The art of Will Terrell

I'm MOVING!!! Visit me at www.willterrell.com

2009-03-03T20:21:00.000-08:00

I am leaving blogger. Its been swell... but the swellings gone now. My blog is now on my website at www.willterrell.com with lots of juicy posty goodness! -Will

Figure Drawing

2009-01-21T20:11:00.001-08:00

We had several artists drive in from Big Spring for the figure drawing group tonight. That's wild! I continued this week with sketching with prisma colors on butcher paper. I'm really having fun with the colors. Although I tend to focus less on the figure when I'm doing that. I'm also letting my caricature instincts come out more this time around with the group. I was always trying to restrain myself to realistic figure drawing but that's just not natural for me. And I don't have the proper instruction around these parts to get to where I want to go with that. So this is the next best thing and its definitely been a lot of fun. Here is a link to one of the nights drawings.

Figure Drawing

2009-01-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Back into figure drawing. Its' been about 3 months since the Sketch Club figure drawing group has met. So its nice to be back. I missed last week but I hear it was good. This week we had Steve as our model, he was dressed in a kilt with bagpipes. He was fun to draw. I wanted to try something different so I drew on brown paper with prismacolor pencils. I was not expecting to use as many colors as I did but I really like the results. Definitely something to try again. If you're interested in coming out to the figure drawing group or modeling for us, we meet Wednesdays from 6:30 - 9:00 at the Garden and Arts center. You can contact Robert Garza at super1701b@gmail.com for more information. -Will

HULK Can't DRAW STICK FIGURES!!!

2009-01-09T09:15:00.000-08:00

You ever have one of those days. Where you can't even draw stick figures. Hulk is having one of those days. Poor Hulk.

SketchClub January Events!

2008-12-29T20:01:00.001-08:00

It's another great year with the Lubbock SketchClub. As we enter our third year we have a lot of our regular goodness, plus some all new awesomeness in store. Here are a few highlites for January!

FIRST FRIDAY ART TRAIL

"Freedom of Expression" Art Show - Local artists showing off their unique styles in one show from 6 - 9 pm, THIS FRIDAY!!! Where: Stray Dog Gallery 1917 Buddy Holly Ave. For more information, please contact Jenn Adkins at bakkacreative AT gmail DOT com

FIGURE DRAWING GROUP

The Sketch Club figure drawing group is back and we will be meeting NEXT Wednesday (Jan 7) at the garden and arts center 6:30 til 9:00. Cost is $7.00 per artist. These sessions consist of several quick warm-up poses, some 5 minute poses, ending in a few longer poses. Also we will be alternating between nude and clothed/costumed models from week to week. If you have any questions please contact Robert Garza super1701b AT gmail DOT com
SKETCH NIGHTS

There's nothing quite like drawing with friends. If its been a while since you've felt inspired or just had fun drawing? Come out to the sketch night and get in on the creativity! It's free! Just bring your sketchbooks, pencils and an attitude of fun! Join us every Saturday from 7-10pm at Freebirds World Burrito at 4930 S. Loop 289!
STAPLE

If you are planning to attend STAPLE in Austin as an exhibitor in March, it is important that you put in your application as soon as possible. Prices go up on the tables January 31st, and it was about this time last year that the tables sold out. So get in now! I've bought a table for myself and Amber, as well as to promote Lubbock's own comic book Expo - coming Saturday May 2nd, 2009!!! If you would like to find out more about STAPLE, visit their website here... http://www.staple-austin.org

STORE SIGNING and ABILENE SKETCHCLUB

I will be doing a guest artist signing at Premiere Comics in Abilene TX (3458 Catclaw Dr.) Thursday January 22nd. I'll also be hanging out with the Abilene Sketch Club that evening if you're in that area and want to drop by. I hear they have a great group going in Abilene, and I'm looking forward to checking it out. If you've been wanting to give it a try, this will be a great chance for you to get into the mix. www.myspace.com/abilenesketchclub
AS ALWAYS...

Visit our website for more information!
www.elsketchoclubo.com

Keep smiling!

-Will Terrell

Dancers

2008-12-24T01:16:00.000-08:00

This was my lunchtime sketch today. I was in a flamenco dancer kind of mood. Although the girl in the bottom corner ended up being a belly dancer. These were fun. I love dancers.

-Will

Monster sketches

2008-12-16T23:12:00.001-08:00

Here's some quick little monsters for you. I got the idea to do these from one of Bobby Chiu's inspirational videos. The first couple ones are his little monsters and then I went on and tried a few of my own. These were a lot of fun and I'll prolly keep doing more of them. Each one took about 10 minutes in photoshop.

Here's the video...
-Will

ps. it's really bugging me how blogger doesn't reduce these images down to thumbnails anymore. I think I'm supposed to upgrade or something. I'm working on a new website anyways. You'll see this change in the next couple of weeks. Keep an eye out!

Stormtrooper

2008-12-14T19:14:00.000-08:00

This was a quick stormtrooper sketch done with marker, pen and white out.
-Will

Mike Leach - Mad Scientist Shirt

2008-12-12T00:17:00.000-08:00

I have a new shirt out this week from Red Raider Outf itter . Here's hoping he sticks around. I REALLY love how this shirt turned out. This is the first time we've been able to get that airbrush type of screen print to work. Not quite sure how we did it, just that we did. I'm much stronger at Photoshop, so its been frustrating not being able to use that skill. Here's hoping we can do a lot more now. Here's praying also that Leach sticks around.

-Will

Demon Cloud digital sketch

2008-12-11T23:40:00.000-08:00

One of my absolute favorite artists in this world is a French artist that goes by the name Bengal. I love his colors and I am completely in love with the way he draws women. So much personality!

Anyways, I always told myself when I started getting better at color and digital painting that I would try and reproduce some of his drawings. I just love how eccentric his colors are - So spontaneous and free.

I took a stab at this one, though I don't think it was successful. I like what was going on in her right thigh there, and some of whats going on in her face. But overall I wasn't happy with this. Especially with her hammy feet. I really need to get back to a figure drawing group. I did have fun with this though. I may try a few more Bengal sketches this weekend.

-Will

Cat Girl Digital painting

2008-12-10T21:03:00.000-08:00

I think I found this photo on Deviant art a few years ago. I really don't have much to say other than that. Its been a challenging couple of weeks and I'm working on getting back into a creative spirit. This painting turned out well I think. It's prolly my best digital painting to date. I'm getting a lot better about softening up on my colors and I'm getting comfortable with using subtleties. Then again I'm talking about a naked girl with bits of fur. How subtle can you get?

Developmentally Challenged Shark

2008-11-30T22:16:00.000-08:00

I found this sketch on my hard drive today when i was reorganizing things. Back in my Seaworld days when things were slow, me and the other cartoonists would have contests to pass the time. If I remember right this was part of the "Who can draw the meanest Dolphin/Cutest Shark" contest between me and a couple of other guys.

Anyways, I thought I'd color this one up and try doing an underwater scene.

-Will

Pigasus

2008-11-29T22:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes when I'm in a funk artistically I'll reproduce sketches from other artists to try something different. I don't remember who this artist was but I've had this image on my hard drive for several years. I thought it was really well done and I wish I could give them credit (this is why I always try to sign my art). Anyways, I think my rendering is getting better. Mine is the one at the bottom with the yellow glow.

-Will

Grumpty Dumpty

2008-11-27T21:57:00.001-08:00

I know he doesn't really look grumpty, but it was the name that popped into my head when I scanned this in. Amber was drawing a... round man tonight when we were sketching, so of course I wanted to see what I could do. This is all sketched with ballpoint pen and then I went back with some ink washes. That's why it looks a little weird and a little creepy if you were wondering. I tried to use all my mistakes and turn them into part of the image. Meh. What do you guys think? -Will

Spiderman

2008-11-25T21:25:00.000-08:00

I finally did a Spiderman sketch that I actually like! I always seem to get hung up on the anatomy instead of the personality. This time I worked out all the bugs with light pencil sketches and then inked it up. I'm happy with how this one turned out. If I was Spiderman this is how I would eat fast food. Of course, if I were Spiderman I would be pretty much screwed living in West Texas. Not much to swing from except water towers, wind mills and streetlamps. Although there are a superb amount of churches from which I could perch and brood.

-Will

Xmas Monsters

2008-11-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

My lovely girlfriend Amber and I go sketch pretty often together. I feel really lucky to have someone as awesome as her to hang around with, let alone draw silly cartoons with. Tonight we did some holiday themed monster sketches for the Strathmore "artist trading card" project. You mail off some sketches done on their trading cards and someone somewhere will send you one of theres. These are our monstrous attempts.

