Colin's Really Cool Usagi Yojimbo Fan Art Collection

General discussion about Usagi Yojimbo, the comics, the stories, the characters, collectibles, TV appearances, Stan Sakai, Space Usagi, Nilson & Hermy, and all other related topics.

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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

hakucho wrote:These are AMAZING. It's fun seeing fan arts for everybody's favourite rabbit ronin and his friends :)

Rob Larsen...where have I heard that name before? Is he a comic book artist?
Thanks, I've been very lucky to meet such talented folks.

Rob Larsen is a local guy (to Massachusetts) can't think of what he's worked on off the top of my head.
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Just added a Walt Simonson to the sketchbook adding some much needed name recognition. He was a little hesitant about drawing Usagi but it came out nice.
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Had a very good week adding 5 new Usagi pieces to the collection, including guys like Rick Leonardi & Dan Fraga, necisitating a new gallery

http://comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=13206

http://comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=16846
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Maka
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Colin is awesome!

Post by Maka »

Colin Solan wrote:Had a very good week adding 5 new Usagi pieces to the collection, including guys like Rick Leonardi & Dan Fraga, necisitating a new gallery
Hello Colin,

You have the most amazing sketch book. Thank you for sharing.

OT questions: how much do artist usually charge you for a comissioned sketch? Do you approach them at the beginning of a convention or is it done right then and there?

Peace,

maka
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Post by rowdydog4444 »

Those are some wonderful pieces of work! I'm very envious of you Colin! I have the same question as Maka on how much artists usually charge you for a comissioned sketch?
"Once you come under the spell of Usagi Yojimbo, you realize, as I did, that they're the stuff of legends are made." -Stan Lee
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Hey thanks maka & rowdy!!

As far as cost, it really depends on the artist and size of the sketch. Some people will do quick head sketches for free, the Walt Simonson & Dexter Vines pieces are good examples of these. (Walt, BTW, is one of the masters of the lightning fast yet still awesome head sketch) Since I hit up a lot of the local indie artists they're usually fairly cheap like $10-20. The larger, more involved pieces can go for more.

While at a con, many artists are happy to do sketches but it's always advisable to discuss price beforehand. A lot of them have prices posted.

I have a spiral bound sketchbook so I take out pages and leave them with the artist and come back later. I try not to hover while the artist is working.

Oh!! And bring reference!! If there's any doubt in your mind that the artist doesn't know the subject having a comic or picture on hand is key. This comes in very handy with Usagi. I've also printed up a reference sheet that points out Usagi's scar is not an eyebrow as most people don't realize that.
Last edited by Colin Solan on Mon Nov 07, 2005 21:28 -0700, edited 2 times in total.
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rowdydog4444
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Post by rowdydog4444 »

Colin what's the most expenisve one you bought?
"Once you come under the spell of Usagi Yojimbo, you realize, as I did, that they're the stuff of legends are made." -Stan Lee
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Of the Usagis? Skottie Young. Out of all my sketches, the Tim Sale Catwoman.

Actually, Tim offered me first dibs on his pin-up from The Art of UY. He hasn't emailed me back with the price but I'm betting it's out of my budget. Still it was nice that he thought of me. Heckuva nice guy.
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rowdydog4444
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Post by rowdydog4444 »

Man thats sweet! I so need to start doing that lol :D
"Once you come under the spell of Usagi Yojimbo, you realize, as I did, that they're the stuff of legends are made." -Stan Lee
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Added a few new ones to the book. Take a gander.

Oh and, Stan, if you happen to read this, Bill Sienkiewicz was interested in what you think of his "homage"
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Post by Stan Sakai »

Colin Solan wrote:Added a few new ones to the book. Take a gander.

Oh and, Stan, if you happen to read this, Bill Sienkiewicz was interested in what you think of his "homage"
I'm a long time fan of Bill's work since his Moon Knight days. I think his work, including this Usagi, is terrific.

I also like that Joe Staton piece next to it.
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Thanks Stan!! I've been lucky to meet all these talented artists.

Speaking of which, I had a very busy weekend sketchwise. I'd really like to draw particular attention to this'un:

http://comicartfans.com/GalleryPiece.as ... GSub=16846

Words just don't do it justice. You gotta see it for yourself.
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Post by Steve Hubbell »

Nice additions. Like always, it is a pleasure to check out your sketchbook :D

1. The Gennosuke picture is great. But with a character like Gen, it is like taking a picture of a supermodel, great bone structure and features which make it almost imposible to get a bad picture :D

2. I like the Sean Murphy Ink Wash piece, that type of medium always reminds me of the classical Japanese and Chinese artwork.....

3. Pete Beaudoin's piece is very..... strange? differant? even a bit disturbing?

I can't wait to go back after you have posted your descriptions for the new pieces, they a long ways as to putting the differant pieces into a sort of perspective.

Hey Colin,
have you joined the Official Usagi Yojimbo Mailing List over at Yahoo Groups yet? http://groups.yahoo.com/group/usagiyojimbo/

Image
Stan Sakai judging some "fan art" drawn by the local talent during his visit to Poland a couple years ago

Abayo....
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

thanks Steve. I haven't had a chance to write a blurb for that Beaudoin piece yet but yeah, I find it quite disturbing too. I feel like he should be saying "it rubs the lotion on the skin..."
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Colin Solan
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Post by Colin Solan »

Added some new pieces in the past few weeks. And NYCC is next weekend so maybe I'll get some good, big name artist stuff there. I'd like to draw particular attention to this'un:

Image

Mike Oeming does such a great job with Stan's characters. It certainly doesn't hurt that he's huge fan. He mentioned he's recently started reading UY to his son.

More new stuff here: http://comicartfans.com/GalleryRoom.asp?GSub=21124
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