Blogsteelo Grafix Inc.

The Return

2007-04-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

Wow.

It's been a minute for one reason or another.
Let's just say I had a few demons to squash and view points to get back.
I'll work at being a bit more interesting for the people.

That said, here's a classic vid:

More to come.
Other Blog entries exist here: http://www.myspace.com/b_steelo

Makin' it work!

2006-12-30T20:47:00.000-06:00

YO! Two weeks of vacation. Good times:

vacation

Above are some rough sketches for some pieces I'm working on. The last two are for a project a friend of mine is working on. I have about 1 1/2 roughs to finish before I go to tight pencil then photoshop.

The first is a gift for a friend of mine. It also became the influence for an initial triptic I want to do which was influenced by the other drawings. Should be good.

wow, I need to work on my BLOG skills

2006-12-11T08:54:00.000-06:00

It's been a bit, but not without some postings, mostly on MySpace actually. I'll post a link at the end of this.
At any rate, as my man Mario reminds me that I say: Keep it movin'

Yeah don't ask...

Side notes:

Prayers go out to my Uncle Chris in ICU. He's a good uncle and a good man. I have fond memories of talking and laughing with him as a kid. It's a trip to realize it's been so long since I've seen or talked to him. prayers are welcome.

Props to my man Mario for doing his term in Iraq and making it back safe. Knick it's your turn, you got seeds to watch after.

Props to my annual seasonal roach that I got this morning. For some reason I always get 1 roach in the winter months in the crib, and he's always in view. I kill it with impunity to mark the beginning of a new cycle or something.

MySpace Blog and Profile

"First rule of Fight Club is...."

2006-11-17T08:42:00.000-06:00

you do NOT talk about Fight Club

Speaking of Spiderman...

2006-11-13T20:19:00.000-06:00

Thoughts that pepper the dome...

2006-11-07T21:59:00.000-06:00

Musings from a cat that thinks too much, here for your pleasure....or not.

This place is filthy (aka Junk 5...or is it 6?)

2006-11-07T21:29:00.000-06:00

If I was doing this on a regular basis the kinks would get worked out...so I'm working on that.

DAMN! Been a minute....

2006-11-07T20:58:00.000-06:00

Start this update off with the funk:

I GOT BIT!

2006-10-18T13:35:00.000-05:00

So some 20 year old chick in the UK stuck me for an old sketch. It was on my website and she doctored it up just enough to avoid infringement.

The funny thing is she added me to her myspace. Oh well, at least she's cute.

I'm worldwide baby

New Coke.

Original Formula

SPECIAL Technique of Shadowboxing (Midget Version)

2006-10-11T13:56:00.000-05:00

I didn't know my man was an action hero!

Check the Remix(es)!

300

2006-10-05T11:52:00.000-05:00

DAMN.Now I remember why I like comics.

Cape 2.5: Lea Hernandez Benefit

2006-10-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

So Saturday night, Zeus comics, PVP, Fanboy Radio, and a few other sponsors hosted an art benefit for San Antonio Comic Artist, Lea Hernandez. Her house burnt down and the family lost a lot of things, including pets

I brought my meager self to the party at Metro Grill.
Now I'd done one of these before (Cape 2) but this time I was less nervous and ready to have fun. Plus it's for a good cause so why not?

Ran into a lot of good friends:Josh Boulet , Scott Kurtz, Scott Heinz, Cal "Slay-A-Ton" and a bunch of other local artists I'd met on various occasions. Plus the DJ was spinning good hip hop, so I was as they say "in my element".

So the music starts, boards are up and they call a few artists to come up and start it off. Seeing as how cats were kinda shook, I said screw it and stepped up for a bit. I got to draw with the main man Brock "Rock" Rizzy. We call him "Brock Rock" because he usually rocks a fisherman's cap and with a name like "Brock Rizzy" you better at least act like an MC! Seeing as how dude is kinda mellow. We find it funny...thing is he doesn't know we call him that.

During my foolish attempt at being an artist in front of about 65 people I started to get a little shook. But I'm reminded of the movie "Almost Famous" where the main character's mother was talking to the lead singer of Stillwater on the phone: "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid" And lo!:

Big ups to Scott Kurtz for that moment.