-Will

Rock - A - BYE - Baylor

2008-11-21T23:54:00.000-08:00

BAYLOR vs. TTU gameday shirt

The line at the bottom of this shirt originally read "Another chapter in the Texas Tech 2008 STORYBOOK season." We... decided to change that after the OH SO painful OU game this past weekend. Yeah, that one really hurt.

That aside, I think this is one of my favorite shirt designs so far. Its also the first shirt I came up with entirely myself. I hope I get the chance to do some more this season. (GO OSU!!! Beat the $@*! out of OU this weekend!) I've said it before, but I'm really enjoying drawing these characters I remember reading when I was a kid visiting my grandparents here in West Texas.

-Will

Speechering

2008-11-12T22:55:00.000-08:00

I remember a time when I would go weeks without accomplishing anything of any importance. Often, those times were filled with mindless TV, internet, eating and over-sleeping. Those days seem like a distant memory now. Its so strange to think about. I was just wondering about how busy things have gotten for me this year and how it seems to be non-stop. When it seems to get to be too much I remind myself of how empty those lazy days were, and how hollow my life seemed. I would take this life over that one any day.

Anyways, this has been a very busy month so far. Today was no different. I was asked a while back if I could speak to a class at the university. In the past year I've spoken to High schools, Jr, Highs, elementary schools, community groups and even churches. But speaking at the University today was the most people I've ever spoken to at once. I had a lot of fun. Since it was in a big auditorium I got to do the whole slide show thing, which was cool. It made me feel like I might actually have something important to say. Because I need more fuel for my already inflated ego. I'd have to say one of the more unusual experiences was showing the blackout TV commercial I animated a few weeks back and hearing an entire audience of people laugh at the same time. It caught me off guard and I suddenly wanted to do it again. I'm apparently now a laugh addict.

You never know how a speech will go over with people. In this case there were ZERO artists in the room, which was unexpected, and I quickly had to shift gears to adjust. But for whatever reason they seemed to enjoy it. My friend in the class said he thinks it was the best presentation they've had all year. And the teacher said its the first time everyone stayed till the end of class, lol. That might have more to do with me sketching a quick cartoon of their teacher at the end of the class though than me yammering on about myself. I did have fun though. I think I'm starting to get the hang of it now. At least I can get a room full of people to laugh on purpose now instead of just when I'm an idiot.

Here's to doing things on purpose!

-Will

Wizard World Texas - 2008 - Convention Report

2008-11-12T22:33:00.000-08:00

I had a great time at Wizard World Texas as always. I got to share a table with my girlfriend and she was absolutely amazing. She sold out almost all of her Sock critter creations. The best part was at the very end after we packed up, she only had a handful left and someone stopped her in the hall saying he really wanted to buy them before she left. So he bought nearly all of them! I'm very proud of her.

I personally had a lot of good stuff this show too. I got to meet a ton of artists. I met Will Hughes who does a great Pirate comic called SheBuccaneer. I've had an affinity for comics about hot pirate chicks ever since my early attempts at such a comics a few years back. This one is done far better than I could have ever hoped to do. Great dialogue and solid stories with good characters and gorgeous art. I can't recommend it highly enough. Also this show, for some reason, I was on an original art kick - purchasing original art from nearly a dozen different artists. It's a great way of getting to know people too. I also sold a lot of stuff - selling out of my goblin chronicles books the first day and having to buy up another 25 copies or so from my publisher at the convention just to keep up with demand. My preview book did alright too, especially considering it was mostly a sketchbook. I'm excited by the response so far though. Overall it was a good show, and it basically paid for itself.

The convention was well represented by Lubbock people. I was stoked to see everyone. It feels like the Lubbock comic community is inching closer and closer to a wide spread outbreak of talent on the industry. It feels inevitable now.

My absolute favorite part of the show though was getting to sit next to Matt Wagner the whole weekend. Matt, if you dont' know, is the creator of several amazing comic book series, Mage, Grendal and currently working on Batman and Zorro. I feel like a really lucky person - last year I sat next to Humberto Ramos, and then Michael Golden. This year was just as awesome. I'm not gonna say we're pals or anything. But being able to watch someone work, and ask them questions over a period of time is an invaluable experience and I am very grateful for it.

As an artist I am always interested in hearing the stories of successful artists that have come before me. For Matt, he said his start came in college. The most valuable break through experience was going to an art school in Philadelphia. Not necessarily for the school, but because he got the opportunity to work for the school publication as a graphic designer. He would come in twice a week on print deadline days, and he would fill in spot illustrations everywhere they were needed in the paper, and he'd have to stay until they were all complete, no matter how long it took, no matter how much he didn't want to draw what he was asked to draw. That taught him to meet deadlines, and to push through challenging material.

The next big break came when he met a group of artists in that same school who dropped out the year before him to form the comic book company Comico. He soon dropped out himself and joined them in his first forays into creator owned comic books. I'd read previously that he spent that first year as a submissions editor for them, and that helped him to see what editors did and didn't want to see from artists. Not to mention, the invaluable experience of getting to work with other artists on a regular basis.

But the number one thing he said that has helped him grow as an artist, is seeing his work in print. You can draw a jacked-up hand and be ok with it. But when you have to see it in print in 10,000 copies, you never ever want to draw a jacked-up hand again. After producing hundreds, if not thousands of comic books over his career, seeing every little mistake and deciding never to repeat it, has led him to the highly refined, stylized drawings that he does today. There's no magic to it. No single epiphany. Its making mistakes over and over until you find yourself with something you enjoy every time.

To top it off though, at the end of the last day I spent about 30 minutes watching him do this gorgeous little batman sketch as he talked to people at his table. I was marveling at how simple he kept it. So meticulous, thought-out, and uncomplicated. It made me think that maybe its time I start to focus more on that quality, than speed and quantity. Then he packed up his stuff, stood up and HANDED ME THE SKETCH!! ...said he had a good time, then left. I was a little dumbstruck

So, it was a great show. Thanks to everyone that came by my table at this show! There are a few more photos in my myspace photo album. Next up is STAPLE in March.

-Will Terrell

Texas Tech vs OU gameday shirt

2008-11-12T22:07:00.000-08:00

I designed a new shirt for Red Raider Outfitter. I am pretty happy with this one. I hope it does well. And I hope we kick ass in the game. All the way to the National Championships! You can order the shirts HERE if you're interested.

On a side note... my girlfriend was telling me tonight that the t-shirt shop she works for keeps bringing her shirts I helped design, asking her to recreate them. Lol. Wait till they see whats next!

-Will

Wizard World Texas - 2008

2008-11-05T16:46:00.000-08:00

I will be at wizard world Texas in Arlington Texas this weekend, Nov 7-9. I will be at table 2940 in artist alley with my girlfriend Amber, who is selling her awesome socksters. I'm putting together a preview book for my new comic book series. This is a convention exclusive. See you there! -Will Terrell

Names and Numbers ad

2008-11-02T18:06:00.001-08:00

I did this illustration the other night for a Heating/Ac company ad for the phone book. I like to imagine them all riding around in the back of that truck day in and day out, urgently waiting for the call. It's like the A-team, without all the drama.

If you need an illustration you can contact me at william_terrell AT hotmail dot com. To find me, apparently this client had to talk to more than a dozen people, whom all recommended me but didn't remember my email. Maybe I should make a phone book ad of me running out of the back of a truck to urgently do caricatures? I would of course be B.A Baracas, only white, and more round. I've been wondering what I'd look like covered in gold chains.

-Will

Novacon

2008-10-31T20:15:00.000-07:00

I will have a table at Novacon tomorrow. Stop by and say Hi! Here's some more info about the event...

"Are you an artist, like art, or just like to have fun? Then come out to Novacon, Lubbock’s Artstravaganza, this Saturday, November 1st at the Garden and Arts Center from 9-5. There will be painting, sculpture, storytelling, poetry, comic books, anime, and lots more. You can even make your Halloween costume happy by wearing it for one more day before it gets put in the back of the closet.

Tickets are an amazingly cheap $5 per person and children under 12 get in free. For more info check out www.novacon2008.blogspot.com. See you there!"

--Will

Glorianna: The Raid - Comic Now online!

2008-10-31T07:54:00.000-07:00

I drew this comic Glorianna: The Raid several years ago for my friend J. Kevin Carrier, a really great guy and one of the best small pressers around. He's been coloring the pages and uploading them to his WEBCOMIC SITE the last month or so and the story just wrapped up. Make sure to swing by and check them out! Scroll to the bottom and click NEXT to go through the story and many more by other contributors.

-Will Terrell

I animated a TV COMMERCIAL

2008-10-16T17:09:00.000-07:00

I only had a few days to work on it... and I've never used Flash before in my life... but I'm pretty happy with it. Its supposed to start airing locally next week on NBC and ABC leading up to the Texas Tech University VS. Texas football game November 1st.

Oh yeah... I also designed the T-shirt, with the help of the girl I work with. I am REALLy happy with how that turned out!

