Archive for October, 2011
2011 Challenger: Austin Hendry
Sup. I’m  Austin Hendry, the guy behind Masterwhale Productions. I’m a college student right now and I draw for fun. This 30 characters in 30 days challenge sounds like fun, so I’m gonna give it a shot.
My website is: www.Masterwhale.com
and my twitter is: www.twitter.com/masterwhale
2011 Challenger: Marco Jimenez
 Oh my! I heard about this challenge from a friend and decided to give it a shot. I am a fan of character development and am really into creative processes.
I studied illustration and am just making a bunch of pictures lately to see what comes out of it.
2011 Challenger: Ralph Contreras
SHAZAM! Hey everyone!
My name’s Ralph Contreras, I’m an alumni of the awesome 30 Character Challenge. This will be my 3rd time around. The first year I completed the challenge, but last year I didn’t. I’m determined to see the whole thing through this year. It’s a great challenge and I’m really looking forward to it. In past years I’ve made some great online friendships with fellow creators. I’m looking forward to seeing all the amazing characters everyone will create this year.
I’m a huge comic nerd with aspiration of working in the comic field professionally. Comics have always been a part of my life. I even owned and ran my own comic book shop. For the past few years I’ve really been trying to make the dream a reality. I setup a personal blog Comic Book Graphic Design, where I combine my comic artwork with my graphic design skills. I post all my sketches, character designs and comic book resources to help other aspiring comic artists in this journey too. I’ve very excited to announce my first self created comic project will be seeing print in early 2012, Amazing Hero Adventures (website under construction). Several characters in the comic were created during the 2009 & 2010 Character Challenge.
For this challenge I’m planning on getting some characters fleshed out for several comic stories bouncing around in my mind. I’ll be using this as my starting point, the challenge always sends my mind to all sorts of directions during the month. This year my goal is to pencil, ink and digitally color all character designs.
Check out my characters for the last challenges: 2009 Challenge, 2010 Challenge
Samples of some Character Designs.
Let’s be Friends! Connect with me on my Blog & other sites!
2011 Challenger: Mike Gagnon
My name is Mike Gagnon, I’m a professional comics creator. Been doing small press and mainstream for almost 12 years. Currenly work on comcis like Classics Illustrated for Jack Lake Productions, Dagar the Invincible for Dark Horse and Monkeys and Midgets, my creator owned humor comic. Started doing illustration, but have focused on inks, writing and colors the last few years. Want to get my drawing arm loose again so decided this is the perfect excuse, plus it looks fun!
Mike Gagnon - Time to make the comics guy.
2011 Challenger: Natalie Metzger
Greetings!
I don’t really remember where I originally heard of the 30 Characters challenge, so let’s just say I was told by one eyed albino octopus. That’s plausible, right? Right.
This will be my first year participating. I’m viewing it as good motivation to work on improving my character building skills with a concentration on humanoid forms. I don’t have a particular project in mind for this challenge, so it will just be for practice. One can never have enough practice, right? Right.
Currently, I run the webcomic Radio Isopod and I am the cartoonist in residance over at The Secret Lair. You can also find a distilled stream of my works (and other ramblings) at my blog The Fuzzy Slug.
I’m very excited to see all the wonderful characters everyone produces this next month. Good luck and happy creating!
2011 Challenger: Krishna M. Sadasivam
Howdy!
My name is Krishna M. Sadasivam and I’m really jazzed to participate in this year’s 30 Characters event. I’ve been working as a professional comics artist / illustrator for 13 years now. I started a little webcomic called “PC Weenies” around that time and have been working full-tilt ever since.
For the past 5 years, I’ve been working as a full-time design instructor within the Media Arts and Animation department at the Art Institute of Tampa. Several of my students (both past and present) are taking part in the challenge, which I’m really stoked about.
I’m really looking to push myself with this challenge and hope to see everyone pour their soul out with their designs.
Here are few areas where you can find me on the web:
Best of luck everyone!
-Krishna
2011 Challenger: Shawn Encarnacion
Hi everyone. I have been a freelance cartoonist for a few years and I have always wanted to give more focus to my own story ideas. This challenge seemed like it would be a lot of fun and would also help me to have some accountability to keep on creating my own characters.
