tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72807496615789102102024-03-13T14:32:39.639-05:00weasels go narfA.R.Fink posts doodles, drawings, and engravings. Also you will find thoughts about the arts, faith, video games, and other random philosophical and techno-geekery. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-66113591357329910932015-07-10T21:23:00.001-05:002015-07-10T21:25:16.739-05:00Seveneves Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YX3V162CdA/VaB-f6mUNuI/AAAAAAAATgE/PUIzdf5_NEs/s1600/Seveneves-book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1YX3V162CdA/VaB-f6mUNuI/AAAAAAAATgE/PUIzdf5_NEs/s320/Seveneves-book.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<br />
So I finished reading Neal Stephenson's <i>Seveneves.</i><br />
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It was <i>weird.</i><br />
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This was a book so radically weird that it contained all the following things: randomly exploding moons, white Neil deGrasse Tyson, stupid politics and politicians, boring "recreational" sex, yoga pants made of nano-bots, butch lesbian ex-Soviet cosmonaut/spies, hockey-stick graphs, dry physics lectures, Bhutanese kidnappings, nuking a third world country for not believing scientific consensus, trans-humanist self-cannibals, regular cannibals who blame their cannibalism on being bipolar, <i>Tumblr In Spaaaaaaace</i>, punitive tongue piercing, in-vitro ethnic cleansing, asexual human reproduction, and a plotline "twist" that conveniently skips 5000 years.<br />
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<b>:: SPOILERS ::</b><br />
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And in case that's not confusing enough, the gist is this: the moon explodes for no reason. The moon rocks threaten rain down on earth, eventually. Humanity tries to escape to near earth orbit aboard a hastily expanded ISS held together with duct tape and bailing wire. Literally. Shenanigans and suicidal cosmonauts ensue, Venezuela gets preemptively nuked for no good reason just days ahead of the whole world getting bathed in rocks the size of Virginia. A guy who sounds suspiciously like Elon Musk steals a comet, straps a nuke to it, and rides it around the solar system to deliver water to near earth orbit. Meanwhile the president of the United States tries to take control of the remaining human population in space before being defeated by a psychotic lesbian cannibal who is one of only 8 survivors at the end, all of whom are female and none of whom are pregnant at that point. Obviously, nobody thought of the fact that a human race doomed to extinction should probably ditch the condoms and start making babies pronto. The 8 ladies pilot their space station to relative safety and then start fighting about eugenics until one of their number threatens to end the entire human race with a convenient hunk of C4 <i>if they don't all shut up already</i>. Then it cuts to 5000 years in the future and there's magically 3 billion people living in orbit who finally discover that some of the humans on the planet actually survived 5000 years of falling rocks, lava, and the burning of the planet's entire atmosphere. Then they fight about it. Surprise!<br />
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My opinion is that this book has way too much going on. I imagine Neal couldn't get a publisher to agree to a 7 book series, which is what this should have been. He goes heavy on the science, as this is supposed to be a hard science fiction book, but by the third act it's become completely unsustainable and he jettisons the existing characters, plotline, and situation to skip forward thousands of years. I won't spoil too much more, but the foreshadowing leading up the end was remarkably heavy handed.<br />
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This book could have been far more interesting if it had the space to spread out, get comfortable, and take its time. I felt like the pacing was great for the first 1/3 to 1/2 of the book, but then the characters seem to get abandoned as the author takes us on a long slog though some physics which are supposed to build the tension. To be fair, the physics lectures are much simpler than they could have been, conveying in as concise a way as possible just exactly how precarious the human race's situation is.<br />
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The biggest disappointment in all of this is that he starts to build likable and realistic characters and then abandons them to fantasize about how cool orbital physics, genetic engineering, and 3d printing are and showing how technology will save the human race after literally everything else gets screwed up.Which admittedly is kinda neat to watch... the first couple times.<br />
