Inspired by Syrca from Youtube....

Have you ever watched something done so well that you just become mesmerized by it? That's how I feel every time I watch the electronic sketch videos of youtube user Syrca. He uses an electronic sketchpad and photoshop (I think) to design some of the most amazing pictures I have ever seen. Let's pause for a moment of silence while we remember my first e-sketch from the last post..........yes, yes...rest in peace little chipmunks.

After using a pencil and xerox paper to create some of my best sketches, Syrca videos have inspired me to try using my skills on the computer . In order to do this, I had to have an instrument that would give me all of the quality practice I could handle. I researched for a while, asking friends, who do art regularly, questions about the best e-sketch pad for the best price for a beginning artist. I also asked myself some serious questions, like how often will I actually use the pad considering my daily schedule, as well as how much and when my budget could afford such an item. After much debate, the compromise of an upgrade once my skills improved prepared me to purchase. One day after my teaching job, I decided to make an $106.99 investment in myself.

Here is what I purchased:

Now when I bought it I started using it immediately. It contains a pen with a stylus tip, replacement stylus tips with a small silver stylus grabber (not the official name, lol), photoshop elements 7.0, and one other cd that has no relevance to this article. Here are two pictures that I am extremely proud of that I drew without knowing fully how to use Photoshop Elements 7.0.

Well, I think these two pictures speak for themselves, at least to say that I am not a mental reTARD when it comes to using the Bamboo tablet.

Derrick Ash

Friday - Day 53

OLD MAN TANNER SLEEPING

Wednesday - Day 39

Today was another awesome day! I actually left later than normal from my house and still got to work on time. Talk about divine intervention! I can just see it now. Angel's were flying ahead knocking cars out of the way and into ditches just so I could have a clear road to make tracks. Thank you Lord! lol! No really, I found out today that a student's father is also a great artist and he has been drawing since he was in the second grade. Apparently he is the man when it comes to sketching. I think it would be cool to have him sketch something for me in a video, kind of like an instructional video.

Anyway, I'm just rambling now. I hope you all enjoy the video.

Sunday - Day 36

There has been a slight hiccup in the uploading process for my Timmy Turner Sketch video. I will have to post it Monday or Tuesday (most likely Monday)....man! This time I will make sure to save the file properly.

In the meantime, I thought you guys should know that I have been offered a couple of cartooning projects, one of which is a voiceover role (which means I play the voice of a cartoon character...for those who didn't know, lol!) for an amazing cartoonist. Right now I cannot tell everything, but I will be sure to fill you guys in on my developments voiceover and all! I am really enjoying this journey, guys. Thank you for your support.

Wednesday "As Promised" - Day 32

Sup Guys! Yesterday I promised to update you on how I made it to this point in my journey. At first, I was only going to note the assistance I received from other people, but I thought that it was also important to note the time management I used in the beginning part of my journey.

1. I decided that I truly loved cartoons and wanted to be a creator of them.

2. I started sketching pictures of cartoon characters from classic television shows. I found these pictures mostly on the internet (Google Images) and in story books. I am a fan of low detail solid line drawings.

3. Then, already knowing how blogs work, I chose a host website (www.blogger.com - very simple to use) and made a blog of my own.

4. The time management came into play once I became employed as a high school science teacher, who was responsible for students in grades 9 - 12. I had to make time everyday after school to post a drawing and a couple of words (because I wasn't doin' NATHANIEL when I got home! lol!)

5. I also made time everyday to DREAM BIG! In order to do this I would get something to eat, change into comfortable clothes, and relax. Then I would write down all of the things I wanted to happen IN THE PRESENT PERFECT TENSE!! (I think that's it. lol!)

6. When I started writing my goals on paper my mind was constantly working out how to reach them even without me knowing it. Then days would come where I all of sudden became inspired to do something toward my goals or someone would just come up and start talking to me about things related to my goals. Check out Becoming A Cartoonist - Day 2: Disclaimer, Sunday Morning - That Maroon 5 Feel..lol! Day 29, and Friday & Saturday Posts - Days 27 and 28)

7. Then I connected with like minded people who shared my vision. They were very helpful to me as I shared ideas and intimate details about my goals and the path to reach them.

