While Jeremy is away at Gen Con, we have a return visit by the long lost Ninja Kieran Yanner! Kieran, Socar and MC Patrick answer some listener questions and spend way too much time talking about various bugs. It's a strange and beautiful exploration into the minds of three human illustrators, none of whom has the slightest idea of the horrors that await them...
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain075.mp3
Subscribe now on iTunes. That is all.
Other great podcasts can be found on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
And, Patrick says: Starkweather: Immortal is now available for pre-order on Amazon.com!
The date listed has been pushed back another month, but we have it on good authority that it will probably be out in just another 2 weeks or so!
Friday, August 06, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Episode 74---Painting the Prose and Cons...
In this week's episode, Socar, Drew, and Jeremy take a few listener questions from Eve Archambault, Tom Hermann, and Shaun Patterson.
As you can probably guess---the conversation just devolves from there....
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_74.mp3
Subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast or we will send Socar over to your house to hog your PlayStation and/or XBox 360.
Next week Drew and Jeremy are off for GenCon!
Road trip!!
The shiny red recorder will be going with the gang for another GenCon Special.
Stay tuned!
As you can probably guess---the conversation just devolves from there....
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_74.mp3
Subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast or we will send Socar over to your house to hog your PlayStation and/or XBox 360.
Next week Drew and Jeremy are off for GenCon!
Road trip!!
The shiny red recorder will be going with the gang for another GenCon Special.
Stay tuned!
Friday, July 23, 2010
Episode 73---Questions, back-ups, and crits...oh my!
Thanks for sticking with us, folks. Jeremy's computer crash forced a postponement of last week's episode, but now we are back in the fight with a new installment.
In this week's episode, Socar and Jeremy field questions from listener, Shane Smith ( or as Socar has re-named him, Horace Shabooballah...). Sorry, Shane. The two then go on to share their various computer woes and wrap it up with a critique for Preston Stone's ( aka Razwit) and his preparatory drawing for the Art Order " Gotta Have a Hook" Challenge.
We hope you enjoy!
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_73.mp3
You had better subscribe to the show before another technical catastrophe strikes and causes the internet to become sentient and finally assert its will on subservient humanity...
Preston's most excellent drawing for your consideration:
Art Order's "Gotta Have a Hook" Challenge
Open Gaming Convention!
Preston Stone ( aka Razwit)
Shane Smith
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
In this week's episode, Socar and Jeremy field questions from listener, Shane Smith ( or as Socar has re-named him, Horace Shabooballah...). Sorry, Shane. The two then go on to share their various computer woes and wrap it up with a critique for Preston Stone's ( aka Razwit) and his preparatory drawing for the Art Order " Gotta Have a Hook" Challenge.
We hope you enjoy!
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_73.mp3
You had better subscribe to the show before another technical catastrophe strikes and causes the internet to become sentient and finally assert its will on subservient humanity...
Preston's most excellent drawing for your consideration:
Art Order's "Gotta Have a Hook" Challenge
Open Gaming Convention!
Preston Stone ( aka Razwit)
Shane Smith
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Patrick is San Diego bound!
Hey ho, it's that time of year again! Patrick McEvoy here to say that the ultra-awesome San Diego Comic-Con is upon us! I'll be there with 130,000 of my closest friends (including Ninja Mountain Podcast contributor Chandra Free) enjoying the fun and making lots of connections and sales. (Well, hopefully...!)
My new Graphic Novel will be available for sale, I'll be doing commissions and selling prints, cards, and more! I'll even be on a panel with my publisher Archaia on Friday. Find out all about my schedule here: http://bit.ly/bYP5R7
In addition, I hope to get some fun interviews for an upcoming episode of the podcast. If you see me and mention Ninja Mountain, rest assured I'll ask you if you want to be on the show.
I hope to see you there!!
-Patrick
My new Graphic Novel will be available for sale, I'll be doing commissions and selling prints, cards, and more! I'll even be on a panel with my publisher Archaia on Friday. Find out all about my schedule here: http://bit.ly/bYP5R7
In addition, I hope to get some fun interviews for an upcoming episode of the podcast. If you see me and mention Ninja Mountain, rest assured I'll ask you if you want to be on the show.
I hope to see you there!!
-Patrick
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Ninja Mountain Episode 72 - The Birds
Dare you enter the terrifying, spine-tingling world of Ninja Mountain? Masters of suspense Socar, Drew, Jeremy and Patrick lead you into the dark passages of death and mayhem, as the very forces of nature marshal against them.
Thrill as a seemingly normal podcast is surrounded by deadly flocks of wild birds, waiting just outside the door to devour the flesh of the humans within!
Cower as Socar and Patrick actually disagree about something for only the 600th time!
Scream in fear as Jeremy attempts to host this deadly mayhem!
Flee when Drew attempts to say things that might actually be of use!
Don't tell your friends the exciting and shocking ending!
Also, we discuss realism in illustration, and critique a sketch by Socar. Refreshments available in the lobby.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain072.mp3
Subscribe now on iTunes and maybe the birds won't peck your eyes out... though they probably will anyway. We make no promises.
Other great podcasts can be found on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
Here's the sketch we discuss from Socar
And here's Drew's idea
Thrill as a seemingly normal podcast is surrounded by deadly flocks of wild birds, waiting just outside the door to devour the flesh of the humans within!
Cower as Socar and Patrick actually disagree about something for only the 600th time!
Scream in fear as Jeremy attempts to host this deadly mayhem!
Flee when Drew attempts to say things that might actually be of use!
Don't tell your friends the exciting and shocking ending!
Also, we discuss realism in illustration, and critique a sketch by Socar. Refreshments available in the lobby.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain072.mp3
Subscribe now on iTunes and maybe the birds won't peck your eyes out... though they probably will anyway. We make no promises.
Other great podcasts can be found on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
Here's the sketch we discuss from Socar
And here's Drew's idea
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Episode 71--The Doldrums...
In this weeks' episode Socar, Drew, and Jeremy discuss "the doldrums"--those occasional periods of inactivity in the studio when no fresh contract work appears on the schedule. What to do??
Other topics include LinkedIn and Drew's experiences at the Illustration Master Class.
We hope you enjoy!
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_71.mp3
Subscribe now on iTunes or be found adrift on deathly quiet seas...with nought but Socar playing the xylophone to keep you entertained...
Other great podcasts can be found on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
The Illustration Master Class!
LinkedIn
Drew Baker's Blog!
Art Order Ning Group
Mike Burns
What were your experiences at the Illustration Master Class, you lucky few?
How has a site like LinkedIn been of service to you?
Are you in the doldrums right now? What are you doing with your time?
Any ideas for future show topics? Post them here!
Other topics include LinkedIn and Drew's experiences at the Illustration Master Class.
We hope you enjoy!
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_71.mp3
Subscribe now on iTunes or be found adrift on deathly quiet seas...with nought but Socar playing the xylophone to keep you entertained...
Other great podcasts can be found on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
The Illustration Master Class!
Drew Baker's Blog!
Art Order Ning Group
Mike Burns
What were your experiences at the Illustration Master Class, you lucky few?
How has a site like LinkedIn been of service to you?
Are you in the doldrums right now? What are you doing with your time?
Any ideas for future show topics? Post them here!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Episode 70-The ASFA Wants You!
In this week's episode, Jeremy sits down to talk with Mitchell Bentley, the current president of the Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists.
In the interview, we learn about this non-profit educational organization, its history, and its goals for the future.
The ASFA is revitalizing the whole organization and is preparing to unleash many exciting programs for the benefit of current and future members as well as our entire community of science fiction and fantasy artists.
We hope you enjoy the interview and will seek to learn more about it.
The ASFA is in need of passionate members and volunteers as well.
Now is a great opportunity to join in the fun and help mold the organization for the future.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_70.mp3
Be sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or the philistines who hate fantasy art will have won!
Additional information about the ASFA can be found at the organization's website.
The Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists
Enjoy!
Don't forget to check out other most excellent podcasts on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
In the interview, we learn about this non-profit educational organization, its history, and its goals for the future.
The ASFA is revitalizing the whole organization and is preparing to unleash many exciting programs for the benefit of current and future members as well as our entire community of science fiction and fantasy artists.
We hope you enjoy the interview and will seek to learn more about it.
The ASFA is in need of passionate members and volunteers as well.