I heard about this challenge while listening to one of my all-time favorite podcasts: Man vs Art. Krishna M. Sadasivam was a guest on a recent show and he really got me interested in this challenge. Raul Aguirre Jr., the host of Man vs Art signed up for this challenge too.
I live in Kansas, a place where the mountains out number the cartoonists. So…hopefully I will be able to just meet other cartoonists, be inspired by all of the awesome characters created here, and feel a sense of artistic community. I’m excited to be a part of this, and I really hope to be able to complete the challenge and to meet some of you.
2011 Challenger: Noel Burns
Greetings all,
I am Noel Burns and this is my first year trying the 30 character challenge. I ended up here thanks to Comixtribe and Tyler’s work through there. At this time I claim to be a writer. At other times I was an artist, but I got old and realized I wouldn’t be able to do the level of work I wanted to without being able to spend more time working on my drawings. A wife, three kids, a job where I work 45 hours a week, a second job where I work 12+ hours a week and then I am also starting a comic publishing/printing company at the same time. I don’t have near the time I would need to be able to work to the level I wish to be.
Now I help others who have dreams of making comics. I teach classes in Iowa City on Introductions to Comic Creation and Life Drawing Classes. I do printing for many people who are making comics now, and now through my publishing company I am starting our first anthology called Journeymen. We are currently taking submissions through the end of November. If you are interested you can find out more at www.icgeeks.com/journeymen
I am looking forward to the 30 characters challenge as a means to flesh out some of the story ideas I have banging around in my head. I am also looking forward to seeing what everyone else will be working on.
I can be found at www.icgeeks.com
2011 Challenger: Christine Suggs
Hullo there! I’m a bit awful at introductions, so I’ll try my best to keep from rambling. Basically I’m a freshman in college as well as a webcomic artist and illustrator. Ordinarily I work in traditional media (usually ink and acrylic), but lately I’ve been trying out my tablet again. I’ve never been a part of the 30 Characters Challenge, but I thought it’d be a fun exercise to keep myself loose and creative while I churn out the not-so-fun assignments that come with core art classes. You know, in case the riveting subjects of fractured space, simultaneous contrast, and one point perspective fail to keep me intrigued. I’m a cartoonist through and through so you can expect lots of silly faces in the coming month.
And just so you know exactly how silly this can get:
Get excited, guys
If I’m not hanging out with giant turtles named Gustav, I can also be found at the following locations online:
Twitter
The Alternative Adventures of Indie Bones (my webcomic)
Google+Â (I frequently forget that this exists, though…)
2011 Challenger: Eric White
That's me!! (well...sort of)
Hello everyone!! Eric White here having a go at my 3rd year of the 30 Characters challenge. Â I have yet to make it through all 30 days but I’m determined to give THIS year my best effort yet.
Like any good comic book fan who has some aspirations to draw comics…I’ve created a million superhero beings in my life.  Instead of making 30 more of my style of characters (which are mostly superman & spiderman clones) I decided to try something different.  I took one of  my favorite games, Heroes Unlimited, and rolled up the 30 character types and the powers that accompany them.  No character details, history or drawings…just the type and powers.  I used all the rules provided by the book for character creation (beginning from what type of character to create all the way through the process).  ALL rolls were actual and true.
Here is the rolled information for the character which I will draw for Day 1. Â If you’re familiar with the Heroes system or are a geek (which…lets be honest…if you’re reading this you probably are a geek) you’ll understand what all of that stuff means.
Power Category: Experiment – Chem & Rad – experiment that can not be replicatedEducation Level: 3 years of college
# of Powers – 5 minor
Side Effect: Super Hairy
Experiment Sponsor: Military
Status with Sponsor: Allowed to leave peacefullyPowers:
Extraordinary physical prowess
Heightened Sense of Taste
Energy Expulsion: Electrical Field
Flight: Glide
Heightened Sense of Smell
2011 Challenger: Omar RamÃrez
Hello, Everyone, My name, as stated above, Is Omar RamÃrez. I’m a Graphic artist with a passion for visual storytelling, Animation and Character Design.
