Something Witty

OH, BUT WAIT!!! THERE'S MORE!

2010-12-06T21:52:00.003-06:00

Another Artist Proof card for the Iron Man 2 set.

Where oh where to go with this blog? I've been really trying to figure out what to do with this ol' thing hanging around, bugging me, waiting for me to post something. I guess I'm just going to keep posting stuff until I figure it out. I suppose it would help to actually just post some drawings and go from there.

So, onward and upward. Hope the season is treating you all well. Remember, "where ever you go, there you are."

Happy Holidays.

THE BLOG THAT CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD!!!

2010-10-07T23:52:00.003-05:00

Like the title? It's October and I feel it's fitting. So I'm going to post some Iron Man 2 Artist Proof sketch cards that some fine folks commissioned me to do.

To not jinx myself I'm just going to show you these pics and let you (That one person who actually might still be looking at this blog) enjoy the recent work I've been doing.

It's been tough to move half way cross the country to the west coast, jobless for 5 months, and feel completely sucked of all creative energy and then get a great job that has been very challenging, yet very tiring at the same time and try to make room for the passion that is squiggles and lines on paper. However, I have done it and been doing it, just not posting it.

How soon will I post next? I don't know, I just know that it won't be nearly as long as it has been.

You happy now?

I jinxed myself. It could be years from now. You only have yourself to blame.
ENJOY THE PICS! Until we meet again! Adios.

THE ARTIST PROOF IS NOT IN THE PUDDING!

2010-07-19T23:53:00.003-05:00

Yes. I know. It's been a long, long time. I'm sorry. I'm going to try and make up for it by selling you some fantastic, handy, dandy, Iron Man 2 Artist Proof sketch cards! "Do you feel like you've been ripped off!?"

"AP" stands for Artist Proof. The company that produces the sketch cards gives each artist 15 blank AP cards as a "Thank you" to the artists so they can earn some extra cash doing commissions for collectors and such!

I have 7 of these neat collector items left and I'm selling them for 25 bucks each or 2 for 45 bucks!

Color or black and white. You pick the character (Any character from the Marvel Universe basically. No nudity, no drugs, no nazi references or any other naughty stuff.) I pay postage for U.S. addresses only.

Email me directly at wyerd.strong@gmail.com if you have any questions or requests!

Thanks a lot!

Now for an update from my furry correspondant...

2010-05-09T20:54:00.001-05:00

AVENGERS AND IRONMAN!!!

2010-02-02T00:11:00.002-06:00

After a bit of a delay, I have finally got these cards approved and ready to be shown to the world!

I did 25 cards for the Avengers and 50 cards for Iron Man 2 and here I give you my favorites of the sets.

I'm still trying to slap my self that I was able to contribute to these great sets and when I look at everyone's work it just makes me giddy to be next to these amazing artists out there. So, here y'all go. Thanks for peaking in. I've been a little busy as of late with things and can't wait to get going on some upcoming projects and come back to updating more often. I'll let you know about that next week. Promise.

Take care and thanks!

There's a lot to say...

2010-01-31T05:06:00.001-06:00

As my cousin Rob quoted: "The world cannot continue to wage war like physical giants and to seek peace like intellectual pygmies." -Basil O'Connor

If only...

2009-12-20T01:53:00.001-06:00

Just found this and the joy of embedding! My all time favorite director almost directed on of my all time favorite movies.

"Top 10 songs" that touched my black soul this year

2009-12-20T01:38:00.005-06:00

Just for fun I'd thought I'd post my top 10 songs (In no particular order) of 2009 that I voted for on 89.3 The Current. I usually don't do this kind of thing on here, but what the hey! These are not really my top 10 albums, but later in the week I'll post my favorite music of 2009 that may or may have not come out this year. Dig it. Take care.

Yeasayer | Ambling Alp
(Odd Blood)

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour | Around The Bend
(Fruit)

The XX | Crystalised
(XX)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs | Heads Will Roll
(It's Blitz!)

Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros | Home
(Up From Below)

The Killers | Human
(Day and Age)

U2 | Magnificent
(No Line On The Horizon)

Lily Allen | Not Fair
(It's Not Me, It's You)

Eels | That Look You Give That Guy
(Hombre Lobo: 12 Songs of Desire)

Brother Ali | Us
(Us)

BLOG TIME!

2009-12-07T23:37:00.003-06:00

HI THERE!

How's everybody doing? I do hope you are all very well during this fine season of absolute coldness and consumerism! Remember...

Consume. Consume. Consume.

Ok! On to the fun stuff! Here are some pictures I did for a commission for someone. It's one of my favorite characters, Venus De Milo. I thought I'd show everyone the black and white and then the finished product. I had fun drawing this. I originally had done a different pose entirely, but wasn't to keen on it, so I scrapped it and made this. I'm much happier with it.

In other wacky news I'm going to be pretty darn busy in the next few weeks completing sketch cards. I have Iron Man and a really cool new set I was invited on called "The Avengers!"

"The Avengers" was a very popular "Spy" television series in the sixties and was made into a horrible movie remake in the late 90's. I'm very pumped up about doing this set and very, very nervous as well. The company that's doing it is called "Strictly Ink" and the stuff that they produce is really high quality stuff. I've been trying to get in with them since last December, so I'm tickled pink about being a part of this set. Coooool.

Other than that neatto news, I've just been trying to get my head together fighting this awful season of cold, gray, bleak, dead, weather. I do fully enjoy the winters in Minnesoohtah.

DIG IT! I'll be back soon with some sketch card fun! Thanks for checking in! Adios and take care.

FALL CON '09 AND OTHER STUFF!

2009-11-03T14:32:00.002-06:00

Okay Dokay.

Well, lots o' stuff in the past few weeks!

Fall Con '09 was fantastic, as usual. A little slower than previous years, but all around a great time.

The above pictures are of me, local and national political cartoonist (Also former mentor!) Kirk Anderson (www.molotovcomix.com) and local/national cartoonist Andy Singer (www.andysinger.com).

Amazingly talented guys and I was very honored to be next to them. Also, a shout out to the wonderful and talented Julie Sydor and her new comic "Sweet Birds." Julie was formerly doing the online comic "Song of Straygo." All around a great time and I wish it went longer.

After the convention...As in right after it ended, Kristy and I hopped in the car and drove to Denver, Colorado for our vacation. I'll have some pics posted of that later. Not many, and strangely a lot of them are of that arm pit of America called Nebraska. Evile.

After we returned from the trip we both got the Flu and have been fighting that off and that brings me up to date...

Oh yeah, I forgot...

I'm on the IRON MAN 2 Sketch card set! WAH-HOO!

I've known for over a month now, but wasn't quite sure if I was able to say anything. I don't think I'll be able to post any of the cards until the set comes out in the spring, but I'll probably be posting some practice sketches and such. Pretty darn excited about it, I loved the first movie and this is just really cool to be a part of such a great franchise.

Soooooo, that's about it for now. I'll post those vacation pics soon and some pretty "Drawerings." Adios and take care.

Rock and Rolling In the Rockies!

2009-10-15T00:33:00.002-05:00

HELLOOOO from Fort Collins, Colorado!

Kristy and I are currently at a hotel in the very cool (so far) Fort Collins. We drove to Colorado directly after the Fall Con. We've visited Denver (pretty darn cool), Boulder (hated it) and Estes Park (AMAZING). I'll have an update on all the fun stuff that went on here and at the Convention when we return this weekend. Take care everyone! Adios!