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Sure, it was a page turner. I didn't want to put it down. But mostly because it was like watching Mega Shark Vs. Giant Octopus. The stakes were so high and the characters so flat that it beggared belief, but I still needed to see what 21st century "disruptive technology" would be next on the list to save humanity's skin.<br />
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I wouldn't probably read the book a second time. It might make a fun summer blockbuster, in which critics would complain that the after-credits scene just skips 5000 years ahead and ruins any chance of making a sequel that's any good.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-32334383756135019422015-05-04T20:51:00.000-05:002015-05-04T20:56:11.585-05:00A new arrival!I've taken a long hiatus from the blog to work on some slightly more pressing matters. Things like my wife having a life-threatening turn to her pregnancy, more battles with unemployment, followed by the challenges of a new job. Now we've finally been joined by our long-expected little one, Abigail Mary. Tonight I finally had a chance to sit down and draw again, so I drew them.<br />
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So, how does it feel to draw again? Amazing. However, I have been checking my blog stats and have found, unsurprisingly, that the #1 post in terms of hits has been one in which I mocked up some doll house concepts in Minecraft. It's been stolen far and wide by many a Minecraft idea site, sometimes with a back-link, and sometimes without any attribution at all. I don't care though, it's a video game, and other people can profit from something I did in an afternoon because I was bored. ;)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMlQAfmOuKw/VUgiC1CPeGI/AAAAAAAASRY/FzExraSej0M/s1600/katie%2Band%2Babby.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MMlQAfmOuKw/VUgiC1CPeGI/AAAAAAAASRY/FzExraSej0M/s640/katie%2Band%2Babby.png" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-47355189329306831002014-11-20T16:18:00.004-06:002014-11-20T16:18:58.191-06:00Sinai Pantocrator Process #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEVUs-yVlxo/VG5nz9srThI/AAAAAAAAQ1c/UIgL53TFc8M/s1600/pantocrator%2Bprocess%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEVUs-yVlxo/VG5nz9srThI/AAAAAAAAQ1c/UIgL53TFc8M/s1600/pantocrator%2Bprocess%2B2.png" height="640" width="340" /> </a></div>
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Here is another sketch update on the Sinai Pantcrator. I've got most of my principle guide lines put into place here. Unfortunately, the original icon is so incredibly worn that most areas besides the face are completely obscured. In particular, Christ's dark mantle seems to be just one big brush stroke, with no particular details of any kind. The brush strokes at least seem to approximate the direction or "grain" of the cloth, which gives me some help. Unfortunately for me, I cannot be content to just throw down some rough brush strokes and call the cloth finished. Same with the hair and beard. These lines here do not represent the final product, but just my current best-guess as to possible grain direction and very general shadows. </div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-16981164145164336972014-11-13T14:58:00.003-06:002014-11-13T14:59:58.516-06:00Sinai Pantocrator Process #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHeebDhvHH8/VGUbtR83_vI/AAAAAAAAQy4/Sw233yADtAU/s1600/J24lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pHeebDhvHH8/VGUbtR83_vI/AAAAAAAAQy4/Sw233yADtAU/s400/J24lg.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Today I am starting work on an image of the Sinai Pantocrator, a very famous icon which is the oldest known representation of Christ in this style. An icon of Christ Pantocrator is usually characterized by the features of the face as well as the posture. Pantocrator is a Greek word which was used to translate the Hebrew for <i>YHWH Sabaoth</i>, which can also be translated "Lord of Hosts." Such images usually depict Christ as almighty and powerful, as a ruler, and as a judge. His right hand is normally raised in blessing<i></i>, although in this very early icon it happens to be a different gesture usually symbolizing teaching. The book represents the Gospels.<br />
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When working with iconographic imagery, it is often critical to keep a very close eye on the proportions of the image, as they are what often makes the icon instantly recognizable. Since I am not intending to produce an icon in the most traditional manner but desire to keep the proportions as close to identical as possible, I am turning to a old trick used by many great masters before me: optical tracery.<br />