I’m also a passionate educator, I teach 3D art, Cartooning and Animation. Next year might be a great year for me in this regard (Let’s hope)
I’m an Open Source Software Advocate, a Creative Commons advocate and completely inlove with the independent creator lifestyle.
I was born and live in Mexico, I have a wife, 3 step kids and a 5 month old daughter. (You can see her in the photo.)  I have a little of a hard time balancing my extenuating professinoal life and my family life, but  I do my best.
I’m entering this challenge because, of everything I do, character design is the one thing I could keep on doing forever and ever, every single day of my life, and never stop loving it.
My project for this year’s challenge is 30 Pin-up girls, all of them with the common theme of “Urban Subcultures” I hope you guys will like them!
I’m really looking forward to seeing all the great work you all will come up with, Best of lucks to all of you!
My Web Presence:
Google+
Facebook
Twitter
My Blog
2011 Challenger: Raul Aguirre Jr.
Hi Everyone!
My name is Raul Aguirre Jr.
I”m an Artist, Cartoonist, Animator, Writer, Director, Producer, Podcast Host, Bon Vivant, Adventurer, Bouncer, Bombastico, and stuff. I’ve worked at studios like Disney, FOX, Nickelodeon, and currently am creating my own Independent animated shorts, developing TV and Theatrical properties, painting, teaching animation, and hosting the Man vs. Art Podcast.
I also dabble in comics as well.
I have taken the challenge for a couple of reasons.
1. It sounds like FUN! Plus I never walk away from a challenge.
2. The imaginary cartoon characters in my head told me it would be good for me to get out and meet other people obsessed with making up imaginary cartoon characters.
3. It’s just the kind of thing I need to get out of this “artistic funk” I’ve been in for the last few weeks.
I look forward meeting you all and to checking out your Kick Ass characters!
|
 Â
 |
Raul Aguirre Jr.
Artist/Writer/Animator/Podcast Host/ Animation Instructor  website:studioraul.com
Man vs. Art blog/podcast:manvsart.comÂ
|
2011 Challenger: Renee Woodruff
Hello, I am Renee aka NeNe. I am a freelance artist and college student by day that has worked on several independent and fan comic and movie projects by night. I just wrapped up my work as a colorist and illustrator for Rising Sun Comics’ Action Force line and continue to help them on their Classic Action Force coloring project. I am also now on board the fan project Nova 619 as a penciler for two issues (scheduled thus far) which is featured on Cosmic Shop News’s website. I’ve contributed to various other projects as well, but I’m not one for tooting my own horn. I also am wrapping up my original graphic novel, Fang and Claw. I am really looking forward to this challenge and it’s possibilities not only for myself, but to see what my peers create and perhaps get to know more of them. Good luck to everyone!
Aaron Walls Intro
My name is Aaron Walls this is my first year attempting the 30 Character Challenge. I am an aspiring creator with loads of Ideas and a few stories in several states of being done. I look forward to pushing myself with this and seeing what everyone else comes up with as well.
2011 Challenger: Jules Rivera
My name is Jules Rivera and this my second year tackling the 30 Characters Challenge. I am a webcomic artist responsible for writing/drawing comics Valkyrie Squadron and previously Marsh Rocket. I am also taking up artist duties on Hard Graft in the near future. As far as published comics goes, I am credited with color assists on Joe Mulvey’s SCAM.
My intent with this year’s challenge is to develop my character reportoire in new, different directions with a focus on character design on production (i.e. turnaround sheets). I’ve always meant to expand my portfolio and I feel that this challenge helps me to accomplish that.
I met a few cool challengers from last year and I look forward to meeting even more new people this year. Good luck everyone!
2011 Challenger: Jordan Jennings
Hello all,
I’m Jordan Jennings. I’m primarily a writer and an amateur artist. I say amateur because 1) I don’t get paid, and 2) I haven’t had any formal training. I do most of my writing in comic book reviews but I did do a webcomic for a very short time. I’ll restrain myself from posting that travesty. That said, I do create a lot of characters and designs. This 30 day challenge is the perfect thing to help push my initiative and drive.
2011 Challenger: Sam Medina
Hey there!
