Happy Holidays....

Christmas is only a few days away, and then it's New Years! Of course, let's not forget Chanukah, Kwanzaa, and who knows what else. It's like the Holiday Olympics this time of year and I just hope everyone is enjoying themselves a little more, and experiencing a little less of the stress from it all.
I'm doing alright myself (thanks for asking), and thought that it would be a good time to share with you a little drawing I made recently on a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. I haven't been there in years, and I forgot what an amazing place it is... and I didn't even get to the second floor! I spent the entire afternoon gawking at the ginormous Christmas tree they have set up. There were hundreds of angels covering the tree and all around it (what looked to me like) Victorian figurines of various shepherds, kings, commoners, more angels and what-nots everywhere. It was a bit of a cluster-fcuk actually, but in a beautiful way. You could pick a different spot and view an entirely different scene. In the dead center there was the classic "Birth of Jesus" creche scene, and I tried sketching that, but there was just way too much going on that all I could manage to do was capture the layout and positioning of the characters. The highlight of it for me was the donkey and a cow peeking around a corner thru the brush at the baby. Awwww... I would have also put a couple of kittens in the scene, but that's just me.
Here are some pics of the (what they are calling "Neapolitan Baroque") tree that I stole from various online sources. Funny how there are all these pictures when there's a huge "NO NOT TAKE PHOTOS" sign in front of your face. Hmmmm...






























Anyways, there was also this lovely statue not far from the tree of "The Holy Family" and I sketched that, too. I was able to get pretty close, and got lots of good detail. I figured it made a nice Christmas card, too... so I scanned it in and digitally added a watercolor background to give it a more "umph". Here is the final product:

Clash with my TItans

OK... I have to post about this cuz it makes me mad.

I heard the Clash of the Titans was being re-made... but haven't seen anything (or heard too much about it) until just now. I just saw the poster campaign and teaser trailer online... and I'm NOT happy. WTF happened? It's all super dark and serious... hard edged and raw. I know we're in a recession/ depression, fighting a war, everything sucks, (blah, blah, blah) but does it have to seep into one of my most beloved fantasy films of all time?

ex #1: Why is pegasus BLACK? Is it just to be different, or perhaps better match the bleak movie poster campaign (see #3 below)? Well, fine. The myth says Pegasus was born from Medusa's blood, so maybe Pegasus should be deep red, or a dark, ruddy brown and not that lovely white stallion we all know. I'll accept the color change, but why not make it glistening and beautiful? After all, it's a known fact now that even vampires sparkle in the sunlight.

ex #2: Why do the Stygian Witches look like something from Hellboy/ Pans Labyrinth/ Alien? Here is a picture of what I'm talking about (left).

If you're going to make a crazy monster, then make it unique and amazing. Why bother if it just reminds you of another movie. ....zzzzzzzz

ex #3: Myths are supposed to be a source of wonder and inspiration. The movie teaser and posters just make me think of kicking someone's ass while the world around me is at an end. Everything is bleak and dark, and gigantic monsters are just waiting to crush everything in sight. That just makes me scared and tense.

Now look at the original movie poster campaign. (below) Right away you know who the hero is and even though there are some terrible monsters about, the heavens are shining on him and you just know he's gonna make it through it all somehow. Heck, there's even a beautiful woman *gasp* that hints at perhaps a love story or human connection. It's not all about fighting and looking tough at all. There's a whole lot more going on. Poster artist Dan Gouzee did a hell of a job, but also note an equally amazing alternate poster by celebrated fantasy artists (the Hildebrandt brothers) which further enhances the fantasy genre! How amazing is THAT! Yeah!!

So ... whatever. I'm NOT looking forward to this movie as I had originally hoped for. I actually jumped up and down and clapped my hands at the thought of seeing this story reinterpreted.

Now I'm just covering my eyes and moaning. *sigh*

They casted Alcide!?

Yes! While reading one of my favorite blogs, Loving True Blood in Dallas, I saw that the role of Alcide Herveaux was given to actor Joe Manganiello. He was on some show called "One Tree Hill" which I never watched (but heard of), but I've otherwise never heard of this guy before. Oh wait... just read he was "Flash Tompson" in that terrible Spiderman 3 movie. Well, that doesn't help as I can't remember anything about that movie anyways (like a bad dream). So I googled him, and saw lots of dark, Italian looking mugshots.