Now is a great opportunity to join in the fun and help mold the organization for the future.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_70.mp3
Be sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or the philistines who hate fantasy art will have won!
Additional information about the ASFA can be found at the organization's website.
The Association of Science Fiction and Fantasy Artists
Enjoy!
Don't forget to check out other most excellent podcasts on the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Episode 69-Another lion of illustration has passed...
In this week's episode Patrick, Socar, and Jeremy take some time to remember Al Williamson--legendary cartoonist and inker.
The conversation later moves onto the topic of choice of medium and whether more time spent in the studio necessarily makes for better work.
We wrap up with a lengthy discussion on some of the additional costs associated with operating a freelance studio and how late payment and ( Heaven forbid) non-payment can hurt our business.
To publishers who don't realize this already---creativity is not the only outlay that studio artists contribute to your projects...
Of course, more finds its way into the weaving path of conversation, but you'll have to tune in to find out.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_69.mp3
Make sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast or you may miss out on all the awesomeness! Each episode totally takes like six weeks to prepare!....Seriously! Why are you laughing??
More awesome shows can be found at the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
More about Al Williamson can be found at the following links
The Word Balloon Podcast
http://grantbridgestreet.blogspot.com/search/label/al%20williamson
http://johnglenntaylor.blogspot.com/2010/06/1968-al-williamsons-success-story.html
Don't hesitate to join in the conversation via the "comments" section of this very blog post, folks! As always, we are seeking your thoughts on these weighty topics.
The conversation later moves onto the topic of choice of medium and whether more time spent in the studio necessarily makes for better work.
We wrap up with a lengthy discussion on some of the additional costs associated with operating a freelance studio and how late payment and ( Heaven forbid) non-payment can hurt our business.
To publishers who don't realize this already---creativity is not the only outlay that studio artists contribute to your projects...
Of course, more finds its way into the weaving path of conversation, but you'll have to tune in to find out.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_69.mp3
Make sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast or you may miss out on all the awesomeness! Each episode totally takes like six weeks to prepare!....Seriously! Why are you laughing??
More awesome shows can be found at the Visual Artist Podcast Network!
More about Al Williamson can be found at the following links
The Word Balloon Podcast
http://grantbridgestreet.blogspot.com/search/label/al%20williamson
http://johnglenntaylor.blogspot.com/2010/06/1968-al-williamsons-success-story.html
Don't hesitate to join in the conversation via the "comments" section of this very blog post, folks! As always, we are seeking your thoughts on these weighty topics.
Friday, June 11, 2010
This week---No podcast, but a great book review!
Because all the Ninjas are too hunkered down under the weight of deadlines this week, we were unable to get a show recording together, but rest assured that we will be back in the saddle every shortly with an all-new episode.
In lieu of a podcast, Jeremy thought he would offer up a review of the latest title to find its way to his book shelf...
Hey there, my fellow Ninjas---
I hope folks won't mind me pointing listeners in the direction of a most excellent book I've recently acquired.
James Gurney is the creator of the ever-popular Dinotopia series of books, and more recently authored an instructional book on realistic illustration entitled, " Imaginative Realism-How To Paint What Doesn't Exist".
For those of you who have not looked at this book, I would like to offer my thoughts and high praise for what I feel is one of the best treatments of the subject I have yet seen.
While many instructional books are available on the art of fantasy illustration, few have proven to be as valuable and as well-executed as Mr Gurney's.
The author is a master of his craft and has once again proven his willingness to teach those who aspire to follow in his foot steps.
Mr Gurney's intellectual curiosity and his intense research of the techniques of the master painters and golden age illustrators informs each chapter along with examples of the various principles as seen in his own expansive body of work.
His section on composition is worth the price of admission all on its own.
He introduces terms to the reader such as "spoke-wheeling", " shapewelding", "counterchange", and " repoussoir".
Techniques to help focus one's compositions are offered with an enjoyable and accessible writing style that both beginners and more experienced artists will appreciate.
He offers advice on how to gather and generate reference for your imaginative work to help create verisimilitude when depicting even the most outlandish subject.
The book concludes with overviews of various illustrative disciplines and some excellent step-by-step description of painting procedures.
The bottom line for this reader is that it is fast proving an invaluable resource.
I am already planning to apply many of the concepts found in this book to my own contract work.
I think those who aspire to more realistic modes of illustration should have this book in their studios whether they be digital painters or traditionalists.
Get it from your local library or, if you are into more permanent ownership---
Check it out at your favorite local book store or hit the internet with credit card at the ready.
To learn more about the artist and his work, he maintains a very informative and entertaining blog called, " Gurney Journey". I make sure to head over there every week for a good read and I think you will enjoy it as well.
If you do pick up the book, let us know what you think in the comments section of this very article !
Also, if there is a book you think your fellow Ninjas should check out, don't hesitate to share your suggestions here on the mountain.
Thanks for reading, folks. We'll be back soon with a new podcast episode to share!
New episodes of your favorite illustration podcasts are available at The Visual Artist Podcast Network...
Friday, June 04, 2010
Episode 68--Ideas and ID's...
This week Socar, Patrick, Drew, and Jeremy discuss the synergy of dynamic paradigms...or something like that....
We also discuss the challenge of being original in the genre market along with setting out your shingle.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_68.mp3
Make sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or Socar will come to your studio and take your all your lunch money.
You should also head on over to the Visual Artist Podcast Network to check out all the great studio listening!
Many thanks to KiiChan and Brian Bowes, two very talented artists who stepped up with interesting topics of conversation this week!
Here are some fun question for listeners---
What was it like setting up your business?
What is the most egregious job title you've encountered?
What obstacles to originality have you encountered in your work? How did you conquer them?
Fantasy Illustrator or Fantasy Artist---which are you?
We also discuss the challenge of being original in the genre market along with setting out your shingle.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_68.mp3
Make sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or Socar will come to your studio and take your all your lunch money.
You should also head on over to the Visual Artist Podcast Network to check out all the great studio listening!
Many thanks to KiiChan and Brian Bowes, two very talented artists who stepped up with interesting topics of conversation this week!
Here are some fun question for listeners---
What was it like setting up your business?
What is the most egregious job title you've encountered?
What obstacles to originality have you encountered in your work? How did you conquer them?
Fantasy Illustrator or Fantasy Artist---which are you?
Friday, May 28, 2010
Ninja Mountain Episode 67 - Technowizards
Like a booming 303 bassline from some acid-fuelled 90s dance music nightmare, our flashlight-bespectacled technonerds don their boiler suits and take to the stage behind their enormous racks of dubious looking gadgetry to bring you: Ninja Mountain Podcast Episode 67.
67 dude! (yeah I know it's not 69. It's a joke.)
In this, Jon's final show as part of the NM Podsquad, the ninjaneers discuss the impact technology has had on their businesses: Networking, squirting things down a wire, distraction, buying sable brushes through the infrawebz and a whole host of unsavoury topics which quite rightly hit the cutting room floor.
Turn on, tune in, become mildly disappointed and tinged with a general unplaceable feeling of ennui. Ninja Mountain 67. Simply the best.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain067.mp3
Or as always subscribe to us on iTunes!
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
Show notes to follow!
67 dude! (yeah I know it's not 69. It's a joke.)
In this, Jon's final show as part of the NM Podsquad, the ninjaneers discuss the impact technology has had on their businesses: Networking, squirting things down a wire, distraction, buying sable brushes through the infrawebz and a whole host of unsavoury topics which quite rightly hit the cutting room floor.
Turn on, tune in, become mildly disappointed and tinged with a general unplaceable feeling of ennui. Ninja Mountain 67. Simply the best.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain067.mp3
Or as always subscribe to us on iTunes!
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
Show notes to follow!
Friday, May 21, 2010
Episode 66-Episode of the Beast...
This week two squads break ranks to pursue their devilish designs.
In the wilds of the untamed European continent Socar, Andy, Jon, and Ralph talk style and artistic improvement on the job.
Socar then teleports to North America to join the U.S. Squad in varied discussion including chat about professional life outside of rpg's.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_66.mp3
Be sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast or you will receive a visit from "Old Scratch". We were old school buddies. He owes me a favor...
Jeremy makes good on his threat to share some of his early work...
Wanna see an example of the horrors that escaped Jeremy's early drawing board???
Bwahahahahahah!!!
Or...THIS!!!!
