PROJECT MAYHEM V.3 | THE ART OF SMACK!

The Revolutionary Times - No. 139

2012-01-26T17:01:00.001-05:00

In order to get them ready for the CIA, the gang puts Brandon and Sean through a boot camp that would make P90X look like Fun World.

Masspike Miles - Say Hello To Forever

2012-01-24T19:33:00.001-05:00

One of the projects I've been working for the past few months has been artwork for Maybach Music Group's R&B artist Masspike Miles. And today marks the release of that project - his album Say Hello To Forever. I was fortunate enough to design the artwork and also illustrate a six page comic that was written by Masspike.

I'm not the only one responsible for the artwork though. Proph Bundy was responsible for the cover of the album and helped with putting the digital booklet together as well. The album itself includes features from Raekwon, Fred The Godson, Wiz Khalifa, and others. So make sure to do yourself a favor and buy the Deluxe Version, which includes the comic I drew and two bonus songs, on iTunes!

DOWNLOAD THE ITUNES DELUXE EDITION

Twit-volutionary Ideas 005: Finale

2012-01-21T16:06:00.000-05:00

Here is the last of The Revolutionary Times' sketch series in celebration of the release of Red Tails. Make sure you go to your local movie theater and show some support for the film! And expect more "Twit-volutionary Ideas" in the future.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 138

2012-01-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

As the wise Danny Ocean once said, "You lose focus in this game for one second, and your friend gets stuck watching Nicki Minaj's butt shake for two months."

Okay, maybe we're paraphrasing there.

2012-01-18T20:57:00.000-05:00

Today as the protest to stop the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act). People everywhere took to their Facebooks, Twitters, and Tumblrs and censored themselves to act of spreading the word. I decided to do the same...

...in my own twisted Sean way.

...I regret nothing.

TAKE ACTION AGAINST SOPA AND PIPA!

Twit-volutionary Ideas 003: Take That

2012-01-17T20:41:00.001-05:00

The revolutionaries continue to walk the ghost of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr down the path and plight of the movie Red Tails.

JYoung The General - #TheMicCheck Chapter One: "The Meeting"

2012-01-16T10:34:00.001-05:00

In the first installment of BLAT! Pack's JYoung The General new #TheMicCheck series, he unleashed a remastered track from his Black History Year Vol. 1 tape just right for today's celebration of MLK Jr. Day. "The Meeting" is the lyrical representation of the minds of Martin Luther King, Jr and Malcolm X meeting together with JYoung and fellow BLAT! Pack emcee P.H.I.L.T.H.Y respectively taking the roles.

DOWNLOAD - #THEMICCHECK CHAP. ONE: "THE MEETING"

The Revolutionary Times - No. 137

2012-01-12T12:06:00.002-05:00

The revolutionaries bask in the start of the new year, but get some game changing news.

New Year. New Jobs. Same Ol' Shi--

2012-01-10T10:58:00.001-05:00

All will be answered on Thursday. Stay tuned, revolutionaries...

Art Dump

2012-01-05T03:04:00.002-05:00

Oh poor blog. I know, I know. I haven't been too kind to you. Blame your cousin Tumblr for its love for topless women and inspirational Wiz Khalifa and Drake quotes. But I'm back and I'm gonna be better to you I promise. I promise *calmly strokes Macbook screen* In fact, let's start this off right. I think it's time we dump some delayed artwork and some sneak peeks at future projects. And...GO!

SMACK PEEKS

WORK

(What would've been the poster for the last Art Of Hip-Hop if weren't unceremoniously cancelled)

(The starting designs for a character challenge I was supposed to be done with. I'll do the rest soon though)

SKETCHES

See, I didn't forget how to love you, art blog. Who loves ya, baby? This guy right here does.

*high fives Macbook*

...*has to go to Best Buy for breaking screen*

Merry DieHar--uh, Christmas

2011-12-25T12:04:00.001-05:00

Christmas, a time of giving and love and family and all that jazz. A time where Sean locks himself in his room and watches all of the Die Hard films until the days end. A time where Brandon forces Sean out of his room so they can give the gifts they helped liberated with Santa to the neighborhood kids. This is time we should all cherish!

So from The Revolutionary Times family to your own, we wish you all a Merry DieHar--uh, a Merry Christmas!

The Revolutionary times - NO. 136

2011-12-23T13:07:00.001-05:00

The guys go try to spread some holiday cheer to their new neighbors (well they're not new. They've been there for a while) and found out the true meaning of Christmas...

...don't have hater babies.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 135

2011-12-16T12:45:00.002-05:00

We're still trying to find out a way to get Marvel to let us write a Black Panther side story. For some strange reason they keep blocking our calls...

The Revolutionary Times - No. 134

2011-12-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

Even Jolly Saint Nicky believes in the 1% when it comes to the holidays. Plus the gift giving business is "colder than an elf on a sleigh."

