penthousevagrant.

May, this one's for you baby!

2008-12-16T21:49:00.003+09:00

Yes I should be doing a little updating, it has been a while ( I think I went longer than Stevie Dean without posting anything).Work was going well in Japan and then I got an offer to go work for Animal Logic that I couldn't refuse, so my own stuff has pretty much been on the backburner all year.Looking to change that in the New Year but we'll see....
Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year to all!!!!!!

and no May you don't need to know Japanese to visit, it would help but the Japanese are a warm and giving people and will be more than happy to welcome your arse into their beautiful land.If you go in the next year you wont be able to surf my couch though, its in Syndey for the timebeing :(.

Cherry Blossom season

2008-03-30T03:40:00.002+09:00

Off to the park tomorrow to bask under the wafer thin petals of the delectable cherry blossom trees, with a band of miscreants and ne'er do wells.The perfect combination.

Quick sketch

2008-01-31T00:08:00.000+09:00

Work in Progress, pen sketch and colouring in Photoshop.
It snowed in Tokyo twice this week!

Tattoo

2008-01-21T00:37:00.000+09:00

A good friend of ours Rob asked Hiromi to design him a tatttoo based on the Japanese many tailed fox, a popular folklore god.

Tattooist Noriko is inking it tomorrow

I dare say it's gonna turn out prety grand.

And may 2008 be fruitful, successful and sensual for all.

Waterlollies

2007-10-31T03:52:00.000+09:00

We were treated to a sneak preview of Adam Phillips's Waterlollies a few days ago............holy shit! The shadows, BG's and and layouts were out of control even for Adam's high standards.
It will be released on his site in a day or so, se the link on the left.
In other news my Uniqlo shirt came in around the #37- mark at final tally to go to round two, so I got cut.
Thanks to you who voted!
As a consolation prize me n Hiromi just scored jobs at 'floor' a gaming company in Tokyo, so I can't resally complain.
Coming into winter again in Tokyo which reminds me how good home is this time of year.....bloody fantastic!

Uniqlo Japan UT Grand Prix 08

2007-10-02T23:56:00.000+09:00

One of my designs has been accepted into the 2008 Uniqlo design comp, and you can see it here
The voting system is set up as a random battle, which you can access over here hopefully my shirt pops up in your first few battles ( if not feel free to battle until it does :D )
There is a designers blog on the site too which I will be sure to fill with insightful commentary and witty banter.....

Cursed Ningyo

2007-09-25T13:22:00.000+09:00

Adam Parton from Square-i and his lovely wife Amanda have been getting up to mischief with us here in bonny Tokyo, and recently purchased 2 disturbing little dolls in Kyoto.
I dare say the dolls will murder us all in our sleep before the week is out, so we decided to go for a little photoshoot to mark the occasion.

Their cold, plastic shark eyes look a little hungry

One of several haunted temples 10 minutes walk from our house

Adam shying away from the dolls fierce glare, knowing that if he tries to run they will chase him down like midget hyenas

Adam ran

Luckily they got sidetracked by the lure of the vending machine, and we were able to mace them and put them back in their boxes.Safe for now...

Been here a year

2007-09-14T02:51:00.000+09:00

Been caught up in the mess of Yen, sake and good times.Personal vows have been written in blood to amend the bridges that may have been ripped asunder in the last 12 months, there will be...

Summer time

2007-08-17T00:27:00.001+09:00

It's summer time here in Tokyo, hot and sweaty but sure as hell beats winter.Here's a little colouring in project.Working on a cool anime pilot for Tokyo Movie at the moment, hopefully it gets picked up as the characters are old school designs and pretty different from the normal anime fare.Right, more beer!

the 300 simpsons trailer

2007-07-11T23:08:00.001+09:00

man this is sweet!

Drunken train sketching

2007-06-28T01:01:00.000+09:00

On the way home from the pub I was sketchin this dude on the train the other night and since he spied me in the act I gave him the sketches.He was kind enough to email me copies, plus a few happy snaps.Cheers to the Waseda Rugby Team!

One of his team mates

Japanese wedding

2007-06-18T03:40:00.000+09:00

Hiromi and I were invited to a relatives' wedding this weekend and in true Japanese form it had every base covered.There was a token foreigner priest spouting Christian rhetoric in terrible Japanese...

A chorus choir

And everyone was dressed in the prerequisite black and whites...including the mascot.