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Of course, there is much controversy over exactly how the great masters did this, with some asserting that they used camera obscura, while others posit somewhat more technically advanced optics like the camera lucida. I've tried using those now-outdated forms of optical reproduction. even going so far as to make some live portraits using the camera lucida, and have found that using modern digital optics is far less fiddly and far more accessible. So here I am offering a small peek into the work that goes into re-interpreting an icon.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjkKUAA42Jg/VGUW0Gtj-LI/AAAAAAAAQyo/W_DZQUSczOw/s1600/pantocrator%2Btest%2Bflip.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjkKUAA42Jg/VGUW0Gtj-LI/AAAAAAAAQyo/W_DZQUSczOw/s640/pantocrator%2Btest%2Bflip.gif" width="640" /></a><br />
First, some color work is needed on the original photograph. The original icon is extremely dark and finding highly detailed photographs of it can be difficult without simply taking your own shot. I worked with what I had, desaturating it slightly, increasing contrast and widening the white balance. This helps bring out the individual brush strokes, although it also blows out the color. Since establishing starting line art is the intent, I do not mind the loss of color here.I will be able to refer to other references for coloration and shading later on in the process. <br />
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I then put the image into my painting program, where a hot magenta color can be layered on top with rough pencil strokes to begin laying out some of the proportions. I could of course have copied with a grid or other more primitive measuring systems, but this method obviously works much better and more accurately. The ability to onion-skin the preceding layer allows for rapid revision of the line weight and position, and allowing for easier experimentation. <br />
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Finally, I would like to add that this method is not always the best way to start work. It is very rigid and often does not allow the sorts of fluidity and originality that many artists seek. However, with icons this is not something that needs to be stressed so much, and so this kind of starting method is perfectly appropriate here. <br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjkKUAA42Jg/VGUW0Gtj-LI/AAAAAAAAQyo/W_DZQUSczOw/s1600/pantocrator%2Btest%2Bflip.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-2278328085841513582014-11-07T13:45:00.002-06:002014-11-07T13:45:32.833-06:00Sunrise on Maple Street<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoAvDmc3P8s/VF0fN2Kz8rI/AAAAAAAAQwc/4X9RvrS5eyg/s1600/sunrise%2Bon%2Bmaple%2Bstreet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hoAvDmc3P8s/VF0fN2Kz8rI/AAAAAAAAQwc/4X9RvrS5eyg/s1600/sunrise%2Bon%2Bmaple%2Bstreet.png" height="276" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is the view I had the other morning, but painted properly. I attempted to take a <a href="https://plus.google.com/105078442860410937744/posts/TniG1HBoJde" target="_blank">picture</a> of the dramatic sky and foothills down our little sleepy street, but my phone couldn't do it justice at all. This is a little closer to what my eyes saw that morning.<br />
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Also, I want to tell the story of the last few months. It's been very crazy, and my friends who follow on the other social media networks will know all about that. I got married to my favorite person, (Katie!) moved to Idaho, and then moved a second time shortly after the wedding. Katie's pregnant too, so there is a new person on the way to stay with us. We are so excited! <br />
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During the second move my beautiful bride became severely ill and had her closest brush with eternity she's had yet. She spent almost a month with no food intake, and things got very scary. Thanks be to God, she is recovering now and our little baby is 14 weeks along and healthy. Things are finally settling in, and I hope to be able to resume regular artwork updates fairly soon.<br />
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I have some cool projects coming up, including some Eastern Orthodox style religious artwork which I am very excited to get going on. It's good to feel home again. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-41738939196412885682014-07-24T00:31:00.001-05:002014-07-24T00:32:20.144-05:00Sketch: Japanese Garden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WKAUzTTPBRU/U9CZ9HUmhjI/AAAAAAAAPzs/PNsACuD2CP4/s1600/japanese+garden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WKAUzTTPBRU/U9CZ9HUmhjI/AAAAAAAAPzs/PNsACuD2CP4/s1600/japanese+garden.png" height="640" width="584" /></a></div>
