Category: Uncategorized
The Process
I imagine you are thinking, “What kind of crap is this, Bob? Are you trying to pull the shenanigans over our eyes, or something?” I don’t blame you. It is not very artistic. In fact, it looks like a bunch of scribbles. However, this is just another step in the process of creating a Chico and the Chupacabra comic strip. I call this, “the skeleton stage”.
Let me start from the beginning. The first thing that has to happen when creating the strip is the “spark”. This can be a funny word I heard, a funny sight I have seen, or a funny thought I have had. Second, that spark is translated into the Chico world. This was represented by the drawing in my last post (Chico Practice). I draw freely, while keeping the “spark” in the forefront of my mind. At this point, I am basically trying to determine if the spark can be melded with the characters and setting. If things are looking good, I move on to the third stage. This is the moment I believe that I might have a funny idea and I need to start planning how to present it to the public in the most logical, clear, and funny way. The skeleton stage is where I decide the positioning of characters, the dialogue, and just the general layout of the whole thing.
Stage four is too revealing, so you will see the finalized Chico and the Chupacabra before I post any more stages. I don’t want to ruin the surprise! See you next time. Have a good day.
Chico Practice
Kilroy Was Here
Here is a new ScribblePad. Kilroy kinda looks like Doopy Joe, huh? Or perhaps, Doopy Joe was based on Kilroy. Who knows?
Within the next couple of weeks I will be printing up the new Scribbles, plus all of the old favorites. Stay tuned!
Awkward Small Talk
New Scribble
Butterfly
CafePress Shop
Bird Smirk is the new name of my CafePress shop. This is where you can purchase a myriad of products emblazoned with my original art creations. Revamped and ready for your perusal! Seriously though, a lot has changed. For instance, the basic look has changed from a rather boring layout to a more attractive online presence. Also, you will find that I have expanded into a more diverse collection of design choices (not just black and white, and not just Oddbox). Explore the site by clicking on the Bird Smirk logo above.
Digression Session
In a recent article, I mentioned that I was doing some soul-searching, and instead of telling you what I intended to tell you, I veered off into theoretical metaphysics. Here’s the thing…Oddbox Comics is going bi-weekly. Even though making this blog is one of my most favorite things in the world, I need to tend to my financial survival.
Because of the demise of the quick-printing industry, I find myself getting poorer and poorer. I need to look into other avenues of revenue, which means… less time for this blog.
Therefore, I am hereby officially offering my art. Let me help you with a personalized birthday card or notepad. Perhaps a caricature of someone special. How about a personalized Facebook icon? Logo? Event? Whatever! I need money! E-mail me at oddboxcomics@att.net!
You may be asking yourself right now, “Why do I need Bob to make a drawing for me when I can just find what I need on the internet?” Seriously? Do you actually believe that you are going to find a drawing of your sister running a marathon on the planet Mars while carrying a wedding cake? Come on. Get real! Give me a call!
You also need art for…
…T-shirts…posters…mugs…magnets…advertisements…calendars…flyers…portraits…bumper stickers…banners…tattoos…business cards…murals…blogs…websites…invitations…wedding announcements…books…CD covers…envelopes…shot glasses…brochures…menus…whatever…etc.
Please help me make the transition from Printer to Artist. I appreciate whatever you can do to help. Whether you want me to draw something for you, or you just share this article with your friends…it is greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Bob
Introductions
Oddbox Comics 