Thanks!

Yo. This is gonna be a massive long post - you have been warned...

I just want to say thanks to everyone who attended the exhibition last week. It was a great success. We raised just over $30,000 for charity and everyone seemed to have a good time. I'm not one for speeches and I think that showed. Only a couple of minor glitches throughout the evening but other than that it was pretty cool.

I just want to shout out to all the sponsors for the evening; The Philip George Salon, Tap That Marketing & Events, Igor's Group, Snow Queen Vodka, Framingham Wines, Cliche Photography, M1NT and Miss Nova China (Rachel), Aurora and all her performers. Also a shout out to Alive Not Dead for attending on behalf or bidders and for the online support through out the whole time. Finally got to meet the boys Raffi and Patrick which was good as it was a long time coming. A thanks to The Darkside for the online support over the last month - I look forward to our future collaboration!. Couldn't have done it without you guys!!!

Also a massive thanks to everyone who turned up. Sorry I couldn't talk to you all it was all so frantic, - you know how it is! A very very special thanks to Philip George who funded the whole event and is the don! Harmony Pang at Cliche Photography and my dai gor Hung (www.hungchi.co.uk)for the amazing photos you guys took of the event!

To see all the pics, check out the 1kstyles facebook page.

One last special mention to sponsor - BROUHAHA MAGAZINE who released there first preview issue at the exhibition. I am happy to say I am part of this team and that the our first full issue will be out in January 2010. We have 3 preview magazines before then and Preview Issue no.2 will be released at the Glockenflap Festival at Cyberport this weekend so make sure you get one!! You can also read it online at our website www.brouhaha.com.hk and look out for issue 3 this December!

Apart from that I have been super busy catching up with various projects since the exhibition took place.

Here's looking to the next few months of working my ass off.

I have also booked my ticket home to the UK for Christmas. Three long overdue weeks back in London Town!!

I'll leave you with some more pics of the event.

Cheers!

L

Exhibition Preview

Hi all.

I have just got over the H1N1. It was not good as it's a little worse than regular flu only you have more nausea. I remember when it first came out and my flat mate was warning me that it can be fatal for people who have asthma, so naturally I was a little concerned when the doc said that I had the Sw1ne. Not cool. My flat mate called me everyday whilst I was in the hospital and then quarunteened at home making sure I was okay, so I wanted to thank her as well as my family, friends and my girl too.

Back on subject; Now because I got the damn Sw1ne, everything was pushed back a week including my exhibition so I have been trying to get everything back on track.

There will now be 19 illustrations on display for the exhibition. The following 3 are part of 6 that will be on display at M1NT for 3 months so here is an early preview of the framed work.

There's Jimmy - 'Hendrix' (size A0)

'Enter the Dragons' (size A1)

'Hepburn' (size A1)

These prints will be for sale and more details will be available at the event or you can e-mail me (lun@1kstyles.com) for more details.

The flyers for the event have been dished out in and around Central thanks to our BROUHAHA soldiers.

Aside from arranging the exhibition and BROUHAHA Magazine and various other projects, I have recently been commissioned to do editorial illustrations for Angie Wong's 'Under the Table' Column in Time Out HK. This will give me the chance to use more of my sketch work which is great as I've missed drawing these past few months...

So if you are free on Thursday night come down to M1NT for some free drinks and canapes, some arty farty illustrations and most importanty a CHARTY AUCTION in aid of the Hong Kong Cancer Fund and my friend Sheila.

Hope to see you all there!

L

'Pop Attack!'- Charity Auction Images

Over the next few weeks I'm going to be putting up information about the Exhibition and what I am going to be doing for it. In this blog I'm going to be talking about the images for auction and where the proceeds will go from this auction.

At 'Pop Attacks!' There will be three images for auction;


1. Fists of Fury


2. Smooth Criminal


3. Norma Jeane

50% of the proceeds from these images will be going to the Hong Kong Cancer Fund. I have been in touch with them and they have been around for ten years and have finally started to bring awareness about the different types of cancer to schools. To find out more information about the group, you can follow them at the following link
http://www.cancer-fund.org/en/


The other half of the proceeds will be going toward the cost of treatment for a friend of mine in Hong Kong who has leukemia. She is undergoing intense chemotherapy and it is very likely she is going to need a bone marrow transplant.
You can follow her group and show your love and support on the following link;
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=122523544241&ref=ts


'Cancer' is a word something we don't really want to think about, but it's something people must deal with on a daily basis. Most of us will probably, if not have already dealt with it either through friends or family or even directly. These people need all the support they can get. Now all that needs to happen is for everyone to get as many people with deep pockets, a love for pop icons and most importantly big hearts down to the event to help out these causes. As cheesy as this may sound I mean it.