-Will

Look Up in the Sky!

2008-10-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

So I was driving along university Ave in Lubbock the other day, and I look up at one of those new digital billboards and I see this...

My new t-shirt design for Red Raider Outfitter!!! I think I squealed a little bit. Stoked! It's the "road trip" shirt for the Texas Tech VS. A&M game this weekend. Its my first T-shirt for Outfitter and its the first time I've ever seen my art on a billboard. All kinds of awesomeness. It looks like the shirt is doing really well too! I'm excited.

The next one is going to be a knock-out. Not to mention, it will be tied in with another first for me... an ANIMATED TV commercial!!! I'll let ya'll know more about it as soon as I do!

-Will

Cavegirl

2008-10-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

Here's a drawing I did for someone this weekend. I just really like drawing cavegirls. i don't know what that Lizard thing is supposed to be though.

--Will

Ron Roberts Caricature

2008-10-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a lot of caricature commissions lately. This is one of Ron Roberts one of our local weather guys. Someone commissioned it for his birthday, I hope he liked it. Interesting side note, when I moved to Lubbock my senior year of HS, we only had three people come to talk to our graduating class about careers; the cops, the marines, and Ron Roberts. So for about 2 minutes I considered a career as a weather caster. Hmmmm.... maybe I should look into that again?

-Will Terrell

Ps. Here's the initial pencil sketch too, I was really happy with it...

Cave woman sketch

2008-09-28T20:03:00.000-07:00

I was about to throw this sketch away yesterday when I decided I'd either ruin it with ink first or come up with something someone might want to buy some day. Its some where in between at least, but I like it. She looks like she just woke up from a nice nap. I could use a really nice nap right now.

-Will

Texas Tech Pirate Hat

2008-09-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

I started working as a graphic designer about 3 months ago for a local company called Red Raider Outfitter that does licensing stuff for Texas Tech University. I really like it. I get challenged a lot, and get to work with another really great artist, and really good people. One of the very first designs I did for them was a Pirate Hat for Mike Leach the Texas Tech football coach. He's apparently really into pirates. The hat just came in last week and I'm really digging it. We put it online a couple nights ago too if any of you want to pick up your own Pirate HAT

-Will Terrell

Lubbock SketchClub in the News

2008-09-12T07:00:00.001-07:00

Have you read the news today?

The sketchclub is featured in an article today in the Living section the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Check out the article HERE, and be sure to pick up a copy or twenty for your friends and family. Our thanks to Bobby Wilson for doing such a great article for us. Can anyone rock more?!

-Will

Old Man - Digital Painting

2008-08-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

I've been feeling particularly creative lately, especially with digital painting, I've really been enjoying it, and I'm inching closer and closer to that realism I've always wanted. I think I got a little lazy towards the beard, but I'm happy with the rest of this. This was about 2 hours in Photoshop.

--Will

Lubbock Comics Workshop

2008-08-08T19:15:00.001-07:00

This is the final call for the comics workshop this Saturday. We have about 15 people signed up and it looks like things are ready to roll. If you would like to attend its still not too late, just make sure to show up before 8:45 or sooner Saturday to pay and get checked in. If this demonstration workshop goes well we may expand on one or two of the classes to do full day workshops in a few months, depending on how we do and what you all think. But first things first...

the Comic Workshop: This SATURDAY August 9th, 2008 From 9am to 6pm Garden and Arts Center 4215 University Avenue Lubbock, Texas $25 dollar entry fee - this covers admission to all classes and all materials and meals. This is an all day event; though you do not have to be present for all of the classes it would be cooler if you were.

Bring your check or money order to the Sketch Club Nights. Will or I can take your check for the Workshop.

Schedule for the Day:
8am- Instructors and Volunteers Arrive, Set up begins 8:30am- Hospitality Suite Opens, Set up Complete 8:45am- Breakfast snacks for the early arrivals 9am-10:45am- How to create an illustration from concept to finish 11am-12:45pm- Laying out a comic book page 12:15am- Lunch Set up in Hospitality Suite 12:45pm-2pm- Lunch 2pm-3:45pm- Digital coloring/lettering 4pm-5:45pm- How to Ink 6pm- Close down begins 6:30pm Close complete 7pm- Volunteers go home

Snacks and drinks available all day.

See you all Saturday!!

-Will Terrell

Pilgrimage

2008-07-27T12:30:00.001-07:00

My faith is strong. I have developed a very strong trust in following signs in life, and trusting God. They have always led me down paths that were far more rewarding and abundant than anything I could have crafted for myself. But I had a strange situation recently that really spun me around. And its been a long time since I've been surprised like this before.

I have learned that the best way to get what you want out of life, is to figure out EXACTLY what it is you are looking for, and then pray that the path is laid before you and its simply up to you to follow the signs.

About a month ago I took a job as a graphic designer for a local comapny that does t-shirts for the university here. It was following signs that led me to there. And then it was follwoing signs that led me to what is going on in my life now.

The job is alright. I get to draw some of the time. But a lot of the time its just getting stuff done. Not near as much creativity as I expected. And in the beginning it was a quick crash course in learning to draw in Illustrator, which I have only occassional experience with. Then two weeks in, I went to do caricatures at a party, and one of the parents, whose daughter I was drawing, asked if I'd ever thought of working for this international toy company she works for, that is also here in town thats been here for 30 years. That blew me away, cause I'd never even heard of them. I called them up that day, they'd already heard of me, and they had me come in with a portfolio for an interview. It went very well. And they said I'd probably be starting at 6-10k more a year than what I'm making at the current job. Plus benefits. I would also be drawing cartoons the majority of the time... instead of the ten percent of the time I am now. And I'd be working with 12 other cartoonists. My jaw dropped.

I worked up these samples (in Illustrator) and came back a few days later for the follow up interview. It seemed to go well. A few days later, they called me... and told me I didnt get the job. They only had one opening left, they said, and they needed someone that did design, for catalogues and such, of which I have experience, but I dont know the program they're wanting me to use. Plus... I doubt I would have enjoyed doing that instead.

So... I was thrown. It made no sense. There were so many coincidences. Many more of which I havent even mentioned. It left me very confused. Until I remind myself of what my heart desires. I am certain I could get a really high paying job with my art if that was what I wanted. I am even more certain of that after this experience. Sometimes when you ask God for something, he gives you choices. This would be perfect for me. If I wanted to work for a paycheck.. this would be the way to go. And its no coincidence that it happened two weeks after taking my first "real" job in more than 6 years. This is a reflection of one reality that I can choose for myself. But its not what my heart desires.

Next week I'm going to Ohio to follow my heart's desire. It is a pilgrimage of sorts to find my heritage. My journey to Mecca. lol. I'm sure that sounds strange to a lot of people (prolly especially to anyone living in Ohio haha) I want to be a comic book artist. I want to make stories that millions of people enjoy. I want to create other worlds for people to explore. Its what I've done since I was 12 years old. Its what my Soul aches for every day I think of it but put it off. Its what I want to do. Its what I'm ready to let flow through me now Its what is now my life. I'm ready.

So things are about to change.

This is no coincidence.

-Will

Naked Angels

2008-07-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

So yeah.... the title pretty much sums it up. These are some sketches I did in my friend Phillips naked angel sketchbook. There are naked angels in there from Frank Cho, David Mack, even Gene Ha! I'm stoked.

-Will

Help Wanted!

2008-07-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

So... anyone live in Columbus Ohio? Know someone that does? I bought a plane ticket last night to fly out there for the last weekend of Jeff Smith's Bone and Beyond art show and I have never been out there, have no idea what my plan is. All I know is this is a once in a lifetime show, and I will be kicking myself for years if I miss it. I bought the book hoping that would sate my appetite, but it only made it worse. Seeing THESE pictures just put me over the top. Carl Barks, Walt Kelly, Charles Schultz, George Herriman, Garry Trudeau original art, along with all that beautiful Jeff Smith work. I just can't miss it. So if you have any suggestions for getting around, let me know. It will be much appreciated. -Will

Gastanks

2008-07-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

"Fair" people are weird people. This is from a few weeks ago. It was mighty challenging to do. I was really happy with the B/W art. I also thought that slogan made more sense. But I just get paid to make stuff look cute... not make sense.

--Will

Goblin Chronicles Trade cover - BW

2008-07-17T20:44:00.000-07:00

Someone asked me to see the B/W art for the Goblin Chronicles, so I'm uploading it here.

--Will

Goblin Chronicles Trade cover

2008-07-17T20:39:00.001-07:00

I finished coloring this the other night. Its the cover for the Trade paperback of Goblin Chronicles. Its prolly the last work I'll do on Goblin. It was a good experience, but I'm ready to move on. I'm looking forward to adding another trade to my bookshelf though! This and Gargoyles makes 2!!. The trade should be out around November, from what I understand.