I've been doing a lot of projects for clients lately and needed a break from them, so I did this drawing specially today for Katie. Nothing fancy in terms of technique or equipment, just my Wacom Bamboo and MyPaint. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-41326695402351296992014-06-16T22:19:00.000-05:002014-06-16T22:19:15.158-05:00How to Make Rubber Stamps with a Laser EngraverIt's been over a month since the last post, but that's for good reason. Besides getting sick, I have been working on new things, and this is one of them. I've invested a lot of time into figuring out a very good way to make high quality rubber stamps with a laser engraver.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TyMyfBiK4g/U5-vFAM21GI/AAAAAAAAPO0/GKZnfxlN1xc/s1600/IMG_20140616_194837533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--TyMyfBiK4g/U5-vFAM21GI/AAAAAAAAPO0/GKZnfxlN1xc/s1600/IMG_20140616_194837533.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before you dig in, you're going to need to know something about engraving in rubber. It smells. It's truly one of the most awful smelling things I've done with a laser engraver. If you try this, get the fans going, open the windows, and maybe even wear a filter mask if you have one. If you don't have a filter mask you should probably at least wear a paper one, for safety, since the engraving process makes a lot of very fine white ash that is noxious and irritating, and you wouldn't want that in your lungs, throat, or nose. Having said that, you are responsible for your own health. Proceed at your own risk. <br />
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To start with, I am using <a href="http://www.rubberstampmaterials.com/laserengravablerubberandpolymer.aspx" target="_blank">special laser engraving rubber</a>. It's supposedly low odor, but that's obviously some kind of cruel joke. That said, natural rubber and other synthetics like neoprene are far, <i>far</i> worse. I am also using a simple general-purpose spray-on adhesive and 3mm thick craft foam I found at the local crafting supply store.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dO8mFwvNYVY/U5-vu-2-ItI/AAAAAAAAPO8/G_zTXjTwCeE/s1600/IMG_20140616_124829517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dO8mFwvNYVY/U5-vu-2-ItI/AAAAAAAAPO8/G_zTXjTwCeE/s1600/IMG_20140616_124829517.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget to horizontally mirror, or you'll be sorry. Like I was, the first couple times.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Begin by setting up your design on the computer. You will want to be doing your engraving in a raster mode, and you need to invert the design and horizontally mirror it. Make sure you have a border around your design so that there is enough room to trim the stamp later.<br />
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To get a good cut it is critical to do the following things:<br />
<b>1- Use as much power as you can.</b> This engraving needs to be really deep, the deeper the better. With my 40watt laser I cranked it all the way up to 100%.<br />
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<b>2- Use your air assist.</b> This is absolutely critical. Without air assist you will get large amounts of that aforementioned resinous ash on your lenses and mirrors and it is extremely difficult to clean off. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdVLKCSVe1A/U5-ySz5S-LI/AAAAAAAAPPk/8lT72MSImr8/s1600/IMG_20140616_135135097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EdVLKCSVe1A/U5-ySz5S-LI/AAAAAAAAPPk/8lT72MSImr8/s1600/IMG_20140616_135135097.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ash. Ash everywhere. Don't breathe this. You'll probably die.</td></tr>
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<b>3- Set the feed rate very slow.</b> This is to ensure your ventilation and air assist can keep up with the production of fumes and ash. If you go too fast you risk it building up faster than it can be dealt with. Also, a slower feed results in cleaner lines and less melting.<br />
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<b>4- Use higher DPI/PPI and do multiple passes.</b> I had to do this because at only 40 watts of power, I needed every bit of extra heat I could get to have a nice deep engraving. Also, unlike wood or plastics, the rubber doesn't lose much detail so the higher resolution is nice to have.<br />
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Once you have engraved the pattern to your liking, cut it free and immediately clean it. You need to use soap and water and a toothbrush. This is because the ash can become embedded in the cooling rubber and become impossible to remove if you wait too long. Once it's clean, spray the rubber portion liberally with adhesive, wait a moment for it to tack, and stick it to the foam. Then put it under some heavy books to dry, foam side up.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YX_etS9s0Ow/U5-xXiWEMDI/AAAAAAAAPPI/9kSeJ7XnzkQ/s1600/IMG_20140616_163356365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YX_etS9s0Ow/U5-xXiWEMDI/AAAAAAAAPPI/9kSeJ7XnzkQ/s1600/IMG_20140616_163356365.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKnru4majI/U5-xuRwvlkI/AAAAAAAAPPQ/SvV4LCr3GVs/s1600/IMG_20140616_163556504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKnru4majI/U5-xuRwvlkI/AAAAAAAAPPQ/SvV4LCr3GVs/s1600/IMG_20140616_163556504.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latin and Electronics. Heck. Yes.</td></tr>