So the night goes on. Got to see my man Cal throwdown some:

And a bunch of artists I admire. Some really good art was made. Abstract to realistic. I only got up twice. I did an MC cat that sold and this (inspired by Josh while he was drawing his Optimus Prime and getting ink on me):

Don't know if it sold, but I had fun.

All in all, it was a good night. Corance Davis the stand up philosopher and "Crip" Mike Lagocki even showed up.

Good times.

For more extensive coverage, check out these sites:
Pop Syndicate
PVP
Zeus Comics
Fanboy Radio

See what happens when you mess with the Cristo !?

2006-10-02T14:17:00.000-05:00

I had a Buddy Christ. That cheese grin gave me the bad mojo though, so I gave it to an agnostic.
Either way, Hell is hot.

Dogma was a poingant movie though.

WOW!

2006-09-29T13:03:00.000-05:00

This is weird like Keaton as Batman

Darth Smart Ass

2006-09-29T09:26:00.000-05:00

Big ups to Morley

Rant #2: When is the right time to tell the truth? (or Let the rage flow)

2006-09-27T12:55:00.000-05:00

* Take note, these observations to some may seem juvenile and obvious. But I'm working shit out.

The truth will set you free. That's sounding more like lies to me these days.
And it's making me increasingly more angry and impatient.

I hear it a lot from women: Tell the truth, be yourself.
But how much of that do I need to be really?
In earlier posts I posted an interview with KRS One. In it he poses the question of how YOU are you willing to be? In that there are consequences (betrayl, hatred, joy, rage). Thus all of us or most of us (depending on who you are) supress a certain amount of ourselves for a greater good. I used to refer to it as wisdom or tact in some cases. But is it?

Case in point:
I'm liking a woman and she wants me to be honest and truthful. I hear that all the time.
"I wish he'd tell me the truth. I wish he'd stop lying"

So I tell the truth. The results, although honest, seem not so well recieved. After the truth, that's when things get held back from conversation, most people don't say everything on their mind out of fear of some judgment, and in the case of relationships, as a man, you could be viewed as a cold hearted bastard.

This stresses me. Mostly because I used to go out of my way to make people feel somewhat comfortable. Now I'm on some kind of mission (as I percieve it) so I don't always have the time for that. People kind of find that offensive or cold. I've been commented on that a lot recently because I look like I don't care when a problem is in front of me or someone needs something. I care, it's just that bitching about it isn't gonna make things easier. Just gotta get it done.

So, I defaulted to the wisdom of my pops. Essentially he said you can be yourself and stand by your convictions and never bend but you might be alone for awhile. Or you can compromise and be mad.

I guess there in lies the science. To know the right time to be unabrasively truthful or stand by your truth. Also to be calm in the face of something that may seem potentially irrational or an attack against your character.

But damn that shit is hard.

VAAN DAMN!

2006-09-22T14:45:00.000-05:00

Big ups to Aaron

final DJs

2006-09-18T01:32:00.000-05:00

BAPE (For all those Uckfit cats)

2006-09-14T13:27:00.000-05:00

This is what thinking about Robot Dinosaurs gets you, Nyucka!

In Progress

2006-09-13T11:58:00.000-05:00

Been a bit since an art post. Decided I'd at least post stuff in progress.

Real good KRS interview

2006-09-09T13:09:00.000-05:00

KRS One - Life

2006-09-09T12:27:00.000-05:00

I slept.
Straight up.

I was rolling with Ghettomanga and we were listening to some random Sirius satelite station. I remember complaining that as diverse as Satelite radio is, the hip hop is still top 10 for the most part...and then I rolled up on a Premier live mix.

We all know Premier is where it's at, but then he dropped a KRS-One track I hadn't heard.

This is when I was reminded why he's the Blast Master.

The track My Life was ill. It's like he either got some young kid with dope production or went back to the lab. Either way the shit is bangin'.

Album dropped back in June, so you might luck out and find it or order it on line, either way, true heads really need to cop it.
This is a true contemporary hip hop album from a real vet to the game.