I actually inked this cover myself. I got tired of coloring from rough pencils, so I printed it out in blue lines, inked it and colored it from that. I'm happy with the result.

-Will

TV spots

2008-07-17T20:29:00.001-07:00

My artwork has been featured on TV in 3 different places in the last week!!! I keep forgetting to mention it here, but I am very excited about it. First off, my "One Guy from Italy" caricature was featured on a food for thought segment last week on NBC/ KCBD. (thanks to my sister Heather for recording that so I could check it out) Dario looks so proud flipping the pizza dough and doing his best impression of the illustration. Lol.

Then the T-shirts I designed for Operation Paperback were shown on LISD tv for a segment they did. (Thanks Maria for the headsup on that one!)

Then there's THIS One that was sent to me tonight from FOX 34 news. I did a caricature of their newscasters for them to use for a coloring contest. I of course didnt get credit for it, but oh well. Its something else to put on my press reel.

Anyways, I just wanted to share that.

--Will

Cool Hog

2008-06-04T23:41:00.000-07:00

Evidently, pigs are very popular when doing illustrations for county fairs. This one is a "Cool Hog". In the final version he is accompanied by a "Hot Dog" which took a lot more work than one would imagine.

I hear next up are drawings of sheep. I'll keep you posted.

-Will

Cavegirl - in tree.

2008-06-04T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've been having fun with these cave girl drawings. I dont know what it is exactly. Maybe i'm not thinking so much. Or maybe that it feels like all my skills are clicking at the same time. I did this in Meranda's sketchbook the other night. Wanted to color it up tonight. About 3 hours total. What do you guys think?

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Cavegirl - Brush Drawing

2008-06-03T21:12:00.000-07:00

This is a sketch I did in my friend Phillips sketchbook. Phillip is a prolific art collector. He let me borrow his big sketchbook of incredible drawings from amazing comic book artists to put this little entry into the folds. While I had it I also redrew a half dozen or so of the other drawings in the book. Frank Cho, Mike Weiringo, Neil Adams, etc.... I couldnt pass up the chance. Anyways.. here is my sketch in B/W... and I did some quick digital colors on it to see how it would look. After redrawing some of these amazing artists sketches with really nice high contrast B/w brush drawings, I was inspired to give it ago. I think I could get the hang of it with some more practice. Now I'm gonna see if I can borrow some more sketchbooks. I feel lucky to even get to look at them though. -Will

Freebirds World Burrito - Manager Sketches

2008-06-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

I did these caricatures last week for the "Manager on Duty" pictures at the Freebirds the sketch club meets at every week. This first one is my favorite...

-Will Terrell

Bar doodle

2008-05-28T21:14:00.000-07:00

I drew this at Fox with a friend last night.

URGENT - PLEASE HELP!!! Orphan Works Act

2008-05-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

If you have not heard about the Orphan Works act,. please read up on it here..
ORPHAN WORKS ACT The basics are that it is a congressional attempt to replace current copyright practices with a registration system, where each work must be individually copyrighted for a fee. It takes the burden of copyright off of the user and puts it unfairly on artists, while removing almost all reasonable compensation and punishment for theft of copyright.

To put it in perspective, I produce upwards of 5000 drawings, illustrations, and sketches a year that, under current law, are copyrighted the moment they're created, signed and dated. This bill takes that away completely.

PLEASE HELP US!!! ALL artists, writers, photographers... we need your support. There's rumor this bill is a hoax. I assure it is NOT. In fact it was slipped through committee LAST NIGHT 5/19... and is fast tracked without debate to be voted in Senate. We need your voice to speak for all of us artists that bring good things to the world. If this bill passes, you will see a lot more Copyright Blemishes splashed across every image you see... if you even see nearly as many images as now. No artist wants their work to be taken and abused by anyone without compensation or permission.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP!

Even if you are not an artist, Contact your representatives in the Senate and House, TODAY visit http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml Ask that they stop the bill so that it can be reviewed and debated.

Contact your Congressman in opposition bill S.2913, the Orphan Works Act

Here is the basic email I've sent, but make it your own...

"Senator, I am writing to you to request that you speak for me in opposition to bill S.2913, the Orphan Works Act; Because it has been negotiated behind closed doors, introduced on short notice and fast-tracked for imminent passage without open hearings, ask that this bill not be passed until it can be exposed to an open, informed and transparent public debate. Thank you sir for your time."

The House Judiciary Committee is considering H.R. 5889, the companion bill now. Please write them as well:

Congressman,

I am writing to you to request that you speak for me in opposition to H.R. 5889, a companion bill to Senates bill S.2913: the Orphan Works act; Because it has been negotiated behind closed doors, introduced on short notice and fast-tracked for imminent passage without open hearings, I ask that this bill not be passed until it can be exposed to an open, informed and transparent public debate. Thank you sir for your time.

I dont normally watermark my artwork with copyright. But if this law passes, this may be one of the only ways to protect our artwork when we post online. Essentially, I would be rendering my artwork useless with a watermark to would-be users seeking to use my artwork without just compensation. But this watermark protection isn't a guarantee, because anything printed or reproduced without your copyright will now be subject to theft! (That's not to say your copyright wouldn't be purposefully stripped for the purpose of theft.)

Right now, anyone can download my artwork, but no one can legally profit off my artwork without just compensation to me. This is all about to change with this new bill.

The Orphan Works act works like this. Is someone finds your artwork on the web, or printed elsewhere, without proper copyright and registration (or with the copyright stripped off), they can register it -- after a “reasonable and diligent search.”

Now, if you want to protect your images from being ripped off, you would need to register your images with all these privately owned registries. How much will cost? Who knows? How many images do you draw per year?

If you're in Lubbock, John Cornyn is our senator, and he was one of the folks on this committee. So lets step up the effort to get this thing at least stalled so it can be looked through. the Orphan Works Act Senate Bill S.2913 and House Bill H.R. 5889. Reps. Howard Berman (D-CA),Howard Coble (R-NC), John Conyers (D-MI), Lamar Smith (R-TX), (Chairman and Ranking Members of House Judiciary Committee Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property and Full Judiciary Committee Chairman and Ranking Member respectively) and Sens. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT).

Please get active and protect your copyrights, or be prepared to lose them!

Read the act, testimony or full report
Go to the Illustrator's Partnership Resource Page !
See the Brad Holland video about this act
Government contacts and sample letter!

Labels: Orphan Works Orphan drawing Copyright

Expo Wrap-up

2008-05-09T14:01:00.000-07:00

To get what you've never had, you must do what you've never done. This I would say, sums up Lubbock's first comic book convention nicely. In pretty much every way it was an incredible success. One that everyone in Lubbock seems grateful to have experienced. I saw nothing but ear to ear grins on all of our attendees. And most of our retailers and creators seemed pretty stoked as well.

Thank you to all of you that have sent emails and comments to us about your experience for the show. I'm glad that everyone enjoyed it so much. Thank you also to our volunteers and sponsors that made this show possible - everyone that's worked long hours for the last few months to put all of this together not knowing if anyone would even show up. And big Thanks especially to Robert Mora and Star comics (at 34th & ave U) for providing all of the free comics and toys for everyone to enjoy.

I think its safe to say we will be doing another Expo next year. Our total attendance was 777 people for our first show. A nice number I think. We've been told that other comic book shows in MUCH larger markets in this region took several years to reach the kinds of numbers we were blessed with, especially for a one day event. Not bad for a shoe string budget. We had 300 people within the first 2 hours of the show. We had a lot of you out there spreading the word in advance for us and we are grateful to that. It really did make a huge difference.

Here are a few items... 1st Annual Lubbock Comic Book Expo VIDEO link Lubbock AJ - GO! article. And you can check out photos from the event on Lubbock Online's SPOTTED section.

-Will

Sketch Night Commercial

2008-05-09T01:54:00.000-07:00

This was made for the Sketch Club by our friend Sarazann at Z in the middle productions. I think its a really cute commercial.
-Will

Artwork Update - Lubbock Comic Book Expo!

2008-04-24T19:00:00.000-07:00

I havent posted any art in a while. Not that I havent been doing any. Its just been really REALLY busy lately. This is a t-shirt design someone commissioned me to do for a LiveStrang cancer run. I wasnt sure what cancer was supposed to look like. Or a t-cell for that matter. So I just went with what came to mind. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

If you're in Lubbock... I did these bookmark designs for Operation Paperback. Its a charity organization that takes paperback books and ships them to troops in Afganastan and Iraq. The sales from these bookmarks will go to "Communities in Schools" and to the SketchClub "Young at Art" after-school program. They'll be available to buy at Barnes and Nobles here starting May 3rd.

And of course... . you may have seen this image around town....

Its for Lubbock's first Comic Book Expo! Coming up next Saturday (May 3rd!) Make sure you set aside the day and come support the Lubbock Comics community!

