NowForce Video Illustrations for Epipheo

Okay. I'll admit, I'm really terrible at keeping my blog updated regularly. I aim to fix that (yeah right, we'll see). In an attempt to get things current around here again, I thought I'd share the goods on a recent project I collaborated on with the fine folks of  Epipheo!

It all started at the Cincinnati Comic Expo last summer. I was showcasing with the rest of the Black Rose crew, and the Cincinnati branch of Epipheo had a booth set up there as well. This was probably the first time I'd seen an ad agency set up shop at a comic book convention, so they definitely caught my eye. Later on during the show, Daniel Armstrong (Director of Design at Ephipheo) swung by our table and dropped off some business cards. I soon followed up to find that they were trying to put together a video with the feel of a motion comic. And just like that, it all made sense! 

Fast forward a few months and here we are. I was tasked with creating illustrations and assets for a NowForce video campaign. In short, NowForce is an emergency response application for smartphones that informs off-duty emergency respondents of emergencies nearby, allowing  faster response in times of need. Not that I need to explain -- that's what the video is for! 

NowForce from NowForce Channel on Vimeo.

A big thanks to Erika Johns for steering the ship masterfully on this project, and to Luke Lehenbauer for showing me the ropes on how to draw stuff so that he can animate it properly! That was something of a learning curve! I do hope we'll all cross paths on a new project soon.

Definitely check out more from Epipheo -- they house some major talent. AND -- they work standing up all day at their station! I'm told it aids in circulation and digestion, and I'm inclined to believe. Perhaps I'll master it some day. Until then, they are in a league of their own.

A. 

NEW STUFF

Okay, so I'm a little behind on updates. Here are some new things from the art desk over the past month.

Planet-Pulp did a Femme Fatale themed gallery in August, and I chose to do some illustrations of Elle Driver from Quentin Tarantino's film Kill Bill.

I also did a Psylocke illustration for Planet-Pulp's X-Men themed gallery from the previous month. 

Here's a Punisher sketch I knocked out while grabbing a drink with one of my pals. 

And finally, a Wolverine watercolor sketch. I'd really like to do more with watercolors, I must say. 

Aside from all of that, I've just wrapped the 7th issue of BLACK ROSE. I'm very pleased with the issue overall, and can't wait to show it! Here are a few snippets.

I guess it's been a busy month! 

Thanks for stopping by.

~Aaron

X CONTRACT - HOW WOULD I

Recently did the cover for X Contract's new single "How Would I".

You can purchase it here: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/how-would-i-instrumental/id540437467?i=540437530&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

Check 'em out -- good dudes that make good tunes!

BLACK ROSE TRADE PAPERBACK

Black Rose, Book 1: Between Worlds is now available for purchase at the online store!

This volume collects Black Rose issues #1-6 (our entire current run) along with seven all-new additional pages. Produced specifically for this book, these new pages enhance the atmosphere of certain locales and include an all-new introductory scene.

This has been a very long time coming, and I am quite happy to announce this!

UPCOMING CONVENTION SCHEDULE

Here's my convention lineup for the summer and fall months -- hope to see you at a show!
I'll be taking commissions at all shows (I'm always open for commissions), so if you are interested in commissioning some original artwork, send me an email with the details: minieraj@gmail.com.

IKASUCON
July 13-15 (Fri-Sun)

Fort Wayne, IN

Time to get my anime on! Brandon and I will be manning the booth and we're looking forward to introducing Black Rose to an all new audience!  If you are looking for a commission at this show -- it's worth noting that I am very partial to the Cowboy Bebop cast, but anything else is fair game too! 

Catch the rest of the convention details here.

ASH CON

August 26 (Sunday)

Indianapolis, IN

Black Rose is returning to Indy for Ash Con! Chris and I will be there and it's gonna be gnarly. If you bought some BR loot at the previous show, now's your chance to bring it back for a full set of autographs! 

Catch the rest of the convention details here.

CINCINNATI COMICS EXPO

September 22 -23 (Sat-Sun)

Cincinnati, OH

Well, the training wheels are coming off and this will be Black Rose's biggest convention to date. Gonna get intense! 

The entire BR team will all be there -- sure to be a fun show! 

Catch the rest of the convention details here. 

Here are some examples of what to expect as far as commissions go...

ANNIVERSARY

As you all may have seen from my last post, June was a busy month. On top of all the other news and the big move across the country, I got to celebrate six lovely years with my better half, Jillian! This artwork is my belated gift to her, and it definitely went over well!

Planet-Pulp, iFanboy, KJA-Artists & The Move

As often as I can, I enjoy contributing art to the fantastic PLANET-PULP blog. Last month's theme was Star Wars, and I was fortunate enough to have the time to contribute two pieces! The first sketch submitted was a character from the expanded universe: Mara Jade. My second sketch involved Han and Leia sharing a brief moment of romance during The Empire Strikes Back. To my surprise, the Han and Leia sketch made it to iFanboy's "Weekly Sketch Up"!

And now for the BIG news of the month! I'm very excited to announce that I am now officially represented by KJA-ARTISTS! I definitely feel that it's a great fit and I'm beyond stoked to be on board with an agency that appears to represent like-minded, fresh illustrators and attract exciting clientele. Can't wait to see what develops! 

As if that's not enough going on in one month -- my wife and I, along with our kitty Mugen, made the long journey across the country to relocate back to Fort Wayne, IN after a year in Portland, OR. Oregon was fantastic, but we are very happy to be back in our homeland of Fortlandia. The Fort has a lot of very talented people that I'm looking forward to spending time with on a more regular basis! 

That about covers it for now. I'll be back soon to announce some upcoming comic book conventions where I'll be appearing with Black Rose!