I think I Have a Problem

I've always been fascinated by an artist's studio space. Perhaps as a result of this (or vice versa?) I am constantly evaluating my own space in search of some perfect organization. Mostly, I think I just swap stuff around every few months. In any case, the above is the current arrangement of my studio. This time a new large format printer necessitated the move-around because otherwise it would have never left the box. Feel free to share links to your own workspace!

Any one interested in this like I am can find great workspace tips and photos at Drawger's own studio section and LifeHacker's featured workspaces.

Cipactli

Cipactli, 8.75x7.5", graphite/digital

Hi everybody. I had the chance to do concept work for Incubator Games' flagship title, Tribes of Mexica. They were looking to redo the design of a god in the game, Cipactli. Knowing close to nothing about Aztec mythology, I went to Wikipedia and read up about her:

In Aztec mythology, Cipactli was a vicious primeval sea monster, part crocodile, part fish and part toad who was also bisexual. Always hungry, every joint on her body was adorned with an extra mouth. Tezcatlipoca sacrificed a foot to her when he used it as bait to draw her closer. Cipactli was the source of Tlalticpac (the Earth) which the gods created from her body.

In my sketches I tried some various combinations of the animals they list in the description but also tried to mix in some of the cultural flavor surrounding the game. The art director thought the adornments were a step removed from the primal nature of Cipactli, but gave me the go ahead on my first sketch. Check out there website to see more of the great design, especially the cover illustration by UK artist Alice Duke.

Some thumbnails, done at pub quiz.

Watch that last step,

11.75x12", graphite/digital

it's a doozy. Above is the recent cover image I did for the Indypendent. The main focus of the articles regard a disillusionment of the Obama administration. One of the editors suggested a play on a past image that had Obama walking on water. It seemed like a clear message, the failure to deliver on the Messianic image of the campaign, but I wanted to give them a few other options.

In the end, they went with the 3rd sketch but suggested a more obvious connection to Jesus with the robes and more obvious fumble than the slow sinking I suggested in the sketch. I liked the dynamic approach, and the chance to take on a likeness was generally new to me- the 1 day turn around kept it exciting as well. I'm looking forward to seeing the piece in print with type. Enjoy.