Nincompoop

Custom type for HGTV.

Over the past six years I've slowly been working on a new font design I call "Nincompoop." When ever I get a project that comes in and the style of my type works with it, I'll create new letter forms and re-use existing characters to create my art and expand my alphabet for the font at the same time.

Such was the case with this project for Scripps Network and HGTV.


Custom type for HGTV.

Prior to the dawn of OSX I use to design fonts more often. I use to work at a design firm locally where I was responsible for designing five fonts all of which are still available through T26.com. Of course my former employer owns these, but you can check each one out via the links below.

- Beat Street
- Frazzle
- Hunky Dory (Orig. name: "Scorn" AD changed it. Lame.)
- Lollygag
- Squidly (Orig. name: "Biomorphic" AD changed it. Lame.)

Over the years I've spotted my type in various places. Some usages last a few seconds, some are amusing, and others are just laughable.

When I designed the fonts above Postscript ruled the roost. But since then the Open Type format has brought a new standard for all future fonts and rightly so.


Custom type for HGTV.

I simply don't have the time to learn a whole new software application like Font Lab Studio so I'd rather focus on the creation of the letter forms and just hire out the production end. For that I'm willing to split the profits for any font developer wanting to team up. So if you know how to produce a font or know someone who does please introduce me to them.


"Nincompoop" sample.

Since Open Type allows for a lot of customization I'd create multiple variations on letterforms, ding bats, characters etc. in the final form of "Nincompoop."

But for right now I just have an Ai file I copy/paste from to create what I need.

Drawing with Uncle Pat

My Uncle Pat scored some drawing supplies for Christmas.

A few posts back I introduced you to my Uncle Pat. He shared a drawing he had done and many of you asked Pat to draw some more pictures over Christmas.

He seemed to really enjoy drawing so our family got him some art supplies for Christmas. The last few days I sat with Pat as he drew pictures and have posted them below along with a couple videos. I hope you enjoy.

Uncle Pat Talks about his artwork.




A scary Bear, a Spear, and a Crow.

When Pat draws he gets really into it. His face is just inches away from the paper and he doesn't come up until he's done. I loved how he did the feathers in the crow art.


Pats friend the Cat.

The only thing we suggested Pat draw was the Moose and me shown below. Everything else he just decided to do himself. I find it interesting that all of them with exception of the Snowman were an animal. He likes animals apparently?


A Chick.

I thought he did a great job on this baby Chicken. The color and detail came out awesome!


An Alien Moose.

Pats art reminds me of something Stefan Bucher might have animated.


The playful Snowman.

In the midst of drawing all his animals, Pat quickly drew out this snowman too.


The green Grouper.

I liked the simplicity of this art and the shape of it's mouth.

Uncle Pat Draws Me.




Pats drawing of me.

My youngest sister Amy told Pat to draw me and this was the end result.

I just wanted to thank everyone for commenting on the previous post I did about my uncle Pat. We were able to show Pat the blog post and read through all the comments for him and he enjoyed it a lot. We had fun drawing together and I thank God for him, he has a very gentle spirit and I think his art rocks!

The Clone Wars

This past year has had it's ups and it's downs. With the economy tanking, every creative business has been effected in one way or another and mine was no exception.

But the most disturbing trends within our industry in my opinion are two fold:

1. The continued growth of the "Creative Industrial Complex" via pre-fab design, which I touched on in an earlier post this year. I'll have more to say about this specific topic in an upcoming post on my blog.

2. The exponential growth in copyright infringement. I've had a total of "62" individual cases (That I'm aware of) where designers, marketing firms, design studios, ad agencies, stock companies, and other businesses used my artwork without paying for it or seeking permission to use it.

Unfortunately I don't see this problem going away. More and more art schools are focusing on the tools rather than the creative process that facilitates original and unique ideas. Thus they are producing the next generation of copyright infringers who ironically in many cases are the same mindless drones who facilitate the degrading of our industry by pimping their ware to industrial hacks like CrowdSpring.com.

But I digress.


Google Image Search.

Showcasing my artwork online is a double edged sword. For a creative hired gun like myself you have to promote or perish. Marketing my services is a must, but it also opens me up to being exploited by unscrupulous design hacks who have no problem googling for their creative solutions.

Most of the cases I was able to handle myself by sending out a copyright infringement letter. Some are just over zealous tattoo lovers who never bothered to ask permission but still feel obligated to email me a picture so I can share in their flattering copyright infringement. This over time has spawned a rogues gallery of what I like to call "Walking Portfolios."


The Damage
I've spent roughly "73" hours responding to the "62" individuals cases. I don't charge by the hour but if I did I figured the amount of time I've invested this year alone is roughly $8,500.

Three of the cases I had to hire a copyright lawyer to deal with them. I settled two of those amicably. The third case is currently ongoing and is represented by the video below.


Chronological list of all the 2009 infringers.

