http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:MAD-PROPZ&section=today deviantART RSS for by:MAD-PROPZ en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:39:38 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/28680742/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/28680742/ Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:42:14 PST
I'd like to formally announce that I've been working on a book with author J.T. Holden called "Alice in Verse: The Lost Rhymes of Wonderland." It is a very cool, cleverly written, poetic version of Alice's journey through Wonderland! Since I am NOT the author, you can rest assured that the writing is, in fact, quality! Indeed, I would not lend my name to it if it was not. As such, I've contributed 35 brand new Alice illustrations to the book. If you like the Alice illustrations I've got on DA and you'd like to see my version of the Cheshire Cat, the Duchess, the Caterpillar, the Queen of Hearts, and all those other guys, this will be your (perhaps only) chance!

I'm extremely excited about this project- it was a monumental task, but really very fun and always interesting. Joel Holden was incredible to work with- he had a very strong vision for what he wanted the characters to look like, how they should act, etc- and luckily, our visions were almost identical. He really wanted a very distinct look, and I was only too happy to oblige. I'm really thrilled with what we've accomplished, and I'm very, very happy with how the illustrations have turned out.

Perhaps it is wishful thinking on my part (and it is possible), but I think Alice fans will really get behind this book and find it incredibly entertaining. I really hope so!

More news on this project as it comes, but I should mention that if you'd like to pre-order your copy (or just sneak a peek at the cover) you can go to Amazon.com and view a description of the book here:

[link]

Cheers!
-Andrew J.

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/26999910/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/26999910/ Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:11:45 PDT
I am illustrating a book.

Generally, I don't do freelance work- it's really time consuming and complicated and it just doesn't appeal to me that much. However, the author I'm working with sent me his manuscript, made a good offer, and I thought it was brilliant. I can't tell you too much other than the subject matter of the project is along the lines of what most people watching my work within the past year will probably really appreciate.

It's the real deal. I'm registered with the Library of Congress as an illustrator and the book just got an ISBN number and bar code a week or two ago. I've been working on it for a few months, and there's roughly about a month left to go. We have a publisher and distribution and we're penciled in for a December '09 release. Super super exciting. I'll post more information when I know it's OK to do so.

Additional drawing outside this production still happens from time to time... maybe I'll post some of my new stuff soon. We will see....

-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/25548076/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/25548076/ Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:30:35 PDT
First, The Conduit is out and has been getting some awesome reviews! IGN gave it an 8.6 ([link])! And it's sellin' like hotcakes! If you want to play a game that I worked on, I definitely recommend this one! It is a lot of fun.

In other news, Tim Burton and Walt Disney are apparently teaming up to ruin Alice and Wonderland in a style that smacks of both "Batman and Robin" and also "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." To be clear: I generally don't mind Tim Burton's style- I loved Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare before Christmas, and on a weird level, Batman (1989). Also to be clear: Disney's live action films are generally crap (see also: "G-Force." Really Walt Disney? REALLY?).

Here's why I'm concerned. "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" is one of may favorite books, and when the movie came out I was tremendously excited to see it. There were a lot of redeeming aspects to the film, but there were a couple exceptions. Major exceptions, actually. Namely, Willy Wonka was awful and so were the Oompa Loompas and the music to their stupid songs. I do not fault Johnny Depp- he's a totally capable actor. The fault lies with the direction they took his character- which was the most asinine representation of a perfectly cool (in the book) character that I think I have ever seen. For that, I blame the director and the writers.

With that history in mind, now we've got "Alice." I know you can't judge a book by its cover, but movies aren't books. Look at these pictures! WHAT THE HECK!?!?!? WHO ALLOWED THESE CHARACTER DESIGNS TO ACTUALLY MAKE IT TO A MOVIE POSTER!?!?!? [link]

I'm not saying my illustrations are the best or the most definitive version AT ALL, but I am aghast at the character designs for this movie. Someone got paid a substantial amount of money to some up with this crap. This is a red flag, my friends. a BRIGHT RED FLAG.

