The Art Work of Ash Thorp

zbrush, progression, sleep, and no sleep.

2010-07-13T01:38:00.000-07:00

I have found yet another obsession!!! ZBRUSH!!! haha. I am really getting immersed in the word of 3d and I cant believe it has taken me this long to really get into it. I feel like my energy and over all conviction to learn these programs is going to really help motivate and push me into becoming an amazing artist on all levels.

I have been really dedicated to my family and working at prologue and haven't had the time to really put my new skills to the test. These process was a thing I learned from this amazing artist Neville Page from his awesome DVD.

Anyways life is great. I wish I had another 24 hours in the day to work but I need to sleep and lack the possession of a time machine.

Till next time

Ash-

MOTION AND 3D... ITS HERE AT LAST!!!

2010-06-20T02:38:00.000-07:00

It has always been a bit of a dream of mine do build my art and design and be able to animate it and create everything in different mediums and fuse them togehter with great attention to craft.

I have been really working hard and learning from my peers and tutorials when I find time to take my abilities to new heights. Big thanks to all the amazing people who have been helping and inspiring me.

These are results of my first C4D and after effects projects. I am learning how to animate in 3d and incorporate that into After effects.

SOOOOOO LOVING THIS STUFF!!!

Ash-

WOW...

2010-06-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

It has truley been way to long since my last post. Life is just so busy these days. With my 6 hour a day commute and my average of 11-12 hour shifts at prologue I rarley have time for my family let alone sleep :( on the bright side of things, I have been learning, growing, and discovering abilities that I never thought I possessed. This very hard task has really set the bar for my standard of work. I wish I had more time to work on my own personal projects but being at prologue is a true blessing and its great to know that I am learning and progressing so that when I come back to myself I will have work that has never before been seen.

Cheers! This was a quick 2 hour study from a silly sketch I made in a meeting the other day. I am learning C4D and after effets and I think I will try and produce some motion from this idea :)

GNIGHT!

Ash

ANATOMY...

2010-04-02T00:41:00.000-07:00

I have been drawing alot at work and that is one of my weaknesses so to better myself I have turned to the masters of the craft and have been doing my best to make what little time I have left in the day to study and recreate anatomy.

I hope to find a little more time for my own thoughts and ideas later in the future but at this moment and time I am completely happy with the constant over flow of work that consumes me at prologue. I could spend 24 hours a day here and still feel like there is lots of work to do.

Ash-

BEEN A WHILE!!!

2010-04-02T00:29:00.000-07:00

Sheeesh! Been a bit since my last post. Life is just absolutely packed to the brim. With my 12-18 hour shifts at prologe with a 6 hour a day commute on top I dont have much time for really anything these days even my family and sleep but damn... I am living to my full potential. Pushing myself in amazing ways and learning many new things each day about myself and how I create. Prologue has been amazing... everyone here is so capable of there abilities and lack egos which makes the task at hand easy to manage. I cant really say much other then I am enjoying myself and am happy to be apart of the prologue family. I wash I could post the projects I have been working on but that will have to wait after the project is released into the public. By then I am sure I will be disgusted by my work as with each week I look back at my shadows and laugh.

Here is a quick piece I put together in a quick break while messing around to take my mind off other projects at hand and excersize some new ideas.

Until next time...

Ash-

CSUSM-D small-art of books class.

2010-02-19T09:08:00.000-08:00

I wanted to say thanks to my grad college for letting me come back and speak with the students. It was truly an amazing experience for me personally explaining my journey and attempting to spark hope and dreams in others. I hope you guys enjoyed my work and me talking to you for a few hours.

Big thanks to Deborah Small for letting me come in and speak with her students.

Ash-

DRAW DRAW F*CKING DRAW!!!

2010-02-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

I am still trying to find time to sit and connect my hand and eye these days. I sat and looked at photos, paintings, my surroundings and did these quick thumbnail environment studies within 20 or so min. I really enjoy drawing fast and getting that raw looseness from my art when I rush myself. I find myself almost over thinking things when it comes to my work and these thumbnails always remind me that good design comes quick and can be reveled at a very small scale.

Anyways... wanted to show ya. I am going to be taking the train m-f and will have about 4 hours to draw things around me and create so I am aiming to have this blog rocking with new stuff when I have time off from prologue.

Ash-

MT. DEW

2010-02-19T09:01:00.000-08:00

I have the great privilege to work on a pitch with Panda Panther a few weeks back for Mt. Dew. These pitch was that Mt. Dew was trying to be more creative, artistic, youthful and fun. They came up with these sayings and wanted to get a few boards in action to pitch to the agency running the job.

I learned so much and cant wait for the next set of frames to come along.

Big thanks to Lindsay and the PP staff for letting me help and be apart of all this.

Ash-

My next phase.

2010-02-12T11:57:00.000-08:00

AMAZING NEWS!!! I just signed my contract with Prologue studios to be there in house full time designer and I honestly couldnt be happier. This has been a dream of mine to work with such an amazing team and create concepts and dreams.

It will be a test on my behalf and whether I will be able to handle the new work load and commuting up to Venice every week but I am confident in my abilities to grow and push though any of my challenges and adversities in life. These times are a test in ways to see what I am made of and to test my true intent and abilities in life.

I had to share this amazing dream and leap of success with everyone!

MUCH LOVE!

Ash-

Here is there site if anyone is interested:

http://www.prologue.com

BOARD...

2010-02-08T03:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a concept board for a company that is establishing themselves in the world of science and the future.

With color play, strong design and layout, with text design and well thought out execution this project is only going to lend its self to success.

lots and lots of stuff has been going on! I will see about posting some new thoughts, ideas, process, and concepts as soon as I can get them out of my mind.

till next time,

Ash-

LOGO builder 1.2....3

2010-01-30T16:51:00.000-08:00

I love progression... some times I work super hard just to see how much I can progress in a certain time frame. I remember last year attempting the caliber of work I am preforming at this current rate and would have been so frustrated and lost. To me it is all about the journey... how fast and well I learn things and enjoying the process of learning.

I offered my help to a buddy of mine to mock up some logo comps for him for a potential client.