Hmmm... looks like he can be scruffy and has looks like he could bulk up with some serious muscle:
But I hope he's got some chest hair! I will start a boycott ...I mean MANcott... against smooth werewolves. Those twinks from New Moon need to stop shaving their chests. Heck, they probably shave their pubes off, too. That's OK (I know it takes all types), but Werewolves need to be hairy! And no "Manscaping" werewolves either: Werewolves are not metrosexual!

Well, I won't judge. I'll wait and see what happens next season. All I know is that when I read the books, Alcide could easily be the hottest guy in the series.

I sort of imagined him something like:
Jason Stathom





Ryan Reynolds





or (the obvious) "Huge Jackedman"





Do you think I'm right? Will you join my fight to bring hairy werewoves back in style? Please leave a comment and tell me... so I know who I can and cannot sacrifice. ;)

Hire Me!

Do you know anyone that needs an Illustrator or Graphic Designer? I'm ready, willing, and able to help!

I am also here for anyone who wants to commission me for a sketch, too. It makes for a unique and fun gift idea, too. I can do pet portraits, a sketch of your favorite super hero, villain, or anything else you can dream up.

Right now (for a limited time) you can donate $20+ and I'll make a "digital portrait" of any photo you email to me. Just click on the "donate" button at the right to make the donation, and send me a picture. It's that easy! Note the digital image I create will be a 4x4 inch square jpeg file.
Here's one of me:

Rock out with your milkshake

I just found the most incredible thing... well, for today at least. It's a "Got Milk" campaign that also helps schools around the country to raise money for their arts program. Students can remake their favorite scene(s) from the movie to compete for big bucks. How freakn awesome is that! I wish this was around when I was in high school... I would have killed to have played the role of Strawberry Summers... I mean White Gold. ;)

Anyways, if you know any high school students or folks that do... then make sure they know about this epic rock opera. It's freaking amazing to watch. It's hilarious, fun, campy, and educational (well, slightly educational in the fact that milk helps to promote healthy bones, teeth, hair, and muscle.) I wish every fund-raising opportunity could be this fun. Check out this promo on YouTube:


All of this wholesome goodness and more is available online here:
http://www.milkquarious.com

I have to take the opportunity here to post clips of a few of my other favorite things here, too. It's like all this stuff was thrown into a blender to create one delicious milkshake! prepare to get a stomachache!

Christmas Woodie

I'm here to tell you all about a very talented artisan and friend, Blake Paris. He hand crafts a variety of housewares, decor, and things and sells them from his ETSY shop, "A Touch of Paris".
http://www.etsy.com/shop/touchofparis

I have to say that the wooden bowls and lamps are my some of my favorites. They just look quite handsome and unique. It's no chandelier, but check these out:
How about THIS one?








Or THAT one?









Or THIS one?










Or THAT one?










If you are looking for something special, tasteful and lasting check out his wares.
There's options for almost any price point.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/touchofparis

Happy Shopping! :)

Ahmond

Just wanted to post about my friend and talented musician, Ahmond.
I did the logo and artwork for his album "A Boy You Once Knew" and now he's come out with a new EP called "Monster & Minstrel".

If you like music artists like Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Grizzly Bear, or sophisticated indie folk art in general I highly recommend for you to check it out! Heck, just go and have a listen just to hear something new:
http://www.myspace.com/ahmondband

Download the new EP here:
http://www.ahmond.com/monster.html

Giving Thanks

I'm giving thanks to DC Direct at the moment: for the TRUE BLOOD Statues they will have for sale in 2010! Guess which one I'm going to buy first: Bill Compton, Sookie Stackhouse, or Eric Northman?

Paper doll extras and MORE...

I've updated my website so that you can easily find my paper dolls and download what you need including my True Blood stencil art! Yeah!

My Extras this time are for Bill, Jason, and Laffy:

Bill's hair has been soo bad last season that I had to make ridiculous wigs to make his normal "do" amazing. Of course, Bill needs a pair of sexy boardshorts and sunglasses so he can properly hang poolside with the Queen. I had to throw in that nice gray shirt he barfed on, too. That was just too funny. *sigh* Poor Bill!

Jason has his "Rambo" gear complete with chainsaw to battle his mindless neighbors, and I've been itching to add a pair of those funny silky gloves he wore from season 1 when he was all into those S&M games (remember that?)!

Lafayette gets his fighting gear on, too... but his is more fashionable in a lace tank and sleeveless vest. Just look how he waves that shotgun, too! Work it Guhrrrl-friend!

OH! And there's a new episode of Andy's Unicorner on Campblood's House of Horrors! I talk about some new web animated series as well as a fun game to play with your friends: Werewolves of Millers Hollow! It's FUN!

