Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Monster P.I.

I occasionally will talk about the day job here on the blog, but most of what I do at there is not relevant to the blog. On 2017 however, I worked on a project that lines up perfectly with my interests and activities outside of work. I was part of a team involved with a project I got to name called Monster P.I. As the name implies it involved monsters, which I was was in charge of designing and illustrating. As the project progressed, I also created a hub world illustration that was used as a map as well as a handful of other graphics and elements. This project is a "word detective game assessment for 5th-8th grade students". As the student progresses through the assessment, they will be given clues to the monster they are pursuing. At the end of the assessment, they will be given the opportunity to pick their monster out of a lineup. The monsters are created in such a way they all of their parts are entirely interchangeable, so while there is a master version of each, they can be recombined into thousands of different and unique variations. Also at the end of the assessment, the student has the opportunity to create their own monster with all the pieces available. Here is a look at some of the work I did on this project.

Monster P.I. poster, I created the logo, the background and all of the monsters.

Here is the lineup of all the monsters in their original forms. I also named all the monsters and created a back story for each one.

Dundur
This is Dundur. Dundur likes to go to the amusement park and ride all the rides and play all the games. Unfortunately, Dundur is too big and heavy to enjoy human rides and games without breaking them. Not to mention Dundur eats all of the cotton candy. There is not much amusement left after Dundur has been around.

Snerp
This is Snerp. Snerp is a real connoisseur of art, and she enjoys spending long days in museums looking at all the beautiful paintings and sculptures. Unfortunately, Snerp’s tail has a mind of its own and breaks everything around as it whips excitedly back and forth whenever Snerp is enjoying a piece of art. Not to mention Snerp sheds her scales constantly and they are too big to vacuum up. Every masterpiece becomes a masterpieces when Snerp shows up.

Tromps
This is Tromps. Tromps gets a real kick out of being physically active and playing monster sports. Unfortunately, the monster sports that Tromps likes to play involves smashing and breaking everything that he can get his hands on. Not to mention Tromps likes to use all the baseball bats to pick his teeth. You are going to strike out if Tromps comes to play.

Wobbly
This is Wobbly. Wobbly is a studious monster and enjoys attending classes at any school she can find. Unfortunately, Wobbly’s tentacles get stuck to everything she touches, leaving every school she visits a complete mess. Not to mentioned Wobbly leaves a thick layer of slime on every surface. You don't have to be an A student to know you don’t want to be in the same class as Wobbly.

Zirrple
This is Zirrple. Zirrple enjoys checking out the library to look at all the books and read exciting stories about goats and steam engines. Unfortunately, Zirrple can’t keep track of what his many hands and feet are doing all the time, and many books are stomped on and ripped apart. Not to mention Zirrple’s fingers are not good for turning pages, resulting in many damaged books. You don't need to be a scholar to know that the library is better off without a visit from Zirrple.

As mentioned, all of their parts and colors are entirely interchangeable making for many interesting, silly, and fun monsters.

The hub world or map is used to navigate through the assessment. There are five locations, each tied to an original version monster. When the student begins the assessment, everything is damaged, and as they proceed through it, the locations are repaired. This was an unexpected but fun aspect of the project.

Hub world repaired

Hub world damaged

There are five minigames associated with each location that the student visits. After the assessment, the student can play the game, and once the assessment is completed the student can revisit any of the games. They are all fast-paced timed games. I was part of the design team for the games and created little animated gifs to help explain what is involved with each game. This was another unexpected but fun part of the project. 






Here is a video that the center has used to advertise the game and our ability to create such projects. The plan is to do more projects like this, which is good since we are already working on a similar project.



That is all for another exciting Tuesday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, March 27, 2019

CG Beast by Antony Rahul

It is funny how certain pieces, no matter how old they are, still seem to reappear time and again. The Beast concept illustration I did ten years ago is just one of those pieces. Originally created as a portfolio piece it has grabbed people's attention repeatedly over the years. Not sure what it is about this piece, but even today it is still back on the blog.

I was contacted by Antony Rahul earlier in the week to let me know he had used my Beast concept as part of a school assignment. Antony studies animation and game design in Wiztoonz India and his assignment called for finding a preexisting design and modeling it. Here is how Antony's take on the Beast concept turned out.