BLAT! Pack Diddies - Amature EP x Chell

2011-12-05T16:59:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of late with putting this up but here's the album artwork I did for BLAT! Pack's The Amature and recently released EP Your Friendly Neighborhood Amature. I haven't done the blending of illustration and photography in...well, forever so this was a good experiment for me. The photography was done by Victor Manuel as I handled the illustration and layout design for the cover.

&amp;lt;a href="http://theamature.bandcamp.com/album/your-friendly-neighborhood-amature-ep"&amp;gt;Your Friendly Neighborhood Amature EP by The Amature&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

DOWNLOAD THE EP HERE

Speaking of all things BLAT!, I also designed the flyer for songstress Chell and her upcoming show at Old Miami in Detroit that also features fellow BLAT! Packer Yellokake and Starr The Poet.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 133

2011-12-01T14:32:00.001-05:00

The Revolutionaries find out the hard way how it's rather tough getting a job nowadays. Not even Lionel Richie can get you hired...

The Revolutionary Times - No. 132

2011-11-24T12:19:00.002-05:00

Let's be thankful for the fact that turkeys can't watch New Jack City.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

The Smack Chronicles - "Lotus Flower Huh?"

2011-11-20T13:43:00.000-05:00

It’s been a while since I’ve actually sat down and done one of these. If you’re like me then you might’ve been naive to the true meaning of Wale’s “Lotus Flower Bomb.” Not anymore, people! The mystery is solved!

Also partly inspired by “Los Angeles Ink Stains” by Jim Mahfood

The Revolutionary Times - No. 131

2011-11-18T13:22:00.001-05:00

Here and now, we here are the Revolutionary Headquarters like to check up on certain entertainers and athletes and check on their progress. Some of them, well...at least Vick is doing better, right?

Inspired by the doll test from the Brown V. Brown Education case and also seen in the 2005 documentary A Girl Like Me.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 130

2011-11-11T14:23:00.002-05:00

The Overweight Lover's legacy will always live on in ANY type of situation. Sean will make sure of that.

R.I.P. Heavy D, one of hte truest people in hip-hop that showed you could definitely be yourself and still be loved.

Yelawolf x CreativeAllies

2011-11-08T16:31:00.000-05:00

"Loaded this pen with a hollow tip..." - Yelawolf, "Hard White Remix"

Here are two flyer designs I made up for the Yelawolf contest over at CreativeAllies promoting his upcoming debut Radioactive. The contest asked for artists to have their own creative twist to the "radioactive/biohazard" idea behind the album's title. So of course I worked up for a few sketches that mainly had a masked Yelawolf...

...but as I kept sketching ideas out it turned into a full on apocalyptic scene. The last two ideas were what interested me the most so I decided to do both of them and cover my basis. The first one was simple as I've drawn gas mask type art before. The second one was more of a challenge so I found reference photos of bombed out buildings/landscapes and of course Yelawolf to somewhat get his tattoos down.

The contest is over on Dec. 9th so click on each picture to head over to the site and vote/favorite whichever one catches your eye more.

SMACK! SpeedComics - Vol. 25

2011-11-05T17:29:00.002-04:00

As promised, the SpeedComics for the "Swim Good" piece.

"I'm about to drive in the ocean..."

2011-11-05T15:05:00.000-04:00

It's these rare times I actually act on an idea for a piece without any hesitation. I've been wanting to do a piece inspired by Frank Ocean's "Swim Good" ever since I first heard it but never had a concrete idea. But after a few days of stalking the artwork of Frank Stockton I got a bit inspired to actually do something this time. As always, it started it off with a vague rough sketch of the idea...

Once I had an idea of how I wanted to use the references I laid out the pencils for each piece, the girl and the underwater scene....

Once I had the pencils laid out, it was on to my trusty new inking solution - Illustrator to put everything together...

I wanted the idea of Frank (we'll call him "Frank" since he is wearing that panda hat) being trapped inside this girl's body, trying his best to swim out while she is slightly just looking down at him like a kind of Big Brother "We're Watching You" kind of deal.

So that's a look at the first part of the process I usually go for my art. Stay tuned later today hopefully and they're will be a SpeedComic for it as well.

- Smack Out

Swang Real Wide

2011-11-04T12:25:00.000-04:00

Here's a car show flyer I designed earlier in Octobor. A flyer that was tricky because, well, I'm not so great at drawing cars. But I'm learning, people. I'm learning. I majored in Illustration, not Trans. Design so it might take a while for me to get it down.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 129

2011-11-03T14:08:00.002-04:00

Unleashing zombie warfare. Dwindling the hipster population. Flirting with mermaids. Ladies and gentleman...your Republican presidential candidate, Herman "Mack" Cain.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 128

2011-10-28T13:47:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionaries take a break from society in hope to enjoy the Halloween weekend. Instead the find trouble that not even the son of Sweet Sweetback can save them from.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 127

2011-10-20T16:15:00.002-04:00

Sean quickly founds out that if you're on the hunt for the world's most ancient recipe then the inventor of "Swaggu" probably wouldn't be the most helpful of people to ask.