I spent an hour brainstorming while watching tv, then I let my mind rest for the night and then power housed them all out with in an hour.

I am excited to see my work in a few years.

On a side note... my blogging has been slow because although I have been working a grip a lot of my work is for clients who I cant release info on until there product shows or the commercial air's. I will do my best to keep up on my blog as I love seeing my progression and keeping in touch with you all.

Ash-

THE SITE!

2010-01-26T15:31:00.000-08:00

Finally finished! I will be updating it with new work and projects as they come along. I am super happy with its layout, usability and design.

I am teaming up with a buddy of mind to produce an official grand royale site with both our work which will appeal to more of the motion world.

until then...

ashthorp.com

TED...

2010-01-26T15:22:00.000-08:00

Amazing watch... If you have 15 or so minutes in your busy day I recomend watching this,

http://motionographer.com/2009/12/24/the-power-of-time-off/

DEWAGE...

2010-01-24T16:18:00.000-08:00

working on a possible pitch for mountain dew right now :) PUMPED! I am overthinking and overworking myself as usual but that is just me learning and growing. I hope to build things with ease as I progress in age.

I also attached the image that is my current screen saver haha I found something similar to it on the web months back and couldn't find the original so I make my own in a few minutes. It is just reminding me not to skimp and ot do my best everything I sit down to create.

THE PRESSURE IS ON!

Ash-

ros...

2010-01-19T01:02:00.000-08:00

here are some shots of a Snowboard I worked on last season :)

I have been busy making my wedding invites and working on various other projects. I should have some solid time in the next week or so to produce some new pieces to keep this blog alive.

Ash-

NEW SITE!

2010-01-14T00:20:00.001-08:00

Almost done with my new site! Going to put the final touches and get all the addresses forwarded and moved to its new destination. I cant wait to create more work to fill it up. SO EXCITED!!!

Ash-

layout...

2010-01-13T01:28:00.000-08:00

Just finished my 2010 folio!!!! 3 months in the making. I should have my new site up in the next week or so along with a downloadable pdf with all my current work and some past projects. This has been an enormous undertaking for me and I have learned a great deal about me and my art from my peers and the whole process. Many Many Many big thanks to all my loving friends and family for all the great love and support these past few months.

I should have a clear few weeks to build on some other ideas, projects, pieces, illustrations and what not.

DAMN IM LIVING A DREAM!!! PINCH ME!

http://hypem.com/#/track/966424/Royksopp+-+Tricky+Tricky+Beyond+Deep+Remix+

THE PAST THE NEW...

2010-01-09T04:11:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick few shots of some of my past work that I have been collecting :) The snowboard was great fun! Big thanks to Rossignol for letting me work with them on this project.

The movie is one of my starting spots in the professional art world... 2800 hand drawn frames!!!

Ash-

F2!!!

2010-01-06T02:36:00.000-08:00

getting closer and closer to finishing this beast! Few last pieces... so hard to find time for anything these days. Guess that comes with being a family man :)

Ash-

BUSY BUSY BUSY...

2010-01-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

2010 is starting off with work, work, and more work!

Here are a few quick looks at some of the things I am getting into...

trying to see how many logos I can build in a few hours from scratch. Its a solid excersize!

My GR card layout and a few other things...

Stay tuned! more to come!

Ash-

alterations...

2010-01-03T04:40:00.001-08:00

after talking over my board with a few peers I decided to make adjustments to my board to better set the mood and visual sense of space.

Big thanks to everyone that helped me on this one :) you know who you are!

2010 has just began and I have HUGE HUGE HUGE plans for me as a person and as an artist. This is going to be one of the best years of my life and I cant help but sit back and smile :)

Ash-

MORE FEDEX...

2009-12-28T03:35:00.000-08:00

As known... I am never really happy with my work and always strive for better work in the next piece. After some thoughts and ideas from my peers I have changed this motion board a little to create a better flow and cohersion. Since these are MOTION boards that is a key element and my job as a visionary is to pull all the elements together and build things properly...

I am pretty happy with the quickly rendered ribbon on the box. I love how I am able to produce faster better work!

Ash-

SIMON SAYS???

2009-12-28T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ok... so I took on a huge huge huge task of creating my own plot, story and theme to a show pitch to establish a sense of feeling and being to my art with this motion board.

The show would be called Simon Says, its about a man who lives two lives through two different people and is search of finding one another to end his demise.

Anyways... I wanted to do something out of my element, something that would take me time, hard work, planning, shooting, and lots and lots of effort. This thing took me about 8 total hours but it honestly went by pretty fast. I think a solid point in my success was fallowing what I had in my mind. I quickly jotted down my ideas and sketches, attempting at catching that honest vision and energy in my thoughts. The next day I set up time to shoot all the shots with my buddy Matt and James. Big thanks to you guys for all the help and support on this one!

All in all I am pretty happy with it. I am never really easy on myself and always push for better things in life. I am excited to learn more 3d and creating new worlds and manifestaions.

Thanks again to my friends and family!!!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Ash-

THIRD :)

2009-12-18T23:45:00.000-08:00

more messing around and exploring... I am really going to just let my mind create pieces of work with the speed and volition in which it occurs with this project. I will try my best to not force things to be what my mind expects rather surprise my expectations with honest intent.

till next time!

Ash-

photos are brought to you by James Tull of course :)

FEDEX?

2009-12-16T03:29:00.000-08:00

This is a concept for another motion board. This time I wanted to attack a major player with major identity and purpose. Since its the holiday season why not explore the festive spirit and connect that with my motion board.

I built a pattern out of a few objects I thought would be solid icons to establish a solid pattern from to build my wrapping paper. As the commercial starts the box pattern begins to move as the planes take off and the trucks move allowing the pattern to unfold on its own creation.

The next shot is of a FedEx box floating in mid air which opens up and in the next frame random shipped items will start pouring into the box in what seams to be bottomless.

The last shot is of a slogan and some solid branding.

These motion boards are really fun! Its a great way to establish a world through design while telling a story.

