Diario Nocturno

Happy Holidays~!

2009-12-15T21:45:00.001-08:00

Holiday Art Show #2

2009-12-14T14:15:00.000-08:00

If you (like me) haven't done your Christmas shopping yet and are still looking....this may be your spot to find more cool affordable art @

THE AFFORDABLE ARTSHOW

63 BLUXOME STREET GALLERY
is ready to ROCK OFF!! HOLIDAY ART SHOW, FRIDAY DEC. 18TH -7PM-11PM

> ARTISTS ::

Roque Ballesteros, Frank Kozik
Aaron Castro, Clam Lynch
David Choong Lee, Erena Shimoda
Charlene Kelly, Patrick Ma
Jenna Colby, Sho Murase
Sheri DeBow, Isabel Samaras
Erica Steiner, Missy Feigum
Jennie Taylor, Michael Fleming
Kelly Thompson, Lisa Mei Ling Fong
Lil Tuffy Tuffington, Gabriela Halsey,
etc

Maverix Studios Root Branch Winter Exhibit is this THURSDAY!

2009-12-07T18:05:00.000-08:00

If you are in town come join us for food, music, friends, and $pending at our annual Maverix Winter Art Exhibit.

Art : Sneak Peek Crop of Patrick Awa's " Searching the door in to summer"

Contributing Artists:

Patrick Awa, Ed Bell, Enrico Casarosa, Cj Guzman, John Hays, Jackie Huang, Mike Judge (Lord Cheez), Ted Mathot, Sho Murase, Bosco Ng, Sergio Paez, Octavio Rodriguez, Vaughn Ross, Tom Rubalcava, Derek Thompson, Dice Tsutsumi, and Robert Valley

MAVERIX STUDIOS
1717 17th st , SF CA 94103
DEC 10, 8PM-11PM

Maverix Studios Studios Root Branch Exhibit ** Artists Profiles : DEREK THOMPSON & JACKIE HUANG

2009-12-05T18:26:00.001-08:00

MVSRB PROFILE : DEREK THOMPSON

I don't know how he does it but our star of the day churns out one peculiar monster after another. He even sells a book filled with 365 monsters, to satisfy your monster cravings for every day of the year. (The monster we have bids his time, hiding in the kitchen behind a giant lamp, just waiting to pounce on an unsuspecting stranger).

Better start bidding now on Derek's 7+ monsters in the exhibit. They are always in high demand and I know of one person in particular (hint: redhead) who is trying to fill out her already substantial collection. I've spied Derek hard at work, painting away in the backroom recesses of Maverix Studios and they look awesome!

BIO

Story Artist
Pixar Animation Studios

Derek Thompson received a BFA in Illustration from Otis/Parsons, and landed his first job for Dark Horse Comics while still attending college. He has worked professionally for over 14 years for a number of studios, including Rhythm & Hues, Lucasfilm and Electronic Arts. Derek has worked in a variety of disciplines, including storyboarding, visual development and creature design. He has contributed to numerous film projects, including Men in Black, The Mummy films, Star Wars: Episode 3 and WALL-E. In his free time, Derek paints abstract art and continues to self-publish collections of his monster drawings and comics. Derek is currently employed as a Story Artist for Pixar Animation Studios.

When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?
i've been drawing since i was a little kid...i've always felt a deep rooted passion for monsters, dinosaurs, robots and more. movies, comics and books have been steady and important inspirations for me.

What is your favorite color and why?
aaagh..that's a hard one! i'll have to say GREEN , because i remember that was my FIRST favorite color. the color of forests and emeralds and dragon scales...

What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

i listen to all kinds of music while i work. i find movie soundtrack music very helpful when i'm storyboarding, and GODZILLA music is great for when i'm painting monsters. generally, though, i prefer an eclectic range of music, everything from Blues to Reggae, Industrial and Trance, from Jazz to Bluegrass... i like it all!

MVSRB PROFILE : JACKIE HUANG

For anyone who attended this year's ComiCon, you will recognize Jackie Huang by the throngs of enthralled fangirls and boys gathered around his table, oooo'in and awwww'in over his wool creations. Jackie hand-makes these magical creatures by painstakingly poking at pieces of wool until he creates their distinct shapes and features. He is a one-man sweatshop. Sadly I say this because I just can't see how

(the amount he charges for wool buddies) - (the amount of time he spends on wood buddies X decent hourly wage) = a positive dollar figure.