SMACK! SpeedComics - Vol. 24

2011-10-19T19:10:00.000-04:00

Behind the scenes look at my work on rapper Baggz Lombardi’s next release Pardon My Back

SONGS USED: Baggz Lombardi - “Well Done” x “@BaggzLombardi”
http://www.flyincoach.com
http://www.twitter.com/BaggzLombardi

Artwork © Sean Anthony Mack

Black Comix X Invisible Ink

2011-10-19T18:40:00.000-04:00

Recently one of my old pieces, the "Maybach" one inspired by "Maybach Music II," was featuring along with a bunch of other great black artists in the exhibit Invisible Ink down at the University of Tennessee. The exhibit was set up by John Jennings and Damian Duffy. You remember those names right? You should. Because they're the reason I got featured in their book "Black Comix: African-American Independent Comics, Art & Culture."

Boredom x No Sleep x Hunger = Insomniac Pizza

2011-10-18T20:18:00.002-04:00

Yes, this no April Fool's Joke this time. This is real. Unfortunately. I will tell the tale. The tale of a young man who spends his nights working on commissions and plagued with the ancient disease of insomnia. One day a couple months ago, that man found a program on his Macbook. That program was called GarageBand. He was intrigued by it. Made static movies with his illustrations to chuckle to himself. But then...then he realized he could make songs. Horrible songs but songs nonetheless...

..fast forward a couple months and a few "I was really bored" songs later, I have a mixtape. Made from various instrumentals I've collected over the years (sometimes you just wanna vibe to a beat), movie and television sound clips, and my somewhat mediocre rapping and comedic skill.

So without further delaying, I present to you the tape that will melt you ears. Insomniac Pizza. The proof that nothing good or smart is done after 2AM.

Insomniac Pizza by Sean Anthony Mack

DOWNLOAD

BONUS: Another bored moment. I made an [adultswim]-esque commercial for it a day before the release. Yeah. I need a job.

Smack x How To Make It In America

2011-10-18T19:32:00.000-04:00

Recently I was led to a t-shirt contest held by the HBO show How To Make It In America over at their Facebook fan page. Being a fledging fan of the series I just had to take a shot at something. Taking the basic ideas of the concept of the show and a quote from one of the character during a recent episode, I designed the shirts to invoke a feel of chasing dreams, the city of New York, and simplistic design.

Click on the photos to head to the shirts' pages. The voting starts on October 24th so make sure to vote for mine!

SMACK! SpeedComics - Vol. 23

2011-10-13T17:33:00.000-04:00

Featuring the music of Cold Men Young and P.H.I.L.T.H.Y.

The Revolutionary Times - "Propaganda" Announcement

2011-10-13T14:23:00.000-04:00

Usually this is where I'd slap a Rev. Times comic down and tell you to read it and laugh or the team will punch you (okay, maybe we haven't really added that last part but...come on...it's implied). But unfortunately today, there will be no comic. Actually from here on out Brandon and I are going back to our past "one comic a week" schedule. I know, I know. The double dose of Rev. Times is no longer possible. We apologize in advance...

...BUT there's a light at the end of this tunnel. The reason we're going back to our old schedule is because we've officially started work on a new book/mini-comic aptly entitled "Propaganda."

...of course that's all we can tell you right now. There is no set release date as of now, but more news will be posted as we progress on the book. Stay tuned, true believers!

The Revolutionary Times - No. 126

2011-10-11T17:06:00.002-04:00

If there's anything Kevin Smith has taught us is that those "people" with the signs can probably ruin God's Son's day of tanning.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 125

2011-10-07T14:55:00.002-04:00

This week the world lost two great men, innovator Steve Jobs and Civil Rights activist Fred Shuttlesworth. We here at The Revolutionary Times want to take time to appreciate the impact that both men had on the world.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 124

2011-10-04T15:36:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionaries' time with nature proves one thing and one thing only. Squirrels are still pure evil.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 123

2011-09-29T13:00:00.001-04:00

You know, John Candy should've done more to prepare us about the outdoor life...

The Smack! Process - No. 122

2011-09-27T17:47:00.000-04:00

A long time ago (a couple days ago. Insomnia affects time span) I was asked on Tumblr about the process I go about in making my art. So since I spent the whole night working on today’s Revolutionary Times comic I figured it would be a good place to start. (There was actually supposed to be a SpeedComic video about it but…sigh, that’ll be addressed in a later date)…

…so where do we start? Oh right, that’s where Brandon (the writer) comes in. He writes up a rough script for me to get the basic idea and flow of the scene/comic. And in turn, after an hour of Xbox procrastination, I send him a simple thumbnail sketch of the basic layout of the comic…

Once he sees that, we flesh out the story more as far as scene, backgrounds, and dialogue. And THEN…it’s completely in my hands. So of course I take a good nap for five hours…

…and after waking up on carpet, staring at my new friend Roachie, I realize that I have to get a comic down in two hours. So using the trusty internet (it’s more than for porn, people) I get reference pictures, in this case pictures of Troy Davis, royal-like gates, and The Dude from The Big Lebowski. And then to the pencils I go!

