Ced Pharaoh's Blog, page 7

August 31, 2015

E.P.I.C. (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) by Dark City Comics -Comic Book Review

Peace! Thank you to all of my followers! I appreciate your support, re-tweets, shares, posts etc! Let me know if there is an artist or topic that you would like covered!  I have a lot of interviews to bring you..so here we go!


Dark City Comics are proving they are an Indie company with Major goals. I previously interviewed Lonnie “Lo” Lowe Jr, on of the Owner/Writers. You can read that here Creator Spotlight-Lonnie Lowe Jr/Dark City Comics.


Here is a condensed review of three Dark City’s books, E.P.I.C (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) Issue #1 The Alpha Strand, E.P.I.C (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) Issue #2 Arise Alphas (Part 1) & E.P.I.C (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) Issue #3 Arise Alphas Part 2. >> 


EPIC #1E.P.I.C (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) Issue #1 The Alpha Strand (Written/Lettered: Lonnie Lowe Jr, Cover Art: Brian Fajardo, Lines/Inks/Colors: J.C. Grande & Inside Front Cover Art: Luis Figueiredo)


This issue introduces us to the unlikely superhero, EPIC. Hovering above the Earth, EPIC states, “I never asked for any of this.” From there, various panels of flashback history brings the reader from the archeological expedition where EPIC gained his powers to actually fighting his 1st villain. EPIC’s transformation sets off a chain reaction of awakening those with Alpha Strands, which will give certain individuals superpowers. The question, will they use those powers for good, is something that looks to be explored throughout EPIC’s adventures and books.


The origin story is quick but easy to understand. I didn’t like the color styling during the backstory, but I’m sure the intention is to reflect the flashback sequence. The cover is action-packed, showing EPIC battling his main nemesis.


 


 


EPIC #2E.P.I.C (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) Issue #2 Arise Alphas (Part 1) (Written: Lonnie Lowe Jr., Lines/Inks/Colors: J.C. Grande, Lines/Inks/Colors Charles “Chuck” Taylor, Colors: M.Woods, Cover/Lines/Inks: Very Woong, Inside Cover: Anthony Wells, Inside Back Cover: Dino Agor, Colors: Bryan Arfel Magnaye)


Issue #2 picks up after the events in the first book. EPIC is flying back to his city, reflecting on his new life when he meets a powerful being, who will become his mentor. There is an interesting and revealing dialogue between them. Meanwhile, other Alpha Strands are creating more super-powered people who transform; Alloy, HardBomb and Wildsyde. There is plenty of action and in the ending sequences, EPIC concludes with a quick battle against one of the new Alpha Humans.


E.P.I.C (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) Issue #3 Arise Alphas Part 2 (Written: Lonnie Lowe Jr., Lines: Charles “Chuck” Taylor, Colors: Michael Woods, Cover:Lines/Inks-Chris Cross and Cover Colors: Kate Finnegan)


The secret is out! The world knows about Alpha humans. A nice segue is the televised interview of one Alpha called Torque. During the interview, it is implied that he may have used his powers to cheat during a competitive sport! I loved that touch of reality based questioning. Of course, the main villain shows up and brings two henchmen and attacks Union Station. The teenager doesn’t have any control becoming a hero! He instantly transforms into EPIC and takes the battle to the henchmen. We are teased with questionable, shadowy business of an organization called The Global Security Initiative. Only time and more EPIC issues will show what their motives are.

EPIC #3The cover for this issue is my Favorite of the 3!  The issue is a good read. Dark City Comics is committed with three book and more on the way!


Read more about Dark City Comics and $upport!!


www.darkcitycomics.com


> facebook.com/darkcitycomics


> twitter.com/darkcitycomics


> instagram.com/darkcitycomics


> email: darkcitycomics@gmail.com


 


 


 


 


 


Remember Support INDIE Artists and their projects! Until next time!

Stay Healthy,


Stay Positive,


Stay Creative!


