Friday, December 04, 2009
Airbrush Customs....order now! It's finished!!!
It only took me an entire year to finish. But it's completed and ready for you to grab up.
Great as a gift for yourself or if you'd like to give as a gift to someone.
Thanks everyone.
Peace
Troy Zurel
Thursday, December 03, 2009
A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion. Grantland Rice
"A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion."- Grantland Rice
So, i just received something in the mail from my ex. This quote sort of sums up how I feel about her and the entire subject at hand.
Why is it people always feel like they are entitled to things after a relationship is over? Is it because they feel outed out of what they believe they are owed? Or is it her friends that push her to this? Who knows.
A couch was bought. I didn't agree with the purchase...thought it was too expensive and very non-functional. We could have got something for a fraction of the cost. Since it was too expensive she opened a credit line at the store and decided to pace it on there.
At the time we were together....we both decided that we would try to pay it off before This month. I think that was back in sept or oct of 2008. Well in 2009 in april she decided to break off the engagement ...one month after I signed a new 1 yr lease for the apartment.
Now, she still expects me to pay for this couch that is not in my name....and isn't even in my possession. Why? Her mom said we were going to Disney World on my birthday.....am I still expected that to happen....no. She left me to find a room-mate...which is fine because derick is cool as hell.....but we had to sign a new lease and move into a bigger pace because of all of this....do I expect her to pay for that? No......she damaged wall and broke things....I don't expect her to pay for it...because she never will and in her mind feels like she is not responsible for it. Also the kicker...she kept the ring....she broke it off. lol.
Now she expects me to pay half for a couch that I don't own...don't posses and will not posses. The couch is in her name, and on her credit card for that store.......I didnt even want to get a couch that was almost 2000.00 I was looking a a couch that was 200.00-300.00 and that was functional.
I don't know....just wish that she would move on...and leave me alone.
Peace
Troy
So, i just received something in the mail from my ex. This quote sort of sums up how I feel about her and the entire subject at hand.
Why is it people always feel like they are entitled to things after a relationship is over? Is it because they feel outed out of what they believe they are owed? Or is it her friends that push her to this? Who knows.
A couch was bought. I didn't agree with the purchase...thought it was too expensive and very non-functional. We could have got something for a fraction of the cost. Since it was too expensive she opened a credit line at the store and decided to pace it on there.
At the time we were together....we both decided that we would try to pay it off before This month. I think that was back in sept or oct of 2008. Well in 2009 in april she decided to break off the engagement ...one month after I signed a new 1 yr lease for the apartment.
Now, she still expects me to pay for this couch that is not in my name....and isn't even in my possession. Why? Her mom said we were going to Disney World on my birthday.....am I still expected that to happen....no. She left me to find a room-mate...which is fine because derick is cool as hell.....but we had to sign a new lease and move into a bigger pace because of all of this....do I expect her to pay for that? No......she damaged wall and broke things....I don't expect her to pay for it...because she never will and in her mind feels like she is not responsible for it. Also the kicker...she kept the ring....she broke it off. lol.
Now she expects me to pay half for a couch that I don't own...don't posses and will not posses. The couch is in her name, and on her credit card for that store.......I didnt even want to get a couch that was almost 2000.00 I was looking a a couch that was 200.00-300.00 and that was functional.
I don't know....just wish that she would move on...and leave me alone.
Peace
Troy
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Nora Roberts - If you don't go after what you want, ..............
So, I'm going to try at the very least to do this a couple times a week to start out. Which means at the very least you'll see this twice per week. We'll see where it goes from there.....and it of course may not go anyplace....and may die of course.
But I find it rather refreshing to blog at times. Not only does it release things that you might have bottled up when there isn't really anyone to talk to about it....but it also sparks a reaction in a public forum such as this for others that my feel the same way and respond to it....or not feel the same way and yet respond also.