For his day job, Jackie is the second Lucas Story Artist in a row to grace this blog.

BIO

Jackie was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan, and currently lives in the Bay Area USA. He works in the Animation industry as a 3D story artist. In 2009, Jackie started the WoolBuddy project, creating unique needle felted wool characters. They are so creative, cute, and hilarious all at the same time.

When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?
I started making wool buddies about a year ago because my daughter (2 years old) needed toys and I couldn't find any non-plastic ones.

What is your favorite color and why?

Any earth tone color, and I don't know why.

What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

I don't listen to any music especially when I am working (can't focus). The only time I listen to music is when I'm driving alone... keeps me awake.

I can't wait to see which wool buddies Jackie brings to the show. I admit I own two - a mini totoro and a dobbit (i.e. a genetically engineered dog crossed with rabbit). Check out these photos of Jackie in a GIANT totoro wool buddy outfit for Halloween!

Xj Wang via
http://maverixstudios.blogspot.com/

Maverix Studios Root Branch Exhibit ** Artist Profiles : CJ GUZMAN & OCTAVIO RODRIGUEZ

2009-12-03T15:51:00.000-08:00

MSRB PROFILE ::: > CJ GUZMAN

I love Cj 's work , as you may know he's been my co pilot for many projects for the last few years.

Master colorist , an awesome all round artist and even an awesome-er friend!

Bio

FUNCTION: AIR COMMANDER 
"Conquest is made of the ashes of one's enemies."

Seeks to replace Megatron as leader. Ruthless, coldblooded, cruel… considers himself the most sophisticated and handsome of the Decepticons. Believes Decepticons should rely more on guile and speed rather than brute force to defeat Autobots. Fastest flyer of group, can reach Mach 2.8 and an altitude of 52 miles. Shoots cluster bombs and null-rays which disrupts flow of electricity. Very good at what he does, but sometimes overrates himself.

Um... ok. C. J. forgets to add that he has legions of fangirls and boys due to his brilliant backgrounds and color work on the Nancy Drew (girl detective) graphic novel series. He is also a veteran of the video game industry and has worked with Maverix for many years on projects for National Geographic and Scion, among others. C. J. is also on the team for the animated short-film-in-progress, Oasis.

・When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

I started the minute my baby hands could hold a writing tool.

・What is your favorite color and why?

Hmmm ... I really don't have one. I like bright and happy colors tho.

・What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?
When I'm in crunch mode I will have "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" movie playing in an endless loop till my project is done.

When working on personal stuff I listen to Phantasy Star online episode 1 and 2 soundtrack..... it's quite choice!

He's a funny one, this Mr. Carlos Jose Guzman.

MSRB PROFILE ::: > OCTAVIO RODRIGUEZ

Our star profilee today is the recent Bay Area arrival and veteran story artist Octavio Rodriguez. And I say veteran not because he's old (really!!) but because Octavio's been a part of so many animation institutions and choice projects (see his bio below). His own books, which you can purchase on his blog, are full of poignant stories narrated through the cutest illustrations. Octavio is one hard working dude!

Bio
Octavio Rodriguez is a story artist who has been in the animation industry for over 14 years where he has also helped with the development of characters and show ideas. Octavio has worked for Nickelodeon, Sony, Warner Brothers, Disney, Cartoon Network, Starz/IDT, Rough Draft, Titmouse, Epoch Ink, and is currently employed by Lucasfilm where he's working on the TV series "Clone Wars." Octavio has self-published his own line of sketchbooks, comics, and short stories as well as co-created cartoonmojo.com, a website that celebrates the world of animation by showcasing the best films and the talented people who create them.

When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?
It all started in junior high, I couldn't get enough of reading French comics and Mangas. I grew to admire the draftsmanship from my favorite comic and graphic novel artists. Before I knew it, I found myself creating extensive bios of my own characters. Those drawings and bios eventually became comics that I would sell to other kids in school. I was, and still am, completely fascinated with being able to tell a story through sequential art.

What is your favorite color and why?

Red-orange, especially in my art. I love the feel of it popping on the page. It just seems natural.

What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

Can't live without my iTunes radio. My favorite station hands down is- "Secret Agent: The soundtrack for your stylish, mysterious, dangerous life." I love drawing to it, it breathes life in me. The music meshes with my style, and it inspires my line work.