– Ced Pharaoh


The post E.P.I.C. (Earth’s Protector In Crisis) by Dark City Comics -Comic Book Review appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 31, 2015 05:00

August 20, 2015

Creator Spotlight – Sean D. Hill, Concept Illustrator

Peace to all of my Readers and Followers!  Thank you for your shares, reTweets, reposts etc! I appreciate it and please continue to do so! Don’t forget to comment on the posts themselves!  Today’s post spotlights a creative sequential artist and concept illustrator, Sean D. Hill!  He is an indie artist with major talent! Read, Enjoy and Share!


Sean Hill LogoTell us about yourself. My name is Sean Hill, I’m an Illustrator from Washington DC.  I’ve been drawing my whole life with a lot of encouragement from my grandfather, Otis Hill.  My mentor, Kofi Tyus is also an artist living in Washington DC.  I have been reading comics my whole life and now I get the pleasure of drawing them.


Did Art choose you or did you choose Art?  I’ve never had that question posed to me that way before..it’s like the difference between free will and destiny. I don’t think those two terms are mutually exclusive. I had a desire to draw, ever since I was a child.  My grandfather would sketch and draw all the time, so I guess my desire came from watching him.  But Art is not a easy thing to stick to. You could always be doing something supposedly more fun like playing sports or video games. With art, you might feel some existential pull towards it, but that doesn’t always get you to the drawing table and stay there for hours on end!  You have to choose to do that! 


You have a very distinct style, what were your earliest inspirations and how did you develop your style? As a kid, my Mom was an avid reader.  She had two books that visually stick to me to this day. One was Paradise Lost from poet John Milton and the artist was Gustave Dorè. The other was Stephen King’s The Stand with artwork by Bernie Wrightson. All the rich detail and story telling had a huge impact on me.  Many artists still influence me today like Mshindo Kuumba, Ivan Reis, and Grey Williamson to name a few!


Route3What are some of the projects you’ve worked on? I work mostly in the Independent Comics world!  So far, I’ve worked on Route 3 from Terminus Media, Dark Shaman mini series for Zenescope Entertainment. Also, I’ve done some stuff for KIDS Comix as well. 


What genres do you most enjoy watching and creating? I enjoy a lot of Action Adventure, Martial Arts Epics, and a little Fantasy here and there. I have been drawing action adventure a lot lately but I’m working in some stuff that takes place in outer space right too. 


Do you have any personal project? If so, what are they?  I have a personal project I’m working on that I hope to finish really soon, can’t talk much about it but the premise is a Samarai epic that deals with questions of objective and subjective morality. I have a few pages posted on my Facebook already for people to take a look at. I’m enjoying that story, but I just gotta get it done.


What is you dream project? That’s a difficult question, of course, I wanna work on books like Batman or Justice League. And I have ideas on books of my own that I really wanna do. I think I would really like to develop a graphic novel of Jesus of Nazareth. I always thought that the information we have of the historical Jesus and the Jesus of the gospels tell an incredibly compelling story about selflessness, zeal, and compassion. It can define or redefine existing ideas we already have about ourselves but also introduce new ways to understand  the world we live in and maybe understand a little bit about the Creator that made it dragonflycolor




Here’s a fun question.  Name a mainstream project/character that you would want do to put your twist on it? WOW, harder question! I always thought Icon was fun. He was a Black super hero with traditional conservative values that would get put to the fire as he sees how the world reacts to him. Right now, republican conservatives are considered too far removed from reality in most diverse socially aware people; it would be interesting to see how he has to define and redefine his values to fit into the world we live in  today 


For the independent artist, how has technology affected the way you are able to do business or make progress on your art?  For example, but not limited to: Finding Clients? Artistic Collaboration? Getting work done?  Its so much more that can be done now in comics because of technology. I find most of my clients on Facebook, I get in touch with editors on Facebook and I have better access to whatever creative team I’m apart of because social media. Comics making has become far more easier than what I have heard it was like in the past 