Fear not...He got better...
Perhaps you listeners out there are willing to bring forth the skeletons in your studio closet??
Show us your worst and your best! Wipe fear from your breast and join in the ghoulish fun. :)
Also be sure to head over to the Visual Artist Podcast Network to check out some awesome programs!
In the wilds of the untamed European continent Socar, Andy, Jon, and Ralph talk style and artistic improvement on the job.
Socar then teleports to North America to join the U.S. Squad in varied discussion including chat about professional life outside of rpg's.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_66.mp3
Be sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast or you will receive a visit from "Old Scratch". We were old school buddies. He owes me a favor...
Jeremy makes good on his threat to share some of his early work...
Wanna see an example of the horrors that escaped Jeremy's early drawing board???
Bwahahahahahah!!!
Or...THIS!!!!
Fear not...He got better...
Perhaps you listeners out there are willing to bring forth the skeletons in your studio closet??
Show us your worst and your best! Wipe fear from your breast and join in the ghoulish fun. :)
Also be sure to head over to the Visual Artist Podcast Network to check out some awesome programs!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Ninja Mountain 65 - Remembering Frazetta
A great illustrator passed away this week, and we got several Ninjas together to talk about his life, and how he has affected us and other artists. Frank Frazetta remembered, this week on Ninja Mountain.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain065.mp3
Or as always subscribe to us on iTunes!
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain065.mp3
Or as always subscribe to us on iTunes!
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
Friday, May 07, 2010
Episode 64--Are we done yet??
This week we join the North American crew as they discuss a listener's question about knowing how to tell when one's work is done.
Then we are whisked away to Europe for the Foreign contingent's weighty discussion of improving one's work while in the throes of freelance professionalism.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_64.mp3
Make sure to Subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast, or be prepared for a visit from Dark Lord Baggadix!
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
Then we are whisked away to Europe for the Foreign contingent's weighty discussion of improving one's work while in the throes of freelance professionalism.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_64.mp3
Make sure to Subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast, or be prepared for a visit from Dark Lord Baggadix!
The Visual Artist Podcast Network
Friday, April 30, 2010
Ninja Mountain Episode 63 - "Sometimes I Just Wonder - What it's All For?"
Strap on your jet pack of chat and blast off into the wild blue yonder with your Ninja Mountain friends! On this episode it's a cross-Atlantic team up megashow, with Silent Andy, Jeremy, Jon, Ralph, Socar and early bather Torstein. Under the lazor-scope this week is the weighty topic of workload and self improvement. But fear not! It's not all content!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/ninjamountain063.mp3
Subscribe at the iTunes store: You know it makes sense.
Show notes to follow if we can think of any...
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/ninjamountain063.mp3
Subscribe at the iTunes store: You know it makes sense.
Show notes to follow if we can think of any...
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Episode 61--Business on the side. Wonder Con!
In Episode 61, Patrick returns to the mountain and with the dust of the road still on his boots he joins, Drew, Socar, and Jeremy to discuss other ways of generating additional income from their work.
We also join Patrick as he engages in an inebriated after hours conversation with friends Kat Rocha, Josh Finney, and Chandra Free at WonderCon!
If you have any other fine ideas for generating income from your work beyond the initial sale of copyright, we would love to hear them.
Also, if you know how to help Socar with the technical difficulties her website is currently facing, please do drop in to the comments section of this post. I have no doubt that Socar would be all too happy to follow up with you.
Thanks for listening, folks, and we look forward to hearing your ideas!
Thursday, April 08, 2010
Episode 60--Mind walks and digital talks.
This week the Ninjas of the Euro Zone enjoy intellectual discussion of the freelancing life and the associated psychological landscape while the North American contingent discuss the leap from traditional to digital tools and back.
We hope you enjoy episode 60!
Because Jeremy sometimes has to explain his obscure humor...
Be sure to tune in for Episode 61 next week where Patrick will share his WonderCon recording!
Not to be missed!
Friday, April 02, 2010
Episode 59--Paul "Prof" Herbert and a pair of British Painters!
In this week's episode Socar and Jeremy join up with Paul "Prof" Herbert to learn more about his game illustration work and continuing career.
Later in the show, Andy Hepworth and Jon Hodgson, gentlemen painters both, discuss what is on the easel this week.
Links:
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Episode 58---Intellectual Conventions and Chandra Free!
In this week's episode, Patrick, Socar, and Jeremy are joined by the talented Chandra Free ( aka. Spookychan), illustrator of "The God Machine".
Together they discuss their dream projects, a bit about conventions, and other stuff....
Make sure to subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or we will be forced to ask Jeremy to attempt to pronounce your name during a future broadcast.... I heard him mispronounce "Smith" once. The boy's got talent...
To learn more about Spookychan's most excellent artistic offerings, head on over to her studio website.
Head on over to the Visual Artist Podcast Network to learn more about other great illustration programs!
Some conventions to check out!
A bunch of FRIENDS having a great time at Dragon Con....You could be too!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Episode 57--It's a Family Affair!
This week, Socar and Jeremy are sitting down with 3D modeler, actor, and evil doppleganger--Joshua McHugh.
It's a family affair this week folks--though we at the Mountain doubt it--those two boys get along too well...
We talk about the pursuit of goals and the need for herculean effort and constant self-education.
Other topics include 3D modeling and "catch 22" situations.
This week presents an uplifting tale with uplifting music and general "upliftment" ( I swear it's a word---check wikipedia)...
If you don't subscribe on iTunes we'll be sending another of Jeremy's clones to your home and you will be absorbed by the mother brain.
Also don't Forget to check out The Visual Artist Podcast Network to find other excellent shows produced with the working artist in mind!
Below are links to some of the items mentioned in this week's show!
Some of Josh's 3D modeling in action can be found in the following videos:
Useful links to 3D modeling packages and resource sites:
Friday, March 12, 2010
Ninja Mountain episode 56 - An Englishman in the dark
This week sees Andy Hepworth (Scottish by birth, English parents, living in Scotland), Jon Hodgson (Scottish grandparents, English by birth, living in Scotland) and Ralph Horsley (Born in Scotland, living in England) confusing the Dickens out of our colonial cousins with their Britisher ways.
Put the kettle on, toast your bread on both sides, butter a pikelet, and sit back and enjoy a nice china cup of Ninja Mountain fresh from the pot*.
It would be truly a fool's errand to try to offer a summation of what this episode is about, so just have a listen. We talk about all kinds of things.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain056.mp3
*No pot was used in the creation of this show.
*No pot was used in the creation of this show.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Ninja Mountain episode 55 - Epic Self-Loathing
More questions from listeners will hit you where you're most vulnerable - your cold and atrophied heart! Also, learn what the Ninjas think about things like certain comic book artists, Shutter Island, and getting hit in the balls. Join us as Patrick, Socar, Drew and Jeremy pump up the art-volume to 11 million!!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain055.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free or prepare to feel the pangs of self-hatred.
Show Notes:
Rob Liefeld
Nick Simmons
Let us not forget that we promised some answers to Steve Argyle's most excellent follow-up questions from the wonderful Linda Kattwinkel of Owen, Wickersham & Erickson ( www.owe.com ).
Linda is the author of the copyright law column, "Legalities"!
Here is the Q&A follow-up between Steve Argyle and Linda Kattwinkel.
Steve:
"Fan art." Paid, or for fun: Infringement in both cases, right? As the work may be original, but the characters portrayed are copyrighted.
Linda:
Fan art is technically infringement. But so long as the work is not being exploited commercially (e.g., the fans are not selling t-shirts), most copyright owners take the wise course of allowing it. Remember, it is always the copyright owner’s prerogative to grant permission to others to copy the work, on the copyright owner’s terms. Fan art can be allowed with the copyright owner’s explicit or implicit blessing.
Steve:
...But is there a line of fair-use somewhere in there? Most of us started out by submitting portfolios jammed full of craptastic Wolverine vs. Darth Vader drawings. And sites like Deviantart are 95% fan-art.
Linda:
Private portfolio pieces, in order to show prospective clients that you have the skill to illustrate famous characters, is probably fair use, IF you are clear about it, and especially if you are showing a prospective client renderings of its own characters. Where you could get into trouble is making such portfolio pieces public (e.g., on your website), especially if in context it looks like you actually did them as actual paid work for the owners of those characters (that would be misrepresentation and unfair competition).
