tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58239908288601550212024-03-14T11:49:21.904-07:00CrabFu BlogWelcome to the blog of Concept Artist, Toy Maker, Tinkerer... I-Wei Huang. Covering R/C, Robots, Digital Art, Skylanders, and other random stuffAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-92091468309111449302018-10-14T22:24:00.001-07:002018-10-14T22:24:50.634-07:00Tiki Idol TattooAnother Tattoo spotted! <a href="https://twitter.com/soulessshinobi/status/1051014656788070401?s=21">@SoulessShinobi</a> just tweeted this picture of his new awesome tattoo, of one of the tiki idols that I worked on in the <a href="https://www.spyrothedragon.com/">Spyro Reignited Trilogy</a>. It turned out great!<br />
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<a href="https://twitter.com/soulessshinobi/status/1051014656788070401?s=21"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UlS21YCYqlo/W8QhMEH-3uI/AAAAAAAACr0/R3CoEC9wo20o5viPUs9Nq_awGNuhylcbACLcBGAs/s400/Spyro_tiki_tattoo.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This marks the <a href="https://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/search/label/tattoo">third person</a> with tattoos of one of my game characters.... that's just nuts!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-76263171333008663862018-09-08T22:29:00.000-07:002018-09-08T22:29:45.910-07:00Steam Walker, explainedHere is a video showing how my Steam Walker work:
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4l_lwM8qNU8" width="853"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-79636784407535977342018-04-15T10:46:00.000-07:002018-04-15T10:46:41.517-07:00Art Review: 2018 iPad vs iPad Pro<br />
Apple finally made a normal iPad with Pencil support! Here is my review of the 6th gen 2018 iPad, compared to iPad Pro:<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-78384228348894782052018-02-25T08:20:00.000-08:002018-02-25T08:20:36.493-08:00Journey OF660 Overhead Carbon Fiber Guitar<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is my review of the <a href="http://www.journeyinstruments.com/product-category/overhead_carbon_guitar/">Journey Instruments OF660</a>. It sounds great, and plays like a dream:</div>
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And playing Castle in the Sky theme by Joe Hisaishi, with <a href="https://www.tonewoodamp.com/">Tonewood amp</a> </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-85427542397788582902018-02-09T20:56:00.003-08:002018-02-09T20:56:29.276-08:00Wacom Bamboo SlateHere is my artist review for the Wacom Bamboo Slate. I picked this up for $90 on Amazon, but unfortunately it did not live up to my expectations...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-12965185131514263052017-09-17T08:18:00.001-07:002017-09-17T08:18:15.662-07:00Play Acoustic and Electric Guitars Without an AmpI made this video to show how you can use a <a href="http://amazon.com/gp/goldbox?&tag=adamcarolla09-20&camp=217705&creative=406565&linkCode=ur1&adid=1S1WPEJM5M1Y1RRW2875&">Vox Amplug AC30</a> and a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/XDREAM-X-Vibe-Vibration-Speaker-Packaging/dp/B00IHQVPS0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1505659625&sr=8-2&keywords=xvibe+speaker">Xvibe Vibration Speaker</a>, to make a poor man's <a href="https://www.tonewoodamp.com/">ToneWoodAmp</a>.<br />
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And also realized that this can be used for electric guitars as a practice amp, without having to be right next to a traditional amp. This is great for just kicking back on the couch, or make a great traveling amp.<br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-GL1-Guitalele-Natural/dp/B000RVYMWE/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1499063684&sr=1-2&keywords=yamaha+guitalele">Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele</a> is a $100, 6 string guitar-ukelele hybrid, tuned A-A. With a lot of experimentation, and searching guitar/ukulele forums, I was able to get it to tune E-E, standard guitar tuning. I did this by using standard tension nylon strings, removing the highest string, and shifting the remaining strings down, and adding the lowest string with an extra high tension low E string. It stays in tune well, after a couple weeks of letting the strings settle in. Obviously this isn't what the Guitalele is made for, so do at at your own risk. The low E string is slack, and the rest of the strings aren't tuned up much higher than before, so overall pull on the neck isn't very different, I think. Mine's been working out great for a few months now, but again.... your milage my vary, and do it at your own risk. A-A tuning on the Guitalele actually sounded great, very sweet and ukulele sounding, and you can play and practice like a guitar... But I wanted to learn to sing with it, and my unfortunate limited vocal range just can't go that many steps up, otherwise I'd just stayed with the A-A.<br />
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I've also replaced the saddle with a tusk saddle, but I don't hear an improvement there, so I wouldn't recommend going through the trouble. Overall it's a great travel guitar, couch guitar, and just something fun to play with, it's so cute! It is very small, and feels very cramped because of the super short neck scale, but it has very good nut width. The string spacing at the saddle is where it feels very tight for finger style, and I wished that it was spaced out more there. Still, it is pretty fun to mess around and practice with.<br />
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This video was recorded on the iphone, using <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app-bundle/moviepro-camera-remote-kit/id1210250610?mt=8">Movie Pro app, with the remote app</a>. I also used a usb mic, the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Samson-C01U-Studio-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B00HXE4BYW">Samson CO1U Pro</a>, and <a href="https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter?afid=p238%7CsjFcjoDsP-dc_mtid_1870765e38482_pcrid_52243316890_&cid=aos-us-kwgo-pla-btb--slid--product-MD821AM/A">USB to Lightning connector</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-21675233678788862142017-06-23T21:57:00.000-07:002017-06-23T21:57:22.815-07:00iPad Pro 10.5 vs Original 12.9<div>