P.S.
Stay away from Nebraska. Iowa is a utopia comparatively.

Letter Day Saint! HA!

2009-10-07T16:32:00.001-05:00

Today I have a little something different for y'all. Today I have a letter from a very special boy from Tampa Bay, Idaho. He sent me this letter just a few days ago and it really got to me. You see, this boy has Eyebrow cancer and he will be going through a very difficult transplant surgery. I will be donating my eyebrows to him. The surgery takes days. So, I will be out for awhile, however I'll still be drawing while I'm under the "Knife." Without further adieu, here is the letter. Bring out the tissue.

Dear Mr. David Strong,

My name is James Olsen and I am one of your greatest fans. I think the work you're doing rivals some of the best kids in my 2nd grade class. However, I believe my friend Tommy understands rhythm and expression slightly better than you, but you are getting there.

The reason I'm contacting you is that I read your blog on a daily basis, but have noticed a lack of consistency and false promises. My Dad calls you a "Flakey" artist type and to stop believing in you and subscribe to a more worthy site such as ESPN.com, but I DO believe in you Mr. Strong. I'm sure I speak for most of the 3 people that look at your blog when I say "We want more drawings!" You don't have to come up with these crazy "I'm going to update everyday with a drawing, or request a drawing, or blah, blah, blah." Just a few updates a week would suffice.

I understand you better than you think, you see, we have the same eyebrows and I know what it's like.

Other than you giving me your eyebrows, my one wish, just in case the surgery goes badly, would be for you to start being more consistent on your blog and drawings. I have faith in you Mr. Strong.

I appreciate your time, your eyebrows, and your amazing 4th grade level art.

Sincerely,

James Olsen III
Tampa Bay, Idaho

Wow. Touching isn't it folks. Gets me every time. Changed my life. I hope it might change yours. TAKE CARE!

The Final Countdown!

2009-09-30T15:43:00.003-05:00

9 Days until Fall Con! With that being said, I'm going to try and get ready for personal sketch cards by doing one a day until next Friday. Good practice. Good old fashioned fun.

Today's sketch is of War Machine. Iron Man, but not.

Enjoy. See you tomorrow and take care.

Helloooo again!

2009-09-28T23:03:00.002-05:00

I'm back and I'm moving full steam ahead, again. I had a good run with my daily sketches and hope to return with those until next Friday, October 9.

Just under 2 weeks before Fall Con '09 and I'm incredibly excited for it. I'll be doing commissions/request-a-sketches and personal sketch cards for all those interested.
Saturday Oct. 10 and Sunday Oct. 11 at the Grand Stand at the Fair grounds.

Today we have Iron Man. All I can say about this is...

A picture is worth a thousand words. Big announcement on the way folks, dig it.

Take care and thanks for checking in!

More Technical Difficulties!

2009-09-19T15:52:00.001-05:00

Something Witty will resume its regular posting Sunday, September 20. Dig.

Technical Difficulties....

2009-09-18T15:33:00.000-05:00

Technical Difficulties!

Quick Sketch!

2009-09-17T23:19:00.001-05:00

Gave myself 25 minutes to do this. The eyes seem a little weird, but I'm learning, eh?

Take care!

A fine day for a dip in the DEADPOOL!

2009-09-16T16:13:00.003-05:00

A quick sketch of Deadpool.

I forgot to mention they pretty much ruined this character in "Wolverine." Very cool in the beginning, to short of an appearance and then, at the end...blah.

Ok.

No more!

I have to move on.

Just let go, Dave.

Let it go.

Adios! Take care.

Eli Cash Finished!

2009-09-15T16:10:00.003-05:00

Well, is it cheating since I've already drawn this, but inked it today? I'll leave it up to debate!

I''m fairly happy with how this came out, it doesn't have Owen Wilson's exact likeness, but it does feel like Eli Cash which is what I really wanted. Did I mention I love the movie he's from. If you haven't seen it ("The Royal Tennenbaums"). Go rent it now. Actually, just buy it.

Speaking of movies...
Wolverine.

Saw it.

Didn't hate it. It was a lot better than X-Men 3, but most things are. My qualms with it are the horrible casting of Gambit and crappy ending. The first hour is actually quite good, then it turns on you. My wife Kristy said it felt like there was a different director all of the sudden. Gambit is a bore and isn't even Cajun. Overall, entertaining, but it doesn't follow the comics and Gambit is useless in it. Now I can move on with my life.

Take care!

What this blog presupposes is...

2009-09-14T23:37:00.002-05:00

Owen Wilson as Eli Cash from the fantastic movie "The Royal Tennenbaums."

It's a work in progress and I should have it inked tomorrow for y'all. Take care!

Something wicked this way comes...

2009-09-13T23:52:00.002-05:00

I haven't drawn a Gambit in awhile. I know there are many other things I should be drawing, but I had to indulge.

This week Wolverine Origins comes out on video and I'm going to have to rent it. I know it's going to be awful, I know I'm going to be upset after watching it, but I have to see just how badly they destroy some of my favorite characters (Wolverine, Gambit and Deadpool) of the Marvel (Now Disney) Universe. I refused to spend the money to go see it last May, but I feel now I am ready to watch this terrible, terrible movie.

That's all for now! Toodles and take care!

Looks aren't everything!

2009-09-12T21:40:00.000-05:00

This evil looking character is from Star Wars "Revenge of the Sith" and he's a good guy. His name is Tion Medon.

I thought he was probably the coolest looking character in the new series, but was hardly used. I'm hoping maybe he and his species will be used in the Clone Wars cartoon.

Well, that's enough geek speak today! Take care!

Meow?

2009-09-11T15:35:00.000-05:00

IT'S A KITTEN!!!

Uh, yeah. I drew another cat.

I like cats.

I have the coolest cat in the world in case you didn't know.
So there.

Quick sketch today.

Adios and take care.

Star Wars! Nothing buuuuutttttt Staaaarrrr Warrrrs!

2009-09-10T15:20:00.000-05:00

Here's a quick one today! I threw this together in about a half hour, so it's a bit sloppy. I was just playing around with the colors to see what would happen.

The character is one of my favorite Jedi's Kit Fisto. I'm certainly going to come back to this character with a little more care and time. Adios! Take care.

Very, Very, "Bombad!"

2009-09-09T16:14:00.000-05:00

I did it.

I know I shouldn't have, but I did. Perhaps the most hated character of all time.

George gave us some of the greatest characters ever...And then he gave us...

Jar Jar Binks.

How? How did this happen? 10 years later and I'm still wondering.

Take care everyone!

"Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits, Rabbits!"

2009-09-08T15:34:00.001-05:00

Today we have for our subject matter...

Rabbits.

What's up doc?

Take care!

Something Fishy?

2009-09-07T23:36:00.002-05:00

I'm sticking with the Star Wars theme at the moment.

Today we have our favorite Mon Calamarian...

General "It's a trap!" Ackbar.

Hard guy to draw.

It took about an hour and a half.

Take care!

NERF HERDER!

2009-09-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

Today's subject...Scoundrels.

Today's drawing...Han Solo.

1 hour to complete.

I need to draw more Han Solo.

Wolverine, Gambit, and Han Solo.

Why did I overlook this character when I started drawing. He was, and still is, my favorite movie character/hero of all time. 'Nuff said.

Take care and have a great Labor Day. Adios Summer 2009!