Thanks for your time to read this blog and I hope you can spread the word.

L

The Roots - How I Got Over

First video 'How I Got Over' from their highly anticipated album has just been released;



http://videos.onsmash.com/v/jzLUmJUVausjmsZN>

One word; SICK

I always look forward to any album by the legendary Roots Crew not only because they are f***ing amazing, but because each album is never quite what I expect.
One thing i have learned from each album release is that with The Roots, you should never assume. Each album is always different. They are one of the only groups that have maintained such a strong integrity with their music and at the same time never sold out, which is rare to come by nowadays.
I remember when I first brought Phrenology when I was 16 based purely on one song and my love for them grew ever since.
Enough yappin'. This is why I'm an Illustrator and not a writer.

Marvel Motion Comics

Been meaning to post these up for a while but they are done pretty damn well. can't say the same for the voice cast but definitely something to keep your eyes on.



for more motion comics visit marvel.com

1kstyles presents: POP ATTACK!

I mentioned in an earlier blog to keep the 22nd October on your Calendar free... As you can see this is why.



My first solo exhibition being held at M1NT. I will be unveiling 10 Illustrations (9 new) and 3 of the illustrations are to be auctioned off for the Hong Kong Cancer Fund and other charities to be announced.

There will be complimentary cocktails and canapes to satisfy your appetites and a few more suprises to be announced and all is for good cause so please feel free to come to drink, eat & be merry!

More anouncements to be made soon but check out the events page for the event on AnD;
http://www.alivenotdead.com/1kstyles/1kstyles-Presents-POP-ATTACK-event-773790.html#comments
and Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141098142879


More News to be announced so watch this space!!!
I hope to see you all there!

L

Make Some Noise

Over the last few months I have been working on a long term project that will finally see the light of day.
Initially starting out as an online magazine before breaking into publishing, we are going to make some noise.



More to come soon...

L

How I Got Over

The Roots "How I Got Over" (trailer) from Okayplayer on Vimeo.

You don't disrespect The Bing

On the theme of television, this illustration pays tribute to my most favourite television show ever and arguably the best television show ever. The Soprano's ended on a six season run a few years back and focused on the life and troubles of New Jersey Mafia Mob Boss, Tony Soprano and his two 'families'.



Now I'm gonna geek out here - one of the best scenes, possibly the best scene [be warned, meaty text!] :

The Soprano's - Season 4 Episode 10: The Strong Silent Type.


Tony with his family and friends confront his nephew Christopher about his drug addiction.

Paulie Walnuts: I don't write nuthin' down, so I'll keep this short and sweet. You're weak, you're outta control, and you've become an embarrassment to yerself and everybody else.
Christopher Moltisanti: Ho ho!! Listen ta you!
Dominic Palladino: Guys, guys! whoah...whoah..whoah...we said...non-judgmental.
Paulie Walnuts: Fuck that! Let 'im take his medicine!
Christopher Moltisanti: Seriously Paulie, you wanna talk about fuckin' up?
Paulie Walnuts: Watch it Chrissy!
Christopher Moltisanti: What, I thought we're bein' honest here! You got some balls you know that? All o' you. You wanna talk about self control. How 'bout you Sil? Fuckin' every slut you got workin' in the place when you got a wife and kids at home?
Dominic Palladino: Guys, guys!! Whoah...whoah!
Adriana La Cerva: Christopher!!!
Christopher Moltisanti: Or you Paulie!! Yeah, remember last winter in the woods with the Russian guy...
Tony Soprano: Christopher, I am fuckin' warnin' you!!!
Christopher Moltisanti: There he goes, Mr. Type "A" Personality!
Tony Soprano: We are here to talk about you killing yourself with drugs, not my fuckin' personality!
Dominic Palladino: That's right...
Christopher Moltisanti: I'm gonna kill myself?! The way you fuckin' eat, you're gonna have a heart attack by the time yer fifty! (Paulie gets up and grabs Chris by the shirt)
Dominic Palladino: Paulie, sit down...
Paulie Walnuts: You're talkin' to the boss here!
Joanne Moltisanti: Good, maybe someone will smack some goddamn sense into 'im?
Christopher Moltisanti: Great, my own mother. Fuck you, ya fuckin' whore! (Paulie punches Chris in the face slamming him into the ground and Silvio and Benny beat up on Christopher while he is on the floor)