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Here is a video comparison between the new iPad Pro 10.5, and the original 12.9. See the original full<a href="https://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2016/01/ipad-pro-pencil-artist-review-vs-wacom.html"> iPad Pro artist review</a>, for the full rundown. So far, I'm loving it!</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-5646384792894191022016-11-11T08:47:00.002-08:002016-11-11T08:47:50.956-08:00Motorla SteampunkThis is a spot that I did for Motorola a few years ago, but was never used. I found a version of it and thought that I'd share :)<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-3454426512792525592016-10-16T21:21:00.003-07:002016-10-16T21:21:55.260-07:00Skylanders Imaginators Released!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://www.skylanders.com/">Skylanders Imaginators</a> released today! Here's a nice review video from ACG:</div>
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And<a href="http://kotaku.com/skylanders-imaginators-the-kotaku-review-1787793986"> Kotaku's Review</a>, And <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/andyrobertson/2016/10/03/skylanders-creator-app/#3fb3880c35d7">Forbes</a> article, covering the free <a href="https://www.skylanders.com/creator">Skylanders Creator App</a>, for iOS and Android, and info about custom t-shirts, playable cards, and 3d prints!<br />
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I've always said that I've got the best job in the world, I get to create characters and make game characters and physical toys. Now you have my job! it's totally the best thing ever :)<br />
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My family's been having a blast making their own characters, too. After they've made theirs, I started to make my own Imaginator. My wife and my oldest son were being backseat drivers, telling me what to pick, what looked best, and I said "hey who's the Skylander designer here?", to that they both said "we are". Yup, YOU all are!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My wife's character, very cool looking and gears are largely chosen by stats.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My son's character, is a pumpkin and snake themed dude, his name is... wait for it... Pumpkin Snake.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our little guy's creation is a baby, with construction robot body, plunger ears, cupcake hat, fish weapon, eagle armor, with stinky green cloud.</span></td></tr>
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Skylanders Imaginators is available now, for more info: <a href="https://www.skylanders.com/">https://www.skylanders.com/</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-5882760201548103752016-05-31T17:18:00.001-07:002016-05-31T17:18:15.970-07:00Strandbeest at the Exploratorium<br />
<a href="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7032/27307443006_0f097d8d21_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/8/7032/27307443006_0f097d8d21_k.jpg" width="320" /></a>We got to visit the Exploratorium in San Francisco this past weekend, and saw Theo Jansen's Strandbeest Exhibit. For those of you that haven't seen a Strandbeests, prepare to have your mind blown. <br />
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This rare opportunity to see the Strandbeests in person, will be at the Exploratorium from now until September 5, 2016. I strongly urge you to check them out while you can. The Exploatorium has something for everyone, lots of amazing hands on science, and fun for the whole family. Check out some of our <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/68422197@N00/albums/72157668263623170">pictures here</a><br />
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I took some videos, showing a couple of the Strandbeests in action. My son and I got to push them around! It was actually easier to move than I had thought! I still can't figure out the compressed air/pistons mechanism, even up close studying them. I'm not sure if I'm more impressed with the art of the machine, or the artist who made the machine. Either way, just awe inspiring.<br />
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My Hamster walker was also on display there, as part of this Strandbeest exhibit. This is the second time that I've had my tinkerings displayed at the Exploratorium. The first time was showing my steam robots, and talked about making Skylanders toys: <a href="toys: http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2012/01/exploratorium-webcast-toys.html">toys: http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2012/01/exploratorium-webcast-toys.html</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3iP0NGDDao">Hamster walker </a>is also on Display</td></tr>
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Exploratorium website here:<a href="http://www.exploratorium.edu/"> <b>http://www.exploratorium.edu/</b></a></div>
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Strandbeest website here: <a href="http://www.strandbeest.com/"><b>http://www.strandbeest.com/</b></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-82786290547236963352016-05-03T21:32:00.001-07:002016-05-03T21:32:09.261-07:00Indiana Jones on iPad Pro + Microkey AirPlaying the Korg Microkey Air 49 with iPad pro + iM1 app!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-15341240029767019862016-02-01T06:18:00.001-08:002016-02-01T06:18:11.002-08:00Figma Archetype Review<div style="text-align: center;">
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Figma Archetype is an affordable, super posable figure, that works great as an artist mannequin. This figure, along with the male version, became extremely expensive, after they sold out everywhere. Luckily, Figma just re-released them, and I got the chance to pick up one to review.<br />