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After 30 minutes to an hour you should be ready to cut it out. Trim as close to the edges of your design as you can, to reduce over-stamping, and mount your new stamp to an acrylic or wood block with double stick tape. Since the stamp is brand new, you may need to use it a few times before it softens and holds ink well, but this is normal with all rubber stamps. Once that's all done, start stamping and enjoy!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIHC1zUpsm4/U5-ytNsICkI/AAAAAAAAPPs/CVkGMHTI4EQ/s1600/IMG_20140616_195009184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DIHC1zUpsm4/U5-ytNsICkI/AAAAAAAAPPs/CVkGMHTI4EQ/s1600/IMG_20140616_195009184.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice clean print.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJW9E-FFsuM/U5-ywzkUR-I/AAAAAAAAPP0/StYTD0fnytY/s1600/IMG_20140616_195102210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJW9E-FFsuM/U5-ywzkUR-I/AAAAAAAAPP0/StYTD0fnytY/s1600/IMG_20140616_195102210.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is over-stamp from a first try. Trim carefully to avoid this problem.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8Bc55QzxF8s/U5-yFU-CGUI/AAAAAAAAPPY/TJKmnmAhI8E/s1600/IMG_20140616_194845661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-84419264464990266042014-04-05T00:27:00.002-05:002014-04-05T00:27:29.439-05:00St. Joseph- More work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCQ02HtxklM/Uz-UCALoHUI/AAAAAAAAOmg/ZV9f5_nz6kg/s1600/Screenshot+from+2014-04-05+00:25:45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qCQ02HtxklM/Uz-UCALoHUI/AAAAAAAAOmg/ZV9f5_nz6kg/s1600/Screenshot+from+2014-04-05+00:25:45.png" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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A while back I posted some really rough sketches of the models I used for this image, and here is another work in progress sketch showing the progress I have made thus far. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-59382436591069937792014-03-17T17:08:00.003-05:002014-03-17T17:08:28.418-05:00New project, new sketch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4k4ps1bql_s/UydyPmc4VII/AAAAAAAAOeo/Ju4GCCgyuSc/s1600/Screenshot+from+2014-03-17+17:07:10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4k4ps1bql_s/UydyPmc4VII/AAAAAAAAOeo/Ju4GCCgyuSc/s1600/Screenshot+from+2014-03-17+17:07:10.png" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm starting on a new project, which means finding new models and doing more sketches. This is today's work. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-15195550857080972622014-02-04T14:40:00.001-06:002014-02-04T14:40:30.630-06:00Daily Draw: Silly Faces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EE46BydtR6U/UvFQBqDxggI/AAAAAAAAOIU/boj-ZvS8sn4/s1600/SCAN0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EE46BydtR6U/UvFQBqDxggI/AAAAAAAAOIU/boj-ZvS8sn4/s1600/SCAN0076.JPG" height="640" width="364" /></a></div>
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I've been messing with doodling various cartoony faces. This was just a series of unsteady scribbles on a notecard while having a 4yr old hanging from my arm.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-22613149826352676122014-02-01T14:49:00.000-06:002014-02-01T14:50:10.302-06:00New Product Preview: St. Thomas Aquinas Engravings These engravings of St. Thomas
Aquinas were meant to be ready in January, but delays caused by a blown
laser tube and other problems means they're a bit late.<br />
<br />
Still, I
do have some cool things to show off, so here's some pictures. First I
have a brand new thing: prayer-card sized engravings. I've had tons of
requests for something in this size, and have decided it's high time I
made them. Expect to see most of my old designs and plenty of new ones
coming out in prayer-card sizing in the coming months.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlKgzugxzm8/Uu1dTUPdmCI/AAAAAAAAODY/h_3Sk9Mpxcw/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zlKgzugxzm8/Uu1dTUPdmCI/AAAAAAAAODY/h_3Sk9Mpxcw/s1600/IMG_5080.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTzZmf5Am68/Uu1dX5tmbQI/AAAAAAAAODg/li3AZiTQEfQ/s1600/IMG_5081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tTzZmf5Am68/Uu1dX5tmbQI/AAAAAAAAODg/li3AZiTQEfQ/s1600/IMG_5081.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a>I also
included a picture of the first two test-engravings of the larger
size art pieces. These are oiled, and clearly demonstrate why I need to
wait for my new laser tube before finalizing the design.<br />
<br />