I Am Queen's Boulevard

Hello there.

It has been a while since I blogged. I mean properly blog.
It's funny because I look online at so many blogs where everyone is in there own self-obsessed world, typing non-stop gibberish and loving their own reflection, talking about the 'coolest' parties, showing off celebrities they have taken photos with or whining about love and why the yearn for it. These are all examples of course, then I think - hey wait...I blog and I read these other 'blogs'... what does that say about me?

Thankfully my argument is that I only ever blog about my work, which is my attitude towards blogging in general. Plus I do like to have a good ol' read and see how the world is doing in general. Anyway. Enough bitching. Sorry I just had to get that off my chest.

I have been busy working on several projects that will come to fruition towards the end of the year so watch this space.
Please keep your evenings free on THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER. More details in time...

As for now, here's one I made earlier:



This series has been one of my favourite shows since university. A big shout out to my boy all the way in the Maldives, Yooman for introducing it to me. Check out his band, 1984 at the following myspace. Some pretty fly music here.

http://www.myspace.com/1984maldives

Anyway back to the drawing board.

Be safe.

L

The Look of Love

"What is the look of
It got somethin to do with umm
Bein a man and handlin your biz
What love got to do with it
Ask S.V. it's all bullshit
You know what love is
Say it with me one time - you know what love is
You know what love is
You know what love is"

One of my favourite songs ever.

TEASER 2

Alright not much of a teaser but just to keep you on your toes.. I decided not to use this image as the second one was much stronger.

Teaser

Hello All

It has been a while since I have blogged. Reasons being that I have been busy working on several images which I hope to be on display within the next few months.

This image is incomplete but it's a teaser on what I have been working on.



Easy people.

L

Here's one I made earlier

Whilst ploughing through work as well as my new Illustrations, Here's one I made earlier.



Originally meant to be part of an 'Ocean's 11' illustration that I had originally planned but due to the nature of the original images decided against. [BTW all three Ocean's films are all totally sick]
Isn't he lovely.

Thank you

I have decided not to say anything regarding Michael Jackson until now. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon here but he really was such a huge influence growing up and I just wanted to pay respect in my own way.



Now and forever, the King Of Pop.

Gettin' fishy...

Part of a much much larger illustration in the works that is one word... DEFT



To be continued...

TRAVIS BARKER likes my work.

It's nice when people appreciate your work. Especially when people I mean Travis Barker. He posted it to his facebook page. Even though he chopped of my logo, which you can just make the top off.
I sent the image to Famous Stars and Straps attached with the famous decade logo to celebrate their famous decade.
At least they got it. It's also his myspace profile pic at the moment.. I feel like a big geek. A happy geek, but a geek none the less.







Time to do it.

Easy.

L

He was a Skaterboy, she said see you later boy.

Ok. lousy post title I know. It's late. I had an intense one on one thai kick boxing lesson and I need a massage.
The images below are a working process...





Easy!!

NEW WEBSITE LIVE

After spending the last few weeks designing and tinkering the layout, and after a loooong time coming I have finally got my site up. It's clean. It's sexy. It's brand spankin' new. Please feel free to look around.

http://www.1kstyles.com

A special shout out to my sister and my mom [god bless their souls]- really I would not have been able to do this without their love and support.
And another special shoutout to Mr. Matt Buchanan who between all his whining, complaining and calling me names (that I would rather not repeat here) somehow managed to get the job done and better than expected so thank you very much Mr. Buchanan.
He is also getting married on Sunday so congratulations on that too!

Anyway here's me getting back to work.

