Swaggernaut T-Shirts Available for Sale!

Hey guys, it's Ian Walker here. I just wanted to take some time to update more information here on the blog to let you all know about the line of t-shirts that I am coming out with in relation to my webcomic project The Swaggernauts.

Swaggernauts is an all ages book, but not all are too into comics. But no one is too old enough for fashion. I created a unique and simple line of t-shirts for Men, Women and Kids that is cool and fun. Also these will be able to spread the word about the comic as well. These t-shirts are not your cheap run of the mill 4.99 a shirt cheap copy shirt that will turn into a dust rag in 3 months. These are high quality t-shirts that can be worn for a variety of occasions. I look forward to getting these out to you guys and in your hands. There is a flat charge per t-shirt of $30 for adults, and $22 for kids large. Let me know what you think of this line.

To order your t-shirt, please click on the link The Swaggernauts Online Store to go to the storefront and get yours! If you have any questions, please feel free to ask and let me know! Below are some shots of the t-shirts. Please enjoy!

The Swaggernauts Webcomic - February 1, 2013

Hey everyone, just wanted to send out an update about the Swaggernauts project. There is a lot of amazing progress going on right now, and I am proud to say that the webcomic is ready to go live, and we have a release date for the webcomic! The comic will be released on various websites to try and get it seen by as many people as possible. A special thanks to Dallas Hoisington who allowed me to have some space on his site to publish my webcomic. His stuff can be seen over at FreakAnimes.com.

Here take a look at a few pics of the process that I am doing for the comic book. The amazing work is being done by myself and my amazing colorist Steven Lisefski out in New Jersey. I can't wait to finish this incredible project with him. I'm having so much fun with this book and finally a huge accomplishment for me as a comic book artist as this is my very first official and full project.

I can't wait to see what you guys think of the comic and the first issue that you will see all online! Talk to you folks really soon!

Swaggernauts Talent Search

So here is the deal... You all may, or may not know about the comic book project I am working on in Obsidian Studios called The Swaggernauts. If you do, awesome! If not, check out the Kickstarter on it, and help get this thing moving!

Swaggernauts Kickstarter Campaign

I am currently both the writer and artist on The Swaggernauts. I know how to color, but I simply just do not have the time to do that as well and get my project done on a timely basis. The Swaggernauts is going to be a web comic put out through my studio, Obsidian Studios. It is going to be a full 22 page comic book that will be posted up weekly online as a web comic.

To do this, I am looking and scouting for new talent. Talent that is brand new and wants to get their feet wet in the world of comics, as well as earn a bit of cash either bi-weekly, or monthly on the side. That's right... YOU GET PAID!!! What I'm looking for, is for someone to color up an image for me. The image that is chosen will receive $20 CASH, as well as your colors on a print that will printed for all to see. That is the immediate reward.

The second reward, is that you have an opportunity to get your very first PAID comic book gig, and at the end of the day you can call yourself a professional comic book colorist, and put that on your resume for the future! The work will be WORK FOR HIRE, and a contract will be involved for the colorist that is chosen. Page rate is likely to be $30 a page. You can be paid either weekly or monthly by check or by PayPal. You will need to be willing to put aside 2 1/2 months for this project if you are chosen.

This is a paying gig if you are chosen, but know that you will not be getting super rich either. It is steady freelance work for a time, your work will be seen weekly by comic lovers and readers, and it stands to chance that this could go to print as well. So this is a great beginners opportunity!

Here is the drawing that will need to be colored...

No, the job will not be of sketched artwork, but I want to see what you can do. The contest entry deadline is Dec 24th Christmas Eve. I am looking forward to seeing all the possible entries! Spread the word everyone!
Send your emails to: obsidianmoonrising@gmail.com. Subj: Talent Search

Ian Walker

Swaggernauts Kickstarter Campaign

Hey everyone! It's Ian Walker, here again with a great new Kickstarter campaign. As you all know, I am currently working on a few comic book projects. But the main one I am focusing on is called the Swaggernauts. I have been very tight lipped about it, but now is the time to let you all know what it is about! I put up a Kickstarter campaign to do a special 6 art prints to do for the new 2013 con season with the express purpose of getting the word out about this the Swaggernauts. I am hoping to get some kind of traction on this and reach the goals that I am looking for so that I can get this book seen by the masses next year. 2013 promises to be a good year for me, and what better way to kick this puppy off than to launch a promotional campaign about a book that I am really passionate about.

