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!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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.

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...

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?

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!

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!

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

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

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...

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!

http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_61_2.mp3

Subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or we'll screw up the contact forms on your websites! Socar failed to subscribe to the show and you saw what happened to her!

The Visual Artist Podcast Network

Archaia

The God Machine

Titanium Rain

Starkweather

El-Co Color Labs ( a great place for poster printing suggested by the most wonderful Drew Baker)

Predictably Irrational ( the book and site suggested by the same wonderful Drew Baker)

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!

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!

http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_60.mp3

Subscribe to the Ninja Mountain Podcast on iTunes or we will send Socar to your home to serenade you on the bag pipes...

Check out the Visual Artist's Podcast Network for more excellent programs about the artistic trade!

Because Jeremy sometimes has to explain his obscure humor...

A blast from movies' past...

Be sure to tune in for Episode 61 next week where Patrick will share his WonderCon recording!

Not to be missed!

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.

http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_59.mp3

Make sure to subscribe to the show on iTunes or the Rock Gods will send bag pipe playing Valkyries to wake you up on weekends. Yeah, that's right! Valkyries! With bag pipes!

Links:

Paul "Prof" Herbert's website

Paul's most excellent new blog

Andy Hepworth

Jon Hodgson

Socar Myles

Jeremy McHugh

Visual Artist Podcast Network!
ArtOrder: Realism vs Stylisation

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.... 

http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_58.mp3

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!

Dragon Con

GenCon

WonderCon

San Diego Comicon

Illuxcon

Origins Game Fair

PAX East Coast

A bunch of FRIENDS having a great time at Dragon Con....You could be too!

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)...

http://mchughstudios.com/ninjamountain_podcast/episode_57.mp3

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!

Josh's 3D modeling web site...

Some of Josh's 3D modeling in action can be found in the following videos:

Tron Reboot

Extreme Biography: Santa Claus ( check out the sleigh and the snow man!) 

Useful links to 3D modeling packages and resource sites:

Modo 401

Blender 3D

Google SketchUp

ZBrush

MudBox

CG Society

Creative Crash

Wonder How-To

Game Artisans

Polycount

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.