Fluid Lines

Hello all! I've been really busy with work lately but today I had time to practice inking with Managa Studio. I decided to finish up a Kale sketch and then give inking it a go.

I am really loving this program so far <3 You can check it out here. I'm using the EX 4 version. If you're interested in getting the program be sure to join the newsletter to get special deals and offers. That's how I got the Black Friday sale deal (paid $30 instead of $300).
I love a good deal. Speaking of which, if you're still looking for some unique gifts this holiday season I still have illustrations and comics up at my Etsy store including copies of 'Kale: Lost & Found' and 'Alencia: A Noble Deed.'

Shinging Armor

Finished up a small drawing last night of Kale in some new armor. I had to pick up some real ink after using Manga Studio all week.

Not loving the armor, but it at least gave me some practice. Also reminded me to redesign Kale's Oraelia badge. I want to do buttons of it in the future C:

Pentel pocket brush pen, Staedtler pigment liner pen 0.1, non-photo blue pencil, on A6 Deleter comic paper. (5.75”x4”)

Kale Turnaround

Hey everyone!
I've been busy with both my day jobs lately. But now that training is done with the new one, and my other job has hired some new seasonal workers, I'm finding more time for art now. Lately I'm working on some character turn-a-rounds for upcoming comic projects. Yesterday I started one for Kale for the updated incarnation of her comic I'm hoping to start next year.

Here's a sneak peak:

A big thanks to folks at the facebook page for helping me out with critiques! If you want to follow along with project updates on my facebook page come join in the fun!

I've also got some more work on my Alencia comic done that I'll be sharing soon too. Stay tuned for that!

There's also comics and original illustrations up at my Etsy page if you're looking for some gift ideas, something to cover that hole in your wall, or a treat for yourself!

ART PLANS.

Hey guys! It's been a while but loads have been going on. Mostly busy at work. But now I'm starting to settle down a bit and I've got plans. ART PLANS.

+VA Comicon Small Press Table
You've been hearing me talk about this for a while but that's because I'm super stoked for it! My first table at a non-anime convention! I've been making plans for merch that I want to make and bring including the new Alencia comic, buttons, prints, and some other small items like key chains and book marks.

+Media Studies
There are things like animals and landscapes that I feel like I need to draw more of so I'll be doing a lot more studies to get in the swing of drawing them. For now I'm using certain sketchbooks for this as well as making ATC style cards that I'll be doing studies as miniature illustrations on. I'll be posting them to my tumblr and then grouping them here too. Here are a few so far:










+Or Maybe Not Webcomic
I've got scripts from Ryan lined up and am currently working on the next update. Looking to have it up by Friday since I have a few days off work. I'm going to try to update it as much as I can between now and VA Comicon since I plan on making post cards to pimp it out for the con. I also need to just sit down and draw more comics.

+Kale issue #2
Is still in progress! I've been rewriting an reworking things and I'm starting to think that I should do it as a one shot book like I originally planned but maybe start it over after all. I learned a lot from the first issue but the more I look back at it the more I see things I wish I had done differently. I'm going to keep working on it and when I come to a final decision I'll talk about it here. But either way Kale's story will continue.

+Alencia Comics (and Contest!)
Writing for Alencia's stories has been much easier. She comes more naturally to me than Kale so her stories will be more in number and varied. I really like working in short story/episodic format and I will continue that. I'm also really enjoying mixing horror with fantasy so that is a plus!
Alencia's first short comic will be featured at my table at VA Comicon and will feature FAN ART! I have a fan art contest running from now till August 4th, where anyone who sends me fan art for Alencia will be included in the book (with their name and information to their website) and will receive a free copy of the comic for themselves! Just send me a copy of your fan art (large file size, TIFF, 300dpi, I need it large so when I format the book it will print nicely and not be pixelated) to fran_rowan(at)yahoo(dot)com. Here are some references for your use:
-Alencia close up
-Alencia and Human!Theloyn height chart in color. Theolyn hasn't been introduced in his human version yet (he appears as a cat in the comic for now) but if you wish to draw him then by all means go for it :)
-Preview of the comic. Also for your inspiration here is the preview of the comic featuring the first 6 pages.
Also please keep fan art to PG-13. The comic isn't really rated but it's not really hardcore or anything. If you have any questions please let me know. I'll be sure to share the entries and their artists here too!