Of course in doing this I'll yet be typing these pretty late or early in the morning....which means only one thing......the spelling might really suck...and some things may not make much sense. But, I'm going to try to be a little focused if possible.
So this mornings little quote.....
""If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."" - Nora Roberts.
I tend in almost everything I do read some inspirational quotes in the morning of whenever I crawl out of bed to get me going in the morning. It helps me to have a great outlook in what is ahead of me for the day. Gets me thinking about things.
I saw this quote and love it because as an artist I am always hearing from people "what do you do for a living?" When I answer them....I'm a artist. I most of the tire get the same reaction. They start off thinking that I'm joking with them. Or respond....no, what do you really do. Or just make a noise and shake their head or raise a eyebrow.
It's kind of interesting what people consider making a living means. Is it something that you need to do in an office or a cubical? It is something that you need to drive thru traffic in the morning to get there for five days a week? Is it something that you dread going to each morning and you are just counting the hours down till you can escape?
The people that ask...what do you define as Making a living from?
Little off subject.....but sort of part of it too.
When I started out as an artist....I was always told that you cant make a living doing that. It's a hobby. There is a reason why they call them starving artists. Almost unemployed (With is a new one). Not Stable (With is a sad one). But I had a goal...and at first the goal wasn't for myself...yet a goal to prove people wrong. Prove everyone that has ever told me that I could not do it wrong. As time went on......once this goal was attained it was done out of means or purpose to prove a point and not out of what I wanted to achieve for myself. So it became soulless. It took me almost 7 years to make some goals for myself as an artist after that. Goals that I'd like to achieve as a artist and as an adult.
It took a lot of strength to take that first step off the edge of the cliff and just take the chance to a goal that I've always wanted for myself. To make a living just off of my talents as an artist.
Have there been set backs.....of course. Are there times when you just look at things and want to go get a normal job so you don't have to worry about things? Of course. Do you have others that try to throw everything in front of you to discourage you from obtaining this goal. Of course.
The thing is that the rewards in the end are just so much better than the obstacles that are placed in your way or path that you have to take each day.
You feel that you have accomplished something each and every day you work for yourself. There is no other feeling in the world where you are just doing the one thing you are born to do for a living and being totally content with going to work each day.
Of course you need to work at it. You need to research, plan and make little goals along the way to keep moving forward. And some short term and long term goals to make sure that thing and you situation always improves with time.
Right now I have a small Caricature company. A year ago, I was working for a small food market. In the short time of a year. I have supported myself with just my talent. Went from one location sketching to three solid locations that I can sketch at...two locations that I do each week. I'm still inking comic books. And have made some pretty major plans for the coming year to allow a lot of growth. I think that I've done rather well...and done so in a very unstable economy. Baby steps, baby steps.
To all those that keep throwing up obstacles .... I just try to ignore them. I believe in Karma and have had my fair share dealt back to me.
Things I've learned in my first year of doing this.
I trust to easy. I try to help, even though I might suffer for it. Remember that it is a business. Don't give it away. Contracts are a must. Make sure you are clear about what is expected. Remember those that backed you and stood beside you. Remember those that became the issue and did not help the situation. Always smile and they will smile in the end. Kill them with kindness. Keep it short and simple. How much is enough and how much is ethical.
In the end. I believe that if you have a dream......do it. Start with small goals and work them into larger ones. Become proactive in you development of your work and what you'd like to achieve for yourself. Remember that you are selling you....if you are not ok....it shows and you become not so sellable.
I art....always try to make some sort of progress with your work. Always practice...there is plenty of time. Push yourself to become better. When you are working for yourself, by yourself....there is nobody pushing you to become better. All to often these artists peak and stay there forever. I've seen it with airbrush.....so I know it's true. Find something each week or month to focus on.
Since first starting this on my own, my work sucked! LOL. Now, I'm comfortable with it....but am always trying new things and and pushing things to become better. You have to think outside the box.....go against the grain that the path before you was paved with. Make your own path.