My next target is going to be a motion package for the BC One battles. If you don't know... now you know

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sluovcuqi4E

PEACE-

Ash-

THIRD:

2009-12-10T00:31:00.000-08:00

James and I finally found time in our busy schedules to meet tonight and concept out our ideas for our colaborative book called Third.

Stay tuned :) This is gonna be great!

Ash-

BEEN AWHILE! PAIN FULL FEW WEEKS!!!

2009-12-02T05:48:00.000-08:00

I have been MIA from my work and blog for a bit now :( last week was probably one of the most painful weeks I can remember... I got my wisdom teeth pulled and while they heeled they created dry sockets which are a friggin bitch!!!! so much pain... all I did was sleep and take drugs. Those of you who know me... know that isn't my thing ahahaha. On top of the mouth pain I got bit by some nasty ass spider on my back... the bite got infected and became this huge!!! mound of nasty on my back :( sooooo gross, and soooo painful. I had to go to the hospital to get meds and checked out. I am still taking meds and almost 80% back to being me again!!! Anyways enough of my soup opera of a life. On to some art.

Tonight is the first night I have been able to sit down and get some work done. I have been learning and teaching myself lots of new interesting tricks and things with all my programs and love the speed I am able to produce things from my mind.

First off are a few quick warm up layout designs I did as if I where pitching something to Discovery channel... some type work, layout, photoshop madness... bla bla bla. Thanks to James Tull for letting me use his surf photos! (we are gonna be making a book together about his trip to Nicaragua a few weeks back... gonna be nuts!)

The next thing is another motion board I made as if I where pitching the idea to speed vision for a formula 1 intro of some sort. To me cars are art, I love cars (most of them) and f1 cars are just pure butter, anyways I wanted to run with that theme. The scene starts off in a museum with people walking around and the camera pans into the painting... closer and closer the painting starts to move, the paint builds up and becomes sections of a race car in full speed racing around corners, paint is flying and art is being made just like the design of a car and the art of driving it. This is a success to me :) I am happy... I know I have lots to learn but damn, I made this in a few hours! from scratch. I cant wait to do more.

Till next time!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Ash-

MOTION BOARD-MANIFESTATION

2009-11-20T05:50:00.000-08:00

I have been fascinated with the world of motion graphics since I first got introduced to it and I have been doing some reading and research as to how there projects are manifested...sooooooo here is my first motion board. This is basically a comp as if I where pitching my design style and idea to an agency or client. From here there would be changes and adjustments to the over all look then a motionographer would add motion and life to the art syncing it with 3d elements and sound. This is basically one of the first stage's... its similar to thumbnail sketch but takes WAY LONGER!. I love it! It took me about 4 hours start to finish because I back tracked a bit due to lack of an initial idea but once I had my momentum and knew what I was going to do I ran with it and it came along very fast. I have come a long way as an artist this past year and I really love to site back and witness my progression. This motion board is about how amazing our mind is and how we can pretty much manifest anything we want... Its an amazingly powerful thought and I wanted to express this in a motion board.

I am really proud of this and know that there are many things I can do to better it, but for now I am happy to see my progression as a designer. Things come into play in life when you are feeling positive and confident...

Big thanks to Lindsay, Matt, and my Boo for all the help and support!!!

Good morning and good night hahaha

Ash-

story boards?

2009-11-17T02:02:00.001-08:00

I am practicing painting scenes in sequence to movies to further understand my ability to develop a story and tell it in motion....

Till next time!

Ash-

more practice...

2009-11-16T00:13:00.000-08:00

Having a blast doing this 30 min exercises... They start as blobs or lines in my mind then I fill in the light and composition. As always I am never content with my work so prepare to see some solid strides in this category in the next few months

messing around....

2009-11-14T12:15:00.000-08:00

I am spending more time working out my weaknesses and establishing solid foundations for me to build from. I feel like I am making great strides and know what I need to do to better myself :) I am excited to see what the future has in store!

I also attached some random logo, style treatments I made in 10 min while exploring new things I have learned in illustrator.

Ash-

A FEW MORE IDEAS...

2009-11-10T04:25:00.000-08:00

Some really quick speed concept paintings... I am trying a few new things out and attempting at expanding my ideas and vision :)

Gnight.

Ash-

anime batman battle droid nerd fest?

2009-11-10T03:09:00.000-08:00

HAHAHA I have no shame for my child hood fandom of Batman... Here are a few quick comps (1hr) with random ideas and putting motion my creation... Looks pretty crappy but I am thankful I only put an hour of my time into them...

Ash-

more city...!

2009-11-09T23:43:00.000-08:00

I think I will be putting about another few hours max in to this one until I am happy with its completion... I added a few things to compliment the composition and accent certain details I thought where needed... I also added a few lights with an insperation from Akira :)

I am pretty happy with it seeing as though I have never really painted something this complex in photoshop and have been able to come back to it with fresh eyes after three days of messing around with it.

I am excited to move on to the next thing... I feel like I have never been stronger at manifesting my ideas in my entire life.

On a side note... I am watching Transformers for the first time... I held off because the acting and script was pure trash and I cant stand movies that only hold there weight on FX but the 3d work on this movie is friggin amazing!!! I would just fast foward through the annoyingly terrible acting and watch the amazing animation work... my hat is off to all the talented people who did such a fantastic job... so amazing!! I cant wait to someday join a crew and create some equally amazing work...

Till next time

Ash-

more work?

2009-11-08T03:38:00.000-08:00

I usually findmyself getting tiered of pieces when I lose track of detail and over all composition. I decided to test myself and my level of patience as I am attempting at building a city from my mind staged at night. I am really enjoying this one and will do my best to stick out another 5-6 hours adding detail and effects.

I put another 5 hours in to this city piece... really likeing it. I rebuilt the entire thing with sorted layers so I could readjust parts one at a time... It was a bit of a bitch building it up so clean and sorted but I think using these steps I am able to take it to the next level and really hone in on details and making things work and pop properly. I feel like I can always better myself as an artist so I will spend another 3-4 hours on this one to put it all together and ad the proper ending elements to make it really work for me.

Till next time.

Ash-

ROBOTS!