Bubba lives!

Well, the smoke has cleared and Halloween seems to have ended. Now everywhere you look it's Christmas. Well, I'll confess that I saw Christmas was in the stores along side the Halloween candy, etc. ...sigh. But I'm not going to go there (just yet). I'm still reliving my tormented Halloween adventures. Did I see Gizmo in the pizza parlor at 3 am? Was that a mummy walking with me all night? How many shots of tequila did I have??
Well, take a look at some of my Halloween pics and tell me if you can piece the story together?
Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween. Did anyone see any True Blood pumpkins or costumes? I think I saw a Sookie, but it could have been a bad Britney Spears... I couldn't tell. ;)
Anyways I'd love to see any fun pics that you care to share. (especially if anyone caught a Sam Merlott in his apron!)

Andy's Unicorner

Just letting you all know about a new vlog called "CampBlood House of Horrors" because yours truly has a regular segment called "Andy's Unicorner" where I'll bring you my picks of the moment from the worlds of comic books, games, sci-fi and fantasy.

In the premiere episode of the show that puts the "die" in DIY, we share some quick and easy last-minute Halloween projects to make your holiday the most spooktacular ever: A mummy trick-or-treat bag, a recipe for dismembered finger pretzels, and a simple but dramatic makeup look for a perfect ghoul's night out. Plus, comics and Halloween costume tips from Andy's Unicorner, special guest Joe Zaso, and lots more! Hosted by CampBlood.org creator Brian Juergens.



Here's my art for my costume ideas featured in the video (plus an added bonus idea: a Biker Werewolf!) ENJOY!!

True Blood pumpkins

Halloween is fast approaching and perhaps you haven't yet carved that pumpkin. Or maybe you'll want to carve one after you see my new ERIC NORTHMAN stencil. Here it is: Tah-Dah!
(click on the image to open large JPEG file)

Note: You may need to re-size, depending on how big (or small) your pumpkin is. But knowing Eric's minions: you'll want the biggest pumpkin you can find for this one, right?

Also note that I have other stencils available of Bill, Sookie, and Lafayette available, too. To see these other artworks, check out CampBlood.org here.

If you feel generous, please feel free to make a donation for all my hard work: Halloween candy is expensive you know! Above all else: Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Blood Bath

In case you haven't noticed: Vampires are EVERYWHERE! Some of them are heaven sent like the HBO "True Blood" series, and some (in my opinion) should stay in their coffins *Twilight*!!
But I have seen the new movie "The Vampire's Assistant" and have to say it was a lot of fun. I can really see teen-aged kids loving this one. And actor John C. Reilly is a real treat to watch. OH! It's got girl power, too (which is a huge plus in my book)! And did I mention it's based on a book series: "Cirque du Freak"? ANyone read these books? I didn't even know about it until this movie. Anyways, if you can spare the cash and want to see a fun movie... go check it out.

And since I'm talking about vampires, I wanted to share some new art with you all: my beloved Vampire Bill! He's the kind of vamp that likes to luxuriate in the tub for hours on end... who doesn't love that? Well, click on this pic and save it to use as your new desktop art! It's set for a 1440x900 pixel screen.
Enjoy! :)

Happy Halloween... almost!

It's almost Halloween and I'm getting excited! Partly to get my Bubba costume on, but also just to go out and party. Kids in NYC don't really do the door-to-door ritual as far as I can tell... so I thought I'd have fun remembering what that was like by drawing up a little something.
Of course, it's loosely based on my favorite vampire Bill and his girl, Sookie. Like it? Well feel free to download the pic and email to a friend. Enjoy! More treats coming this week... stay tuned!

Halloween Fever

I don't know about you all, but I LOVE Halloween! The ghosts! The goblins!! The werewolves... and VAMPIRES! It's also a favorite time of year because it's my birthday month, too. Have you picked out your costume? If not, don't wait until the last minute. Just pick something fun and that inspires you.
I'll share with you all my costume idea. If you want to steal my idea: just make sure you don't go to the same Halloween party, OK? ;)

It's BUBBA (from the Sookie Stackhouse books)! Can you dig it? I think it's a fun and unique way to show my love for the books/ HBO series as well as my love of classic monsters. Let it be known I'm not a huge Elvis fan tho. :P

The Blonde Vampire Viking Commeth!

