deviantART: by:JohnnyQwest

deviantART: by:JohnnyQwest http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:JohnnyQwest&section=today deviantART RSS for by:JohnnyQwest en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:39:00 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png "Ninja, please!" http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/28304833/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/28304833/ Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:29:33 PST
As most of my Ninjas may know, I've been Joei No Jutsu for a little minute. I've had a few life changing events happen recently and I really needed to put more focus on those.

Leaving my job of nearly 10 years was one of those events. I was approached with an Art Director position with a company that creates content for video slot machines. I was torn between the job security of a large corporate company, and the lure of advancing in my career, but with a much smaller company. In these bad economic times, it was easily the hardest decision my family and I had to make.

Long story > short, my wife told me to follow my heart and choose the job that I think will make me the happiest. Not as easy as it sounds, but I chose to leave my comfortable old gig and take a total Indiana Jones style, leap of faith.

Two months have gone by since I left my old job... and I have to say, it was the best thing I ever did for my career and my family. I love my new job, the people I work with, and being able to create artwork with no design limitations or corporate views of how slot machine art should look... I couldn't ask for anything more.

To all of my Ninjas I left behind, I tip my 40... but seriously, no more Fukumibari for me. I can see so clearly now, and its been a long time.

I guess, like every Ninja Assassin Master, I need to leave you with a quote...

"Only dead fish follow water over the falls." -Frank Rapoza

Peace-out, my Ninjas!
-Frank

]]> =JohnnyQwest FREE SKETCHBOOK! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/25280493/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/25280493/ Sun, 28 Jun 2009 09:52:46 PDT 2009 Sketch-Card Sketchbook Vol. 1

This is my 24 page manga-sized sketchbook containing the sketch-cards I've done the past year for Upper Deck / Marvel. Most of the cards featured have never been posted publicly and all the artist proof cards have also been included. This is your chance to see my work up close and a great way for card collectors to view my cards.

The sketchbook is FREE with the purchase of a $20 full-color sketch-card with the character of your choice shipped to the US. Overseas pricing may vary. PayPal is preferred. Contact me if you're interested!

Here's a full-color sketch-card I recently did:

= You Better Recognize! =

]]> =JohnnyQwest Avengers Assemble! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/25112875/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/25112875/ Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:14:30 PDT

Click on the images for a larger view!

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Avengers Assemble!

Yo Joe!

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= You Better Recognize! =

]]> =JohnnyQwest What's the word? http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/25051187/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/25051187/ Sun, 31 May 2009 12:45:36 PDT
In January, I shared a table at the Phoenix Comicon and I printed up a few sketchbooks of the sketch-cards I did last year (I still have a few left if anyone wants to pick one up). The show was a bit slow in our area, so I had a chance to meet a ton of new peeps, some from dA, and catch-up with peeps like Cheeks and Jessica Hickman. Big thanks to those of you that stopped by to support us! See you at the 2009 San Diego Comic-Con, I should have some sketchbooks with me if you come and see me there...

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SUPER REAL - GRAPHIC NOVEL

My homeboy, Jason Martin, threw me a couple of coloring projects recently. One being a section of pages from his Super Real graphic novel and another being a colab piece for his 2009 sketchbook. His sketchbook is available now and here is the info to pre-order the Super Real graphic novel:

Collects the complete independent series recommended by Newsarama, Aint It Cool News, Comics Buyers Guide and many more. Super Real follows five people who sign million dollar contracts to get genetically enhanced for a reality show based on comic book superheroes. An over the top mash-up of reality TV and comic book fiction, thatÂs like Survivor with superpowers, or The Real World meets The X-Men!

SUPER REAL - GRAPHIC NOVEL
Hitting the streets soon!
220 pages, full color, 6x9, mature readers - $18.99
ISBN#0-9802498-2-1
Pre order now Â May Diamond Previews Catalog, page 280 via DCD#MAY09 1018

Here's the vector inks & colors I did for his sketchbook:

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2009 Sketch-Card Sketchbook Vol. 1

This is my manga-sized sketchbook containing the sketch-cards I've done the past year for Upper Deck / Marvel. Most of the cards featured have never been posted publicly and all the artist proof cards have also been included. This is your chance to see my work up close and a great way for card collectors to view my cards.

