The Cartoonist in Me..

Aaah.. Over a cup of smooth frothin' coffee that I made myself one evening, I was looking at some old collections of my cartoon drawings.

 

  

Hehe.. I was smiling alone yet again.

I used to dream of becoming a cartoonist when I was in primary school. Those times, Gila-Gila was one of the most well-known humor magazine- just like MAD. Ujang, Jaafar Taib, Rejabhad, Ambo, Nud's, Asan, Cabai, not forgetting LAT... (just to name a few), were among my favorite cartoonists. It was not until after Form 5 (aged 17) that I had the chance to take a bus to Bangsar and searched for Creative Enterprise, the publisher and met the people behind the cartoons. I dragged along my brother Ali who was about 12 at that time, to accompany my little trip. He was crazy about the magazine as well.

 

Way back when I was 12, I actually created a so-called magazine out of my Exercise Book called SENYUM SENGEH ( translated as SMILE2x?). Unfortunately, I lost the few issues of my own magazines due to my family moving from one place to another over the years. My brother still remember the book. He said he actually copied one and sold to his friend! CHEH!! Too late for me to chase him around the house, I guess.

Anyway, back to my trip to the magazine's office- both of us (my bro & me) were quite excited meeting the cartoonist. They were friendly and funny.. and we even received a few souvenirs from them like a sketchbook with their signatures and a few of them sketched our caricatures in it too. Allahyarham Rejabhad asked me if I wanted to join his "Cartoon Workshop" during weekends? Duh, of course I wanted to join. A few months later, my first cartoon strip was printed in the magazine in New Talent's corner. A few more strips were approved and printed in the next month. A few months later also, I was offered to study abroad in Advertising. To cut a short story even shorter, I took up the offer and never returned to Creative Enterprise again.

But after all the years, I still love cartooning. That's all I have to say about that..

I'd like to make a note here that in year 2008, a Thailand publisher has published a book written by a Malaysian entitled Dos & Don'ts in Malaysia. I was thrilled as by chance, the publisher's rep commissioned me to do the cartoons for the book. I did almost 250 illustrations not without a lot of researches and references for over one year. It was quite a daunting task but I treasured the experience. Unfortunately, as the book was published, it was hit hard by a few bad reviews and controversial issues on races and beliefs written by the author... later it was asked to be removed from selling in any bookstores in Malaysia. Yeah, too bad my works didn't quite see the light of the day. Thankfully, the publisher did pay me and gave a few copies for my keepsake. Phew.

Owh, I just found someone selling it on ebay!

Here's a cartoon of mine that I wanted to produce for Raya card last few years. I think it's cute. Heh.

Enjoy..

The New Look..

I have amended the wedding card as my client wanted and she loved it! Pheww... I feel quite relieved. The portraits turned out great too and definitely suitable for the flowery sweet-looking card.

What's next..?

I'll let my client to get comfy with the card for a few days, make sure the details are right, see if she wants to change, eliminate or add anything on the card before it goes for printing. While she's doing that, I'll spend my time for other projects in hand.

doo-ta-dooodle-daaa..!

DoodleD in MondayArtday!

About 2 weeks ago, I submitted 2 of my caricatures for MondayArtday as The Challenge posted was Caricature.

 It ended 1st March and guess who won? Well...err... unfortunately, it was not me. But even so, I feel honored as the host, Mike mentioned my works as one of his favs. Thanks Mike. Please go to the site to know the winner and more upcoming challenges to spice up your Art&Design Life!!

"...Sometimes I look back on the challenge, examining all of the entries, and I weep. I curl up, sucking my thumb, crying like a baby. You artists are all so good, it's so unfair for anyone to have to judge a winner. A few of my favorites were DoodleDesignCheeky Kids and Meet the In-Laws - - Vicente - Nicolas Sarkozy (excellent and very professional, with classic ink shading) - Doodlestreet - Michael Jackson - and I always love Barry'sBeatle Beetle - and, of course, our very own Pascal's wonderful work (and incredible volume!)" 

- Mike, Host of MondayArtday

Enjoy!