And once I have the rough pencils laid out, I scan everything in and head to Illustrator, my go to Inking Station…

From there, I open up the trusty Photoshop and begin to lay out background colors…

And then the character flats…

Now this is usually when I’d do some cel shading but I haven’t done those recently because…well I suck at laying in shadows and figuring out the light source. Maybe next tutorial I’ll be good enough to teach that. But after the flats are laid down, I go into adding extras like the heavenly glow, highlights, etc…

And then I add the trusty Smack patented texture to add some flavor….

And viola! There you have a Smack! produced piece of art. Now take these steps and go and BE somebody!* Until next time, Smack Fiends (yes, that’s a new name I’m calling fans. Deal with it).

*I don’t want you to be anybody. I want all the fame and glory for myself so I can swim in gold coins and splash the asses of my French maids. Of course this is what Evil Smack would say.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 122

2011-09-27T13:39:00.003-04:00

Hearts have been heavy. Tempers have been risen. And faiths have been broken. But, The God abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there.

R.I.P. Troy Davis.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 121

2011-09-22T12:40:00.002-04:00

The thrilling conclusion to the "Red Dead Revolution" story. Sponsored by vegans.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 120

2011-09-21T15:12:00.001-04:00

The gang decides it's time to take the fight to the undead. Besides, that's what Beans would do right?

Cold Men Young - "Time Bomb" (Artwork)

2011-09-21T01:47:00.000-04:00

Cover artwork for Cold Men Young's upcoming single "Time Bomb" from their sophomore album #YSBAF, which is to drop hopefully later this year. The concept behind the cover was inspired by the Michael Douglas starred Falling Down, about a man whose mental state slowly unravels on a hot day in Los Angeles (and was a pre-Batman & Robin Joel Schumacher film. Sigh...Batman & Robin...the Devil's contribution to comic book cinema...)

I'll update this once the song drops!

UPDATE: The song dropped at midnight last night!
Cold Men Young - Time Bomb (Prod. By Jay Norm)
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://coldmenyoung.bandcamp.com/track/time-bomb"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Time Bomb by Cold Men Young&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

IV x YaBoyLV | Art Of Hip-Hop (September)

2011-09-20T16:06:00.000-04:00

Once again it's on. This Saturday is the the September edition of the monthly hip-hop showcase The Art Of Hip-Hop, presented by Identical Variant and YaBoyLV.com. It's once again being held at Coopers Bar & Grill so if you're going to be around the Flint area come rock with us.

And if you can't tell by the stylishly dressed mouse, fly and formal attire is definitely welcomed.

Smack x DJ Jewels x Music To My Math

2011-09-19T01:08:00.002-04:00

Last fall as I was commissioned by the brother DJ Jewels to do the interior artwork for a project he was working on that fused music and math together to help out kids who might have problems with the subject...
...this was my time. My time to finally avenge the poor grades that I received in high school because of Pre-Algebra and all those other maths I no longer care about. Yeah, you heard right Mr. Tack! I'm HELPING kids learn math now. HOW DO YOU LIKE THOSE APP--
...ahem, obviously it was a very passionate subject for me so I was up to the task. It was a fun and unique project and also something rare since I haven't done many commissions that were geared toward the younger folk.
...also my pain was avenged. No longer did I look at numbers in fear. Confusion still, but no longer were they feared. So thank you DJ Jewels. And thank you kids, for being the reason this project was born. I salute you.
CLICK HERE TO BUY THE CD/SINGLES
(EDITOR'S NOTE: I didn't do the cover to the CD. Just the interiors)

Smack|Cuts - The Taylor Gang

2011-09-17T22:00:00.000-04:00

A while back while I was working with Neako on his LOUDPack: Tree tape, he was on tour with Wiz Khalifa who asked who designed the artwork. Then I get a call to draw up some rough character sketches of Wiz, Chevy, Will, and a faux DJ E.Z. Wider billboard to send over for a possible Taylor Gang animated short. These were the results. Nothing ever materialized from it but it was a pretty cool moment.

But who knows. The idea and my name might pop up again.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 119

2011-09-15T16:57:00.002-04:00

There's only one thing you need to know about the undead...

...They're usually on that bullship.

YungClassix - Life On The Grid

2011-09-13T11:03:00.000-04:00

Fellow BLAT! Pack homie YC aka YungClassix releases his instrumental album Life On The Grid today. Inspired by the sights and sounds of the world of Tron, he samples artist from Britney Spears to Kascade in what he describes as "Tech-Hop."

With designing the artwork for him, the feel of everything had that Tron type of attitude so I matched it with the design.