I’m an artist and writer living in the Toronto area, and I heard about the Challenge from the stylish G.R. of Internal Hero and the incredibly productive Barry Linck of Phineus:Magician for Hire, and since I’ve got a novel in the works and need to populate it with characters, this seemed like it would be fun and helpful. Some of them will be serious fantasy characters, and more than a few will be new characters for my next webcomic story Jake the Evil Hare: Mostly Dead. You can expect (I hope) some very cool characters for the fantasy work, and some very silly ones for Jake the Evil Hare. 🙂
You can see my work at http://www.jaketheevilhare.com and http://www.darkfell.com
2011 Challenger: Jason Pruett
I am a character designer and illustrator living in the LA area. I heard about the challenge and it seemed like a fun thing to be a part of. Some things you can expect during November . . . hmm . . we’ll see. Maybe some star wars characters, maybe some animals, what ever it is, it’ll be cartoony and fun. You can see more of my work at http://theartofjasonpruett.blogspot.com/
2011 Challenger: Aaron Goldy
I quit drawing in high school and only picked it back up a few years ago. To facilitate my attempt to climb the learning curve I launched a website and started this wonderful idea that’s completely original to me called the 30 Days Project in which I draw one piece on a specific topic every day for 30 days. This will actually be my tenth 30 Days series, and my second 30 Days of Characters.
Concurrent with my pursuit of the arts I quit my soul-sucking, cubicle-dwelling IT job and my wife and I began traveling. In the past year we have lived in Los Angeles CA, Tucson AZ, Port Charlotte FL, Boston MA, and Ann Arbor MI. If we’re really lucking I’ll be completing most of the 30 Characters Challenge from somewhere in Hawaii.
Evil Office Monkey, 30 Days of Characters, GrandWanderer.com
2011 Challenger Dan Nokes
Dan Nokes was up until this decade thought to be some sort of old wives tale or urban myth! When not wandering the woodland landscape of Lusby, Maryland in search of Arizona Green Tea and stalking his native prey at the local fast food establishment (Mmmm! Roy Roger’s Roast Beef!) he is hard at work on his one man band creator owned publishing house brainchild: 21ST CENTURY SANDSHARK STUDIOS! This imprint has to date put out a Super Hero Graphic Novel (The Reptile and Mister Amazing 2002) A 12 issue fantasy epic (The Paranormals 2003-2008) A three issue western tale (The Pistoleers 2008-2010) and is currently working on the second and final volume of his dystopian masterpiece (Adam and Eve: Bizarre Love Triangle in The Zombie Apocalypse 2011-2012) He is also illustrating Nick Davis’s upcoming Children’s book UNCONDITIONAL: A Teddy Bear’s Tale! Future projects include his science fiction comedy romp that asks the question WHAT IF HARVEY PEKAR HAD A CRACK AT HITCHHIKERS GUIDE? The answer: IMPOSSIBLE SPACE TALES OF THE LAST PITT STOP. Also he plans to return to his first project’s characters with THE REPTILE AND MISTER AMAZING: THE RETURN OF KAT CARSON! For more on what the man is up to go to www.21sandshark.com
2011 Challenger: David Bednarski
My name, as the title implies, is David Bednarski. I am a comic art fan and creator, at the “hobbyist†level as my day job involves biotech research. I love to create new characters and concepts, as my deviantART page can attest. I participate in the semi-weekly Whitechapel remake/remodel thread and similar redesign forums.
I was directed to this challenge by someone who saw my ever expanding collection of characters, including a large number inspired by a random name generator that I put together to help me get through idea-less periods and to generally help get my creativity flowing. Doubtlessly, I will create a few characters in this challenge with names generated by this tool.
I’ve had this grandiose idea for a comic universe in my head for a while that I will attempt to breathe life into during the thirty days of the challenge and maybe, if things go according to plan, flesh out a story of sorts in the character descriptions. I know, I know… why not make a difficult challenge even more harder for myself?  I am looking forward to the challenge and to seeing what everyone creates!
2011 Challenger: Jesse Kiefer
Hey everyone, this may end up sounding like a horrible bachelor intro off of the dating game but… here goes nothing!
My name is Jesse Kiefer , I’m a full time Elementary Art teacher and a martial arts instructor (hence the sword in my pic…) in Fremont, NE. With my free time I do some work as a freelance illustrator. I have also tried my hand at various webcomic projects off and on for the last 5 years, with my most recent project being Tank-Monkey.