-Will

Young at Art - Commericals

2008-04-03T12:30:00.000-07:00

I forgot to post these a while back. My friend Sarazanne put together these videos to promote the Lubbock SketchClub "Young at Art" after school program. Check them out...

Art Show and Interview

2008-04-03T08:47:00.001-07:00

Well, its another busy week with the Lubbock Sketch Club. I will be on NBC / KCBD channel 11 today (Thursday) at noon in the New Notebook segment. I'll be talking about the Lubbock Comic Book Expo coming May 3rd. Tune in if you get the chance!

Also, Make sure to come visit us Friday for our First Friday Art Trail! Here's the blurb....

"Drawing on Inspiration! The Lubbock Sketch Club art show and Sketch Night! The First Friday art show where YOU are part of the fun! Visitors are invited to view the groups exhibit of cartoons, comics, and fine arts, check out the costumed figure drawing demonstration in the studio, and Sketch with the artists in the Sketch Club classroom. Located on the third floor of the Asbury/Hope Shalom building at 20th and Ave T, room 301, from 6-9pm."

Keep Smiling!

-Will

Upcoming Events!

2008-03-20T21:22:00.000-07:00

STORE SIGNING - Thurs March 27th

My newest comic book the Goblin Chronicles came out this week. I was the colorist for this three issue series. I am doing a store signing at Star Books and comics (2014 34th st) Thursday 3/27 from 10am to 5pm. Be sure to stop by and pick up a copy, you can also buy a raffle ticket for some of my original art, to help raise money for the Lubbock Comic Book Expo.

24 HOURS IN LUBBOCK - Friday 28th - Saturday 29th

Also coming up, Friday 3/29 at 9:30 pm is Lubbock's first official 24 hour comic event.

The Lubbock 24-hour comics challenge!

Doors open: Begins: Friday, March 28th at 9:30pm (Asbury Center / Hope Shalom off of 19th and Ave T) Doors close at 10:00pm, sorry no latecomers.

Ends: Saturday, March 29th, at 10:00pm (Freebirds World Burrito on South Loop 289)

What is a 24-hour comic?

The ultimate comicbook creating marathon. A virtual rite of passage for any comics creator.

All you have to do is make something that usually takes 24 days in 24 hours...
Make a comic, 24 pages (+ cover) in 24 hours from start to finish. No preparation, outlines, layouts, character designs, or script.

For information or to sign up, contact Brandon at 24hoursinlubbock@gmail.com



ART SHOW - Friday April 4th<br>


"Drawing on Inspiration! The Lubbock SketchClub art show
and Sketch Night! The First Friday art show where YOU are
part of the fun! Visitors are invited to view the groups
exhibit of cartoons, comics, and fine arts, check out the
costumed figure drawing demonstration in the studio, and
Sketch with the artists in the Sketch Club classroom. 
Located on the third floor of the Asbury/Hope Shalom
building at 20th and Ave T, room 301, Friday April 4th
from 5-10pm."

The Lubbock Comic Book Expo

2008-03-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Lubbock Comic Book Expo is an event I've helped organize with the Lubbock Sketch Club, Star Books and Comics, Metropolis radio show KTXT, FreeBirds World Burrito and the Science Spectrum of Lubbock.

The mission of the expo is to build and cultivate a community of comic book artists by educating the general public about comic books, why comics are cool, how they're created, and by connecting the public with this growing west Texas comic book creators' community and give them the opportunity to show their work to the public.

This is our first year. And as far as I know, there has never been an exclusive comic book convention here, and definitely never been a small press comics show. So wont' you save the date, and come out to support us. If you are a comic book artist, and would like to get an artist/creators table, please email me at sketchclub@gmail.com. Tables are $25 before April 15th and $40 after that.

-Will

Comic book Expo Saturday May 3rd - Free comic book day At the Science Spectrum of Lubbock 10 am - 6 pm Sketch Night at Freebirds:World Burrito afterwards 7-10pm.

admission fees $3 for 1 person, or 2 for $5. Kids under 12 are free (if accompanied by an adult) Also, entrance is free for people in costume.

Pink Mummies

2008-03-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

I did these for an art show (...and for one of my favorite people). The art show is the SketchClub first Friday art trail showing this Friday from 6-9pm at the Hard Tops Gallery 2228 Buddy Holly Ave. Come visit us... if you dare~!

Lubbock Comics Group

2008-02-18T00:50:00.000-08:00

This has been an awesome year so far. I'm having a blast with all the stuff we've got going on. I'll give you a run down of whats on my plate these days. I'm sure this isn't even all of it either.

Comics in the Classrooms.

One of my goals this year was to do community outreach to give kids in this region a path towards making comics for a living. So far I've talked to about 300 kids at several Jr Highs and Elementary schools and one High school. I'm scheduled to talk to Hutch Jr High in a couple weeks and more to come after that. My favorite part is running across those kids that you can tell this is exactly what they needed - they've got some skills, lots of heart, and an attitude to learn. I hope to give them what my friends and I didn't have when we were their age. Direction, challenge, and real opportunities.

Young at Art

The Sketch Club started our after school program a few weeks back. The results, so far, are promising. Our first session only had one kid, lol. It was a good start, in that it gave the four of us teaching, the opportunity to get an idea of how it will work once the group starts to grow. Plus it was cool teaching in our newly muraled studio. After that first session, I called up the elementary school across the street from our studio and came to talk to all of their art classes about doing comics. We had 26 kids show up the next session!

We're developing the program as a prototype to eventually start after school comics creator clubs at all the local schools using volunteer instructors from the Sketch Club. With a comics group, comprised of all the clubs, meeting at our Studio on Saturdays for classes, to really solidify the community and program. This is a long term strategy though. Over the next 5 - 10 years as we continue to grow.

Sketch Nights

The other part to all of this of course is the Sketch Club. The Sketch Club has been amazing. We have 30-50 artists show up every Saturday to our sketch nights. And this Saturday I experienced a new part to that. It was my first time to really ever NOT show up to a sketchnight (because I was hired to do caricatures for a party). So when I finally get to the group about an hour before closing, its in full swing and I could tell I didn't even need to show up this time. Something I couldn't have even considered doing even just a few months ago. It shows how quickly this group is maturing. I'm lucky to have so many awesome artists anchoring this endeavor.

Comic Book Expo

We've also been meeting regularly to plan for Lubbock's first ever Comic Book Expo!!! I didnt know if this was going to work out when I first started pushing for it. But things - and most importantly people - seem to be falling into place to make this happen. We have a venue, provided by the Science Spectrum of Lubbock. We have a date May 3rd (Free comic book day!). We have people, and we have a plan. This is an educational comic expo. Since Lubbock is not known to be a comic book town, we are starting small, by educating the general public about what comic books are, how they're made, and engaging them with our own budding comic book creators community - while giving those creators opportunity to put themselves out there.

Our intention is to lay the foundation over the next five years for a thriving creators community, and marketplace to support them. We're starting to get some real connections with this too. Sponsorship inquiries from the University, and their 3d animation program at the Library. We've also had some interesting Chamber of Commerce connections, and some solid retailer endorsements. About the only thing we're lacking is finding guests. Which is not the drive of the endeavor. Unless you guys know of someone who is interested that might make a good guest. Otherwise, we will be ok with however it works out. This is foundation building, after all, not a fanboy show. I think that was the mistake other organizations in this town have made. You have to build your base first in order to sustain it.

The coolest part, is that the best is still waiting in the wings. I can't wait to tell ya'll about the other cool stuff that's going on.

for more information on the sketchclub, visit our website at www.elsketchoclubo.com

-Will

Painting Elephant

2008-01-22T20:06:00.000-08:00

Speechering

2008-01-14T13:02:00.000-08:00

A lot of times I don't know why I do what I do. Only that it needs to be done. It is a different kind of living. One that I am only now getting used to. Following signs. When you put yourself aside, and become receptive to whatever the universe has in mind, things move pretty quickly. In this case, a chance encounter leading towards a whole other world of possibilities.

A while back, I decided I would like to start talking to kids in schools about making art for a living. The only people that came to talk to MY class were a cop, the marines, and the weather guy for one of the local TV stations. It bothered me that there were so few examples available to me of life paths other than working for a paycheck. Especially for doing what my heart desired, which was making comic books and art. This has not been an easy journey for me to get where I'm at today. I want to change that for the next generation. I want kids to realize that it is possible, and help them find a way to make it possible for themselves.

Today I went to speak to the art classes at Cavazos Jr High. I have a lot of other schools lined up. More than I expected really. But for now... it simply needs to be done. Of course this is a new experience for me. And there is a bit of a learning curve I've got ahead of me. Working with large groups of kids. Public presentations. It is a different scale and format than I am used to.