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE SKETCHY!

2009-09-05T15:31:00.002-05:00

Howdy cowpokes!

Cowboys are the wonderful subject of the day!

Mr. Clint Eastwood.

25 minute sketch.

See you later space cowboys.

Take care.

The Truth Is Out There!

2009-09-04T15:31:00.002-05:00

Today...

Apples and Aliens. (Minus the apples.)

I couldn't figure out what I wanted to do with the Apples, but I knew I wanted to draw E.T.

Whipped this up in 20 minutes and had a fun time doing it, I used the wrong color for his eyes. I think I might try drawing this family friendly alien again at some point.

Take care.

I NEED MORE TIME CAPTAIN!

2009-09-03T16:08:00.002-05:00

Today...
Robot and Clock.

Funny enough, I do need more time to do these pics. Yesterday's and today's were about 10 minutes. I'm hoping next week I'll be able to actually start putting some true energy into them. Deja vu.

Take care.

"What's in the box!? WHAT'S IN THE BOX!!?"

2009-09-02T16:24:00.000-05:00

Today's subject matter...
Bear and a box.

Don't press the button Mr. Bear.

Take care everyone.

"...And here we...GO..." Again.

2009-09-01T15:55:00.002-05:00

September. Booooooo.

My daily drawing last month didn't go as long as I was hoping, but I'm not giving up! September is a perfect time to start it up again. Can I do it!? YES I CAN, GOSH DARNNIT!!

Today we have...Well, we have "FLOWERS AND BRICKS!"
That's right, flowers and bricks. Two things I can't stand to draw. I looked all over trying to find a daily sketch jam where someone says what to draw and people draw it. No such luck. I decided just to go over to the Scoundrel Art Community and grab their Bi-Weekly Sketch Jam. It just so happened it was "Flowers and Bricks." Ohhhhhh the fun never ends on "Something Witty!"

I decided to just use my markers on this and no pen, no black. I googled flowers and just took the first image that came up. The bricks are just a hack-job I threw in the back. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I look forward to tomorrow's exercise. Enjoy the wonderful flowers. Take care.

TICK TAC TOE!!! SPOOOON!!!!

2009-08-21T15:36:00.002-05:00

Alright, I missed a day. The day I actually feel better I missed. Although I did go to work. No excuses! Today I drew...

THE TICK!!

Ben Edlund's great hero. Take care. SPOOOOOOOOOON!!!!

DO IT AGAIN!!!

2009-08-19T23:50:00.002-05:00

Finally beginning to feel "Normal" tonight. Tomorrow it's back to work and I'm actually quite happy about that.

I was unhappy with the last pic of Kairi so I decided to do a quick sketch of the same pose and try to be more loose. I felt the last picture was just incredibly flat and bland. Not entirely happy with this pic either, but there is certainly more "Motion" to it.

Learning is F-U-N!

Take care everyone!

KAIRI!!!

2009-08-18T23:25:00.002-05:00

This is Kairi from one of the greatest video games on Earth called "Kingdom Hearts." I'm beginning to feel I hate color. Different medium other than markers maybe? Keep practicing? Eh.

Well, I was home from work today due to this evile sinus infection. Antibiotics to the rescue. Adios. Take care.

A GIRL!!??

2009-08-17T23:42:00.002-05:00

Whatever evil sickness I've got right now, it is not letting up. However, I'm not either! Drawing of a girl! I found a photo on Deviant Art and whipped this up in 20 minutes. (http://savannahs.deviantart.com/art/Save-me-102218447)
Take care!

Sick and Tired!

2009-08-16T23:13:00.002-05:00

Very sick today. Pretty darn bummed out about it. Still drawing though! Eh? Impressive! I believe this might be the Green Lantern. Maybe. Take care!

Old Friends

2009-08-15T15:55:00.001-05:00

Here are some old friends of mine I haven't drawn in quite awhile. I have this sneaking suspicion it's not the last we will see of them. Hint hint. Wink wink. Nudge nudge. Say no more, say no more. Take care everyone.

5 minute sketch before work!

2009-08-14T15:44:00.002-05:00

Slept late today, trying to beat a cold by getting some rest. Here ya' have a sketch of...A guy?

Neato.

Take care.

A Question of Time

2009-08-13T15:43:00.002-05:00

Alright, if I'm going to do this daily drawing thing, I'm going to have to give myself at least an hour. Why? Well, if I don't, it's not going to be even worth posting these drawings...more like doodles. Yeah. Here ya' have a...cat? I guess. I'll be trying a little harder than this the next few days. Take care.

The beginning!

2009-08-12T23:26:00.002-05:00

Quick sketches of Watchmen's Dr. Manhatten and the Avenger's Vision. The Vision was actually copied off of some old comic cover I saw. I'm not sure who the artist was. I was bored and just wanted to see what it was like to copy a picture. I haven't done it since I was in High School. Take care. Adios.

A "Shaak-Ti" To The System!

2009-08-11T22:42:00.002-05:00

Tuesday. As I said. Yippee, eh?

I've been gone awhile and apologize. I've been trying to get myself together in other ways than the "Artistic." I felt like there was just a huge creative block and had no idea what I was doing.

Same old battle.

How do I fight it now? I decide to just draw. Everyday. No matter what. No matter how good it turns out.

I know I've tried this before, but feel like something is different this time. Don't know what it is, but feel like God's pushing me to do it. I've been feeling trapped where I am and know the only way out is through drawing. It's been 2 years now since I started this blog and think it's time I kick things into "High gear." I appreciate everybody's support by just glancing at this stuff and hope in the next year my "Skills" will start "Blossoming" more and if there's another 2 1/2 month break from this blog it's only because I'm truly busy drawing.

So, lets get this show on the road! Part of the game plan is to get on to a Star Wars sketch card set in the next year. I purchased the "Geek Bible" "The Complete Visual Dictionary of Star Wars" and it is awesome. Great pictures for reference and just interesting stuff no 31 year old should care about, but I do. The drawing today is one of my favorite Jedi's Shaak-Ti (Pronounced "Shock Tea"). This is the beginning of my daily posts until the week before Fall Con '09, which I belive is October 9 and 10th. Can't wait! Place your bets people! Take care and hope everyone's doing well. Adios!

SICK OF MY FACE!!! YEAH!

2009-08-10T03:48:00.001-05:00

TUESDAY! TUESDAY! TUESDAY! There be new stuff a' comin! Dig? Dig.

I'm looking at you!

2009-05-20T00:49:00.003-05:00

Another post, another picture.

This guy was looking at me in the mirror. It was a bit strange. I asked him if I could draw him. He said "no." I told him, "Well sir, I was just trying to be polite in that "Minnesotan" way and seeing (No pun intended) YOU are stuck in MY mirror I'll do as I please." So, he stood there looking weird, grumpy, and some-what familar. Here you have it...The weird guy in my mirror.

Does anyone else seem to have this mirror problem? I mean, this guy is in EVERY SINGLE MIRROR I own! I was thinking of buying new mirrors just to get rid of him. However, the ones I've looked at at the stores, he's in those too. Guess I'm stuck with him.

Hope all is well in everyone's world. Take care.

Commissions and stuff!

2009-05-13T21:24:00.002-05:00

Microcon was a few weeks ago and I was commissioned to do a few sketch cards...Well, A LOT of sketch cards and here are a few that I had to do outside the convention. It was an incredibly fun time as usual, I was only able to leave the table once to go the bathroom, but for the 6 hours it was open I was drawing, drawing, drawing for folks! So, thanks to all of you who stopped by! I had no comic and no sketch book to sell, but it was a request a sketch bonanza of fun!