Anyway, enough ranting. Time to go do some drawing!
-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/25067855/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/25067855/ Mon, 01 Jun 2009 11:09:21 PDT
You may have noticed (or not) that my art updates have gone from "few and far between" to "virtually non-existent." This has not really been by design, and it's certainly not because I haven't been drawing.

In fact, I've actually been drawing more than I have in quite a long time. I am currently working on a private project that I can't talk about (yet) except to say it's going to be awesome.

On the games front, if you pre-order your copy of "The Conduit" from GameStop/ EB games you'll get an "Art of" book that features some of my work. Also, check out "Gladiator AD" and "The Grinder" on IGN if you want to take a look at some of the new games I've done some work for.

I may post some sketches or something soon, but don't hold me too that. Rest assured, I'm still here, I'm online all the time, and I still check out all the comments and artwork that gets posted (responding isn't something I've had much time for though, sadly).

Stay tuned for more news. It is coming. That is all.

-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/23733854/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/23733854/ Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:11:56 PDT
I'd like to take a moment to put you on notice: the unthinkable has happened. I'm tired of drawing dark and creepy things. For now anyway.

No, I am not on drugs of any kind. I've just reached a point in my life where I'm generally happy and have lost a lot of my cynicism. I don't really feel like I need to preach about the bitterness of life through my artwork. I feel that dead horse has been sufficiently beaten.

Additionally, we live in different times than we did, say, a couple of years ago. I'm tired of looking around and reading stuff about how people are down and how so-and-so will never forgive so-and-so and how other people are to blame for whatever mess is upon them. That's not to say we should ignore our problems or disregard differences- but everyone's mindset is so vindictive! Why?! Sure, the recession is stressful, but in spite of it, most people still have a lot of great things going for them. I submit that no matter what our situation, we should be able to afford a little patience, let some of the minor things go, and share whatever happiness we have with everyone else.

Sadly, I don't think my old artwork does this in a way that I'd like.

Instead, I'd like to turn a corner and work with themes that I've never really done anything with before. Ever. I want to work on things that are fun, playful, simple and great to look at.

I hope that you'll enjoy my upcoming work as much as my old stuff, even if you publicly denounce it. Some of you might.

Wishing you a great spring and/or begging your forgiveness,

-Andrew J.

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/23100188/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/23100188/ Mon, 09 Feb 2009 11:02:58 PST
I'm pretty excited. The March 2009 issue of Nintendo Power has an article about The Conduit that features a piece of concept art that I did! You can check it out on the top of page 49 in that issue- it's a rare opportunity to see something that I drew for work. It's a good article too, so check it out and enjoy!

-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22922504/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22922504/ Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:03:01 PST
[link]

It's a great read, and it's gotten lots of positive feedback! I'm super excited!

-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22621376/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22621376/ Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:24:28 PST
#1. I Broke Up.
So, yes, my longtime girlfriend (5+ years) Colleen and I have at last parted ways. Yes indeed. Things ended very well, however. This was a situational break up- we hadn't seen each other very much for the past few months. Our jobs, lives, schedules, and locations were extremely adverse and eventually got the better of us. I don't hate here or blame her for anything, and vice-versa. The situation blows, but it could be so much worse. Honestly, I'm sort of relieved with how things turned out, so it's all good. I know, I know, soon I'll have to fend off all the stalker women with a bat. Don't remind me.

#2. You bes' buy High Voltage Hot Rod Show.
'Cause I worked on it. This is a new downloadable WiiWare title that will be coming out Jan 19th. Check it out on IGN for yourself. It's a fun little racing game, and since it's one of the first games I ever worked on it has a special place in my heart. Of course you could buy my other titles if you're a true collector of my work ("Dora Saves the Snow Princess" and "Go Diego! Go! Dinosaur Rescue" both bear my name in the developer credits).

