Character Art

I finally found the time to make some more character art, However, for the next few days I will be focussing on the writing part of the story.

The two bottom artworks depicts the Rachel in a different age (supposedly). When I start writing the first draft of the script, I want to make sure there is characte growth after Peter's death.

Ideas: I was thinking to write Nick to be a slightly younger than Rachel in the story. This allows some interesting tensions to arise between him and Rachel. Moreover, I also want Peter to be his mentor.

Obstacle: I am still deciding whether I should write this in a first person perspective or a third person perspective. They both have their pros and cons. I read from a novel writing article that says detective stories usually don't focus on the detective but on the setting, clues and supporting characters, Nevertheless, since this is mystery/romance story, it would be a challenge to make the characters interesting  and at the same time do not readers from the mystery.

Peter and Nick

I just finished reading Warm Bodies by Issac Marion, and I can't help but feel inspired to write my manga story based on the book. My favourite scene from the book is when R and Perry are having a conversation in R's head, R apologising to Perry for killing him.

Hence, it is my goal to make Peter and Nick to have a similar dynamic to R and Perry. But first, homework! Sigh~

Concept art of a fantasy creature

Rachel

Peter's potrait

Sketch for my upcoming illustration for "Restless"

New design for Rachel

I made her hoodie more form fitting, not baggy. I also try to breath some character into her clothing. I also changed her style to suit my style as well her background.

Working title?

Since this involves a ghost that returns to the land of the living...

Not related to class...

Plow on!

Adorable!

I downloaded the digital copy of the Amazing Spiderman (legally!), and it contains extra features. As I watched them, I noticed this adorable shot of Andrew Garfield (in costume) playing around with Emma Stone. By the way, the feature was about the design of the Spiderman costume. Interesting stuff, spidey fans should defnitely download the movie off itunes.

Speed paint!

Speed paint of OCs... not really complete, but this is just a warm up for my homework. I will probably return to complete this piece after conquering my mountain  of assignments.

So far so good~

Practicing toning using COPIC markers...

Look who I've found!

I just finished the "5 centimeters per second" manga, and I can't help but to share this. Doesn't she look a bit familiar? Haha... The character's name also starts with an 'R'! Btw, the whole tone of the manga is actually quite depressing (in a realistic way), nevertheless I highly recommend this

manga to anyone who loves romance drama comics. It's a one-shot comic, so don't worry about spending extra money on buying volume after volume.

 

Btw, going back to my point regarding tone, it is a predictable story but it is also so realistically written, anyone can relate to the characters. The main theme of the manga is Separation. How can one learn to let go of that memory of that person whom you probably never meet again? This manga reminds us that we should cherish the moments with the person we love, while they are still nearby of course! Oh, don't let that longing hurt others!

 

Homework~ :D

One of my current assignments is storyboarding, for an action scene involving a werewolf and a girl. This is just a sketch of a wolf.




Thumbnail sketch for storyboard

5 cm per second

I just bought this new one-shot manga titled "5cm per second". I'm still reading it, and so far, it's good! Better than the last graphic I bought (I really regretted buying that). Thankfully, this manga is worth my money! :D

I actually first heard about this title through an AMV using clips from the movie.  Yes, there's a movie, but not it was NOT made after the book. Instead, the book is an adaptation of the movie. I haven't watched the movie yet though. I want to complete the manga first, not because I'm a purist. It's just because I don't want to be spoiled by the movie!

Note to self: Ths manga is can be used as reference material for my manga project!

 

The trailer for the movie--->

This Feels All Too Familiar

I once heard that promises _­are made to be broken. In retrospect, that sounds true. Nowadays, it doesn't take a lot effort to keep a promise. People make promises everyday to each other, and breaks them like its nothing. That may work for most people, but I am not most people. To a little girl I once was, a promise is a promise.

I was too naïve to foresee the outcomes. I didn't realise how fragile a promise can be.

It's like you're giving someone a glass heart and expect them to carry them safely across the rocky terrain of your life. The problem with walking in rocky terrains is this: people fall down.

Friends then come along and say, but it all works in the end, right? The end? What end? How can one person know about the ending of their lives?  I just don't know.

I don't know.

Rachel stops typing. She looks out of her window. The daily fog of the morning shrouds the neighbourhood in mystery. The street lamps gave an eerie yet peaceful glow. But her gaze isn’t fixed on her neighbourhood. Instead, she focuses her attention on the hill not far from her line of sight.