... so I have to sign off this post by congratulating Mr. Rodriguez on his recent nuptials to the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Quintero Rodriguez. I will refrain from further embarrassing Octavio by posting a picture of him on his wedding day, looking as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs (I've always wanted to use that cliche!)

Xj Wang via
http://maverixstudios.blogspot.com/

Maverix Studios Root Branch Exhibit ** Artists Profiles : DICE TSUTSUMI & SERGIO PAEZ

2009-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Dear faithful readers, my apologies for settling into a deep Thanksharing food sleep and neglecting this blog. To make up for my laziness, we shall have 2 (yes TWO) profiles per day this week.

MSRB PROFILE ::: > DICE TSUSUMI

Dice is also the brain train behind the hugely successful Totoro Forest Project, an art auction and exhibition that raised almost $200,000 for the Totoro Forest Foundation and the equally famous Sketchtravel Project ( Ongoing)
The image below is his contribution to the Totoro exhibit, while a work in progress.

Bio

Born and raised in Tokyo, Dice moved to NY in ‘93. After graduating from School of Visual Arts in 98, he started his career as a staff illustrator for Lucas Learning Ltd. in San Fransisco. Two years later, Dice moved back to NY to work for Blue Sky Studios as a visual development/color key artist on their blockbuster film projects such as Ice Age, Robots and upcoming Horton Hears A Who. After his long adventurous 7 year run at Blue Sky Studios, he has recently accepted the new challenge to join as an art director at Pixar Animation Studios.

Dice has actively been pursuing his illustration career outside of animation as well. His graphic novel, Noche y Dia is a part of critically acclaimed anthology Out of Picture. He is currently working on this second graphic novel, Dream of Kyosuke for Out of Picture issue #2. He also has been involved with a few potential children’s book projects.

Meanwhile, Dice continues to create his plein air oil paintings that have been featured in numerous gallery exhibitions. His oil paintings are expected to be featured in this 3 man show next June with Soosa Kim and Lou Romano.

Dice currently lives in San Francisco.

Impressive, no? Here are Dice's answers to our 3 questions:

・When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

I only took a drawing class because I couldn't speak English when I first came to the States but then my old classmates complimented my work which lead me to innocently believe I was good.

・What is your favorite color and why?

I don't know~~

・What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

It really depends. I love all sorts of music but I tend to focus better when I listen to Jazz.

Can't wait to see Dice's contribution to the Root Branch Exhibit!

MSRB PROFILE ::: > SERGIO PAEZ :

Most people who've met his acquaintance, particularly at this year's ComiCon, know that Sergio is the ultimate hustler. And we mean that as a giant compliment.
The man has skillz!
He is also a talented artist and storyboard extraordinaire who hosts an online community for storytelling and sequential art, and teaches a storyboard series at Maverix Studios. Can we add that Sergio is a committed libertarian (check out his painting of Ron Paul above... perhaps Rep. Paul will use it for his next presidential campaign, a la Shepard Fairey & Prez Obama).

Bio

Sergio is a San Francisco artist specializing in storyboards, animation, and visual development for TV, Feature film, and games. His animation credits in the United States and Europe include projects for Lucasfilm, Pixar, Sony, and Sega. As an independent filmmaker Sergio's work has been shown at the Los Angeles International Film Festival, the North Hampton Film Festival, and Microcinefest in Baltimore. Most recently Sergio's work was featured in "The Art of Darkwatch" published by Design Studio Press.

・When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

I was probably about 3 years old playing with crayons and copying my brother's drawings. I still remember dividing my paper into squares and coloring in the shapes with different crayons. Not much has changed since then. Except now the shapes get more complicated and our egos fill the squares instead of simple color.

・What is your favorite color and why?

Blue. because it can make you feel blue. But if you look deeper it might be bluegreen or blueviolet. Then you're not blue at all. Your more in the clouds flying around or playing in the water with the fishes. If you turn that blue upside down you might get orange. I love orange juice.

・What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

None. Don't you know what Milt Kahl said about playing music while you work? Shut that hippie music off and concentrate on making some art. The only Nirvana you should hear is the sound of your soul reaching heaven when you focus your chi and CREATE!

Haha! I think we must now request some extra hippie music for the Root Branch show in Sergio's honor.

