Big thanks to Sarah Tung for the pics!
Just getting ready for an upcoming group art show DOS this Friday July 19 @ Evergreen Brick Works. Tacos will be provided by La Carnita and Big Star (Chicago), with music by Dj Platurn and Grandtheft. Pretty excited as my friends: Jacqui Oakley, Jamie Lawson and Carson Ting will be in it as well! Don't forget to buy tickets in advance and arrive early! Hope to see you all there.
Art Show, Event, New Artwork | Art, Illustration, Print, Samurai, diadelosmuertos, dos, kajimeiko, lacarnita, ladysnowblood, meikokaji, skull, vector | Permalink This was for an upcoming Grantland book (no 5? or is it 6?) for an article, 'In Memoriam: Adam Yauch (1964-2012)'. My way of honoring him, HAD TO BE with all of the Beastie Boys together of course. As a unit, at the peak of their careers, just after the release of 1998's 'Hello Nasty'. The first single off of the album was 'Intergalactic', and for me I had heard it by watching the video on MuchMusic. It just blew me away, having rap music over their ode to old school Japanese TV superheroes (also known as 'tokusatsu'). I watched the real TV shows ever since I was a little boy. So in coming up with ideas for this article, it was almost instant that I thought of that video, because it made the biggest impression on me visually as a band (with 'Sabotage' in close second). If you haven't seen the video, check it here (seriously you haven't seen it?).
'Oh and what color did you go with?' you might ask. Bright Pantone Yellow of course. Duh. Maybe I should offer this as a print? :)
Cruder the better! In the beginning anyways.
A new formation, posing with their fighting robot
Getting the pose right. Just need to get the faces right...
Final version with color!
Illustration, New Artwork | Art, Comic, Illustration, beastie-boys, beastieboys, grantland, hero, intergalactic, manga, nostalgia, record, retro | Permalink 
New illustration for The Genteel i just finished, published today!
An Accessory for the Modern Man
The James Bond franchise is celebrating its 50th year with the release of Skyfall at the end of the year. To mark the occasion, a unique exhibition is being held at London's Barbican, showcasing the design and style of the world's most famous spy.
Really rough sketches...
Ok, this was definitely the most fun assignment EVER. If you really know me, you would know that I'm one of the world's biggest James Bond fans.
My first film was apparently 'From Russia With Love', which my dad made me watch on TV. I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of Connery in the beginning. Dad was trying to explain to me why Connery was 'the man'. But like most kids, I quickly became a Roger Moore fan because of his humor, his ladies (he had more conquests), and gadgets with 'wow' factor (Lotus Esprit submarine). It wasn't until early high school, I rewatched 'Dr. No', and from that very first introduction of 007 lighting his cigarette at the casino table introducing himself, I became a fan. I thought, 'there is no one cooler than Connery's Bond'.
I actually had to ask my dad, what my first 007 film was (I've rewatched them way too many times). It was was then, when he said something that shocked me. "I hope it doesn't take you as long as it did for me to graduate from 007.” I thought my dad, the one who introduced me to it, how could he have 'graduated' (move on) from it? And why was he telling me to move on from it?
As a kid, I was obsessively into three things: James Bond, Petshop Boys, and New Order (in that order). At my age now (over 30), I'm still into those 3 things. Maybe not as obsessive, as I was back then. Also I still prefer 'those things' from that era or before.
I am however, really looking forward to the next 007 movie Skyfall (directed by Sam Mendes). It just screams old school elements (Aston Martin DB5 again), combined with new school tech backdrops. The set design and cinematography look immaculate. Also filled with such a talented cast (Bardem, Fiennes, Dench, Finney), and directed by an A-list director: Sam Mendes. Trailer looks so great!
So as long as more James Bond movies get produced until the day I die, I don't think I'll ever stop watching them. I know I'm letting you down Dad, but I don't think I'll ever graduate from 007!
My sketches always start really crude. I usually don't bother with reference photos for portraits in the beginning.
A more polished rough.
Finished this back in March (or April?), but was finally allowed to post this up. New illustration of Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin for Grantland. Lots of textures here with brushstrokes. Limited colour schemes are always fun. :)
New illustration for The Genteel i just finished, published today!
Haute or Not?
Despite their astronomical price tags, haute couture creations are rarely profitable, and only a handful of women can afford to buy them anyway. So what's the point?
This assignment was definitely the most fun yet for sure. Being able to check out the Alexander McQueen show at the MET last year was such a huge inspiration for me creatively. I mean I've seen a lot of 'fashion' on tv and in books through highschool and at OCAD (was hardcore into Issey Miyake of course). But to see them in person...at the MET...after a 2.5 hour line up...really blew me away. Since then, my appreciation for craftsmanship has grown immensely. Currently I'm really digging the work of Katsuya Kamo. Check out his paper sculptures (hats and stuff) coupled with Lagerfeld's designs for Chanel's 2009 Couture show here.
Editorial, Illustration, New Artwork, The Genteel | Art, Illustration, Toronto, al ali, chanel, couture, dubai, fashion, paris, the genteel, vector | Permalink 
Another new illustration for The Genteel! Do you recognize any of the faces on the left hand side? Hopefully you do if you're in the fashion world.
Love doing this style. I suppose most of it comes rather easily as I work a lot in vector. Over the years I've become more and more obsessed with detail (I suppose it's natural since I spoil myself by zooming in 1200% a lot of the time).
Digital Newsstands With Virtual Shopping Racks
As the digital world continues to become the new developed world, I find myself doing more with virtual assistance: maintaing some sort of "social life," consuming and creating content, and, well, general sundry tasks like, say, shopping.
Also just finished this one with a new look and feel (for me) for the wonderful folks at The Genteel! This time around I got to get a little drawing time with Twiggy's face. (I need to definitely draw more of her.)
The article is not about her, but more about 'mature' models in the fashion world, and why '...ageing and fashion have - until now - been such odd bedfellows in the first place.'
A New Age in Fashion
With the public smitten by more mature looks and the industry following suit, one wonders why ageing and fashion have - until now - been such odd bedfellows in the first place.
Editorial, Illustration, New Artwork, The Genteel | Art, Illustration, Toronto, fashion, the genteel, vector, women | Permalink 
Just finished a new illustration with a new look and feel (for me) for the wonderful folks at The Genteel! It's fun to get back to drawing more fashionable subjects.
If you haven't checked their site yet, definitely do if you love a good read. Oh and there will be more work by yours truly there of course. :)
The Importance of Being Fashionable
Women think about fashion 91 times a day. For those who have "clothes on the brain," why is fashion so important to us.
Editorial, Illustration, New Artwork, The Genteel | Art, Illustration, Toronto, fashion, the genteel, vector, women | Permalink 