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I'm impressed. Yes, it is cheap and small, but it's.... cheap and small! The figure is very poseable, but not as much as SFBT-3. In particular, the neck, head, and wrists felt limited, after getting used to the SFBT-3. I had a hard time trying to cross her arms, and couldn't quite do a pistol hold with 2 hands. However, it's way better than Stikfas, and other posable figures that I've tried, and works great as an artist mannequin.<br />
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I preordered this from <a href="https://otakumode.com/shop/55c976f628bb0d943968ab1b/figma-Archetype-She-Flesh-Color-Ver?lang=en">Tokyo Otaku Mode</a>, for about ~$30. That is a tenth of the list price of the <a href="http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2013/09/sfbt-3-artist-figure-review.html">SFBT-3 previously reviewed</a>. SFBT-3 are made in extremely low numbers, and released once in a rare moon, so they are pretty much impossible to get. The Figma Archetype is the next best thing that I've found, check out the review video!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-505296696515461782016-01-22T23:14:00.004-08:002016-06-27T11:39:20.252-07:00iPad Pro + Pencil Artist Review (vs Wacom Cintiq Companion)I've been using the iPad Pro + Pencil for a couple of months now, and I think it's the best digital drawing experience that I've ever had. For sketching and drawing, the Pro and Pencil just feel so natural. Apple made something different, whereas other drawing tools and tablets are either made by Wacom, use Wacom, or trying to copy the Wacom stylus. I'm a huge Wacom fanboy, so it's hard to win me over, but Apple did it! The Apple Pencil is truly is an incredible first gen device, see the review video below, to see why:<br />
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iPad Pro + Pencil Artist Review<br />
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Procreate is my favorite drawing app on iOS, it really is an amazingly powerful app. It has everything you need for sketching and painting. Here is my tweaked Pencil brush for Procreate. Here are directions on how to<a href="http://procreate.si/forums/index.php?topic=451.0"> import brushes into Procreate from Dropbox</a>: The brush is here: <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/w8y5grf3eqsbnkd/Apple_Pencil_Crabfu.brush?dl=0">https://www.dropbox.com/s/w8y5grf3eqsbnkd/Apple_Pencil_Crabfu.brush?dl=0</a><br />
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I found the tilt setting on most drawing apps make the line thickness way too much, and Procreate was no exception. This may make the Apple Pencil look really impressive at first, tilting will turn your pencil into a gigantic graphite stick, but is very hard to control. After a lot of tweaking with this brush, I'm very happy with the results. It feels like a natural pencil, when a bit of shade when you tilt it down low. This pencil brush, along with the pressure curve + screen protector shown in the video, made all of the difference.<br />
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Here are some of my sketches, using 100% iPad Pro/Pencil & Procreate:</div>
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Portrait sketch practice, me and my boys. I used ipad's split screen view, to see reference pictures on half of the screen, and sketch on the other half, worked out great.</div>
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I'm not much of a painter, but testing out painting rather than drawing.</div>
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Sketch of my wife</div>
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Love the blue pencil feel!</div>
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And a sketch using Sketchbook Pro</div>
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Previously, I reviewed the <a href="http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2014/04/wacom-cintiq-companion-review.html">Wacom Cintiq Companion</a>, <a href="http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2013/12/wacom-creative-stylus-ipad-air-reviewmod.html">Wacom Creative Stylus</a>, and <a href="http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2012/12/digital-art-tools-review-pressure.html">Galaxy Note, and other Tablet PC's</a>, but now it's hard to imagine wanting to use them over the iPad Pro/Pencil. I still need to keep the Cintiq Companion, for heavy duty photoshop stuff for work. But if I want to just draw, design some characters, sketch out ideas, even render in color, I think iPad Pro can handle just about everything I need. At half the cost of the Wacom Cintiq Companion, I'd strongly recommend iPad Pro and Pencil.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-42709124243616121642015-11-20T23:11:00.001-08:002015-11-20T23:11:36.128-08:00iPad Pro Pencil Sketch (Procreate)I just got the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. I'll do a review after I put more miles on this puppy, but so far it's been amazing! Here are a few sketches and doodles so far:<br />
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Sketches with iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and Procreate:</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-4343740548695429292015-11-06T21:31:00.001-08:002015-11-06T21:31:54.121-08:00Hamster Walker in Popular Science MagazineThe current <a href="http://www.popsci.com/sculptures-with-life-their-own">November issue of Popular Science</a> included a little blurb about my Hamster Walker! This is the second time that I've been in the magazine, the first was when I made the <a href="http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2009/07/putterbot-in-popular-science-magazine.html">Putterbot</a> back in 2009. Popsci website had <a href="http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-02/video-princess-hamster-gets-armored-mech-suit">previously covered </a>the Hamster Walker video, but now it's in the magazine! The little machine is currently on display at the <a href="http://pem.org/sites/strandbeest/">Peabody Essex Museum</a> through January, with the amazing creations of Theo Jansen's <a href="http://www.strandbeest.com/">Strandbeest</a>.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-50851431193037516342015-10-11T19:38:00.002-07:002015-10-11T19:46:16.835-07:00Hamster Walker on CBS This MorningMy Hamster Walker made a few second apparence on<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/artists-intricate-creations-enjoy-long-walks-on-beach/"> CBS This Morning</a>. I love this interview with Theo Jansen! This exhibit is currently at the <a href="http://pem.org/sites/strandbeest/">Peabody Essec Museum</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-92232908376357072712015-09-29T22:17:00.000-07:002015-09-29T22:17:09.495-07:00Strandbeest Exhibit at the Peabody Essex Museum