A strange custom was displayed where the bride and groom had to show everyone they did indeed give each other a ring..

Then we all walked across to the reception hall, and the limo brought the happy couple after.Maybe 20 metres distance all up

Once the photos started the panda got well into it

He was a pillar of decorum out the front

And continued to grease palms as we all moved indoors ...except he took his gloves off, mascot cardinal sin do not break the illusion...perhaps this was a sign of things to come

mmmm delicious nectar of the gods, but where the hell did he manage to pick up those brown stains?

Nothing like a good smoke after a drink

Jeez he must be buggered.All that excitement desrves a little rest.........

Lucky for him they decided to roll out the cross dressing nurse

Yeah go panda!

Marvlove

2007-06-15T01:14:00.000+09:00

The man who can wear anything scores some more magazine action, where's the hot pink baby!?

Sketch book

2007-06-12T02:29:00.000+09:00

a couple of pages from my sketch book

Ladies toilets

2007-05-23T21:37:00.000+09:00

Hiromi took these in the ladies toilets from the Bue Dragon, tiny photos but that big arse face wiggles towards you singing when you sit down for some quiet time.Nice.

Love this one, so much malice in those cold dead eyes!

One of these things is not like the others...

2007-05-21T22:03:00.000+09:00

Who's a pretty boy then ?

2007-05-02T16:13:00.000+09:00

A different colour pass on this geisha

Brotherly love

2007-04-13T11:23:00.000+09:00

My little brother Owen is a designer based in Switzerland, and is now freelancing after a four year stint at Scott.You can check his work out here.Below is a shot off his blog, very nice.

Here's a picture that's almost as nice, Shinjuku McDonalds at 5am.

Bloc Party

2007-03-15T03:17:00.000+09:00

Was very priveliged to catch Bloc Party in Shinkiba last week, amazing gig with absolutely brilliant sound.Saw TOOL a few weeks back in Odaiba in a 2,000 capacity room !? A rare and cherished moment.

This is a house of ill repute in Kabukijo, near where they shot a lot of ' Lost in Translation '

The urinal from a restaurant Hiromi felt I needed to go to.She was so right....as you expel ammonia and unused vitamins into its gaping maw, the demon cackles hysterically as its mouth swings hither and yon, and the papparazzi flash of the camera renders you champignonesque. The food was of a calibre worthy of a king, or any pretender to a throne for that matter..

Long time no post

2007-03-10T00:23:00.000+09:00

Apologies for the extended pause in communication, been furiously collecting yen recently, and haven't had much chance to do any artwork.Did these tonight though..

This was coloured last week or so..

On a less brighter note, I deleted a week of work by mistake from my film clip 'Fashion Monkey' ( another Mach Pelican hit ) when I was half asleep.Stupid!!

SundanceChannel

2007-01-30T12:54:00.000+09:00

Sorry for the long silence,it's cold here and my numb little digits can't type ;) . SundanceChannel recently got 6 animators to make films for them with an environmental theme , and I was one of them.You can check the films out here.I made the whole thing (3mins) in 4 days though so don't expect much animation wise.I'm very happy with the story and voices though, Cheers to Skye and Rob for the voice talent.
On a completely unrelated note, here's a man who built himself a robot that I met before christmas.

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-26T02:33:00.000+09:00

Hope you are all safe n well.

stuff

2006-12-20T03:45:00.000+09:00

Been hell busy lately so here's a bit o' this

and a bit o' that

kumoguma in japanese means spider bear, the polar bear is from an idea I was boarding the other night.bears bears bears...they live to give

Friendly Salaryman

2006-12-06T14:17:00.000+09:00

When requested to take a photo for us, this fine gentleman threw down some sumo moves and did several pelvic gyrations that would have made Elvis weep with pride

Pantone pens

2006-12-04T14:21:00.000+09:00

For some reason I've never tried to use pantone pens before, even though I had a few as gifts from wise friends. Here's my first two attempts at using them (I'm totally hooked on them now too.Props to Adz and the sweet sweet Manchile!)

10,000 steps

2006-11-29T05:02:00.000+09:00

Sketch of 158 n Pinkymouse, the sword dead on to camera ain't really working...

