Comic Con 07 Rocked!

Kei: Thank You to everyone who came down to our booth at the con! It just gets bigger and bigger every year, I can't wait till the next. We're glad to say we had a successful con-- we sold out of almost all our books and prints! And what a great time we had hanging out with old and new friends.

We had dinner one night with 30 of our friends at this churrascaria called Rei do Gado, one of the best resturants in San Diego! As you can see from the bill we ate very well! If you ever swing by San Diego, you have to try this resturant, they have the best brasillian steaks in town!



Bobby: Honestly I had so much fun hanging out with everyone, it almost made me want to move to California!

For me, fondest memories were always at dinner. On Tuesday Kei and I arrived in San Diego and rented my favorite car (Mustang) and peeled down to the Hilton, checked in and went to Denny's. Had a nice quiet dinner and conversation and decided to go to Sea World! Animals always amaze me so the trip was off to a good start. I haven't been to see world for over 20 yrs!

Wednesday we met up with our ImagineFX friends that came all the way down from the UK and enjoyed a nice little meal at a swanky Chinese restaurant called "Red Pearl" I believe...

Then came Thursday night - Brazilian BBQ. How the heck did a little party of 10 grow so fast??
Here's a list of some of the lovely company we were lucky enough to dinner with that night:

Freedom fighter Alberto Ruiz and his lovely daughter Megan

Our good friend Dan Merisanu - great supporter of all independent art book publishers and all around nice guy

Octavio Rodriguez - Imagine Vin Disel meets Robin Mitchell... and then put a sketchbook in his hands.. hehehe. jk.

Sean "Cheeks" Galloway - My half-Taiwanese brother! First time I met him, he completely surprised me by speaking Chinese to me! Multi-talented indeed

Kandrix and Laurie - a couple of our fellow Canadians!

Matt Stewart - another awesome artist from Canada!

Francisco Herrera and his lovely bride to be

Our good friend Stephen Silver of course

Deanna Marsigliese - another awesome artist from Canada!

Martin Hsu - fantastic artist and designer!

Vin Teng - INCREDIBLE sculpter

Pascal Campion - Flash animating GENIUS!

Our buddy Patrick Morgan!

Our friend John Giang from ILM

Our friend from wayyy back Robin Mitchell and many many more.... my head is spinning just trying to remember everyone. Better stop before I throw up. I think I'm still full from all the steak. Anyhow it was wonderful to share a meal with such a talented group of people.

The next day our little crew (Dan, Robin, Deanna, Silver, Cook) ended up going out to Bella Luna with our new friends Donnachada, Scott Wright, Jeremy Bernstein and Morgan Kelly. They are part of the wildly talented animation team at Dreamworks. Can't wait to see Kungfu Panda! Later on that night we had the pleasure of even more company from Dreamworks Maggie Kang and Griselda Sastrawinata and their friends. Unfortunately Kei and I had to call it a night at 1:00am... we were exhausted that night.

Saturday was a very long day at the con. By the end of the day my throat was getting a bit sore from talking so much. It was nice to share a meal with a nice dinner with Justin Ridge and his crew, Alberto, Matt Stewart, Silver and Heidi, Kandrix and Laurie. Afterwards, it became party time at the Marriott. I don't drink very often at all but the vibe was great that night so Kei and I decided to party it up a bit! Good times indeed.

Sunday we had dinner with our buddies Dan Merisanu and Robin Mitchell and our new friends Pascal Campion's crew. Afterwards, it has become a bit of a tradition to get together with Robin and reminisced about old times and new times and took a few minutes to just sit around and be thankful for all that is good in our lives. A very nice ending to a great trip.

The collection..
There were so many beautiful books this year. Too bad we couldn't take even more with us!
Out of alllll the books we received, here's my top ten list:

Chris Sanders - this one was only $10! I couldn't believe the amount of amazing sketches in this book. It is a MUST HAVE.

Bill Presing - let me put it to you this way... we bought 3 copies because it's THAT good. If anyone is wondering who got his number 1 of 100 limited edition verisons... it was me hehehe... Kei got number 21 of 100.