2009-11-04T05:03:00.000-08:00

These one are for sure my fav so far. I love exploring new shapes, ideas on function and different ways of creating the same thing. I think when I break the shapes down to half's and simplify them I am able to really make it work in my mind as a graphic piece rather then a 3d item in space.

I need to go to sleep! Until next time.

Ash-

Some music to check out:

Friendly fires, XX, fischerspooner, grizzly bear, and these amazing links. (warning...if you dont like electro or dnb dubstep kinda stuff dont check out these links they might blow you away ahahaha)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF1ExGv1VGM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUGzY-ihqWc

Robot in its enviornment?

2009-11-04T03:10:00.000-08:00

I am not sure how I feel about this one... I think I lost the connection between my original thought and the final outcome. I am happy with the fact I spent about 3 hours on it and tried a few ideas and theory's out but I feel as though it is lacking. I think that is due to me not building on the proper aspects like perspective and proper geometric staging. Its a fine balance to get these things right but I think with proper constructive criticism I am able to grow and work on the next piece with a new enlightened view point and perspective.

till the next piece.

Ash-

comp...

2009-11-03T02:44:00.001-08:00

another comp I wanted to share... 20 min speed painting for color, composition, spacial relationships and concept.

Ash

putting it to work...

2009-11-03T02:13:00.000-08:00

Here are a few comps on my begining stages of setting up an enviornment for some of the robots I have built. I like this stage as it allows me to work freely with my composition and ideas. I love being able to establish characters, enviornments, and spacial relationships with one another. It can be super harmonious at times and takes a keen eye to establish a solid breaking shot or composition but that is what I am always after.

I will do my best to post some more shots of this further rendered stage... I really love the energy these sketches emit though.

Ash-

DIGITALISM

2009-11-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

Here are a few practice runs with some new techniques I am learning and working with. I have been stuck in bed all weekend with the cold :( I was meaning to put some solid time into creating some new work and some impressive new strides in my progression but I guess that time will have to wait.

Anyways... I am super pumped on these comps and wanted to share.

Ash-

some concept ish...

2009-10-28T03:02:00.000-07:00

Messing around with learning new things, trying to learn more and grow. I love painting and illustrating large vast worlds with interesting architecture and inhabitants.

Heading to bed now wanted to share.

Gnight

Ash-

HE VS. SHE?

2009-10-22T04:10:00.000-07:00

The epic battle?!?!?! WHO will win?!?!?

Read this and find out!

Aftermath

Compelled by calamity's magnet
They loiter and stare as if the house
Burnt-out were theirs, or as if they thought
Some scandal might any minute ooze
From a smoke-choked closet into light;
No deaths, no prodigious injuries
Glut these hunters after an old meat,
Blood-spoor of the austere tragedies.

Mother Medea in a green smock
Moves humbly as any housewife through
Her ruined apartments, taking stock
Of charred shoes, the sodden upholstery:
Cheated of the pyre and the rack,
The crowd sucks her last tear and turns away.

Silvia Plath

Thanks to Nate for showing me her words

Ash-

DUBSTEP ANYONE?

2009-10-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have fallen in love with DUBSTEP!!! I dont drink coffe or alter my body when I am tiered, rather I blast music in my headphones that gets me pumped and hyped about creating. This is a piece in honor of some of the Dj's I have been turned on to and others I have found. Check them out: Skream, chase and status, nero, deadmau5, ginz...

Viva la Dubstep!

Ash-

Layout comps, ideas, thoughts, letters, fonts, blurs, photos.

2009-10-21T20:07:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to James Tull for shooting these amazing photos!

www.jamestull.com

I will have to make it down there with you some time soon!

I love messing with layout these days and trying different ideas, words, thoughts, visions and compositions.

Enjoy!

Ash

some new work :)

2009-10-21T20:01:00.000-07:00

I have been putting in some overtime and getting a chance to work on personal stuff when I find time. These are a few exaples of some of my current work and thoughts. I am loving my art and the art of creation more and more each and everyday...ENJOY!

quick ad comp.

2009-10-14T01:17:00.000-07:00

a fast ad comp for CZAR :) wanted to share.

Ash-

F2 lookbook...

2009-10-11T23:59:00.000-07:00

Preston came down from LA today to meet up with me and work on the function form look book. Had a great visit! Great to chill and see ya son! Also big props to homie Chris for coming out and flexing his design skills and colaborating ideas and thoughts on design and pieces. This is gonna be a solid piece to add to my folio. I will be sure to post a link once it is done.

WERD!

Ash-

TRANSWORLD TRUE STORIES...

2009-10-11T23:49:00.000-07:00

I have been doing the illustrations for transworlds mag for a year plus now and always struggled with my abilities as an artist to portray the scenes in which they ask me to create. I would struggle and procrastinate on these projects until last minute and work like a mad man the last night before the dead line until the piece didn't come out properly and I was the only one left to blaim. There have been a few really good illustrations and a few really horrible ones... I have decided to put an end to the era of producing half assist art and doing my best no matter which job no matter how big or small. I think this all starts with a deep understanding of my abilities and understanding my work flow and not flooding myself with to many jobs and responsibilities.

Anyways... I am trying to better myself yet again and produce quality work that I am honored and proud to be apart of.

This current running illustration conveys a young surfer who gets bit by a shark while out surfing and almost bleeds to death on shore. Marc (creative director at transworld surf) and I discussed not being so literal with the illustrations and using word play and suggestive imagery to really tell a deeper story and help sell the whole project as one. We ran the idea of possibly running out of blood and how that would look, I wanted to show a level of the body emerced in blood and the top half empty of red pigment leading to death. I like the accent in the final illustration of the main guys hands and how they are black, symbolizing death and despair, another interesting hint at this is the shark pattern on his shorts and a few others that will let you find and read into on your own.

I got very scientific on this illustrion which helped me control my creative image and help me control the quality of work I was trying to produce. There is my process from start to finish, thumbnail comps, early comps, correctional sketch, final line art, and final image.

I really love this illustration and feel I nailed it perfectly for the first time ever.

Ash-

sketch away...

