Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is Gothic Lolita?

Gothic Lolita is a unique fashion subculture that emerged in Japan, characterized by a blend of Victorian and Rococo-inspired clothing with a dark, gothic aesthetic. This style is part of the larger Lolita fashion movement, which emphasizes modesty, femininity, and elegance. Gothic Lolita, however, incorporates darker elements such as black or deep-coloured dresses, elaborate lace, and accessories, often accompanied by Gothic makeup and hairstyles.

The fashion originated in the late 20th century in Japan and was heavily influenced by the visual kei music scene, where musicians embraced flamboyant and theatrical fashion. Designers like Mana, a guitarist known for his involvement in the band Malice Mizer, played a significant role in popularizing Gothic Lolita through his fashion brand Moi-même-Moitié.

Gothic Lolita is adored for its intricate and doll-like aesthetics, creating a fantasy world that allows individuals to express their creativity and rebellion against mainstream fashion norms. The emphasis on modesty and elegance, combined with the dark and mysterious undertones, gives wearers a sense of empowerment and escapism. The fashion has transcended its Japanese origins and gained international popularity, with enthusiasts appreciating its artistic and avant-garde nature, as well as the sense of community it fosters through events, social media, and dedicated fashion subcultures around the world.

Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is a Leviathan?

The term "Leviathan" has historical, religious, and literary connotations. Historically, it referred to a giant sea monster or creature, often associated with chaos and the primordial forces of the ocean. This concept has roots in various mythologies and ancient cultures, with the Leviathan symbolizing the untamed power of the seas.

Religiously, the Leviathan is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Job and the Book of Isaiah. In these texts, it is depicted as a powerful and fearsome sea monster, representing chaos and the forces of evil that humanity must contend with.

In a literary context, the concept of the Leviathan is explored in-depth by philosopher Thomas Hobbes in his work "Leviathan," published in 1651. Here, Hobbes uses the Leviathan as a metaphor for a powerful, all-encompassing government that maintains order and prevents the "war of all against all" in society. The Leviathan, in this sense, is a symbol of sovereign authority and social contract.

Overall, whether as a mythical sea creature, a biblical symbol, or a political metaphor, the term Leviathan carries rich and varied meanings across different cultural, religious, and philosophical contexts. It embodies notions of power, chaos, and the struggle for order in the face of formidable forces.

Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is a Werewolf?

A werewolf is a mythical creature often depicted in folklore and popular culture as a human being who possesses the ability to transform into a wolf or a wolf-like creature, typically during the full moon. The concept of werewolves has roots in various cultures worldwide, with variations in their characteristics and origins.

In many traditional European legends, a person could become a werewolf through various means, such as being bitten by another werewolf or through a curse. The transformation is often associated with uncontrollable aggression and a heightened connection to primal instincts, symbolizing the duality between human and animal nature.

The portrayal of werewolves has evolved in modern literature, film, and television, incorporating different aspects of the myth into various genres, including horror, fantasy, and romance. Werewolves are frequently depicted as powerful, fearsome creatures, sometimes struggling with their dual nature and the consequences of their transformations.

The myth of the werewolf taps into primal fears and cultural narratives surrounding the wilderness, the moon, and the supernatural. It serves as a symbol for the struggle between civilization and the untamed forces of nature. The werewolf myth endures as a captivating and enduring element in the folklore and storytelling traditions of numerous societies.

Character example for an upcoming book project I'm working on.

What is a Mutant Zombie?

A Mutant Zombie is a fictional creature commonly found in various forms of popular culture, particularly in the horror and science fiction genres. The concept typically involves a variation of the traditional zombie, characterized by mutations that go beyond the standard portrayal of reanimated corpses. These mutations often result from exposure to radiation, experimental chemicals, or other unnatural phenomena, enhancing the zombies' physical attributes and abilities.

Unlike conventional zombies that are depicted as slow-moving and lacking cognitive function, Mutant Zombies may possess increased strength, agility, and sometimes even intelligence. The mutations can manifest in various ways, such as additional limbs, distorted features, or heightened senses, making them more formidable and challenging adversaries for protagonists in stories.

The idea of Mutant Zombies has been popularized in video games, movies, and literature, allowing creators to explore new and imaginative variations of the classic zombie archetype. This creative twist adds an extra layer of danger and unpredictability to the zombie narrative, providing storytellers with opportunities to explore themes of scientific experimentation gone awry, the consequences of environmental disasters, or the horrors of a world ravaged by both the undead and the consequences of human tampering with nature. Mutant Zombies, therefore, serve as a compelling and versatile element in the broader spectrum of zombie fiction.

Wizard sketch to be used in an upcoming book project I’m working on.

Work in Progress:

W.I.P. I'm 85% complete with this one. It’s been sitting on my hard drive in this state for weeks. Perhaps another 3 hours and I’ll be done with the colouring- just need to find the time.

Cintiq Girl finally finished :)

In May 2013 I worked at the Wacom stand at the MCM comic expo in London.

I created 'Cintiq girl' especially for the event and spent most of my time there demonstrating the new Cintiq 13HD graphics tablet screen combo, which was pretty cool!

On the Friday I tried out Manga Studio 4 (Now known as Clip Studio) to digital ink her. It seemed like an ok program, but not sure I’d use it again and I couldn’t figure out if there’s a way to create anti-aliased lines? I then spent the weekend working on the colours in Photoshop CS6 in between chatting to customers, but still needed a day to finish after I got back.

Also wanted to see how my new laptop handles large Photoshop files. This one is about 1.5GB! (this image is 6% actual size) and it seemed fine for everything other than smudge tool.

Thanks for checking it out!

About the Cintiq

Wacom Cintiq is a line of interactive pen displays by Wacom, catering to artists and designers. It integrates a high-quality display directly into the drawing surface, enabling users to draw, paint, and manipulate digital content directly on the screen.

The series offers various models with differences in size, resolution, and features. Notable among these features is the pressure-sensitive pen that provides precise control and simulates traditional artistic techniques. Some models also include multi-touch capabilities for gestures like zooming and rotating. Widely utilized in animation, illustration, and graphic design, the Cintiq series has become a favoured tool for professionals and enthusiasts seeking an intuitive and direct digital drawing experience. For the latest information, it's recommended to check Wacom's official sources for product updates and releases.