Knowledge Reigns Supreme Over Nearly Everybody

When they remanisce over you/ My Gaaawd!

2006-09-07T10:55:00.000-05:00

D-Nice Photos

Lupe Fiasco & Hip Hop (aka YouTube is my surrogate cable)

2006-09-04T15:48:00.000-05:00

So I'm about to post this Lupe Fiasco video. I gotta say, I dig this dude. Why some of you may ask (or not)? Well his current vibe is like hip hop back in the day. Leaders of the New School, UMCs, Tribe, and De La. Will this last? I don't know, but I'll enjoy it while it's here. I mean seriously, how many cats do you know these days that will have healthy chicks dancing in the background and put his wife in the video?

Here's hoping the beast doesn't get to you man.

Why is this funny to me

2006-09-01T15:28:00.000-05:00

I must be a designer.

MY NAME IS D-NICE BUT ALL THE GIRLS CALL ME DEREK!

2006-08-29T09:56:00.000-05:00

Bigups to SWD (SMALLWHITEDRAGON) Check his BLOG. It's cracked out.

TR808!

Call me Adam!

2006-08-27T20:51:00.000-05:00

So Saturday, Ghettomanga and I were talking to this comics dude we know named Mark Walters. He puts on local comic and sci fi shows. Anyway, we got to talking about old cartoons and Merry Melodies came up and how they used to do the cartoons.

Mark: You guys ever see that Bugs bunny cartoon with that Jasper character (the black version of Elmer Fudd)
BSteelo: Naw, but I bet it's on Youtube.

Ghettomanga, I'll get the screen capture, you get the t shirt, and I'll talk to Jeff about the transfer.
At least they gave my man the steel! I've never seen such a versatile and powerful hunting armament.

Plastic Man Pilot

2006-08-27T20:20:00.000-05:00

Apparently there's a new plastic man pilot. Surprisingly there's not much involvment from Kyle Baker, the creator for the most recent comic (and eisner award winning) run on the character. Maybe he was there for storyboards or something. Either way, you can see that and the John K. (Ren & Stimpy) cartoon influence. This one seems like it could go the way on Freakazoid!

Plasticman!

33 in the year of the 06 on the 24th of the 8th month. All having to do with prime "3". I'm due. Do the math kid!

2006-08-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

Other people that share this date of birth:

Dave Chapelle (also 33. ironic that I rock the Chapelle shirt today)
Rupert Grint (that red haired kid on them Harry Potter movies)
Reggie Miller

The balance.

I make waves aka (junk 3)

2006-08-22T10:03:00.000-05:00

Element in a shirt design I'm working on.

Junk2

2006-08-18T11:12:00.000-05:00

They messed around and gave us sketchbooks to do our thumbnails in at work....the fools.

Prelim rough sketch for something larger

LYRICS!

2006-08-14T21:48:00.000-05:00

Big ups to J Steel

WU TANG WU TANG ONYYYYXXX!!!

2006-08-14T20:57:00.000-05:00

My man told me about this video. I never caught it. Now I wish I did

New Director of Halo.

2006-08-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

Neill Blomkamp
I've been checking this guys stuff out for a little bit. I like how he integrates realism and the fantastic. It's much like my favorite directors Fincher and Cunningham

More short films and a commercial reel:

TempBot on Transbuddha
Alive in Joburg
Blomkamp Reel

And on the side, a really trippy 3d design house:
1st Ave. Machine

Rant #1: "I be textin my aaasss off"- Ed Wunsler III

2006-08-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

Ok so check this article:

FIRED!

First off: That's pretty gangsta to do.
Second: She's 21. She'll be aight.

But that's not my issue, my issue becomes, how serious should I take all this IM/MYSPACE/EMAIL shit these days anyway?
Before you start saying "awww shit khalid is on this "back in my day hip hop was real" type shit again" understand this: I really want to know. I recall not too long ago someone getting irrate with me for me not putting them in my "Top 8" on My Space even though I felt we were cool on a personal level enough that it didn't matter. I remember not having my IM on and my dad asking where I've been.

Steelo: "What do you mean where have I been?"
Older Steelo: "You haven't been available"
Steelo: "Nigga I got a phone too."