2009-10-09T02:43:00.000-07:00

More quick 30-45 sketches of my fiance while we work out the details of our wedding, and some quick life drawing of a camera I use to shoot products at work. I love taking 10-20 min out of my busy day to enjoy a chance to focus and find lines and composition in the things around me. Its really amazing.

I learned a valuable new line I am using as my benchmark from here on out...

"Be honest with your art, it will benefit you"

Just like any relationship with your self or others it pays to be honest and upfront and my ability to be honest with my art and critique myself constructively allows me to grow faster then I have ever imagined in a short time span. I cant wait to see my work in 10 year!

Ash-

SKETCHBOOK, BUILDING TANKS, SHAPES...STUFF

2009-10-03T02:14:00.000-07:00

I have had a pretty busy week with family but try to spend as much time as possible doing art or practicing all the new things I am learning and putting them to use so that they become beneficial later down the road. Right now I am focusing on the design of things with silhouettes and thinking about function and what makes something work... its a bit of a chore until you are faced with that blank screen or piece of paper. I have a long journey ahead of myself but I love every minute!

Ash-

3D!!!

2009-10-03T01:58:00.000-07:00

My buddy RJ will be showing me how to render things in 3d studio max in the next week or so. THANKS RJ!!! I discussed a child hood fantasy of mine to rebuild Kanata's bike from the classic anime AKIRA. I am a huge fan of the akira series and the idea of building his bike in a 3d program would be epic. I will keep you all posted on the progress of this as usual. The sad thing is that I had to install window's on my mac. I sometimes forget how amazing mac's osx is until I have to use a PC... those things are terrible!!! hahaha

future color...

2009-09-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

some quick 20-30 min landscape color and shape studies built from some photos I took of an epic sunset a few weeks back...

Ash-

concepts:life drawing... ideas...

2009-09-23T03:10:00.000-07:00

Here are a few studies from my sketchbook from some anatomy text books. I am really trying to access all my weakness's and attack them as much as possible. I never really learned proper anatomy so this is on my list of understanding how things work and flow.

I also have a few life drawing sessions of my sleeping fiance, some office randomness. I feel like my hand and eye are becoming more and more honest and my abilities to match shapes and angles are really advancing...

The other stuff is just some random ish for the ONE project I am starting up.

AMPED!!!

Ash-

ONE:

2009-09-22T11:16:00.002-07:00

This is a sneak peak on a new project I am building on... this is going to be RAD... expect a book or lots of art nerd stuff in the near future...

time to work!

Ash

GNIGHT...

2009-09-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

This is such an epic photo taken by James I had to mess with it before I crashed...

Awesomeness!!!

Ash-

James Tull...

2009-09-18T02:51:00.000-07:00

I had a really productive night like usual :) Had a chance to catch up with an old college buddy who does great photography, James Tull:

http://www.jamestull.com/

He shoots awesome work and came to me looking for some creative biz card identity and style. I have done a few business cards and really loved working with James on his as it was very free flowing and he was open to my ideas and suggestions. I really love working with people who trust my instincts and collaborate with me rather then battle my choices. This keeps the creative flow solid which leaves for unique and solid design and product.

We played around with many initial ideas but the final ones are the two black and white ones above... they are obviously the strongest.

We wanted something strong, Iconic yet unique and timeless... something built from shapes as common as circles and triangles yet spun in a way that is unseen. The back of the card was a bit of a space challenge but I feel like we did a great job on these. Where the "grey" triangle's are will be a gel spot uv coat that is invincible clear yet you can feel it and see it in the light. It gives an amazing aesthetic to any piece and with a business card you want your future clients to hold on and be mesmerized as long as possible.

Enjoy James :) Glad I could help!!!

Ash-

PROGRESS... powerful words.

2009-09-18T02:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick 20 min blind contor line drawing I did on break at work to rest my eyes from the computer screen.

On a side note...I love reading interviews on artists and there outlook on there career and those around them... Here is a great example of some marvelous words of wisdom. Ryans words hit me hard as I am at the early stages of learning and growing and smashing bad habits off the bat might be hard at first but much harder later down the road. I find this to be true with really anything in life... If you dont know who Ryan is and his abilities check him out...simply amazing draftsman/designer/artist

http://www.ryanchurch.com/

Church is passionate about the industry he is a part of: "This is a great industry to be in. It continues to grow and reward those with talent and good ideas. One of the great things about it is that it's so competitive, with many great ways to do things and create images. The advice I always give is to practice all the time, learn the fundamentals, and recognize your bad habits or weaknesses and try and address them as soon as possible. There's so much great artwork out there it's easy to judge your skill level."

Church also emphasizes the importance of artists doing what they love and presenting only their best work: "The quality of work an artist presents is extremely important. I can scan a 20-page portfolio in about 15 seconds and I can tell everything I need to know about the skill level, creativity and professionalism of the designer. The work either grabs me or it doesn't; it's either fresh or it isn't. There's no amount of hand waving or excuses that can help or hinder the artwork once it's presented. The lesson is to present your best work, be professional but persistent, and always draw or paint what you love because it shows."

so well put!!! I will be doing studies of his work to better understand his technique and to learn a thing or two from a modern-day master.

Ash-

BIG FISH OPENING...

2009-09-18T02:38:00.001-07:00

A quick flyer I built for Dave and his shop opening Oct.3rd. Come out and have a great time and meet some great people, eat solid food and dance party it up!!!

Ash-

Listen to this track...friggin epic!!!

http://hypem.com/#/track/899909/La+Roux-Bulletproof+%28Foamo%27s+Dubstep+Remix%29

ARTNESS...

2009-09-13T04:13:00.000-07:00

I have been really sick the past few days :( totally sucks! Its the worst thing when I cant even get out of bed to create but I had a little energy in me and was able to get frustrated learning new things and trying out new techniques. These are some random accidents while attempting to build ideas and project thoughts. I have been playing with building custom art brushes in photoshop and using the lasso tool to isolate shapes and develop there own value and positioning. These are the begining stages of what is to come in the future.