I understand that not many of you will be able to donate. All I am asking of each of you, is to simply get folks to take a look at the page, and spread the word about it. The more people know and are familiar with the Swaggernauts and anticipate it, the better this will be. I thank you all so much for taking the time to read this journal, and I hope to hear from you all soon!

The Swaggernauts Print Kickstarter Campaign

Been away for a minute, but I'm back! New Swaggernauts Print!

It's been a while since I have been on the interwebs. A lot of things are going on which I can't say is too good, but hopefully after the dust settles, it will be for the best. In my ongoing efforts to get Obsidian Studios up and going again, I am continuing the work on the Swaggernauts. This coming 2013, there will be promo blitz regarding this comic series, and a lot of things are in the works.

For the comic conventions we plan on doing this coming year, I am doing 6 themed Swaggernauts prints, a new sketchbook, and hopefully a new promo booklet from Obsidian Studios highlighting the projects that we will be coming out with, detailing some previews for these stories. The announcement for the next story will be coming out soon, so be on the lookout. For right now though, I want give you guys a small taste of the first print that I did. The first of the six Swaggernauts prints!

Enjoy!

The Swaggernauts

This started out as an idea for a team name for some colleagues of mine at work. The team leader named us The Swaggernauts. I'm not one for the word swag, or any variation of it, but even I had to admit that this was a cool name. After trying to figure out what a Swaggernaut would look like, I then took my vision further and came up with what you will see below.

I have been studying movie posters for B-Movies, and came up with this idea. I think it came out really good. I am going to be taking this idea and running with it, and turn it into a daily comic strip really soon from Obsidian Studios soon. Thinking about something to do with life. We shall see when the time comes. In the meantime though, let me know what you guys think and enjoy!

Kickstarter Campaign to begin in June

Hello everyone! Just wanted to give a heads up on what's going on in the homefront I like to call Obsidian Studios. Right now as we speak, I am working on a project for our first Kickstarter Campaign. This project is for the next White Ninja Guy comic book coming out in October 2012. We are attempting to raise money to be able to pay for various expenses; the most important of those being printing for the 1000 copy run as well as the special edition 150 copy run of the special edition B&W sketch cover version of White Ninja Guy Saga #1.

We are producing a lot of artwork from various artists for variant covers, and promotional posters and the like for various comic shops. We are looking at a projected goal of $4500. Though the costs are MUCH higher, that being of $8300, the $4500 is much more doable, and the rest will be coming from the income of commissions and original art sales of other artwork. This campaign will be ready to launch by June 1 2012. Along with the Kickstarter campaign, we will be launching the White Ninja Guy Facebook page. This will allow us to be able to find out who the REAL fans of White Ninja Guy are. As a result, this can help us create contests and incentives for those fans. Over on the Obsidian Studios blog, and Facebook page, we will be uploading pictures and video of the White Ninja Guy project and other things to keep you guys up to date with progress.

This is a very exciting time, and we hope that with these avenues of promotion and networking that we can make White Ninja Guy a success. The final endgame will be to get White Ninja Guy Saga #1 into the hands of potential new fans at the Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco in October. We can make this happen, and so stay tuned! What can you do? Spread the word and tell folks about the project, and if you can donate, please do so! Thank you all so much for your time, and we hope to hear from you soon!


Until next time Moonwatchers!

Ian Walker
Obsidian Studios Founder / Owner

The Black Dame... Coming in 2012

She's coming back for 2012... The Black Dame. 

More information to follow. Stay tuned...

It's Creator Owned Day!!!

I wanted to do a giveaway for Creator Owned Day today. So it's really simple as far as what to do. Be a legitimate follower on my blog. Leave a comment below telling me what your favorite character is, and just check out my other stuff! That simple! The first 10 to do this, and send me an email w/ their address gets a copy of my 2010 Sketchbook: Introducing - The Sketches of Ian Walker, and a signed copy of White Ninja Guy #0: One Shot! I may throw in something else as well, who knows! Thanks so much, spread the word, and talk with you folks soon!

2012... The Year of Change

No, I'm not talking about nickels and dimes change, I'm talking about change ranging from physically, mentally, monetarily, and artistically. There are many things I'm going to be doing different. Yeas past I would do things for a while, and not complete them. If I didn't do them, I always came up with an excuse, either as to why not to do something, or why it was too hard. NO MORE. I also used to pile on more than I could chew. Take on things when I couldn't do them all even though I thought I could. Back in 2010, I focused solely on White Ninja Guy, and I ended up going to my first comic con the following year because of it. 