CG Beast by Antony Rahul

Looking good! Always fun to see my illustrations turned into a 3D model, miniature, etc. I think Antony did a great job with it and I hope him all the best with his studies and his future. Here is my original Beast concept so you can get a look at what a great job Antony did. 

Beast Concept
11.5 x 9.5 - Digital
© 2009 Christopher Burdett 

The funny thing is, this is not even the first time the Beast concept has been used as part of a class assignment. Back in 2013, Gustavo Labrador GarcĂ­a created his one 3D model. Like I said, it is funny how certain pieces keep coming back into the spotlight. 

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, March 25, 2019

Into the Jungle - The Return of the Aarakocra

Thanks to the internet I continue to discover where my work has been used in subsequent products with my clients. This time around I have for you the choose your own adventure style Dungeons and Dragon book, Into the Jungle from 2018. This book sees the return of the Aarakocra created initially for the 5th Edition Monster Manual in 2014. Here is a look at the new incarnation of the Aarakocra.

Aarakocra
Into the Jungle
8x11 - Digital
© 2018 Wizards of the Coast

The Aarakocra has surprisingly made its way around over the past five years. If you are interested in picking up a copy of Into the Jungle, which looks to be a really fun book, here is the cover that sports a gorgeous Chris Seaman cover.

Into the Jungle, for all your into the jungle needs.

Lastly, here are the original illustrations for the Aarakocra. It is the first monster in the 5th Editon Monster Manual if you go looking for it.

Aarakocra
 Dungeons & Dragons - 5th Edition Monster Manual
8x11 - Digital
© 2014 Wizards of the Coast

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, March 11, 2019

Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck - The Return of the Viper Probe Droid and Quarren Agitator

I continue stumbling across instances of my Star Wars illustrations being reused on various other Star Wars products. This time around I have for you the Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck from 2016. This one slipped under my radar for three years. The Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck sees the return of the Viper Probe Droid and Quarren Agitator Monger that I originally painted in 2015 and 2014, respectively. Here is a look at the new incarnation of the Viper Probe Droid and Quarren Agitator.

Viper Probe Droid
Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck
© 2016 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

Quarren Agitator
Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck
© 2016 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

The Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck is the first time that either of these pieces, to my knowledge, have been reused. If for some reason you are hunting down the Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck to complete your collection of my work, here is an image of the front of the packaging so that you can get the correct one.

Imperials & Rebels 2 Adversary Deck - For all your sleeper agent needs

Lastly, here are the original illustrations for the Viper Probe Droid and Quarren Agitator. Both were initially isloated figures in Star Wars RPG books. They were given background for the cards.

Viper Probe Droid
Force and Destiny Game Master's Kit
9 x 12 - Acrylic and pencil on board
Original - SOLD
© 2015 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

Quarren Agitator
Age of Rebellion RPG
10 x 15 - Digital
© 2014 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Wednesday, March 6, 2019

STILL Too HOT of Tumblr

At the end of last year, I mentioned that a large number of my Tumblr posts had been mistakenly flagged as having adult content. That was sure a lot of fun, and everything was eventually dealt with, and nothing was removed from the site. To be honest, I had not been using Tumblr a lot before the adult content purge, and I did not see myself doing a lot after the purge. That said I recently posted again in the effort to jump start my activity over there again. What do I find when I go to post? MORE of my content that contains no adult content has been once again flagged as having adult content. This is not a game I signed up to play with Tumblr. Oh well, everything has been dealt with, again. I am still not using Tumblr. Life goes on. Here is the new batch of offending posts.

All of these posts and more can be found on my Tumblr... for now.

That is all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog, see you back here on Friday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Monday, March 4, 2019

Spy Sleeper Agent Specialization Deck - The Return of the Arcona Rumor Monger

I continue stumbling across instances of my Star Wars illustrations being reused on various other Star Wars products. This time around I have for you the Spy Sleeper Agent Specialization Deck from 2018. This one barely slipped under my radar at all. The Spy Sleeper Agent Specialization Deck sees the return of the Arcona Rumor Monger that I originally painted in 2013 for the Balance of the Force expansion to the Star Wars Card Game. Here is a look at the new incarnation of the art as the Convincing Demeanor.

Convincing Demeanor
Spy Sleeper Agent Specialization Deck
© 2018 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

This piece has made the rounds before having been used in the RPG and in another specialization deck. It seems to continue to be popular. If for some reason you are hunting down the Spy Sleeper Agent Specialization Deck to complete your collection of my work, here is an image of the front of the packaging so that you can get the correct one.