I have also been doing as much quick semi blind life drawing to keep my hand and eye fresh and as connected as possible. I feel with each exercise my relationship with my hand and eye have grown stronger and stronger.

Anyways my drawing hand literally hurts so I must crash out now.

GNIGHT!

Ash-

CZAR BABY :)

2009-09-09T01:35:00.001-07:00

some possible new CZAR tee layout ideas coming to a snow board season near you :)

Ash-

LIFE DRAWING:AKIRA MOVIE STUDY THUMBNAILS

2009-09-09T01:03:00.000-07:00

I was a bit restless before crashing out yesterday as I usually am and started to draw my fiance sleeping which was a great exercise as I see her everyday :) but never really look at her like I would if I would draw her. You really notice a lot of detail in a persons face if you have to draw them. Its kind of similar to the analogy of how you never know how much stuff you have until you have to move. Anyways this was a great worm up exercise that shows a little bit of my life drawing line and skill getting better. I am really focusing on being honest with my lines, with my art and scale and I think that is what it takes to be real about what you do as an artist... especially if you are attempting at capturing reality.

After my 30min life drawing I headed down stairs to watch one of my all time fav movies AKIRA. This has to be hands down one of the most influential movies on my art background other then batman comics. It has been at least 3-4 years since I last watched it and I must say I was totally floored again at the amount of story telling skill and detail they put into the movie. Each scene in that movie could potentially be a poster of art. It really made me think and realize that there are millions of amazing artist out there all creating amazing work and will be and it was in a sense very calming as I felt that someday I will attain and acquire those same skill sets with diligent passion and dedication.

Anyways... I decided to draw every 5-15 seconds of the first 3 min of the film and really enjoyed this exercise I have been spending lots of time on the computer and to draw from my TV was great as it was different and I was really able to understand the staging, lighting, movement, and camera play as I was forcing myself to look for it in each shot. I totally plan on doing this weekly. This is an epic practice tool.

Ash-

color story telling?

2009-09-07T01:54:00.000-07:00

One thing I found remarkable through my many readings I have done lately is that many of the production art departments build color time lines to tell a story. this is really profound to me as it has probably been around for many years but it is so simple and fundamental to telling a story that it can be easy to over look when working on a project as big as a movie.

Anyways... here are a few quick random color combo's from my memory about a few movies I recently saw...They are all over the board I know haha.

Ash-

ROBOTS?

2009-09-07T01:48:00.001-07:00

I am learning new techniques as to how I am able to really pull out images from shapes and to use my imagination to build images and collage them together with simple values and dimensions. These are great fun and I could honestly spend all day messing around with these and creating page after page of figures or creatures. My next step is to design some human figures with minimal yet interesting aspects to there silhouette that will sell the viewer as to what that person is capable and possibly leading into what that creature is capable of.

It is all about visual story telling and when I think about what I am doing as simply as that I do my best to keep my mind fundamental and my ideas simple and pure and not to get lost in the detail as it is very easy to want to add elements that really dont matter. Which is why these exercise are great.

They take 1min-5min to render each half then I duplicate them and flip them to build up the full figure.

Till next post-

Ash-

1 hour study...

2009-09-06T01:47:00.000-07:00

Here is another study... I am working with different art brushes that allow me to create unique different textures and dynamics to my comps. It is always a gamble trying new things but I feel that they will only benefit my final goal which is presenting something that is believable and unique.

Color is king!

Ash-

CLOUDS...

2009-09-06T00:02:00.000-07:00

I spent a few hours in the studio tonight working on a different aspect of my art and building up forms from colors in the sky (clouds) haha. Anyways these are always great to practice and work on as they are simple shapes that are really fundamental and simple to create yet they take a special eye and attention to abstract detail to really captivate them and give them the breath of reality.

I am pretty satisfied with these comps as I have been speed painting for the past week and a change of pace only seems to keep me on my toes more and more.

Ash-

LIFE DRAWING: 30sec/1min environment value studies...

2009-09-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

Got a chance to get some more solid practice in today... Went and visited Dave at Big fish and caught up on family and all the great new things happening in both our lives which is always epic. I got a chance to sit for a little bit and just draw what I was seeing. Its a tough challenge to look at what I create with blind contour line drawings... I look like I am still in art 1 class back at my first semester in college hahaha but that is the beauty of a sketchbook and this blog. It allows me to document my growth as I feel my growth speeds up fast and I some times blink and lose track of how my progress goes.

I have clipped out a few of the small thumbnails I am thinking about doing quick value studies to further my understanding of value and contrasting shapes and elements. One thing I love about these is that they are very rewarding. They fill up a page and they are very fast to do... kind of like little donuts they arent filling one at a time but a full box will make you more then satisfied hahaha. Anyways like I mentioned in previous blogs... These are my exercises to get better at my practice and to further build my never ending curiosity of becoming a great artist some day.

Ash

10 min color studies...

2009-09-04T02:27:00.000-07:00

Working hard on understanding photoshop better with painting and using my Wacom tablet... also trying to learn color better and how it creates tone, depth and emotion. These are super quick but can be a pain in the butt to someone like me who never really messed with these kinds of colors or compositions but my frustration only means I am growing :) I plan on doing these exercises a lot and will post my progress as I learn. I am super excited to keep spinning these out and working on getting better and further understanding how to really paint life and the world around me.

Gnight

Ash-

1 hour park drawing...

2009-09-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

I live a few minutes walk away from a nice park that I never seam to allow myself the time to enjoy. Today after work the weather was great as it usually always is here but the lighting from the sun and the over all feel of this summer evening was captivating so I grabed my new sketch book and walked down to draw some trees and just let my mind focus on one particular thing and let the busy world around me settle down. I need to make more time for these kind of things as it is important to understand the world I am always emulating.

I am hoping to get more of these sessions in on a daily bases even if its just for 30min... exercise like this will only benefit my abilities

Ash-

New book?

2009-09-02T04:04:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about making another quick 40-50 page book to demonstrate my new design and art skills... here are a few quick layout samples and ideas. I built some fast icons to assist the reader along with the book. big thanks to my buddy Matt for helping me work out a solid layout and for being a second eye when I get lost in detail and to attached because it is my own work. I am really looking forward to this as I feel my design skills and art skills are almost ready to produce something solid again.

