Tuesday, February 26, 2013

So this happened today and it was pretty cool

Stack of Hardbacks
     It will always be a weird thing for me to work on projects using digital medium. Sure, I've got a great collection of original inked pages from this particular book, but I wasn't so sure about how the digital colors would turn out. Did I format all the pages correctly for print? Would the typeface have smooth edges or a compression halo? What would a hardback look like when it was printed, bound and ready for sale? You can wrack your brain over the minutiae of the finished product, but there is always a point where you HAVE to LET GO and realize that you've done your part.
     If anything gets messed up from here on out, it is out of your hands. You've done your part. And now, almost three months after delivery of the files, a box arrives with 30 books that you've made. Pardon me while I breathe a sigh of relief. This box has made my weekend worthwhile. As I prepare for another Emerald City Comicon, I'm pleased to offer something new at my table for 2013.
     "Dingo and Willy's Donuts" is a sturdy gloss hardback with 72 interior pages on matte paper. It retails for $18.00, and it will premier at this year's comic convention. I will also make it available through my Etsy shop once the weekend is over. If you want a book that's perfect for your young reader, this is it. Easy to read, filled with colorful characters -- and donuts -- what more can you ask for? This 30 pound box has made my day and my weekend.

-Daniel DePaolo-

Thursday, February 21, 2013

7 and Counting

TryLo-saur - 5
     Counting down to Emerald City Comicon. I'm excited to be up in Seattle tabling with my fellow compatriots: Jason Pott, Alan Bennett, and George Leon. I've received word from the printer, and my children's book "Dingo and Willy's Donuts" will be available for sale that weekend. That's a huge relief and an exciting addition to my selection. I'm also on pace to have between 13-14 original illustrations completed and available for sale at my table. Not to mention limited edition 11x17 posters and original sketch cards. All in all, it should be a good representation of original and printed materials. Now I just need some fun loving folks with money to spend and the show could exceed even my pragmatic expectations.
     In the meantime, I thought I'd share an illustration of another Dino-Human hybrid from my upcoming comic, "The Muscle." The TryLo-Saur you see is old by any standard, but his experience and unrelenting toughness make him a trusted elder in his community. His thick hide renders any attack with projectile or laser weapons an exercise in futility. His love of "old" culture makes him an authority on classic games and motivates him to construct an industrial size cricket mallet for smashing thick heads with small brains. Respect your elders -- or a swift beat down is in order.


-Daniel DePaolo-

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

9 and Counting


Lacan - The Hollowing
          For those who don't know me, I'm a pretty voracious reader. While, I haven't made the transition to digital books, I do read most of my "news" on the internet. There is still something about the smell of books, though. Opening them and closing them when your done. The process feels organic, linear, and there is something to be said about finishing something as well. I've recently been captivated by a series of books written by Robert Holdstock. The characters and stories within, are fantasy by conventional definition, but there is a rotten, pervading darkness about everything. When the story is over the ending seems appropriate but by no means does it pass muster as "happy."          

The accompanying illustration is one of the characters from the books. It is my attempt at creating a slightly darker character without falling outside a "cartoony /children's book oreinted" style. I quite like it (hope you do too...). Pencil and colored pencil on Strathmore Illustration board.


-Daniel DePaolo

Friday, February 8, 2013

A Little Alien

Big Head/Long Tail Alien
     Hey kids! In three weeks time, I'll be in Seattle for three days of glorious nerd revelry. That's right, Emerald City Comicon is quickly approaching, and I can't tell you how awesome it will be to once again share table space with my friends: Jason Zachary Pott of Neo-Trash Comix, Alan Bennett of Black Box Comix, and George Leon of "Luchadores in Space" fame.
     With any luck at all, and a little help from the fates, I should also have copies of my newest children's book "Dingo and Willy's Donuts" for sale. If the printer doesn't deliver in time, I'll still have all my books with Neo-Trash and a collection of original art and prints for sale. So, if you've got the time, a few bucks kicking around, and live in the Seattle area, drop in and say "hey." I would love to see you. Our booth is in artists alley, and we'll be at tables E-07/08.
     For now, enjoy the fruits of my drawing labors last night. A big headed alien with a long tail. Enjoy your weekend.

-Daniel DePaolo-

Saturday, February 2, 2013

A Sunny Saturday Blog

Technosaur - 19A
     It's a sunny Saturday here in Portland, Oregon. I'm sitting staring at this screen for as little time as I possibly can today. This week has been disappointing in terms of productivity, and I hope to make up for it by turning out a little work today and tomorrow. The only problem is the sun. When winter hits in Oregon, it's as if a grey blanket has been pulled over the sky. Moods become dreary, and you generally just want to dig into a cozy fort of blankets and pillows and hibernate until the next scant sunny day. So, will I actually get anything done today or tomorrow? Or will I go outside, soak up a few rays, improve my mood, and let fresh air in through my windows that have been closed for months? The choice is mine.
     For now, enjoy this shot of one of the "Muscle" from my upcoming comic. A spry young Technosaur who stumbles onto an "assignment" that may be a little more than he can handle. Will his ego get the best of him and lead him into danger, or will this be a learning experience? Only I can tell, but there will be a kick-ass fight scene between him and an older Tricero. Which wins, age and experience or blind ambition? Stay tuned...

-Daniel DePaolo-