 

Update..

As to update my slow moving blog.. and more importantly, to record some of the things I did and am doing..and planning to do, I'd like to post the wedding card design that I've proposed for my lovely client. Names and Address on the card have been removed to avoid people coming to the event uninvited. Hehe.

Already submitted to my client and already received the feedback. I need to change the background color to cream..almost golden and oh yes, now I'll have to change the caricatures to portraits to give it a more 'serious' look. Well, I'm glad I don't have to search for a portrait artist because I could do that too! hehe. Talking about ' art & design under ONE roof or rather, ONE person'. Good for me, huh?

Ok now, gotta go back to work. Have fun, me.

My eCard Designs In Foldees's Contest!

I entered 2 designs for ecard contest online @ http://www.foldees.com/. But it's under the name YARTSTIK (yartstik.wordpress.com). 

The cards are going to be rated by viewers... Just go and check it out!

Well, it's fun to give it a try..but that day, I created the cards in a hurry as it was almost dateline. I wish I could change and improve a few things, when I looked back. Ugh! I've always been my worst critique, actually. And so does my bee- he would tell me if it's NOT OK. No sugar coated comments would come out from his mouth, I tell ya. But then, he gives the right compliments when my works deserve it. I have yet to hear his comments on these cards, though. Anyhow, I'd like to thank my bee for his support in my interests. I wish I could do the same but I'm none the wiser even after years looking at those rocks at the foothill of Chendering (he's a geologist, if I haven't mention it before..).

Blank Card..

I haven't been active blogging because I was quite busy. When I wanted to update my blogs, there was always something else distracting me such as.. the tv, the book, the magazine, the food, the coffee with whipped cream topping, and etc... I guess, after concentrating too much on my paintings and designing works, the next best thing to do is just throwing myself in the comfort of the sofa or bed.. or in the arms of my loved one.. ehem2x!.

A couple of nights before, a close family friend of my parents came to the house and asked me to design a wedding card for their lovely daughter. At first, they didn't really have any idea of how the card would look like. The daughter would like to have caricatures included on the card as she wanted something unique and sweet and not too rigid lookin'. But her mom would like the card to look rustic/ romantic with some flowers decorating the background, perhaps a quite elegant look. Hmm.. I thought this would be quite a challenge yet an interesting job too.

My bee was there ( he rarely was around when I had discussion with clients before).. and it seemed that he was so excited giving his ideas as well. I thought he overshadowed me at some points as my clients looked interested with his suggestions. Huh!. But at the end, all of us were quite happy with where we were going with this card. We did have some basic ideas. Now, it's up to me to make it happen. Duh!

Wish me luck. Hopefully I'll be able to show a draft soon. Gotta doodle the caricatures first so that they can visualize the card better. I'll upload later when I'm done. Right now, it's still a Blank Card and the sofa, the bed..all seemed very inviting too.

P/S: Below is one of my wedding card designs.. Three folds. 6" x 6" Closed.

 

Art Gallery

I've been thinking of having an online art gallery for sometime. So, for anyone who are dropping by or visiting this blog, feel free to check out my up and coming blog @ yartstik.wordpress.com.

Not only it'll be my online art gallery with personal thoughts, it'll also showcase some art works by selected artists and some art lessons.

What I hope is that with this art blog, I'll be able to share my passion and views on Art and About things in life too. The late Canadian Art Educator, Arthur Lismer used to say, " Art is a way of life. It's not entertainment, nor professionalism, but a necessity." With that note, I can leave you with something to ponder. May the New Year brings Happiness to each and everyone of you.

End of Year 2009

Can u believe that time of year is finally here? It's the last month of 2009 already!! Huhuuu..how time flies.

Year 2009 really just 'swooshed' through me. I feel like I have not achieved much. In fact, I have been a total wreck..especially after losing my firstborn early this year. God must have had other plans for me that I couldn't see just yet. But most importantly, my baby boy is certainly in a better place now.

 Above is a small painting (A4 size) that I did after I lost my son.

Title: My First Love..Now He's Gone.

Oh well.. Life must go on.