I'm also making jewelry that I'll be selling on my Etsy page soon so keep your eyes peeled for that! This post is epically long as it is so goodbye for now and stay tuned!

News

Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately. I've had a lot going on and I'm still finding my bearings.

News!

+Kale: Lost & Found issue #1 is now available at Mad Arts in Madison, VA! A lovely establishment that has recently opened its doors to me. If you ever find yourself in the area, or even in C-ville, I highly suggest taking a drive down to check out this cute little house brimming full of handmade art, jewelry, discounted books (like really good art books and books from local artists), workshops, classes, and baked goods!

+OMN has been on a temporary hiatus but I'm currently working through the update. Hoping to have it ready by the end of the week, permitting no more unexpected hurdles get in the way (story of my month).

+I'm also currently finishing up my current Alencia mini comic. All that's left is the cover to finish. I've also been contacting local printers to get prices for printing books, so look out for more news soon! I'll be posting the books to my Etsy when they are printed.

In the mean time, here are some recent warm up/cool down sketches.

Alencia pouring over some research while being bothered by a strangely concerned looking demon. (I still haven't named him, it's the same guy from his post.)

Graphite portrait of my Steampunk character Layla Von Gedge. I invented the dress design and decided to put more effort into a detailed background. I plan on coloring the sketch later. The scan ate up the line work and values so much I think it needs color to save it :/ Or to at least give it some of its lost softness back.

I'll be back as soon as possible with comics and artwork! Stay tuned!

Updates Galore~

A little news, my comic "Kale: Lost & Found" issue #1 is now available at Atlas Comics in Charlottesville, VA!

Work for issue #2 is still going on with plenty of rewriting and reworking. I've even got some new character designs cooking up! Between work, Or Maybe Not updates, and other obligations I'm still working on this story and making it the best that I can, and I'm really excited for what's coming up!

-----------

Also, as some of you may have seen at the OMN webpage, I have a family emergency going on right now so I'm burring myself in work until it is resolved. It's a situation where a family member is very ill and there a lot going on, so this Friday's update will be moved to next week. However it will be a multiple page update so I hope that helps. I just need a few days to sort things out and I will be back with more work to show.

See you all next week!

Battle Cry

Here's a cool down sketch I did tonight while watching "The Sacred Blacksmith" anime. The theme song got me pumped up to draw this. However the anime itself is bothering me a little. The fact this female knight needs to be constantly saved by the male lead character and that ,while she is determined to be successful, she simply cannot hold her own in battle. Also at first she wants to be a great knight so she can protect people of the city, but then her motivations turns to showing this guy that she can fight (which she clearly can't). I find the 'I'm doing it for an obvious forced love interest' plot to be boring and adds nothing to the characters. I also find no amusement in the fixation the show has on her breasts : /

But ranting aside! Here are my girls, who are perfectly capable of holding their own in battle. I Decided to slap a color down and do some lighting. No references were used for the poses or the lighting but that's why it's a wind down sketch. Done with Non-photo Blue pencil and Pocket Pentel Brush Pen on Bristol vellum.

Behance

Hey guys! Quick update before I get back to work, I have a Behance profile now! Check it out! http://www.behance.net/FranRowan This is also cool because I can easily show off projects, like Kale on it. I have a few preview pages up so take a gander~ If you're on Behance yourself, let me know! I still plan to post some consecutive preview pages here, I've just been a bit busy. See you later with some more artwork!

Kicking Back

Hello all! I bring you a sketch of Kale before I head of for bed~

I felt like I hadn't drawn her in a long time, but I forgot about the cafe drawing :P Hopefully I can color that some time. I do however have some art/design employment opportunities coming my way so that will eat up some of my time. However developing the comics will continue. I just get to do something other than sell glasses for a bit. I'm looking forward to it. Wish me luck!

---- Done with non-photo blue pencil, 0.1 Staedtler pen, on printer paper.

Cafe' Chit-Chat

Alencia and Kale hanging out at a little Cafe’ in Stonebridge. Alencia insisted they have the afternoon tea sampler.