&amp;lt;a href="http://blatpack.bandcamp.com/album/life-on-the-grid"&amp;gt;Life On The Grid by Yungclassix&amp;lt;/a&amp;gt;

DOWNLOAD YUNGCLASSIX - LIFE ON THE GRID

Crimson Gears

2011-09-12T12:20:00.000-04:00

Developed as an entry for the Gears Of War 3 contest over at the DeviantArt watering hole.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 118

2011-09-10T13:30:00.001-04:00

Other forms of quarantine included: Repeated kicking in the groin region, splashing water on, and/or leaving the infected in Canada with only a cup of maple syrup.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 117

2011-09-08T14:22:00.002-04:00

Never send a Glenn Beck to do a man's job. On another note, This zombie apocalypse is sponsored by Bad Boy Records. Take that, take that.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 116

2011-09-03T18:54:00.000-04:00

Palin and the Bro-Ops (another name change) plan to unleash their zombie attack on the Obama administration. Little did they know, Beck can't deny sugary beverages passed out by infants.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 115

2011-08-30T14:00:00.001-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 115 "The Red Plan"

Meet the terrifying union behind the foreboding zombie outbreak, The Bro-Op (name pending due to Sarah Palin's nagging). United by a simple cause - disrupting the power of Barack Obama...
...and Basketball Wives.

He (Might) Rise...

2011-08-21T16:01:00.000-04:00

So I've decided that I'm going to embark on a journey. A journey many have traversed and some have given up on.

I'm going to start developing my own graphic novel. Based on The Revenge Of Black Jesus idea I had around Easter time. The story's swimming in my head and several concepts are there as well. But it's more so fleshing out characters and the world they inhabit right now. And then, a more tightened story followed by actually getting to draw everything out.

This will probably be the only time you hear about for a while because, quite honestly, who knows when I'll actually do it. Aside from living a starving artist life, trying to find a suitable job to pay bills, helping with IV, AND trying to get a fanbase for The Revolutionary Times, who know when I'll actually have time to write a treatment for this or even do layouts for the pages. Just know that at some point in my life, I will do this story. And I will do it to the best of my abilities.

Also there will be pancakes.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 114

2011-08-20T15:19:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 114 "You Got Red On You"

The beginning of the end...of the beginning is finally upon us! The "Red Dead Revolution" storyarc has begun. As prophesied, the Times will now be updated two times a week! Stay tuned!

The Carey Sisters X Smack!

2011-08-19T11:00:00.000-04:00

I like to call this "Smack! Bombin'"

I've been blasting this and the "prints" news all over Twitter, I'm sure someone's unfollowed me by now. Ah well. So someone gave these two lovely ladies the bright idea of putting me on their show tonight. Well that someone was Senor Ketchum and it may or may not be the worst idea ever. They might cancel their show after my interview solely based on the possible nonsense I may say. Or it may be an excellent interview and I won't forever scar these awesome ladies.

Either way it turns out, tune into The Carey Sisters' show tonight at 8PM PT/11PM ET (this is Smack/Michigan time for you folks that didn't follow that class) and find out. Click on the picture above to head over to their page on TunesAndTalk.com

~~And as soon as the interview is posted up, I'll update this post with it in its full glory.~~
UPDATE: And boom, just like that. Magic, son.

...I'll learn how to speak. One day. I promise.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 113 x Announcement!

2011-08-18T14:19:00.001-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 113 "Cookie Bits"

We as human being almost never realize the inner prejudice turmoils and injustices that occur in the cookie community. We'll have more on this from their spokescookie, the Reverend Snickerdoodle Jackson.

ALSO, announcement time. *drumroll* Starting this week, Brandon and I will be releasing TWO strips a week. Yep, the new scheduling is two strips either released on Tuesday, Thursday, or Saturday. So expect a new strip THIS Saturday that also starts a new storyarc that we're really excited about.

SMACK! PRINTS FOR SALE

2011-08-18T13:00:00.017-04:00

I've been teetering on this idea for the longest, but now I've finally decided to do it. Starting out I will be selling prints of some of my work. Each print will be sized at 11x17 with a price of $15 (plus 6.95 shipping) in card stock paper quality (and soon glossy). The prints are made to order so the won't run out. Unfortunately I'm not able to do international shipping at this time but who knows, maybe in the future.

The Killing Time (Trigun)

2011-08-17T10:13:00.000-04:00

Yep. I'll admit it. I'm a Trigun fan. Nothing to be ashamed of at all. And if you think other wise then I feel pity for you unsatisfied soul.

This also may or may not be a start of a series of character illustration that filled my naive teenaged years. I'm just saying...if you see another illustration of Spike Spiegal or Stone Cold Steve Austin then yes...it's apart of a series.

SMACK! SpeedComics Vol. 22

2011-08-17T08:22:00.000-04:00

Ah another SpeedComic. Here's the behind the scenes process of what it took to get to the finished product of the "Maybe She'll Dream Of Me" illustration.

Also to my surprise someone who runs the Foreign Exchange Twitter account got wind of the piece and now it's featured on their Facebook fan page! It was even retweeted by Nicolay and everything so yeah...that was kind of awesome. Definitely would enjoy working with those cats on some art one day.

When She Lays Down At Night...

2011-08-15T21:55:00.000-04:00

"Maybe She'll Dream Of Me"

This one has been cooking in my mind for several months now and I just now finally got time to put it on paper. Inspired by The Foreign Exchange (Phonte x Nicolay) and their track “Maybe She’ll Dream Of Me” from their album Authenticity with a little modeling help from my friend Danielle (she's the giant head at the bottom haha). It's rare that I get to do complete personal art since I've been bogged with commission work but I'm glad I finally got this one off the "To Do" list.

