Click Below and Read My Article in the "Home based business" Section

Showing posts with label cartoonist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cartoonist. Show all posts

Saturday, August 20, 2011

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


Monday, October 12, 2009

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

Friday, September 4, 2009

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!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

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!

Monday, August 24, 2009

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.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Becoming A Cartoonist - Day 2: Disclaimer

What's up guys! I thought I should leave some initial disclaimers about my blog before I really begin. This blog will be updated daily. I will try my best not to miss a day even though I am a high school science teacher (physics, chemistry, biology, and physical science). By the way....

Q: How many physical chemists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Only one, but he'll change it three times, plot a straight line through the data, and then extrapolate to zero concentration.


Wait! Don't shoot! That was not my joke! lol!

I believe in the power of consistency when reaching a goal. I also believe in substance and will therefore try everything in my power to have interesting topics for you to discuss. I am not overly sensitive, so I do appreciate jokes and humorous comments about my cartoon art. All I ask is for some honest feedback about how I can improve or how I have gotten better. This will help me solidify what works and toss out what does not work.
  • Does anyone have a recommendation for a list of COST EFFICIENT beginner art materials?

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Purpose Of This Blog

This is a blog to track my progress as an upcoming cartoonist!

I have always loved cartoons ever since I was an Army brat living in Germany. Like most kids I grew up watching Tom & Jerry, Looney Toons, Popeye, The Smurfs, Thundercats and The Flinstones. These shows always provided an escape to fun and adventurous worlds that I so wanted to be a part of. All during my childhood my attention and energy were captivated by Saturday morning cartoons, after school line-ups, and TGIF (Thank God It's Friday) cartoon specials. My love for cartoons led me as a child to start drawing characters from television and even comic books. Now as an adult my drawing ability and creativity are developing nicely. I am even starting to see the difficulty in creating an original cartoon character, which is a good thing! lol! So I figure this is as good a time as any to start a blog that shows pictures, clips, and words of my progress toward my goal. "A Dream Deferred", right? As it will be a source of accountability to me, I hope this blog serves as inspiration for others looking to take the same journey!

Enjoy! I know I will! lol!




Leave comments/criticism/ discussion.