I wanted to show their different mannerisms, draw some everyday armor/new clothes for Kale, and have a cafe setting (I saw Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations first episode about Paris last night. I want to visit there very badly).

As for the city of Stonebridge it’s a cross between Venice and Paris. It was once two towns that decided to join together into one city. They did so by building a stone bridge between the two towns. The bridge is very large and is a symbolic landmark (based on the Rialto bridge in Venice). There are lots of smaller bridges that join areas of the city together, this is just the most famous one. I’ll be doing some concept art for it soon.

WIP sketch. To be colored eventually.
Mechanical Pencil on 400 series Bristol Board

Comic News!

Cool news everyone! Velocity Comics in Richmond is officially carrying my comic 'Kale: Lost & Found'! Each book is $5 and comes with a bookmark, also made by me.


Can't make it down to pick one up? You can still order a copy directly from me. Product and ordering info here! Ordering from me the books will be autographed and doodled in for your enjoyment. Also comes with a free bookmark.

Holidays and Upcoming Projects

Hello everyone! I hope you had a great holiday, and will be enjoying new year's that is just around the corner. Personally I usually don't do anything for it, but if you are, have fun and stay safe!

As for the holiday season I have been busy since finals ended. Now that things have calmed down a little bit I'm making sure to keep busy with a new project amongst my long list of projects I'm currently working on. I will share more when I have more to share, which should be a in a few weeks when I'm reunited with my huge scanner. But its' got me thinking about Kale, and where I hope to end up with that story.
I still want to tell the story but I feel like I can't do it full justice right now. I have printed the first 'issue' and have a sold a handful of copies, and to everyone who bought one I am very grateful and I whole heartily hope you enjoy it; but I feel for the second issue there are things I must attend to before I continue the story. There are things, besides my skills, that need to be further fleshed out and improved upon before I can finish the story. Since I have one more semester of school left (gods willing) and I'll be looking for a full time job soon, I need to turn my attention to those things. Kale is a story I want to finish, it just needs more work which this first issue has taught me. So, fear not! I have not abandoned our blue haired elf warrior, I merely need to polish her story before I continue it.

As for this new project, I hope to gain a portfolio piece out of it. I'm putting more work behind the making of it, and when its done should be a stand alone comic that can then be continued into a fuller, longer story. It's a collaboration with a close friend of mine and he has kindly agreed to continue the story with me so hopefully we can complete it :)

Aside from that I've been watching Dexter with my parents. Also saw Tron today. I want ALL THE FURNITURE IN THAT MOVIE. It also could have used moar TRON :I It is named after him...

Back to work for me!
see you soon~

Kale issue #1 FOR SALE!

Hey everyone! The dust has settled a bit so I now have time to post sale information for Kale issue #1 :D

Kale: Lost & Found is about a young woman named Kale who is training to be a knight. Her mentor, Lady Karenthia, is kidnapped. Kale meets up with old friends and new ones as she tries to rescue her mentor, and find out why she was taken, and by who.

I have 28 copies available. Each book is 'manga sized' at 7.5" x 5 3/16". The cover is colored while the inside pages are black and white. There are 48 pages total. They include the comic, an extra comic, never before seen artwork, and fanart. I will sign and doodle in each one, and each will come with a random bookmark of a character from the book. They will be $7 including shipping in the US. If there are any inquiries for the book out of the US I will calculate shipping cost along the way.










If you'd like to buy a comic then please send an email to fran_rowan(at)yahoo(dot)com. Please title the email 'Kale Comic' so that I know it's not spam. Please list your name, how many books you'd like, what character you'd like me to doodle in it if you have a preference, and your shipping address. I will reply with an invoice and my paypal address. Please pay within a week of receiving the invoice so I can get it shipped off to you as soon as I can. I don't have a car so I have to make means ahead of time to get shipping supplies and get to the post office. Please keep this in mind, however I will do my best to get books shipped as soon as possible!
Thank you everyone for sticking with me while I worked on this book over the last year! Now it's on to issue #2!


The books were printed by Ka-blam! who did an AWESOME job,were very helpful, and have great customer service. I highly recommend them to anyone wanting to self publish their comics.