Steve:
I imagine pros should just plain steer clear. I know I've turned down plenty of private commissions because the request was for copyrighted characters. Is there ever a non-satirical scenario where it's ok?
Linda:
If someone wants to commission you to create work based on copyrighted characters, I agree, it is wise to turn down the job. In that scenario, you are earning money for creating the copy, which puts you squarely in the infringement camp (along with your client). The only way to safely accept such a commission is to have a written contract in which the client warrants that it has permission to do this, and agrees to indemnify you against any infringement claims. Even then, you should make sure the client has the means to pay for defending you in a lawsuit if it happens, otherwise the indemnification may not help you.**
**You are right, the only exception is “fair use,” which generally requires your work to be a critique, comment or parody of the copyrighted character. Non-satirical copies won’t qualify.
Steve:
(I've actually tried to purchase licensing for creating artwork based on some of the big franchises. Even the ones I work for just sort of shrugged.)
And a contracts question:
Publishers all have "boiler-plate" contracts, and some of them can get downright draconian. Most artists are simply super-excited to be working, and barely read the contract, let alone understand that in some cases, they themselves are no longer allowed to use or display the work in any context.
Is there a "boiler-plate" contract outline that artists can purchase, perhaps from your firm, Linda, which an artist can use for various scenarios?
Linda:
There are some good resources for form contracts for illustrators to use in various scenarios. The GAG Handbook has several: http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/handbook/; and Allworth Press has many books full of sample contracts: http://www.allworth.com/Business_and_Law_Books_s/2.htm. These are good starting places, but I strongly recommend that you have an attorney review your proposed form before you start using it. There are always individual circumstances to consider, and they might be ill-served by the form.
Steve:
Lastly, I've had a number of this ghastly beast: "Surprise! We rewrote your contract!" Now, I realize that in many contracts, there is written provision for modification after signing, but what is the scope of what can be changed? I've had contracts rewritten to remove my rights to display the work and sell prints. I've had contracts that were rewritten from temporary license, to work-for-hire. I know that at least some of this isn't legal, but I'll be buggered if I know which parts, and what my rights are in this sort of situation.
Linda:
As a matter of contract law, once you have made an agreement, the only way to change it is by the mutual agreement of both parties. One side to an existing contract cannot just unilaterally change the terms. In order to change it, under contract law you essentially have to make a new agreement, which requires that each party provides “consideration” for the new terms. Consideration is something of value that each party gives the other in order to make the agreement legally enforceable. Generally, when you enter into the original contract, the consideration from your client is money, and the consideration from you is your illustration services and license for the client to use the art. Later, if the client wants to eliminate your rights to display the work and sell prints, giving up those rights would be a form of new consideration they are getting from you. What form of new consideration are you getting in return from them? If the answer is nothing, there is no enforceable change to the contract terms. If you are presented with such after-the-fact changes, you can just say no.
One caveat: if your client presents you with new terms that would apply only to future work you would do for them (rather than for work you have already created per your original contract), that may legally be considered an offer for a new contract, which you can either accept or reject. Their bargaining power comes in if they can say you won’t get any more future work unless you agree to the new terms. Unfortunately, this seems to be a common tactic.
Steve:
I've got more, but I'll stop now. Thanks so much for your time!
END
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain055.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free or prepare to feel the pangs of self-hatred.
Show Notes:
Rob Liefeld
Nick Simmons
Let us not forget that we promised some answers to Steve Argyle's most excellent follow-up questions from the wonderful Linda Kattwinkel of Owen, Wickersham & Erickson ( www.owe.com ).
Linda is the author of the copyright law column, "Legalities"!
Here is the Q&A follow-up between Steve Argyle and Linda Kattwinkel.
Steve:
"Fan art." Paid, or for fun: Infringement in both cases, right? As the work may be original, but the characters portrayed are copyrighted.
Linda:
Fan art is technically infringement. But so long as the work is not being exploited commercially (e.g., the fans are not selling t-shirts), most copyright owners take the wise course of allowing it. Remember, it is always the copyright owner’s prerogative to grant permission to others to copy the work, on the copyright owner’s terms. Fan art can be allowed with the copyright owner’s explicit or implicit blessing.
Steve:
...But is there a line of fair-use somewhere in there? Most of us started out by submitting portfolios jammed full of craptastic Wolverine vs. Darth Vader drawings. And sites like Deviantart are 95% fan-art.
Linda:
Private portfolio pieces, in order to show prospective clients that you have the skill to illustrate famous characters, is probably fair use, IF you are clear about it, and especially if you are showing a prospective client renderings of its own characters. Where you could get into trouble is making such portfolio pieces public (e.g., on your website), especially if in context it looks like you actually did them as actual paid work for the owners of those characters (that would be misrepresentation and unfair competition).
Steve:
I imagine pros should just plain steer clear. I know I've turned down plenty of private commissions because the request was for copyrighted characters. Is there ever a non-satirical scenario where it's ok?
Linda:
If someone wants to commission you to create work based on copyrighted characters, I agree, it is wise to turn down the job. In that scenario, you are earning money for creating the copy, which puts you squarely in the infringement camp (along with your client). The only way to safely accept such a commission is to have a written contract in which the client warrants that it has permission to do this, and agrees to indemnify you against any infringement claims. Even then, you should make sure the client has the means to pay for defending you in a lawsuit if it happens, otherwise the indemnification may not help you.**
**You are right, the only exception is “fair use,” which generally requires your work to be a critique, comment or parody of the copyrighted character. Non-satirical copies won’t qualify.
Steve:
(I've actually tried to purchase licensing for creating artwork based on some of the big franchises. Even the ones I work for just sort of shrugged.)
And a contracts question:
Publishers all have "boiler-plate" contracts, and some of them can get downright draconian. Most artists are simply super-excited to be working, and barely read the contract, let alone understand that in some cases, they themselves are no longer allowed to use or display the work in any context.
Is there a "boiler-plate" contract outline that artists can purchase, perhaps from your firm, Linda, which an artist can use for various scenarios?
Linda:
There are some good resources for form contracts for illustrators to use in various scenarios. The GAG Handbook has several: http://www.graphicartistsguild.org/handbook/; and Allworth Press has many books full of sample contracts: http://www.allworth.com/Business_and_Law_Books_s/2.htm. These are good starting places, but I strongly recommend that you have an attorney review your proposed form before you start using it. There are always individual circumstances to consider, and they might be ill-served by the form.
Steve:
Lastly, I've had a number of this ghastly beast: "Surprise! We rewrote your contract!" Now, I realize that in many contracts, there is written provision for modification after signing, but what is the scope of what can be changed? I've had contracts rewritten to remove my rights to display the work and sell prints. I've had contracts that were rewritten from temporary license, to work-for-hire. I know that at least some of this isn't legal, but I'll be buggered if I know which parts, and what my rights are in this sort of situation.
Linda:
As a matter of contract law, once you have made an agreement, the only way to change it is by the mutual agreement of both parties. One side to an existing contract cannot just unilaterally change the terms. In order to change it, under contract law you essentially have to make a new agreement, which requires that each party provides “consideration” for the new terms. Consideration is something of value that each party gives the other in order to make the agreement legally enforceable. Generally, when you enter into the original contract, the consideration from your client is money, and the consideration from you is your illustration services and license for the client to use the art. Later, if the client wants to eliminate your rights to display the work and sell prints, giving up those rights would be a form of new consideration they are getting from you. What form of new consideration are you getting in return from them? If the answer is nothing, there is no enforceable change to the contract terms. If you are presented with such after-the-fact changes, you can just say no.
One caveat: if your client presents you with new terms that would apply only to future work you would do for them (rather than for work you have already created per your original contract), that may legally be considered an offer for a new contract, which you can either accept or reject. Their bargaining power comes in if they can say you won’t get any more future work unless you agree to the new terms. Unfortunately, this seems to be a common tactic.
Steve:
I've got more, but I'll stop now. Thanks so much for your time!
END
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Ninja Mountain Podcast episode 54. The Economics of Ramen...
Drew, Socar, and Jeremy are left to their own devices this week and the discussion follows the meandering paths of the mountain.
In this episode, three wayward ninjas discuss ramen, job titles, the horrors of life-drawing, the art/illustration dynamic, berets, and skimpy costumes.
Easy listening? Or disturbing? You must decide!