- Photobucket.com User Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Zazzle.com User Bonehead Skull Artwork
- MySpace.com User Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Beerorkid.com Trashing Abe Art
- Deviantart.com User Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Motattoo.com Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Olloo.com Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Alaskaslist.com Polar Bear Logo Art
- Deviantart.com User Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- SideHatchEntertainment.com Tickles the Evil Clown
- Chrinodesign.com Billy Mays Artwork
- VolcanoVistaHawks.com Black Hawk Artwork
- Community.mediacorp.com.sg Tickles the Evil Clown
- Flickr.com User White Tiger Art
- Flickr.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Logotypes101.com Fire Giant Art
- ShutterStock.com User / Serbia Black Hawk Artwork
- Lacrosse.schigas.com Black Hawk Artwork
- Deviantart.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- IMVU.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- 895thehawk.com Black Hawk Artwork
- Dummidumbwit.wordpress.com Billy Mays Artwork
- Unconfirmedsources.com Billy Mays Artwork
- Emptees.com Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Mundozenn.com / Brazil Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Deviantart.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- LAtimes.com Billy Mays Artwork
- SeemyButton.com Billy Mays Artwork
- Consumerist.com Billy Mays Artwork
- Brownsville Early College HS Scorpion Mascot Artwork
- EveryTattoo.com Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Tao-Of-Tattoos.com Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Twitter.com User Self Portrait Illustration
- Discrim Athletic Tees Black Hawk Artwork
- Zazzle.com User Billy Mays Artwork
- Vyzion360.com Tribal Tattoo Lion
- Flickr.com User Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Junklist.eu Two Headed Eagle Art
- JohnHaller.com Billy Mays Artwork
- Deviantart.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Deviantart.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Flickr.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Picsquare.com Tiger Art
- Deviantart.com User Alien Skull Art
- Flickr.com User Tribal Bat Tattoo
- Skreened.com Billy Mays Artwork
- Gun Shop, Tacoma Espy Graphic Bird
- Photobucket.com User Black Hawk Artwork
- KosherHam.com Billy Mays Artwork
- InkedMedia.com Tribal Tattoo Skull
- MindSpark.com Billy Mays Artwork
- VectorStock.com User Doodle Fish Artwork
- case-mate.com Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- designbyhumans.com Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- (US Army) wood.army.mil White Tiger Art
- Zazzle.com User Owl Artwork
- WAWK.com Black Hawk Artwork
- Classiccitysigns.com Black Hawk Artwork
- Embroiderydesigns.com Alien Skull Art
- Flickr.com User Tribal Tattoo Face Art
- Houseofgrafix.net Billy Mays Artwork
- Uthstuph.com Security Shield Logo

"Unique" and colorful tribal pattern.

I don't enjoy getting my work ripped off and it frankly pisses me off when I have to waste my time dealing with it when it happens. That said I still try not to be a jerk with the people I'm forced to confront. I tend to give them the benefit of the doubt and try to treat the situation in a reasonable manner. If the infringer responds reasonably and works with me to resolve the matter than I can avoid taking it to next level legally.

But that isn't the case with case-mate. (Pardon the pun) I gave them three months to respond to my reasonable request regarding their infringement and use of my tribal face tattoo art on one of their products to no avail.

So as this year ends a copyright infringement lawsuit begins.

Follow Up: I've settled with case-mate. It took four months of back and forth but I was able to protect my copyright.

Navneet kaur South Indian Actress Hot Photo, Wallpapers,Pics

Navneet Kaur who was seen on a dance show organized by a prominent channel seems to be a busy bee these days. She is being flooded with film offers and is keen in doing some meaty roles. The Tamil as well as the Telugu producers are interested in roping her in their films, but the beauty is considering big banner roles and is very much keen in proving her self as an actress.

But all of a sudden no actress can capture the fame and value and on digging out the truth, Navneet’s trade secret was revealed.

It is almost confirmed that Navneet Kaur is in love with a Producer in Chennai and these days the two are said to be seeing each other seriously. It is also revealed that he is a married man and so is maintaining the relationship secretly. The gorgeous pujaban is dating him from the past two months and is seen with him in some late nigh parties and hotel resorts. So, in return of her pleasurable favors the man is promoting her and is also funding her maintenance expenses.

Shahrukh Khan Photos,Pictures and Wall Papers

Our Celebrity Shahrukh with his Childrens

Our Celebrity Shahrukh in six pack

Our Celeb Sharhukh Wall Paper

Shahrukh in Chak De India

Celebrity Photos,Pictures and Wall Papers in family and film

Shahrukh Khan the charming celebs Profile

Our Celeb Shahrukh Khan has been well known as a actor,film producer and television host.

People have been calling him as a king of Bollywood. He came to this ultimate position, not only by his personality, but also showing lot of differences and risks,took by him in acting. This celeb had started his career as a television actor in the period of 1980's. His first debut film was deewana(1992).