“She must be there by now” utters Rachel, to her herself.

She gets up and shuts her laptop. Her bedside alarm clock indicates that it is 5.30 am. She puts on her hoodie, grabbing her bag, before she rushes downstairs.

A red bicycle is seen waiting for her outside the kitchen. Rachel pushes it towards the main street.   

Nick and Peter

Scene

New Art!

Peter's death Concept Art

I wanted to make Peter's death as significant as possible...

Concept art 1

Rachel feeling Peter's presence...

Chihayafuru is just ...romantic

This anime really inspired the writing of my manga story, character wise at least.

Why I chose Animation?

Well, that is because it is essentially film making, drawing, editing, music, philosophy, and storytelling combined!

No doubt the road will be rough, because in the creative industry: it's the survival of the fittest!
May God use me in this field.

If a picture could mean a thousand words, and each frame is a picture, then allow me to change the minds and hearts of my audience, one thousand words at a time. In addition, let me be changed as well.

In the mean time, I hope my manga project will not stop developing. Right now I'm still working on the script and still deciding what kind of art style I want to implement into the comic. Should it be a black and white manga or fully painted comic (like Yuumei's work)? 

Because girls are hard to draw....

Character designs

Chapter 1

7 years later...

Shot of the sky. Camera moves downwards to show a shot of Montiago university.

An 18 year old girl is walking through the main entrance, sporting a lavender hoodie. Her hand carrying a bulky looking camera.

Random guy 1: hey look, isn't that girl from the photography faculty?

Random guy 2: yeah, what a pity...a pretty face like her should totally by a model...

Random guy 1: I wonder why hasn't anyone hook up with her?

Random guy 3: Haven't you guys heard about the curse?!

The two guys turn to RG 3.

Random guy 3: The rumour is this: if any guy spends more than an hour with her alone, he will have bad luck....

"Haaaarrrr?!" the two guys

Random guy 3: It's true! I was in the same high school there was this one guy...

*SLAM* A pair of hands slammed on the coffee table.
The three guys looked shocked.

It was a girl who interrupted their chatter.

Girl: Don't you three stooges have anything better to do in the morning besides talking nonsense?!

The three guys looked scared, gave a "y-y-yeah...of course we do..."

RG1: errr...haha..what was it boys? err ... clinic duty?

RG2: Oh YEAH! There was this lady with SErious tonsilitis... and

"WE BETTER GET GOING!" all three of them replied simultaneously. Then, they ran off.

Girl: geez, it is no wonder why we can't find any boyfriend material in Med school...

"MARISSA!"

Marissa turns around.

Marissa: Rachel my darling! *opens arms to embrace her*

Marissa embraced her violently.

Rachel: Ahhhh~ okokok that's enough!

Marissa: Haha.. *lets go* SOrry.... oh... I see you took photographs of the sunrise again... seeing 'him' later eh?

Rachel: Yup! Right after class. Wanna come along?

Marissa: Sorry... working till late today. Send him my regards!

Rachel: Ahahaha... sure...kisses too? hehehe

Marissa blushed.
Both girls laughed out loud in the main uni walkway. Passersby looked curiously.

Marissa: ok, I gotta go now. Juniors waiting...
Rachel: Alright, catch you around...

Both girls depart on their separate directions.

The Encounter

The Promise

Loud noises of  shouting are echoing in the hallway of the house. Camera moves towards the face of a little girl holding her bunny plushie. Expression of sadness and  terror are painted on her face as she watches her parents argue with each other. It's been 3 months since her family moved to the neighbourhood of  ______, and already her father has lost his job.

Tired of the noises, the little girl rushes outside.

The girl looks around the neighbourhood to  find a spot to play with her plushy friend, only to find the surrounding neighbours giving her a peculiar look, unsure if they should come over to comfort her. 

The girl continues her way to the nearest playground. It was empty. "Perfect place to play" she whispered to herself.

She sits down on the seesaw. Alone.

"Hey!" a boy appeared not far from the girl." I never seen you around before, are you new?"
The girl gave no verbal response, just a nod.

"I see. What's your name? Mine's Peter!" 

The girl stare at Peter at a few short moments.

"Rachel"

Peter: Rachel!  hahaha... nice name! Who's your little friend?

Rachel: Gave an expression of slight annoyance. Her name is Berry.