Spy Sleeper Agent Specialization Deck - For all your sleeper agent needs

Lastly, here is the original illustration for the Arcona Rumor Monger. You can have a look at the entire scene of me sitting at the kitchen table with a tub of cat food speaking to the camera.

Arcona Rumor Monger
Balance of the Force - Star Wars Card Game expansion
9.8 x 7.6 - Digital
© 2014 Lucasfilm, Ltd. TM Lucasfilm, Ltd. Under license to Fantasy Flight Games

That is all for another exciting Monday on the blog, see you back here on Wednesday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com

Friday, March 1, 2019

Pensacon 2019 Recap

Another amazing Pensacon has come and gone. I can not say enough good things about the convention, those that run it, work it, and attend it. Three days of super fun times and really great people. This year was by far my best Pensacon to date, both financially and as a convention. The area of Pensacola that surrounds the Bay Center is getting to feel familiar, and we are taking part in a lot more events outside of the convention. Our con family is expanding, and the fun level has significantly increased. Pensacon 2020 has been announced, and I can not wait to return!

A HUGE thanks goes out to Mike Ensley, Steve Wise, and all of the AMAZING staff and volunteers for bringing me back and making it such a wonderful experience. And thanks to all those that stopped by my table to talk about art, monsters, and more. You are all responsible for making my time at Pensacon so much fun and memorable! 

Here are some images and thoughts from Pensacon 2019...

 Once again it somehow all fit into my car.

 Getting ready for set up.

 The vendors are hard at work getting everything ready.

 My Pensacon 2019 booth set up. I tried something different this time around, I left my original paintings at home and brought canvas prints of my most popular paintings. It was more successful than expected!

 My favorite drawing from the Thursday night drink and draw. Drawings will be auctioned off for charity.

 The vendor floor is ready for the first day of Pensacon!

 My con neighbor is Sam Flegal! This is the first time we have ever been set up side by side, and it was a great time. We are both ready for the first day of Pensacon!

 I started the first day with a panel on working on game art, usage, and collecting. It was a great panel, and I think we actually talked about relevant topics and answered questions.

 On the panel was me, Brain Stillman, Sam Flegal, and Seth Polansky. I would do another panel with these guys in a second. 

 These are the droids I am looking for.

 Pictures will never do it justice, the vendor floor was packed all weekend. On Saturday there was little to no room to move down there.

 The top highlight of the Pensacon for me was meeting Alan Harris. He was the actor that performed Bossk, who is the character that most directly influenced my journey as an artist. I got a couple figures signed. I had an absolutely lovely conversation with him, and he told me about his time on set performing Bossk. Good times. I mostly kept my cool...

 Here is a set of four Festering Mummy artist proofs with one big sketch on the back. RAWR!

 Speaking of artist proofs with sketches, here are some more.

And, here are even more. I forgot to get images of them all. Artist proofs were huge for me this year at Pensacon.

 The screening of the Eye of the Beholder was GREAT. There was a good turn out, and the Q&A afterward was fun and informative. There were many great questions about making art for D&D and playing D&D.

 Another highlight of Pensacon 2019 was seeing the Cybertronic Spree play on Saturday night.

 The show was beyond AMAZING and if you ever have a chance to see them perform you must go.

 With the help of Dear Wife, I was able to get to the front of the stage, and there was much rocking out.

 By Sunday I was running low on energy, as with most cons, but there was still a lot of fun, excitement, and attendees to meet.

 I was able to finally cross paths with Jeffery Combs at Pensacon. He and I both worked on All Souls Day fifteen years ago, but I never had a chance to talk to him on set. I adore his Star Trek work, and it was great to finally have a moment to talk. I, of course, got my DVD of All Souls Day signed.

 Sunday was busier than expected, and I caught a second wind to see Pensacon over the finish line.

 Beginning last year, we instituted a recovery and rest day after Pensacon on Pensacola Beach.

 After three (four with set up) on the convention, it is good to have some downtime with friends to rest and ease out of the convention experience.

 There are worse ways to end a convention. Thank you Pensacon! It is, as always, a WONDERFUL time!

Be sure to check out the Pensacon website to see who will be coming in 2020 and to follow them on social media to get the newest announcements. I hope to see you all there next year!

That's all for another exciting week on the blog, see you back here on Monday! Until then...

For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com