January 31, 2009

Here are two BRAND NEW strips of The Age of Prosperity. Here we can see the classic situations that seem to forever fill Davey's life...debt stress, and scamming the man.

Strip#6

Strip #7

© The Age of Prosperity, 2009

For this weeks Illustration Friday posting, "FLAWED", check out the post from January 30. January 30, 2009.

January 30, 2009

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - FLAWED
In addition to the new Hamlet sketchbook illo for today (left), I'm reposting The Beethoven page from January 15th. Since this weeks theme is focused on something characterized as flawed, and I happen to have picture of a notorious FLAWED genius, I thought this is a good enough interpretation for this weeks theme. Oh, and ear horns are way harder to draw that I thought.

January 29, 2009

I've been experiencing some "blah" moments the past week, and boy...nothing would be more therapeutic then a nice wilderness camping/hiking trip. Anything to get out of the city for a few days would be wonderful...but alas, I cannot. I'm forever grateful of the magic that drawing has. During the half an hour it took me to draw this...I could hear the breeze rustling through the trees.

That's not me in the drawing by the way. I don't rock the stylin' hippie ponytail.

January 28, 2009

I wish they had Model UN at my high school...I know I would've considered joining. I mean...we all know those UN skills are crazy useful in illustration!

January 27, 2009

So I thought of another idea for a series in this long, LONG project I've endured. I thought of illustrating different groups, individuals, or whomever that make up all the different high school cliques. I figure it's a fun idea, it leaves me with at least 10 different concepts to draw, and it'll be even more great practice on interpreting all the different weird looking people in the world.

I've got two jock-ish friends/teammates here. Alright everyone...expect to be visiting the AV club any day now.

January 26, 2009

I've been getting a few comments and emails lately regarding my comic, THE AGE OF PROSPERITY, and I couldn't be more thrilled! I've become really psyched about this project, so for today's posting, I present you with strips #4 & #5, along with inked character drawings of Luke(L) and Davey(R). Please let me know what you guys think of the comic...I'd really like to get some people as into it as I am...well, that might be a little too much, but you know what I mean!

The STUDLY cast of The Age of Prosperity

Strip #4

Strip #5

© The Age of Prosperity, 2009

January 25, 2009

INSPIRATION SERIES, #2 - Albert Einstein
I'm a big fan of science, mainly the discoveries and breakthroughs of the early 20th century...and with a big interest in theoretical physics, I draw inspiration from Einstein. I'm not necessarily saying that Einstein inspires my art because of his mathematical models and advancement in the core of physics, but it's mainly due to his sheer dedication to the field, overlooking dozens of very vocal opponents to his theories...and knowing in his mind and heart he had the answer.

THE AGE OF PROSPERITY

Now, there are some people who use their sheer brilliance more towards surviving, finding their next meal under any circumstances...which as we see from Davey, is pretty extreme! Hey, the economy may be sitting right next to that old pie he found in the dumpster!


© The Age of Prosperity, 2009 - Strip #3

The Age of Prosperity #1
The Age of Prosperity #2

January 24, 2009

Brace yourself...cause here is yet another character design study!! Everybody knows, or has at last seen a 40+ year old 1980's rock star, or mediocre rock star who is still trying to live in that existence. Soon, he's car pooling his kids to their brownie troop meeting, telling his them and all their friends about this time his band toured with Whitesnake or something. I'm really pleased with this character...I'm sure I'll elaborate more on him in the future.

To get your CLIMBING on, Illustration Friday style...please click the link, or scroll to yesterdays posting.

January 23, 2009

So, I was up almost all last night, watching the Australian Open, (curse the 16 hour time difference)...and decided to work on a color version of yesterdays sketchbook posting.


ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - CLIMBING
I don't know if I'm stretching it with this topic, but I'm approaching climbing as more in the aspect of rising through the competition. To ascend, or to take an even more literal definition, "To move oneself upward, especially by using the hands and feet". SO, in using sheer athletics, discipline, and wicked amounts of talent...the best overcome their opponents, to CLIMB up the ladder that is the Grand Slam! Let's all just pretend that "using the hands and feet" is intended to represent people playing tennis...I mean, that's all what we thought they meant, right?

Sketch from post, "January 22, 2009".

January 22, 2009

I am a ridiculous tennis fan, and thanks to the SPECTACULAR matches that have been played in the first week of the 2009 season at The Australian Open in Melbourne, The Utilisaurus is pleased to present an action packed, WICKED BACKHAND SLICE!

Check out that sweet free product placement on his T-shirt!
I've been told that Nike is eternally grateful.





ALSO, strips #1 & #2 of The Age of Prosperity can see seen below, or by clicking the links. Please continue to stop by and explore lots more!

The Age of Prosperity strip #1

The Age of Prosperity strip #2

January 21, 2009

Throughout my life, I believe I've drawn and experienced the magic of thousands of places, people, and random worlds to encounter. I really thought hard about it, and I'm pretty positive that this is only the second wild west drawing I've ever done...EVER. I can remember the last drawing I did under this theme, but I was six years old...so I guess I'm well due. It's such a random community/time period to draw, and there were TONS of great characters that all ended up at the ye olde Saloon, which I know I'll be visiting again sometime soon.

If that wasn't enough Utilisaurus overload...then, I give you the second appearance of, THE AGE OF PROSPERITY!

In this strip, we see the emergence of the other recurring character, Davey's roommate, Luke.