I'll be trying to update this more regularly in the next few weeks and get back into more posting...Then again...Have I ever regularly posted? Hmmm?

Tis all! Enjoy the cards and take care!

"Yeah, but what I really want to do is..."

2009-04-21T18:02:00.004-05:00

The slump is over and I'm feeling a lot more productive...Again. I've come to a pretty big decision about where I want to go with my art. I guess it's my new "plan."

The first part of that plan is making the choice of not continuing "Bisp!" It has been almost two years since I started the first issue with Kristy and feel completely bored by the characters. What we thought was the story always kept changing or the pieces of the puzzle just never fit together. It was weighing on me creativity and just felt like I have to let go of it. So, to all who bought the first issue, thanks again, and my apologies for not following through with it. It was a great experience and I'm glad we did it and know now we can do it...Now...We move on.

"BISP!" R.I.P.
1994-2009

"So what next? What's the score here?"

I've always wanted to draw a comic book. A Marvel comic book. A DC comic book. A comic book for a company and get paid for it. I realllllly want to draw more sketchcards when the opportunity presents itself, but the whole reason I've ever drawn was the hope of being able to call myself a Comic book artist. That is what I want to do when I grow up. Well, now I'm going to do it. I've got a lot to learn, but I've seen some of the awful stuff that comes out to comic book shelves and know I can do better. In the next year I'll be working on test pages and showing you, the wonderful viewers, the results. Good and bad, probably pretty scary, but I think it's going to get me to the level of skill I want to achieve.

That's my ramble, that's where my head is right now, and I'm pretty dang excited about trying to get to the top or at least to the bottom of this mountain.

It's been almost two years since I started getting back into drawing after a 9 year hiatus. If there's anything I've learned, it is most certainly just keep going. Don't look back and drop the dead weight. Whatever that is for you. That's my gushy ramble. Enjoy. Now, here's some drawings! Take care.

2009-04-21T18:01:00.002-05:00

Something in the "works..."

It's almost time!

2009-04-08T00:42:00.002-05:00

Yes. Yes. Blog. Must write something interesting. Draw something new. Yes. Soon. I have things to say. New things about old things. Time to get back on track...Again. More things to come.

"YO' JOE!!!"

2009-03-01T19:54:00.004-06:00

March. Finally made it. I have decided that the month I hate the most is February. One of my favorite bands actually has a song called "February" and they hate the month as well. (Jesus Jones is the band if you're curious.) One of their best songs, actually.

Enough about Jesus Jones! Onward! So, February was no good. I no longer work at Bakers Square. Thankfully. Employed for only two days. No pie for me.

It was a mistake and I am once again on the prowl for a job. That means I have officially been without a job for 3 months now. Ouch. A lot of thinking time. A lot of tears (Kidding). I do have a feeling that my unemployment time is almost up and I shall be back to the real world soon.

To begin the month of March I give you some lovely nostalgia. G.I. Joe characters Destro and Scarlett. There's a movie coming out this summer that I'm guessing is going to be horrible...not as horrible as the Spirit, Transformers 2, or Wolverine, but probably pretty darn bad. However, Ray Parks (Darth Maul from Star Wars) is going to be playing the coolest Ninja ever (Next to Michael Dudikoff! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAtrYgNut1E) Snake Eyes.

These two sketch cards, including the Darth Maul I last posted are being auctioned off for a breast cancer benefit in April. Cool stuff. Enjoy and take care.

P.S.
I'll explain the "Michael Dudikoff" thing later. Truly riveting stuff. You thought you were wasting time before on this blog!? It only gets better! Adios!

LIFE DRAWING AND STAR WARS = FUN!

2009-02-19T00:12:00.003-06:00

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN!

2009-02-19T00:02:00.003-06:00

I forgot I had a blog. So enough with Obi-Wan! Onto more stuff. Things have been pretty odd for me as of late. The ol' winter blues as usual. Kristy and I were able to get away to Disney World last week to visit my parents and the mouse, but when we got back we both ended up with some nasty virus'. Yuck.

The weather was awesome and just what I needed to get out of my slump. Now I'm back and ready to start my new job on Friday at Baker's Square. Heck of a change from my last job and I can't be more happy after these 3 months of not working. Bring on the PIE!

I feel a lot more energized with drawing and I'm feeling pretty good about what I need to do. January and February are really tough months for me in almost every aspect and I'm glad we're almost done with February. Spring is just around the corner as are some very cool things I'm looking forward to doing artistically.

I've been taking some figure drawing classes with nude models and that's helped a bit with my creative block so I thought I'd show you some of that stuff. Also I'm working on some sketch cards for a Breast Cancer benefit so I throw that in as well. Enjoy and take care.

"How Uncivilized..."

2009-01-08T20:10:00.003-06:00

Obi-Wan. Old Ben. General Kenobi. Obi-Wan Kenobi. I really didn't know I was going to color this pic, but I just thought I'd give it the ol' college try. "The force is strong with this one."
Take care!

Happy Doc Holidays!

2009-01-08T12:55:00.002-06:00

Well I dropped the ball in mid-December, but it was a fun test while it lasted. Here's my first pic of '09! One of the coolest parts in movie history. Doc Holiday from "Tombstone." Take care.

Missed a day, but not a drawing!

2008-12-18T23:57:00.003-06:00

Here ya' have two drawings! Enjoy.

A Superman P.S.C. (Personal Sketch Card) and Frieda Lawrence (Somewhat).http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frieda_von_Richthofen

Also, my sketch cards are showing up on EBAY...Purdy cooool.

The people selling them are making more than I made for drawing them! Lots o' Gambits. Kind of embarrassing...Te he.

Go take a look!

http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m38.l1313&_nkw=Dave+Strong&_sacat=See-All-Categories

CUTE LITTLE PUPPY!!!

2008-12-16T22:54:00.002-06:00

A werewolf inspired by Grant Gould's ( http://grantgould.blogspot.com/ )groovy comic "Wolves of Odin." Woof.

Monday Drawings #5

2008-12-15T23:58:00.004-06:00

"Marv" from Frank Miller's "Sin City." Another request from Baton Rouge! There ya' go. Speaking of Frank Miller, I'm very afraid that "The Spirit" movie is going to be poop. Actually, I know it will be. Mr. Eisner did not make "The Spirit" wear Chuck Taylors. Also, The Spirit did not live in Sin City. Also...Never mind... I'm a little bitter at Mr. Miller. There you go. More to come tomorrow. Hope to finish up the other sketches I continued with the Sean Connery/Laurence of Arabia guy and more. Take care.

Monday Drawings #4

2008-12-15T23:54:00.002-06:00

Sorry, it just happened.

Wolverine/Logan.

You know, X-Men.

Uh, yeah.

Just a side note...You know you're movie is bad when the only way they can get people to come see it is to advertise a preview/trailer on you're movie's ad.

I'm talkin' about you "The Day the Earth Stood Still!" Tsk, tsk.

Monday Drawings #3

2008-12-15T23:52:00.002-06:00

How about someone without a suit or tie for once! I was just doodling and I felt this picture just had the likeness of Mr. Marilyn Manson. "The beautiful people, the beautiful people!" Betcha I got the song stuck in your head! HA!