Some questions for our fellow ninjas:
What one word comes to mind when you hear the word, "illustration"?
What is the weirdest place where you have found your own work displayed?
What is the weirdest tool in your studio? The kind of item that your peers might be surprised to learn about?
Do you have any pet peeves when it comes to client communication?
Let's hear your "life drawing nightmares"!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Episode 53-Copyright 101 with Linda Kattwinkel ! MacWorld with Mercuralis!
Hoooo Boy! We have an awesome episode for you this week and we hope you learn a lot, folks.
Linda works for noted law office Owen, Wickersham & Erickson, P.C. out of San Francisco, California and they work with some of the most important artists and properties in America to provide legal advice and representation.
You can learn more about Owen, Wickersham & Erickson, P.C. at their law firm's website at www.owe.com
We would like to thank Linda for giving so generously of her time to answer our questions.
Understanding of copyright law is an important part of any artist's career and Linda stepped forward to empower our listeners with solid information.
Thank you, Linda!
You may learn more about copyright and intellectual property law through an excellent series of articles that Linda has written in her "Legalities" column published at the law firm's website.
More can be learned about U.S. copyright law at www.copyright.gov
You can learn a bit more about the Berne Convention through Wikipedia ( how accurate it is...welll...it's Wikipedia...).
PLUS!!!---
Patrick McEvoy returns to the mountain from his journey to Mac World with an interview he shared with the very talented Melissa Findley ( aka Mercuralis).
To learn more about Melissa's work, head over to her blog site at: http://wickedeye.wordpress.com/
Thank you, Patrick, for being our "man on the street".
Hope you enjoy it, folks!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Episode 52-Ohh those peevish Ninjas! Plus a visit from Steve Argyle!
In this episode guest artist Steve Argyle joins Socar Myles, Eric Lofgren, and Jeremy McHugh as the Ninjas discuss pet peeves and embark on other numerous wanderings along the circuitous paths of the mountain.
Many thanks to our donor as Jeremy test-drives the new microphone headset.
Rest assured that the weirdness of his voice is not a technical foible, but the remains of our co-host's recent battle with a cold and cough. Poor Jeremy-to be struck down by plague at such a tender age...
We would also like to announce the launch of The Visual Artist Podcast Network.
VAPN will feature the latest episodes of Ninja Mountain, SideBar, Chris Oatley's Artcast, Escape From Illustration Island, WIP, and The Process Diary.
Many thanks to Thomas James of Escape From Illustration Island for putting together this awesome resource!
Two things we would like to get your thoughts and questions about this week:
1) What are your artistic pet peeves? Perhaps they are things that you have striven to improve in your own work that always jumps out at you when looking at the work of others.
2) Do you have a question about copyright that next week's special guest, Linda Kattwinkel (Intellectual Property and Arts Attorney at Owen, Wickersham & Erickson) , can answer for your fellow listeners? Post them in the comments section for this episode!
Other links to check out:
Breaking Into Freelance Illustration by Holly DeWolf--the most excellent book that Jeremy forgot to actually review...;)
Jeremy writes, "It is a very interesting book and talks a bit more about the use of new media and networking to promote your work. It is filled with useful tips, enjoyable quotes, and anecdotes from working illustrators.
A worthy read for the up-and-coming artist."
Sunday, February 07, 2010
Ninja Mountain Archives!
Due to popular demand (one person demanded it, but she's very popular - thanks Rowena!) here are archived Stuffit packages of the first 20 episodes of Ninja Mountain! They are packed in easy-to-use 5-episode packages. (Frankly, zipping the files didn't save any file space, but they are more convenient if you don't mind the long download. But if you just need an individual file, you can still find the episodes in our blog archives, starting with January 2009).
Enjoy!
Episodes 1 - 5
Episodes 6 - 10
Episodes 11 - 15
Episodes 16 - 20
Enjoy!
Episodes 1 - 5
Episodes 6 - 10
Episodes 11 - 15
Episodes 16 - 20
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Episode 51 -How Do We Explain Ourselves??!
In this episode Andy ( See?! He's not last this time!), Patrick, Socar, Drew, and Jeremy talk about:
How we explain our profession to non-Ninjas.
The vague line between illustration and fine art.
More about every Ninja's favorite book, "Frankenstein", as beautifully illustrated by none other than the amazing Bernie Wrightson.
The sleeping habits of a certain Ninja.
The disappearing craft of inking and...
The Flying Spaghetti Monster.
Subscribe on iTunes, or the noodly goodness that is the Flying Spaghetti Monster will be consumed by alien factions bent on human conquest...
If you strain your hearing you may even be able to make out Socar's hushed tones.
We think she was in the kitchen preparing dinner while joining in our conversation, but we will let you be the judge.
Points will be awarded for the best explanation of her microphone's poor sound quality! :)
Monday, February 01, 2010
Ninja Mountain 50 - ONE YEAR WASTED!!
Yes, this episode marks Ninja Mountain's one year anniversary. On hand to chat (and to keep the conversation as free from actual educational content as possible) we have Andy Hepworth, Anne Stokes, Socar Myles, Jeremy McHugh, Drew Baker and Patrick McEvoy! It's a fun, slightly crazy, and gloriously unfocused look at the last year, the year to come, and a number of topics that are sure to be of interest to someone. Somewhere. Maybe.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain050.mp3
Show Notes:
Find out more about the early history of Ninja Mountain on the Escape from Illustration Island podcast episode 8:
http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2009/10/13/episode-8-ninja-mountain/
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain050.mp3
Show Notes:
Find out more about the early history of Ninja Mountain on the Escape from Illustration Island podcast episode 8:
http://escapefromillustrationisland.com/2009/10/13/episode-8-ninja-mountain/
Friday, January 22, 2010
Ninjas pride themselves on remaining in the shadows, however...
As of this moment, the Ninja Mountain Scrolls site will be implementing a 'no anonymous postings' ruling.
Anonymous posting will no longer be allowed and all such posts, regardless of content, will be deleted.
This is to encourage open discussion while simultaneously holding each participant clearly accountable for their own statements and behavior.
We believe that this will engender self-moderation during debates, and offset the requirement for a more formal arrangement.
Internet handles are acceptable ( and often entertaining), but a real name or link to a real site must appear somewhere in your posts or profile to engender professional discourse and accountability.
Those associated with the Ninja Mountain Podcast have willingly and necessarily adopted complete openness in their weekly recorded discussions. We are all identified by our real names ( or widely known pen names) and our URLs are prominently displayed.
We take full responsibility for our statements and invite others to weigh the advice we offer by visiting our sites and learning more about our careers.
We believe that those who make use of the show blog should be held to the same standards and that such will add to the enjoyment of all who visit the site.
Thank you to all of our fellow Ninjas and we look forward to your continued enjoyment of the show and accompanying blog.
Jeremy McHugh
Ninja Mountain Podcast Co-Host
Ninja Mountain Episode 49 - “I don’t think the Pirates have a Mountain.”
Like a red lazor blast to the forebrain the Ninja Mountaineers are back, once again attempting to scale the dizzy heights of the fabled Ninja Mountain by sitting around chatting! This week we take your questions from Twitter and run off with them into the middle distance: Bounced checks? Setting up a business? Palettes? Websites for licensing? Self publishing sketchbooks?
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain049.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll make you wear the muppet suit at Gencon. Squeal like a pig, Muppet.
On this show: Anne, Jeremy, Jon and Socar
** Special note to the world, especially Canada! **
For some reason, iTunes did not add this episode everywhere worldwide. The one country we've found for sure that doesn't seem to be working is Canada. We're trying to fix this problem without knowing exactly what's going on. It may be something weird on Apple's end, or we may fix it at any point unexpectedly. Life is full of surprises!
Thank you, please drive through.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain049.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll make you wear the muppet suit at Gencon. Squeal like a pig, Muppet.
On this show: Anne, Jeremy, Jon and Socar
** Special note to the world, especially Canada! **
For some reason, iTunes did not add this episode everywhere worldwide. The one country we've found for sure that doesn't seem to be working is Canada. We're trying to fix this problem without knowing exactly what's going on. It may be something weird on Apple's end, or we may fix it at any point unexpectedly. Life is full of surprises!
Thank you, please drive through.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Ninja Mountain 48-Back to the Bull Session.
Hey there, folks.
