Sunday, November 7, 2010

Over the Shoulder Art is returning soon.


For the past few months I've been in the midst of a grand reevaluation of my artistic life. Those close to me know that I've been at the threshold of the comic book industry for years and I've not quite been able to take that next step. Recently I have turned my gaze inside and asked myself why. The answer was just a bit surprising. It's not something I really want. I don't want to spend hours hunched over my art table telling someone else's story.

Don't get me wrong. I have the utmost respect for those that are called to the dark world of sequential alchemy. Since this past February I've been employed full time as a graphic designer. I'm with the same company that I've been with since 1999 but in the years past I've been a Systems Engineer, Training Developer and a Technical Writer. My fervent desire to make a mark in the comic industry was fueled by the fact that I was not engaged full time in artistic endeavors. I felt as if I was cheating myself out of the satisfaction of making a living using my talents as an artist.

Now that I'm using my talent on a daily basis, I'm able to take a step back and address my authentic desires. I have stories to tell and I'm retraining myself to do just that. I have decided that my neglected "Over the Shoulder Art" youtube video series will be a window into the process of recreating myself as an artist.

Just a couple of days ago, I put together a new opening sequence for OTSA that better reflects the direction I'll take with it.




The footage for the sequence was shot with an iPhone 4 and edited in iMovie.


You can find my YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/iszyiszard

In the return episode of OTSA I'll be drawing my strip "Cartwheels".


Its look at the world through the eyes of a seven year old bi-racial girl named Annika. Cartwheels will initially be released via: http://cartwheelscomic.blogspot.com/ .

Over the Shoulder Art will feature live drawing, tutorials, discussion and the occasional guest artist. The format is still being developed so if there is anything you would like to see, leave comments below.

So there it is. I'll update this spot when new OTSA content is available.

Until next time...

Iszy