Monday Drawings #2

2008-12-15T23:48:00.003-06:00

I really wanted to draw our next President (Just a little over a month!! Wah hoo! ) I goofed up his jaw and mouth and it just kind of fell apart. There are parts that almost work, but it just didn't turn out to his likeness. Another shot, another time! I kind of feel like he turned out like a mish mash on Conan O'Brien where they put two people together and turn out some hideous mutant human. Well, maybe not that bad, but close. I see a few people in this picture and it kind of frightens me.

Monday Drawings #1

2008-12-15T23:45:00.002-06:00

Captain America, don't know why, I've just got a chip on my shoulder about drawing him right...I'm still trying to perfect him. The first comic con I ever attended (Behind the table) A gentleman asked me to sketch him Captain America in his sketch book, I said sure (He was the first person to ever ask me to draw something at the Con). Well, I completely screwed up on the drawing and put the "A" on his chest and the "Star" on his forehead. Somewhere Stan Lee was cursing me.

Whoops.

2008-12-14T23:17:00.004-06:00

I'll have some drawings up Monday to make up for the weekend!

CONGRATS!

2008-12-12T22:10:00.001-06:00

No drawing today, just a Happy Retirement to my Dad! Congratulations!

TV IS POISON

2008-12-11T23:36:00.002-06:00

Yes, television is poison, but I was actually able to draw something and ignore it...I'm not sure why I didn't just turn it off, but in some way I did and drew this imaginary gal. Here you go, until tomorrow. Take care.

Works In Progress...

2008-12-10T23:52:00.003-06:00

More drawings! The gal is just from a picture I really liked on Deviant Art by a photographer named Hannah Havoc and I'd like to try really getting the mood of the picture, but that will have to wait for now. The other picture is the beginning of an idea my friend came up with and would like me to play around with for him. A little to Sean Connery for me at the moment, but it is just the beginning. I'll be getting a little more detailed with it in the next few posts, hopefully. Take care.

Progress?

2008-12-09T23:36:00.002-06:00

Today's post turned out not at all the way I wanted it to, but it's a lot better than yesterday's and that's all that matters to me right now. Giving myself only an hour on these pics is certainly not enough time to make them what I want, but the real point of doing this is just to see what I can do in an hour and that I get something out there. I'll keep working at it. Send those darn requests in if ya' got something you want me to attempt. If you don't know what I'm talking about go to the December 1st post! Onward. Take care.

Duuuuuuuude.

2008-12-08T23:13:00.001-06:00

Sorry.

Bad, BAD, REALLLLY BAD KITTY...

2008-12-07T20:28:00.002-06:00

I was on a roll for a little bit there, then...THEN I had to draw this cat. Very unhappy with it, it started off ok, then I felt like someone trying to draw in a high school art class who just didn't care about art, and it fell apart. I'll keep working on the felines. Evil Felines. I also was in a rush to finish it so I just threw black on it and stopped paying attention to what I was doing. A learning experience. Any requests out there? Non-feline would be nice, but I'm up for a challenge! I'll see you tomorrow, take care.

Will the real GARTH MARENGHI please stand up!?

2008-12-06T19:53:00.004-06:00

Alright, I just couldn't stand my first attempt at Garth Marenghi so I tried it again. I'm much happier with the likeness to the character. I feel I've redeemed myself just a bit. I'm digging this. Keep the requests coming! If you've already had a request...Welllll, request again! Hey, I'm unemployed keep me happy...and if I'm happy the baby seal is happy. Until tomorrow, take care. Adios.

THE UNITED STATES' GREATEST PATRIOT!

2008-12-05T20:26:00.002-06:00

Today's request all the way from Eagan, MN! Stephen Colbert of the "Colbert Report." I really liked doing this picture and learned a lot during the drawing process. Had a bit of trouble with the glasses and left jaw line, but only had an hour to fidget with it. Why didn't I do this stuff 10 years ago!? Thanks for the request Cory! Keep 'em coming!

Garth to Darth!

2008-12-04T20:41:00.002-06:00

Today's post is of Darth Sidious/Emperor Palpatine from the the Star Wars Saga. I've always wanted to draw him for some reason and never have. So, thanks for the request...Annnnnnd speaking of requests! Send them in! I'm ready for more. I'm desperate people! Throw 'em at me. What do you want me to draw? I know you're out there. Just wanting me to draw YOU something cooool. Anything. Anyone. You name it. I draw it. Just email me wyerd.strong@gmail.com or post a comment on this here blog and I'll draw ya' a purdy picture. If you don't request anything...Welll, I'll just have to club this cute baby seal and no one wants me to do that. Adios! Take care.

"One Track Lover"

2008-12-03T22:54:00.003-06:00

First request from Baton Rouge, Louisiana! Dr. Rick Dagless from Garth Marenghi's "Dark Place." If you haven't watched "Dark Place" go YouTube it. Fantastically dumb! Greatest show since "Webster." See you tomorrow! Take Care.

Mr. Smarty Pants

2008-12-02T20:45:00.002-06:00

Well, here you have it. Day 2 of December's "Draw Fest!" Don't be shy folks! If you have a picture of someone or anything you want me to draw just email me or post a comment and I'll draw it for ya! Rules are on my December 1st post! Take care and enjoy.

MARVEL AT THIS!! (Get it? Marvel? At this? EH?)

2008-12-02T18:24:00.003-06:00

The last batch of Marvel Masterpieces 3 Artist Proof Cards! Now, no more Gambits for at least a month. NONE!

We have from top to bottom...

Juggernaut, Gambit, The Fantastic Four and Silver Surfer and Dagger. Enjoy.

END OF THE YEAR FUN!

2008-12-01T23:11:00.003-06:00

Howdy Folks!

Alright, so I haven't been very good at posting things on a frequent basis and being the crazy type of person I am I got to thinking about something fun to do on this here blog! For the whole month of December I'm going to post something EVERDAY and with YOUR help! If you want me to draw someone, anyone, any character, what have you, I'll draw it per your request. Send me an email or just post a comment on here of who you want me to draw and I'll draw it and send you the original. Free of charge. Now, the picture may not be perfect or fully colored, but there will be an attempt and I'll do each picture under an hour. I want to test myself and I want to see who's out there! If I don't have any requests I'll pick someone myself. Politician, celebrity, cartoon character, super hero, musician, anybody! So, start sending your requests now! Operators are standing by! I'll start off today with some loose sketches. Maxi Jazz of the Band Faithless, Han Solo and random stuff. "Letttttssss Rock." Take care and I'll be back tomorrow.

First Round of Marvel's Artist Proof Cards!

2008-11-27T00:59:00.004-06:00

Here are the first 5 out 10 of my commissioned cards! Moon Knight, Nova, Gambit, Black Cat and The Red Skull.

Take Care.

"Here and Back Again..."

2008-11-26T23:24:00.003-06:00

Been awhile,

A lot of stuff going on. Thanksgiving already. Well, I suppose I should blog, eh? Well, I was laid off from my Managing duties at The Front/Ground Zero due to financial reasons, however I've been bartending at The Front on the weekends which has been a fun and cool experience that I've always wanted to do and it's nice not to be completely thrown out into the streets of unemployment in this grand ol' economy of ours. I'm looking for a new management position and playing the domestic husband.