What impact would you like your art to make on the world? I wanna be remembered for stories that change someone’s outlook on life, we use super hero stories of good vs evil to explore our own moral dilemma’s. I want to contribute to that dialog and hopefully bring something great to it 


What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist? ” in every artist is a million bad drawings, you gotta get through them all to get to the good ones” I don’t remember who said that but i often remember it 


Is there anything else that you want the readers to know? Support Indy creators, they are the diversity we have been wanting to see in Comics, don’t wait for Marvel and DC to appease you. Don’t accept rehashes of old characters, look to the guys doing it on their own, they already have the diversity your looking for!


seanhillpartsub2


Sean D. Hill can be reached at nazirstudios.blogspot.com or 202-207-6840!


Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!


Peace, Power & Prosperity!


Ced Pharaoh


The post Creator Spotlight – Sean D. Hill, Concept Illustrator appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 20, 2015 10:21

August 13, 2015

Creator Spotlight – Kipjo Ewers, Sci-Fi Author of The First & The First: EVO Uprising

Peace to all of the Followers and Fans!  Today’s Creator Spotlight is Best-Selling Sci-Fi Author, Kipjo Ewers!


 


Evo UniverseTell us about yourself. I am a first generation born of Jamaican descent from two of the greatest parents a kid like me could ever have. They kept me on the straight and narrow, while not wanting for anything. They pushed the value of a good education, being a good person, and reaching for whatever goals I aspired to as long as it did not hurt others. Formerly, from Mount Vernon, I went to Catholic school all my life from grade school to college. As a kid growing up, I was heavily into martial arts, comic books, professional wrestling, Kung Fu movies, anime, writing and storytelling. My brothers and I would use either our G.I Joes or Transformers and play out these complex storylines that sometimes lasted all day and into our next play day.


Now that I am older, I’m still into martial arts though not as heavy (big fan of MMA and the UFC). I’m a sword collector (I have my own set of Conan Father and Atlantean swords from the Arnold movie among others). I still watch anime from time to time, and I collect comics although I’m more selective with what I collect. I also make kitbash action figures; basically you take a base model twelve inch action figure and customize it. It’s a pretty cool and expensive hobby. I made my own Gen 13 characters, and a Dark Knight movie version of Batgirl. My other hobby is 3D artwork, I use programs like Poser Pro (2012 and 2014), DAZ 3D, and Photoshop Element to create them. I’m also a huge Star Wars fan, and will be dressing like a Jedi for the upcoming movie. So all in all I am a big Jamaican-American geek.


Did Art choose you or did you choose Art? I kind of chose it. I love art but never really had the skill for it. I took a couple of art classes in high school and in college. As I got older, I learned Photoshop at a company I use to work at, and then started using it to create my own personal artwork. I learned how to cut and paste pictures to create my own characters. When 3D software programs like Poser and DAZ came out it helped me to take my artwork to the next level. With the combination of both software, I can now take what’s been stored in my head for so long and make a finished product that I am proud of.


You have a very distinct style, what were your earliest inspirations and how did you develop your style? For my characters, I try to give them a semi-realistic feel. Everything about what they wear has to be functional, especially for the women. The old Wonder Woman and Power Girl outfits were sexy as hell, but seriously they were not combat function (laughs).


What are some of the projects you’ve worked on? In the past I use to make commissioned artwork for e-fed wrestling sites (the wrestling version of fantasy football and baseball). Now I create artwork mainly based off of characters within my novel. I plan to collaborate with a traditional artist in 2016 to create a comic book series of my first novel. Still looking for the artist (laughs).


What genres do you most enjoy watching and creating? I’m a huge anime and manga fan, my two favorite artists are Akira Toriyama and Tite Kubo. For American comics it’s Jim Lee, Alex Ross, John Romita Jr, Frank Miller, and the legendary Steve Ditko.