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<span class="s1">My <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3iP0NGDDao"><span class="s2">Hamster Walker</span></a> is currently in an exhibit at <span class="s2">Peabody Essex Museum </span>in Salem, Ma. It's part of a traveling <a href="http://pem.org/sites/strandbeest/"><span class="s2">exhibit of Theo Jansen's Strandbeest</span></a>, and I am honored to be a small part of it.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They've included the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3iP0NGDDao">original video</a> next to the Hamster Walker.</td></tr>
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<span class="s1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Below is the schedule for Strandbeest: The Dream Machines of Theo Jansen. I am looking forward to see it at the Exploratorium next year! Theo Jansen is a legend in the maker world, and I can't wait to see his machines in real life. If you don't know who Theo is, and what his creations are, you must see them in action:<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_224581916"> </a></span></span><a href="http://www.strandbeest.com/">http://www.strandbeest.com/</a></div>
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<span class="s1">Peabody Essex Museum, September 19, 2015 - January 3, 2016</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Chicago Cultural Center, February 6 - May 1, 2016</span></div>
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The Exploratorium, San Francisco, CA, May 25 - September 5, 2016</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-39096965733606638992015-09-07T23:57:00.000-07:002015-09-07T23:57:36.891-07:00Sketchbook Pro 7 Animations<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN6ZqWz-43k/Ve6CujFU4kI/AAAAAAAACXw/lNT-7HkcqhE/s1600/horse_run_cycle.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IN6ZqWz-43k/Ve6CujFU4kI/AAAAAAAACXw/lNT-7HkcqhE/s200/horse_run_cycle.gif" width="200" /></a>I finally got around to testing out the new Flipbook Animation feature on Sketchbook Pro 7. It's amazing to use my favorite drawing tool to animate! Currently, it is very basic and limited, but enough to do roughs and cycles like these. I used to be a 3D Animator, but I've never actually done any 2D animation. Years ago, I transitioned into Concept Art, and have been putting in a lot of sketching miles over the years, so it is great to be able to put these two passions together. And boy, is it harder than it looks.... much more studies and practice needed! I sure hope that Autodesk continue to support this feature, and turn it into a full animation program.<br />
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Animated with Sketchbook Pro 7, and Cintiq Companion 1, with Muybridge reference.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-33931718166755702842015-03-26T20:36:00.001-07:002015-03-26T20:36:20.731-07:00Kaos Speed DrawingHere's a quick speed sketch of Kaos, using a Bic pen<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-45725906291496567552015-03-02T08:57:00.000-08:002015-03-02T08:57:35.686-08:00Toejam and Earl KickstarterToeJam and Earl is on Kickstarter! Greg gave me my big break back in ToeJam and Earl III, in which I was the character concept artist, character modeler, and lead animator. Now Toejam and Earl is back, and kickin' it old skool, with style from the original 90's feel, but in a hybrid of 2D mixed with 3D. At the time of this post, they are almost 1/2 way to their goal, please back this project! Lots of rewards, from $5 and up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1578116861/toejam-and-earl-back-in-the-groove">Back Toejam and Earl; Back in the Groove!</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1578116861/toejam-and-earl-back-in-the-groove">https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1578116861/toejam-and-earl-back-in-the-groove</a></span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-26816430821371217832015-02-09T19:30:00.003-08:002015-02-09T19:30:46.286-08:00Hamster Walker on Discovery CanadaThe Hamster Walker was recently on Discovery Channel's Daily Planet, in a segment called "Top 10 Ways to Get Around", coming in at number five. Here is the little clip from it:<br />
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This is the second time that I've been on the show, the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbsMGAGFZ3c">first one dated back to 2008</a>, for my steam and electric robots.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-64893715988751349132015-01-25T08:56:00.002-08:002015-04-20T08:33:50.488-07:00Maxmadco Bolt Action Pen Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been searching for the perfect ballpoint pen to sketch with, something that felt good to draw with, elegant and simple, well made, and a little unusual without it being flashy. I've found the pen, it's the Maxmadco Bolt Action pen.<br />
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<b>Hand made in the USA</b><br />
<a href="http://maxmadco.com/products/">Maxmadco Bolt Action Pens</a> are hand machined pens, and at the time of this post, comes in aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium (Bronze is sold out). These pens are truly works of art, understated, with tighter machined tolerances than any pen have the right being.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top to bottom: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Titanium</td></tr>