It is a small gathering around Ninja Mountain's water cooler this week as Drew, Socar, and Jeremy hang out and discuss a medley of various topics. This week, the Ninjas discuss regrets, personal growth, geography, watercolors, digital art, questions from a new publisher, the delicate balance between art and illustration ( with our usual ham-fisted grace) , and even make a DVD recommendation!
A little something for every sensibility! :)
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/nm_episode48.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll throw a scalpel at your cuirass.
Links of note:
Automated Painting
Retrievr
In answer to Socar's last question...
Question for our fellow Ninjas---
What regrets do you have from your past in relation to your artwork and what are you doing to correct it? Open them closets and let us watch the dessicated skeletons tumble out!
Also---What are your goals for the year ahead? C'mon, folks! The year is still young! :)
It is a small gathering around Ninja Mountain's water cooler this week as Drew, Socar, and Jeremy hang out and discuss a medley of various topics. This week, the Ninjas discuss regrets, personal growth, geography, watercolors, digital art, questions from a new publisher, the delicate balance between art and illustration ( with our usual ham-fisted grace) , and even make a DVD recommendation!
A little something for every sensibility! :)
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/nm_episode48.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll throw a scalpel at your cuirass.
Links of note:
Automated Painting
Retrievr
In answer to Socar's last question...
Question for our fellow Ninjas---
What regrets do you have from your past in relation to your artwork and what are you doing to correct it? Open them closets and let us watch the dessicated skeletons tumble out!
Also---What are your goals for the year ahead? C'mon, folks! The year is still young! :)
Friday, January 08, 2010
Ninja Mountain 47-Critique These!
All right, folks.
In this episode, the Ninjas get caught up on the last of the artwork put forth for critique by the brave and bold.
Join Patrick, Socar, Drew, Ralph, and Jeremy as they learn why the word "cuirass" is ripe with comedic potential.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode47.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll throw a scalpel at your cuirass.
Many thanks to Drew Baker and Ralph Horsley for their helpful paint-overs.
Here are the entries along with the paint-overs offered as suggestions to the artists.
Thank you all for participating!
Angela Sasser ( aka "Angelic Shades" )
To see a paint-over by Drew, check out the following link.
Chris Griffin (aka "Quickreaver")
To see a paint-over by Drew Baker, check out the following link.
Seth Rutledge ( aka "eldritch 48" on twitter)
To see Drew's paint-over, check out the following link.
Simon Anderson-Carr (aka "Scarrart")
To see Drew's paint-over, check out the following link.
Marjon ( aka "sirithduriel")
To see Drew's paint-over, check out the following link.
Elin Joseffson
To see a paint-over by Drew, check out the following link.
To see a paint-over by Ralph Horsley, check out the following link.
Drew has also made available his paint-overs with layer information intact as Photoshop files for download in zip format at the following link.
In this episode, the Ninjas get caught up on the last of the artwork put forth for critique by the brave and bold.
Join Patrick, Socar, Drew, Ralph, and Jeremy as they learn why the word "cuirass" is ripe with comedic potential.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode47.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll throw a scalpel at your cuirass.
Many thanks to Drew Baker and Ralph Horsley for their helpful paint-overs.
Here are the entries along with the paint-overs offered as suggestions to the artists.
Thank you all for participating!
Angela Sasser ( aka "Angelic Shades" )
To see a paint-over by Drew, check out the following link.
Chris Griffin (aka "Quickreaver")
To see a paint-over by Drew Baker, check out the following link.
Seth Rutledge ( aka "eldritch 48" on twitter)
To see Drew's paint-over, check out the following link.
Simon Anderson-Carr (aka "Scarrart")
To see Drew's paint-over, check out the following link.
Marjon ( aka "sirithduriel")
To see Drew's paint-over, check out the following link.
Elin Joseffson
To see a paint-over by Drew, check out the following link.
To see a paint-over by Ralph Horsley, check out the following link.
Drew has also made available his paint-overs with layer information intact as Photoshop files for download in zip format at the following link.
Friday, January 01, 2010
Ninja Mountain 46 - Critique That!
This week several unusually foolhardy Ninja Mountain listeners have volunteered to be critiqued by out squad of Ninja Critique Commandos: Socar, Drew, Patrick and (of course) Jeremy!
This week's victims are: Mick Collins, Jeff Johnson, Melissa Hitchcock, Chris Burdett and Nick Egberts. We didn't want to rush it too much, so we split this into two episodes, with Angela Sasser, Chris Griffin, Seth Rutledge and Simon Anderson-Carr getting their turns next week.
And, if you hurry you can get in on next week's fun too - just leave your name and a link to the piece you want critiqued in the comments to this week's episode, and we'll add you to next week's list -- BUT ONLY THE FIRST TWO RESPONDENTS. So first come, first severed.. er, served.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain046.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll be forced to come to your house and critique you in front of your family. 'Cause we straight up COLD like that.
The Pictures!
Mick Collins
Jeff Lee Johnson
Melissa Hitchcock
Christopher Burdett
Nick Egberts
As we were doing the episode, the ever-busy Drew was doing some paintovers to help illustrate his thoughts, plus some extra ideas he had for Chris's piece. Here they are, presented for your edification:
Mick
Jeff
Melissa
Chris
Nick
See you all next time for more critiques!
This week's victims are: Mick Collins, Jeff Johnson, Melissa Hitchcock, Chris Burdett and Nick Egberts. We didn't want to rush it too much, so we split this into two episodes, with Angela Sasser, Chris Griffin, Seth Rutledge and Simon Anderson-Carr getting their turns next week.
And, if you hurry you can get in on next week's fun too - just leave your name and a link to the piece you want critiqued in the comments to this week's episode, and we'll add you to next week's list -- BUT ONLY THE FIRST TWO RESPONDENTS. So first come, first severed.. er, served.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain046.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, for free. Or we'll be forced to come to your house and critique you in front of your family. 'Cause we straight up COLD like that.
The Pictures!
Mick Collins
Jeff Lee Johnson
Melissa Hitchcock
Christopher Burdett
Nick Egberts
As we were doing the episode, the ever-busy Drew was doing some paintovers to help illustrate his thoughts, plus some extra ideas he had for Chris's piece. Here they are, presented for your edification:
Mick
Jeff
Melissa
Chris
Nick
See you all next time for more critiques!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
To all Ninjas...
We'll be back after the holidays!
We hope you have a fantastic and festive season.
If you're staying up on Christmas Eve in hopes of spotting Santa,
Forget it.
He's the ultimate Ninja.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ninja Mountain 45 - Radio Ventriloquism
Started writing this in the style of a foul mouthed pirate. Then completely got over it. Think yourselves lucky.
So! Episode 45! This week the full Ninja Mountaineer Squad were largely indisposed, preparing for something called "Christmas". Nonetheless a plucky team of handpicked idio...panelists managed to get together and record their thoughts on the newly released version 3 of painting software ArtRage.
In true Ninja Mountain style discussion rambles and ranges as you might expect as Andy, Scott and Jon open up their new programs and dive in, live to tape. They share their thoughts and observations on Ambient Design's new baby. Where others may hesitate in presenting a radio show about live use of a graphics program our crack team took no prisoners.
Bit of a special interest episode, we freely admit. But what? You gonna ask for your money back?
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain045.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes It's free and it feels so good!
Show Notes:
Artrage 3: http://www.artrage.com/
Doh! And now updated with our AR3 doodlings made during the recording of the show!
Jon:
Scott:
Andy:
Have no fear, we'll be back soon with more critique episodes, featuring both the work of the Mountaineers and our respected listeners!
So! Episode 45! This week the full Ninja Mountaineer Squad were largely indisposed, preparing for something called "Christmas". Nonetheless a plucky team of handpicked idio...panelists managed to get together and record their thoughts on the newly released version 3 of painting software ArtRage.
In true Ninja Mountain style discussion rambles and ranges as you might expect as Andy, Scott and Jon open up their new programs and dive in, live to tape. They share their thoughts and observations on Ambient Design's new baby. Where others may hesitate in presenting a radio show about live use of a graphics program our crack team took no prisoners.
Bit of a special interest episode, we freely admit. But what? You gonna ask for your money back?
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain045.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes It's free and it feels so good!
Show Notes:
Artrage 3: http://www.artrage.com/
Doh! And now updated with our AR3 doodlings made during the recording of the show!