Do you have any personal project? If so, what are they? What are the origins of the project? What has been challenging or rewarding about working your own project?


I’ve work on characters for my own novel, I like to have a visual representation of them as I write them. I also did a couple of pieces that I called “Women and Beasts”, basically warrior type women who ride on large animals. You can check it out on my Deviant Art page at EVO Universe or Runtime DNA Inc. The hardest challenge to creating my characters is hunting for the 3D accessories to put them together. 3D artwork is not a cheap hobby or profession, you can find some free stuff here and there, but if you want to make some killer artwork you have to fork out some serious money.


Check out my science super hero novel series titled “The First” now on Amazon:

The FirstThe First” is a superhero origin story of Sophia Dennison. Wrongly tried and convicted of the murder of her husband, she is executed in Texas via lethal injection. However Sophia does not die, she resurrects with superhuman strength, overpowering several correctional officers until she is brutally gunned down. But to everyone’s shock and dismay, she resurrects again. Completely healed, this time she is bullet proof and much stronger than her first death. She breaks out of prison and is on the run where she learns about her abilities and hunts for the answers as to who framed her for her husband’s murder.


The First: EVO Uprising” is the aftermath of “The First” eight years later. Due to Sophia’s indirect actions of saving the West Coast she has changed the world. Through her, many people across the planet have been gifted with superhuman abilities. Some use their abilities for good taking up the mantel of heroes, others for evil becoming villains, while others join and form super human military units within their respective countries building towards another possible Cold War. Unable to fit in with the race she was once a part of, and unwilling to embrace the race she created, she lives a life of semi-isolation using her power and abilities to help people as she sees fit taking no mantle. However a new threat to the planet will force her to not only confront several spectrums of her past, but her possible destiny.


The First


The First: EVO Uprising


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


 


In the EBook version, you get concept artwork that inspired some of the characters in the novel, and a mini-comic book retelling Chapter 1 and part of Chapter 2.


Here’s a fun question.  Name a mainstream project/character or an independent project and/or character that you’d love to work on or revamp and what would you do to put your twist on it? I would love to work on a Hulk or Iron Man book. Iron Man was the first comic book I was introduced to as a kid. If I was going to do a twist, it would be to re-power the Hulk’s son Skaar. I was really ticked when they depowered him, he was a great character. I would do stories where there was more of a better relationship between father and son, Marvel just made Banner out of be a deadbeat dad (laughs).


For the independent artist, how has technology affected the way you are able to do business or make progress on your art?  For example, but not limited to: Finding Clients? Artistic Collaboration? Getting work done? As a 3D digital artist, I’ve seen a lot of advancements throughout the years. The new software is more advanced and it makes creating characters and scenes easier. New rendering engines have made final products look more realistic.


Now to bridge the gap between your art and the public at large, give the name and address of your sites and forums where people can see your creativity and how people can get in contact with you for commissions and/or to follow your work?


You can contact me and check out my work at:


Email – kipjo.ewers@evouniverse.com


http://www.evouniverse.com/


http://evouniverse.deviantart.com/



 


What impact would you like your art to make on the world? Positive impact. I hope my extremely diverse characters can send a message to every little kid out there regardless of their race or gender that says “You too can be a hero”. I believe children are more inspired when they see positive characters with their own skin color. Not that there aren’t diverse heroes out there, but it is very hard for them to get noticed when they are not on the level of a Superman or Iron Man. We need heroes on that level with their own names to be noticed by children of different cultures so that they know they are not alone. That is what I am aiming to do with my artwork, inspire the next generation to be a good generation.


What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist? There is only one race…the human race. Embrace this truth and evolution can begin.


 


Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!


Peace, Power & Prosperity!


Ced Pharaoh


The post Creator Spotlight – Kipjo Ewers, Sci-Fi Author of The First & The First: EVO Uprising appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 13, 2015 07:52

August 10, 2015

Support Purge! SPECIAL OFFER TO 360BEYOND Followers!

