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

I Created the New Birth Christian Academy Logo!!!

Hey guys, I have my first few jobs.  The first one went over very well.....

Ok, ok!!  I apologize for getting ahead of myself.  How have you all been?  I have a lot to catch you up on. For example, I did not take my MCAT test for medical school because a terrible driver hit me on the day of my exam.  That fiasco set me back a little and also gave me time to reassess my immediate goals.  I am now taking a different route to my career goal.  Hopefully, all goes well with this one and nothing crazy happens like me spontaneously combusting.  LOL!! (You have to learn to laugh at yourself and keep rollin')

Now on to what I initially said.  I was blessed enough to create the first logo in the history of New Birth Christian Academy.  So, without further delay, here it is.

Thanks for hanging in there with me guys.  I am really going to enjoy the opportunities that are being presented to me, and I will be sure to share all of my experiences with my blog readers.

Monday - Day 57 "Medical School Break..."

Hello all, it has been a while since my last post, but I have good reason for the extended leave. Currently, I am hustling to put together my medical school application and it is coming together nicely. I have until this Friday to get it submitted. I will surely be happy when this thing is over. In the meantime though, I want to make sure I am giving it my full attention. That probably means no posts this week (kinda like last week, huh? lol!). Anyway, thank you guys for hanging in their with me. I also thank you those of you who have been rooting for my acceptance to medical school from the begining. Alright! Until the next post...

Cartoon Enthusiast

Wednesday - Day 55

Thursday - Day 52

CARTOON EYES

Thursday "I love My Friends" - Day 45

This post is dedicated to the Vision Casters Network. You know, it really helps when someone encourages you to keep doing something, because you know whatever you're doing must be, at the very least, admirable to that person. Well, I have been encouraged and inspired to move my drawings to another level and to continue pouring my heart into this journey. Thanks to www.visioncastersnetwork.net I have just a bit more validation for the consistent work I've been doing. AND THE WORK IS SO EASY! lol! I am putting more and more effort into making my drawings look appropriate (whatever that means. lol!) and into finding things of substance to discuss in my text-only posts.

Thanks to all of you who supporter this site. I hope it's been entertaining! Stay Tuned!

Tuesday "A Higher Plane" - Day 43

Darn it, dude! Right when I start doing something great, something even better happens. I am truly counting my blessings because so much has come my way just with me spreading the word with my blog. I'm talking about people leaving inspirational and helpful comments to people "in high places" being able use my blog to educate children. Yes! I said, "to educate kids." This is the very revelation I discussed only two posts ago. Nothing is set in stone, but all I have to have is a proposal, and then it's go-time. I am going to be smart about it and seek wise counsel on this one. So, if any of you have the knowledge on how to write an effective proposal, I would really appreciate it. Even if you can direct to a place or person that can help, I'm all for that. Guys please keep up with this blog because so much positive stuff is happening that I do not want you to miss! Just ask Ang from the Avatar. He will tell you. lol!

Friday "Forty Days & Nights Sermon, lol!" - Day 40

I thought today would be a good day to post a unoriginal pun for my title as well as a lengthy explanation of my progress, instead of a picture. Besides, I forgot my digital camera at school (dumb place to leave it) and cannot upload any pictures. Now, on to the explanation! Let us remenisce on the story of the Israelites who traveled or should I say wondered in the desert for 40 years because of their bull-headedness towards God's instructions. Let us also not forget the story of Noah and the ark. You know the one with the flood that lasted, you guessed it, 40 days and nights.

Now, let us remember how the people in both stories felt when they finally finished their 40 year periods. THEY CELEBRATED (or were really happy and got busy filling the Earth with babies as the story of Noah and his peeps so lovingly concludes). Me, I am just excited that I have finally pulled my head out of my rear and am busy pursuing my dream as a cartoonist. If there was ever any slither of doubt (the worst kind, right?) for those you debating the start of your own passionate journey, trust me. Just start! You will be so happy you did. I have run into so many helpful people and situations that now I see myself accopmplishing my goals maybe even years sooner than I originally thought possible. This is all coming from a person who, just two years ago, discovered that he could draw!

Some of you have been at your craft and passion for years and are really good at it. Keep following this blog and you will see how possible it is to reach everyone of your goals with just a little desire and consistency.

Stay up people!