Kristy and I just got back from 3 day trip to Austin, Texas to see if it would be a new and warm place to live. It didn't turn out the way we planned. Austin is a good city, but not what we're looking for in a city. They have the music scene, an art scene and good people, but I think we need something a little bit bigger, a little less hot, and something with a lot of kick ass restaurants. We figure we can stay here for a little longer and try shooting for somewhere in the west coast. We'll see where we end up. We have time and some loose ends to tie up in the great Midwest.

I figured since I haven't posted in awhile I'd do something I haven't done before...

REVIEWS!

First Off...

NINE INCH NAILS' LIGHTS IN THE SKY TOUR.

Last night we saw Mr. Trent Reznor and company play at the Target Center. I've been looking forward to this concert since last spring and it's been awhile since we've seen a good show. Now,

if you know me, you know I've pretty much been obsessed with this band since I was in 6th grade starting with the "Head Like a Hole" single (Halo 3, for the NIN Geeks) and I've seen them 4 times prior to this show. This tour was hyped as an amazing visual/technological spectacle and I've been checking the NIN website daily to see photos of the tour and such. I can't believe I'm going to write this, but I was really disappointed. Yes, the technology was amazing, but I felt it skewed the live band element. Nine Inch Nails have always been known for their amazing energy they put out on stage and the visual elements have always been ahead of the rest, but I just felt like I was more so watching a music video more so than a band playing. The lights were almost more the show than the band. I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but the energy the band put out seemed so rehearsed and they are at the last leg of their tour so that might have something to do with it. Main points, the song list seemed really disconnected, once there was a really good flow they would go into something that would kill the flow of it all and the lights and screens were really distracting. I wanted a show that incorporated all of it and it was more visuals than high energy. The other funny thing is how many people just watched the show through their cell phones. Sign of the times. Watch your screen show the show's screen and never experience the "live" band thing. Kind of like the people who just video tape their whole vacation, but never really take their vacation. Lame. I feel the With Teeth tour in 2005 was much cooler. So, that's my lil' take. I would have called the tour "Too Many Lights in the Sky Tour."

Now, something far from disappointing (However, my pseudo-reviewing might be.)

THE KILLERS "Day and Age" album

I bought it today and I've listened to it 6 times since 4:00 this afternoon. Awesome. Right from the get-go it rocks. The single from it, "Human" is still one of my favorite songs of the album, but every song is incredibly catchy. Some of it is definitely over the top, but in a good, cheesy, 1980's & 1970's way. Quirky, fun, catchy, and just plain good.

Go get it. Buy it for a loved one. Buy it for your pet. Buy it for the homeless guy on the exit ramp. Buy it because it will help the economy and if you help the economy, you help me.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! Take Care.

BECAUSE YOU DEMANDED IT...

2008-10-30T00:26:00.002-05:00

Actually, nobody demanded these pics, but they were fun to draw. The 2 Batman pics were just practice for the other Dark Knight pic, but I feel there's a little more energy to them. I'd thought I'd put 'em up for show since I've been bad at posting lately. The other picture is just a doodle I did tonight. It was nice to draw something that isn't for anybody other than me. No pressure just good ol' drawing fun! There ya' have it, two posts in two days! WOW. I guess I won't post anything for another year, I'm all fresh out of ideas. Kidding. Though, you probably knew that...Anyway, I'm boring myself, so I'll let you stare at the lil' bear known as Wolver-Bear. Enjoy! Take care.

The Dark Knight

2008-10-28T22:58:00.002-05:00

Loooong over due is this picture...and this post. I've finally finished this commission for a gentleman from the Fall Con. I took different elements of Batman that I like. I've also discovered I have a long way to go with getting used to color. Oh well, I'll just keep at it.

Next up are those pesky Marvel Artist Proof cards. I hope to get those complete by next week, if not sooner, but knowing me, next week is more likely. My head is a little fuzzy right now for some reason, so I'm going to keep this post short and sweet. I hope all is well in your worlds. Take care.

Ground to Commission Control!

2008-10-13T22:47:00.002-05:00

Big 2 weeks ahead of me with commissions. This here Wonder Woman pic is for a gal from last weeks convention. I ran out of time to draw it for her at the con, but luckily she wanted me to still draw it and send it to her! I drew her face off a photograph she gave me and "winged" the body. I'm happy with how it turned out. I thought I'd also post the first version of it I drew in color and with a more "realistic" body.

I've got a Batman commission to do tomorrow night and I'm really looking forward to drawing that one. It will be in full color on 8 1/2 x 11 paper. After I'm done with that, it's back to Marvel Cards! 10 to be exact. Busy, busy, busy.

Annnnnd once those are all done, it's a web page design job I'm doing for my friend Justin, Bisp! #2, and a few other goodies.

I can't tell you how good it feels to be doing all of this work. I feel incredibly lucky to be making some extra cash doing something I love. I'm hoping this is all just the beginning of something bigger. That's all I got for ya' for this post, hope all is well in the world your living in! Take care.

Fall Con Wrap-Up!

2008-10-08T23:37:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who stopped by at Fall Con to say "Hello" to Kristy and me. We really appreciate it. Also, thanks for all the folks who bought sketches and such. I'd like to also say it was really cool seeing some of the other creators there as well! Paul Taylor, Julie Sydor, and Grant Gould. Check out there stuff on my Take-A-Look-See link to the left of the posts. Once again, it was a great and exhausting time. I would love to do it every weekend. Next up will be Micro Con this April. We'll have Bisp! #2 to sell and hopefully a few other cool things to sell. I know it will be here before I know it and the next few months should be quite productive for me.

Just in the next week or so I have some commissioned drawings I have to do and the ten Marvel Artist Proof cards I sold. For those who don't know what Artist Proof cards are...Well, I'll tell you!

Each artist that contributes sketch cards to Marvel Masterpieces gets 10 blank Artist Proof cards that the artist can sell off to anyone who wants one. They are licensed Marvel Cards and seem highly collectable. I've sold all of mine and I'm really pumped to draw these. One reason is I have more time to put into each card and well...Complete random strangers gave me good money to draw their favorite characters.

In other news, Kristy and I have our first 100% genuine web page! We've decided to get rid of the Mr. Bear Brown Studio name and changed it to Flight Plan Studio. The website is up, but all we have on it is our new logo and a link to this blog. I'll keep you posted on when we have more exciting things on it. Here's the logo and the link to Flight Plan Studio.

http://www.flightplanstudio.com/

Thanks again and take care. I'll be back in a few days with some of my commissioned drawings.

Adios.

Riot Grrrrls! Well, not really...

2008-09-30T23:57:00.003-05:00

Here are some more attempts! I have no idea what I was trying to do with the woman on the bottom...We'll just go with it. Tomorrow, I post some cooooool news...And maybe some more pictures. Take care.

Brushing up!

2008-09-30T00:07:00.002-05:00

Todays blog will be full of positive and uplifting energy. No politics, no sarcasm, just pure ol' drawing fun. The drawings above, I drew this evening. I was really in the mood to get out the brush and ink and draw something nice. I used some photos to figure some things out, photo referancing is quite handy I'm finding. I plan on doing more life drawing. I just found myself in a bit of a rut with somethings and feel life drawing is definitely the path to go down. In other mind-blowing news I'm trying to get a few more doodles and such to add to the Fall Con sketch book.

Have I mentioned Fall Con is this weekend?

Well, it is.

You should go.