Purge: Past Unspoken


Support Purge! SPECIAL OFFER TO 360BEYOND Followers!
If you back the Kickstarter PURGE: Past Unspoken and share the campaign, during the first week,                                                          you will receive an EXCLUSIVE 11×17 Print by the talented illustrator, Jay Reed!
1. Back the Kickstarter with a $10 PLEDGE or more to qualify by August 15th 2015.

2. Share the link http://bit.ly/SupportPurgeNow on your social media and

3. Leave a comment on the Purge: Past Unspoken Facebook and mention that you learned of the campaign from 360BEYOND.
Deadline for the Special Offer is August 15th 2015

Below is an example of the EXCLUSIVE 11×17 Print by Jay Reed.

Purge by Jay Reed


The post Support Purge! SPECIAL OFFER TO 360BEYOND Followers! appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 10, 2015 09:23

August 7, 2015

Creator Spotlight: Roosevelt Pitt, Jr. / Publisher of Purge Indie Comic Book

Who are you? I am Roosevelt Pitt, Jr., the creator of Purge, and a thirty year plus veteran in the comic book industry. I publish under my company’s banner AMARA Entertainment. My focus of creativity has been centered on the creation of heroes of color, that reflect the very best Black Culture has to offer. In addition to showcasing those skills and talents in every facet imaginable, especially within the spiritual and metaphysical realms.


Give 4 words that describe you! Determined, Spiritual, Persistent, and Adept.


Favorite Music and / or Music Artist! I truly enjoy music from the early 60’s thru the 90’s I have numerous musical artists that I have grown to cherish over the years. To choose just one would be quite an impossible task. I would say Marvin Gaye, The Ojays, Teddy Pendergrass, Minnie Riperton, Earth Wind and Fire and Tupac Shakur would be among my favorites.


) First and foremost, I’m a writer and consider myself a literary artist utilizing the skillful handling of words and phrases to paint masterpieces within the minds of my readers. Word gymnastics, if you will. As I stated earlier concerning a favorite musical artist(s), choosing just one visual artist as my favorite would prove equally as difficult. I do, however, have a short list of those who have proven to be beyond outstanding in bringing people of color to the forefront as characters of substance and power. Mshindo Kuumba, Larry Stroman, Grey Williamson, Mohammed Agbadi, Marvin Sianapar, Krishna & Balram Banerjee , and Chuck “Dragon Black” Collins.


Project(s) you’ve worked on! Over the years, I have worked on a plethora of client orientated projects as well as personal ones that range from video and TV production to screenplays. The most well known and comic book related works would be Powerknights- Armored Sentinels, Random Five, and Purge.


Dream Project! As a independent comic book creator, my dream project would be to write and produce the Purge: Past Unspoken animated series! Not to mention that backers can help with that endeavor by becoming a anime producer in my Kickstarter campaign to create a animated short!


Current Project(s)! I’m excited to share that I am launching my first Kickstarter campaign for Purge: Past Unspoken! Purge the iconic hero from the 90’s returns! The campaign launches August 10th 2015, showcasing the extraordinary talents of Mshindo Kuumba, Larry Stroman, Jose Luis, Krishna & Balram Banerjee, and Sanford Greene.


Describe the inspiration and process you that led to the creation of Purge. As a comic book fan, I was inspired by the lack of suitable representations of heroes of color and was driven to create my own. Purge was birthed from that need and desire.


What is the story of Purge: Past Unspoken about? In Purge: Past Unspoken, Purge comes face to face with his questionable past and the hidden truths that lie within the city he protects.  Overwhelming odds mount, when a genetic agent is created with the potential to eliminate two tenths of the world’s population.  With the fate of the world at stake, and a clandestine group bent on his demise, unsavory alliances are forged that will forever challenge his beliefs of what it means to be a hero.