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The minimalistic and simplistic design, is what first drew me to them, but the quality of the machining is what I really appreciated, once holding one of these puppies. I'll be reviewing these base on how well they work for purposes of loose sketching. This is completely subjective, of course, as a pen's "feel" really differ from person to person. It's also skewed for art, so the "feel" may have different goals for art vs. writing.<br />
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<b>Refills:</b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFNvBerv-B4/VMT1riEDs7I/AAAAAAAACQs/wvX6t20xawA/s1600/IMG_8483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QFNvBerv-B4/VMT1riEDs7I/AAAAAAAACQs/wvX6t20xawA/s1600/IMG_8483.JPG" height="115" width="200" /></a>Because I am reviewing this for art, the ink refills are very important. These take any "Parker style" refills. There are lots of ballpoint inks to choose from, but you can also use gel refills that are Parker styles. In fact, these pens comes with a gel refill, which is great for the writing. I do use gel pens for sketching (<a href="http://crabfuartworks.blogspot.com/2015/01/pilot-hi-tec-c-with-pentel-water-brush.html">Previous post about Hi-Tec-C gel pens with water brush</a>), but I wanted a simple ballpoint for sketching and to carry with a EDC sketchbook. I'll post a comprehensive review of ballpoint ink types for drawing soon, where I've tried over a dozen types. But for now, let me just say that the Schmidt and Shaeffers are the best ballpoints for art, and is what I've been using for this review.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhHdH7Iw710/VMT1onsP82I/AAAAAAAACQo/DUc9Ea2LS8M/s1600/IMG_8467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GhHdH7Iw710/VMT1onsP82I/AAAAAAAACQo/DUc9Ea2LS8M/s1600/IMG_8467.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><b>Design:</b><br />
One of the objectives for me, is the size and weight of the pens. Too heavy, fat, skinny, slippery, or gummy could be affect line weight, or are uncomfortable. Of course this is all very subjective, I just prefer the skinnier pens - too many of the refillable ballpoints are too heavy, and taper at the end, or feel like you're holding a squishy guppy. I like the simple stick type, something more like the shape and size of a normal pencil. So maxmadco pens hits the spot, at just barely thicker than a typical #2 pencil.<br />
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Balance is perfect. I have some pens that are too heavy in the tip or the back, which I find fatigues the hand too quickly. I like pens that rests nicely on your hand, and not too long or short. Short pens tend to feel too front heavy, and long pens just feels awkward to hold.<br />
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<b>Bolt action:</b></div>
Of course the big difference with this pen, is the bolt action mechanism (aside from being hand made with unusual materials). It is fun, addictive, I can't stop playing with it. The simplicity in the design, means that it won't break.... seriously, it's ingenious, I'm not sure why more pens aren't bolt action instead of clicky type. The mechanism is super smooth, and requires no lubing, in fact lubing will just end up attracting dirt and gunk. The clip is simple and well made as well. However, I wouldn't rely on it for pants pockets.<br />
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<b>Extras:</b><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oq124tnJGGY/VMT1Ql7jp1I/AAAAAAAACNU/ltK2QPdj-es/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oq124tnJGGY/VMT1Ql7jp1I/AAAAAAAACNU/ltK2QPdj-es/s1600/IMG_8430.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>It's important to mention that these come with a gel pen refill, but also comes with a really nice leather pen case. They provide good protection, and has a magnetic flap. If you look around the internet, these type of leather single pen pouches costs around $35 and up, so it's nice to be included with your pen for free. The shipping is also super fast, and reasonable. Jim Madrid is the master craftsman who makes these pens by hand, and is very responsive to any needs or questions that you may have. These pens come in different materials, here's a breakdown for each:<br />
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<b><a href="http://maxmadco.com/products/retractable-pen/">Stainless steel:</a> </b><b>(1.66oz / 47.1g with refill)</b><br />
This is the heaviest of the three. Maxmadco is sold out of the bronze, otherwise that would be the heaviest. This pen is substantial, it feels unusually heavy in the hand, like a you're holding a solid metal rod, which I really love. However, once I started drawing with it, it felt a bit heavy and fatigues the hand faster. Because of the weight, it is more difficult to control line weight, after using it for a while. If you like heavy pens, you won't be disappointed.<br />
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<b><a href="http://maxmadco.com/products/retractable-pen-lightweight-black/">Aluminum:</a> (0.78oz / 22.5g with refill)</b><br />
After using the Stainless Steel version, the aluminum felt comically light. I had to examine to make sure that it was metal, lol. The pen is still well balanced, and the lightness makes it feel more like a normal disposable ballpoint pen. You can only get this in the anodized black, but it is sleek and cool.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcku81uZXZ8/VMT1PjSuPzI/AAAAAAAACNI/0H51E8dcCtg/s1600/IMG_8428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tcku81uZXZ8/VMT1PjSuPzI/AAAAAAAACNI/0H51E8dcCtg/s1600/IMG_8428.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><a href="http://maxmadco.com/products/bolt-action-retractable-pen/">Titanium:</a> (</b><b>1.04oz / 29.5g with refill)</b><br />