And then there's the whole online relationship. That one seems to get tricky for me. I've had genuine feelings for someone I met online and still do, but I often wonder how real even that was. I mean seriously, I wasn't there so how could it have lasted and why did I believe it would? But I can't deny the strength of my feelings.

So I'm asking: How serious am I supposed to be about this? Should I have a ranking system?

Steelo thought process:

Dating:
"Ok, so if I meet this chick face to face after at least 35 digital communications it's friendship. After 70 we're dating, after 120 I should be reciting wedding vows"

Friendship:
"If I contact this person more than twice a day through email we're good friends. If I actually meet the person we'll damn near be the odd couple"

Am I supposed to treat my response or lack of response as genuine human interaction as opposed to something face to face? I'll be the first to tell you I type my ass off (Blog case in point). Mostly because I can get my complete ideas out without interuption or someone listening enough just to rebutal and grasp that ever elusive verbal airspace. It's like a battle or sermon instead of a discussion sometimes. And seeing as how when I speak I try to choose my words carefully (think before I speak, how novel) I don't respond as lightining quick as some of my colleagues. So ideas get lost and people ask me,"why are you so quiet all the time?"

I suppose long story short: I need to get out more and interact. People's feelings aren't as catastrophic as I percieve them. I'm sure I'll learn how to manipulate conversation with the best of them sooner or later when I do. Ultimately, regardless of how I choose to communicate, if the intended recipient understands me enough to know my intent, then I suppose that's all that matters.

Besides it's all nigga technology anyway*

(*See The Boondocks)

Damn. I dig cartoons.

2006-08-04T11:12:00.000-05:00

CASE OF THE HUMANS!

Oh No

2006-08-02T20:20:00.000-05:00

Yeah I know what I said was gonna be next, but this is tight.

Stonesthrow artist "Oh No" Drops his newest album on August 8: Exodus Into Unheard Rhythms

His first album "The Disrupt" I dug but it was standard hip hop fare. I'm biased with him though. I give him the benefit of the doubt because his brother is Madlib. That said, his production has been known to be on hit.

Props.

Renaissance & TMNT

2006-08-02T09:49:00.000-05:00

Renaissance:

It looks good, but there's something about computer animated actors. Few have gotten the exact human thing correct. Square Soft comes close, but they still look like puppets or super models that can't act.

I stand by Incredibles and Golem. Although exaggerated, they look more human in their actions.
However, this movie has a nice scope.

Renaissance

TMNT: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles:

Eh. It's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. But now with Kung Fu Grip.

TMNT

Next Post:
San Diego Con Day 2
Hip hop poster (rough design)
and possibly "The Return of..."

RYUUUKEN!

2006-07-31T12:03:00.000-05:00

*Bonus2: DANG!

2006-07-28T16:20:00.000-05:00

The DEPARTED

*Bonus: The Importance of Graphic Design

2006-07-28T09:41:00.000-05:00

DISrespect

San Diego Comicon - Day 1

2006-07-27T19:18:00.000-05:00

Ok. For the record this is about the 4th or 5th time I've been to San Diego...but it doesn't really matter because I'm never prepared for the onslaught. It's always good to see artists that remember you and your work, especially if you admire them. But we'll get to that later. Time to introduce the players:

Mario Cauley aka "The Cauley Kid" aka "Yeah he's here"
Samax Randolph aka SamaxAmen aka GhettoManga aka "The Prodigal Son"
Khalid Robertson aka Bigsteelo aka The Steelothian aka Veks

Day 1

We all got in at different times. I'd booked the room for the 19th but I wasn't gonna get in until the 20th (had to strong arm some cats for my paper. CREAM!)

It's good to be in SD again. The weather isn't on blaze all the time, people rock beach like attire and homeless people that seemed like they could care less if you give them change or not. Benefits of a high cost of living area I suppose.

So I met the crew in our usual "no negroes allowed" kinda way and we ate, checked the scene, and set out for the con. Now, this con was on a Thursday (I missed Preview night) but the crowd was already thick. That's the thing about comic nerds, we don't give a damn. When the opportunity of frolicing, purchasing and potentialy finding cartoon like love escapades in your element arises, the game becomes most definitly afoot.