<i>Note that these are not yet in the shop, but will be some time in February, probably the 2nd or 3rd week.</i> <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mthx5tCN_E/Uu1daCyIqnI/AAAAAAAAODs/iCumVFQHrgo/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mthx5tCN_E/Uu1daCyIqnI/AAAAAAAAODs/iCumVFQHrgo/s1600/IMG_5082.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-74326548943093171282014-01-26T00:24:00.000-06:002014-01-26T00:24:22.072-06:00Sketch: St. Thomas Aquinas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sP3fojDo0w/UuSlgfH2gCI/AAAAAAAAN9U/MFvERplDzgQ/s1600/Screenshot+from+2014-01-26+00:00:36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5sP3fojDo0w/UuSlgfH2gCI/AAAAAAAAN9U/MFvERplDzgQ/s1600/Screenshot+from+2014-01-26+00:00:36.png" height="340" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Here he is, St. Thomas Aquinas. He looks a lot less like my dad now. Extra weight, more baldness, and a totally new outfit! This was so much fun to sketch out. Of course, now that the fun part is done I will have to begin the long and arduous process of inking him in preparation for engraving. <br />
<br />
Here's a little animation, showing how I transformed from dad into St. Thomas Aquinas.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG21WJEAams/UuSqBylEX8I/AAAAAAAAN9k/-6w0lSTsAeo/s1600/stthomasaquinas+animated+sketch.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CG21WJEAams/UuSqBylEX8I/AAAAAAAAN9k/-6w0lSTsAeo/s1600/stthomasaquinas+animated+sketch.gif" height="640" width="598" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-35445771087211645142014-01-25T20:19:00.001-06:002014-01-25T20:19:34.205-06:00Sketching: Dad? St. Thomas Aquinas?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn4Q6nl_ue8/UuRwco7_92I/AAAAAAAAN7E/6yYyRWQ9B8Q/s1600/iarly.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wn4Q6nl_ue8/UuRwco7_92I/AAAAAAAAN7E/6yYyRWQ9B8Q/s1600/iarly.png" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm getting started on some drawings of St. Thomas Aquinas, and have decided to use my dad as the model. He is very silly when you point a camera at him, and it was surprisingly hard to get him to model well, as you can probably guess. However, I finally did get the shot I'm looking for to base my drawing on, and work has begun. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-92099456260520877982014-01-21T16:45:00.005-06:002014-01-21T16:45:52.192-06:00Daily Draw: perspective hacks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRx29whFzCM/Ut73_giqljI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/TZnC5vVnKIo/s1600/other+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRx29whFzCM/Ut73_giqljI/AAAAAAAAN3Y/TZnC5vVnKIo/s1600/other+side.JPG" height="438" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
In my quest to learn how to draw everything I want to draw, I have begun doing more random sketches without much point. I use ink and move fast and just generally don't bother obsessing over level of detail or accuracy. This is just for learning purposes, as it definitely speeds up the process of experimenting, even while it produces results that are generally less awesome than I'd like.<br />
<br />
It also has a strange way of taking me back to college classroom memories of doodling in the edges of my Epistemology notebook. <br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLZYLMv1GT4/Ut73-jr4hTI/AAAAAAAAN3Q/7Ond1XW_SJw/s1600/one+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qLZYLMv1GT4/Ut73-jr4hTI/AAAAAAAAN3Q/7Ond1XW_SJw/s1600/one+side.JPG" height="412" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-77884017378532706552014-01-20T20:32:00.001-06:002014-01-20T20:32:14.113-06:00Daily Draw: The return of daily draw!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n65MJAv3mF0/Ut3cG8IyNpI/AAAAAAAAN00/2tc5HJ71kdo/s1600/SCAN0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n65MJAv3mF0/Ut3cG8IyNpI/AAAAAAAAN00/2tc5HJ71kdo/s1600/SCAN0075.JPG" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
It's been far far too long since I drew for the Daily Draw here. So this is my offering for today, a sorta-kinda self portrait. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-86179316171827899992014-01-14T22:55:00.002-06:002014-01-14T22:55:25.773-06:00Nominate a Saint for January It's time to start a new project! Each month I'm going to ask people who
their favorite saints are who also have a feast day during that month,
and I'll draw a picture depicting that saint, including symbols
representing their life, their patronage, or other cool things about
them.<br /><br />From this drawing I will then create special engraved
wooden holy cards, medals, and maybe even bigger art pieces. The person
who can convince me that their saint idea is the coolest will be picked,
and will also receive goodies at the end of the month when the
engraving is done.<br /><br />Sound like fun? Leave a comment on this post
and nominate your favorite saint who has a feast day in the month of
