ZZZOMBEEZZZ

This week's Toon Weekly submission is Zombies. It stands to reason that if undead people can walk around, so can undead bugs.

What's so funny?

This week's Toon Weekly challenge was about clowns. Simple enough, but the true challenge was to not draw the typical red nose and big shoes, and to reinvent the clown as if it was being portrayed for the first time.

The true purpose of clowns are to make you laugh, but clowns to me are more irritating and creepy than funny, and I don't think I'm alone in that sentiment. So if big shoes and a red nose aren't funny, what is?

Big fat guys are funny. So are horrific overbites and buck teeth. Comb overs are funny. What's a funny hat? Can't go wrong with a fez. Body hair is ALWAYS funny. Coconut bras are funny, especially on guys. Tutus are funny for the same reason. Underpants with hearts on them are funny. Heck, even the word underpants is funny. Misspelled tattoos are funny. Sock garters are funny. And I always giggle at old-school roller skates. Combine all those things, and you get this guy:

He could easily be just as irritating as a clown (certainly as creepy) but I bet he gets a ton more laughs.

Rush hour on the reef.

My previous post got me thinking about the many other fish under the sea, and what morning gridlock would look like with all these tired, angry fish on their way to work. I couldn't sleep last night and this post is the result of said insomnia.

Late for work.

This week's Toon Weekly challenge was "Under the Sea". My submission is a hard working office-octopus who among other things is always 8 minutes late. There are days when I can really relate to this guy.

Rock on.

My submission for this week's Toon Weekly challenge is a sleazy '80's metal hair band rocker. Looking back, these guys were just plain gross. Their "look" was characterized by big teased up hair, makeup and an undeniable androgyny. Also I fully admit to being inspired by Jamie Hewlett's Gorillaz in the execution of this particular piece.

2008: Coming out swinging.

I love the New Year. It's a milestone, a chance to reflect on the past and plan for the future. New Year's resolutions are big with me; I have a hard time starting things, so I need an excuse or reason to do so. January 1st of the new year is the perfect jumping off point for me to try new things or keep good things going, all in an effort to be the best man I can be.

In no order of importance, here's what I have planned for 2008:

Lose weight/get in shape: I know, I know. It's a cliche. But I'm at the point in my life where I can't eat whatever I want and sit around without massive fat-producing consequences. According to the BMI (body mass index) I either need to lose at least 20 pounds or be about 6' 7". While I wouldn't mind "heightening", I'm not sure there's any sort of reliable procedure that would make that possible. Bottom line, I need to eat right and exercise. Last thing I want to do is buy all new clothes (and furniture) to accommodate my increasing bulk.

Post more on this blog: Last year I made that promise and only posted a measly 31 times. One of my heroes Tom Richmond posts that many times a day. However, with the help of Toon Weekly, I'll at least have 52 posts in 2008 and with 2 posts already on the first of the year, I'm off to a great start.

Redo the Durkinworks website: Already started. It's under construction right now so you can't even access it right now. I'm just going for something simple, the main action will be here on the blog.

Attend more cons: Last year I hit MegaCon here in Orlando. This year I'm doing the same, and I'm definitely attending the NCN convention in November. I'd also like to hit the FXShow in Orlando and maybe, just maybe San Diego Comic Con.

Publish SOMETHING: Black Cat Bone is still in perpetual development. As I do more research and learn more, I'm glad I didn't stick with the story as I originally wrote it. It will see the light of day, it just has to be the right time. Meanwhile, I'd like to do a sketchbook/book of finished pieces. The Art of Durkinworks or something.

Get involved more online: I'm on several online forums that I haven't participated in lately; the NCN forum, the Caricature Connection blog, ComicSpace etc. I'm also interested in joining other forums to participate in that would help me further establish myself in the art and online community.

Now I have others that I'm not sharing here, a few more personal goals that will improve my overall well-being. I'm really excited about 2008, it's going to be a great year. I hope you all had a Happy New Year and I wish you all the best for 2008.

Toon Weekly Challenge 6: Cyborgs

Here are my Cy-Boar-gs.

Get it?

Cy-BOAR-gs?

...aw never mind...