Martin Murtonen's Posts

SUGGESTIONS WANTED: How to make a Culture Neutral Character...

Posted by Martin Murtonen on May 13, 2011 at 7:54am

Ok Gents and Ladies,

Our uber-secret public project which is really not a secret is almost upon us - BUT I have one teeny tiny issue. How to create culturally neutral characters? Is this even possible? Do we even dare?

Options:

1. Give them brownish skin?

2. Avoid any really specific hair colors like red or yellow and stick to browns and blacks?

3. Beard? No beard?Gotee?

4. Ambiguity in facial features? Or should they be more specific?

5. Clothing? Are T-Shirts universal? What about shorts? Any type of shoes?

6. What if the side characters are Ranch Hands? Are ranchers different in different parts of the world?

SUGGESTIONS ARE WELCOME!

Anyone know how to make really "Drippy" brushes in Corel Painter?

Posted by Martin Murtonen on May 12, 2011 at 2:14pm

I've been trying to figure out how to do this forever:

1. Convincing splatter in Painter

2. Dry Brush for inking in Painter

3. Really messy brushes that have random splots and splurts...

If anyone has suggestions, I'm all ears.

Serenity Fan Art Sketch Doodles...

Posted by Martin Murtonen on December 15, 2010 at 10:11pm

Decided to do a little bit of Snokie/Serenity sketch stuff. Probably going to do a bunch of "Fan" sketches of other peeps stuff. Hope you like, with broken physiology and all.

I really learned to appreciate what the original artist did on this series maintaining character. Though there are some drawing issues in the first book, the artist did a fantastic job of being consistent with character features. The character Kimberly is a tough nut to crack in order to make her look right. Extremely subtle nuances make or break that character - and I still haven't figured her out. Will try again.

One other thing I quickly learned to appreciate: THE ARTIST GIVES THE CHARACTERS NEW CLOTHES ALL THE TIME! Never wear the same thing from day to day. WOW. I don't think I've ever seen that in a comic series. Or at least not obviously. And they're real fashions that exist.

If you aren't aware - you can grab your Serenity here: http://snokiestories.com/

The story telling in it is top notch, and though I'm not a teenage girl, I think it is rather compelling reading.

Let me help you package your comic! First 3 people FREE!

Posted by Martin Murtonen on November 24, 2010 at 12:00pm

Hi all here at CCAS. I'm offering to the first 3 people who have a product ready for market FREE PACKAGING/Design services for your COMIC.

I'm tired of seeing poorly displayed Christian comics. There's nothing more off putting than someone who has worked so hard to make their product, and it looks like someone sneezed on the cover.

So if you're sick of seeing: Bad/Clashing color choices, terrible font choices, bad layout, titles that can't be read or blend into the cover, and poor branding on Christian comics, and you want your stuff (at least your cover) to look good - get in touch.

Visit my website at: http://www.ihorace.com to see my work and get in touch.

This offer is good only for independents or individuals (i.e. Bob Luedke/Head Press = YES; Zondervan = NO). If you are a major publisher, then we can talk nickels and cents.

This will be a little bit like a "Take it or Leave it" scenario, since I am offering services for free - but that does not mean diminished quality, nor does it mean I can be walked all over.

I will offer my services, we will discuss what's needed, and I will provide that for you. If happy, you can use it yay! If not, ok we tried.

Things that will be done for you:

Either font choice or text treatment/Logo design for the title of your book
Layout of title with your company insignia.
Placement of any additional cover text - front and back
Placement of any additional text inside front cover or back
Placement of any additional graphics.
Will make suggestions or branding choices to help you look like you and not someone else on the market.
Help you look classy AND READABLE

Cheers!

Martin

WANTED: Adobe InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop Jack of All trades

Posted by Martin Murtonen on October 29, 2010 at 5:09am

Hi guys and gals,

I'm beginning to be inundated with work! What a blessing to have. The issue is, I'm starting to turn down work because I can't take on the projects - but would love to take them on but I need extra hands.

SO - Is there anyone out there who has layout and design skills who would be willing to work on a per contract basis - and potentially be on retainer for as needed projects?

MUST KNOW: InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.

You will be a good fit if:

You've done chapter book layout
Magazine design or layout
Spot illustrations
You know what "Grids" are
You love line-heights, kerning, and beautiful typography

Visit my website at http://www.ihorace.com and when you find my e-mail shoot me a letter of interest telling me of your experience and a link to your portfolio. DO NOT send any attachments unless requested.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Martin of iHorace media

The Bug Stops Here Comic Now Available for Download...

Posted by Martin Murtonen on September 25, 2009 at 2:50pm

I promised everyone when the comic was ready to download I would post a link to the .pdf So here it is: www.thebugstopshere.ca The link will take you to a page that will allow you to download the full comic. It's a story of a little girl who's Grandmother contracts an infectious disease at the hospital...it then discusses the importance of hand washing in these instances. The "Bug Fight" was my favorite part to illustrate. A brief explanation of the process is also posted on my website: www.ihorace.com Take a look. This comic can be adapted for other things.

Getting Published...A comic book about washing hands of all things...

Posted by Martin Murtonen on September 15, 2009 at 5:55pm

Hey all! Been kicking around some of your sites and looking at your work - some interesting stuff. I've been working on a project for the last few weeks and it's finally done. Can't say it has much to do with Faith, but it does touch on an important topic - hand washing!Anyway, a story about it made the local paper of the city it's being published in, and the official launch is next week Wednesday (Sept. 23, 2009) I'll provide a link to the downloadable .pdf when it's available The cover is available for viewing with the article here: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1752589If anyone would like help with their projects get in touch. www.ihorace.comKeep up the good work everybody.Martin

Been A While - Available for projects...

Posted by Martin Murtonen on August 1, 2009 at 10:25am

It's been a while since I've been around these parts. It looks like some of you had fund at the San Diego Comic Con... been dying to go for years... just never been able to. One day...Any way, just letting you know I'm available for projects. My Cintiq needs a good work out. Can do the whole nine yards if needed. (Pencils, Inks Colors, Digital Lettering, Layout, Design, character creation, book packaging, branding, etc.)Visit my site at: http://www.ihorace.comAnyone out there been putting out some new nifty projects? Toss a link to it at the bottom of this post, I'd love to see what's new on the market.

Hello CCAS,

Posted by Martin Murtonen on May 19, 2009 at 7:33am

Hi I'm new here and looking around. I'm an illustrator/designer who loves reading and creating comics. Recently was published in "Hello World! Computer Programming for Kids and Other Beginners" by ManningI'm glad to find a forum like this, and will be interested in seeing how I can be of service. Thanks for the warm welcome Scott.Martin