Peter walks towards Berry and gave her handshake.

Peter: Nice to meet you, Berry!

 Rachel looked surprised. Peter turns to Rachel.

Peter: Wanna be friends? We could play together! Here, you sit on this side of the seesaw and I'll sit on the other side.

Peter sat on the other end of the seessaw and the it moved up and down. Up and down. Up and down. 

Peter: WeeEee~~ Hahahaha. This is so awesome!

Camera focuses on Rachel. As her body moves up and down. Her face gradually changes from a defensive expression to a more vulnerable one.

Rachel: Sob...Sob... W...W-Why?

Peter: Huh?

Rachel: Why do you want to be my friend ?! It's only a matter of time I will move out of this pl...

Peter: Don't say that.

Rachel: Sob..sob...   place and I will lose another friend. I will lose YOU.

Peter: Rachel...

Peter climbed down the seesaw and walks over to Rachel. He looks at at Rachel in the eye.

Peter: Rachel, I promise you.  That won't happen. If you really are moving out of here. I promise you I will do everything I can to be by your side!

Rachel looks astonished. Speechless.

Ideas again

 

I'm so proud of this!

From left to right: Peter, Rachel, Nickolai

I have finally completed this piece of artwork! Dang, it took me two days to complete this but it was worth it. I plan to use this as a cover for my manga project.

A work in progress....

sad scenes

New sketch...

I had this scene in my head, it's an "ending scene" for my manga project. Two male characters waiting for the main female lead to step out from the changing room. She'd undergone a makeover (no glasses).

New sketches!

I'm excited to start work on my first original manga! But here are some sketches to get the 'feel' of it,

"K-on" style

I made a quick sketch of the characters for an upcoming 'manga project' me and a friend from deviant will be making...

the art style that I was experimenting on was of the 'K-on' art style...
Since it's a rough sketch, it's only natural that the proportions need work.
I will probably try the shoujo style later...

Thank you Crunchyroll!

Chihayarafuru is such a beautifully drawn anime, especially in HD!

The soundtrack of my life

I am uploading a 30 min version of this song unto my Walkman. Insane? Well, I am a thinking being afterall, and what music suits more when starting your day with a monologue than this song?

An eye-opener

I just completed an anime series titled 'Toradora'. All I can say is it has made me think twice about my decisions in life, especially about having a girlfriend. I'm not saying having a gf is bad, but am I prepared to make sacrifices? What can I do make the other person happy, in the long run? If do get the girl, what then?
Besides, just like in the anime, life doesn't always play out the way we wanted. Furthermore, the show stressed how much our parents (or parent) have sacrificed to raise us. Anyway, this show is definitely a must watch. It's not as tear-jerking as Clannad, but it is still a touching anime!

I can't say I disagree

Results from a Facebook personality quiz:

Christmas wishlist

1. Kindle 4
2. Acer Ultrabook
3. Wacom Intuos
4. Nokia Lumia 900
5. Samsung Galaxy Touch (7 inch)
6. A decent animation software (currently, I only have Flash and Photoshop)

Stepping out of my Cave

I love it when Adam talks about his shift in musical style. Sadly, his fanbase is now divided into "old owl city" and "new owl city". Nevertheless, Adam emphasises that he'merely trying out new things. Just as he puts it: " Artistry is a proggressive thing... I know that what I did works in the past (Fireflies) and it's tempting to cling to that..but sometimes it's good to keep yourself motivated and inspired, by trying new things"

Time to step out of my Cave. Liberate myself from being confined by a narrow worldview and be brave to take on new experiences. Moreover, just as stepping out from a dark Cave into the blinding light can be quite painful... same can be said to growing up. Taking resposibilities and changing lifestyles can unpleasant on most times, but what matters is what you can see after you overcome that blinding sensation: a beautiful and REAL world!

Good things can come unexpectedly

Today, our philosphy lecturer made a statement that got my mind thinking: oppression encourages creativity and innovation. He also said that most bad poetry are from the heart, becuase it's filled with self pity.

Those statements spurred my mind to meditate on my past and present circumstances. Why do I sometimes feel like my creativity is degressing? Is my life abit too comfortable, living in my comfort zone? Do I always pity myself and not move forward?

As look around me, I realised all that I'm using, all that I've learnt, and everything else that I have so often taken for granted... are results of people who willing to move out of their comfort zone to pursue something greater( and money, come on, it's human nature afterall) than their current state of existance.