Xj Wang from MAVERIX STUDIOS

http://maverixstudios.blogspot.com/

Rough Sketches

2009-11-24T14:46:00.000-08:00

Sorry I have been slacking on posting my work
lately....
I have been crazy bz, working mainly non digitally , in preparation for a few upcoming shows , one of them ,the ROOT BRANCH EXHIBIT at our Studio... but there are a few more and very good ones ;)

It's been pretty challenging , but a lot of fun !

I will be posting pics of the pieces as soon as I am allowed, and get a breather to snap shoot the pieces,,,,,,(I know .I can be lame) but for now...

Here are some old really rough preliminary sketches I did for
cover concepts a while back....

Maverix Studios Root Branch Exhibit** Artist Profile : ED BELL

2009-11-24T14:33:00.001-08:00

(Art by EdBell)

Friend , coworker and studio mate , Ed's unique style and flow has been always an ongoing source of inspiration for me .

Here are his free flow answers to our 3 questions.

・When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

I can't remember, but imagine I have always enjoyed the pencil and paper somehow. It's always been important to be making things with my hands. drawing, sculpting, carpentry, set building and photography. If I could have grown up to be D'angelo or Andre 3000, I'd be doing it the way they do, but I learned early on to stick with images and ideas. One day, I'll be good enough to express that "soul" through things I create.

・What is your favorite color and why?

Okay, speaking just for the moment, my favorite color is rust red. It's my son's hue. The perfect color!

・What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

The art going into this exhibit was created in a musical cocoon of mixes by our usual crew: CASAMENA, DEDAN, Cecil, dj Hanif... as well as Chebi Saba and some Prince.

...This man has very good taste y'all! Check out Ed's blog to peruse more of his beautiful artwork.

Bio
Ed Bell is a filmmaker, director, animation artist, and a modern day griot. His TV work includes “Big City” for MTV’s Emmy-winning Liquid Television, contributing director on HBO's “Good Night Moon & Other Sleepy time Tales”, which garnered the 1999-00 Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Children's Program, and directing HBO’s Cable Ace award-winning series “Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child”. Film credits include work on the animated features “Roger Rabbit”, “Bebe’s Kids” and “FernGully”. Ed was the Producing Director and Writer of “The John Henry Story”, an HBO co-production with BBC Wales, which was awarded two Primetime Emmys. He also directed the Emmy nominated live-action documentary “Unchained Memories” for HBO. He has worked as a Development Director and Consultant to studios such as Wild Brain Inc, Nickelodeon and Disney Features. His unique hip-hop/anime style — often punctuated with live action, cel animation, stock footage and textile and fabric manipulation — can be seen in the inspired commercial campaigns he has directed for Nike, Sony, Sprite, and the spot Urban Hip Hopper for the Wrigley’s Winterfresh campaign.

http://maverixstudios.blogspot.com/

Maverix Studios Root Branch Exhibit** Artist Profile : PATRICK AWA

2009-11-23T16:02:00.000-08:00

Maverix Studios blog is running a series of profiles with interviews showcasing the artists for their coming Root Branch exhibit....fun short read and very inspiring ;)

The first one up is Patrick Awa .
Born in Santa Monica, California, Patrick grew up in Tokyo and began his career working for a Japanese CGI production studio where he rose through the ranks to direct various commercials and short films. He moved to California in 2001 and has worked as a character/concept designer for major movies such as "Valiant "(Walt Disney Pictures) and "9" (Focus Features), as well as the upcoming "Guardians of Ga'Hoole"(Warner Bros). Patrick is currently designing characters for the CGI feature "Gatchaman" for Imagi.

Artist extraordinaire and master character designer ...I gotta say, his responses are just as cool as his art.... and the artist himself : Enjoy:

Interview by Xiao Jing Wang ,Maverix Studios :

We asked Patrick the same 3 questions posed to all the artists contributing to this exhibit. Here are his answers.

Maverix: When did you first start to draw/create and what inspired you to do it?

Patrick : "I don't remember, but I was just one of those average infants with clayola making mess on mom's favorite kitchen wall. I think usually people will find other interesting things to do like playing baseball, or jumping on skateboards as they get older, and only a few uncelebrated ones still left behind with clayola. Thats' me."

Maverix : What is your favorite color and why?

Patrick :I like all colors, but I think I specially like "black" because there is something very certain and deliberate about it amongst all other seamless spectrum. "Black" is a dictator.

Maverix : What kind of music (or other aural environments) do you listen to when you work and why?

I don't know exactly why, but I cannot listen to any music when I am drawing lines. But I turn my iPod (or whatever around me could provide music) on soon as it turn into painting/coloring phase. It's funny how they could (or could not) relate to each other.