Jakob Jensen - Love love loved the humor in this one! Beautifully drawn and superb sense of humor. Genius!

The Ancient Book of Myth and War - I got the limited edition. It's wonderful to have an original piece from Scott Morse, but not only that... the book is signed by all four contributing artists - Morse, Romano, Shank and Wragg. Beautiful illustrations!

Dean Yeagle - Mandy's Shorts. Always loved Dean's Mandy drawings. Incredible poses! But this one is his best one yet! Hardcover and in full color this time!

Donnachada Daly's Crush - Here's a real gem! There's true genius in his simplicity.

Pascal Campion - There's so much beautiful artwork in there that you really have to slow it down and stare at every image to really appreciate it.

Gabriele Pennacchioli - AMAZING storytelling!

Robin Mitchell was nice enough to give me a book even though he knew he didn't bring enough. Wonderful drawings!

Louie del Carmen - is in my top ten list as well but his Steel Noodles book got me too interested and ended too fast. What a tease!! So now I'm going to have to bug him to get the next issue done.

Martin Hsu - Wonderful illustration and style!

Humberto Ramos - Awesome style, awesome artist and all around nice guy!

Francisco Herrera - Amazing comic book sketchbook!

Patrick Morgan - Loved the robots!

Kevin Dart - his first book! A must have.

Alberto Ruiz - These are always automatic purchases for me. Love this man's art!





Sea World was wicked!












best trip yet,
Kei & Bobby

Some *must save* links!
Darryl Young
Bob Rissetto
Kandrix & Laurie
Jim Zubkavich
Craig Berry
Martin Hsu
Tae Soo Kim
Goro Fujita
Donnachada Daly
Jakob Jensen
Jeremy Bernstein
Scott Wright
Morgan Kelly
Pascal Campion
Deanna Marsiglisese

Scarlett Johansson Not Playing Jenna Jameson; Jesus Weeps

Millions of men (and quite a few women) cry out in sorrow as People reports that Scarlett Johansson has no plans to portray Jenna Jameson in a biopic based on the porn star's life.

Rumours had been going around for months that Johansson was set to star in the film, and Jameson fuelled the fire by telling audiences at last weekend's San Diego Comic Con that the Lost in Translation star was her first choice for the part.

"I love her. She's amazing. She's smart; she's funny; she's stunning," said Jameson. "I remember thinking to myself, this girl has such a sexuality without even really trying to be sexy. I was like, 'This girl could play me.'"

But the male population's premature reach for the box of tissues has been quashed as Johansson's rep denies her involvement in the project.

"Scarlett has never seen a script nor been approached about this project," her rep tells People. "She also has no interest in playing this role."

There's still no word on who else is up for the part, or who Jameson's second choice is. The film, based on Jameson's autobiography, How to Make Love Like a Porn Star, will reportedly be a very explicit look at Jameson's experiences in adult films, and casting the lead role is critical.

"I don't want someone who's going to go in there and be, like, bouncing around," said Jameson at Comic Con. "I want someone who can bring some depth."

Er... I think she means emotional depth.

Reps Claim No Weed For Paris Hilton

When you’re trying to clean up your act, it seems that everyone has something against you. Just ask Paris Hilton. She’s only been out of jail a short time, and people are already starting rumors about her.

There are reports that Paris was smoking pot with Cisco Adler, Kimberly Stewart’s ex-fiance, at Guys’ Nightclub this past Wednesday. Rumor has it that she made out with him as well.

And her people are pretty ticked that the allegations were made. Her rep told press, “Paris absolutely did not smoke pot Tuesday night or Wednesday morning, as I understand was reported. That report is false.”

Which side is telling the truth? Well, the fact that Paris has been photographed smoking pot in the past lends support to the rumors. You never know though. Paris surely has made some enemies throughout her days, who’d love nothing more than to help ruin the heiress’ newly-presented good-girl image.

Pussycat Doll: I'm No Whore, Dammit!

Nicole Scherzinger, really the only recognizable Pussycat Doll, is trying get away from the stripper stereotype -- seriously.