Celebs Personal Profile

Born Name : Shahrukh Khan

Born Date : November 2,1965

Height : 5'9"

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Education : Schooling (St.Columbia High School in New Delhi)
College ( Graduated in Hansraj College & Master degree in Mass Communication
from Jamiya Miliya Islamiya,Newdelhi.

Occupation : Actor,Film Producer,Television host.

Debut film : Deewana (1992)

Spouse Name : Gauri Khan

Father Name : Taj Mohammed Khan (Indian Independence

Activist)

Mother Name : Lateef Fatima

Sibiling Name : Shehnaz

Sharukh Son : Aryan

Sharukh Daughter : Suhana

Hit Films : Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jeyenge (1995)

Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)

Chak De India (2007)

Om Shanthi Om (2007)

Rab de Bana Di Jodi (2008)

Kabhi Khushi Kabi Gham(2001)

Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003)

Veer Zaara (2004)

Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006)

Celebs Film Companies: Dreamz unlimited and Red Chillies Entertainment

Books about our celeb : Still Reading Khan (2006)
"King of Bollywood:Shahrukh khan and the seductive world of
Indian Cinema"(2007)

Honours received by
our celebrity : Padma Shri (2005)
Life Size statue of khan was installed (Madame Tussauds
wax Museum,London)(2007)
Another Statue at Musee Gravin,Paris(2007)
Ordre des Arts et des Letters (Order of art and literature)(french
govt.)(2007)

Honoured for 'Promoting tourism in malacca' by filming
"One Two Ka Four"(2001)
Honoured with honorary doctrate in arts and culture (Britain's
Universtiy of Bedfordshire (2009)

Awards received by our celebrity : 14 filmfare awards
9 star screen awards
4 IIFA awards
8 Zee Cine awards
3 bollywood Movie awards
2 Global Indian Film Awards and many other awards.

Celebrity News

Our Celebs new film in progress: "My name is Khan" has been directing by Karan Johar pairing
with Kajol" will be released in Feb 12,2010.
Shahrukh and Rithik : Shahrukh and Rithik have decided to join in a film. Both of the big stars are acting in the film,which will be directed by Rakesh Roshan and film produced by our celeb sharukh's film company Red Chillies and Film Kraft.
Shahrukh Khan apperciated Priyanka Chopra : Our celeb shahrukh appreciated priyanka in a media event "Promoting of film "My name is Khan" " about the excellent performance in her latest films and also he added that she was best actress of this present generation.
Best dressed celebrity 2009: Our celeb Shahrukh has been awarded as a "Best Dressed Celebrity of the year 2009".
Six pack came back - star dust 15 dec 2009 - Shahrukh khan tries to reback his six pack for his next film. Our celeb had consulted the doctor regarding this issue for the better work out.
Our celeb in the Aamir preview dec 2009 - Shahrukh has been invited for the aamir khan new film 3 idiots. Our celeb had participated in the preview show with his friendly opponent aamir.
Actress Asin pacified by shahrukh dec 28 2009 - Actress asin has been surrounded by crowd in a event at mumbai. Our celeb,who had participated in that event save her from the huge crowd,with help of his body guards.
Dec 29,2009 - Our celeb and Aamir khan have been showing their competition not only in the film industry,but also participating in the social activities too. This was held in latest book release written by the famous author "guru Arindam Chaudhari".

Michael Jackson Pictures,photos and wall papers.

Michael Jackson in his young age

Michael Jackson dancing wallpaper

Michael during his face surgery

Just put up a new Christmas Blog Background. This one is more neutral for all winter long :)

Blue and Brown Christmas Free Blog Background

katrina kaif the beautiful celeb wall papers and photos

Beautiful Katrina



Beauty in white



Katrina Wallpaper

Katrina Kaif in Childwood

Katrina Kaif in traditional

Fa La La La Lifetime - Take III

Original Hand Lettering for "Fa La La La Lifetime."

This now makes the third Christmas in a row that the Lifetime Channel has used my "Fa La La La Lifetime" branding for their holiday promotional efforts.


"Fa La La La Lifetime" bug graphic.

During this season you'll see it as a bug in the lower right hand corner of the screen and it'll also appear in numerous TV spots. (But the ones that look ugly and where their in house people added dimension to the letter forms I had nothing to do with.)


"Fa La La La Lifetime Movie Network"

Lifetime contacted me again this year to create additional custom lettering to augment their current seasonal branding efforts. The image above shows a stacked option and I also created a long horizontal option with everything resting on the same baseline as well.


"Fa La La La LMN" bug graphic.

This shows an abbreviated version I also created that can be used as a bug graphic.


"Fa La La La LMN" alternate bug graphic.

Sometimes when working on projects like this I explore beyond the requested deliverables. So on this project I also provided them with the type nested inside a fun shape as well. Not sure they'll ever use it but I liked it.

TV Promotional Spot - 2009