Business Contact: Roosevelt Pitt, Jr. Phone: 252-218-9077


Email – rpitt@charlesthechef.net


11845079_692984897512442_2432023744076890636_o


I’ve seen the Kickstarter for Purge: Past Unspoken and it looks Awesome with very cool rewards. Go to the Purge: Past Unspoken Facebook and get the latest info!  The campaign, Purge: Past Unspoken Kickstarter begins next week, August 10th 2015!


Check out this EXCLUSIVE art from the upcoming campaign! This is a taste of what to expect.


Commission_cover_Purge vs Deadpoint_JL-Recovered


Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!


Peace, Power & Prosperity!


Ced Pharaoh


The post Creator Spotlight: Roosevelt Pitt, Jr. / Publisher of Purge Indie Comic Book appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 07, 2015 08:25

August 6, 2015

BLEED 2039 #1 – Indie Comic Book Review

Bleed 2039I love Film Noir.  If you don’t know, it is a Hollywood film style shot with a low key black and white style.  In the genres of Film Noir that include crime fiction or drama, there is usually the center character of a private eye.  The classic Film Noir were created in the 40s & 50’s and The Maltese Falcon and Kiss Me Deadly are perfect examples of crime fiction Film Noir.  Fedoras, fast cars, speakeasy bars, gangsters etc can all be found in early crime fiction; now take all of that and drop it in a sci-fi future and that’s what you have with BLEED 2039 by Alan James Edwards / AHR Visions.

BLEED 2039 is a neo-noir sci-fi graphic novel that follows The Detective through a post second great depression.  It takes place in Amsterdam, a small town in upstate NY, and instead of alcohol there is a cigarette prohibition, Neo-Jazz and speakeasies are now Haze Bars!  Oh yeah, there’s a crime involving the Mayor’s wife, a cigarette black market and The Detective is caught in the middle.

BLEED 2039 #1 is a good read!  In the first issue we are introduced to The Detective; his reputation and why he’s the man The Mayor wants on the case. The dialogue is crisp with no filler and moves the story along. The artwork, handled by Abdul H. Rashid is in strictly black & white, to further define the Noir aspect of the project.

If you like the idea of a different type of read – Sci-Fi Noir, then you should check out this project. Alan James Edwards and AHR Visions have a current Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/291655160/bleed-2039 .  Read it and donate! The campaign is for a 4 book volume series and it has some exciting looking rewards!


Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!


Peace, Power & Prosperity!


Ced Pharaoh




The post BLEED 2039 #1 – Indie Comic Book Review appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 06, 2015 04:27

August 4, 2015

Creator Spotlight: Sha-Nee Williams, Illustrator

Peace to All of my followers and readers!  I appreciate you and you support through comments, shares etc. Please continue to comment via the posts, Facebook etc.  Today’s Creator Spotlight is on Sha-Nee Williams! I became familiar with her work through a few sites!  Check out her interview!


Sha-Nee WilliamsTell us about yourself. My name is Sha-Nee Williams and I am an illustrator. I am also a gamer and a comic book lover! Lastly, I’m a Copic Marker addict (laughs).  I love drawing traditionally and have fun drawing digitally!


Did Art choose you or did you choose Art?  That’s an interesting question! I feel like Art choose me because I do have artists in my family. My grandfather was a tailor and created model war planes and spacecrafts as his hobby. My aunt is a doll maker and creates many different projects from that platform. When I was younger, I would watch them create these really awesome models and dolls. I felt so intrigued by the process and their end results to the point; I wanted to create something, too! From there, I just started drawing. I drew many different characters–from video games, to cartoons, and even my own. 


You have a very distinct style, what were your earliest inspirations and how did you develop your style?  I didn’t get really serious about drawing until college. In those years, my main influence was (still is) Michael Turner. I would just pick up a Fathom comic and look at how he told his story; through the poses he drew of his characters. By his way of drawing them, you can tell they were magical beings of some form. From college to now though, I have many more influences. People who also inspire me, just to name a few– Siya Oum, Afua Richardson, Amy Reeder, Shawn Alleyne, Khary Randolph, Meghan Hetrick, Takeia Marie, Jack Kirby– the list goes on! 