Titanium pen, how freakin' geeky-cool is that? It is a bit heavier than the Aluminum version, but not nearly the weight of the Stainless Steel. I find it great to sketch with. I think that if I could only have one of these bolt action pens, this would be my choice. However, it is also far more expensive than other materials.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cff9BnGG70c/VMT1bB8yDWI/AAAAAAAACO4/uLUVMshfi3k/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cff9BnGG70c/VMT1bB8yDWI/AAAAAAAACO4/uLUVMshfi3k/s1600/IMG_8449.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Because these are hand made by a single skilled craftsman, they are not cheap. I suppose they are not expensive when you consider the work involved, or start looking around high end pens that are in the hundreds of dollars. But starting at $85, they are high enough to turn away most. For me, I love having fine tools and machines that I use a lot of, especially tools to dream and create, so the Maxmadco bolt has quickly became my favorite ballpoint tool of choice.<br />
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I'll do a comprehensive ballpoint refill post soon, as well as my EDC sketching setup, so stay tuned!<br />
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<a href="http://maxmadco.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Maxmadco</span></a><br />
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<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-tjKNvUJpdJk%2FVMT1UQn8hnI%2FAAAAAAAACOE%2FqU0WIn8g4as%2Fs1600%2FIMG_8441.JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tjKNvUJpdJk/VMT1UQn8hnI/AAAAAAAACOE/qU0WIn8g4as/s1600/IMG_8441.JPG" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-81096671370033123782015-01-14T23:33:00.001-08:002015-01-15T10:30:41.235-08:00Creation of the Macy's Skylanders Balloon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I designed Eruptor back in 2009. Never in a million years would I have imagined that 5 years later, he would become a <a href="http://social.macys.com/parade/?cm_mmc=VanityUrl-_-parade-_-n-_-n"><span class="s1">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</span></a> balloon. This, of course, is a once in a lifetime experience, so I'd like to share my story. </div>
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqDBbMfcrKE/VIRpPYpdL8I/AAAAAAAACEc/lxKYYEQATuY/s1600/eruptor5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SqDBbMfcrKE/VIRpPYpdL8I/AAAAAAAACEc/lxKYYEQATuY/s1600/eruptor5.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Eruptor Concept Art</span></td></tr>
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My first sketches of the Eruptor balloon to send to Macy's for inspiration had his arms stretched out wide to the sides. This turned out problematic, because he would be too wide for the streets of New York City. The arms would also probably cover a bit of the face, and at that body tilt angle, you wouldn’t see his face as well as if he was more tilted down. It's funny that we have similar constraints on the Skylanders toys - size constraints and tilting to make it easy to see for the viewer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUiFLiv-vk/VIRpR8X1plI/AAAAAAAACE0/_epwZDjCqVQ/s1600/macysv2.tif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qnUiFLiv-vk/VIRpR8X1plI/AAAAAAAACE0/_epwZDjCqVQ/s1600/macysv2.tif" height="225" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My first pose had his arms to the side, making</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> him too wide</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIHAy8d5nCc/VIRpPz-vfzI/AAAAAAAACEg/SpC7rlSDF1M/s1600/macysv17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qIHAy8d5nCc/VIRpPz-vfzI/AAAAAAAACEg/SpC7rlSDF1M/s1600/macysv17.jpg" height="310" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Final pose is more narrow, allowing him to be bigger, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">and at a good viewing angle from the ground</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp4KLVRwoVc/VIRpThb5Y-I/AAAAAAAACE8/ZpXALdEYSew/s1600/macysv23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qp4KLVRwoVc/VIRpThb5Y-I/AAAAAAAACE8/ZpXALdEYSew/s1600/macysv23.jpg" height="207" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">With color and to scale</span></td></tr>
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After the pose was worked out, Macy's amazingly talented sculptor Eric Hudspeth sculpted him perfectly. I was blown away at the maquette, it was a thing of beauty. After the maquette is finished, they molded and made casts, which were then used to figure out the balloon patterning including how many panels of fabric were going to be needed to make the balloon and to get the character colors correct. I was astonished at the color model, it looked really 3D. I wasn't sure how it would translate into the real balloon, how could it look this good?</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdbSzlkEFpQ/VIRpO8FbaBI/AAAAAAAACEU/DvC46IQgQEA/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CdbSzlkEFpQ/VIRpO8FbaBI/AAAAAAAACEU/DvC46IQgQEA/s1600/IMG_8632.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Macy's Amazing sculptor, <span style="text-align: start;">Eric Hudspeth,</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">working on Eruptor</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vU5mr_pLwQg/VIRpOYILHsI/AAAAAAAACEI/-1_RM7ZingU/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vU5mr_pLwQg/VIRpOYILHsI/AAAAAAAACEI/-1_RM7ZingU/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Side view of the Clay Maquette</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcqcx11qRfw/VIRpO31QZiI/AAAAAAAACEM/ugimOfP4QwY/s1600/IMG_8658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tcqcx11qRfw/VIRpO31QZiI/AAAAAAAACEM/ugimOfP4QwY/s1600/IMG_8658.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Street view from the front</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-ToOHmzKpE/VIRqyDrwZbI/AAAAAAAACFI/9Cz4_YHMDf8/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0-ToOHmzKpE/VIRqyDrwZbI/AAAAAAAACFI/9Cz4_YHMDf8/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Final color model</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBjTIwLBO0U/VIS91oKrDYI/AAAAAAAACFw/iWJuo1N1WHo/s1600/IMG_5226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 13px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jBjTIwLBO0U/VIS91oKrDYI/AAAAAAAACFw/iWJuo1N1WHo/s1600/IMG_5226.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">Models of the new balloons at Macy's window display</span></td></tr>