And for you earlobe pleasure, the actual track. Guaranteed to smooth out your night.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 112

2011-08-11T13:00:00.001-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 112 "Great Responsibilities"

Next week we put Sebastian in a Bat-Mite costume and take on The Vulture a.k.a. Bill O' Reilly.

The Bulls**t Rap Song (AKA BARZ)

2011-08-06T13:13:00.001-04:00

I've come to realized that this illustration thing will only make me more a starving artist then I already am. And that can't happen You can't have a fat starving artist. It's an oxymoron. So today, I announce that I'm retiring from the graphic arts to persue my life long goal of being apart of the musical arts.

I.E. rappity rapping.

Once in a while, a musical genius comes along and changes the fabric of the industry forever...
...I am not that such person. This is just happens when you're on break from working and have a horrible case of insomnia. And bars.

SONGS USED:
Khrysis - PX2 Intro (Thethyrday) (instrumental)
The Weeknd - Trust Issues (Remix)

The Smack Process - RT No. 111

2011-08-05T00:46:00.001-04:00

Now, I know I usually have SpeedComics as my behind the scenes look at how I work but I decided to show the process behind some of my work, starting with the recent RT strip. The idea was inspired by the works over at The Anthology Project. Maybe I'll do some more for other works as time goes by but for now here's a look at how it went down...

The Revolutionary Times - No. 111

2011-08-04T15:16:00.001-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 111 "Political Hostage"

The Republicans go to "desperate measures" to try and take care of Obama and the national debt. Many copies of Menace II Society were purchased this day.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 110

2011-07-28T14:35:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 110 "Release Therapy"

On behalf of the group, Sean tries his best to delve into the mind of a simian bigot.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 109

2011-07-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 109 - "The Porcelain Wars"

Sean finally runs into the house's new guest. Toilet time has been delayed for all further notices.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 108

2011-07-15T11:59:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 108 - "De-Evolution Process"

Sebastian brings home the British Archie Bunker of simian imports to the Revolutionary Batcave.

Audra The Rapper - No Such Thing Does Exist/Logo

2011-07-11T19:31:00.001-04:00

Cover I designed for Maybach Music Group emcee Audra The Rapper's upcoming free EP No Such Thing Does Exist, which has been released today via The Source. Click on the covers to head over to the site.

Also I designed her brand logo as well.

Hey...Dude (AKA That Was Horrible Blog Title)

2011-07-09T11:21:00.000-04:00

It's been a while since I actually put something up here that wasn't a commission or for The Revolutionary Times (EDITOR'S NOTE: He's lying. It was just a while ago). But here's something I did for my friend Jess, who happens to be a fan of penguins and The Beatles. So why not mix the two into a fusion of fondness...and penguins.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 107

2011-07-07T16:42:00.003-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 107 "Nothing But Trouble"

The guys’ 4th Of July hit a turn for the underground. No satin panties were harmed in the making of this comic.

Smack x FlyWidIt

2011-07-02T12:35:00.000-04:00

I recently got interviewed by the homie @FlyWidItCustoms for his site to talk about the secrets behind my art, my beliefs on certain topics that "The Revolutionary Times" has tackled, and my views on what the future holds. And I gotta say, it was one of the most researched and in-depth interviews I had. I felt like I was actually important for a second.

This must be how Eddie Griffin feels like everyday.

But anyways, click on the picture above to read Part One of the interview and make sure to check the homie's portfolio while you're at it. He's got some dope works in there.

The Revolutionary Times - No. 106

2011-07-01T15:52:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 106 "Iced Chai Racism"

The guys find out the true mission of racism - refreshing chilled coffee drinks full of prejudice.

IV x "Wealthy"

2011-06-29T14:58:00.001-04:00

The latest tee from Identical Variant is up for pre-orders as we speak. The “Wealthy” shirt, set to be released on July 15th, is the first of many designed by yours truly under my new “Head Of Design” title (I’m gonna gloat ‘bout it every time) with art direction from owner Randall “JP” Pointer. Sizes currently range from Small to 3XL. And since it’s a limited supply, you should probably get yours now!

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 105

2011-06-23T10:19:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 105 "Forced To Thrash You"

No rose bearers were groped during the making of this strip.

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 104

2011-06-16T14:05:00.001-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 104 "Angry Gentlemen"

In the words of Donald Glover, black guy on Mad Men. I'm tellin' you it's going down...
...because they were the ones who operated the elevators. No? Okay, we'll stick to comics.

IV x YaBoyLV x AOHH (June 17th)

2011-06-14T13:10:00.000-04:00

Yep, it’s that time again. IV’s monthly hip-hop showcase, in connection with YaBoyLV, returns for June to bring the cool through music and art. The show is at the Greater Flint Arts Council (816 S. Saginaw St. Flint, Michigan), starting at 8PM with a $5 admission. Past showcases have featured Michigan based artists such as Yung Domino, Jon Connor, RocStea’D, Mama Sol, Nug, and others. So who knows who will grace the stage this Friday. Make sure not to miss out!