I developed my style by reading books, anatomy studies, looking at other artists’ work as they work and by just drawing everyday. Everywhere I go, I end up sketching something. 


What are some of the projects you’ve worked on?  I was apart of a horror anthology webcomic called “Skin Crawling Comics” with other amazing creatives. That was actually my very first comic book project. I worked on a story called “F.V.K- Fearless Vampire Kissers” with writer Geoffrey D. Wessel, colorist Christine Brunson, letterer Adam Wollet and editors Rachel Pandich and Gerald Rathkolb. A special thanks to Rachel for giving me a chance to work on such an awesome project and great people! 


Other projects I have worked on was a series of Sketch card sets:


Sport Trading Cards Set– Leaf Trading Cards


Halloween & Classic Fairy Tales Set– Perna Studios


Beauty & The Myth Set– Braiiinz! Publishing


What genres do you most enjoy watching and creating?  I enjoy sci-fi, mystery and fantasy! I enjoy watching shows or movies that have those genres and I also enjoy playing games that have them! 


Do you have any personal project? If so, what are they? What has been challenging or rewarding about working your own project?  Right now, I’m working on my own webcomic. I have a working title, but I can’t release that out yet since I am still writing it. I am the writer, the artist, the colorist, and the letterer for the whole project! I am also working on a personal sketch card/bookmark set dealing with Magic of all forms. Which is going to be fun times! =D


Here’s a fun question.  Name a mainstream project/character or an independent project and/or character that you’d love to work on or revamp and what would you do to put your twist on it?  I would probably revamp Vixen from DC Comics. Just putting in my own style of how she would look and maybe going even further with her abilities. 


For the independent artist, how has technology affected the way you are able to do business or make progress on your art?  For example, but not limited to: Finding Clients? Artistic Collaboration? Getting work done?  Technology has improved alot for me! I like the fact that I get to connect and network with people. In terms of art, I usually do more traditional work. But, if I have to do something digital, it is very convenient to get the job done faster–plus I don’t have to deal with scanners all the much. (laughs) 


Voodoo-Priestess-vibrant-colorsWhat impact would you like your art to make on the world?  Now that is a very interesting question! I just want to tell my own stories. I want to be able to be diverse in my storytelling. I want to show little girls and young women–that look like me and from all walks of life–that they too can tell their own stories. Also, to be able to express themselves whether its writing, drawing, or other means to be outspoken and expressive. 


What are your favorite quotes or philosophies of life that help you improve as a person or artist?


“Be the change you want to see in the world”- Ghandi


My philosophy on life is just look at life. Look at things around you, whether its expressive or still. Also, be kind to others–karma is a nice lady. 


Is there anything else that you want the readers to know, feel free to elaborate? I love gaming! To me, gaming is my outlet to finding more creativity. Games like the Tekken, Final Fantasy, Monster Hunter, and the Xenosaga series (with Xenogears in tow) — gives me so much inspiration to draw my own characters and create stories for them.  


Now to bridge the gap between your art and the public at large, give the name and address of your sites and forums where people can see your creativity and how people can get in contact with you for commissions and/or to follow your work?


My sketchblog: swilliams1.tumblr.com


Facebook: www.facebook.com/sartzandesign


Email: shaneew25@gmail.com


Portfolio: shaneewilliams.daportfolio.com


Deviantart: paine128.deviantart.com


Youtube: www.youtube.com/user/Paine128


Twitter: twitter.com/Paine128


Thanks for the opportunity Ced! =D


Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!


Peace, Power & Prosperity!


Ced Pharaoh


The post Creator Spotlight: Sha-Nee Williams, Illustrator appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on August 04, 2015 13:45

July 31, 2015

GLYPHX – Image teaser by The Art of Heroestcg.com!