Kristy and I are trying to get a few things...Well, actually a lot of things in order before the big convention. So, I'm drawing stuff and hope to put up one or two more posts this week. You can never tell, though! As promised, no Marvel characters this time, but it was very hard not to change these drawings into super heroes. I think I have a problem. That's all for this post, take care and see you in a few.

Countdown to Fall Con '08!

2008-09-24T21:42:00.003-05:00

Hi,

How's everybody doing? I hope very well. Today's post is about Fall Con. Fall Con is two of the greatest days on Earth, some say. Everyone is invited. Rumor has it that Obama, McCain, and Bush are going to be there with other highly important world leaders. I guess they're going to bring world peace. Preeettty cool, eh? I think so. Other than that, there will be comics, toys, more comics, more toys, people who create, draw, write comics, cool people who support the community of world peace, comics, toys and the people who create, draw, and write comics. Amazing. Who knew it would all be at the Minnesota State Fair Grand Stand October 4th and 5th. Oh, they also have hot dogs. That's right HOT DOGS. Amazing. Simply amazing. One more thing about Fall Con...Kristy and I will be there. Amazing. I know. There will be plenty of drawing and Bisp! fun to be had by all...besides, it's the least we could do during these crazy times.

That reminds meeeee of one more thing...
Last thing I promise...
It's just a little favor. I know times are tough for the majority of the U.S. because of me and my friends...But, you see, I screwed up, really, really badly, and ...Well, I know this might seem like a lot, but can you give me 700 Billion dollars?
I promise I'll only use it for good and not give any of it to my friends. Have I ever lied to you before?

ANGRY. Very, verrrry ANGRY. Could we just do the election now. Please.

Take care everyone! More pics soon. Really. Non-Marvel pics too! Whoooo! Adios.
Sorry, I know its such bad form to mix politics and comic blogs.

The end! ...of the beginning! Part 5

2008-09-12T17:32:00.003-05:00

Well, here are the last scans of the Marvel Masterpieces 3. Thanks for taking a look. Now, it's time to get prepared for Fall Con '08! I can't wait. However, bad news on the Bisp! 2 front... I will not have it ready for the convention, but you can bet it will be out by the end of the year! Also, with that, a new web page all our own! Neato.
More artsy fartsy things are still coming.
It's been crazy with starting the new job and all the other things that tend to happen in one's life that getting Bisp! done right now IS possible, but the quality we want for it would be compromised. So, Fall Con o8 will just have a new sketch book by me, a reprint of Bisp! #1 with a new cover and other cool "special features," and well...who knows?! That's all for now. Have a great weekend and take care.

MORE! MORE SKETCH CARDS! Part 4

2008-09-11T21:15:00.003-05:00

The repeats. Rogue, Spidey, Wolverine and a few misc. charactars thrown in the mix. The last of them are up tomorrow. Take care!

KID TESTED! MARVEL APPROVED! PART 3

2008-09-10T21:10:00.001-05:00

Cards galore. More to come tomorrow! Dig it.

OH! BUT WAIT!! THERE'S MORE! Part 2!

2008-09-09T19:09:00.001-05:00

Enjoy! There will be more tomorrow!

It's always about Marvel, Marvel, Marvel! Pt. 1

2008-09-08T19:35:00.003-05:00

Sooooo, I haven't posted much lately.

I kind of feel bad about that. However, I hope this post will make up for the last month of "nothingness."

200 pictures. Marvel cards. All approved by Marvel. Very cool. Very exciting. My hand didn't fall off, but it was close.

I've been waiting for this "blogging" moment for a looooooong time! So, lets get to the fun stuff! This is a Kodak moment folks! My first sketch cards! Hot dog!

I'll post a batch everyday for the next few days! Just to keep up the excitement! I can't tell you how much I've learned doing these cards. I really started feeling I was beginning to get past a lot of road blocks I've had in the past with drawing. The good thing about it was just having to "do it." I couldn't criticize myself very much. If I didn't like something, well, try better on the next card! I really pushed myself getting these done. Procrastination made me finish 150 in one week. Some habits are hard to break. Each card took about 10-15 minutes each. I think next time I'd like to do less and put more into each card.

Now, it's time to finish Bisp! #2 in 3 weeks. Yikes. Fall Con is almost here and Kristy and I have a lot to do. TIME MANAGEMENT!!! NEED TO LEARN!!! Thanks for taking a look and come back tomorrow for more cards...there are a lot of them. Take care.

HANG ON FOLKS!!!

2008-08-14T23:28:00.002-05:00

Something quick here! I apologise for everyone having to see that absolutely horrid picture! The more I see it the more I'm completely unhappy with it. But that is beside the point! Crazy time trying to adjust to my new job and get these pesky Marvel Cards done! I'm hoping to post some pics soon! Meanwhile, I plan on showing some sketches and such I've done over the past few weeks. Hopefully I'll put them up this Sunday. Please don't give up on coming by my blog, I promise to have more fun filled stories and sketches next week! Hang tight TRUE BELIEVERS! (That was my little Stan Lee impression I'm sure most people missed!) Hope all is well in your world. Take care.

-Dave (Who else?)

BLAH, BLAH, BLOG!

2008-07-16T21:36:00.002-05:00

Here is the pin-up I did for Will Caligan's Outlaw Angel. The pin-up is going to be part of a collection of different artist's doing their version of the character. The book will be helping out Will's father's operations. Check out Will's great art and info! http://trialsze.deviantart.com/

The pic turned out alright...I still find it a bit "stiff" like some other stuff I've done and I'm still getting used to that "thing" called "color!" As always, a great learning experience and I'm glad I could help in some way. I'm feeling a little bit tired tonight after a 10 hour day at work...I'll be back in a few! Take care.

FRIDAY NIGHT MAYHEM AND NO MORE TACOS!?

2008-07-11T23:10:00.004-05:00

Hello all you cool cats!
I'm back from a bit of a blogging hiatus and with plenty to show. Tonight I finished up the MCBA's (Midwest Comic Book Association) Fall Con '08 sketch cards. A taste of things to come! I haven't received my Marvel Cards, yet, but I assure you, when I do, the whole world will know from what will sound like a little girl screaming with happiness! That little girl scream...will be me. So, the 5 cards (including the Usagi card), Batman, Doop, Leonardo (Ninja Turtle) and Gambit, will be given out at October's Fall Comic Convention as prizes, promotion pieces, and also part of a set that will be auctioned off for charity. Pretty cool stuff.

In other news...I'm leaving my current job of 3 years to go manage a place I never in a hundred years would have imagined having the chance to be a part of. It's a little industrial club in Minneapolis called... Ground Zero! I will also be managing the newly opening restaurant The Front Cafe (formerly a dance club connected to Ground Zero simply called "The Front."). This is all pretty big stuff for me to compute right now, especially after getting the Marvel freelance job, but I'm pretty dang excited about it all and also just a wee bit anxious. This job pretty much just landed in my lap and I plan not to take the opportunity for granted. My responsibilities have been "upped" quite a bit, but with that I also have more possibility to throw some ideas around for the restaurant and club. It's very exciting due to the fact I've always wanted certain things for the club and now I can actually do them. Crazy.

Well, I hope to post another picture tomorrow night of a character pinup I'm doing for a charity book. Oh and by the way, for all you Batman fans...The Dark Knight comes out a week from today and I haven't been this excited for a movie since "The Phantom Menace." Also, I rented "Batman-Gotham Knights"...it's a bunch of animated "takes" on Batman done by all the cool folks who did "The Animatrix." I have to say, it was one of the coolest animated films I've seen in awhile. Go rent it immediately.