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The Eruptor balloon featurette video</div>
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The day before Thanksgiving, the balloons are all inflated, and here I got to see Eruptor for the first time. Nothing could prepare me for how big and colorful he was… I was blown away. He actually looked even better than the small scale model, the colors really popped, and he looked very 3-D. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YMez2LzHmc/VIS-NDyjvhI/AAAAAAAACF4/kdofnBTZYiw/s1600/IMG_7209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YMez2LzHmc/VIS-NDyjvhI/AAAAAAAACF4/kdofnBTZYiw/s1600/IMG_7209.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Starting inflation</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkdnoUxPgYM/VIS9vVJpjXI/AAAAAAAACFo/np9ByiZxpuQ/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SkdnoUxPgYM/VIS9vVJpjXI/AAAAAAAACFo/np9ByiZxpuQ/s1600/IMG_5331.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">By night, he was fully inflated</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
The weather was cold, windy, and rainy the day before, which had me really concerned. I didn't want it to rain on my parade.... get it??? rain on my.... anyway. But on Thanksgiving Day, it was about as perfect as can be.<br />
<br />
I got to meet a lot of the balloon handlers, who were all super sweet, and as excited about Eruptor as I was. Some of the handlers and pilots found out that I had designed Eruptor, and took some pictures with me. Macy's even gave me a balloon handler's outfit, which looked awesome. Seeing the balloon for the first time, fully inflated and in daylight, left me speechless. When the handlers unleashed him and raised the balloon, he floated up majestically. He measured 50-feet long, 36-feet wide, and 36-feet tall, with more than 40 gallons of fluorescent paint and 5 barrels of glitter. The glitter didn't look too sparkly, but added a really nice pop to the bright colors.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix3-cWM9jJw/VIS-7RWRyGI/AAAAAAAACGI/7wJEgMKLeuY/s1600/IMG_5417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ix3-cWM9jJw/VIS-7RWRyGI/AAAAAAAACGI/7wJEgMKLeuY/s1600/IMG_5417.JPG" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: small;">My first day time view of the balloon</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2BL3Xy0oaA/VIS_YPHaQ3I/AAAAAAAACIw/s2cWuvnGhQs/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2BL3Xy0oaA/VIS_YPHaQ3I/AAAAAAAACIw/s2cWuvnGhQs/s1600/IMG_7315.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">These outfits were great! Wish that I could have been </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">able to </span><span style="font-size: small;">keep the vest!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL3ZFFIFFfQ/VIS-2Z00RyI/AAAAAAAACGA/X4BTZBUQZrs/s1600/IMG_5409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OL3ZFFIFFfQ/VIS-2Z00RyI/AAAAAAAACGA/X4BTZBUQZrs/s1600/IMG_5409.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">hmmmm... I thought he'd be a little bigger</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRtVvtIVRl4/VIS_BNAE2jI/AAAAAAAACGc/ta5L8rSE0BM/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hRtVvtIVRl4/VIS_BNAE2jI/AAAAAAAACGc/ta5L8rSE0BM/s1600/IMG_5424.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">You can see the amazing paint job here</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuepFWHd5jA/VIS_C--N_PI/AAAAAAAACG8/DJ-rqvSTXY8/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VuepFWHd5jA/VIS_C--N_PI/AAAAAAAACG8/DJ-rqvSTXY8/s1600/IMG_5459.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone getting excited to start</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJlVb0Xpf3g/VIS_CsIcxvI/AAAAAAAACG0/sNDFyvYw81E/s1600/IMG_5462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eJlVb0Xpf3g/VIS_CsIcxvI/AAAAAAAACG0/sNDFyvYw81E/s1600/IMG_5462.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Group selfies with Eruptor's giant foot</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="p1">
Then the parade started, and Eruptor floated along to greet the crowd. I walked alongside the balloon and heard lots of people cheering "Eruptor! Eruptor! Eruptor!" or "Skylanders! Skylanders! Skylanders!". It was nuts. I'm walking next to a giant 50-foot balloon of a character that I created with the crowds chanting his name. Surreal.<br />
<br />
One thing that I did not anticipate was how close and intimate we were to the crowds. Everyone waved and wished eachother Happy Thanksgiving. Then it occurred to me, adults just don't wave to strangers very often. It's one of the most fundamental human gestures, and kids do it to everyone. As adults, we get caught up in our lives, and we don't make eye contact nearly as much as we should, and we don't usually greet strangers and wish them well. It felt REALLY NICE to do so along the parade route to thousands of people. I felt more human, and more gratitude, than I've felt in a long time. It was a profound experience that I will never forget.<br />
<br />
At one point, we stopped for a few minutes which happens often because of the performances, and I heard the usual chanting of "Skylanders!" by a small group of people. We all shouted back "Skylanders!", and a moment later, they were chanting "He designed it!" over and over. Shocked, I tried to say thanks and try to get them to stop, and noticed that it was one of the pilots telling them to chant that for me. Then a few seconds after I turned back, they started chanting my name. It was beyond surreal, completely embarrassing and humbling at the same time.<br />
<br />