Easy

L

'Leroy'#1 cover breakdown

I have held out on posting this image, but seeing as it's the cover to my comic-themed portfolio ot would be villainous of me not to post it... HAHAHA!
The cover to issue #1 of 'LEROY' was painstaking, long and both physically & mentally draining. I must have gone over the images separately over and over then once composed as a final image, i did the same thing again, three times. with countless cups of green tea and even more countless thoughts of wanting a fag break, i finally did it. In particular, I was proud of the background, but seeing as the characters overshadow the background, I figured it was only fair to do the image justice by posting it on my really cool blog.



So we started out with the basics. hand sketching the characters and backdrop individually, then going over the outline in illustrator [which i do prefer even if it does take more time], then colouring on the shop that is photo.









Now given that I am using the Intuos tablet it is so much easier to colour, process and just generally draw. I really can't imagine how I even use to use a mouse or a finger pad for that matter!

LEROY
Our main character. Half French, total badass. Kinda like the attitude young Sasuke from 'Nartuto' has only a little kinder,- the one who 'doesn't give a fuck' where deep down he does. Our aspiring hero is in a bit of a slum at the moment. He doesn't know where his life is going and therefore he's depressed. He knows what he wants but he lacks the motivation. Essentially a good character but will need time to figure that out before he knows his place. And his place will be found with the aid of two people. One of them being....


GERARD
This big tree will be come mentor, trainer and father-like figure to our hero to be. He is one of the, if not the most talented chef's in the world. He is direct, firm and he likes his Drambrui. Like everyone, he too has a shady side and this shows right from the beginning of the story and plays right through to the end.


TERRANCE
Originally Taran, then Tyrone but I figured that would be too stereotypical. This guy has a habit of pulling the most miserable faces when he is not miserable. He is Leroy's best friend and has a god given gift with food. Already an aspiring chef he plays probably the key role in Leroy's development, not only keeping him positive and determined, but also he acts as a benchmark, someone Leroy has to keep up with. Trouble is, Terrance already has a three year headstart.


I really like this background. The back end of a restaurant. Away from the table cloths and the clean floors and the friendly waiters. Away from the fake. A place where the staff have their fags and vent their frustrations and eat their food and duke it out in a battle of of 'who can spit more whilst speaking'. It's just real here. And in this world, Chan is running for president/prime minister of Hong Kong.


I do love the background. Its like something I have never done before. The textures and the feel of it. I used my own works as eroded posters in the background as icing on the cake.
Now once I had place the characters on all I had to do was create a layer or rubbish for the floor, which was actually probably the most difficult part.. It took long to draw good pieces of rubbish and seeing that I was losing sleep over this image and almost near the finish line, I decided to take a break and leave it before coming back and re-touching everything, adding the title bar and logo for my portfolio.


The first issue is still in the works so I will be developing that as soon as possible.

That was a looooong post... In other news, my NEW WEBSITE will be up this week so keep your eyes peeled!!!!
That means the blog will become more personal and I can concentrate on topics and themes other than my work and mememe.

Easy.

L

New Portfolio

I have recently updated my portfolio in pdf format which can be downloaded HERE without taking up too much time or space.

My website will be up and running very soon so keep your eyes peeled!!!

Enjoy!

L

What's My Age Again?

I read in a recent interview with Mark Hoppus that this year the single 'What's My Age Again?' by Blink 182 is 10 years old. It was the first Blink 182 song I heard. Continuing from the previous post and in celebration of their reunion, here are the finished images





I have been saving these images for a while as I wasn't sure whether or not to build a background or not, but I decided against and am pretty pleased with the results. And for all you fans, CLICK HERE to see what started it all...

ROLL ON SUMMER!

Monroe

Weez likes Marylinz Weez dooz

Blink 182

This is a piece I have been working on as of late. It's only 40% complete and hopefully will be done by the end of the week as well as numerous other projects I have been slaving over.

LEROY

I have been wanting to discuss this project for a while and now it seems to be taking flight.

Over the last few months I have been working on a project with my good friends- writer Tom Cassidy [currently working at BEATS Magazine] and Chef Jerome Billot [Executive Sous Chef of Igors Group's Soho outlets].

LEROY is a passion project which has been in the works for a good 6 years now. A comic book based on the world of chefs, cooking and restaurants with a slight Manga twist.