Gonna be sweet!

Ash

More practice...

2009-09-02T03:06:00.000-07:00

Alright this one took me much longer then I originally wanted but I think I am understanding my faults more and more as I progress. I think with this I left it up to my second stage of illustration to pin point perspective, design and function of the ship and that is all wrong. What I should have done is redrawn this piece larger and more detail then cut in with value and establish a light source and continue from there...

I had a bit of a struggle with this one as I got the tones and values down ok but the function of the ship didnt make sense and looked silly in its early stage (like a shark or something :(.). Lucky I use a digital medium that allows me to make changes and work really fast. As you can see I gave it a few quick changes and finally finished with a quick addition I like most. I am excited for the next piece as with each one I seam to learn invaluable lessons about art, rhythm, composition, color...

Ash-

quick race car color studies...

2009-09-01T23:37:00.000-07:00

Another quick study from a 1"x.5" thumbnail...this one was a bit of a pain in the ass.... I think what I did wrong was attack it with out values and went for colors which seam to be a weakness of mine. I think I will rework this so it doesnt defeat me but this time just use grey scale reference and render the over all shape and not get lost in the details rather the shapes and conveying to the viewer what is exactly going on.

Art can be a total bitch sometimes but I love it... when I feel frustrated or upset by my outcomes it just shows me that I am learning and growing and that is a good sign :)

On another note... I just got a new MAC PRO!!! :) its intel based which will allow me to run CS4 with out any issues and soon enough I will be running a windows based parallel program to test out zbrush and a few other non mac 3d programs that I think would be great to learn or understand the back bone of...

Until the next time...

Ash-

one more...

2009-08-29T05:22:00.000-07:00

gnight. :)

random...

2009-08-29T04:59:00.001-07:00

This is mega random and probably a bi product of me staying up till 5 reading and drawing.

gnight.

Ash-

more study...

2009-08-29T03:35:00.000-07:00

I am enjoying the speed and confidence level I am getting to with my work. I feel that reading up on other masters and there understanding of the science of art and how things really work in your favor with the right knowledge. This is another quick color study from my 1"x.5" sketch.

Right now it is all about speed and getting down a solid shot and composition to really focus on proper light, balance and composition.

Ash-

20-30 min color study...

2009-08-29T01:08:00.000-07:00

quick color studies working with cools and warms and using them to my advantage with composition and helping tell a story with motion and rhythm :)

Damn I sound like an art nerd right now HAHAHA

Ash-

SKETCH//WORK//HSTUDY//SKETCH

2009-08-29T00:04:00.000-07:00

I have been learning, growing, learning, progressing and moving forward with my art in many frustrated strides these past few months. Here are a few examples of quick 2-3 min 1"x.5" thumbnails in my sketchbook to help me exercise the process of creating in small spaces to concentrate on shapes and the way they play off one another. This is a huge step I would over look early on with my art and I am glad I am learning the basics and sticking to them as it will build me up to be a much better artist in the long run. I hope to spend a good amount of time this weekend sharpening up one or two of these for presentation.

YEAH!!!

On a side note this beat absolutely fucking kills it and I cant get enough of it! Big thanks to my boy Josh for showing me this joyful melody!

http://www.lovethattune.com/love-that-tune/2009/3/1/la-roux-in-for-the-kill-skreamix.html

Ash-

big fish sign!!!`

2009-08-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

Big props to Dave from Big Fish Tattoo for doing things right and getting his sign made custom and legit! The sign looks awesome and its great coming down my favorite road (highway 101) and seeing my logo creation in full effect! Awesome! Sorry for the crappy iphone pic :( its actually really big and sexy.

hahahaha

Ash-

PENNYWISE THE CLOWN :)

2009-08-22T04:54:00.001-07:00

more practice :) figure I might as well make my subject matter interesting.... I am currently working with creating my own custom brushes in photoshop and learning how to establish realistic effects quickly. This piece took about an hour start to semi-finish... If I get the time and energy I will attempt at painting the fabric. Ash-

more practice...

2009-08-22T01:45:00.000-07:00

This was a bit of a challenge. I am learning to integrate perspective lines and fallow a formula to keep my structure strong... This was a bit of a success for me but I have so much more to learn. My goal is to develop an idea from scratch and pull it off with photo elements and textures to give it a solid fast concept piece. Till next piece.

Concept art: Matte Painting...

2009-08-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

I have been dabbling with concept art and reworking my original art skill and technique these days. I have recently become an art book and DVD whore and have been really learning some amazing skills and reading up on how the masters do things in today's biz. I am far far far far away from where I want to be with my skill level but you have to start some where right? Here is a quick 15 min study for a possible color and light composition I will be working with. I am also starting to work with cinema 4d and learning how this program works and using it to my advantage to build things and put them back in my 2d world. I have lots to learn, lots to grow, lots of skills to acquire but that is what I really honestly love about art. If your not frustrated your not learning, if your not growing your dying.

BLAM!

This piece is due to the instartional art from the art center students that build the skillful huntsman. I am taking it apon myself to fallow there instrutor with this project and develop pieces for my own portfolio.

piece by piece

2009-08-21T14:57:00.000-07:00

a quick shot of a knife I built in illustrator for a personal piece I am attempting at working on in the next few days if time permits. I am going to try and push my digital painting, illustration techniques to the max and be frustrated to the point of no return then learn, grow, and hope to showcase all that with a final piece that works solid.

Wish me luck!

YEAH!!!

Here are a list of bands I am currently in love with if anyone is intersted: Data, pierce, the legends, solid gold, heads we dance, filthy dukes, the bloody beetroots, BOC, awesome new republic, van she and the van she ze remixes, yacht, yapph, red sparrows... list goes on and on and on :) music is a key element in my creation.

more mess

2009-08-19T03:09:00.000-07:00

this was just from a random thought and idea... I have been really working on attempting on capturing energy in my sketches and using line and line weight to really hold things together. The one thing I love and hate about art is it is never ending... the beautiful dance between student and teacher will never end.

