On Literature...

Jason's Thoughts on Literature:

• You don't need to be dead to write a good book
• Children's Fiction deserves more respect
• Tolkien isn't the only person allowed to write fantasy
• Everything's been done before... it's the author's approach that matters
• Just because a book is popular, doesn't mean it sucks
• People take books too seriously... reading should be fun
• Genre fiction has value too
• Good writing is often concise; frills distract from what's important
• Don't read a book if you've already decided you wont like it
• Just because it's a classic, doesn't mean (a) that it's good (b) that you should like it (c) that it's boring (d) that it's superior to modern fiction

I'm sure I'll think of more later –– Jason

Perspective...

I've started a new Adobe Illustrator project!
This time, it's a re-do of something I've already done.
I don't want to give away too much yet! The original was fine, but I want to try a different style; to step outside my comfort zone, technique-wise.
This piece will be in proper perspective (which I've always found challenging). Here's a sample of what I've been doing:

I've mostly been practicing so far, with some success. I want to take my time with this piece. I'll come back to it whenever I can, and will keep you updated on its progress.

Perspective is harder than it looks! –– Jason

Jason's Blog is Back!

After months of neglect, Jason's Blog is finally getting some attention!
I'm hoping to continue posting at least once a week, starting today.
If you've been a frequent visitor to Jason's Blog since the beginning, you may notice that some older posts have been deleted. That's because I want to shift the focus of the blog (slightly)... to make it less heavy.
I'll continue writing my usual segments, paying particular attention to segments that haven't been properly explored. One of those segments is Tutorials. I want to pass on the tips and tricks I've collected over the years (I'm sure there's lots of 'em, if I think hard enough).
The Book Reviews will likely focus on non-fiction for a while; books that relate to the arts. I'm currently reading a great book on fiction writing, and would love share what it's taught me.
So, please check back soon––hopefully there will be an update!

I need to find a way to end my posts –– Jason

Facebook Fan Page

Hello,
I've created a Facebook fan page to help promote my art. I'll be uploading more content (artwork) on this page then I will on my personal account. So be sure to "like" it (I could really use the support).
You can find my page here: click me
That's it, for now. I'll be writing a proper post sometime soon!

Chocolate Factory and Hogwarts

Hello everyone!
I've been extremely ill, so I haven't been able to post in (what feels like) forever!
But do I let illness interfere with art? Heck no!
I've been busy illustrating! Here are my latest works:

Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, as I imagine it in the book, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as I imagine it in the Harry Potter series

I'm really proud of these illustrations (especially Hogwarts)... I've never put this much time and effort into digital illustration before!
I like how my style is evolving! I'm influenced by retro-style art: 1930's cartoons, 1950's kitsch, modern-retro stuff (like Dexter's Laboratory), and of course Mary Blair (she was a genius!) Mix all that with some minimalism and creepiness and *poof* you've got my style!

In addition to spending a ridiculous amount of time working in Adobe Illustrator, I've also been busy re-watching Veronica Mars! I'm currently on season two, disc five! I love Veronica Mars... I just wish it had a proper ending!!! If they don't go through with the movie (which they probably wont) they should at least publish the script (since it's already written) or write a novel!

I must sleep! I'm exhausted, but I'm glad I stayed up to write this... it bothers me when I don't update regularly!

I've lost my marbles...

Okay, so it's not really a marble, but it's close enough. This is a photo I took this afternoon of my favourite glass paperweight (actually, it's my only glass paperweight... but whatever).

I've photographed this paperweight before (and even done paintings of it), but this is the best result so far.

When I look at this orb I feel inspired to create. It helps jump start my imagination. I keep it in a place of honour, on my writing desk, and stare at it whenever I need help focusing.

I haven't had a chance to organize my novel notes yet. I'll get to it once I publish this post. It's a daunting task, but it must be done! I'm determined to make miracles happen this year!

My writing goals for this winter are to finish my Alice in Wonderland fanfiction, and to begin writing my novel, for real.

Writing a novel has been a major goal of mine since a very young age, and now I think I'm ready to commit to the challenge! It's all part of my "save yourself" mantra. I want to reach this goal, and I am the only person standing in my way!

The only trouble is deciding which idea to go with first. I have at least three novel ideas stuck in my head, begging to be released. I'm gonna start weighing my options tonight!

Will it be the supernatural disaster story, the fantasy/thriller, or the teen comedy? I have no idea!

Life's a beach...

Me and my trusty assistant, alias: Oprah, froze our arses off taking these photographs!
This beach is quite far from where we live, but the drive is always worth it. Our visits to the beach are always very peaceful, except for the millions of stairs! It's quite easy to go down, but hell to climb back up!
At least we got our exercise!

Now, I must be off! I'm going to organize my novel notes, and hopefully take a few photos... I'm feeling very inspired in the new year! If my photos turn out I'll be posting them sometime tonight!