Well it's 4am. Time for sleep
Still waiting for pages to be inked.....and sketching for 4 hours tonight. :)
Peace everyone.
Troy
But I find it rather refreshing to blog at times. Not only does it release things that you might have bottled up when there isn't really anyone to talk to about it....but it also sparks a reaction in a public forum such as this for others that my feel the same way and respond to it....or not feel the same way and yet respond also.
Of course in doing this I'll yet be typing these pretty late or early in the morning....which means only one thing......the spelling might really suck...and some things may not make much sense. But, I'm going to try to be a little focused if possible.
So this mornings little quote.....
""If you don't go after what you want, you'll never have it. If you don't ask, the answer is always no. If you don't step forward, you're always in the same place."" - Nora Roberts.
I tend in almost everything I do read some inspirational quotes in the morning of whenever I crawl out of bed to get me going in the morning. It helps me to have a great outlook in what is ahead of me for the day. Gets me thinking about things.
I saw this quote and love it because as an artist I am always hearing from people "what do you do for a living?" When I answer them....I'm a artist. I most of the tire get the same reaction. They start off thinking that I'm joking with them. Or respond....no, what do you really do. Or just make a noise and shake their head or raise a eyebrow.
It's kind of interesting what people consider making a living means. Is it something that you need to do in an office or a cubical? It is something that you need to drive thru traffic in the morning to get there for five days a week? Is it something that you dread going to each morning and you are just counting the hours down till you can escape?
The people that ask...what do you define as Making a living from?
Little off subject.....but sort of part of it too.
When I started out as an artist....I was always told that you cant make a living doing that. It's a hobby. There is a reason why they call them starving artists. Almost unemployed (With is a new one). Not Stable (With is a sad one). But I had a goal...and at first the goal wasn't for myself...yet a goal to prove people wrong. Prove everyone that has ever told me that I could not do it wrong. As time went on......once this goal was attained it was done out of means or purpose to prove a point and not out of what I wanted to achieve for myself. So it became soulless. It took me almost 7 years to make some goals for myself as an artist after that. Goals that I'd like to achieve as a artist and as an adult.
It took a lot of strength to take that first step off the edge of the cliff and just take the chance to a goal that I've always wanted for myself. To make a living just off of my talents as an artist.
Have there been set backs.....of course. Are there times when you just look at things and want to go get a normal job so you don't have to worry about things? Of course. Do you have others that try to throw everything in front of you to discourage you from obtaining this goal. Of course.
The thing is that the rewards in the end are just so much better than the obstacles that are placed in your way or path that you have to take each day.
You feel that you have accomplished something each and every day you work for yourself. There is no other feeling in the world where you are just doing the one thing you are born to do for a living and being totally content with going to work each day.
Of course you need to work at it. You need to research, plan and make little goals along the way to keep moving forward. And some short term and long term goals to make sure that thing and you situation always improves with time.
Right now I have a small Caricature company. A year ago, I was working for a small food market. In the short time of a year. I have supported myself with just my talent. Went from one location sketching to three solid locations that I can sketch at...two locations that I do each week. I'm still inking comic books. And have made some pretty major plans for the coming year to allow a lot of growth. I think that I've done rather well...and done so in a very unstable economy. Baby steps, baby steps.
To all those that keep throwing up obstacles .... I just try to ignore them. I believe in Karma and have had my fair share dealt back to me.
Things I've learned in my first year of doing this.
I trust to easy. I try to help, even though I might suffer for it. Remember that it is a business. Don't give it away. Contracts are a must. Make sure you are clear about what is expected. Remember those that backed you and stood beside you. Remember those that became the issue and did not help the situation. Always smile and they will smile in the end. Kill them with kindness. Keep it short and simple. How much is enough and how much is ethical.
In the end. I believe that if you have a dream......do it. Start with small goals and work them into larger ones. Become proactive in you development of your work and what you'd like to achieve for yourself. Remember that you are selling you....if you are not ok....it shows and you become not so sellable.