#3. I have been doing concept artwork for "The Conduit."
I guess the higher-ups trust me or something. Fools. But seriously, I'm excited. Some of the work I've done will supposedly be featured in Nintendo Power sometime soon. I'll believe it when I see it, but it's still pretty cool. Meanwhile, my UI department (especially Alex Rosales- handle,"Alamus") is basking in the glow of some kicking new Conduit videos posted today on IGN. This game rocks so hard y'all. You don't even know.

So stick that in your pipe. Smoke it. Enjoy it.

And also, I continue to work (at a crawling pace) through "Ex Cathedra," but I'll finish it by the end of the month, one way or another. I've already started sketching out my new Alice project. Oh, and I've decided to start an online comic sometime soon.

And I will now leave you with the marvelous phrase of a fine co-worker of mine. "Guys, let's all just do the best we can!" Cheers, Chase. Cheers.

-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22306465/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22306465/ Wed, 31 Dec 2008 14:45:01 PST
This has been a hard and bittersweet year for me, but I'm almost sorry to see it go. Thanks to everyone who has helped me this year... my family, my friends, my girlfriend, my co-workers, and to everyone on DA this year that has left so many great comments and made me think more deeply about my work. You're all fantastic.

Have a happy, prosperous, prolific, and safe new year.

Cheers,

A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22286828/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22286828/ Tue, 30 Dec 2008 19:05:22 PST
[link]

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22044632/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/22044632/ Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:54:41 PST
When I critique work, I try to be fair and generally positive. I believe that while some aspects of anyone's art (mine included, especially) could use improvement, encouragement is what artists need in order to grow.

That said, Thomas Kinkade's "artwork" is kitschy and horrid. And I'm fairly certain it will never get better. Ever.

With this view in mind, I turn you over to an awesome article I found earlier this morning. Enjoy!

[link]

-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21850874/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21850874/ Sat, 06 Dec 2008 16:03:44 PST
Later, you should go to GameStop and pre-order. Hahahaha!
But seriously, you should.

As the Conduit Gospel spreads, it leaves only believers in its wake. Some more than others. For a few weeks, my co-workers and I have been watching some YouTube videos by a superfan (Shoko)that have been cracking us up (in the geekiest way possible). The producers decided to send him some tokens of appreciation... this was the video made after he opened the mail:

[link]

The Smash Brothers Brawl music only heightens the experience.

Cheers!

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21706908/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21706908/ Thu, 27 Nov 2008 21:21:26 PST
To all of you friendly US nationals, happy Thanksgiving! What a great holiday. I feel sick... horribly sick... from eating so much and I'm also a bit drowsy, so I'll make this brief.

The latest news is this: I got another Daily Deviation yesterday, which was incredibly exciting. I've tried my best to get back to everyone who commented on my work, but due to the volume of messages it is possible I missed getting to you. To everyone who commented, visited, fav'd, or collected my work yesterday, thank you. It's incredibly motivating to have so many people enjoy your work and encourage you.

Also, yes, I've decided my Alice work will continue. I am currently working on another piece right now that follows some of my own characters and stories, but I've decided to start several new Alice drawings either later this year or the beginning of next year. I've taken many good suggestions from my last journal into consideration and made my choices... but I'm not going to tell you what they are... You'll just have to wait and see.

Thanks again and happy Thanksgiving\ Black Friday to everyone!

-Andrew

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21572724/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21572724/ Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:55:29 PST
First, thank you.

I was blown away by the number of people who "fav'd" the "Mad Tea Party" drawing I did recently. I was pretty fed up with the drawing by the time I finished it, so the awesome feedback I got was extremely refreshing and encouraging.

On that note, I've decided I'm going to create another Alice illustration. The question is, what would you like to see? A Cheshire Cat? A Croquet Game? A Caterpillar? A Trial? A Pepper-Filled Kitchen? A Jabberwokky? Dee and Dum? Chess Characters? Or something else? Let me know what you think! I might just take your suggestion!

Thanks again!

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21108722/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/21108722/ Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:02:00 PDT
Here's what's happening: Lots. I've been hard at work for some time on multiple projects- the most intense stuff has been on the job- and a lot of it has been vector art, which has been fun (if counter-intuitive) to learn. Sadly, I can't talk about that.