Well, I am truly sorry you all had to wait extra long for this Eric paper doll. I tell you, Eric just won't do anything until he's ready to do it. He's the boss and no matter how much I beg and plead... he just wouldn't come out until tonight. I think he had his hands full handling Bill Compton. ;)

I hope you all like the Eric paper doll. I've tried my best to include outstanding outfits from the novels (the silk boxers, silk pajama pants, red bikini briefs, pink spandex, etc.) as well as some of my favorites from the HBO series (the bloody haircut barber thing, the track jacket, and classic tank top).

There is still LOTS more cooking for Eric's doll as well as the others. More fun outfits and accessories... and some more dolls, too! So please check back or feel free to write me or leave a comment and let me know what you're doing with these crazy creations. And PLEASE feel free to go crazy and make your own clothes, additions, etc. Draw some bloody tears or even give him angel wings? The sky's the limit! :)

Much love and thanks again to all of you for your exciting comments and support. It really means a lot to me, and I really appreciate it.

Eric Northman

So anyone like my new paper doll "extras" this week? I had to do up that awesome outfit Pam wore in the last episode. That red sequined jumpsuit was too too fab! But... are you excited about Eric's extras? Do you like what you see? I hope so. He'll be appearing next week in all his glory... so stay tuned.

I have lots more extras for the other dolls, too. I just haven't had the time to color them, etc. They'll be posted at a later date TBA. So... you guessed it... I will be doing some more paper doll action even after the series finale. And it's all because of you people who have posted your excitement and thanks for them. It makes me realize you all are hungry for more!

True Blood paper dolls globe trekking

WOW! Just heard my paper dolls are featured on websites from Hungary and Spain! True Blood fans are everywhere!! :)

Hungary:
http://www.sorozatjunkie.hu/2009/09/03/lafayette-babat-mindenkinek

Spain:
http://www.machacas.org/jason-stackhouse-recortable

Why only ONE True Blood doll this week?

I wonder if you're here because you followed the link from my True Blood paper doll site... wondering why on Earth I only have ONE doll this week? Are you one of these people? Well if you are... this post is for YOU!

Believe-it-or-not a lot of work goes into making these dolls. Well, it's kind of not "work" because I enjoy it sooo much, but I call it "work" because it's part of my list of weekly responsibilities. I also don't make any income from all the work I put into these babies... unless I receive a generous contribution from a fellow True Blood fan, or fan of my artwork. This is not a plug for you to make a donation, but this guy needs to concentrate on earning a living, too! ;)

So why Jason this week? Well, besides the fact that I've been enjoying Jason's character much more recently... I had his sketch ready for a while. This past week was also a bit of a "crunch" for me, and I haven't had as much time to devote to making True Blood babies... so the choice was practically made for me.

Now some of you may be miffed that you haven't seen an Eric paper doll yet. True, Eric is a devilish slice of heaven and a major character on the show. Also true that there is only ONE more episode of True Blood this season! *gasp* So.... you know what? You guessed it: Eric will be making his appearance here with the season finale. You know what they say: "Save the best for last". (Well, Bill is "my best" ...but I'm not going to get into that here.)

BTW- I will have some special paper doll goodness posted next week, even tho True Blood will be on break. So check back next week to see what I'm talking about.

Thanks again to all of you who follow my art, help to promote my work, and *most importantly* enjoy playing with these dolls! It's a labor of love for me, and I'm seriously tickled to death that they are such a hit with people.

THANK YOU!

Detroit Metal City premiere

Well... the movie was pretty insane alright! I met a good friend and fellow cartoonist, Abby Denson, there and she had mentioned it seemed a lot like the manga. Well, if you're interested... I've found a website where you can read it for yourself. I haven't read it myself yet, but at first glance it does look and read very closely... almost like the characters leapt out from the pages of the comic! ...But keep in mind there is some foul language and rude situations (both in the book and movie)... it is about a Death Metal band afterall! ;)
http://www.onemanga.com/Detroit_Metal_City/
Just remember that if you like what you find, you should buy a copy of the book and support the creatives and the industry! ;)

There is also an anime version of the film. I haven't seen this either but here is a trailer:


The movie was over the top and hilarious. I actually loved the opening credit sequence that combined live action and animation. I also really enjoyed the lead character/ actor. The main character, Negichi Souchi, is ridiculous and lives a life split into extreme polar opposites. One is an extremely shy nerd that wants to sing Sweedish pop songs... the other is Krauser, leader of the world's greatest death metal band: DMC (Detroit Metal City). There is one scene in particular where Negichi (disguised as Krauser) meets an old music school buddy who is quickly becoming an indie music star. Krauser tells the indie star to sing to calm his nerves, but Negichi's love for bubble gum pop makes him start to dance and you see Krauser in all his glory swaying and dancing about. Awwwwwww...