Nicole, who released her first solo single featuring TI, was in the glamorous port city of San Pedro, Calif. yesterday -- filming the video for the song.

According to sources on set, Nicole was dressed in a skimpy, bronze-colored designer bathing suit and then asked to do some crazy yoga poses.

Our source said that Scherzinger was not too happy about the outfit and told execs that she "looked like a whore." Understandable, since she's used to those ladylike Pussycat Doll outfits. Shooting continued for a short period until execs agreed that she did, in fact, look like a hooker! Shock!

The set was immediately cleared until a new, more tasteful outfit was found for the sexual poses. You can dress a wolf in sheep's clothing ... or something like that.

Online Art School - Schoolism.com

Online Art Classes - Schoolism.com

Here's an interview I recently did with the Character Design Blog --> LINK

Classes available for registration:
Character Design by Silver





The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler



Digital Painting with Bobby Chiu





Please visit SCHOOLISM for more details.

Pam vs. Heather: The Pam vs. Heather: The Claws Are OutClaws Are Out

First Tommy and now David Spade! Furious Heather Locklear is fed up with nemesis Pam Anderson hooking up with her exes.

The simmering romantic rivalry between blonde bombshells Heather Locklear and Pamela Anderson has reached the boiling point again. Fanning the flames is Pam’s budding romance with comic David Spade, whom Heather was dating last year.

“Pam has always been Heather’s nemesis,” a friend of Heather tells Star. “On a professional level, she has no respect for her. And on a personal level? Forget it!”

Even though Heather, 45, has been seeing her former Melrose Place costar, Jack Wagner, for the past few months, she “flipped out” when she saw photos of David rubbing Pam’s bare midriff during a recent hookup in Las Vegas, says sources. And she really lost it when she saw another shot of them kissing at the JET nightclub in the Mirage Hotel. “Heather went ballistic,” says the friend. “When she split with her first husband, Tommy Lee, Heather told him he was free to go after anyone but Pam. Tommy not only married Pam, he had two children with her!”

Heather filed for divorce from her second husband, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora, in February 2006, and a month later, she was linked to Spade, 42. When they broke up, Heather was “miserable,” says the friend. And she was jealous of the other women he dated, including Carmen Electra.

But as with Tommy, she had specifically asked Spade to steer clear of Pam- even though she seemingly had little reason to worry.

When Heather and Spade vacationed in Hawaii last year, her friend notes, the funnyman- who turns 43 on July 22- even took potshots at 40-year-old Pam!

“Heather was laughing at his jokes about Pam’s intelligence,” says the pal.

“David’s barbs were very sharp. That’s why Heather was so astounded to see him hooking up with her. Now Heather is furious. She says she can’t believe what a lying hypocrite David is. And if she runs into him, she says she’ll tell him straight to his face!”

San Diego Comicon - Table A5. Who's going??

Hi All,

It's that time of year again, where artists from all over travel from all over to go to the San Diego Comic Con.

For those that have never been there, this comic convention is so BIG that we just call it "Comic-Con."

It's sooo big that if you are standing in the middle of Comicon, you can't see any walls! Only the ceiling.

It's sooooo big that you NEED more then one day to see the whole convention.

It's sooooooo big that you'll probably get lost just wandering around the place. Not to worry though... all you need to do is remember one important letter and one important number.

A5 - We'll be happy to give you directions :)

Can't wait to see everyone again!
So where's everyone else sitting? Leave your info in the comments so we all know!

Alberto Ruiz H3
Bill, Jeff Pidgeon, Scott Morse booth 4800
Cheeks - E2
David Colman - H5
John Nevarez - H9
Jose Lopez - H somewhere I believe...
Justin Ridge - 1035
Louie del Carmen - ??
Kevin Dart - E4
Patrick Morgan - H somewhere I think...
Octavio Rodriguez - ?? with Louie del Carmen I think...
Robin Mitchell - E9
Stephen Silver - H6

Imaginism Studios (Bobby & Kei) A5

Here's some more pics for our next book "Dragon Sketches"
These original sketches will also be available for purchase at the con starting from $65.