Set in one of Hong Kong's most established fine dining Michelin Star restaurants, Peter Leroy is a 19 year old head waiter, with the dream of someday becoming the world's best chefs. On a chance encounter with a regular customer after a busy night, Leroy is presented with an opportunity to take part in the culinary olympics. Leroy however is hesitant about the offer but with the support and competition of his best friend and rising chef Terrance, he soon begins the journey that will bring him closer to his dream.

That is all I can say right now. I'm working on the first issue right now. The hardest part of it is it's a passion project so my paid work is priority at the moment. The story has a basic outline but needs some working. I have uploaded a few of my warmup and character development sketches of Leroy...

There are alot of influences I have had for this project. I want to just list a few that have had a major impact on the way this has shaped out;

- My Family, for having such a long history of the food and beverage industry. My father, sister, uncle and gran in particular who have such a knack and passion for food and have always kept me 'well fed'.

- My friends Jerome, Taren & Tom who have all helped me to develop the story and give sides of the catering industry I have never seen before.

- Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential

- Everyone I worked with at Azzurro Italian Restaurant in both Portsmouth and London back in my waitering days [haha!]

- Stephen Chow for 'God Of Cookery'. I love that film

So back to the drawing board.

'Till Next Time True Believers!

The Rants of a Raving Lunatik

I like the title of this post.
This post is just a little breather from work. The stuff I'm working on at the moment cannot be posted... but no doubt you will see it in due time.

It is April. The link below is what I was up to one year ago, - April 2008.
http://1kstyles.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html


It's nice to look back from time to time, to see how much you have progressed. I chose to look back this month because it seems to finally be happening. I am busier than ever and it's really exciting. One year ago, I was interning for JUICE magazine, one of the sickest times of my life, I got my first cover for HK Mag and April was the first month I used the brush tool in photoshop. What can I say? I was a late bloomer...

This month, I brought my Wacom Intuos 4, A4 size and it is a thing of beauty. It truly is where the magic happens. I didn't use it for the first week as I was pretty damn scared of it.. but now I use it over my mouse and cannot imagine how I lived without it. It completes the setup for my workstation.

Yea, it doesn't look like much. Cluttered, desperate and dingy you might think, but to me it is warm, cosy and most importantly, it works. I have everything I need here. Aside from my mac, tablet, sketchbook and stationary I also have my research; - Computer Arts and illustration/design books. I have my music, my oh so cool Dragonball & Batman models. I got my Green Tea which always keeps me going. Films, music, my COMICS and most importantly, my family and friends. I have always tiled my photos like this since my Uni days.



I just wanted to let you guys know I think about you all everyday, especially my nephews Kje and Logan, Udge, Pings and Ketsy. A special shoutout goes to my girl who has exams this month. Keep working hard and I'll see you in June x.

Right. Back to work. Literally

Till Next Time True Believers!

'My Stonesthrow Tribute' [working title]

[incomplete]

Back in Hong Kong. Let's Kick ass

and the BEATS go on

Hey all.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be returning to BEATS magazine.

I just wanted to post a shout out to the office team who were there through thick and thin, putting out four issues over the past few months.
I had a whale of a time there - I was taught many, many invaluable lessons. I laughed so hard that I would fart. I made some very good friends too, so for that I thank you.

Scott, Peter, Ben, Tom and Karen you made my days there.

Peace.

L

The 'Legends/ Tribute' Preview

Busy busy week folks. I am currently working on a series of illustrations, - 'Legends/ Tribute'. They will be a mix of digital and hand drawn images, something that has been a long time coming and will be a long term project.
Here is an initial rough I created for a client, just to give an idea...



More coming soon!
Anyway after a few hours sleep and a lack of food I'm looking forward to LUNDON BABY!!!

See you all soon!

L

Silly O'Clock... BEATS #34!

It's 7am. After 19 hours, I have literally just completed the mag - corrections and all. To be honest I really think this is our best issue ever... I can't wait to see it in print!!!

Big shoutout to my boy Tom for staying out and helping till silly o'clock.
No shoutout to Bendover Sins who wasn't here but slackin' in LA doing bugger all.

Hittin' the streets this week! My first illustrated cover... simple an' effective!
LONDON HERE I COME!!!!!

'Till next time true believers!!!

PEACE

L