A look inside J.K.Studios -part 2 The Tour

In the last installment I talked about supplies I used and preferences, because that is a question I always have for other artists. In this installment, I'd like to address another curiosity, work environment.
Here's a look at mine.
Because the condo where my fiance and I reside is comparable in size to most walk in closets, I'm forced to rent studio space outside the home. I've found a space only 4 blocks from my home, so it's very convenient. I rent a 10' x 15' foot windowless room in Long Island City from Juvenal-Reis Studios.

I've provided a basic schematic and separated the basic components into 5 stations:


1.) Illustration Station: Were my studio a starship, this would be the bridge. This is the most important part of the studio and the place where about 80% of the work gets done. It's fairly simple; a 6' x 3' desk with a table top adjustable drafting table, a light box, an adjustable desk lamp and name plates from last years CGS Super Show 2010 and NYCC

2.) Computer Graphics Station: When pages are completed they need to be coloured and delivered to the editor. This is where I do the scanning, colour and colour adjust and finally FTP to the client server.(usually IDW)

3.) Fine/Graphic Arts Station: What you're looking at here is a work bench 1' deep and 8' long where I'll do any cutting, pasting, stapling, etc. that needs to be done. I usually uise this to make mockups or ashcan copies. Also, infront of this long work bench is an easel. Occasionally when I have the time, I enjoy painting in oils. An example of one of my oil pieces is hanging right behind the easel. more here.

4.) Cafenation Station: Since I spend more time here than I do at my "home", it's important to have food, coffee and the means to "prepare" it. It is wise to pay attention to friends and neighbours upgrading their appliances. Often times, the just want to get rid of their old stuff and you can wind up with free(though a bit dated and run down) appliances that are perfect for your studio or office. Coffee maker(actually purchased), microwave( thank you Monique) and a little fridge(Thank you neighbour in studio 212).

5.) Inspiration Station: And for reference material and entertainment, books, DVD's and CD's. The shelf on the bottom is reserved for portfolios and original paintings.

This concludes your tour of J.K.Studios. Thank you for coming and please come again.

You will be subject to search on your way out so now is a good time to put back what you've pilfered.

A look inside J.K.Studios -part 1

In the next 2 weeks, I'll be taking you inside the studio. sharing secrets and such. studio tour, what supplies I use, what techniques and so on...

Today, I'm going to talk about what I use.

INK
I'm not a rich man, and as a result, I've learned to use what's at hand or what's cheapest, but there are some things I won't compromise. and one of those things is ink. Speedball or nothing. Speedball isn't the easiest to find and its not the cheapest, but it leaves a rich solid black line. Nothing is worse for your line work than having to go back over a line more than once.

BRUSHES
are the other thing I can't afford to be cheap with. I only use real sable hair. I abuse my brushes and synthetics can't hold up. So I spend the extra cash on the finest pure red sables from Windsor & Newton. It cost about twice as much but lasts 5 times as long. so really I'm saving money.

GOUACHE
For the most part, the gouache is interchangable. but I generally use Windsor & Newton. Though I recently got some free samples of Holbein Artist's Gouache at NYCC and I may switch to that if its cheaper, since its just as good.

PAPER
Bristol Board and Watercolour Paper is interchangable for me though I prefer watercolour paper.

In a few days I'll be back to show you the work environment and after that and in depth look at my technique- from pencils to B&W watercolour to the digital colouring.

Fallen Angel:Return of the Son #1 - Available Now!

Fallen Angel:Return of the Son #1 is available here: http://tinyurl.com/2em84lo
and in your local comic book stores.
But J.K., what is this "Fallen Angel:Return of the Son #1" of which you speak?
glad you asked, find out here: http://tinyurl.com/2a8topt

Do you think your life would make an interesting graphic novel?

without a doubt! But then everyone probably thinks that huh?
I've had some adventures though. I've lived in 9 different cities here and in Europe, kicked a heroin addiction in the 90's(lots of stories there), brief period of exploration in the German S&M scene, gallery shows and tours, and eventually working in comics for BOOM, IDW, Marvel, IDW, DDP, Top Cow, Archaia, IDW. In that order so far.
The most extraodinary part of the story would probably be the massive cast of characters. I tend to switch cities every 2 years or so and have met alot of interesting people. I think my life story would serve as a small portal into the lives of thousands of more interesting characters.

Ask me anything

When reading an anthology do you hope for a specific theme or do you prefer a mixture of genres/voices?

a specific theme is nice sure, but in the end it just makes the anthology more "clever" and not necessarily more entertaining. What I do like is the same chandre (sp?). LIke a horror anythology or sci-fi anthology. I actually love horror anthologies having grown up on Crypt, Vault, etc. I'm actually doing a 8 page for a friend in an upcoming horror anthology that we'll be unveiling at CGS Super Show this year. It's created by Michael Colbert and Josh Finney and will be called Tales of the Supernatural. The story I'm working will be written by M.D.Koffin with whom I've worked in the past. I'm really excited about it!

Ask me anything

You have awesome taste in music. What are a dozen or so songs you can't get enough of right now?

This is going to be an extremely honest answer. I'm taking you literally in the "right now" part and will simply list some songs I'm currently or about to listen to.
Black Sabbath- Disturbing the Priest(I recently rediscovered the Born Again Album)
Buzzcocks cover of Lipstick
Circle Jerks -Wild in the Streets
Dash Rip Rock-Johnny Ace
OFF! Black Thoughts
Elton John - Rotten Peaches(Yeah I know! weird, right?)
Riverboat Gamblers-Last to Know
Street Dogs_Punk Rock-nRoll
Throw Rag-Bag of Glue
Stiff Little Fingers-Suspect Device
Bahaus-Rosegarden Funeral of Thorns(or whatever the hell the actual name is)
Youth Brigade -Sink with Kalifornia
I think that's a dozen.
o wait!
also Wasted Life by Stiff Little Fingers! I can't listen to that band without hearing this song too!
Oh and David Bowie-Sweet Thing/Candidate! As far as I'm concerned its 1 song divided into 2 tracks. Look at his live in Philidelphia album, it's actually 1 track on that, so Bowie himself supports this argument. and if you have any more doubt, just listen to it. it is clearly 1 song. Hear that jukebox people!! I'm tired of paying double for 1 song!! fix this!!

Ask me anything