Here's a couple of my full-color sketch-card samples:

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13x19 Prints of Thor Girl

This is a colab piece that we only sold prints of at the 2009 Phoenix Comicon. We only have a few prints left of this limited run. This 13x19 print is signed by the penciler (Thomas Tuomey) and myself (the colorist) and shipped in a clear 16x20 hard protective sleeve.

$25 shipped to the US. Overseas pricing may vary. PayPal is preferred. Contact me if you're interested!

= You Better Recognize! =

http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/23183337/ Tue, 03 Mar 2009 19:50:24 PST Marvel Masterpieces III:

Once again, my MM3 cards are starting to show up on Ebay. Clicking on the images will take you to the Ebay listings. I'm not affiliated with any of these sellers, so, as with any Ebay auction, beware and good bidding!

These cards were done with Pitt Brush Pens, Prismacolor Markers & Watercolors.

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= You Better Recognize! =

]]> =JohnnyQwest MM3 on Ebay! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/22297911/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/22297911/ Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:49:41 PST Marvel Masterpieces III:

My MM3 cards are starting to show up on Ebay, a few of my MM2 cards can be found on there as well. Clicking on the images will take you to the Ebay listings. I'm not affiliated with any of these sellers, so, as with any Ebay auction, beware and good bidding!

These cards were done with Pitt Brush Pens, Prismacolor Markers & Watercolors.

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= You Better Recognize! =

]]> =JohnnyQwest SDCC 2008: Aftermath http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/20529486/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/20529486/ Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:28:54 PDT I recently put some of the photos I took at SDCC 2008 online. My dA subscription was expired so I never posted a journal to let you all know...

Click on the photo below or follow this [link] to view my set on Flickr!

I tried to snap a shot of everyone I saw or met at the show. Next year I'm taking my camera. I thought my phone being light in weight was a good idea, but it took the worse pictures. It was impossible to get a good shot if I had a stranger take one of me with my peeps.

Overall, I had a great time at the show as well as the road trip with 1nch and TV2ME. We only went for two days and staying at the Marriott next door made it worth every penny. I can't wait to do it again next year... Enjoy the pics!

]]> =JohnnyQwest Congratulations Thomas! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/19723170/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/19723170/ Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:40:43 PDT I just heard that a winner was announced for the War Heroes Cover contest. My close friend Thomas Tuomey!

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Both Thomas and I, along with two other artists, made it to the final round of voting. It was a long journey for us all, but well worth it. I learned a lot from this contest and met a few really good people. I personally saw Thomas design his piece from the ground up and I know how much time and heart he put into it, so I'm glad he was rewarded for his effort. Let's give the man a hand!

Follow this [link] for the official contest scoop from Wizard Universe.

On a side note, I happened to run into one of the other top four at SDCC, Jamie Tyndall. He and his wife are two very wonderful people. I enjoyed meeting them and having a chance to talk for a bit. I'm sure we will be keeping in touch.

Thanks for your votes and support!
-Frank

Check out Thomas' and Jamie's deviantART galleries!

Thomas Tuomey

Jamie Tyndall

]]> =JohnnyQwest It's Official! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/19212863/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/19212863/ Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:09:27 PDT I just received notice that my passes were purchased and I will be attending the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con. I'll only be there for Thursday & Friday, so if you want to catch up with me, shoot me a note! I'm looking forward to seeing you...

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In Other News...

TÂBird & Throttle Issue 0: Origin Special!
Hitting the streets in August 2008!
32 Pages / $3.25
UPC: 6-49241-85668-9
Diamond order code: JUN08 4297
Follow this [link] to Viper Comics for a 5 page preview!