I art....always try to make some sort of progress with your work. Always practice...there is plenty of time. Push yourself to become better. When you are working for yourself, by yourself....there is nobody pushing you to become better. All to often these artists peak and stay there forever. I've seen it with airbrush.....so I know it's true. Find something each week or month to focus on.
Since first starting this on my own, my work sucked! LOL. Now, I'm comfortable with it....but am always trying new things and and pushing things to become better. You have to think outside the box.....go against the grain that the path before you was paved with. Make your own path.
Well it's 4am. Time for sleep
Still waiting for pages to be inked.....and sketching for 4 hours tonight. :)
Peace everyone.
Troy
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Been Busy
Well, been real busy the last month or longer.
Started inking a book ...which I can not yet give out the name. Once I've been given the ok...I'll release all the information that I can.
Sketching still at the resort. Doing it not as much since the season has slowed down to a snails pace. Everything is ok.....I've got a new place I'm sketching at...and loving it.
Painting my easel for the christmas season. I'll have to post pictures when I'm finished.
Finally moved into our new place. It took Derick and I almost a entire week to do so....with the help of Angie, Angel and Regi. Thanks guys. The place in better in that it's on the bottom floor...which makes climbing up three flights of steps so much easier. Plus, the good thing is that we can now BBQ when we want as long as it's 10 feet away from the back of the place. Which I'm excited about.
Started trimming things here and there. Finding out how people really are....and that the people I once thought we cool...aren't. So, I have my friends...and my girl...and my family and my work....what else do I really need? The rest is just a distraction...and am tired of the drama. So, I'm going to just keep to myself and help those above. KInda sucks...but I have a lot of plans coming in the next year and just really want to stay focused.
Stopped buying things for the place or for myself. Need to trim what I already have down during the next year.
Speaking of.....yup...moving to Guam. So looking forward to it and the beach and work. Setting up a business there with some friends and moving there with them. There is a nitch there for what we do....and taking full advantage of it.
Also with the business "Cartoon Caricatures" we are expanding to involve airbrush, facepaint, hairwrap and the biggie......illustration/graphic designs...which will be called CC Productions. Airbrush will be called CC Airbrush..and so on.
There apparently is a storm blowing thru here....it's bad...but people are worried it's hurricane like.....it is windy and raining....but nothing like that.
Seeing an amazing girl named Angel.....and she's coming to Guam with me.
Well....almost Christmas...which means my 40th and thanksgiving......I'll try to update more often....as time allows.
Peace
Troy
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Finally I'm updating!!!!
So, it has been forever since I last updated this blog. Been real, real busy and a lot has happened since April. the above picture is of the easel where I sketch Caricatures at the Diamond Resort in Williamsburg. Just finished a price listing for the easel and the demo is of my old boss at Busch Gardens. Needed to do this to place black and white bodies and color bodies in the mix. Over the entire summer almost everyone just wanted heads...which it wasn't a real big concern of mine to place a price listing for bodies since nobody really asked for them that much.
The picture above is me and the price listing for guests to see while they are in the lobby checking in, or watching me sketch out a caricature. I'm going to replace this in November with a Christmas themed price listing and I have ideas for a lot of other things to promote myself this winter. Drawing those bodies in those little tiny squared almost killed me though. LOL!!!!
Black and White version of myself for the price display. Kinda like this version better than the colored version.
This is Derick. Funny, I came home when I wanted to take my lunch... snapped a picture of him and headed back out to the resort to do this. The man is about music and robots.
This lady was great. Loved sketchin her and ended up sketchin their entire family the next day while I was at the pool...little cold to be swimming at the pool now...but...the sun is still out.
These are some examples of some masks I completed while I was in Colorado. Think this was called Beta B. Used a lot of car parts from a junk yard for his grill....and air tubes for the tubes going in and out of his skin. This was a one piece.