I was inspired to sign-up for the 30 Characters Challenge after meeting some former participants and seeing how positive everyone has been about the work created. It seemed like a fun online environment to create within.
My goal is to create and develop characters for my current projects but I’m going to leave myself open to new ideas regardless of whether they fit anywhere or not. I’m really excited to meet new people and see new things, and I am chomping at the bit to get started.
I also like moonlit strolls on the beach, and champagne by candlelight.
2011 Challenger: Justin Stewart
My name is Justin and I’m a cartoonist/designer living in Kentucky. I’m participating in 30Characters as way to challenge myself creatively and just get some stuff down on paper. There’s a ton of ladies, dudes, monsters, robots and beings of questionable origin running around in my head so I believe it’s time to let them live, for good or for ill.
Feel free to check my stuff out at justinstewart.net or justin3000.blogspot.com.
2011 Challenger: Rich Douek
Hi all,
My name’s Rich Douek, and I’m a comic writer. I recently completed my first self-published work, Gutter Magic, and got some experience marketing and selling it at NYCC. In addition to my comics work, I’m also a graphic deisnger and copywriter at an ad agency in NYC. Writing comics was a long-held dream of mine, and I’m psyched to be finally doing it. Anyway, I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge – definitely going to be brainstorming some characters that might show up in later volumes of Gutter Magic, and some that are completely seperate.
Cover for the NYCC debut of Gutter Magic
2011 Challenger: Micah Weltsch
Hello, everyone! I’m Micah Weltsch. I’m a web developer from Manhattan, Kansas, and this is my second run at the 30 Characters Challenge. Last year, I made it to 17 characters, but this year I’m ready to take the reins again. My pictures were all over the place last year. I did some art for my then-comic, Metamorphosis. I did assorted random art across multiple genres, and I dealt mostly with traditional art.
This year, I’m working on a new webcomic concept called Djinnborn. I’ve been keeping a development blog that provides a behind-the-scenes look at my world- and story-building process. I am going to use 30 Characters to develop a broad supporting cast for my comic. My intent is to create a range of characters that I can pull from when I need to flesh out a scene. It will also give me the opportunity to refine some of my cultural and visual design concepts.
I look forward to meeting and interacting with you all. Last year, I made some great connections and I hope for more this year.
In addition to my website, you can also find me on Twitter and Google Plus. If you add me on G+, drop me a line to let me know who you are. I’ve gotten a lot of adds from a lot of random people lately and I’d hate to miss a Challenger because I didn’t recognize him or her!
Finally, here’s a picture of me from the Kansas City Renaissance Festival from a couple weeks ago! The griffon hatchling’s name is Catfood.
2011 Challenger: Harold C. Jennett III
Hi!
I did this challenge last year, and dropped out about 1/3 of the way through. It wasn’t a total washout though, as it gave me some characters I’m using for my upcoming OGN.
My previous work is all indie stuff: M.I.M.E.S., Geek Syndicate: The Comic, and Creative Compassion: Shelter, a black and white anthology I’m putting together to raise money for the homeless. My future project will be an original graphic novel titled “Good Night Captain Might”. It’s a mixture of “Astro City” and a Bruce Timm cartoon. It is being c0-written by the amazing Steeven Orr. You can check out his writing HERE.
You can check out my art at haroldjennett.wordpress.com Here are a few examples of my work (both featuring “Shadow Fox”, a character I created in last years “30 Character Challenge”):
2011 Challenger: Drezz Rodriguez
Howdy folks – my name is Drezz and I’m the author of a modern noir online graphic novel (OGN) called El Cuervo. I’ve been a professional illustrator, graphic designer and creative director for the last 12 years, but my true passion lies in creating independent comics. In addition to my daily duties, I’m also the newest member of the Webcomic Alliance where I am the latest addition on their Webcomic Workshop podcast and a feature columnist, writing tutorial articles twice monthly.
I was intrigued by the 30 Characters Challenge last year, but couldn’t commit to the time. This year, with plenty of preparation, I am going to give it the ol’ College try and use this as a working platform for developing characters for an upcoming strip I’m planning on releasing in the new year – something that is a complete deviation from the dark and gritty world I’ve created with El Cuervo.
