New apparel section added to portfolio
Added some new graphics to the apparel section of the portfolio.
http://johnsmalls.com/apparel/
Writing and drawing Letters to the Master
Finally back at it! After a two year hiatus I’m finally completing the story that started so long ago.I will be posting every wednesday (even though today is Thursday). Feel free to comment and follow along. When I first started my background was kung fu but since then I’ve been training heavily in Jiu Jitsu so you can expect to see that involved in the upcoming storyline.
Check out the story here: johnsmalls.com/letterstothemaster
*New comics will be posted every Wednesday.
The lion king illustration
Here’s the final version of the lion/dragon piece I started a week ago.
The toughest part was getting everything to look anatomically correct.
This piece has been thru many revision, many many revisions.
My connection in Rio, paintings and sketches
I recently took a trip to Rio de Janeiro Brazil for some rest and to learn more about the art of Jiu Jitsu.
The trip was way to short but it was well worth it. Here are some sketches and paintings I happen to do when I had some down time.
Latest projects and happenings…
I haven’t been posting much on my site lately, but I have been updating on facebook and tumblr. I’ve been cutting back on freelance and focusing on my own work again with a different approach. In September I will be attending the NYU School of Continuing and Professional Studies for animation. This has been something I’ve been wanting to do for many years now so I’m finally making it happen. This site has also gone through some changes lately, a new look and color scheme, some new work and a new store to purchase artwork. I’m still debating on the image gallery, not sure if i want a dynamic slideshow or a static gallery like it is now. Here’s the latest painting I made. It’s not finished to me but it’s ok for now.When I was in the process it took me several weeks, I’m working on taking my time with my craft rather than rushing to get the job done. I find more enjoyment watching the canvas evolve.
Brush paintings…
Here’s a few illustrations I worked on recently. Just experimenting painting on a smaller scale.
I pout the actual artwork available for purchase on Bigcartel.com
The magnificent seven X The Muppets T-shirt Design Challenge
This design was based around the theme of friendship and since there are so many wonderful characters involved with The Muppets I choose to the classic film by Akira Kurosawa “The seven samurai” as my base for the illustration. Many different characters coming together for the greater good and becoming the best of friends. I illustrated this piece using a small brush and sumi ink, colors where done in photoshop.
You can vote this design here: Threadless.com
Thanks.
Shoyoroll Batch 8 The White Mamba
Most people know that I am pretty much a hardcore student of martial arts, so to be able to contribute to the design of a kimono gi for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has me sitting on cloud nine right now. Especially because alot of people are awaiting the arrival of there gi’s and many of the guys at the academy made orders. Working in graphic design the opportunity to work with big name companies happens often but most of those companies don’t care about the people who purchase there products. Shoyoroll is brand that truly represents the people they sell to. They stand by there product and the product sells itself because of the quality. I’m awaiting some pics of my friends and fellow BJJ family rolling(training) in the White Mamba. This has been one of the most interesting opportunities I’ve been apart of.
Back to writing letters to the master..
After two year hiatus I’m back to writing “Letters to the master” this time around no inks only pencil work, my ink skills are atrocious. I always felt that I opened a door to something but didn’t step in far enough to explore. This is something I have to finish. Since this project was started before a few others I didn’t complete, LTTM has been moved to the number one spot. I will complete the story before posting it, so that once it’s up there will be no more breaks or reasons not to finish the story because it will be finished. I don’t have a schedule for the new issues yet, that will happen once I wrap up the story not before.
Letters to the Master
WIP of the day, sort of..
I started this months ago for CGhub.com but never got around to finishing it. A book cover design for Pinnochio. I plan to finish this tonight or Sunday, hopefully.
Scottie Spits feat. Chingo Bling CD cover art
It’s been a couple years since I made cover art for a CD. I want to do more and have another in the works.
It’s good to step away from the norm and do something different. You can listen the track here: www.myspace.com/209543524/music/songs/79115687
www.scottiespits.com
Nine views of Jiu Jitsu, 5×7 acrylic paintings.
Each painting was created on a 5″x7″ canvas panel with acrylic paint.
They will be availble for sale on artbysmalls.bigcartel.com for $15.00.
Snowdays and Gogoplatas, almost complete…
I hope to complete this project and keep the momentum moving to other BJJ related work… Here’s what I have so far in the process.
Snowdays and Gogoplatas, work in progress.
Today is a snow day for most on the east coast. I started working on these yesterday but since I had some extra time I’m going to knock most of them out tonight, maybe all of them.
WIP of the day.
I like motorcycles and woman, and woman on motorcycles.
Batch #8 White Mamba Limited Edition Gi
SYR X SMALLS Collaboration.
Batch #8 White Mamba Limited Edition Gi- Pre-sale starts tomorrow @ 3pm pst.
Check out: BUDOVIDEOS.COM AND NHBGEAR.COM
SYR X Smalls New Shirts from Shoyroll!
I recently had the opportunity to work with one of the major players in Jiu Jitsu apparel and gear, Shoyoroll Brand.
Most companies I work for don’t really care for the people who wear the gear or what’s even on it just as long as it sales. Shoyoroll is one of the few that stand by there products and make apparel for those involved in the sport.
You can view more from the brand here: Shoyoroll Brand
You can purchase the shirts here: Budo Videos.com
Even the grinch smiled once…
I’m not one to get all wrapped up in the holiday madness but every now and then I will go with send something to family and friends. Here’s a few pics of some cards I’m working on, nothing major really just letting people know I’m wishing them the best, not everyone is happy this time of year.
WIP of the day…
I’m still not finished but so far so good. Now I just have to work out some of the details and mechanical parts.
I also referenced the Killer Chow Yun Fat for the facial features.
WIP
Once finished this will be another submission for CGHub, the challenge is called “The 8th Immortal”. The guy is named Iron Crutch Li.
4 Horsemen of the Apocalypse
There is still much needed work to be done to this piece but this is how it looks as of today since early this morning was the deadline.
Checkout CGHub.com for more digital art and illustrations.
Four horsemen…work in progress.
There is only 3 days left and I’m not even close. I’ve learned some more techniques and a few tricks since my last submission so I’m pushing myself on this one. Either way these challenges are taking me to another level creatively and that’s what I need right now.