So this year those of you that follow me faithfully will see this new change. Here are a few of those,

1. Gonna lose weight (if you guys met me you will know why)
2. Better husband and father (continuous thing right there)
3. Focus on one comic project and put my all into it (The Seven)
4. Build and rebuild friendships
5. Create and build connections and resources with my community and fans.
6. Get a lockdown on my spirituality. (Personal thing, dont' worry I wont bible thump u guys to death)
7. Earn cash to get Obsidian Studios off the ground (Commissions, eBay, and Art Site)

The biggest thing I want to do artistically from this list is communicate and build my fanbase more. I know that I have disconnected a bit. I need to know what that means to you guys though. I'm gonna put up a poll where instead of picking an answer, I really want you guys to communicate to me how you want your favorite artists to communicate with you. That is either me, or your other favorite artist. I just want to know and hear it so that I can apply that and be there even more for you guys as an artist. 


Daily sketch a day...

On my blog, I'm going to be putting up daily sketches. At the end of the year, I will be compiling these sketches together to create a new artbook with a few extra goodies! Check out my daily sketches at my artblog.

The Seven Indie Go-Go

There is currently a crowdfunding campaign I am running to try and get The Seven up off the ground. The full campaign will be done on kickstarter at the end of the month. I am going to be offering some amazing rewards, with reasonable donation ranges. Right now, I'm trying to get my hands on as much cash as I possibly can, so if you can donate, I would really appreciate it.

The Seven Indie Go-Go Campaign --------------->  http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Seven-Graphic-Novel?a=24762 


I have more to talk about, but I will go about it later guys. In the meantime, please follow me here on Blogger, DA, and also on Twitter as @iandwalker81
I will talk with you guys soon, and much success to all of you, Fans and Creators alike!

The Seven Graphic Novel Indie Go-Go Campaign

Hey guys, I'm back to let you know what's going on right now! I have been working on my graphic novel The Seven for over a year now, and after getting started with the lineart, and reading the script more, I decided that I didn't like it, and that I wanted to start over in the story. This time around I brought on another writer to help work with my current writer on the story Ricky Burnett to get this thing going. I am going to revamp the story to be a more realistic and believable story.

The writer working on the story now is here on DA, and is also an aspiring digital colorist named Brandon Smith. He even has a page on DA. Check him out here ----> http://brandon-smith.deviantart.com

Last night, I started a crowdfunding campaign over on Indie Go-Go to bring the first part of this graphic novel to life. CAINE is the first story in this book, and it will be made into a stand alone comic. This is being done for the purpose of promotion and to get the story into your hands to whet the appetite for the graphic novel. I plan on running a bigger campaign in the future on Kickstarter, but need help right now raising funds for a colorist to do the book for us. I have a goal of $2000 right now, and I really really need your help in two ways; either by spreading the word about my book, or by actually donating and helping us get this book rolling. There are rewards and perks for donating, and all that do will receive them. I thank you guys so much in advance, and please please please go spread the word and help in any way you can!

New You Tube journal!

In this vlog or video journal, I kept it really simple. I wanted to show off some of my drawings that I have been doing. Some folks thought that I was no longer drawing and just doing editing stuff with my comics. I had to put those rumors to rest. But this video also talks about some new stuff that is going on within Obsidian Studios. Please take the time to share the video, leave comments, and most importantly, subscribe to my You Tube channel! Enjoy!

Dick Tracy

This is the latest Dick Tracy piece that I just finished up tonight. I always have tons of fun when drawing Dick Tracy. I wonder what it would be like to do a comic of this guy? Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy it. I put it up on my fineart portfolio site called Prokofolio.com. I did it with Copics, and Prismacolor markers and inks. It measures 11 x 17 and done on Canson Comic Art Board. It's up for sale on the site now for $150! So email me if you can't remember the site so that you can purchase it! In the meantime, I hope you guys enjoy!

Black Dame Commission

This kind of warmed my heart up a bit. I have a regular client who is a big fan of my artwork that buys my stuff over on eBay on a regular basis. When I asked him what he wanted for a commission, he said that he wanted a drawing of my original Obsidian Studios character The Black Dame in a swimsuit. Talk about something I want to draw, eh!?