I'm still not done with research for next week's presentation but I'm confident that I'm can show my draft to my lecturer this week. Reminder to self: prioritise, words are easier said than done.

Clannad and other stuff

I'm now following an anime series titled 'Clannad', and I'm loving every moment of it. I always wondered why everyone in the anime community held the show on a pedestal, now I know why. This show emphasises themes on 'family', 'friendship', 'selflessness'... but the most prominent is 'family'.

Afterall, the title 'Clannad' is an Irish gaelic word meaning 'family'.

I love how the main character, Tomoya, is such a noble and kind person. Yes, he keeps referring as a delinquent and he skips classes. However, one can't help but notice his determination when comes to helping a friend in need. He will do anything at all cost, if it means it will solve a problem!

He is such a role model~

Anyway, here's a short animation that I made yesterday:

Ok, back to philosophy paper (I'm writing on the subject of innatism)!

Starting afresh

Tonight I realised something really enlightening. 'Princess' starts opening up to me, after a long period of the cold shoulder treatment. I believe this is either God's doing or Edward's or both. This is truly a sign that I MUST start everything from scratch! I must treat her like a sister instead of a crush, because both of us are just not ready for that. In fact, I don't think we will ever be together. God knows...one day we might, but I'm not gonna let her cloud my decisions in life. Life is more than about a girl, because it is alot more complicated than that! I am just one little character in her life. Ahhh...she's so adorable( despite she's being taller than me)!

Coincidence?!

Sometimes I feel like I'm in a romantic comedy. Seriously God, You always suprise me! Now I'm certain who holds my tomorrow.
Let this day be a mark of my absolute trust in my Lord God. The day I will be reborn...

Ok... you're probably wondering what I'm babbling about? Haha... The fact of the matter is this: she boarded the same train as me! Hence, this little post is just me venting. Cheers!

Homesick

Alright, here's my story: I came to Sydney, Australia in 2010 and did my Foundations in Design. A year later, I started my bachelor of Architectural Studies. That course started out alright until the workload started piling up and sucks up almost all of my soul. I hated that course and after one and a half year of studying Architecture, I changed my major: to Animation. But, in order for me to do so, I have to change my university (since they couldn't accept a program transfer from a student who is failing the course). As a consequence, I also have to move out of my accomodation and into a new one.

Far from the setting that I called my 'second home'.  And here we are! Everything is different, it's good, but I miss the lifestyle I had in my previously.
I guess this is life? Things change, people leave, and the best could do is suck it all up and keep moving forward, regardless of how unpleasant the situation may seem.

A note about the current accomodation: I feel like my life now is completely different to few months ago. I feel like I have more responsibilties upon my shoulders. My new landlady can be demanding at times (and funny thing is, this is just my first night!). Oh God~ please bestow me strength to live in this house. Living in the new house is just one hurdle, the next is my new major. Although it is definitely what I love, I can help but thinking that this path won't be sunshine and rainbows either, but I have to keep an optimistic mindset! Being animator is a tough job, yet a rewarding one if one is diligent, and has a sober mind. This is the life I chose, at the same time, this the life that I can't always decide who I want to live with or work with. The only thing I have full control is how I react to those "thorns".

Ok, enough blogging for now. Time to unpack all my boxes before that woman comes nagging me about house cleanliness.

A turn for the worse

Something has changed. Something inside me has changed! I can't help but noticed that a significant part of my character has been altered. Or maybe I'm starting to show my true colours.
This change refers my attitude towards work, towards life, even towards God! Waking up late to church and not really participating in discussions during bible studies.
This change that I'm referring happened gradually and it was only this year it became more apparent. I used to be a 'yes man' and now I'm more comfortable in denying. Deny invitations, deny requests, deny... responsibilties. As I examine myself closely, I have this assumption that I'm becoming more self aware, resulting to me to doubt whatever I'm doing.
"Does it matter?" That's the question I kept asking myself.
I have only one theory: Right now, life's too comfortable for me.

Princess

So, her name means 'princess' huh? It's surprising since I always find that name very beautiful. She definitely lives up to her name. It is an honour watching her grow in godliness. Haha.

Melancholy

Why do I feel so alone and depressed? I feel insignificant and useless. I can't seem to come up with any fruitful designs for tomorrow's design studio... I still need to spend time revising for my environments. Argh! I just don't want to care anymore. Questions, questions... problems, problems... I feel like Im floating in a void of nothingness...