The last time I spoke to a school was Ralls High school about 6 years ago. A rather disheartening and unfortunate experience. This time seemed to go much better. I had 5 quality portfolios to show this time, lots of experience, and a touch more wisdom. I understand the artist mentality fairly well. The obstacles, motivations and tools for success. But I still didn't know what to expect with this. I stumbled through my background, passed around a sketchbook from my first year of college *shivers* and then all my recent portfolios and comics. Then I just started talking. You can never tell with these things ... but I think I saw some of them light up with inspiration. Especially this group of boys in the front row. That look on their faces like they've seen the future. I can only imagine though. I may never know. Sometimes all you can do is plant the seeds and give it to God. And do my best to provide the resources for them to grow if they're ready.

What drives me, is that I can imagine that lost little kid in me out there in the crowd, seeing that this is possible, and lighting up with inspiration. Suddenly having a vision of what this could look like and simply "knowing" at a very young age that this is how it will be. I wonder if that will happen for any of them? Only time will tell.

Friday I talk to Atkins Jr High.

-Will

Lubbock Sketch Club

2008-01-13T12:44:00.000-08:00

2007 was a very busy year for me. Both professionally and in my personal life. I was able to do quite a bit this year that before I could only imagine possible. When we had our first Sketch Club sketch night back in October of 2006, we only had 3 artists. The last three sketch nights we've had nearly 50 each week. We've published 2 sketchbooks this year showcasing the Sketch Club talent (both books are in their second printings!) and we're about to print our third book. We participated in dozens of public events, and drew with thousands of local kids and their families. We were even featured in an episode of Texas Country Reporter. And of course, we now have a WEBSITE chock full of information... http://www.ElSketchoClubo.com/

But while 2007 was amazing, It will only get better and better in 2008! In a couple of weeks we're starting our AFTER-SCHOOL program at our classroom (provided by the Hope Shalom community /Asbury methodist church at 20th and Ave T) Its a weekly program every Wednesday from 3-5pm. Based on the formula we've established with our Sketch nights we will be drawing as a group, and teaching young artists to fall in love with the process of learning to draw. Over the next year we will gradually introduce drawing fundamentals classes and art technique classes to the program. Our long term goal with the Sketch Club is to make Lubbock and the world a better place and help artists live up to their fullest potential - this starts by reaching out to the community through programs like this and providing opportunities and resources for kids, giving them access to mentors and professional techniques, and then the venues to become successful using that.

FEBRUARY

The Sketch Club presents: the Lubbock Comics Group Starting Saturday February 16th we will be meeting every Saturday afternoon to learn to make comic books. Our first project will be going through Scott Mcloud's "Making Comics" book as a group and applying it to creating short-stories. This is as close as you can get to a comic book art school as you'll get in this region. If you have ever wanted to make comic books as a career, THIS is your chance to learn how to do that.

ILLUSTRATION and COMIC BOOK art classes at LHUCA I will be teaching an Illustration class in February on how to create an illustration from concept to finish. The entire process from thumb nail concepts sketches, to design/composition, to paint and finishes. I will also be doing a series of classes on how to create a comic book from start to finish. This is a demonstration class series, designed to be a perfect compliment to the comics group. We are still working on the final details for these classes, but they will be affordable and convenient. More information will be posted when its available, If you are interested please let me know.

MARCH

STAPLE Expo Several Sketch Club artist are getting Tables at the "Staple" indy comics expo in Austin, Saturday March 1st.

FIRST FRIDAY ART TRAIL The Lubbock Sketch Club artists will be on the First Friday art trail in March (3/7), featured at Hard Tops Gallery. Getting our fine arts on. We will be taking submissions for the show in February. We hope you'll join us.

APRIL

SKETCHBOOK 4 Scan Date is Saturday April 12th at our regular sketch night

COMIC BOOK ANTHOLOGY 1 The comics group anthology is a collection of 5 page short stories by local creators. Designed to promote local creators, and give them a venue to get experience and exposure with their work. The anthology will be a quarterly publication.

Lubbock arts Festival April 17 - 20, 2008

MAY

Friday May 2nd First Friday art trail at the Science Spectrum. LIVE art show (with a DJ!) and Sketch Club gallery showcase.

Saturday May 3rd Lubbock Comic book Expo - If you haven't heard, the Sketch Club, in conjunction with the Science Spectrum of Lubbock, Star books and comics and Metropolis radio will host the first ever Lubbock comic book expo. Visit our events page to find out more about it. The info is at the bottom of the page. http://elsketchoclubo.com/events.htm

ONGoing events

As always, we will be meeting every Saturday night from 7-10 pm at Freebirds on the South Loop 289. Anyone is invited, children under the age of 10 are recommended to bring an adult.

Our Figure drawing group meets every Wednesday from 7-10pm. visit the figure drawing page for more info... http://elsketchoclubo.com/figuredrawing.htm

And something new this year, it looks like we may be doing regular events and presentations with LISD schools.

-Will Terrell

Indiana Jones caricature

2008-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

I just realized its been a while since I posted any artwork. I've been working too much I guess. Here is a commission I did recently for a friend from grade school that I hadnt seen in ages. -Will

The Goblin Chronicles

2008-01-11T13:15:00.000-08:00

My new book Goblin Chronicles is going to be on store shelves in a few weeks. We're getting the order numbers in for issue one of the 3 issue series. I worked on this most of last year with Collin Fogel and Troy Dye. Issue one looks like it did fairly well. The numbers make the book the third highest selling comic the publisher has ever made (according to ICV2.com's top 300 listings), as far as initial solicitations go. In fact, it sounds like the first print run wont be too far from selling out with enough reorders. Hopefully that trend continues for the other two issues, and especially the trade paperback. The issue will be on store shelves in February.

www.thegoblinchronicles.com<>
-Will

SquareDance Caricature

2007-12-17T16:04:00.000-08:00

This was a quick commission I did the other day. It was a bit rushed, I finished it in about 4 hours because of all the other stuff going on. I think it turned out alright. I got pretty close on the likenesses, but I was very happy with the realism on the faces, and how the watercolors worked out. I cleaned up the hands and finished them out, but didn't have a chance to scan the final. This was for the clients parents 50th anniversary. Its strange to be doing stuff like that. Pretty cool though. I just hope they liked it.

If you or anyone you know would like a caricature, don't hesitate to contact me. I prefer to do illustrations instead of the quick sketch theme park style, because it helps me grow as a painter and illustrator as well. It is a little more expensive, but definitely worthwhile. You can contact me by email at willterrellart@gmail.com

-Will

Movie TRAILER for my new comic!!

2007-12-07T19:43:00.000-08:00

The GOBLIN CHRONICLES Order it in THIS WEEKS previews catalog at your local comics shop!!

-Will

SketchClub News and me on TV!!!

2007-11-30T01:20:00.000-08:00

The Lubbock SketchClub has a new website!! El Sketcho Clubo dot com. Its spanish for the sketchclub. Its plum full of information and updates. Check it out www.elsketchoclubo.com and drop me an email to let us know what you think. Especially if there's stuff that needs fixin'.

The Lubbock SketchClub and myself are being featured in this weeks (Dec 1st) episode of TEXAS COUNTRY REPORTER. I used to watch this show when I was a kid visiting my grandparents, so I'm busting a bit that they'd even have us on. They filmed a lot at my studio, and about as much at our sketch night, so I'm not sure what the episode will be about. I was hoping it would be a spotlight on the SketchClub, but you never know, it could be an expose on bad hygiene or men with beards. The episode airs in Lubbock on KCBD 11 Lubbock, NBC 6:00 am SAT, 8:00 am SUN. For show times in other areas visit the TCR website at www.texascountryreporter.com/show.htm I believe the episode will also be available in a few weeks on youtube.

Check it out!

--Will

Goblin Chronicles Solicits this week!!

2007-11-29T23:41:00.000-08:00

My newest comic book the Goblin Chronicles solicits this week. Check out the website www.TheGoblinChronicles.com for previews of the book, and then be a peach, and march on down to your friendly neighborhood comic book store and order a copy this week! This is an independent comic book, so chances are your store wont order it unless you request them to. I love you guys!

The diamond order codes are (because there are two covers) ...

Cover A by Jack Lawrence is order code: DEC07-3378
Cover B by Fogel & Terrell is order code: DEC07-3379

UPDATE!!

2007-11-15T09:42:00.000-08:00

I will be on Metropolis comic book Radio show tonight between 7 and 8 pm on KTXT here in Lubbock. Tune in and cringe as I usually have no idea what I'm doing on the air. Everyone from the show, and from the comic book store here, are going out to Wizard World Texas tomorrow. So METROPOLIS will be talking to the organizers of WIZARD WORLD TEXAS on the show tonight. They will also have tickets to give away, LIVE OVER THE AIR!!!!!