The drawing was supposed to be originally done on 11 x 14 bristol, but because of his loyalty and being such a great client, I did 11 x 17, and did head to thigh. I'm gonna throw in some extra goodies for him too. Your a king of clients Daniel!

WonderCon Artist Alley Location REVEALED!!!

My WonderCon Artist Alley Location this year will be AA-143! It's official folks! I will be at the Con in name only, but will be promoting some Obsidian Studios stuff there at the show. People can get their hands on White Ninja Guy: One Shot, which will be debuting the official and public introduction to Obsidians' flagship character White Ninja Guy. This book will be signed by me, and limited to a FINAL 50 copies! After this Con is over, and the issues are all sold, I will no longer be selling this comic! Also at this con, I will be selling copies of my 2010 sketchbook; Introducing: The Sketches of Ian Walker. I am looking forward to this event and getting hard copies of my publications out there to you all. Along with my original art pieces, I will be selling pre-made sketchcards, fan art prints, and other promotional materials related to future Obsidian Studios projects. 

I am also doing a promotion right now for you potential Moonwatchers out there. Here is the scoop... I have t-shirts made over on Zazzle, which is my Obsidian Studios Merchandise store. (link is in the top links area on the main blog page). I am doing a promotion right now, letting everyone know, that if you buy a shirt, and wear the shirt at the Con, and come over to my table with it on, then you will get a FREE FULL COLOR 8.5 x 11 Commission from me of one character of your choice. This is something I'm doing to show my appreciation for all your support. So I would love to see some folks sporting Obsidian there at the show!

April is going to be an exciting month in general, and I can't wait to get out there and let you folks see it all! Can't wait to see and meet you all! Talk with you soon at the show!

Commissions for WonderCon 2011!!!

You all know the situation. I have just begun taking some special commissions for the mission and quest to get to WonderCon 2011! I need money for the table, supplies, products, food and lodging. I assume that all of this all together will cost around $500-$600. If there is a cheaper way to do this, then please I ask you to let me know. Right now though I am asking you for your help.

Commission Info
Please read the information and rules before sending me an email! Any commission requests that do not follow the rules WILL BE IGNORED!

Sketches
Bust - $10
Sketch Card - $5
Additional Simple Color - $5

Payment
via PayPal ONLY sent to: darkmyster@gmail.com

How I work

I will read your email containing a filled out version of the form below and get back to you accepting or not. If it is acccepted the payment must be made to darkmyster@gmail.com via paypal including your DA name so I can identify you (As soon as the payment is made you will have a slot). After that I will proceed to sketching. The more info you put in the form below, the better the sketch will come out (that does not mean the life story of the character but reference links, etc) Once I accept and payment is received, I will send to you an approximate date for when the commission will be done, and when you should receive it in the mail.

I retain the rights to sell or reproduce the art. If you wish to use it for self-profit please note me.

How to request commission
Please send me a note called "commission" and copy/paste this form and fill it out.
Email: (Your email address)
Type of commission: ( fullbody , Half Body etc)
Characters: (references to characters)
Description: (describe how you want the character, in which pose, background..)




Thanks in advance everyone for helping me to work hard and achieve my dream!!!

First piece of 2011 - SpaceGirl Starla

It's been a hot minute since I have posted something here online. And for that I apologize. There are a lot of things that have been going on in real life, and I felt that I had to attend to those things first, and that is something I don't apologize for. However, for those that follow me and watch my art, I apologize for not putting up artwork. As a way of penance, I wanted to give you all a sketch for this year that I liked and had some fun doing. Let me know what you think! Here is to a hopeful and wonderful 2011!!!

Sketch Shots - Day 3: Power Girl

This is todays new sketchshot of Power Girl. I have been inspired by the art of Darwyn Cooke for the past few days as well as some others, so there is a bit of influence there. This is actually a piece that's in my personal sketchbook, so there is no separate physical sketch. So no sale here. But please enjoy, and let me know how you guys feel!

Ian W.

New Sketch Card Weekend - Week 4 (Part 2)

New cards of the first five X-Men drawn in the style of the New Frontier comic series. Interested? Well, these are up for 24 hours! Go grab them now starting at $.99!

eBay Auction Link

Sketch Shots - Day 2: Drenai Paladin

Draenai Paladin from World of Warcraft sketch shot. Available for $10 plus $3 shipping if interested!