A strange week in the comics biz

Welcome back to another Tribal Council.  Its kind of a strange week for comic fans and creators being wedged in between the massive San Diego Comic Com and fan favorite Chicago-Con.  Team Hi-Fi, now back from SDCC, is working back into the routine and is coloring some AMAZING books.  I’ve been fortunate enough to get assigned few pages of flats for Blackest Night Titans #1 and Superman Annual from Hi-Fi. I can’t wait for these to hit the shelf!!  The art is sick! Make sure you pick them up.

Oceanverse #37 as colored by forum member Kevin-Con;ey

Hue-Doo.com has been a busy place as well. The Oceanverse coloring challenge is still running and the submissions are looking great.  Forum member Kevin-Conley has posted some GREAT entries.  His pallet works really well with the style of the art and his attention to detail really adds a deep level of realism.  His render on areas like this section of the submarine is just perfect.  Notice the shadows and high lights on the niks and dings there.  Also on the sea creature Kevin has taken the time to render each little bump on the body.  Oh, and I love the subtle glow on the eyes.  Great job Kevin!

Also in the Pixel Shrine this week by forum member FrankMCuonzo is an image that will be the back cover of John Metych’s book, Sniper and Rook #10.  Very cool piece of art that turned out great. Be sure to go have a look.

Also posted this last week is the listing for Brian and Kristy’s Color for Comics class at Estrella Mountain Community College in Avondale, Arizona.  Here is the class information and a short piece about the class from the school:
Class: Photoshop for Comics – CIS 120DF #44328
Instructor: Brian Miller
Textbook: Hi-Fi Color for Comics
Class Meets: Tuesday & Thursday 11:30-12:55
Classroom: ESTRELLA HALL #249

First class is Tuesday, Aug 25th.
Enroll at: http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/

Comics, Games, Movies, and Toys; How One Class Can Get You on Your Way to Fun

Industry Leader to Teach Summer Course at Estrella Mountain

Avondale, Arizona – April 18, 2008 – One of the many summer offerings at Estrella Mountain includes CIS 120DF, Photoshop for Comics. The four-week course, which begins June 2, will be taught by author, graphic designer, and comic book colorist, Brian Miller. The course will take students on a colorful journey through the basics of Photoshop while creating a portfolio and learning from a professional in the field about how to take the trip down this lucrative career path.

Miller worked in graphic design for many years before discovering his true passion, coloring for comic books. He founded Hi-Fi Colour Design in 1998 and has since worked with comic and entertainment industry giants such as DC Comics, Hasbro, Mattel, Disney, DreamWorks, and more. Although he successful now, Miller knows that it is difficult to break into the world of graphic design and coloring. “In this time period, it is difficult to get a commercial job as an artist,” said Miller. “But, with a set of skills, when learned, you can pursue your interests, as I have. And the best part is, in this digital age, you can work from anywhere in the world with any company. You no longer have to live in a 200 square-foot apartment in New York City to be a comic book artist.”

“We are honored to have a professional who is a leader in this industry teaching this course,” said Dr. Valerie Akuna, division chair of instructional computing. “He has the skills and business acumen to help our students learn and find careers in the areas they are interested in.”

For more information about this course, please contact Dr. Valerie Akuna at 623-935-8079. To register, visit http://my.maricopa.edu or call 623-935-8888. The college is located at 3000 North Dysart Road, in Avondale, on the northwest corner of Thomas and Dysart Roads.

If you’re in the Avondale area you have to take this class.  You’ll get all of lessons, tips, and tricks of Hi-Fi Color for Comics directly from the source. It’s a must for aspiring colorists. Believe me, I’d be the first to sign up if I was in Arizona.

That’s it for this today. Be sure to come by HueDoo.com often to check out the conversation and art.  The Oceanverse Challenge will be your assignment for the next week or two but be ready for the next one. I’m not going to spoil it for you, but trust me, you do not want to miss Coloring Challenge #16. Wow! It’s a great piece of art.
Eric White