Ultimately, I believe setting goals and writing them down on paper has allowed me to realize the potential this blog has to help me reach my final goal of becoming a cartoonist! Stay tuned kiddies! lol!

Mellow Monday - Day 30

Well, ladies and gentlemen, my blog is officially a month old and I am excited but in a mellow mood because I had a long day. Near the end of my day I became hungry and started thinking of Gummie Bears the candy and the cartoon. So before I leave school, I'll leave this picture with you.

Sunday Morning - That Maroon 5 Feel..lol! Day 29

This weekend has really turned into a testimony of how much I have been blessed. Just yesterday, not too long after my "Friday & Saturday" post, I celebrated a friend's birthday at Chow Baby restaurant (which was awesome by the way). As we waited for the final member of our group to show up, one of my friends started talking about ComiCon. She said that it was a really fun convention and that the artists were amazing. There were even original comicbook sketch artists there. That's when my ears perked up and I paid full attention. I started thinking about how ComicCon and conventions like it would be great opportunities for me to promote my cartoons when I develop them. Then my friend started sharing an idea for a comic strip of interesting characters that her mom created. I had no idea my outing to celebrate my friend's birthday would turn into another huge forward step in My Journey To Becoming A Cartoonist (hey! i know it's a cheap plug but gimme a break! lol!) There is not much more time before I begin putting full cartoon strips and shows together (i'm thinking after September). You guys stay tuned because more exciting news is on the way!

Friday & Saturday Posts - Days 27 and 28

Today's post comes from a very thoughtful mood. I have received a lot of information concerning my blog over the past few days. I am making use of all this helpful information because I am serious about becoming a cartoonist who changes people's lives. A student of mine saw my cartoon blog and thought it was pretty awesome. This student was the one who gave me all of the suggestions. I was really amazed that my journey to becoming a cartoonist would have me cross paths with a kid who would give me insight that would sky rocket my confidence, thinking, and persistence to achieve my goal. I don't think I'll draw anything today. I will just relish in this moment and consider ways to move forward. Once I have finalized my thinking, I will start back to work. I thank those of you have persisted with me up to this point. I told you to stick with me and you did just that. Now you can see that you will not be disappointed. Hang in there......

Thursday "Feeling After PTSA Mtg." - Day 26

Wednesday Hump Day - Day 25

Just made it before tomorrow! lol! Enjoy!

Tuesday's Memories - Day 24

Does anyone remember Nickelodeon on Friday nights at 9:00pm? Before the line up started showing "Are You Afraid Of The Dark", one of my all time favorite cartoons would come on. Ren & Stimpy! Talk about awesome slapstick humor. That was one of the many precursors to Adult Swim in my opinion. The comedy was raunchy (in an adolescent way! lol!), but it was the best. Does anyone have any other cartoon memories they'd like to share? Oh! And 1000 points to anyone who can remember the name of the famous song Ren & Stimpy always sang. Eeeewww Wee this is fun!

Monday Surprises - Day 23

Okay, something weird happened today as I was choosing which picture I would put on my blog. I called my mom to ask her what her favorite cartoon character was because I was having so much trouble. Just as she was forming her mouth to say Jimmy Neutron, I was in the process of looking him up on Google images. It was pretty neat! Anyway, I hope you guys can tell that this drawing has more obvious sketch circles around the mouth area, which shows some improvement in my proportion skills. Actually a friend of mine is really good with sketching and showed me some techniques, which I used in this picture. I hope you guys enjoy! Take care!

Adults and Cartoons - Days 21 & 22

Hello All,

Today in church I was cartooning my notes and discovered the lady next to me staring over my shoulder at a quick sketch of an animal. Then it hit me! Cartoons are not just for kids but adults too!......ok.....I actually already knew that. lol! Above are my notes along with the drawings that I sketched. Enjoy!