LUKE- Always a friend first, he often takes on the role as therapist, or a somewhat voice of reason in Davey’s life. As we all know things that we wish weren’t true about the unfairness that is being a grown-up, Luke usually ends up being the one to deliver this crucial blow of truth..., which in the end is always the right thing. Still, no one can be perfect all the time, and we soon see Luke eventually drawn into Davey’s new ways of scamming some opportunity to make things just a little bit easier in both their lives. But then, just as things turn up badly, Luke can often be the one sitting there, with the shivering parental voice of, “I told you so.”


© The Age of Prosperity, 2009 - Strip #2

January 20, 2009

HAPPY INAUGURATION DAY!

So, in honor of the great moment in history, I'm adding another fun addition to The Utilisaurus! I'm asked my many MANY MANY people, who and what inspire me and my work. SO...throughout some random posts, I'll be illustrating a page of what and who really get me working like mad! Please stay tuned for more daily posts, and more additions to The Inspiration Series!

INSPIRATION SERIES, #1 - Walt Disney
The Groundbreaking Dreamer in the world of cartooning.

January 19, 2009

So thanks to EVERYONE once again for stopping by the blog, commenting, and even some are going so far as to become FOLLOWERS to the great Utilisaurus! Now, they are the lucky few to be updated every time I post a brand stylin' new illo...which as you all can see, is pretty frequent.

Here is another character study, which relates to the concept as seen on January 13th. I focused in on one character, to show different action shots and poses. Once again, the character is a little toned town stylistically, which can be a good thing from time to time.

So, if all the cartoon action today isn't enough for you, here also is the beginning of various posts of my newly created, self published comic strip, THE AGE OF PROSPERITY!

The Age of Prosperity is a strip, focused primarily on the life of newly graduated, student loan drowning, penny pinching, dumpster diving 24 year old, Davey. So much more about this character and others will unfold throughout the daily posts, which will be posted at random times...SO, please stop by frequently. It'll be quite the relaxing and enjoyable 10 seconds in all our stressful, workaday lives...which you will soon be able to see, it's quite similar to Davey's!


© The Age of Prosperity, 2009 - Strip #1

January 18, 2009

I think i nailed it on the punk girl, and need to try again with the two guys. It was the fishnet stockings that made her a winner.

January 17, 2009

I don't know about you guys, but that sure does look like a Utilisaurus outside that cave.
To DOUBLE your pleasure, Illustration Friday style, click the link for all things "PALE".

January 16, 2009

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - PALE
I don't know about you, but if I was flying, upside down, on a gravely road, in a rickety soapbox derby car...my face would be much more pale than this guys...which is quite pale, considering he's black and white pencil drawing!

OR, if you wish more for paleness based on lack of sunshine and fresh air...then look no further! Hiding deep in his fluorescent layer, the Couch Potato doesn't just stop villains with his vast knowledge of sitcoms, but also with his blinding paleness, which will leave any enemy blinded in their tracks!

From the post, "January 06, 2009"

January 15, 2009

I'm not sure if Beethoven ever used an old school ear horn or not...i just really wanted to draw him using one...or at least attempt to draw one. They're harder to draw than I thought!

January 14, 2009

Ah yes...the prom.
All I know is that this kid, I bet...will grow up to be some kind of studly millionaire illustrator.

January 13, 2009

Oh man...it's been a tad bit slow in terms of commissions! Lot's of good sketchbook pieces are being banged out though...so I can see how it'll be worth it in the end.

Here are some children cartoon characters I tried out. It's a toned down version of my style...which may be easer to animate, if I'm ever asked to.

January 12, 2009

Here's a piece for everyone who, like me, went through various emotional tolls when experiencing those freezing, uncomfortable, pain in the behind boy scout camping trips when we were tots. Still though, i think it'd be sorta neat to have worked towards Eagle scout...but seriously, who has that kind of discipline at 8 years old?!

January 11, 2009

Thanks to all my new friends who have been coming by, commenting, and checking out the new daily postings! Keep em coming!

Here's a new WW2 one for today.

January 10, 2009

I watched The Big Lebowski on Thursday...and in my attempt to shake bowling from my brain, I drew a Walter-like (John Goodman) character from the movie.

For my Illustration Friday submission, see yesterdays posting, (or click the link), for all things "contained".

January 09, 2009

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - CONTAINED (see below)
Here is a re-posting of the sketchbook piece from 01/05. I believe it works well with this weeks Illustration Friday topic, and thusly...here is the encore appearance of the Houdini character...with his wonderful interpretation of the word, "contained".

January 08, 2009

I think it's due time for another worldwide chess phenomenon, like a Bobby Fischer type of celebrity....without all the Antisemitism that is!

January 07, 2009

I have an massive amount of interest in images, film, history, fashion, lifestyle, science, art, etc. with the early-mid 20th century, and thusly...here is the American family of the mid-1960's.

January 06, 2009

No one knows the mystery of The Couch Potato's birth. Many believe he was formed through couch fibers, and cheese wiz, others believe he is a product of TV executives. Either way, the myth of the couch potato does not under-mind the sheer evil of this master of reruns.

January 05, 2009

January 04, 2009

January 03, 2009

January 02, 2009

January 01, 2009

So, after a wonderful holiday break/vacation...Matthew Smith Illustration is back in business, with two new posts. Continue to check out the blog daily, for a new, thrilling piece from The Utilisaurus!

January 01, 2009



December 31, 2008