It is interesting to note — as mentioned after the last grOw/stOry release — the disparity in popularity between the cOmics and stOries. I still like the stOries, and will continue to release them. Stories can have more details, descriptions, characterizations, and action. However, the last two stOry releases took an enormous amount of time each to produce (both writing and drawing), but the release was only half as successful (if not less) than those of the cOmics. This makes it very difficult to release 3 stOries in a row as I usually have.
Because of this, here is what I plan to work on next:
- The next release will be a new grOw/cOmic. This will be the beginning of series #5.
- Once the storyline is completed for this cOmic series — which I have already begun in earnest —I will begin the pencil drawings for issue 1. While I create the drawings by day, I will continue to think about, develop, and write the updated version of the next grOw/stOry at night.
- grOw/stOry #15 will take some time to develop and... uh... flesh out. The above schedule will allow me to do this while still getting the next project out the door. The old EL Pub stories that were "good enough as is" were used up after #9.
As a close to this post, I offer a sneak preview into grOw/cOmic #5. Here is a preliminary, rendered background scene to the series — a movie theater. While I used Google SketchUp to create the backgrounds for grOw/cOmic#4, I needed something more robust for series#5. I went back to trying out Sketch 3D (I use ver 8.5; the link is for a more powerful ver 10, and the program is up to verison 12.1), which I used to make the pool backgrounds in grOw/cOmic #2. It's been nearly 3 years since I used the program and had to serious re-familiarize (nay, almost completely "re-educate") myself to use it. I think I now have restored the same proficiency in myself that I had had during cOmic #2 — and then some!Enjoy!
7 comments:
It's really too bad that the stories don't sell better. The latest one was really outstanding, with some of the best artwork that you've done, ever. Still, you have to offer what people seem to want, so I'm just glad that you're continuing them at all.
I'm sure Grow #5 will be great. My only concern is that movie theaters tend to be dark, so I'm hoping that things won't be too obscured. Likewise, people are mostly just seated, so I'm hoping that there will be a variety of poses--not just in seats. I'm sure you have already dealt with both of these pitfalls, if they are relevant at all.
The background look great--but that's not really the part of the art that I'm looking forward to ;-). Still, anything that helps you draw gets a thumbs up from me!
Thanks for the update and all the great work so far!
Like I said in an email question to BA in Jan. - been a fan since his B&W sketches, through Grow 1 and all the other releases. Can't wait to see what's next.
Grow #3 had varied lighting and angles and the scenes turned out great. Wonder what will be up on the big screen!
It's unfortunate that the StOries aren't selling as well as you'd like BA, but we know you'll produce great artwork no matter what format you chose.
Like Anon1 said, movie theaters seem limited in postures and lighting, but I don't doubt you know what you're doing. Personally, I'm going to predict that the cinema seats are part of a prelude to BE in another setting :) Who knows? (Well, BA does, but you know what I mean)
-Potato
I buy both the stories and the comics, but there is truth in the old saying "a picture is worth 1000 words". Your drawings are so fantastic and the story-telling is very good as well that the comics are for me better than the stories. Especially with how expressive you are able to draw your characters, so much other BE artwork simply pales in comparison. Keep up the great work!
Looking forward to the comics! :)
I am your loyal fan so I'm waiting for the first part of GROW/Comic. If it will be as good as the previous parts I will be your loyal customer.
Hyzemis
Darn -- I thought I responded to this post already. Sorry for the delay!
Anon#1 and Potato: Don't worry about the darkness. Remember, a movie itself throws a lot of light, and can many times give nice dramatic high-contrast images, with highlights and shadow. I also am aware of the limitations, and plan on not making it a burden. And, as you may have seen in later posts, there are the exterior shot, the lobby, the snack bar, and a few other locales. You'll see! :)
other290: Yes, considering the many angles I had to create to keep things interesting in grOw/cOmic#3 (heck, 85% of the storyline took place inside of a tiny elevator!), I think I will do well with this setting. :)
Anon#3: Thanks! I like to think of the cOmics as big screen movies — I try to use close-ups, angles, and of course, the emotion of the actors to really enhance the story. Growth is cool (of course), but what makes it even better than just watching it take place is seeing the reactions of the characters as well as how they respond to their situations.
mrkidmanga: Thanks! I look forward to beginning them in earnest!
Hyzemis: I appreciate the $upport! It is the only way I can continue to put the amount of effort it takes to produce grOw.
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