Goblin King. This was made in two pieces. The turtle shell came off his head. Loved this one more than the others.
This was another one piece. used old gas mask pieces to put breathers on each sides of his cheeks....more air tubes.
Maniac Mime - This was an actual character from a comic story that I wrote way back in 1994. Yes....that's a long time ago.
Did this one after noon messing around with colors. Wanted to do a demo for my easel. Figured I'd post a progress from start to finish.
This is the love of my life.....Angel. Didn't know it when I did this.... She is an amazing woman......din't know one could be this happy.
The first watercolor piece I've done in years. Wanted to do something different and this was done right after MJ died.
Caricature that Kristian Jones and I did together at the pool at Diamond one day when they were playing nothing but MJ all day.
Commission ink on this piece.
One of the last things that I've airbrushed at the beach. A custom to hang for display in the front window. This progress is being inserted into my customs book...which if you are wondering....I'm doing the final edits on. Soon. :)
The last inked piece I've done......love this cover piece.There you go....an update. Book is in the last stages of being edited.....should be a matter of weeks.
Not married. Seeing an amazing woman named Angel.....could not have asked to anyone that just gets me...and get her. Sometimes it just happens when you are not looking for it...and when it does.....it's just right.
Derick is living with me now........have the woman I love and my best friend around me all the time.....life it great.
My business is still going strong. And I'm still loving ever minute of it.
Moving to Guam in 2010 after the summer is over with. Taking my girl with me and two friends. Apparently they do not have any caricature artists there....or airbrush. :) Happy us.
I'll update more and try to update more often.
Peace
Troy Zurel
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Having a BLAST!
This is a caricature I did for my Fiance Cat. She mentioned...well.....hinted that I never draw her.
So, in case you haven't heard. I'm a full-time artist now. Meaning that I'm making my entire income based off of just my talent. It was a hard step to take, ut it has been working out so far.
I'm taking commissions, gigs Comic book inking work and sketching caricatures for a local resort full-time.
I've found this out since starting this:
1. The hours are shorter...yet the pay is more. I've made more money being full-time artist than working a normal job. This is even counting working in the theme park.
2. The customers and clients are nicer. This is wonderful in that you make them happy, and they are nice.
3. I'm not working as hard to make money. Why kill yourself trying to keep your head above water?
4. I'm sketching and drawing the way thst I like...anything that makes the customer happen and still learning something with each and every sketch than I'm completing.
5. I can try new ways of doing things...and not have to worry about if it's right...because in the end..it's art....is there a right way to do it? Serious.
Well, today was a blast....and Sunday is going to be busy.....so looking forward to it.
Printed out Sean's tutorial on how he draws caricatures and colors them. The man is amazing.
We'll have to figure out why this drill isn't taking a charge.... easel finished...just want to make it tough ... durable also.
Peace
Troy Zurel
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Google, Updates, Twitter, Caricatures and Something else...can't remember.
Something short.
I just added a click thing from Google for a means to help support my work. So, click as much as possible on the side links....they give me money!!!! lol.
Thinking about changing my banner to something toony....well se in the next couple of weeks. I really need to finish what I have on my plate right now before adding to it.
I'm going to place a subscribe to my blog....do you think it's warranted? Do you guys love me enough to follow me? lol
BOLT - just have to say.......Rhino is a GOD!
Update.... ..... ..... .... been drawing a lot of caricatures the last couple of weeks. I've jumped into the pit in this economy and become a full-time artist....which means ...yes....I make my entire off of my artwork.....so....stay tuned to see more work posted here.
Click on the Twitter side bar to follow me on Twitter.
I update on my deviant account more that my blog....if you'd like to see me update here as well, please throw down a hell yeah! This blog is now a feed on my Facebook too.
Ok....I have more...but have to run to the bank...and go get Jason a key...some copies too..oh, and some caricature paper.
Peace!
Troy
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