1000 reasons for artists to visit Japan: 1.Shimokitazawa and the trouble peach

2006-11-28T00:00:00.000+09:00

Living in Tokyo there seems to be composition, inspiration and weirdness around every corner, so I thought it might be good to compile a list of reasons to visit.This isn't an order from best to worst, 1000 just seemed like a good solid number....so anyway, Shimokitazawa is one of the more bohemian parts of Tokyo, and is full of bars like the trouble peach

Their long islands are pretty good,their music is great (all VINYL classic rock) and they are open till morning...but the best part has to be the coaster/matches combo

Pure gold.And here's a good friend of mine Joe outside Hair Guts

Nice.

Monks of Dave

2006-11-27T23:54:00.000+09:00

Another sketch for MoD, this is the interior of the observatory.Super wonky wine affected perspective, but to be honest I kinda like it...plus I'm too lazy to be bothered doing it right ;)

keitai pic

2006-11-22T12:42:00.000+09:00

Took this walking home last night with my phone camera, I like it...

Adam Phillips Shorts Festival

2006-11-22T12:29:00.000+09:00

Adam Phillips, creator of the mighty Brackenwood series, a good friend of mine and possibly the most obsessive workaholic I've ever met, gave himself a challenge to produce one short a day for thirty days.The results are posted on his site oohbitey.com and are GOLD!

Monks of Dave

2006-11-17T03:32:00.000+09:00

Monks of Dave is a film I've been slowly toying with for a few years,and I'm finally trying to get it from idea stage to tangible (sellable ;)) project stage.Here are a few inspiration sketches I've come up with so far...ignore the crappy perspective,I was more after the look of the shot than anything else.
The premise of the story is basically pinocchio-esque,and builds from how parents try to mould their children into what they themselves could never become.

First is the castle the family live in

Next is the main character Dave and his mother,who is teaching him about eggs.Dave is a giant genetically modified boy with superhuman strength,but the mind of an innocent child.

And this is Dave finally learning how to hold an egg.During the first act he has no control over his strength and basically destroys all that he touches,so this is a big moment for him and his mum.

The Simpsons movie

2006-11-15T02:43:00.000+09:00

If you haven't seen the Simpsons' movie trailer click here
This is gold! Simpsons humour with solid camera moves and singles that work! Yeah baby! And ya gotta love the opening 3D shot ('specially if your not jumpin the 3D bandwagon ;) )

Keitai oddities

2006-11-14T00:30:00.000+09:00

Keitai means mobile phone in Japanese.Here are some pictures from mine...
First is a Yakuza guy ( the one in the pink shirt and sweater vest... ) getting busted by about 50 cops near my house,This was the most polite swat team deployment I have ever witnessed,nobody even raised their voice

Next is a girl who I met near work ( in Shinjuku ) as she was taking her two monkeys that cost 6 grand U.S. each for their daily stroll ( the other one is climbing my friend Imari)

These two women were in their mid 40's,and possibly the uglest women I have met in Japan,hence the front view will not be seen here.

And this sign was in the 7-11 toilet,requesting not to steal the toilet paper....or it will cry

It's getting way cold here real fast,but on the good side, Design Festa is in December. Click here for details

BLOJOB

2006-10-28T23:08:00.000+09:00

Kev Peaty,my ex Director and life long mentor,is apparently almost finished with his latest opus...Blojob.This will become THE definitive flash film when it comes to using traditional cinema staging and language(and I still haven't seen the final cut ;) ).Soon as it's done will post a link.
Also,this is Hiromi's first real voice gig,and what a sensational debut it is!but you know I'm gonna say that she's me wife ;)..........

Dominik Bulka

2006-10-20T15:23:00.000+09:00

Saw this gentlemans' work on threadless a while back,awesome style and executed with confidence.I think he's still in art school.
To be young AND talented,ahhh the world is truly your oyster...keep it up Dominik!

You can check his portfoliohere
On the home front,we finally have internet and will post some images of our new place soon.

Good morning Tokyo

2006-09-29T23:44:00.000+09:00

We have been in Tokyo for around 3 weeks now,and finally moved into a very cool,traditional style japanese house (tatami floors,shoji screens etc).Will post pictures soon,as we are still relatively incommunicado, with no phone,mobile or internet.
The food around here is amazing,and cheaper than Sydney,and the service is as always,excellent!
Customs here are kinda odd,as they let us pick up our bags by ourselves and drive them from the port to customs(my stuff was all torn open and they didn't bat an eyelid).
And in the customs office itself they have a box full of every kind of drug you can imagine,just sitting on the reception desk,a little bento box of trouble,so the officers can identify them.
I love this place!