I thought all the actors were pretty darn good actually... well, except for Mr. Gene Simmons who plays America's reining king of Death Metal, Jack. He just shouldn't be in movies, unless it's a sequel to "Kiss meets the Phantom of the Park"! LOL

The best thing about the movie is it's theme: never give up on your dreams. That is something we can all relate to and appreciate. So if you see this playing in a theatre or on DVD somewhere... go see it and get ready for a good, silly fun time.

True Blood paper dolls are popular!

WOW! I'm flattered that soo many people are enjoying my True Blood paper dolls!
If you like them as much as I do, please consider making a donation from the link on my paper doll web page. Many thanks and much love to you all!! Let's keep True Blood alive ... FOREVER!

LOVING TRUE BLOOD IN DALLAS
TOWERLOAD
AFTERELTON
TVSQUAD
HBO
WARMING GLOW
EXAMINER
FROTHY GIRLZ
PHILLY BURBS
TRUE BLOOD BLIPS
INANIMATE OBJECTS PATROL

... and if you ever see my art anywhere, please let me know! I'd love to hear about it.
Send an email to: askandy@andyswist.com
Thanks! :)

Detroit Metal City premiere

I'm going to the DETROIT METAL CITY premiere tonight. This live-action film is based on a death metal comic book?!! So you know this is gonna be some crazy fun!

Here's a blurb from the premiere website:

“Detroit Metal City” (DMC) is a cartoon series started in 2005 on Young Animal magazine. It soon earned a cult following for its eccentric setting, distinctive characters, radical story and the funniest jokes. As soon as it was released as a comic book, it quickly sold out at every bookstore, and those who couldn’t get the comic were called “DMC refugee”.

The rumor was spread by word of mouth as well as the blog/message board on the Internet, and DMC gained popularity not only among the subculture mania, but also among the writers, actors, musicians, artist, etc, who then competed to introduce this comic at their shows/columns. With all these phenomenon, the comic sold over 3 million copies to date.

DMC became the front cover of an authoritative culture magazine, Studio Voice, on its issue in September 2006. It also topped the Japanese comic chart in 2006 surpassing “Death Note”, which already had been made into the award-winning movie.

DMC is the first Death Metal comic book to be released on screen and in animation at the same time. Both were released in August, 2008 in Japan. The animation is produced by STUDIO4°C, known for its recent works such as “Tekkonkinkreet”, “Animatrix” and “Mindgame”.

In the movie, Gene Simmons of KISS plays the “legendary and world-renowned” Death Metal artist, “Jack IL Dark” who competes with DMC on stage. The final live performance scene is not only the craziest spectacle and the climax of the story, but a collaboration any Death Metal music fan would crave to witness!"

Has anyone out there seen this comic or film? Would love to know. :)

HBO likes me!! Hooray!

I love that HBO has seen... and LOVES... my work! Thanks HBO!! :)
http://twitter.com/TrueBloodHBO/statuses/3387148286

People like me... and True Blood

It's true! I've found fans on the internet, and they're fellow True Blood lovers.
Seems my latest creation of True Blood paper dolls is a big hit?!

Check it out: I've been linked to by at least two different websites

Meredith Woerner wrote about me on i09 (Friday, August 14, 4:30pm)
http://io9.com/5337859/dress-your-favorite-true-blooders-in-their-best-sparkly-thongs

Kevin Melrose at Robot 6 (Comic Book Resources) posted (Friday, August 14, 9:42 am)
http://robot6.comicbookresources.com/2009/08/straight-for-the-art-true-blood-paper-dolls/

If you come accross my work anywhere, please let me know!! Send me an email: askandy@andyswist.com

True Blood

It's no secret that I'm crazy about Sookie Stackhouse books and the HBO "True Blood" series!
Last Halloween I made pumpkin carving stencils of Sookie, Bill, and Lafayette and wanted to make an illustration out of it.

Well, earlier this week, I DID! And here it is!

If you're a fan of True Blood, too I suggest you check out a great site called, "Loving Ture Blood in Dallas"! It's chocked full of bloody goodness, and even kind enough to give me a shout out and post my art!

A big huge warm fuzzy hug to Dallas and all the readers there. :)

Website update

Well, you're probably here because you've most likely found a link from my newly revised website.
What do you think? Any comments, questions, or suggestions?? Just let me know by posting a comment, or sending me an email!

I still have to update the "Comics" and "About" section... but mostly wanted to get up some samples of my work ASAP. I'll be updating every month or so, so check back soon!