Kim Kardashian Nude Redux? Sex Tape Vixen Poses For Playboy

Kim Kardashian has posed for a provocative Playboy photo shoot - but no one will say whether or not she bared all for the men's magazine.

Kardashian had been reported in the tabloid press largely for her friendship with Paris Hilton. But, she became the subject of intense attention because of a graphic sex tape that depicts Kardashian and her at-the-time-boyfriend Ray J performing various sexual acts.

Prior to the release of this film, Kardashian announced her intention to pursue legal action to block distribution of the sex tape. This would become the first public acknowledgement of the existence of the video, which she had previously denied.

Despite the looming lawsuit, adult retailers started offering the tape for pre-order in February. Vivid Video made the sex tape available online in March. On April 30, Kim settled with Vivid Entertainment, who paid $1 million to an unidentified source for the video. Vivid handed over nearly $5 million to Kardashian and stop distributing the tape at the end of May.

The socialite reportedly agreed to the spread and recently posed for the secret pictures.

Jason Seiler Caricature Classes Online

2008 is going to be an exciting year.

There are going to be some amazing teachers joining Stephen Silver and myself at Schoolism.com.

This is one of them - JASON SEILER

His class "The Art of Caricature with Jason Seiler" is coming January 2008.


Here's a snazzy little video I took off his BLOG

Digital Painting Class September 20th is open for registration.

Digital Painting Classes with me are now open for registration!

Classes start Thursday September 20th, 2007.
Lessons: 9
Assignments: 9
Duration: 14 weeks
Fees: $798 USD
Pre-Requisites: None. This course is for any skill level.

Seats available: 15

Please check out SCHOOLISM for more information.

On another note, San Diego Comic-Con is quickly approaching. A couple of months ago Arthur Suydam asked me if there would be any original sketches available for purchase. Well, I'm not one to say no to an artist like Arthur so I've been taking apart my sketchbooks and preparing a little collection to sell at Comic-Con. Kei and I will be at Table A5 so if you're coming to the show, come on by and say hi!

Here's some of the sketches that will be available.


These are a couple of sketches from our next book "Dragon Sketches"

Pamela Anderson Dips Into Pool With Clothes On

Pamela Anderson went for a swim with her clothes on, but only for the shoot.

Pamela Anderson and Hans Klok were filming an episode of a Fox sports show at Hooters Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

As the temperature kept rising, the beautiful Pamela decided to cool off in the pool, to the delight of the audience and cameramen.

The men who were watching her were not as surprised by the fact that she went into the pool wearing high heels as they were disappointed that she did not take her clothes off, reports mizShowbiz.

the Strange Behavior Challenge

Here are some concepts for a new piece I'm working on. It's for Cgtalk's new "Strange Behavior" Challenge! more updates soon..







-Kei

Snoop Dogg to star in reality TV show

Snoop Dogg has signed up to appear in a reality TV show in the US.

The series, which will see the rapper balancing family duties with his hip-hop career, is to be screened by cable network E! Entertainment.

"The juggling act that Snoop faces day-in, day-out between career and family is certain to resonate with our viewers," said Ted Harbert, president of the Comcast Entertainment Group, which operates the channel.

As previously reported on NME.COM, the rapper has had several run ins with the law.

He missed a number of tour dates in London and Manchester with fellow rap star P. Diddy in March after he was refused a visa.

In April, Australian immigration officials also banned him because of a US court case where he pleaded no contest to gun and drug charges.

Following that case, he was given five years' probation and was ordered to carry out 800 hours community service, reports BBC News.

August 7th Schoolism digital painting classes are FULL

August 7th digital painting class is FULL.

Next class will begin September 20th, 2007.
Registration begins Monday July 16th, 2007.

Join the mailing list and you will be notified once new classes are open for registration.

Bobby

Animation Mentor Newsletter

Hi everyone,

I'd like to give a special thanks to our friends at Animation Mentor. I'm featured in their Newsletter this month! Along side my buddy David Colman.