I can talk about personal projects though! For some time I've been discussing the possibility of doing another Alice in Wonderland drawing. Now it's a reality. In maybe a week or so, I should have a new Alice picture posted for your viewing pleasure. It's digital and quite detailed, and really love how it's turning out.

I also have a marvelous idea for a new drawing similar to other pieces that I've done (specifically, "the Prophet" and "Industry"). It's going to take a bit of planning, but I've come up with some great new techniques that I think will help me include a fantastic new level of detail, complexity, and cleanness to my traditional work.

That said, check back for updates. They'll be coming soon enough....

Cheers!
-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/18186808/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/18186808/ Mon, 05 May 2008 19:07:08 PDT
Some of you may have heard rumors that Gary Laib [link] and I had been working on a storybook a while ago. Those rumors are, in fact, true. If you had not heard anything to the effect, it's probably because the plans were fairly secret at the time.

Our intention was to re-write and expand on one of the lesser-known Brothers Grimm fairy-tales, "The Boy Who Went Forth to Learn What Fear Was." The story was almost completely written and we had concepts coming out of our ears when we both suddenly ran into time and scheduling constraints. Sadly, the project was shelved... temporarily, anyway.

Not long ago, Gary and I talked a bit about the project and decided to display some of our concepts on DA. We want to encourage all of our viewers to take some time to browse our galleries and compare our illustrations. The work's a little older, but we'd still love to hear what you think!

Cheers!

-Andrew

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/17927490/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/17927490/ Sat, 19 Apr 2008 12:26:15 PDT
Also, in other news, Colleen (my faithful and saucy girlfriend) has chosen to embrace the arts as well. She's looking to attend the Illinois Institute of Art (my Alma Mater) and explore the world that is... Culinary! Nice! I'm thrilled that she has chosen to take her schooling in such a [potentially] delicious direction. Colleen, if you are reading this: well done.

Have a happy weekend everyone!

Cheers!
-A

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/17425296/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/17425296/ Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:00:26 PDT
I'm excited to tell you all that I very recently got a great job offer to work in the video game industry and I have accepted! I'm anxious to finally start working with other talented artists and do something I enjoy for a living. I'll be starting in early April.

I also want to thank everyone here that has taken time to view and comment on my work. Your thoughts, criticisms, and support have been (and continue to be) invaluable in my efforts to improve my artwork. My deepest gratitude goes out to all of you.

Cheers!
-A-

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/16984638/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/16984638/ Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:41:32 PST [link]

"But what new features does it have?" you ask. Ahh, sit patiently my friend. I will explaineth to thee.

1. THE WEBSITE LOOKS BETTER.
I've put a few of my Photoshop skillz to the test and come up with a look to the site that is a little more... ME. It's more artsy and less... crappy.

2. THE GALLERY PICS ARE BIGGER.
Enough said. The pics are indeed larger than they were on the old site, revealing a little more detail than they once did. The pictures were left as .jpg files, not .html because:

3. THE SITE IS EASIER FOR ME TO UPDATE.
Which I like. There's even a spot for me to post my latest work. How kickin' is that?

4. I HAVE AN FAQ.
Not that any of you care, but I'm tired of going though and answering questions that are obvious to me. Plus, I can add additional notes to the site pretty easily. Nice!

5. I HAVE A SEPARATE PAGE FOR MY REELS/ANIMATION.
I did not realize how many people wondered if I could even draw cartoons. This should put that nonsense to rest. Plus, again, the page is easy to change/ update. That's of great importance to me. Can you tell?

Alright. Well. There you have it. It isn't perfect, but Republic of Line Mark II is up and about. And it proves I wasn't doing nothing all January.

HA!

-A-

]]> ~MAD-PROPZ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/10746470/ http://MAD-PROPZ.deviantart.com/journal/10746470/ Thu, 16 Nov 2006 15:12:21 PST
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