That's all I got for ya! Thanks for stopping by and take care.

WOW.

2008-06-26T23:34:00.002-05:00

I can't hold it in any longer...This week has been...AMAZING. I don't really say that very often and I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to. There are things I can say and can't say that have made this week crazy, but what I can mention, is that I have finally been accepted on to a sketch card set.
This has been a really, really, really, REALLY big goal of mine for the past year. The feeling of accomplishing that goal is pretty darn hard to put into words. This means that I am now employed by Marvel Comics. Can I say that again?

I AM NOW EMPLOYED BY MARVEL COMICS.

Marvel comics, for those of you who don't know, is that little 'ol publishing company that created Spiderman, Fantastic Four, Ironman, Hulk, Captain America, and a comic I've mentioned once or twice on here before...X-MEN. I will be working for them. I will be drawing for them 200 cards to be exact. It will be for the new Upperdeck (A trading card company) Marvel Masterpieces 3 set coming out in November. Wow.

Needless to say, my next few months will be filled with a lot of drawing. I'll be working on Bisp! #2, The Marvel sketch cards, and a really cool freelance drawing project I can't quite mention here...yet. The plate is certainly full and I am very, very greatful. Wow. See you in a few and take care!

Pretty Darn Cool.

2008-06-24T22:53:00.004-05:00

It has been a wild few weeks since I last posted. Right now, I'm recovering or still enduring a horrible plague that has taken away all of my energy, voice, and filled my lungs with an awful alien substance I will not mention. The last two days I've been sitting on the couch and playing Knights of the Old Republic (One of the greatest games ever) on my "out of date" Xbox! I haven't really had the energy to draw much, but I whipped up this lil' ol' sketch card for Fall Con. The character is the great samurai warrior rabbit, Usagi Yojimbo. Awesome comic. Awesome art and it's been fairly inspirational to me with Bisp! and my art in general. Stan Sakai is the creator. I believe just last summer he just hit issue 200. That is definitely amazing in the small press side of things.

You know what else is PRETTY DARN COOL?

I can't tell you yet! However, it is PRETTY DARN COOL!

REALLY COOL.

SUPER COOL.

Hopefully in a few days I will be able to announce it. I just have to be sure of something first! How's that for a cliffhanger!? Talk to you in a few and take care!

P.S.

There is a clue on this page!

THE LAST BATCH O' FUN!!

2008-06-09T23:53:00.003-05:00

Welllllll, here are the last few sketch cards from the batch of blanks from Micro-Con '08.

I also changed up the site (As you can see). I was getting a little tired of it and needed a change. Let me know what you think! Take care and see you in a few!

MORE BISP! SKETCH CARDS!!? AGAIN!? yay.

2008-06-08T20:27:00.003-05:00

Here are a few new Bisp! sketch cards I drew on Friday night. I had a few blank ones left from the last comic convention and thought I'd see how many I could draw in a few hours. I used the Brush and India Ink on regular card stock paper. I hate card stock with the brush and ink. They don't go well together at all. The paper just sucks the ink in and it is hard to get a consistent line.

Exciting, isn't it!?

Well, that's it. That's all I've got to say right now.

My mind is about to shut down due to lack of sleep. Enjoy and I'll be back tomorrow night with more ACTION PACKED BLOGGING!!! WAH HOOO! Take care.

DOOPED!?

2008-06-05T22:58:00.003-05:00

OOOOOOOOOhhhhh THE POSTS KEEP ON A COMIN'!!!

How are you all doing? I hope well. I'm on day 4 for not smoking. Did I tell you that I find cigarettes incredibly evil? RESIST THE URGE!!!

Alright, that's out of my system. So, who is this creepy looking fella' up above? His name is "Doop" and he's also from the X-Statics comic book. He's the team's resident voyeur. I'm not sure what he is, mutant, alien, "Slimer's" twisted cousin, no idea. No pun intended, but I've been really drawn to the character for some reason. I think there's this odd and creepy quality about the character. I've been reading all the books he's in and still have no idea of his origin story. I'll find it. Somewhere.

There's a war going on, a presidential election, the economy and environment are falling apart, gas is at an unreasonable price and the evil corporations are setting record profits, and I...I want to find Doop's origin. You think cigarettes are bad? Try escapism!

Priorities. What are ya' going to do!?

Well, that's enough ramblin' on today, I'll be back tomorrow with some more. I think I'll be taking a bit of a break from the XMen, XSTatic drawings for awhile. Maybe...Maybe I'll draw a tree or something. Take care!

Remember kids...DON"T SMOKE!

2008-06-03T23:41:00.002-05:00

Howdy all,

I have another pic for you today. I've been going crazy for the last few hours. You see, I quit smoking...again. I quit last year for about four months, then I broke my leg and boredom and other things set in...and I started smoking again! Now I'm back to quitting and it seems a lot harder than the last time (Which was cold turkey!) I've got the gum, the books, and hopefully the right state of mind, but the "need" has been constantly creeping in my mind! Evil, evil, evil cigarettes. I'm telling you all this, well, for support I guess. Tell me I don't want a hole in my throat, or cancer, or death, or..."just one more cigarette!"

Alright, onto the pictures! Today's entry is "U-Go" Girl from my favorite comic, X-Statics. She has a horribly cheesy name, but that's intentional. The comic is incredibly satirical and like nothing I've ever read...especially from Marvel. Any-hoo, I'm still working on my female anatomy and faces. Very difficult. I'm also trying to make sure the pictures look like they have energy. It's very difficult when drawing from photo reference. Another challenge to add to the others! Take care and hello to the new people checking out my blog! Thanks for coming by!

SOMETHING NEW!

2008-06-02T14:58:00.003-05:00

Alright, just so we can get something new on "this here" blog, I thought I'd show the toilet and plunger drawings in their new comfy home. Thanks Alex for sending me the photos!

Now, as for the artsy fartsy stuff from your's truly, I shall give the people what they want...

tomorrow (Tuesday). Take care and come on back now, ya' hear! Enjoy the photos.

P.S.

Thought I'd just mention that my next sketch book for Fall Con '08 will be called "The Dave Strong 2008 Bathroom Collection." Dig that, eh!?

MORE PICTURES!?

2008-05-14T22:39:00.002-05:00

Howdy y'all,

Here are some drawings I did this evening. I'm feeling a little more calm since last blog. I suppose if I wasn't I would be seriously considering getting off the coffee.

I've been listening to the fantastic DANDY WARHOLS and DEVOTCHKA. Good drawing music.

I've also just got my very first Sketch cards in the mail yesterday for the convention next fall. Very excited about that. I'm feeling like I'M SOMEBODY! The MNCBA (The amazing sponsors for the Fall Con) asked artists to contribute 5 sketch cards of anything they want (Respectable and all ages material) so they can make a set of cards for an auction of various artists and also hand out 1 sketch card as promotions or give aways. It's a very cool idea. I'm really pumped about being a part of it...and just getting blank sketch cards in the mail. Hopefully this will be the beginning of many more to come.

The drawings I did tonight are of Invisible Woman from the Fantastic Four comic and the other picture is just of some gal' wearing a glove and skirt. I was going to try and make her a different character, but I wasn't feeling it.

There you have it kids! More DRAWING GOODNESS from the only island in Minneapolis! Wellll, at least REAL island. Thanks for checking in and take care.