January. Make sure to say what day their feast is on.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OkJKIVNlXyc/UtYGK3UNlYI/AAAAAAAANxQ/rplFH070DC4/s1600/saint+of+the+month+thingy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OkJKIVNlXyc/UtYGK3UNlYI/AAAAAAAANxQ/rplFH070DC4/s640/saint+of+the+month+thingy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-79557192900537004632013-10-26T22:24:00.002-05:002013-10-26T22:24:55.557-05:00Theotokos WIP #2<span id="goog_1173708430"></span><span id="goog_1173708431"></span>More progress has been made on the Theotokos of the Passion I have been working on. I did inks and shading over the past week.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg4WwA2hEB0/UmyHTqKawLI/AAAAAAAAMrc/MBPS1kEA9Q8/s1600/theotokos+finished.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hg4WwA2hEB0/UmyHTqKawLI/AAAAAAAAMrc/MBPS1kEA9Q8/s640/theotokos+finished.png" width="492" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WC5N18raSjs/UmyHOrnq60I/AAAAAAAAMrM/K93BqErhrkY/s1600/theotokos+inking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WC5N18raSjs/UmyHOrnq60I/AAAAAAAAMrM/K93BqErhrkY/s640/theotokos+inking.png" width="492" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5_2r8xv1TY/UmyHQ4DMk2I/AAAAAAAAMrU/VrvXWkuLuds/s1600/theotokos+shading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5_2r8xv1TY/UmyHQ4DMk2I/AAAAAAAAMrU/VrvXWkuLuds/s640/theotokos+shading.png" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-61489330638634091602013-10-17T23:12:00.002-05:002013-10-17T23:12:52.681-05:00Daily Draw: Theotokos (WIP)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOXQp9XW8MI/UmC0Kkk3k4I/AAAAAAAAMPo/SkQ5dNnM0iU/s1600/Screenshot+from+2013-10-17+23:06:49.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KOXQp9XW8MI/UmC0Kkk3k4I/AAAAAAAAMPo/SkQ5dNnM0iU/s640/Screenshot+from+2013-10-17+23:06:49.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is a new piece that is in progress. This is eventually going to make up the basis of one of my most involved projects yet. I'm going to be reaching well beyond my usual skill set for this particular project, so I need to lay a good foundation with my initial sketches.<br />
<br />
My design will be closely modeled after traditional Eastern iconography, specifically a piece known as the Theotokos of the Passion. It's probably the single most famous icon of Mary as the God-Bearer that has ever been made in the history of Christian art, and the now-lost original was said to have been painted by St. Luke himself, although this is probably a pious legend. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-16687081181206044622013-10-16T21:22:00.000-05:002013-10-16T21:24:28.772-05:00Random Updates: I'm still alive!It's been a while since I updated the blog, so here are some things I'm working on lately, in no particular order:<br />
<br />
I did a bunch of these:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s80YeIPz8B0/Ul9IhPhQ40I/AAAAAAAAMPA/3Q3zRSAkYA4/s1600/20131014_222356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s80YeIPz8B0/Ul9IhPhQ40I/AAAAAAAAMPA/3Q3zRSAkYA4/s640/20131014_222356.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And I do mean a lot. And I'm going to be doing more video game hardware soon I hope, probably more Gameboys as well as some NES hardware, and possibly others.<br />
<br />
I also made more business cards out of wood for a client who is very pleased with them. I've done work on a new-old keyboard, which is still in the works:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvfhkIlVtuY/Ul9I7oj4oYI/AAAAAAAAMPI/N4LVxMtTKFM/s1600/appleIIGS_keyboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jvfhkIlVtuY/Ul9I7oj4oYI/AAAAAAAAMPI/N4LVxMtTKFM/s640/appleIIGS_keyboard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm converting it to USB. I also made an apple press and used it to make apple cider. Soon I might convert it for use as a cheese press, since apple season is rapidly winding down. And I've taken to making sketches on notecards because I find a sketchbook to be FAR too organized and sensible. Here are just two of the recent ones:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-bbyXSbKvg/Ul9JdvWU8NI/AAAAAAAAMPQ/frQSNGuRij8/s1600/20131008_225544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C-bbyXSbKvg/Ul9JdvWU8NI/AAAAAAAAMPQ/frQSNGuRij8/s640/20131008_225544.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omk0IyFIpPs/Ul9JfTpBSQI/AAAAAAAAMPY/9Qk0vY3Ho_U/s1600/20131016_174532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="384" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-omk0IyFIpPs/Ul9JfTpBSQI/AAAAAAAAMPY/9Qk0vY3Ho_U/s640/20131016_174532.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I have more big projects on the way in the coming weeks, but I hope that as I get settled into my new routine with my art work I will be able to provide more frequent updates than I have in the past two months. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-2514719599395505312013-09-24T20:00:00.001-05:002013-09-24T20:00:53.364-05:00Engraving: Call of Cthulhu (phone case)My buddy Phil came over. His phone was sadly lacking in adornment. Upon
examination, he clearly needed a little one-eyed Cthulhu on his phone.