I’m looking forward to working on this new project, and the 30 Characters Challenge will definitely motivate me to reach that goal. I’m also looking forward to seeing the work of all the participants who signed up – I hope everyone can complete the challenge!
You can find me at: www.el-cuervo.com
Twitter: @ElCuervoComic
My Google+
2011 Challenger: Lionel Cornelius
Hello, my name is Lionel Cornelius. Currently I am a graphic designer in advertising/marketing and  also a MFA animation student with a focus on 3D modeling. Needless to say, I am a very busy guy! My initial attraction to the challenge started about a year ago when I ran across an article written by Mr Tyler James. The article was very informative, so informative I sent him an email expressing my gratitude. After the email I checked out some of his work and noticed the 30 character challenge. I was unable to attend to last year’s challenge and promised myself I would not miss the next one. And that’s what brings me here this year.
I a huge fan of comic books, comic style characters and almost anything that has to do with comic books. I also like sci-fi, western, zombie, and some fantasy genres. So, the majority of my characters may have these themes in mind, albeit I do like regular characters also( house maid, mail man, etc.) So who knows what kind of characters I will produce in the month of November. I’m really here to have fun, explore my creativity, and produce some concepts that I could possible bring into 3D in the near future!
If you want to check out my current works, WIPs, etc. please visit my folio and blog site when you get the chance.
Folio: lionelcornelius.com
Blog: ljsketch.blogspot.com
-Lionel Cornelius
2011 Challenger: Martin Brandt
Hello, my name is Martin Brandt. This will be my 3rd tour of duty for the 30 Character Challenge. I’ve been writing and doodling most of my life but it wasn’t till 2009 when I published my first book Grim Furry Tales: Seeds. Since then I co-founded a small print company called Raven Warren Studios which houses two imprints, Grim Crew and Tummel Vision.
I was a runner up winner in Small Press Idol for a collaborative work called Stitchwork. Recently we wrapped up a large project called Dead Future, a 250 page anthology of zombie apocalypse stories. Since then I’ve moved on to an all-ages title called Kidthulhu which I co-created with Jason Stephens. During this challenge I will be fleshing out a solo effort that I have yet to reveal any real information on. I will also use it to cook up a few characters for other series I am collaborating on.
Sincerely I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with, it is always a thrill watching people’s characters come to life. (I also hate writing about myself…)
Best to you all,
Martin
  
  
2011 Challenger: G.R. of Internal Hero
                                            
 
Hi there! I’m G.R., writer, poet, artist, and creator of “Internal Heroâ€. I’m a first time participant of the 30 Characters Challenge. Out of a life long passion for the genre, creating a comic hero universe is an endeavor of which I’ve shared victories, triumphs, and challenges over the past year on Twitter (@Retrospect360) . One triumph was launching the first tales of this universe chronicled in the webcomic “Internal Hero Presents” beginning with the adventures of “Moonwill”. Another, the creation of Internal Hero’s 40th character on April , 3rd 2011.
Once seeing a fellow webcomics creator tweet the information link for the 30 Characters Challenge I soon realized that I must be a part of it. I asked myself: “It took me a year to craft the first 40 characters of Internal Hero- could I really push myself to create a brand new, additional 30 characters in 30 days? Could I really meet that challenge?†Yes, I believe I can. It is easily one of the most exciting events I’ve heard about on Twitter and I’m eager to participate! The Internal Hero Universe is about to get a whole lot bigger as I add another brand new 30 characters to the fold. I look forward to creating Internal Hero’s “New 30” during the challenge! Best wishes and creative energies to all the participants.
Webcomic: Â http://internalhero.wordpress.com/
Twitter:Â Â http://twitter.com/#!/Retrospect360
2011 Challenger: JTW
Greetings my name is JT Wilkins, but you can call me JTW.
I’m a cartoonist/designer/publisher from Hyattsville MD.
I love designing characters that’s why I decided to do this challenge.
The characters I will create can be used for anything without any legal repercussions. I expect them to be highly detailed, and very versatile.
Again, these characters will be create typically in a stream of consciousness. Their background info is up to you.
Here are some previews of my work:
#30Characters Chatter…