Written by: Josh Howard

Illustrated by: Otis Frampton

Colored by: Frank Rapoza

]]> =JohnnyQwest War Heroes #4 Variant Cover! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/19064166/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/19064166/ Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:02:16 PDT EDIT: Big thanks to everyone who took time out to vote for me, I made it to the final four! Mark Millar and Tony Harris will choose 1 of us to grace the cover of War Heroes #4 as a variant. Wish me luck... [link]

I figured I'd give you all an update on the voting for the War Heroes Variant Cover Contest.

First off, I'd like to thank the many of you that voted for me in the current and previous rounds, it's really making a difference.

The first round of voting seemed to be going great until a "glitch" was found in the polls which allowed the internet savvy to vote thousands of times. Wizard was made aware of this and they quickly shut down the polls and erected a new first round that appeared to be safe and fair to all. As most of you know, this is the internet we are talking about. If an individual has enough time on their hands they can get past anything, and needless to say, it was obvious that the polls had a "glitch" once again. A few heats were obviously skewed sending many talented artists to the end of their journey.

I emailed the editor, Jim Gibbons, to make him aware of this new exploit. Jim wrote me back and said...

"This is really just the beast of the internet: there is almost always a way around things. We've done the best we could to make it difficult for people to get around this, but those who are extremely determined might always find a way (if we did voting by email, people could just keep making new email addresses if they really wanted to take that time). ~ I'd recommend you just try to lobby as best you can for yourself by making sure all your friends and relatives are helping you out (facebook could do wonders) and even lobbying on message boards and the like is of course completely allowed." ...and so I did.

Currently, we are in the final round of voting, all eight of us. The four top voted will be submitted to Millar and Harris to make the final pick of who they feel will best represent their War Heroes cover as a variant for issue #4. Short of going door-to-door, I have exhausted every possible means of pimping myself out for a vote. Facebook, Myspace, Family & Friends, Gaming Forums, Deviant Art Forums and so on. So far it's paying off, but the voting ends Sunday, June 29 at Noon EST and I fear, as in previous rounds, I will fall to the back of the line, fighting for the last place to advance.

To end this post, I simply ask you for "1" final vote. It only takes 3 seconds, no need to sign-up or do anything except to follow the link below, check the box left of my name (Frank Rapoza), and hit vote. You will only be allowed to vote once per IP address, so PLEASE! Do not vote for me multiple times, I'm only asking for "1". If you would like to pass this information on to your friends, by all means, do so...

[link]

Thanks for your time and support. Rock the Vote!
-Frank

]]> =JohnnyQwest War Heroes #4 Variant Cover! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/18689521/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/18689521/ Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:15:35 PDT

I've seen some great submissions online and I'm sure many more will soon be added to their website for viewing.

I went for a different look since they stated "As long as it's good and it jumps out as unique and a new talent, that's all we're looking for". They wanted the artists to capture the feel of soldiers in action, but to remember that these soldiers are "super".

Fan voting will begin on June 11th at WizardUniverse.com to narrow down the field of competitors. After a week of voting, the finalists will be chosen, and Millar and Harris will provide judgment on which finalist submission will grace the cover of their book.

Follow this link to see the latest entries! --> [link]

Rock the Vote!

]]> =JohnnyQwest Marvel Masterpieces II... http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/18004863/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/18004863/ Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:14:12 PDT

This set of cards were made with Micron Pens & Prismacolor Markers.

Here are my other sets of cards: [link] [link] [link] [link]

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]]> =JohnnyQwest Yo Joe! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/17919141/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/17919141/ Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:26:27 PDT

I just saw the leaked images of the Joe team from the upcoming G.I. Joe movie and I figured I would pass the link on to you. These images are hard to find and from what I hear they were all taken offline, except these... for now anyway. If you haven't seen them you better hurry!

Follow this --> [link]

Enjoy!

]]> =JohnnyQwest Marvel Masterpieces II... http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/17129029/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/17129029/ Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:44:15 PDT

This set of cards were made with Micron Pens & Prismacolor Markers.