Speaking of Wizard World Texas, I will be in Artist Alley at table 3230 B. I will be doing sketches and selling my comics and sketchbooks. I will also be premiering a new comic book with a very limited print run (only 100 copies). So get it while you can.

See you there!!!

-Will

WIZARD WORLD TEXAS

2007-11-04T16:54:00.000-08:00

Just a reminder: I will be at Wizard World Texas Nov. 16-18. I'm splitting a table with my friend Collin. We'll be at table #3230 in Artist Alley. I'll be doing sketches and selling my comics and sketchbooks. See you there! --Will

My new Comic book!

2007-10-28T18:23:00.000-07:00

My newest book! Order in the December previews catalogue!
www.TheGoblinChronicles.com

Friday Friday Friday!!!

2007-10-17T20:58:00.000-07:00

This Friday at JAKE'S SPORTS BAR, in the Backroom - Lubbock's own Comic book radio show "Metropolis" presents the 2nd METROPOLIS LIVE event - CRISIS ON METROPOLIS ISLAND!!! All your favorite radio personalities will be on one stage - the perfect setting for an assassination.

Doors open at 8pm and the show starts around 9pm. So drop on by for all the comic book news and commentary you have come to love (or loathe) from the radio show. NOTE: You DO NOT have to be a comic book fan to come and enjoy.

When: Friday Oct 19, 2007 at 9:00 PM

Where:: JAKE’S SPORTS BAR 5025 - 50th Lubbock, Texas

See you guys there!!!

--Will

So apparently...

2007-10-13T22:34:00.000-07:00

...I won an award. Third place in the Professional category for the National Arts Program - city of Lubbock show. I didn't even know I was entered, and I won!! Best of all I won money!! Lol.

The painting that got the award was a little watercolor sketch that I did for my grandma for Christmas. I don't have a scan of it, otherwise I'd post it here. They took it out of my exhibit and entered it in the show on my behalf and I won!

I'm happy. I guess thats the best way to win - when you don't even know you're competing. I'm going to start not entering MORE art shows right away.

--Will

Will Terrell Art Show

2007-10-04T22:17:00.001-07:00

I've finally been roped into doing an art show. I haven't done this in 7 or so years. I'll be exhibiting at the Lubbock Municipal Garden and Arts Center for the First Friday art trail. The center is located at 46th and University ave. I'll be in the main lobby from 6-9pm. I'll be selling prints for relatively cheap if anyone is interested in buying some of my art. Original paintings and drawings are also available. Or just come by and say Hi.
Hope to see you there.
Keep smiling!
--Will
ps. If you can't make it out, the exhibit will be hanging for the month of October.

Mike Wieringo

2007-08-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

In memory...

The last two months my heart has ached for something that I could not describe. Unspoken pangs that have driven me to silence. All wants and desires quieted in hopes of finally deciphering this call. Today it all came crashing in. it hurts to finally see. Its' broken me, in a way I've not felt in ages.

I had a dream once of being a comic book artist. Of telling great stories that people love. I've dreamt of telling stories since I was a little little kid. And I've obsessed about doing it for a living for all of my adult life. Its all I've ever thought about. But not always what I have done. In fact, I'm ashamed at how little I've done compared to how much I've thought about it. My own fault for making it more complicated than it was. I postpone it, thinking next will be a better time. Just this one or two more things to do, then I'll get started. Its been 10 years of that.

Last night one of my greatest teachers, Mike Wieringo, passed away. I remember when I'd first heard of him, it was a steady stream of people comparing my art style to this 'Ringo guy. It bothered me, until I read Tellos. He had drawn the kind of story that I longed to draw, only he'd done it better than I could have. And over the years as I came to know more about him, and see more of his work, and understand him as the king of generativity and humbleness he was - I found him to be the artist I most admired. If I could have been any artist in the industry, it was him. And I became humbled by the comparisons. He was not flashy, in fact his work was so subtle and understated that I often overlooked it, until I would try to even come close, then I'd realize the genious that he was.

I'd never spoken to him in person, but I took his every word and work to heart. And I always hoped to some day be his peer. Thats the thing that kills me... I never got to tell him my stories. The stuff that he helped inspire into existence, that I'd always told myself, someday I'll finish this and march out there to meet him - just to say thanks - and give back to his life the way he'd done to mine. And now its too late.

Its too late.

This is the heartache I've been trying to understand these past months. There is no time to waste. My life could end at any moment. And I am terrified that I might die with my stories still in me. I dont' fear death. Only the death of what I was sent here to do. And now as I strain to see through these tears and struggle just to breathe, I have a new resolve to do what I've longed to do. God only knows how long I have. I know I have no time to waste. I know what I have to do.

I have not been using my life to do what my heart desires. Its no wonder I've felt so divided. Mike used his life. He loved comics and he drew comics, it was as simple as that. Its a lesson I dont ever want to forget.

I have to go... I have stories to tell.

--Will

Elephant

2007-08-12T19:11:00.000-07:00

Ball point pen, with digital wash.
--Will

Jungle Girl - Digital painting

2007-08-01T14:15:00.000-07:00

I've decided I'm going to start doing more full illustrations. At the least full characters with a background. I have the tendancy to focus on just drawing cool faces. But I get kind of stuck in that. so yeah...

I started this one last night, at first it was just the jungle girl, but it was kind of plain. So I added a tiger. Havent tried drawing a tiger since 8th grade. Its kind of fun. I need to find a tutorial on how to do mist. I love the atmospheric mood you can get with it, would help if I could do it right though, lol.
Anyways, altogether this was about 3 hours. All photoshop. I used a little reference on the tiger.
--Will

2007-08-01T08:18:00.000-07:00

I did this digital painting today. It started as a warm-up sketch, but ended up being about 2 hours. I'm finally getting more realistic hair, its starting to make more sense to me now at least.
Here's the photo I painted it from...
--Will Terrell

Curls and Cat

2007-07-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

A while back I posted the drawing for this painting, I got stuck painting it after about the first pass. I dont have a lot of experience with watercolors. So I just set it aside. After this big commission this week I feel really comfortable with watercolors, so when that was wrapped up today I pulled this out and finished it up. What do you guys think? --Will

Warm-up sketch

2007-07-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

This was a quick warm-up sketch for the figure drawing group tonight. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I'm gonna try and do water color sketches of the model. And I think I'll be doing a lot more of these. They're fun. --Will

Lubbock Sketchclub Presents - Lance Myers!!

2007-07-10T22:39:00.000-07:00

THIS SATURDAY!!!

The Lubbock Sketchclub is hosting a special guest. Lance Myers will be joining us. Lance is a professional animator, he was the lead animator on A Scanner Darkly and was also an animator on the movies Space Jam, Anastasia, and Prince of Egypt. If you're interested in knowing more about this guy, visit his WEBSITE. He's offered to give us a demonstration, as well as talk about what its like to work in the industry, what it takes to get started, and most importantly what its like to leave Lubbock. We'll also be sketching and having fun as normal. Make sure to help us give him a warm welcome and give him plenty of reasons to come back (and maybe bring friends!). In the months to come we have some HUGE projects brewing. Very exciting stuff. Both with the sketchclub and our comics group. So stay tuned. Thanks!

Oh... and message me if you are interested in joining the figure drawing group this week.Please check in before Wednesday.

Keep smiling!

--Will

You Tube Sketches

2007-06-28T20:36:00.000-07:00

I bought a webcam a few weeks ago. Made a video the other day of some of my sketching. Found out that Windows movie maker pretty much sucks. Looking to borrow a decent video editing program from a friend.

I tried to record the coloring process, but couldnt find any good video capture programs for that. Eventually I'll get it all going right. Anyways... enjoy!

--Will

Lubbock Sketch Club - Comics Group!

2007-06-10T19:07:00.000-07:00

The Lubbock Sketchclub is happy to announce a new group project. We are now meeting every Saturday at 9am, at the mahon library (1306 9th Street), to draw comic books. This is an all day affair, from 9am to 5pm. But we will be relocating throughout the day, to draw scenes on location, as well as lunch break, etc. So show up as early as possible to get in on the action.

This is a great experience for being exposed to doing art as an 8 hour work day. As well as going through this challenging creative process as a group instead of just an individual. This event is comic book specific. Please come only if you are dedicated to drawing comics. As well, this is not a class, but with so many other artists around, you're bound to learn a lot! So take advantage of this unique opportunity now!

The Sketchclub Saturday evening sketchnights are still going strong, as well. 7pm to 10pm at Freebirds on the South Loop 289. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate. Bring friends, bring kids, have fun!

--Will

Bob Marley Caricature

2007-06-04T19:05:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about Bob Marley for some reason all day. Couldnt get it out of my head. Decided to repaint a sketch I'd done a couple years ago when I was in Court Jones' Caricature illustration class at the Watts Atelier. That was probably the most rewarding class I've ever been in. Even though I was prolly in the worst place in my life for it at the time. I got a lot from the school, but especially from seeing all of his demonstrations in that class.

