Testing out some techniques and color guides for the cover. Trying to keep things bright. This is close to the color schemes I want to use on the artwork for the novels. But I think the art for the book covers needs to be tighter and a bit more realistic.
Puppets. Always some puppets.
No matter what I do, puppets always work they way into the story. These guys were a bit of a surprise. However they became a fun way to convey some backstory and foreshadow upcoming scenes.
Posted with BlogsyReligion in the Conjurian
Here's a quick concept sketch for the Dedites, a religious order that believes Dedi created the Conjurian. They sprang up when I worked on the origins for this world. Their counterparts would be the growing majority that Dedi merely discovered the Conjurian. However, as you'll see in the first novel, the truths behind their beliefs will play a huge part in the future of both worlds.
The monk pictured here is loosely based on another of my favorite magicians, Kenton Knepper. A brilliant thinker and a major influence on many of the effects I perform.
New Conjurers Comic
Well we might be gettin' all "Reservoir Dogs" up in here. Next week, we'll learn more about Steve. Is he on their side? Could be some screaming. You'll have to wait and see.
New Conjurers Comic
This one was brutish from an art perspective. Like I've mentioned before, this is a new style for me, so I'm constantly in search of new mistakes and hoping for happy accidents. And I was trying to push this one towards more of a painterly feel and it got away from me a bit. Still, learned a ton for the next page, which I am off to finalize the script for now.
The Inner Circle
Welcome to a meeting of the inner circle. This is the ruling body of the Conjurian. And while you won't see a lot of them in this episode, you'll see them all in different capacities in the novel.For now I have only mentioned a few names. You know Ray, Eugene, Aggler and now a mention of Xavier. They are key players in the overall arc for the comic and the novels. So much fun ahead.Next episode, you'll see what happens when Savachia tries to take charge. Also, an honest offer from an evil man.
The Conjurers Webcomic
Bit of a gap between pages. Sorry about that. However the reason for the delay is, I think, a decent one. Talks are back on regarding the Conjurers novel. Hopefully they end with a deal. Either way the comics shall continue.
The Conjurers Webcomic
Let the lies begin. AT least for Savachia, cause I'm not saying who else may or may not be honest.
The Conjurers Webcomic
Late again. But I had to appease the Dog eat Doug deadline before finishing this page. The interior of the magic shop is fairly close to the actual shop it's based on. I know, cool huh?There's two other intriguing aspects to the real life magic store and both will play a roll in the comic. So, as you can guess, I'm not going to tell you now.
The Conjurers Webcomic
It's 12:51 in the morning, so technically I missed the Monday deadline. Hopefully this page is interesting enough to be a smidge late. And obviously it opens another plot line. This plot line also ties directly into the novel. And by that I mean the scarred, card manipulating dude is THEE bad guy.
New Year, New Choices
Already on page eight. Just about at the end of act one, which simply means that in the coming pages the plot thickens. A lot. And, from an art perspective, I think the pages will lighten up a tad. Not sooo much heavy texture in the background.Speaking of the art, I'll take some pics of the process for the next page. Experimenting as I go, but I have a relatively simple process so far. It's a messy process which is as I intended. And I need to fill out more of the site. Some pieces on magic and my research for the novel.Any magicians reading? Bet you recognized one at least one of the names I've slipped in so far huh?
The True Lords of Sin City
And ever so slowly another layer is peeled back. Hope you're still intrigued. Might run a little contest soon, before I start promoting the strip. Just a thank you for everyone who has come through the doors early and slumped down in a chair for a spell to see what this is all about. Think I'll pull out an original drawing to put up for grabs.Oh, and see those to gents escorting Mac in the last panel? Look familiar? Have a browse back through the archives. I've posted some images of them before. They come up a lot in the novel. It's a lot of fun building something that is interwoven from one end to the other. A bit like building a puzzle from the inside out. Won't really get to piece together the edges until the first novel comes out.
An offer you should refuse.
The plot thickens, which also slows down the art production. The next few pages will be interesting. A few glimpses of the shadowy side of magicians. Just a glimpse mind you.In the meantime, if you want a complete story to read (or to read to someone), my new picture book came out last week. It's dark too, so if you like this art I think you'll love "The Prince's New Pet":The Prince's New Pet
When Karma Comes Knockin'
So there it is. Savachia's reason for doing whatever it takes to make a buck. And who's at the door? You'll see next Monday.
Finished Inks for Webcomic Cover
And here are the finished inks for the first cover to the webcomic. The next step is the coloring and some digital renderings of antique playing cards. Hopefully the finished product will pop.