In another part of the parade route, a young boy in the front lines had an Eruptor stuffed animal hanging over the rails. I ran up to him and gave him a high five. I think that made my day more than his!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SyyrH_d7gaQ/VIS_DgDcg9I/AAAAAAAACHA/-zFDJ0quBhM/s1600/IMG_5488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SyyrH_d7gaQ/VIS_DgDcg9I/AAAAAAAACHA/-zFDJ0quBhM/s1600/IMG_5488.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yup, he's huge </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuSaauc7NOA/VIS_Qriro1I/AAAAAAAACIA/_VMIdCaFJZY/s1600/IMG_7288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OuSaauc7NOA/VIS_Qriro1I/AAAAAAAACIA/_VMIdCaFJZY/s1600/IMG_7288.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">At the starting line</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otpOZ55E9Ro/VIS_SG3nBDI/AAAAAAAACIQ/LqR8IPUGRrE/s1600/IMG_7306.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-otpOZ55E9Ro/VIS_SG3nBDI/AAAAAAAACIQ/LqR8IPUGRrE/s1600/IMG_7306.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Posing with the lovely banner girls</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eB4ffnY1aA/VIS_WguEHSI/AAAAAAAACIg/qE6NWc00xA8/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eB4ffnY1aA/VIS_WguEHSI/AAAAAAAACIg/qE6NWc00xA8/s1600/IMG_7312.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Here he is, along with the tiny toy!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQNL7XRnjr0/VIS_ZO1AenI/AAAAAAAACI4/-dXdYtStGsM/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQNL7XRnjr0/VIS_ZO1AenI/AAAAAAAACI4/-dXdYtStGsM/s1600/IMG_7329.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Taking over New York</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wXQMbQtxLpg" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>And here it is on NBC, starting around: 1:21:23</b></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
And that is how I spent my Thanksgiving in 2014. The year that Eruptor became a Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon. It still felt like a dream, but it will be the most memorable Thanksgiving that I will ever have, and one of the most proudest days in my life. Thank you Macy's, for your generosity and artistry. And thank you Toys for Bob and Activision, for allowing me this crazy opportunity to design these Skylanders.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Icyp_1YDW-o/VIaNS4RYmLI/AAAAAAAACJc/oSILuro2fJw/s1600/image2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Icyp_1YDW-o/VIaNS4RYmLI/AAAAAAAACJc/oSILuro2fJw/s1600/image2.jpeg" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Born to Burn"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://twitter.com/thescienceguy/status/537971910299357185"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Clp5LguBz5A/VLdkJry_fjI/AAAAAAAACME/8KDhXQEg1Yw/s1600/B3dCmXDIcAAqRvZ.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">And Bill Nye tweeted this selfie!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5823990828860155021.post-65761729831843537942015-01-09T21:46:00.001-08:002015-01-09T21:46:39.760-08:00Pilot Hi-Tec-C with Pentel Water BrushHere's a quick video showing using gel pens with water. These Pilot pens are my absolute favorite gel type pens, and is magic when used with a water brush.<div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1PnUxrPEktg" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLl4w1mpJH0/VLCyMXG_LOI/AAAAAAAACLU/gLhc4IcRd6E/s1600/IMG_8214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kLl4w1mpJH0/VLCyMXG_LOI/AAAAAAAACLU/gLhc4IcRd6E/s1600/IMG_8214.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example using Hi-Tec-C 03 with Pentel water brush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I'm using a <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/Pilot-Hi-Tec-C-Gel-Ink-Pen-with-Grip-0.3-mm-Black/pd/2884">Pilot Hi-Tec-C 03</a>, they come in 0.25mm, 0.3mm, 0.4mm, and 0.5mm. There are lots of them to choose from. </div>
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<div>
You can also use a <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=coleto">Pilot Hi-Tec-C Coleto</a>, which are the same pens, but in a multi-pen form. They also come in a variety of thicknesses, as welll as vast color options. I perfer the black, dark blue, and brown. The brown looks nice, but the wash turns it more of a red color, rather than brown. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the water brush, really any soft brush with water will do, but the <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=pentel+aquash">Pentel Aquash Water Brush</a> really makes it easy to carry around. I am using the <a href="http://store.copicmarker.com/collections/paper/products/copic-marker-sketchbook-5x7">Copic Sketchbook</a> for the paper, they are thick enough to not wrinkle, and easy to work with for these gel pens and water. This combination makes it easy to just carry just one Hi-Tec-C pen, and one water brush, instead of using multiliners with lots of markers. It also has a bit more of a watercolor look than markers, which I really like as well.</div>
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<div>
There are so many Pilot Hi-Tec-C options, that it can be a bit confusion. Luckily <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/search?q=hi-tec-c">Jetpens has them all</a>, and has this great <a href="http://www.jetpens.com/blog/hi-tec-c-a-comprehensive-guide/pt/629"><b>Comprehensive Guide</b></a>. Their shipping is super fast, and their inventory is unmatched!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--y3j6D_lIDY/VLCyMRPUM6I/AAAAAAAACLg/UHFdOLI3_NM/s1600/IMG_8224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--y3j6D_lIDY/VLCyMRPUM6I/AAAAAAAACLg/UHFdOLI3_NM/s1600/IMG_8224.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">03 with water brush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e54XB4sTuN8/VLCyMY3YjUI/AAAAAAAACLY/cDI41QqeVso/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e54XB4sTuN8/VLCyMY3YjUI/AAAAAAAACLY/cDI41QqeVso/s1600/IMG_8226.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">04 dark blue with water brush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aot_qQGNea0/VLCyNyEMlbI/AAAAAAAACLs/K8BdpbuUljc/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aot_qQGNea0/VLCyNyEMlbI/AAAAAAAACLs/K8BdpbuUljc/s1600/IMG_8229.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">04 brown with water brush - turns more into a red.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03438937061441303454noreply@blogger.com2