Gnight.

Ash-

messing around...

2009-08-19T02:06:00.000-07:00

been super busy with family life and working on other projects and my car... Here is a quick 10 min study I thought was kinda cool. I will probably never tier of drawing skulls in my art career.

Ash-

DRAW...

2009-08-04T16:16:00.000-07:00

Spending as much allowed time on getting back to my roots and drawing these days. Trying to spend about 2-3 hours on my wacom or in my sketch book to gather back my old strengths and ideas as I am furthering my abilities to new heights. I have been addicted to buying at books and learning these past few months. It seams as though my brain has become a spung and never before, even in college was I this ignited to learn and progress. Its an amazing thing building worlds, characters, fonts, styles, colors, ideas. Here are a few quick random practices I have been putting myself through. I am aiming to learn a new thing each day and practice it until I master it. Here comes the long path.

Enjoy the ride.

Ash-

New project...

2009-07-02T01:53:00.001-07:00

This is a side project I am working on to better progress my photoshop/painter skills... My scanner totally sucks right now for some reason... not sure why but this is a sneak peak into the rough art work... I will post more on this as the time comes... Ash-

SKETCH BOOk...

2009-07-02T01:45:00.000-07:00

I always try to stay active in my sketch book as I think it is what connects me to the raw true unique artist inside... by observing and building the relationship with my hand and eye I feel I am able to really progress and develop any ideas from start to finish with easy due to my strengths. I have been swamped with side work and life and have lost track of this and spent some time today just messing around, trying new things and drawing what I see. Its been some time so I apologize for the noob like steeze...

Other then that I am working on new big projects that are frustrating the shit out of me at the moment which is always a good sign as it shows I am learning and growing.

On thing I have learned about myself and my tendencies throughout the years is that I never really give up... if something needs to take more time I will do my best to make things proper...

More to come from my frustrating project in the works hahaha.

Ash-

US VERSUS THEM...

2009-06-29T02:08:00.000-07:00

I am working up a new "Logo" design for my homie Graham from Versus. This is a big honor as I am a big fan of there line and am gonna do my best on this new venture they are giving me to work with.

I will keep you all up to date on its progress.

Best-

Ash

SPACE...

2009-06-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

I have been spending an insane amount of time learning more about how to manipulate light and building color to create space. This is an example of what I am working with and how I am continuing to push my abilities... Its amazing how beautiful the universe is and how it seams merely effortless to create some of the galaxies most amazing hidden beauties.... here is me paying homage.

Ash-

GR LOGO...

2009-06-20T23:28:00.001-07:00

Another concept for GrandRoyale branding... I really like the idea of using two letters to define this project visually... I think in many cases visual success comes in simplicity.

SQUARE...

2009-06-16T17:50:00.001-07:00

more ideas... the possibilities are so endless I love it!!! I need to sit down soon and build some solid stories and concepts to drive the art to another level.

Till next time.

ASh-

shapes in shapes in shapes...

2009-06-16T17:16:00.000-07:00

more exploration and creative fun. Ash-

SHAPES AND COLORS///

2009-06-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

I have been reading and researching new options and concepts with the programs I build in. This is an example of my resulted new knowledge that I have achieved due to sitting for hours learning other skills and ideas. I really love how my mind gets lost in the multitude of options and possibilities that can be created. On another note I spent some solid time with my buddy Garrett last night who kills it at post production animation and film : http://www.rootedpictures.com He schooled me on after effects and how he works with the files and produces his work. I cant wait to build a few projects... stay tuned that is the next big step! YEAH BABY! Ash-

POST #301!!!

2009-06-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

Dawn of change is around the corner... I have been putting some serious time and thought into my next big stage in my career MOTION. I have always been such a huge fan of motion graphics... I can remember the moment I first saw star wars and how epic and magical if felt to really see what was happening before me. I felt like my whole life was in a bubble until I was embraced by the magical world of effects. This love that has been seeded deep down inside of me as a creative person has always seemed to grow and with short steps of my career but I feel the time for new has come about as I am learning more and dedicating as much free time as I have to understanding After Effects and getting better at putting motion to my designs and abilities.

HERE I COME BABY!!!!

Ash-

PROJECTS PROJECTS PROJECTS...

2009-06-07T20:26:00.000-07:00

I have been working crazy hours trying to put this large presentation together for a project I am building. :) I couldn't help but give you all a quick sample of whats going on. 18 hour work days are the best! hahaha

Ash-

BOOM:BOOM:BOOM:

2009-06-05T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here is another concept that I am messing with. I love making object and fonts in illustrator then manipulating them in photoshop to give them a live... realistic tangible feel. This was a rad idea due to multi gradients with multiple colors with fat letters. I really love the word BOOM... it is fat, and each letter works so well with the next.

Ash

:THE:END:

2009-06-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

An exampled of random thinking from a quick 1 min sketch to the final idea with color and computer ish. I really love the middle part of my creations where I honestly don't know where they are going but I have a strong idea on how to make it look the way I want and it some how comes out ok. YES!

BIG FISH FINAL FILE :)

2009-06-05T12:42:00.000-07:00

Dave and I sat down and finalized the file last night and discussed all his options and how he would apply it to the side of his shot as a sign and for shirts and vynil window stickers...

This is one of my favorite logos to date. It is simple, clean, strong, and unique.

YES!

"F" all about it...

2009-06-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

working with Preston on some quick ideas for shirts, identity, look book material.

Always playing with concepts and colors :)

Ash-

BOOM!

2009-06-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

Just messing around with some quick font ideas :) I love spending short spurts of time working on ideas or concepts while doing other projects. Ash

FINAL CHOICE?!?!?!

2009-06-03T02:50:00.000-07:00

for some reason this project has been a pain in my creative side. I know how much my buddy Trevor really loves super man and I really want to blow his mind with this piece. I often times over think my projects and shoot myself in the foot but this one was worth it. My final cropping and clipping works well for me and looking back at my previous comps I know that my final choice will be perfect for his birthday. I will be printing this soon and will try to get a good image of the print to show you all. WERD! Ash-