In case you've never heard, Animation Mentor is by far the best online animation school out there. They have real professionals teaching their classes. That's what art teachers should be... real pros that are successful at what they do.

Check them out and sign up for their classes!

You can see the article HERE

Bobby

Halle Berry: The Hottest Woman Over the Hill

Who says life ends at 40? Not Halle Berry. The Monster’s Ball actress is looking as hot as ever, and everyone’s taking notice.

In fact, she was recently honored on a “fabulous 40-something” list by being named #1.

In Touch Weekly put out their “The World’s most fabulous 40-something” list and Berry was on top of her peers. She beat out some other notable hotties, like Daisy Fuentes, Salma Hayek and the former Mrs. Tommy Lee/Kid Rock Pamela Anderson.

The magazine says it was a clear choice to name Halle as the top hottie. “She has evolved into this woman that feels very confident in who she is,” they explained.



The rest of the list is as follows:

1. Halle Berry
2. Daisy Fuentes
3. Salma Hayek
4. Pamela Anderson
5. Martina McBride
6. Maria Bello
7. Tia Carrere
8. Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon
9. Melina Kanakaredes
10. Nicole Kidman

Bigfoot 's New Friend or Yeti 's New Friend?

Hi all,
Here's a piece I did call "Big Foot 's New Friend" but now that I think about it... shouldn't it be called "Yeti 's New Friend"? It's just that I like the words - Big Foot. It just sounds funnier.
I did this initially as a demo for my digital painting class on SCHOOLISM (Shameless plug.. sorry about that) but after looking at it for a while I thought Big Foot looked lonely so I put in a little buddy for him.

Anyhow it's a painting about love and friendship :)

I also submitted this to Exotique 3 so wish me luck guys!

By the way, anyone interested in the August 7th Digital Painting Techniques class... there are 2 spots left.

Bobby

And some more must see links!
Thierry Martin
Eric Canete
Dustin Nguyen
Dan Panosian
Jeff Matsuda
Joshua Middleton

EXPOSÉ 5 - Excellence Award for Big Bad Bunny Eater

Yay for the Big Bad Bunny Eater! It one an 'EXCELLENCE' award in EXPOSÉ 5 for the 'Humorous' category. Thanks very much Ballistic Publishing!





And here's some links you won't want to miss!
Adam Rex
Enrico Casarosa
Victor Navone
John Beatty
Francisco Herrera

Preggers Alert! Jennifer Garner Spotted with a Bump

Is it possible that Violet Affleck may be a sister in the next few months?

Based on today's sighting of Jennifer Garner and her skinny blonde girlfriend at The City Bakery in The Brentwood Country Mart, it's most certain! Jen looked super cute, sporting a fantastic haircut, complete with shaggy bangs and honey brown hair. She wore a gorgeous white paper-thin flowy blouse that was fitted around the shoulder but flowed throughout her body. As she ordered at the counter, I got a perfect glimpse of her profile and as the light showed through her top, The Bump was totally there!

After they left, I asked two others at the eatery how they thought she looked, without mentioning the word "bump." Both said they suspected she was preggers!

I spotted Jen and her GF as they were getting into Jennifer's hybrid Lexus SUV and a few paparazzi jumped out from behind cars to catch a shot. Luckily, a security guard motioned them away but Jennifer definitely looked upset that they took photos. Possibly because she is hiding the onsets of what is sure to become a baby frenzy when word gets out?!?

Stay tuned!

Hollywood Zombies

Kei and I were honored when asked to contribute to Topps new trading cards: Hollywood Zombies.

I had heavy deadlines at the time this series was being produced but it sounded like too much fun to pass up so I crammed a card into my schedule. I did Minced Vaughn and Owen Killson, a parody of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson from the Wedding Crashers. Hopefully next time I will be able to contribute more than one image. Here's my humble little contribution to this wonderful collection.

Thank you everyone for coming!

We would like to thank everyone for coming to our humble art show--and for buying books and prints..It was really great to see both friends and new faces! We really appreciate all your support. Thank you for making it a wonderful night.

much love,
Bobby & Kei