First, I'll give you the scene, the place, as usual, was MAHSSEEVE! DC showed out with big canvas like ceiling drops that went from ceiling to floor. The surprise being they were still kinda lost amongst things. That's how thick it was. Sci Fi Channel had some weird amorphis lounge area, Spike TV had some kind of construction cage thing (looked kind of '92 to me) Lego was there, Sony was there, all these people. Proof that all those comic dorks grew up and started running the entertainment biz. Wreckonize.

First cats the crew rolled up on collectively were Duncan Rouleau and Joe Kelly. Now for the non comic savy, Joe Kelly is a pretty premier comic writer. He's known for his humor and surprising pop culture references in his comics. He wrote Deadpool (which got him notice), Superman, and JLA. It's good stuff.
Duncan was the artist on such books as X Factor and Superman. Funny thing about him is that we could have sworn dude was ethnic in some capacity before we met him. His style is TOO funky to not be. But he's the whitest middle age cat you'd ever meet. That's why I dig comics and art. You never can tell.

After that everything seemed a blur for that day. Most of it was spent walking around and checking out the con before the two serious days came into play. The highlight was that Rosario Dawson was at the 12 Guage comics table http://www.12gaugecomics.com/) pimpin' her new comic. (check Ghetto Manga archive for details on that joker.) Needless to say she's pretty fly, but skinner that I thought she would be. Once again Hollywood shaves the luscious feminine fat. Also that day we ran into my man Josh Boulet. My man had a table and he's straight out of the Colony (although I think he lives in Richardson now) Texas. I highly recommend checking his work. Trust me, dude is sick widit: (Josh Boulet). Also, as it seems Tradition, I ran into the first brotha I met that introduced a quality hip hop style (aside from Dawud aka Brotherman) to mainstream comics: Juvan Kirby. That's my dawg, check his works. He did X-Babies for Marvel, Backlash and DV-8 for Image, and is currently doing character work.

So for a first day It was eventful. Kind of relaxed and mellow for a first con day. I was just glad I kicked it with some good friends and potential colleagues.

Next:
Day 2: Rainbow Coalition: Sam Jackson, LeSean Thomas, BET, and Aaron Mcgrueder aka "Don't trust them new niggas over theya."

Coming soon (not like my website)

2006-07-25T09:46:00.000-05:00

My assesment on San Diego Comicon 2006. Good times had by all. Samax aka Ghetto Manga gave the day by day of the con, mine is more the Final assesment. The saga is coming.

On a special note, BIIIIG props to Scott Kurtz (http://www.pvponline.com) and Zeus Comics (http://www.zeuscomics.com)
BOTH won the comic industries coveted Eisner Award. For those not in the know, that's pretty much the Oscars of comics. PROPS!

Cape 2 Sketches

2006-07-17T23:27:00.000-05:00

Goin Back to Cali...

2006-07-17T14:16:00.000-05:00

Yo it's that time of the year. Some friends and myself make a migration to the west coast for 4 days to soak the true essence the west: COMICS!

San Diego Comicon it upon us and I go my expensive ass ticket and overpriced room booked. Probably be runnin' on fumes for a bit after but I figure I'll be all good. Freelance, work and projects got me by the balls anyway, what's a little respite and creative recharge?

Scrounge up a few drawings, finish up some lingering work and pack some bidness cards while rockin' Uckfit gear. I'm learning how to be a whore to all this because, as the prophets once said Cash Rules Everything Around Me.

Anyway, I'll hit the BLOG up with sketches, pics, designs, female booty shots and debaucherous escapades soon as I get back.

PETE! Holla atcha boy man!

ESSDEE!

Cheesy Hip Hop Animation # 3

2006-07-17T13:56:00.000-05:00

When they Remanisce...MY GAWD!

'Bout TIME NYUCKA!

2006-07-15T15:30:00.000-05:00

Big ups to my brother Ian. He's finally tryin' to do somethin' in the earth.
Check his MySpace:

DON'T SLEEP!