Here are my other sets of cards: [link] [link]

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]]> =JohnnyQwest Marvel Masterpieces... http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/16490469/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/16490469/ Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:50:38 PST 02/23/08 UPDATE:

Here's another practice card, but I got my cards in last week so practice time is officially over!. The next "thing" you'll being seeing around here should be the real "thing"...

This one is done with a Pitt Brush Pen, Prismacolor Markers & Pencils.

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01/20/08 Original Post:

I'll be working on some Marvel Masterpieces sketch cards soon, so I've been putting some practice in. I've been so spoiled by my computer in the past few years that I haven't really done anything without it. I dug out my drafting table from the garage, bought some new markers and pencils and set aside a couple of hours every night to polish my pre-computer techniques. Here's one of Wolverine I just finished, it's the first one I completed thus far. I should have a few more done before I start the real thing.

I did this one with Micron Pens and Prismacolor Markers.

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= JohnnyQwest's deviantArt Clubs =

]]> =JohnnyQwest UPDATE: Oddly Artwork! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/15089561/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/15089561/ Wed, 17 Oct 2007 13:47:39 PDT
UPDATE Oct 26, 2007: I got my prize in the mail today, a signed copy of Oddly Normal, Vol. 2: Family Reunion... STOKED! Thanks Otis!
UPDATE Oct 17, 2007: I just found out today that I was one of the winners! Click this image below for details...

I read through a couple volumes and decided I was going to choose Tommy Tsunami a.k.a. Wet-Boy. He is a member of "Forces of Nature" a real-life family of super-heroes that appear in their own comic book within the "Oddly Normal" story-line. He seemed like a great character and I immediately had an idea of how I wanted him to look. In the story, Oddly attends a new school in the magical land of Fignation and finds out Tommy is a classmate. Oddly has a crush on Tommy so I figured I would design my art as if it was an autographed photo. I used Illustrator for this and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out. You can check it out here...

For more information visit

Programs Used: Adobe Illustrator CS3

Pencils, Vector Inks & Colors - :me:

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= JohnnyQwest's deviantArt Clubs =

]]> =JohnnyQwest Hulk Smaaaash! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/14681067/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/14681067/ Mon, 17 Sep 2007 22:37:15 PDT

I recently had the opportunity to color this awesome art piece penciled & inked by Bryan Turner (sAUcEbOy). He gave me a high-res version of his black & white which I took into Adobe Illustrator. I wanted to vector-ink his Hulk so I could have a bit more control when I started to drop the colors in. When I finished vectoring the blacklines I colored them greens and purples to use as my base later on. I took Bryan's original image into Adobe Photoshop and used it as a placement ref for my background. I basically started to blot out colors making a very rough looking explosion. Using some stock PS blur filters and layer effects I got the background to a point I was happy with. When I was done I started dropping my vector lines into layers in PS. Using the selection tool I filled in all the colors for the Hulk. At this point I just started highlighting and shading the needed areas until it matched well with my background. I threw in some fire and a few additional effects ftw and called it a day...
Enjoy!

Programs Used: Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop CS3
Start to Finish: About 5 hours

Pencils & Inks -

]]> =JohnnyQwest King of the Blurbs! Hallelujah Hollaback! http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/14581637/ http://JohnnyQwest.deviantart.com/journal/14581637/ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:21:50 PDT
I'd like to introduce and give some props to some of my real-life dA friends!

These two guys for putting up with me at work everyday. I have the great pleasure of sitting next to both of them. They should be very lucky I'm not a "crop-duster"...

This guy here... he "used to work with us" and oh how I miss him so! Ever since he left it seems like I was given tons more dirty work to do, odd. He is a great artist and a great friend...

Here we have the multi-talented Omega... A god-like game coder and great friend looking down from that heavenly place above... Canada. I spent every second of spare time for the last few years with this guy developing video games. My wife doesn't seem to like him as much, not sure why...

You're all awesome friends and I hope you all enjoy my work as much as I enjoy all of yours!

Peace... ]]> =JohnnyQwest