Ric Ocasek Fan Art- Ink and Pencil Sketch

I got inspired by Stephen Silver's recent post about drawing from the screen rather than from still photos to create this tribute fan art to The Cars' musician Ric Ocasek. I got inspiration from watching his presence in the official music video for Magic. I gave him shades, like from his live footage,  because I wasn't too confident with sketching some eyes for Ric. I think I'll leave it like this as I like the loose pencilling and inking on this. I will definitely need to get back into doing more drawing again.

PIXIES - On Graveyard Hill (Official Video)

Just getting into the musical mindset for seeing a Pixies tribute band tomorrow evening in Oxford, in which a good friend will be on percussion. This is probably the best track, and video, I have to so far via YouTube. The imagery is just brilliant in my book and goes well with the tone of the song as well. A bit NSFW because of strong language and macabre imagery. 

Mr BoJo Tackles Brexit- Satirical Cartoon Strip

I was inspired by a conversation I had with a friend this afternoon after a weird dream in which they conjured up a cross between Mr Blobby and our current prime minister Boris Johnson. It's simple, and a bit stupid, but I guess it works well. It's been fun to do as I haven't done any kind of illustrative work in ages, so it was good to get back into that vibe of doing such work. 

Review: Allegiant

Allegiant by Veronica Roth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The finale in this Divergent may have suffered from a lot of padding like its previous instalment, but when it gets into some page-turning action it does makes it a worthwhile read and conclusion to the Divergent trilogy.
As characters, encounter revelations and further challenges that really test their character traits to the extreme, die-hard readers will appreciate the tensions and dramatic moments that make them feel that they have been challenged in what to expect from the previous instalments. However, like Insurgent, its middle feels a bit too padded for its own good, which does make reading in its entirety a bit cumbersome. Unlike Insurgent thou, it manages it redeems itself in the latter chapters by picking up the pace and tying up loose ends for its finale.
Allegiant may suffer the pitfalls of padding, but it does make it worth your while for anyone reading the rest of the trilogy by making some satisfactory conclusion to all of the trials and tribulations resulting from the previous two books.


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VITA IN SCATOLA (Life in a Tin) - Bruno Bozzetto

Just needed some inspiration for my next motion graphics project, and the sheer simplicity with its excellent execution from this short film is just what I need. Worth a watch, whether you are aware of the work of Bruno Bozzetto or not.

Review: Sushi and Beyond: One Family's Remarkable Journey Through the Greatest Food Nation on Earth

Sushi and Beyond: One Family's Remarkable Journey Through the Greatest Food Nation on Earth by Michael Booth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

'Sushi and Beyond' is such a joyful read because of Michael Booth's enthusiasm for all things Japanese food and his travels with his family to the very country itself. With his knowledge and expertise shining through, you can feel you were there sampling all of those delicacies with his descriptive approach to the food. As for the destinations, Booth paints a good impression of them as well. Whilst this book is not intended as a tourist guide to Japan, it does paint a personalised account of one man going with his family to investigate the health benefits of the country's approach to food.
Whilst the novelty dies down about two-thirds throughout the book, it reminds a pleasant experience and is worth reading for anyone that has been or not been to Japan, our likes their cuisine (or should that be what WE think is Japanese food for those living in the West.) Sushi and Beyond is a well-written book that makes a fascinating read whether you know your ramen from your udon or not.


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Review: Cassandra Darke

Cassandra Darke by Posy Simmonds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

With the complexity of your average TV drama, Posy Simmonds manages to juggle text and images to tell a complex tale featuring our titular character. Whilst people that read plenty of books may plough this rather quickly, you may wish to take your time to appreciate Posy Simmonds' work as an illustrator. Using an array of medium, you are able to see some of the textures that each art medium is making, which for those that do comic book work a breath of fresh air from the usual cleaning up.
Cassandra Drake is a solid suburban tale of love, crime, and everything in between. The characters are well crafted, making you emphasise with them at the right places in the story. A very good read that is an ideal start for anyone getting into the work of Posy Simmonds.


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