Jon:
Scott:
Andy:
Have no fear, we'll be back soon with more critique episodes, featuring both the work of the Mountaineers and our respected listeners!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Ninja Mountain 44 - Critique THIS!
We've talked about the power of critique, we've extolled the virtues of giving and getting good crits, and now we step into the crucible ourselves! Each Ninja offers up one piece to be examined and discussed by the panel, and nothing is spared. Patrick, Socar, Jeremy and 2nd-time guest Drew Baker share pictures and opinioins and maybe, just maybe, learn a little bit about love in this very special episode. Oh, and we laugh about yaoi. (A lot).
So come on in! Listen to our idea of good critiques, in this weeks awe-inspiring NINJA ART THUNDERDOME!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain044.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, or we'll be forced into drastic action. And nobody wants that.
The Pictures!
Socar Myles - Mr. Mole in the Wild Woods
Socar Myles - Mr. Mole detail
Jeremy McHugh - Dragonslayer
Drew Baker - Bullywug Attack original
After the critique session, Drew went back and made some changes to the initial piece. Here's his update - see what you think!
Drew Baker - Bullywug Attack after updates
Patrick McEvoy - Blasphemer
We invite you to post your own comments, as well as your own pieces for critique, in the message section below. Let's have some fun!
.
So come on in! Listen to our idea of good critiques, in this weeks awe-inspiring NINJA ART THUNDERDOME!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain044.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, or we'll be forced into drastic action. And nobody wants that.
The Pictures!
Socar Myles - Mr. Mole in the Wild Woods
Socar Myles - Mr. Mole detail
Jeremy McHugh - Dragonslayer
Drew Baker - Bullywug Attack original
After the critique session, Drew went back and made some changes to the initial piece. Here's his update - see what you think!
Drew Baker - Bullywug Attack after updates
Patrick McEvoy - Blasphemer
We invite you to post your own comments, as well as your own pieces for critique, in the message section below. Let's have some fun!
.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Ninja Mountain 43 - Let's Quickify!
Listener Brian Bowes asked us for ways to "quickify" one's work and that opened up broad discussion amongst our panel of Ninjas this week. We go to extraordinary lengths to unravel the mysteries of particle board, delve deeply into our individual art processes, and make frequent mention of a certain Art Director of whom you may have heard.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode43.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, damn your eyes!!!
Show Notes:
Jon Schindehette
Masonite
Mattias Snygg
Ninjas on this episode:
Ralph Horsley
Anne Stokes
Socar Myles
Patrick McEvoy
Jeremy McHugh
.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode43.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes, damn your eyes!!!
Show Notes:
Jon Schindehette
Masonite
Mattias Snygg
Ninjas on this episode:
Ralph Horsley
Anne Stokes
Socar Myles
Patrick McEvoy
Jeremy McHugh
.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Ninja Mountain Episode 42 - Collectors Are People Too
All right!
In this episode the Ninjas meet with Patrick Wilshire, founder of Illuxcon, to learn about the genesis of this popular event and how it was put together.
We also take advantage of Mr Wilshire's long involvement in the genre art collecting market to learn more about what makes collectors tick.
A very cool discussion that we hope you will enjoy.
Episode 42
Show links:
Illuxcon
The Illustration Exchange
Collin Lenzen
The Ninjas this week:
Ralph Horsley
Socar Myles
Patrick McEvoy
Jeremy McHugh
In this episode the Ninjas meet with Patrick Wilshire, founder of Illuxcon, to learn about the genesis of this popular event and how it was put together.
We also take advantage of Mr Wilshire's long involvement in the genre art collecting market to learn more about what makes collectors tick.
A very cool discussion that we hope you will enjoy.
Episode 42
Show links:
Illuxcon
The Illustration Exchange
Collin Lenzen
The Ninjas this week:
Ralph Horsley
Socar Myles
Patrick McEvoy
Jeremy McHugh
Friday, November 20, 2009
Special Episode 41b - Illuxcon Part 2!
All right!
Jeremy has edited and compiled episode 2 of our two-part Illuxcon Special Extravaganza.
In this episode you get to listen in as our traveling Ninja interviews many more of our favorite artists along with a small wrap-up at the end with his friend and illustration student, Joe Acone.
http://mchughstudios.com/episode_41b.mp3
Aritsts in this episode include:
Brom
Justin Gerard
Gary Lippincott
Ian Miller ( who Jeremy foolishly refers to as Ian Williams...sorry Ian. He is being beaten as we write this. He will never do that again...Ever....)
Bob Eggleton
Mark Zug
L.A "Allen" Williams
Volkan Baga
Steve Ellis
Robh Ruppel
Donato Giancola
Don Maitz
Too much awesome to be contained within one meager episode!
Thank you for joining us on our latest voyage away from the misty peak of Ninja Mountain.
We hope you will enjoy the show!
Jeremy has edited and compiled episode 2 of our two-part Illuxcon Special Extravaganza.
In this episode you get to listen in as our traveling Ninja interviews many more of our favorite artists along with a small wrap-up at the end with his friend and illustration student, Joe Acone.
http://mchughstudios.com/episode_41b.mp3
Aritsts in this episode include:
Brom
Justin Gerard
Gary Lippincott
Ian Miller ( who Jeremy foolishly refers to as Ian Williams...sorry Ian. He is being beaten as we write this. He will never do that again...Ever....)
Bob Eggleton
Mark Zug
L.A "Allen" Williams
Volkan Baga
Steve Ellis
Robh Ruppel
Donato Giancola
Don Maitz
Too much awesome to be contained within one meager episode!
Thank you for joining us on our latest voyage away from the misty peak of Ninja Mountain.
We hope you will enjoy the show!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Episode 41 A---Illuxcon Episode 1!!!
Oooh la la! Jeremy here, taking over from Patrick and Jon for the week to do the whole thing on my own from recording to editing!
Too many artists for one episode!
Enjoy all the awesomeness I was able to uncover in the sleepy college town of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
http://mchughstudios.com/episode_41a.mp3
Today's episode compiles the interviews I conducted on Saturday and include:
William O'Connor
Larry Elmore
Matthew Stewart
Michael Whelan
Cynthia Sheppard
Laura Diehl
Chris Burdett
Piya Wannchaiwong
Ryan Yee
and Aaron B Miller
Plus I ask two art collectors, Greg Obaugh and Mike Stubbs, what makes them tick and their thoughts on the world of fantasy art collecting.
There is more to come in episode 41 B which is on its way so stay tuned!
Too many artists for one episode!
Enjoy all the awesomeness I was able to uncover in the sleepy college town of Altoona, Pennsylvania.
http://mchughstudios.com/episode_41a.mp3
Today's episode compiles the interviews I conducted on Saturday and include:
William O'Connor
Larry Elmore
Matthew Stewart
Michael Whelan
Cynthia Sheppard
Laura Diehl
Chris Burdett
Piya Wannchaiwong
Ryan Yee
and Aaron B Miller
Plus I ask two art collectors, Greg Obaugh and Mike Stubbs, what makes them tick and their thoughts on the world of fantasy art collecting.
There is more to come in episode 41 B which is on its way so stay tuned!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Ninja Mountain 40b - D&D Legends Special
If you are a fan of old-school Dungeons and Dragons, great fantasy illustration, great artists, or all of the above, this may be the best show you hear all year! Join Jeremy as he hosts a special round table of Joseph Goodman, Erol Otus, Jeff Easley and Stefan Poag.
Yeah, we don't need to hype it any more than that. Just listen.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain040b.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for the love of Cthulhu!!
Show Notes
Jeff Easley
Stefan Poag
Erol Otus
Goodman Games
AND... For all the latest in Ninja news and happenings, Twitter-style, be sure to follow http://twitter.com/NinjaMountain (Or "@NinjaMountain" for you hep-cats). You'll be glad you did. Probably.
Yeah, we don't need to hype it any more than that. Just listen.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain040b.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for the love of Cthulhu!!
Show Notes
Jeff Easley
Stefan Poag
Erol Otus
Goodman Games
AND... For all the latest in Ninja news and happenings, Twitter-style, be sure to follow http://twitter.com/NinjaMountain (Or "@NinjaMountain" for you hep-cats). You'll be glad you did. Probably.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ninja Mountain Episode 40 - Cannibals of the Typing Pool
JOIN US! This week the team meet up at the S. Myles typing pool. The audio is absolutely shot to heck by the incessant clatter of brand spanking new imac keyboard keys, but we just like to think of that as edgy and lo-fi. And you can too!