Yung Classix - Life On The Grid

2011-06-14T13:07:00.000-04:00

Just revealed, here's the cover I designed for fellow BLAT! Pack member Yung Classix and his upcoming beat tape, Life On The Grid, to be released soon this summer. Stay tuned for more BLAT! inspired artwork soon including the artwork for The Kick, the collaborative album from emcee Red Pill and producer Hir-O.

I. AM. A. GOD!

2011-06-14T13:03:00.000-04:00

I take compliments a little extreme sometimes.

SC - No. 46 "Swag Ton Major"

2011-06-14T12:59:00.000-04:00

The Smack Chronicles - No. 46 "Swag Ton Major"

Actual hipsters are kept afloat by tiny wires made of recycled ironic band t-shirts.

I Wanna Sex You Up

2011-06-09T20:33:00.000-04:00

Apparently people have made up a holiday known as National Sex Day. I accept such ludicrous challenges.

(No, I'm not actually shagging vending machines. Who needs sex when you have all these ~~degrees~~...er...Pepsi?)

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 103

2011-06-09T12:50:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 103 "A Palin Children's Story"

We here at The Revolutionary Times believe the children are the future. That's why we plead to all parents...let's stick the storytelling to the professionals. Like Slick Rick.

Bring Your Love, Baby. I Can Bring My Shame...

2011-06-06T12:40:00.000-04:00

"Wicked Games" - Digital

Here’s some quick (VERY QUICK) insomnia art inspired by The Weeknd’s song of the same name. Done between actually working on freelance projects with a mix of insomnia and Mad Men playing in the background.

RT x Spread The Revolution #004

2011-06-02T17:38:00.002-04:00

As inspired by the words of Kendrick Lamar's newest song "HiiiPower." Also check out the process (and the creative differences) that was behind the newest illustration in an edition of "SMACK! SpeedComics"

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 102

2011-06-02T13:05:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 102 "Get Your Mind Right"

Other symptoms of heavy cell phone usage include pro tractable claws and the ability to control Bill O' Reilly's mind.

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 101

2011-05-28T14:03:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 101 "The Challenge"

If we had played "Racks On Racks On Racks" the house would've been destroyed in a fit of rage.

KuroiOto - M.A.X.Wellness

2011-05-25T12:08:00.001-04:00

BLAT! Pack producer KuroiOto introduces the world to his Maxwell influenced instrumental album, aptly titled M.A.X.Wellness. In the vein of his influence, the music is laced with that smooth feel that easily catches the right vibe.

KuroiOto originally crafted M.A.X.Wellness as a surprise birthday gift,but he decided to unleash the project to the world to show his love. Forhis third instrumental project , the Detroit-bred producer cleverly flipseight samples, primarily by R&B powerhouse Maxwell, to craft just as manysilky, emotive soundbeds to represent the joy a certain loved one gives hislife.

Album design by yours truly.

DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM!

The Revolutionary Times Featured On MLIVE.com...

2011-05-24T19:18:00.000-04:00

Recently Brandon and I were featured on MLIVE.com, a site dedicated to the news and people of Michigan including our hometown Saginaw. During the interview we talked about, of course, our beginnings, what Saginaw means to us, and the direction we wanted the comic to go in the case of stimulating the viewers' minds. Click the picture to read the entire article.

SC - No. 45 "No More Heroes"

2011-05-22T12:52:00.000-04:00

The Smack Chronicles - No. 45 "No More Heroes"

As a human being I don’t take “End Of Days” responsibilities too well…

(It must be Judgment Day because I actually sat down and made one of these. First time in a good while)

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 100

2011-05-19T11:28:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 100 - "Right Wing Poetry"

In the vein of recent events, Newt Gingrich sets up his own poetry night in hopes of gaining aid for his presidential campaign. Little does he know that Grammy winning producer 9th Wonder brought in the big guns.

That's right, folks. 100 strips down! Thank you for everyone who's stuck with us and welcome to the new fans. Here's hoping for a 100 more down the road.

Now on to making that website...

Boxer Head Begins

2011-05-16T09:36:00.000-04:00

Boxer Head, the mysterious local vigilante, has been stopping crime for several days with his unique and pantsless tactics. The police finally have released the only known photo of Boxer Head to the public in hopes of gaining more information on the anti-hero. Also in hopes that he finally puts his pants back on...

...he has not.

Just be happy that whenever I actually act this out (during my Bored Smack phase) that I still have actual pants on, alright?

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 99

2011-05-12T12:41:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 99 "Employee Dilemma"

You can never put your eggs in one basket when you're on the hunt for jobs. Especially if your former boss was Public Enemy #1

BLAT! x dN|Be x BHY2

2011-05-09T14:55:00.000-04:00

In celebration of JYoung The General’s Black HIstory Year: Installment Two, today marks the release of the The BLAT! Pack/dangerousNEGRO collaboration limited edition Black History Year t-shirt designed by myself. The shirt symbolizes the Black Panther party, which is also talked about in JYoung’s song “Panthers” that features OneBeLo, J.A.E. and MaeDay. Each shirt is a bright yellow colorway just in time for spring and summer.