So I turned the camera spot into an eye, added tentacles, and burned it
in. ;)<br /><br />Now he can answer the call of Cthulhu every time he uses his phone.<br />
<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCyxNq7fiOM/UkI1u9HVcMI/AAAAAAAAL44/ta8WfdEyWcY/s1600/20130924_194504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NCyxNq7fiOM/UkI1u9HVcMI/AAAAAAAAL44/ta8WfdEyWcY/s640/20130924_194504.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-75436414315665224532013-09-21T19:40:00.002-05:002013-09-21T19:40:24.019-05:00Engraving: Gameboy DMG CasesI decided that one Gameboy engraving was not enough, I had to do more! So I decided to try my hand with some after-market Gameboy cases made by <a href="http://store.kitsch-bent.com/" target="_blank">Kistch-Bent. </a>They come in 4 colors (black, white, green, and blue) and were a bit of a challenge to engrave properly. <br />
<br />
Matt, the kindly proprietor, indicated that the plastic was ABS, but I later found out that it's a little different from the ABS used in other electronics, such as the original Gameboy. It doesn't have the flame retardant additives, and is just a little bit softer than the original plastics. Normally this isn't something I'd have noticed, as the cases feel incredibly sturdy and are very nicely made. Unfortunately, it made laser-engraving them very tricky. The first first few cases came out looking like this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-od8Ic3jfVhI/Uj47F0aTtVI/AAAAAAAAL0g/PbXp-7xpxAQ/s1600/20130917_180655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-od8Ic3jfVhI/Uj47F0aTtVI/AAAAAAAAL0g/PbXp-7xpxAQ/s640/20130917_180655.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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If you look closely right above the battery door clip, you'll notice some warping. That is what I am calling blow-out, and that is caused by the plastic becoming too hot on the top surface, and being blown around by the air that cools and cleans the cutting head's lens. I eventually solved this problem by keeping the speed up high and reducing power to only 30%. Here are the results:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyoKUT0l43I/Uj4729ysx3I/AAAAAAAAL0o/q8SJcmsYHsk/s1600/20130921_192443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TyoKUT0l43I/Uj4729ysx3I/AAAAAAAAL0o/q8SJcmsYHsk/s640/20130921_192443.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
<br />
Some time in the coming weeks, my special custom cases will become available from <a href="http://store.kitsch-bent.com/" target="_blank">Kitsch-Bent's shop.</a> They fit on standard original Gameboy hardware, or you can use them for other kinds of electronics too. I might eventually use one of these cases for a custom-made handheld game system of some sort, possibly a Famiclone. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-47333221097804261282013-09-20T16:51:00.002-05:002013-09-20T16:51:23.261-05:00Daily Draw: Chinese Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zOOe96WFj0/UjzDDIPsQ5I/AAAAAAAALzM/1V7crm10sG8/s1600/chinese+thingymajobbie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--zOOe96WFj0/UjzDDIPsQ5I/AAAAAAAALzM/1V7crm10sG8/s640/chinese+thingymajobbie.png" width="610" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't get to finish this one, but it's more of a warm-up sketch for something else I'm working on today. So here it is, part of a Chinese castle. It just went on an on, a profusion of complicated shapes. If I was in the right mood it would have been pretty cool to spend all day drawing the entire thing. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-30548818282696923562013-09-09T17:47:00.000-05:002013-09-09T17:47:17.427-05:00Daily Draw: My Other Tractor is a Lamborghini <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXCSnTM7X7Y/Ui5OnDAP4fI/AAAAAAAALmk/xo2tfZeY9GA/s1600/my+other+tractor.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXCSnTM7X7Y/Ui5OnDAP4fI/AAAAAAAALmk/xo2tfZeY9GA/s640/my+other+tractor.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Many thanks to <a class="g-profile" href="http://plus.google.com/110835158077031351121" target="_blank">+Richard Schneider</a> who originally found and took a photo of this tractor. Apparently, there really is a tractor-making company called Lamborghini, so this isn't precisely a joke. There really ARE tractor-Lambos. I got a good laugh out of this anyway, just imagining the bumper sticker you could have on your John Deere: "My other tractor is a Lamborghini." <br />
<br />
See the original photo here: <a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/110835158077031351121/albums/5920944015958730177">https://plus.google.com/photos/110835158077031351121/albums/5920944015958730177</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-42353520663358832472013-09-02T16:40:00.001-05:002013-09-02T16:40:06.689-05:00Daily Draw: Sketch of JaredThis is my friend Jared, attempting to draw on his Android tablet. He was having a hard time with his fingers, and was very focused on his work. I did this very rapidly, working to achieve a sketch in as short a time as possible rather than going for accuracy.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-eDsFkJp8/UiUFqLXpvHI/AAAAAAAALcM/W_VFCVhaQ20/s1600/sketch+of+jared.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ry-eDsFkJp8/UiUFqLXpvHI/AAAAAAAALcM/W_VFCVhaQ20/s640/sketch+of+jared.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140938569531294366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7280749661578910210.post-41632661628250914182013-08-30T18:07:00.000-05:002013-08-30T18:07:17.957-05:00Laser-engraved business cardsI decided to make myself some laser engraved business cards today. These are oversized in nearly all dimensions, being almost exactly 3" x 4" and about 1/8" thick. Basically, these are designed to be very impressive, and I think they fit the bill. These were made with my usual double-sided engraving technique, with a twist. Instead of engraving a front and a back side by side, I engraved fronts and then backs, enabling me to use dithering on the backside, and a double-pass multi-depth effect on the front.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teM-F-_FzgY/UiEldsBEidI/AAAAAAAALX4/QJOlxiqFXt4/s1600/IMG_4428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-teM-F-_FzgY/UiEldsBEidI/AAAAAAAALX4/QJOlxiqFXt4/s640/IMG_4428.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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