HEY GUYS. I HAVE A COMIC BOOK! 8D

Epic Sketch Dump is Epic

Here is a bunch of sketches that I did before my internet started crapping out. We're still on shaky ground with it so here's an update while hoping it will stay working.


A sketch for my room mate. She threw a cupcake party at our house. It was a huge success. We made 165 cupcakes for it.


This is NOT all the cupcakes we made.


Class doodle of a 'cat'erpillar. I want to do a more finished drawing of him later. Or maybe put him in a comic or something. It was fun giving him human body parts. I like his nose a lot too.


Doodle done before my business class. I don't doodle in class as much anymore but it does help me relax. Loli-Fran of OMN.


Cupcake Lolita doodled in anticipation of the epic cupcake party.


Across from my History class is a chemistry class. I was sitting in the hallway watching the chem students doing a lab when I doodled this.


Me being a bit overwhelmed.


Lulzy doodle of my Kinfolk character, Lou.


Speaking of Lou, I decided that I wanted to draw her actual body type down because in my head her sizes kept fluctuating and I wanted a solid reference. (As can be seen from the previous sketch, she's much busty-er than that). I decided that she is a size 14 with a DD bust. She's the busty-est of my characters so she offers me some diversity from my other female characters. I used various 'plus size' models (I still cant' believe 14 is 'plus sized' its the US average size for women. And its' not big :/ ) for reference. I also wanted to her a have a little muffin top, which I think is cute. Overall I'm really happy with how she looks. She feels more rooted in reality now, and now she can stay more cohesive when I draw her.


Doodling part of a story idea for Alencia. She has to retrieve a talking skull (a relic) from a ruin for a nearby temple. I've already started writing the roughs of the story out.


Doodle of my western RP character, Lilly the undertaker's daughter.


So many tiny, white coffins...



A celebratory sketch of the Kale and the gang, celebrating the first issue being complete. When I get some time I will ink this and possibly color it. Evander looks soooo much younger with his hair down. He may look too young. He's meant to be in his 30's, like Khalid. I'm in the process of gathering references to make another character turn around for him. I need to him to keep looking consistent. I also want him to look more Middle-Eastern/Mediterranean. This is where refs help. I plan to flesh this all out in time for issue #2 to begin. Research like this is actually ridiculously fun. I also plan to do more research for the world itself. So far I'm gathering references for a Celtic/Art Nouveau feel to Kale's world. There is so much to do, it can only keep getting better! :D

Oh and guess what. I still have MORE to post here. Next will be some doodles, sketch comics, and some more school work. Oh yeah, and that Nekocon thing is next weekend. HOLY. CRAP. Has it been a year already?

News time!

+Internet is back!
We got our signal back last night, and all is well in the world of the internet :D

+Updates
I have personal work that I scanned and have ready to upload but it maybe a bit slow to make it here to the blog. This week is SUPER BUSY for me at school. I also have some extracurricular activities taking place this week so school work will be filling my spare time this week. I'll try to upload new work by Sunday at least.

Ten days till Nekocon! I'm excited and nervous at the same time, as I'm sure you know. I'll be able to print things soon (prints and more bookmarks, and hoping to squeeze a mini comic in there...), but I have a few illustrations to tweak before that. Next week will be packed with con preparations to insure it goes smoothly. And I really hope it does.

Kale is being printed and should ship to me on the 30th. That gives it a few days to reach me so let's hope that goes without a hitch too! I'm so excited to see the final book. I learned so much doing it, I know issue #2 is going to rock so hard because of that.

School is also kicking my butt. Welcome to senior year! :D

Full Steam Ahead!

Despite my internet being nearly non-existent (save for late at night when no one is using it) and thanks to the super helpful team at Ka-blam, my book is being printed! Everything has been approved and paid for. Next will be for the books to arrive and then off to Nekocon. They should be shipped out on the 30th. I'm buzzing with excitement 8D

Over the next two weeks I'll be working on prints and bookmarks, and con badges for me and Ryan to wear at the con. I have a laundry list of things to do but it shouldn't be too bad. I just hope I can get it all done and that everything goes smoothly. I'm still terribly excited C: But also tired. I think I'm getting sick again... trying to nip it in the butt before it gets worse :/

Kale Issue #1 Cover

Kale: Lost and Found Cover by ~Spork-Bunny on deviantART

A quick update before I go to bed <3

In which Fran is really busy but optimistically so...