So click on the link below to download the tape for free AND to purchase a shirt. It’s limited edition so that means you gotta hurry up and cops yours before it’s a wrap. Do this for yourself. Do this for music! DO THIS FOR YOUR PEOPLE!

…ya know…people…who…like shirts.

*Salesman smile*

DOWNLOAD THE TAPE/PURCHASE THE SHIRT

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 98

2011-05-05T13:10:00.002-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 98 "Clear & Present D'ohs"

If we go by Sean's view on on the situation, we still have Sideshow Bob, Dr. No, and giant mutant spiders to eliminate before our country can ever feel safe again.

But a very special thank you to the men and women who risk their lives out there. Some may not agree about the war, but there's no doubt that they are brave for what they do. Hopefully this development will bring them home now.

RT x Spread The Revolution #003

2011-05-03T16:24:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - Spread The Revolution #003 "Unbamboozled"

As inspired by the words of Big K.R.I.T.'s song "Another Naive Individual Glorifying Greed and Ecouraging Racism" off of his recent tape ReturnOf4Eva

Neako - LOUDpack: Tree

2011-04-29T18:12:00.000-04:00

Earlier this week, you saw the cover I designed for Neako's "Flossin'" with Juicy J. Low and behold I designed everything for his new project LOUDpack: Tree that was released today. Featuring a mix of previous tracks and new, the third installment to his LOUDpack series continues to show the growing process of Neako and the style he showcases.

Download Mixtape | Free Mixtapes Provided by DatPiff.com

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 97

2011-04-29T17:29:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 97 "Feed the Homeless"

Apparently there's a bum versus doggie world going on for Little Orphan Annie treatment, no Warbucks is safe...

The Revenge...

2011-04-28T11:06:00.000-04:00

So early Easter morning as I stood in a hot Southern church listening to my little cousins give off their Easter speeches, my mind started to wander like it does during any church service. First it went to the aspect of "Black Jesus" and "White Jesus," which I never delve too deep in. Then it when toward the realm of "Jesus vs. The Easter Bunny" seeing as how the holiday is either one-sided, populated by the popularity of the rabbit or the celebration of resurrection. And then I thought, man. Religious subjects has tackled in so many comics (The one that ALWAYS stands out will forever be Preacher), but I would love to put my own spin to it. Insert "The Revenge Of Black Jesus."

I swear to you on that entire day I've created a complete concept for this tale of revenge and religious hitman-ery. The basis is that of a loner bum named "Black Jesus" who is mysteriously brought back to life by agents of Heaven to take out a gang of thugs and their drug lord leader aptly named "The Easter Bunny" before they take over the city with violence and corruption. The same gang that brought bum Black Jesus to his death merely three days before. It would be like The Crow except less goth-y and more Jesus-y.

So there you have it. I don't know if this will ever come back as an actual graphic novel. Maybe I'll link up with Brandon and we can do it as a Revolutionary Times imprint or maybe I'll do it by my lonesome. All I know is that I'm getting the idea copyrighted SOON because if I see ONE person with the same idea I'm bashing skulls in the name of science.

Neako - Flossin' (f. Juicy J)

2011-04-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

Cover artwork done for emcee Neako’s newest single “Flossin’” featuring Juicy J (of Three Six Mafia) that is off his upcoming project LOUDPack: Tree, which I’m also finishing the art for as we speak.
Flossin' f/ Juicy J by neakotv

And here is the “body art” from the “Flossin’” cover, featuring Juicy J and all things flossy.

New Sh!t Newsday - No. 96

2011-04-21T11:30:00.000-04:00

The Revolutionary Times - No. 96 "Madea Gets Over Here"

The black directors battle lines have been drawn and there's only one way to settle this...

JYoung The General - Black History Year: Installment Two

2011-04-19T18:41:00.000-04:00

After a long wait, fellow BLAT! Packer JYoung The General finally releases his newest tape Black History Year: Installment Two, the sequel to 2010's Black History Year...

Michigan emcee JYoung The General has joined forces with KevinNottingham.com and dN|Be Apparel to present the second installment of his Black History Year series. Just like the first installment which was released a year ago, Black History Year Installment Two is executively produced by Nick Speed (who has produced for G-Unit, Danny Brown and Elzhi).
Black History Year: Installment Two is part of an EP series that JYoung The General created to raise awareness of black issues, leaders and events. JYoung is joined by Michigan staples such as OneBeLo, Mae Day and Buff1 to edutain listeners on the Black Panther Party for Self Defense, the Pan-African flag, gentrification and more. Today’s release date, April 19, pays homage to the the date that Stokely Carmichael, a founding member of the Black Panther Party, coined the term “Black Power” during a 1967 speech in Seattle.

DOWNLOAD (via KevinNottingham.com)