Art by Patrick Awa http://www.patrickawa.net/

Via Maverixstudios Blog

N.A.S.A. feat>Tom Waits + Kool Keith: "Spacious Thoughts"

2009-11-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

NASA, short for "North America South America," is a music collaboration project assembled by Squeak E. Clean (aka Sam Spiegel, brother of film director Spike Jonze) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales, professional skateboarder).

The music video embedded above was created by Montreal-based Fluorescent Hill

MAVERIX STUDIOS ROOT BRANCH Winter Art Exhibit 09

2009-11-17T12:20:00.001-08:00

If you are in town come join us for food, music, friends, and $pending at our annual Maverix Winter Art Exhibit.

Contributing Artists:

Patrick Awa, Ed Bell, Enrico Casarosa, Cj Guzman, John Hays, Jackie Huang, Mike Judge (Lord Cheez), Ted Mathot, Sho Murase, Bosco Ng, Sergio Paez, Octavio Rodriguez, Vaughn Ross, Tom Rubalcava, Derek Thompson, Dice Tsutsumi, and Robert Valley

MAVERIX STUDIOS
1717 17th st , SF CA 94103
DEC 10, 8PM-11PM
(Flyer : Ed Bell -Illustration, Vaughn Ross -Graphic Design)

Sheila , short story for " Deep Fried Satellites" Compilation

2009-10-21T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is "Sheila" she is the character in my mini story.
The story is 17 pages long, and is my take of a twisted adult (no is not erotic) childrens book, product of not getting enough sleep ( Written in one morning and drawn in one looong night)

"Sheila" is included in the "Deep Fried Sattelites" Compilation book , along with Mike Judge (LordCheez) Cj Guzman, Tom Rubalcava and Vaughn Ross 's works, available soon in my online shop

ND21 COVER

2009-09-23T15:35:00.001-07:00

More beautiful french animation "Le lac gele" (Frozen lake) and "Fenrir" the sun eater

2009-09-14T18:48:00.001-07:00

Nancy Drew Volume 20

2009-09-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not been posting much lately, been bz bz ....... recovering from SDCON, working on the now-volume 20 - of Nancy and getting my brains back steady in shape, lol
I have a bunch of post-ables , and will do soon ;)

Volume 20 has guest characters , the Dana sisters ;)

BAIDIR, beautiful french film trailer

2009-09-01T16:53:00.001-07:00

http://baidir.fr/

SDCC 2009 RECAP IN PICS

2009-07-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Mini Originals for Sdcc

2009-07-22T08:02:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the little drawings ( about the size of a coaster) They are all hand drawn ( originals ) and each will go with the Hard Cov er Books.

Sorrow , Panic and Tears , unfinished, they are the characters of a short story I am working on , hopefully ready for Wondercon , but not for comic con this year
( about the size of a coaster
)

Comic Con 2009 Banner

2009-07-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

Look for this banner @ SanDiegoComic Con 2009... you'll find me in this location..... with things like this :)

Dido 26 Party +Post Party Show in ICC Gallery ,Sapporo, Japan

2009-07-07T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of one awesome artshow party , and the following Gallery show
, I participated, in Japan.

The party is a pro Unicef benefit , looks like a lot of fun :)
I wish I could have been there in person !

Very cool packaging for 8.5x11 prints :)

Photos and event by Marty Ito + Dido
http://www.icc-jp.com/

Comic con 2009 , just a couple of weeks away

2009-07-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

..Finally getting to prep + crunch ;)

In less than a month.....

2009-06-26T10:51:00.000-07:00

....and I have yet sooooo much to prepare...yikes! Where is the hyper speed button ??

New Shoulder Bags , selling only at San Diego Comic Con 2009

2009-06-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

New shoulder bags ( limited quantities ) those ( for now ) will be only available at San Diego Comic Con.
The body of the bag has a black satin look, zipper and is finished with a sturdy adjustable strap.

Dimensions: 7.5"H x 7"W x 2"D

The Beatles - RockBand trailer

2009-06-14T22:40:00.000-07:00

Great style + awesome animation combined !

Check this beautiful short Film, made for the upcoming Beatles video game at Passion Pictures, animation studio in London , animation directed by our talented friend Robert Valley along with (Gorillaz)Pete Candeland, ..truly unique + must see !

Check the short here at Ign