This week the NMeers (enemeers? ew!) form up to make a giant beardless female robot dwarf, blindly marching across a poorly constructed and ill conceived cardboard landscape littered with conversational dead ends and the smoking holes left where we edited out the parts not suitable for the tender ears of our culturally refined and gloriously urbane listeners. Much as a machine built to wage war may find consciousness, nay sentient joy, in the roiling heart of battle, we like to think the kind of people who tune in to our show will find a similar, if tiny, nugget of wondrous enlightenment in the roiling heart of this week's nonsense.
Turn on, form up, fire the lazors, transform into a slightly shapeless robot dinosaur and fall apart wondrously to the strains of NINJA MOUNTAIN EPISODE 40
On this week's slice of heaven we have the towering clacking edifice of Socar Myles, the enormo-dome of Californication Patrick McEvoy, the wonderfully understated yet somehow louche in a Frank-Lloyd-Wright-gone-wrong stylee Andy Hepworth, the fantastically baroque and perspective defying mansion that is Dr Eric Lofgren Laboratories and also little Jonny Hodgson.
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain040.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free!
Show notes?
Don't be stupid!
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Ninja Mountin Episode 39 - What's new?
It's a short one this week, as a planned UK-based segment fell victim to scheduling problems. But fear not! Though short in stature this episode is long in content, as we ask the question: "what's new in your studio?" Equipment, new paints, new books, new work methods - we cover it all! Plus a preview of Illuxcon plans, and some of the tomfoolery that's made Ninja Mountain the talk of water-coolers worldwide for nearly one-thirteenth of a decade!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain039.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free! Really! We would not lie to YOU, of all people.
Show notes:
Illuxcon
Jon Schindehette
Grumbacher Max Oils
Find the Ninjas on Twitter!
@andershep (Andy Hepworth)
@jonnyHodgsonArt
@packbawky (Socar)
@jeremymchugh
@Patrick_McEvoy
@Eric_lofgren
@scottpurdy
@scottjohnsonart
@paintagram (Sam Araya)
@RalphHorsley
And the official robo-overlord itself:
@NinjaMountain
Books this episode:
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain039.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free! Really! We would not lie to YOU, of all people.
Show notes:
Illuxcon
Jon Schindehette
Grumbacher Max Oils
Find the Ninjas on Twitter!
@andershep (Andy Hepworth)
@jonnyHodgsonArt
@packbawky (Socar)
@jeremymchugh
@Patrick_McEvoy
@Eric_lofgren
@scottpurdy
@scottjohnsonart
@paintagram (Sam Araya)
@RalphHorsley
And the official robo-overlord itself:
@NinjaMountain
Books this episode:
Friday, October 30, 2009
Ninja Mountain Episode 38 - Epic Chair Fail
Once again our crack team of ninjas... no wait, our team of crack ninjas...I'll come in again.
This week on Ninja Mountain: Robo Jeremy returns to introduce Patrick,
Socar, Jon, and Ralph, who discuss: Stuff! Stuff like: A single top tip for aspiring illustrators, good and bad qualities in art direction, defending your home against shotgun assassins, sketching, and Twitter.
You'll marvel as Socar takes the moderator's golden laurel wreath and takes charge. Gasp in amazement as Patrick swings from rope to rope, roll your eyes as Jon says "you know" a lot, and feel that funny feeling in your tummy like going over a hump backed bridge in the back of the car when you were a kid as Ralph breaks ranks and offers actual content.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_38.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free!
And leave a message there too. It's compulsory!
Show notes:
coming soon! (Wait, are there any notes for this show?)
This week on Ninja Mountain: Robo Jeremy returns to introduce Patrick,
Socar, Jon, and Ralph, who discuss: Stuff! Stuff like: A single top tip for aspiring illustrators, good and bad qualities in art direction, defending your home against shotgun assassins, sketching, and Twitter.
You'll marvel as Socar takes the moderator's golden laurel wreath and takes charge. Gasp in amazement as Patrick swings from rope to rope, roll your eyes as Jon says "you know" a lot, and feel that funny feeling in your tummy like going over a hump backed bridge in the back of the car when you were a kid as Ralph breaks ranks and offers actual content.
http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_38.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free!
And leave a message there too. It's compulsory!
Show notes:
coming soon! (Wait, are there any notes for this show?)
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Ninja Mountain special - Listener round table
It's a special middle-of-the-week episode, courtesy of Socar, who coordinated and recorded our first-ever listener round-table discussion. Joining Socar are Ninja Mountain regular Eric Lofgren, along with Mike Schley, Erika Harm, and Mary Layton.
(The sound quality is a bit rough here and there, but it's well worth it for the awesome discussion!)
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain037b.mp3
Show Notes:
www.marylayton.net
www.mikeschley.com
www.erikaharm.com
www.ericlofgren.net
www.gorblimey.com
.
(The sound quality is a bit rough here and there, but it's well worth it for the awesome discussion!)
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain037b.mp3
Show Notes:
www.marylayton.net
www.mikeschley.com
www.erikaharm.com
www.ericlofgren.net
www.gorblimey.com
.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Ninja Mountain 37 - The All-Necrophelia Episode
This week it's a big group indeed! Jon, Eric, Andy, Socar, Patrick and Jeremy all team up to answer questions about art school and job negotiations. And of course, the topics wander into many interesting areas. Very interesting. Very interesting and, let us say, "specialized". But it's all in good fun, and no corpses were harmed during the recording of this week's episode. Join us, won't you?
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain037.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes!! Just do it!!! OK, then, we have an understanding.
Show Notes:
Jon Hodgson's Fantasy Art for Beginners:
Chandra Free - The God Machine
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain037.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes!! Just do it!!! OK, then, we have an understanding.
Show Notes:
Jon Hodgson's Fantasy Art for Beginners:
Chandra Free - The God Machine
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Escape from Illustration Island crossover GO!!!
Thomas James has released the other part of the EFII/Ninja Mountain crossover! Listen as the tables are turned and it's the Ninja's who are interviewed!
Escape from Illustration Island
Thanks again Thomas for a fun time!
Escape from Illustration Island
Thanks again Thomas for a fun time!
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Ninja Mountain 36 - Barry Manilow
This week it's a small yet tiny group, as Socar, Jeremy and Patrick field more of your questions from Twitter. From painting, to digital, to client relations and many other subjects too. So come for the discussion, stay for the singing!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain036.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free, and we'll stop singing.
Show Notes:
Barry Manilow
My Turn Mobile
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain036.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free, and we'll stop singing.
Show Notes:
Barry Manilow
My Turn Mobile
Thursday, October 01, 2009
Ninja Mountain 35 - Crossover!
Welcome to another exciting episode of Ninja Mountain, this time with a big difference. No, we won't suddenly start to make sense or something - that's crazy talk. No, this time we are crossing over with Thomas James from the Escape from Illustration Island site and podcast. The first part of our day was devoted to Thomas trying to interview us (fat chance of that) for his podcast. You can hear that on his site soon. And the second part, which you'll hear here, was Thomas attempting to figure out how we still have a podcast when we are obviously too silly to do anything other than giggle at our own off-color jokes.
So! Let the fun begin! Thomas James joins Patrick, Andy, Socar, Jeremy, and the long-lost Jon for an episode of fun and information. We discuss Podcasting and social networking, and finish answering the questions from listeners that we began last week. So... Join us... Join usssss!!!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain035.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free, just for the Halibut.
Show Notes:
Escape From Illustration Island
Thomas James
Update!
The Ninja Mountain episode of EFII will be released Tuesday, 10/13/2009. Keep an eye out for it!
So! Let the fun begin! Thomas James joins Patrick, Andy, Socar, Jeremy, and the long-lost Jon for an episode of fun and information. We discuss Podcasting and social networking, and finish answering the questions from listeners that we began last week. So... Join us... Join usssss!!!
http://www.megaflowgraphics.com/NinjaMountain/NinjaMountain035.mp3
Subscribe on iTunes for free, just for the Halibut.
Show Notes:
Escape From Illustration Island
Thomas James
Update!
The Ninja Mountain episode of EFII will be released Tuesday, 10/13/2009. Keep an eye out for it!
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