I caught a virus on my computer a few days ago Google image searching for some ref. It wasn’t so bad. Just annoying. One of those browser redirecting ones. They sort of creep up on you don’t they? I thought I was visiting faulty pages but then it starts to hit that all the pages you want to visit gives you an error or tells you to buy something. As I recall, Java 6 opened automatically after a click and I knew something was wrong. I had a similar experience with Adobe Acrobat opening on it’s own a few months ago. Anyway, did some research on the net, downloaded Hitman Pro 3 and everything’s okay now. If you experience something like this install the above program and you’ll be alright.

TAK

I’ve been listening to audiobooks in order to try and reverse my self-diagnosed ADD this week. The latest one being Anthony Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential. I’ve stated before that if I weren’t drawing as a profession I’d probably be cooking. I enjoy it. Therefore, listening to Bourdain break down the ins and outs of the industry and his experiences have been, uhh, sobering to say the least. Very different than the glamour of shows like Top Chef and the sort. On the flip-side, tho, it reminds me that, like any other industry, you have to work at it. Make sacrifices. See ugly shit in order to appreciate the rewards. Also, he’s a good writer. His metaphors and food descriptions complimented the dish he was describing and eating.I didn’t understand the many technical terms he would throw out but made me look them up out of curiousity. His enthusiasm was infectious. Lastly, he reads it himself. Bourdain was talking directly into my ears, yo. I appreciated that. Anyway, as if you couldn’t figure out, I recommend seeking it out.

TAK

A holiday Monday today in Japan. Respect the aged day. There’s another holiday on Thursday. Vernal equinox. Then Friday is a normal work day. Weird, huh? Was a normal weekday for me, tho. Got up, watched some TV, went to a meeting and now I’m back workin’. Glad to see some shows returning like Survivor and Law & Order SVU. Can’t wait for the rest of my shows to start revving up. I won’t have to resort to listening to random crappy podcasts. lol Anyway, got a full week of penciling. I’ll show some panels that turn out well.

TAK

Another progress piece. Enjoy:

TAK

So, I’ve been playing around with Manga Studio these past coupla days and I’ve come to the conclusion that exporting tone bitmaps into Photoshop is the easiest thing to do right now. lol I’m sure there’s a better way but I don’t have the time to learn another program from scratch and this method gets me pretty good results. If anyone knows an easier way please tell me!

I made a new discovery last night. Sesame leaves with korean bbq is amazing. It’s less pungent than shiso so compliments meat and garlic pastes nicely. If you see it on the menu at a bbq place I recommend trying it out!

TAK

Think I’m gonna start using Manga Studio. For the tones. I’m currently using the halftone filter on photoshop to convert gray tones into dot toner but it’s pretty limiting and doesn’t look very good. I can’t scratch and play with it either. Dammit. Another program I have to start learning… I’ve begun the next chapter already so, hopefully, I can get a handle of it in time to tone these upcoming pages. Leveling up! +500xp

Oh, uhh, I’ve been chewing nicorette for the last little while again. I fell off the no smoking wagon a few months ago after more than a year! and it was a steep slide into smoking while working. It’s the worst… I felt sick and lethargic all the time. Anyway, I’ve stopped before so I’m making this one stick one way or another.

OMG. The Japanese TRON: Legacy poster is fucking awesome. I love the retro feel to it. Stole it and posting it:

TAK

I think I’m getting ADD. It started with listening to podcasts while working, then turned to watching movies and tv shows while working and now I find myself writing e-mails while listening to podcasts and having a movie minimized on the same screen. This is a mastery of multitasking or just plain idiocy. I can’t work unless something else is going on. I should try and fix this.

Picked up I am a Hero #4 by Kengo Hanazawa today. His methodical zombie apocalypse is a bit wordy and drawn out but, my god, it’s awesome. The reality of the situation is punctuated by the realism of his backgrounds. It’s crazy. There’s an extended scene in the woods where every panel is complimented with highly detailed and inventive angles using fisheye shots of trees and trees and even more trees. His double-page spreads? Gorgeous…

TAK

Finished! Finally… This weekend was a killer… Inking and toning 32 pages in less than a week, yo. The page count on my monthly is going down due to restructuring on the magazine’s end, tho, so it’ll be a lighter load from now on. I can’t believe I’ve been pumping so much out for the last 6 months.

I did manage to catch a great documentary called Exit Through the Gift Shop while working. I heard about it a while ago and I’m glad I was able to finally catch it. For any artsy types out there, it’ll blow your mind. lol I really don’t want to give anything away. It has to be seen to be believed. It’s a work of art in itself. Anyway, recommended.

Gonna go grab some sushi then crash with a beer. I think I deserve it. I’m out!

TAK

Damn, yo… Just finished inking up a storm. It’s messed up when you look down and you realize your nails have grown and need clipping. Got a weekend full of toning and lettering now. Oh, joy…

TAK

Enjoying a cup of Zabar’s coffee. Damn, it’s good. A friend brought me back some from New York and it’s been getting me through this tough work week. I don’t even need to add sugar to make it taste good. It’s awesome with just a little cream.

TAK