I'm not sure how much personal information I should expose on this blog. Sometimes I feel like holding back and censoring my stream of consciousness. Sometimes I feel there should be a net holding back my personal thoughts, feelings and experiences; Allowing only information and statistics to post. But then what is the point of me writing this blog. If it is only a tool to pass on surface information about my progress with Frankenstein, I could get an intern to fulfill that workload. I feel that the reason you all keep checking in is because you want to know what lurks behind the bed curtain, even if it is something wretched.
Well, last night I was feeling wretched. I think for the most part, I am an even-keeled cat. But often I get into a slump. Sometimes I get downright depressed. I'm not telling you this for sympathy, but to give you a little foresight. For the last week, I've been struggling along with what I think is the most complex stage of illustrating a book: layout and page breakdowns. Last night, I was feeling the blues, trying to work out some sketches and layouts that just weren't coming together. When I go through these periods of struggle, I begin to have self doubts and emotionally beat the crypt out of me. Sometimes this goes on for days, but sometimes something good comes out of it.
I stepped away from my problems and worked on a little sketch of Victor Frankenstein of which I am fond of. Focusing on portraying this character as a much darker character than I have seen before, hellbound and knee deep into alchemy, mysticism and the dark arts. Again, his look here may not jive with a few of you who are expecting the traditional Gothic interpretation of this tragic character. But I'm not telling that version of Frankenstein. This is something new...possibly even darker.
Be Grim!
Gris Grimly
That is exactly why I watch this blog. I like little updates, but it's the small peak into the process and hearing the personal thoughts on it that draw me back.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to see the Victor design. There's so much psychology in Victor and his creation.
Dare I say I find a little Voltaire in the inspiration? (dare! dare!)
ReplyDeleteFits well with the aforementioned creature in question. Can't wait to see more.
The spindly fingers make the character.
The dark feeling really comes through with Victor - love the background with the gears and body parts. The doctor as a student of the dark arts with the classic monk-style robe is a nice twist to the traditional version. The robe with the hood pulled up to obscure Victor's face would make for a creepy image. I agree with Reaper about the spindly fingers and sullen look making the character.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note - I hope you can work out an East Coast visit in the future.
I think we all go through the depressed stage and insecurity regarding our art, or carreer path...etc. But eventually we succeed in what we do best, and you have done it with these sketches. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI'm quite impressed with your take on Victor Frankenstein. I also like the idea of telling a darker tale.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to this very much.
Cant imagine the amount of pressure you have on your shoulders. Cant even begin to understand how your mind works. Breath easy...your hands illustrate our world.
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