It's official, DKS Art & Design has been registered as a business name. My new look business card is below. My new website will launch April/May ahead of Supanova Perth 2015.
Custom Backdrop Display Solutions
I have launched a Facebook page for Custom Backdrop Display Solutions. New designs are being added every week. Orders can be placed via the Facebook page. Check it out here
High quality colour print on 170gsm matt paper stock, mounted on 10mm Foam Core Board with a Matt laminated protective finish to reduce light glare and protect the printed surface. The display board sits perfectly inside (Ikea) DETOLF cabinets and are fixed in place via 2 magnets on the back. The display system is interchangeable as the installation process is non-permanent. Product sample photo below.
Custom Backdrop Physical Sample
Here's a couple of TRON Backdrop Design WIP screen shots for your viewing pleasure. I really enjoy working on the Grid. I think you can tell ;-)
RUST
Script, character development and world building is well under way for my creator owned project, RUST. It is a little early to share too much at this stage. I'll have some finished pages ready to show you next month. In the meantime here's some development in progress snippets.
The Silent Vox Haus
My fourth album is available to stream or download from my BandCamp page here. Enjoy.
I'll finish off with a photo from over a year ago - busking at Wanneroo Markets January 2014.
I've been lax in posting to my blog and even missed an entire month (no activity in November - shame on me). Life does get in the way, especially this time of year and adding my son's 18th birthday and the conclusion of my daughters first and most turbulent year of high school to the mix, makes for busy times indeed.
It has been one hell of a year.
2014 has been the most creative year for me in decades. It has been the most trying, the most difficult, the most eye-opening, the most uncertain AND the most rewarding year I've had in a long, long time. I am a creative person, whether it be illustration, painting, motion graphics, photography, music or tangible items that can be felt, seen and experienced - I like to create new things. Even if it's only new to me.
I have spent over a decade being creative for other people, by proxy as a graphic designer for agency's, printers and signage providers. Even though, I do take professional pride in the work and find a sense of fulfillment in the doing design work, it doesn't ignite my creative muse as much as art and music. It always comes down to those two for me.
Music is always the answer.
What is the question I hear you ask?
The question is life?
Music is always the answer to life.
And art? Art explains to us what life is.
...
2014 in retrospect, if measured in terms of creative output, it looks a little like this;
I have created more artwork this last year, than I have in the combined 12 years prior.
I presented a portfolio of my work to US publisher, IDW and received positive feedback (I'm still working on getting my work published through IDW - just looking for the right fit for both of us).
A fan of my work requested a private commission. This is the first time I have ever been commissioned to produce artwork. This came at a very crucial time, as I was starting to doubt my skills and this request validated my work as an artist for which I am humble and appreciative.
Sales of my art prints increase at every show I attend.
I have generated leads in producing custom displays backgrounds for action figures and statues (more on this in the new year).
I have had more music jams with bands and other musicians these last 2 years than I have in my entire life.
It's been a busy year. Lots of late nights, lots of rewarding work, lots of experimenting and being surprised at how the final art turns out, enjoying new mediums and trying out new techniques.
Here's a loose overview of what I have planned for the next year;
I have an album or two worth of (new) songs waiting to be recorded / mixed.
I have expressed interest in showing my work in a Gallery next year.
Continued work on artwork designs (Donnie Darko, Zatanna, Captain Cold, Birds of Prey, Daredevil and Batman Villains are next on the list).
Continued work on the serialised graphic story RUST.
Continued work on my original graphic novel SUBSTANCE.
A small art/sketch book for sale at shows
Artist alley presence at Supanova June next year.
As one of my favourite artists, David Mack, said "do the work first - the rest will come later".
To all that follow my blog, thanks for reading. I wish you all a safe and happy holiday season. May 2015 bring you all good health, good living and prosperity. I leave you with an overview of art I produced during 2014. I hope you dig it. Next week's blog post will be my favourite comics, graphic novels and art books for 2014.
Over the last few months, I've been experimenting with video, graphics, artwork, text and music. It started when my partner asked me to help her produce her knitting podcast "YarnderWoman". I'd been looking for an excuse to brush up on my video editing skills using Adobe Premier and After Effects and the podcast production gave me the perfect excuse.
Video content is an effective way to communicate with your audience all over the world. Viewers enjoy watching short videos for entertainment, whether it be a trailer for an upcoming film, a shared funny video or an amazing feat of skill. YouTube has fast become one of the world's most viewed video channels - streaming via smart phones, tablets and PCs making access to video content easier than ever before.
A dear colleague suggested that I create videos of my artwork - short films or chapters of work as a teaser to things to come, to engage or entice potential fans of my craft. I have created 3 films to date. They can all be found on my DKS Art & Design YouTube Channel. If you have some spare time, please check them out and let me know what you think. If you really enjoy any of them, please share the YouTube video link with anyone who you think may appreciate my work.
Now, the focus of this blog post is my latest short film "forty two". This video is unique - it features a look at my thought/work process set among the narrative. The music is taken from my 2013 instrumental album, Alchemy. You can download "Alchemy" for free here; www.dks.net.au/music/
Now, I'm pleased to present "forty two".
Here's a look at what went into the creation of the above video.
Initially, "forty two" started as a 3 page comic strip that was originally intended for another publication. As with most of my work, it started as a rough outline and sketches in my A4 sketch book (scans below).
I then illustrate all the separate parts on small pieces of paper using pencils and marker pens. These are then scanned and etched in Photoshop and set out on water colour wash backgrounds. Here's the 3 page comic strip as featured in an earlier publication.
42 - page 1
42 - page 2
42 - page 3
I generate a slide (Jpeg image) for every frame required for the video. I use various transition speeds to create motion. Additional footage was captured on a mini action camera that was set-up in my studio. Most of the content was hand drawn or painted except for a few slides which featured some photo manipulation and Photoshop painting affects and some vector elements generated in Illustrator. Below is a single JPEG that features thumbnails of all the slides used in the production of this video.
Here's a closer look at some the hand illustrated / painted parts of the animation; the folding of the crane into a ball and the a summer background.
I hope you enjoyed the video and the look into the process. Any and all feedback is welcome. As usual, I'm working on several projects in tandem - my next original video will be a teaser for an illustrated story called "RUST". No set date at this point so watch this space or follow me on Facebook.
1200px.jpg)