Toshi has posted our film clip on Youtube,you can view it

here

ANIMANATION!

2006-09-11T01:19:00.000+09:00

158 & Pinkymouse in "Radio" ,has been posted up at Newgrounds:
RADIO link
Mosey on over there and check it out,if it takes your fancy...maybe even throw us a vote :)

Cheers to Murhpy, co-collaborator , and Hiromi for production skills.

Swiss Cheddar Vendetta Beretta

2006-09-08T02:05:00.000+09:00

I've got a design up at Threadless .Go vote for me! please.

"I do eat peoples and meats"

2006-09-02T11:29:00.000+09:00

Saw this on YouTube as I ate my breakfast today.This kid has skills!
shark animation
Hes got a follow up too,which is even creepier.It's like the shark is hitting on you,but with a severe facial tick.Brilliant!

3 Cheers for Aardman

2006-08-29T16:22:00.000+09:00

The kind folks at Aardman Studios (creators of Wallace & Gromit)have invited me to submit artwork for an upcoming exhibition they are putting together.
Here is the teaser poster for a TV series me n Adam Murphy are putting together,which will be on display:

Many thanks to Alexs,Katie and Sarah for getting me involved.
Still moored in Sydney as we iron out a few visa issues so Hiromi can return.Spring is just around the corner,water is getting warmer,and we're leavin'...........damn.

PIRATE TREASURE

2006-08-17T23:06:00.000+09:00

Here are most of the T's from our first collection.
Everything on these premium quality shirts is custom .From the 50's era, 100% cotton, slim fit cut; to the slik screen printing; down to the washtags, no stone has been left unturned.
Lovingly crafted in my homeland, Australia.

Fly my pretties...

Close up of Test Tube - black colourway logos

Test Tube - white colourway

Stumpy Bunny - white colourway

Stumpy Bunny - black colourway

Rabbit of Death - white colourway

Rabbit of Death - black colourway

penthousevagrant. Type Logo - black colourway only

Monks of Dave - white colourway

Monks of Dave - black colourway

Love is Stronger - white colourway only

Green Monster - white colourway

Green Monster - black colourway

FireBoy - white colourway

will post the rest soon....

So Many Sayonaras

2006-08-16T23:04:00.000+09:00

With a week to go before we take off for Tokyo,pretty much every night has been a river of wine and goodbyes.
Had a great farewell party at Kev Peaty,my ex Directors' place, last Saturday.Kev has been making his own animated films for years,you can see many of them at Funnyazhell, and we were given a sneak preview of his new film "Blojob" at the party.
Blojob is a James Bond parody that will blow your mind.
This film is friggin amazing,and will redefine what people think is possible with Flash.
I don't have an image of it,so here's Kevs' wife Lianne(who is also a freak animator),and their son Jim,checking out the new skeleton they just bought.

Then as I rose Sunday morning, with my brain beating softly against my skull,my brother dropped these two puppies in my lap.

Pure magic.My brother is the lead shaper at Chilli surfboards( besides Chilli),and in his spare time runs his own label called IEL(name is changing from IEL to DAN.CO pretty soon - soon as I finish his damn logos...)
These fat little babies were custom made for the less than beefy waves Japan will be serving up 90% of the time.
Check the fins on this thing.

Yesterday we received the first shipment of T shirts for penthousevagrant..All I can say is they look,well,magnificent.After all this planning and preparation,to finally hold the fruit of our endeavours was a magical thing.Have some business to attend to tomorrow,then I'll post the whole collection sometime in the arvo.

Sydney is VERY cold right now....

2006-08-05T02:12:00.000+09:00

Just returned home from a "business meeting" to discuss the way forward for penthousevagrant. (nothing says business like 1/2 dozen bottles of red wine.....BUSINESS!!).
We are still waiting on the first shipment of le goods,but as my suppliers assure me,twill be soon...I hope so.
We are off to Tokyo to set up shop in a week,and a shop with no stock is ...an office!
Found out from the Irish embassy yesterday they consider me one of their own through my Dad's heritage,and a passport will be in the mail postehaste! Viva la Irish!
.

breaking my blog virginty

2006-07-27T17:30:00.000+09:00

time for some random rambling......soon