
So... what is 'Bloom', you ask? Well, even if you didn't ask, here goes:
'Bloom' is an idea I had for a series of illustrations based on mixing the female form with flora and fauna. Well, when I hatched this idea it was really to keep myself busy over the summer break from school while waiting on the fall semester to start. Not only would a set project keep me busy artistically, but I felt it would also give me the chance to experiment with various mediums. Since feel most comfortable with what I've learned in school I figured that I'd stick to black and white pieces primarily, but I do plan on fooling more with color.
I'm not quite sure how many pieces I'm likely to get done by summer's end, but I would like to aim for six, at least. I'm also using my time off to try my hand at sequential work (something I've only done in my perspective class in the last few months!). I have an odd relationship with comic book work now; I love doing it but (there's always a 'but')...
Most scripts I've been lucky enough to work on with friends don't necessarily push things I would like to improve upon. Sure, there are awesome stories, the characters are marvelous and everything in between. However, I find that some writers don't approach comic books as a 'team sport'. Some scripts I've looked at seem to be the writer pushing the visuals to a point where my head starts to spin.
For example, one page has anywhere from 6-10 panels. Each panel has entire scenes in them, not just a couple head-shots here and there to show emotions or a shot of an artifact or whatever else - full scenes! Sometimes with 3 or more people involved.
Now, I'm certain there are MANY artists out there who could handle these feats but... I'm not one of them. Scripts like that do tell me that the writer has a pretty clear vision BUT (here we are again with a 'but') I think comics need to be handled as a storytelling medium through script and visuals. If there's a 'need' to cram 4 characters into each shot of the 8 panels of the page perhaps things need to be trimmed down. In comics I feel that by marrying all the elements, from the script to the art to the lettering, you can maximize a story without going overboard.
That said, I'm browsing the net for a script that does a fair job of marrying the elements so that I can destroy it with my hideous art!
Any of that make sense? No?
Perfect!
Anyway, above is my first 'Bloom' piece. Done on bristol board with graphite pencil. Please tell me what you think.
Thank you very much for stopping by and I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!