Hey Everyone!

I just wanted to stop by and give you an update on the comic and how things are going with it. As those who watch me on Facebook probably know, I have completely finished drawing issue 1 of Kale! I have already scanned, sized to the template and added text to the first 7 pages. It took me longer than I thought it would (mainly because I used red lead for a few pages and it doesn't scan out as well as blue lead does. Needless to say I won't be making that mistake again) but I'm going to get another chunk of it done tonight, and then finish it over the weekend. I will also need to finish the logo for the cover and add in all the special features to the back of the book. But I will do it! Then its' off to the printers!

I still have more to do for artwork, as well as editing the merch list which needs to be sent out to the Nekocon staff by the 10th (cutting it close, I know, but I wanted to be sure of what I have to offer at the con). Things are coming together.

I also have school work to do but I'm getting better at juggling it all. Since its' my senior year I really have to buckle down on school work, get a portfolio going, while also thinking about my future and what I'm going to do after I graduate. I went to a job fair at school yesterday and it was pretty successful. I got some information and some more options for my future have opened up. Hopefully it will lead somewhere but for now we'll just have to wait and see.

I may feel overwhelmed at times (between schoolwork, personal projects and other obligations) but I know I can successfully finish this book, and it will be worth it in the end. I had originally planned to have the next issue out by next Nekocon, and that might happen, but it might not since I'll be graduating and trying to find a job. I originally wanted to have the whole story done for this con, but at least this way I can test the waters. I DO plan on finishing this story. That is for sure. I also have other stories that I'm cooking and slowly brewing so that I can tell them in a more planned out way. Kale was written and rewritten while I was doing pages. It's my first self published attempt at telling a story and I hope someone will find enjoyment in it. I know I have.

So thank you for tagging along on this journey, and I will keep you posted up till Nekocon. I'll also be working on my Alencia cosplay. The wig is pretty awesome but needs some styling. I'm planning a cosplay sewing party with some friends so we can all work on our costumes together. I'll be sure to share photos as that gets done too!

Also! I'll be scanning some schoolwork soon to show you guys. I'm working on a game design project, and a project that involves Blind Guardian so I'll be posting some progress shots of those too.
See you soon!

30 down, 1 to go!

Hey everyone!

I'm still feeling a bit ill from sinus issues but I managed to finish penciling and inking page 30 of Kale tonight. That leaves ONE MORE PAGE. Holy crap guys. I cant' believe its' almost done. I remember getting home from Nekocon last November, my head spinning with ideas and ambition, and here I am today, almost full circle.

I'd like to take a moment and thank all of my friends, and strangers on the interwebs, who have given me support, kind words, and constructive critiques for Kale over the last year. Without you guys I would have been in the dark and unable to reach my full potential. While this is my first comic issue, and is not perfect, I'm really proud of it and I'm looking forward to sharing it with everyone. Not to mention completing the entire story. At first I planned it as one bigger volume, but due to time it had to be cut in half. Now that I've rewritten a lot of it and am getting used to the pacing, I think it may become three issues in total. Here's hoping other people enjoy it as much as I have :)

Here is a sneak peek at the newest completed page:



Also me after finishing it.



Kale to do list:
+FINISH THE LAST PAGE YO!
+Kale logo/tweak and complete cover
+Scan pages
+Add text to pages
+Format pages
+Format and add 'Extra Content'
The 'extra content' is going to be drawings, doodles and concept art, the 5 page 'Snow of the Wilds' mini comic, some Kale Fanart, and character designs.

I also found out my Alencia wig arrived safely at my parent's house, so I get to play with that this weekend. I also need to finish my costume, and try to make her tunic/dress as canon as possible. I've been having trouble with the sleeves, hopefully I can get some fabric off of the 'skirt' to use for them. Otherwise she won't be 100% accurate but hopefully close enough for one con. I'm looking forward to my good friend Michelle cosplaying as Kale. I will be sure to spam this blog with photos from Nekocon when I get back from it. We're hoping to get some photo shoots done <3 I am excite.

I will return later with the last page and many words of excitement before I get back to work putting this baby together.
PEACE!