Facing your transgressions

I'm a coward. I know that. But, why should I keep running away from my mistakes? I feel like I am taking everyone's trust and grace for granted. I deserved to be embarassed. Contrary to most of the people's views on the definition of man, a man is the one who is willing to take responsibility. If I can't embrace this truth, how should I live the rest of my life?!

Don't flatter yourself, He's the Boss

[For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. ]

It's Friday!

I can't believe it's Friday! I feel like I have screwed something up. Ahhh... it's those guilty consciences again! I haven't giving my all, although my semester is approaching its end. This means work production and efficiency must go up.
This is no time for nonsense. Just because I can repeat, doesn't give me excuse to slack off during these crucial times.
My to-do list:
1. Need to developing my designs for studio.
2. Complete report and analysis for BIM.
3. Do revision in preparation for upccoming Environments test.
4. Don't forget to meet student advisor.

How's your vision?

Friday night Bible study:

 

Mark 8:22-26
Blind man begged for healing from Jesus-> Jesus healed the man-> Jesus ASKED how's his vision -> healing kinda "failed" : man's vision not healed completely -> Jesus healed AGAIN

Bear in mind that everything that we read in Mark was recorded for a reason! IN fact, chapter 8 sort of dealt with the theme 'understanding'. How much do we truly understand regarding WHO JESUS REALLY IS? Perfectly demonstrated by the PROCLAMATION by Peter ('Jesus is the Messiah!') and the event that FOLLOWED: his rebuke against Jesus' prediction about His death and ressurection.

... Do we just say 'I am a christian, I believe that Christ is my Lord and Saviour' and walk the rest of week as 'practical atheists'?

The healing of the blind man also opened my eyes that have so much to learn. There's so much that I failed to SEE clearly. The very fact that Jesus even asked the man about his healing was like a FORESHADOW to the event that followed: Proclamation of Peter.

Jesus wants us to humbly admit our flaws in our views of the world, God, and life itself.

The Shortcomings of an Eraser

One thing I learnt from Architecture: You don't erase your mistakes. You learn from them.

Now, I know why my tutors insist we shouldn't use a pencil when sketching. We shouldn't be afraid of mistakes. We must learn to confront them!

Manga, Anime, and Christianity

Whenever I read the Gospels or watch a good anime, I always wonder: is it possible for me to create a manga about Christianity? I always loved the way manga, as an art form, could conjure up so much feelings despite how difficult the subject matter is. A good example would be Fullmetal Alchemist (I'm referring to the anime; haven't read the manga), it illustrate a commentary on religion, faith, science, the nature of man, and war. It did all that without being boring! Now, that's a good anime.

Frankly, I have a rough idea of what I want to convey through manga. One thing's certain: it's explicitly christian. However, as far as I have looked, there is barely any christian manga in the market. Even if there is, it usually suck!

The following article pretty much sums up what I have to say:
 http://dizzcity.com/2011/06/09/creating-christian-manga-audience-and-themes-1/

Blank page

The one thing that frequently makes me feel nervous is a blank page, it's every designers nightmare. We are afraid to get too attached to our idea once we pen it down, afraid to make mistakes. Isn't life like that: a blank page?
The first and bravest step is to make a line!

Ideas for my big project!

Clients: A musician and an art collector.

Brief: A double house with a garden.

Maybe you really are meant for me

I couldn't sleep until I write a really rough set of lyrics. So far, it sounds really corny...needs a lot of work.

verse:
She likes to sit by the stairs
and stare at the glimmering water
sketching ease her worries away
taking pictures at flowers

She loves sandy beaches


chorus:
I want to, strum on your heart strings
serenades to the valley
I want to dance to your inner drums
your voice just makes me giddy
oh~
maybe you are just meant for me/ maybe we are just meant to be

Red skies

Lomo

Am I in love with the lomo effect or am I in love with the one who always uses the lomo effect?

Somedays (Original Composition, unfinished)

Somedays (Original Composition, unfinished)

The only thing I'm truly passionate about...

Inspired by the art of Honey and Clover, I came up with this as I recall a sweet memory (or should I say a 'super idealised' one.. haha!) of mine.

I love drawing!

Drifting through the seas of life

Have you ever felt like you just got tossed by a "strong wave". Feeling a little bit disoriented.