 


GLYPHX


This character is my character and is from an upcoming novel, URBAN MAGE. It is the 2nd book in THE LEGACY CHRONICLES sci-fi/urban fantasy series. It is about a young man trying to find his way in the world and discovers who he is! He learns that Evil exists as sorcerers & demons. He has the Power to stop them..if he believes. He is GLYPHX the URBAN MAGE!



The awesome image was done by J.A. Jones, creator of Heroestcg. You can reach J.A. Jones on Facebook The Art Of Heroestcg or at heroestcg@yahoo.com.

The post GLYPHX – Image teaser by The Art of Heroestcg.com! appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on July 31, 2015 09:30

July 29, 2015

8 Questions with Talented Illustrator, Takeia Marie

takeia_marie Who are you? My name is Takeia Marie and I’m an illustrator from New York.


Give 4 words that describe you?  Honest, Contemplative, Creative, Hungry (I’m a sucker for good food!)


Favorite Music and / or Music Artist? I’m a big fan of Hip-Hop and my favorite artist is, and might always be..Nas.


Favorite Visual Artist (besides yourself :) There’s so many to choose from, but I’m going to have to go with Joe Mad. Every piece he does never fails to inspire me. That being said, artists like LeSean Thomas, Dexter Vines, Fiona Staples, Bengal, Afua Richardson, Becky Cloonan, Skottie Young, and Khary Randolph, have all inspired me in one way or another with their work. The list goes on and on!


Project(s) you’ve worked on? Concept work for Yvonne Nicolas’ Dragon Queen Series (please check her out at www.yvonnenicolas.net – Some content may be NSFW)


Graphic Design work for various small businesses such as NSight 365, Lively Palate, Hug Appeal Cosmetics.


Concept work for various commercial brands including Country Crock, Nationwide, Valspar, Domestos, Fiber One, and others. I’ll include that work on my site as I’m able.


Pathways, a comic that I did with writer Justin Martin a while ago that we plan on releasing as a downloadable PDF.


Dream Project? My dream project isn’t necessarily comic book related, but I’d love to work with a Hip Hop artist using my illustration skills in some way. I’m not sure what the project would be exactly, but I’d love to work with someone like Kendrick Lamar, Wale, Rapsody, or even the aforementioned Nas. Again, not sure what the project would be but I’m putting it out there anyway, so here’s hoping!


Current Project(s)? The Forgotten, my personal project.


the_forgotten_exclusive_color_final_low_resDescribe the inspiration and process you that led to the creation of The Forgotten? The piece is from my comic, The Forgotten, and much like the story, was inspired by the waves of police brutality that have become more apparent in American society recently, personal experiences, and experiences of my family, friends, and peers. Although the topic and occurrences of police brutality are nothing new, especially in minority communities, I think that social media has helped to make it more prominent in the public eye. It’s something I’ve been wanting to comment on for a long time through my work.


*************


You can read more about Takeia Marie here:  Creator Spotlight – Takeia Marie


Contact Takeia Marie:


*Email – dunloptakeia@gmail.com


*Site – www.takeiamarie.com


*Twitter + Instagram: @takeiamarie


*Tumblr: takeiamarie.tumblr.com


 


Support INDIE Artists & Their Projects!


Peace, Power & Prosperity!


Ced Pharaoh


The post 8 Questions with Talented Illustrator, Takeia Marie appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on July 29, 2015 05:59

July 26, 2015

9th Global Mixx Music and Film Forum!

Global Mixx Film Forum


Are you a visual artist? Actor/Actress? Budding Filmmaker? Then Support Mary Datcher’s Global Mixx Film Forum! There will be seminars, workshops and more! Saturday, August 15th at SAE Institute from 10am-6pm. Great networking! Open to all ages.
Register here: http://globalmixxforum2015.brownpapertickets.com

The post 9th Global Mixx Music and Film Forum! appeared first on 360BEYOND.

 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on July 26, 2015 09:42