Advertisers go solar

2006-07-13T10:04:00.000-05:00

I find it interesting that McDonald's uses someting as nurturing as the sun to advertise a Big Mac.
Oh the divine irony. Big ups to Morley at work.

mmm grilled fatburger

Props to the Gorilla!

2006-07-12T15:17:00.000-05:00

My man Mike Lagocki threw down 24 pages of comic in 24 hours. PROPS!
I got like 10 when I did it. I concerned myself with plot and foolishness like that.
Anyway check his site also (comic is under the Comics section. DUH!:

"GHOSTWERKS IZ DA SKWAD"- SamaxAmen

DISrespect.

2006-07-12T13:59:00.000-05:00

MAn...

Cheesy Hip Hop Animation # 2

2006-07-12T13:35:00.000-05:00

Man they'll animate anything these days.

2006-07-12T09:29:00.000-05:00

Big ups to that chick with the 7 heads.

For the twisted eyeballer in you.

Junk 2

2006-07-11T16:01:00.000-05:00

a few doodles

PIMP OF.THE.YEAR!

2006-07-10T14:43:00.000-05:00

They said Soul sister. This kid is the truth. SWD check your nephew!

MULLET!

Commentary on Design

2006-07-10T13:27:00.000-05:00

"2. 95 percent of any creative profession is shit work.
Only 5 percent is actually, in some simplistic way, fun. In school that is what you focus on; it is 100 percent fun. Tick-tock. In real life, most of the time there is paper work, drafting boring stuff, fact-checking, negotiating, selling, collecting money, paying taxes, and so forth. If you don’t learn to love the boring, aggravating, and stupid parts of your profession and perform them with diligence and care, you will never succeed."

This is a pretty interesting article. It can be applied to almost any profession that doesn't concern impending loss of life (and in some cases it's still applicable). But for now we'll stick to art and design: Michael McDonough’s Top Ten Things They Never Taught Me in Design School

Ok one more...

2006-07-10T00:59:00.000-05:00

FYI, this is byt the infamous Kyle Baker (http://www.kylebaker.com) . No one ever gives this video it's props. That or the Jeru "Can't stop the Prophet" video. I guess I'm just a fan of low budget hip hop animation.

World Cup 2006

2006-07-09T23:52:00.000-05:00

First and foremost, big ups to Italy. That was a solid game.

Now I don't profess to be a soccer (El Futbol) fan. As a matter of fact the only reason I know the championship went down today was because I was in Fuddrucker's with moms and they had it on. I was wishing they had it on ESPN 2 Fencing or something until I realized what was going on. I have to say I was intrigued. Mostly because it's like any competitive sport where both teams show great skill....that and the nature of championships seems so definetive. So you're guaranteed to watch.

So I'm watching this game in this bougey joint and watching the mexicans cooking and the white guys managing respond to all events in unison. I found that moving for some reason. Everyone likes competition on all levels.

Anyway this game is going on and the Super French Soccer Player cat who's about to retire in a blaze of glory, head butt this dude in the chest. BOH!

It was at that moment I was looking for Samax so I could go "AHHH DAT'S YO CHEST!" but all I got was moms with a face full of catfish and onion rings. Either way, it was a pretty good game from what little I know about it. I played El Futbol back in the day when I was a whelp, but lost interest. I blame comics. HOLLA!

little bit a junk

2006-07-09T22:53:00.000-05:00

Something leftover from work. Not that spectacular, but I almost got that Kellog's money. Props to Chuck for pullin for me. HOLLA!

Uckfitted

2006-07-09T22:46:00.000-05:00

For those that happen by, I hooked up with a few cats to design some t shirts. People seem to dig the concept and my designs. We'll see how it flows. I was especially happy to get my nephew and two of my friends in one of the designs. New ish to come: http://www.uckfit.com

What the deely!

2006-07-09T22:27:00.000-05:00

So I was looking at all my friends and their BLOGs and was like,"Hmm maybe I have a few life observations". After a few minutes of this, I realized I can get into this BLOG thing. Good way to keep me movin' Big ups to Jamar, Ghettomanga, Kelsey, Mexikid, and SWD. I suppose it was only a matter of time. I'll be posting links to their BLOGS pretty soon. Take it light.