first time. Kudos to designer Alissar Reyes, who I worked with on the cover and inside layout. I also worked with Silas Pandoori and Todd Edmonds at Iron design, creating the cover for Cornell University's Connections. Another first-time use of a fullly illustrated cover.

 

When I went to University, my two favourite courses were Biology and Art History. At the time, I would have happily chose a career in either field. Art won out. I still love doing these assignments, being an illustrator exposes me to so many different ideas, concepts and theories.

The article for Stanford discusses artificial intelligence. It is an interesting look at using technology to diffuse complex and dangerous strategies and conflicts. Alissar nailed this layout contrasting a photograph of the scientist featured in the article with the illustration I created. They do look alike!

I followed up the cover illustration with inside spots based on the three main factors upon which human intelligence is based: learning, knowledge, and reasoning. Developing artificial intelligence requires an incorporation of all of these elements.

I know that computers are becoming more and more sophisticated and that we are fast approaching the time when artificial intelligence matches wits with users on a day-to-day basis. Programming a computer to play chess is one thing, but when the day comes that my computer suddenly cracks a joke that makes me laugh, I will throw it out the window. To paraphrase Douglas Adams, the one thing I really can't stand is a smart-ass.

Anatomy of a Default

A recent series of spots for the Wall Street Journal. The anatomy of a National Default. We've been hearing plenty about the crisis in Europe. This is some deep shit we are in here, folks, let's hope it doesn't get to stage 5.

Stage 1: Banking Trouble

Stage 2: Political Turmoil

Stage 3: External Aid Package

Stage 4: Bond Swap/ Offer Package

Stage 5: Capitulation/Default

C-word

I've been called it before. I prefer to be known as an illustrator, but I started out as one of them, so I understand where the name comes from. I'm talking about being a cartoonist. When I began drawing, cartoons were a great way to express my ideas. I drew strips and dreamed about doing an independent comic book series. There are so many amazing cartoonists out there that influenced my art. My work in the college newspaper led to paying gigs and I realized that there might be a way to make a living from this.

Drawing cartoons is a great way to add a narrative to the pictures. Setting up a panel teaches composition and layout skills. You have to be fast and adaptable. Over time, I realized I didn't have the patience to stick with a given set of characters and a given style over time. I wanted to have the freedom to explore new ideas, techniques and directions. The thrill of deadlines and the constant input of ideas from editiorial illustration assignments drew me into becoming a full-time illustrator.

That's not to say I don't do cartoons, I haven't left them behind, I have a lot of fun cartooning. I host The Monthly Prince Edward County Comix Jam (last Wednesday of the month at the Acoustic Grill) and work on books and assignments in cartoon style.

I have worked with Doogie Horner at Running Press and with Josh McDonnell on epic volumes like Sci-Fi Baby Names and First Timer's Kit: The Safe, Effective Way to Loose your Virginity. My latest project for Running Press is The Fart Dictionary. Written by Scott Sorenson, it's an A to Z compendium of fart definitions. A fart for every occasion, if you will.

 

When you get an assignment like this, the first question is: How do you draw a fart? There is plenty of cartooning shorthand for facial expressions and emotions, and movement and profanity, but a fart? I started sketching - scribbles, clouds, but wanted to keep things classy. A flourish, a sophisticated calligraphic swirl, would do the trick.

I was also limited to two colours on this project. It's the kind of thing that sounds like a restriction, but working in a limited palette requires better design and smarter use of what is available. I choose an acid orange and black combination. Josh agreed.

The Fart Dictionary - available at fine bookstores everywhere.

Project Projector

Our local theatre, the Regent, is a local landmark that has gone through a remarkable transformation this year. It was remodelled, upgraded and given a complete interior renovation. In a small town like ours, it plays an important role in creating community, and it's always a nice treat to walk down and see a live event or a movie. Plus we get Cinefest films straight from the film festival circuit. In Picton, we are really fortunate to have a thriving main street, and the Regent is one of its anchors.

I was asked to create a piece for a fundraiser with the goal of purchasing a state-of-the-art digital projector. I decided to invent my own projector, not modern or digital, but very, very enthusiastic! The fundraising committe provided a letterbox frame to the contributing artists, so I took on a collaged frame as well.

Here is a step-by-step look at the framing, and the final result

Frame, print and rice glue (from the Japanese paper shop in Toronto, and really amazing for collages)

First stage

Adding a little colour

Putting it together

Done! 

The Regent Theatre Fundraiser is October 13 at the Picton Golf and Country Club. Support local theatre!

Chico's Tour de King

Fall is a great time to be cycling, my favourite time of year. It's always great to get out and cover the countryside when the leaves are changing. This year, the colours are popping early, so being able to get a mix of cross-country single track and country roads should make the Tour de King a fall highlight. Plus there is a barbeque. And a band.

Chico is one of the most enthusiastic mountain bikers I have ever met, and I've had the pleasure of designing event posters for over ten years.

A little fall colour from the weekend. Glorious - get out there!