Blue Girl - Digital painting Sketch

2007-06-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

This was a warm up sketch. Trying to get recharged for the next big project. I like when I find new music. Especially when it inspires me to paint. She was inspired. I'm ready to get back to work. --Will

New Illo - 5.24.2007

2007-05-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

I've been sick this week. Had several things come up too. Its really been a squeeze to get all my work done. Some of it I'm still behind on. But I'm feeling productive. A good friend gave me some great advice this week that really helped me make sense of prioritizing. I'm feeling really good about work now. This was a big commission. I ended up doing digital painting for most of it. Its strange how quickly a weakness can become a strength. All it takes is time, practice and a little despration. Lol. I've got a lot to do the next two weeks. But I'm happy because I got to paint cows and chickens. And I think they turned out super cute. Actually this is prolly the best illustration I've ever done. I had so much fun doing it too. Hardly felt like work. Almost felt like watching saturday morning cartoons as a kid. Only they were coming out of my head onto the screen. Instead of the other way around. I aim to experience that often from here out.

Weekend at Bernies - sketch

2007-05-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

Today when I was babysitting my sis' kids I did a couple really good pen and ink sketches. I colored one of them tonight just to get my mind off the dreb. This is like a whole new level for me. I'm really excited. This is almost something I might see in a book or magazine ad, or something. And it took less than an hour! He kind of reminds me of Bernie from "Weekend at Bernies."

My hope is that I'm creeping up to that level skill-wise (and discipline-wise) to start getting the higher paying illustration work some of my freelancer friends tell me about. I knew nothing about graphic design when I started. I've just stumbled into it, and every day I learn something new about this career. So far, most of the time it seems like I could make more working at 7-11. But then there's this bright shiney part of the time when I make more than a lot of people do in a month. That paradox is what has kept me from a real job the last 5 years. It hasnt been pretty. But I've definitely learned a lot. I'm thankful to be fortunate enough to have done all this. Someday I'll get there. I now some artists that do the same thing at nearly the same level as me, that make more with one illo than I do with ten. Its good to know that's out there. Till I get there, I'm grateful for the commissions and comic coloring I have. I feel really lucky that I have these opportunities. That and I'm sure it could be a whole lot worse.

--Will

Red

2007-04-26T11:05:00.000-07:00

Quick digital sketch for warm-up. --Will

Digital Painting - Watergirl

2007-04-09T22:24:00.000-07:00

I've been working a lot lately. Got a little fried today, so I decided to step back and do some fun art. This digital painting was from a photo, took about an hour. I'm really happy with it. I'm starting to get used to adding all the different colors into the skin tone. Also getting used to using larger brushes at low opacity to get a cleaner look. Its so contradictory dont you think? I used to think it took little brushes to get realism, but nope.

Well... I'm starting to get the feeling my time in Lubbock is coming to an end. It feels like most of what I intended to do here has been accomplished. And its time for me to turn my focus to going back to Cali. I am happy with how my art is growing on my own. I've broken down a lot of walls that kept me from growing and succeding. I can only imagine what I'll get from several years of being immersed again in the art scene out there.

Interestingly, my two best friends and their wives have decided to move their too. I never saw that coming. I've been trying for years to get people to go with me. I guess these days its a different story. I'm a much different person. Not as much of that desparation I once had. Just lots of living, loving and having fun.

--Will

My Name is Earl

2007-03-29T15:32:00.000-07:00

Earl started out as a warmup before work this morning, spent a bit too long on it though. About an hour, digital painting. I dig it. I love this show. --Will Terrell

Random Sketch Dump

2007-03-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

I've done tons of art this month. Just havent had time to post them. This is no where near all that I've done. But these are the highlights. Fat Unicorn. I'd love to take credit for this, but the credit goes to a brilliant 11th grader at Lubbock High that did this as a sculpture. I wish I'd bought it. I've never last so hard in my life. I saw this when I was teaching my digital painting class a few weeks back and had to record it for posterity. Speaking of the digital painting class. This is the demo I did in class. Took about half an hour. Thanks to everyone that came out to that. I'll set up another class soon. This is one of several painting commissions I did last week. My friend closed down his framing shop and gave me a big stack of matte board, they're coming in really handy for doing these quick painting commissions. This is Animation Cell paint on black matte board. About half an hour. I did this illo for my clowns. I think its an image for their website. It turns out they've got a 22 year old daughter who's a clown too. And she's been a clown since she was like 7. Thats super cool. I did a whole bunch of other drawings for them last week, I'll probably evenutally upload those here to show. This was a quick warm up sketch from last week that I liked. The hands a little jacked, but I like the ambience. This is a digital painting I did of my friend Corianna when we were hanging out the week before last. I think it turned out pretty good. I'm still learning. The hand is jacked. And the hair doesnt quite look natural. I'll get it one of these days. And of course sketches of women. Cant get enough of 'em. Ok.. Well I'll do a better job of updating regularly next month. March was pretty awesome. Getting a lot of work completed these days. Keep smiling! --Will Terrell

Digital Coloring Class

2007-02-27T13:49:00.000-08:00

I am teaching at Digital coloring/Digital Illustration workshop at the Garden & Arts Center Tuesday (March 6th) from 6 - 9pm. The workshop is $50 per person. If you are interested please pre-register soon. Call (806)767-3724 or go by the Garden and Arts Center at 46th and University ave. In this workshop I will show you how to scan and set up lineart to be colored in photoshop. I will demonstrate the coloring process, along with all the tools and short-cuts I use to get professional results. I will also show how to do a digital painting, how to set up your brushes, textures and pallete to get quality painterly effects. Hand-outs, brush, texture and color pallete resources will be provided. If you have little to no experience with photoshop, this class will give you everything you need to get started. --Will

Silver Surfer

2007-02-16T15:50:00.000-08:00

I ordered a Kuretake Brush pen online and got it in the mail a couple days ago. Its pretty nice, you can get some insane detail with it. It didnt occur to me till I started working with the pen just how long its been since I've inked any thing. I've been using regular pens and brushmarkers for so long that I'd forgotten just how much more control you get with the right tools. And just how much I have to learn, lol. Anyways... I did this sketch last night with it. It turned out alright I guess. Never drawn Silver surfer before. I intend to do a lot more. --Will Terrell

Spidey poses

2007-02-12T20:17:00.000-08:00

Lunch break doodles.

Feel Better Grandma

2007-02-04T16:18:00.000-08:00

My grandma tripped on a step this morning and bumped her head on the ground. I did this quick sketch to make her feel better. She smiled so big. Totally worth it.

Cignus Lake

2007-01-31T17:06:00.000-08:00

My friend Francis is doing a new comic book. I did a sketch of one of the main characters Cignus Lake. I like how it turned out. --Will Terrell

SketchNight Sketches - 1.20.2007

2007-01-20T21:52:00.000-08:00

SketchNight Sketches - 1.20.2007

It was a small sketch club tonight, I guess because of the weather. It was still fun though. I ran out of brown paper so I did a bunch of my sketches on the Freebirds menus. It was fun. thanks to everyone that braved the weather. I had fun, hope you guys did too. Keep smiling! --Will Terrell

Self Portrait

2007-01-19T15:09:00.000-08:00

Figure Drawing - 1.15.2007

2007-01-15T21:50:00.000-08:00

A couple of my friends were kind enough to come pose for me this week. I'm really working on my rendering skills, preparing to go back to the Watts Atelier in San Diego this October. I'm still really weak on Anatomy and lay-ins. I need to study more on it before the next session. But overall I really feel like i'm improving and I'm very happy with how some of these turned out. --Will

Pirate Vs. Ninja

2007-01-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

"I hates ninjars!" Water color sketch from the sketch club meeting tonight. --Will

Sketch Night Sketches - 01.06.2007

2007-01-06T23:02:00.000-08:00

Had a good time at the sketch club sketch night tonight. Thanks to everyone that came. I brought brown bag paper, chartpak markers and white out for the gang. I think everyone had a lot of fun messing around with it. These are some of my sketches. --Will Terrell

My first painting!!

2007-01-06T11:02:00.000-08:00

I sold my first painting this week. It was the first acrylic painting I've ever finished... and the first one sold!! It's a good week. Here's a picture of me holding the painting in its nice shiney new frame. This is gonna be an awesome year! --Will Terrell

Pinal County Fair Illo

2007-01-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

Last minute commission that came in last night. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. If I have time (and if anyone is even interested) I may upload a demo for this one. I saved the different steps. I did the B/w with crowquil. And colored it in photoshop.

--Will Terrell

Curls and Cat

2007-01-03T12:11:00.000-08:00

This is a presketch for a painting I plan to do tonight or tomorrow. --Will Terrell