Desire The Mayhem

Bye Bye Blogspot

2012-01-24T02:05:00.001+08:00

I won't be updating this blog anymore.

Life happens.

My thoughts will be drawn instead and they'll be updated in my sketchbook: http://mohammadyazid.tumblr.com

See you.

Boys Don't Cry

2012-01-09T20:56:00.000+08:00

Ink on paper.

Another sketchbook entry similar to the Sonic Death drawing. Below is a picture of Adam - the guy behind PeaceBeUponYou apparel - holding the laminated Sonic Death sketch.

After Pettibon

2012-01-09T00:36:00.003+08:00

Appropriation of Sonic Youth’s LP entitled “Goo”, by artist Raymond Pettibon.
(Drawn for Adam’s Macbook)

January 8th, 2012

Ink on paper

Bangsar Car Wash

2011-12-11T23:29:00.001+08:00

Managed to sketch a few pieces while waiting for my car at the wash near my office in Bangsar.

Colours were added later in Photoshop.

KFCM Always Wins

2011-11-24T18:22:00.001+08:00

Growing up, I was never into football, not by a slim chance.

Recently however, the performance of the Malaysian football team has been getting a lot of buzz so I decided to follow the AFF Suzuki Cup match.

Since then, I have been a fan of the local team - particularly the main man Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.

The guy catches balls effortlessly... Err.. That did NOT come out right but yeah he made it look easy!

So this is my tribute to the Captain :D

The M.A.D Project - Make A Difference!

2011-11-12T19:56:00.001+08:00

This week I have been blessed to have met 2 noble souls from Europe - Kamal and Nija. Together, they initiated a project called M.A.D (Make A Difference) which aims to rectify the stereotypical outlook on Islam in the eye of the Western world.

They both left their day jobs, set out to Muslim populated countries, document their findings, and bring it back to their homeland to continuously educate society through education.

I was deeply moved by their intention and it inspired me to help them out in what I do best.

Here is hoping that they return safely from their next trip to Egypt because I can't wait to collaborate with them in the future!

Check out their website: The M.A.D Project or follow them on Facebook!

Rathalos Ruby

2011-11-10T21:00:00.001+08:00

Silver Rathalos with a shiny drop! Could it be a ruby?!

Eid al-Adha

2011-11-06T12:53:00.000+08:00

I call upon people of the Book to set aside our differences through respect and remind ourselves of our Abrahamic roots. Happy Eid al-Adha.

Mist

2011-11-05T21:37:00.001+08:00

It has been a week of perpetual rain.

My friends and I decided to swing by Selangor Mansion to have a taste of the popular Roti Canai Special at one of the stalls there. It was almost midnight when the rain finally gave chance to sheltering pedestrians - and then I saw the top half of the Petronas twin towers covered in mist.

I felt like I was living in a Bladerunner world.

MASiF 2011: Fusion of Passion

2011-09-18T23:22:00.000+08:00

Fusion of Passion is currently showing at Galeri Petronas until the 25th in conjunction of MASiF 2011.

I have 2 artworks selected for the showcase:
The Amazing Race (above) and PURBAPURA (left). Do swing by if you happen to be at KLCC!

Also exhibiting are the works of fellow illustrators Beatrice Tan (a.k.a Kidchan), Carlyn Lim, Hwei Lim, Rosh, and Sari Nasir.

2011-09-09T13:10:00.000+08:00

... Retrojak?!

MHP3rd Armour Combo

2011-09-02T15:27:00.000+08:00

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd fan art.

My current armour combo:

Silver Sol Helm
Doboru Mail S
Golden Moon Braces
Vangis Tasset
Golden Moon Greaves
Fort Talisman (Attack +7)

Activated Skills:

Attack Up (L)
Divine Protection
Ruiner
Good Luck

Go Gung Korean Restaurant

2011-08-21T23:22:00.000+08:00

A doodle while waiting for friends to finish their groceries at Art Friend in The Gardens / Mid Valley.

Something In The Works

2011-08-13T11:51:00.000+08:00

Jinouga Sketch

2011-06-19T23:11:00.000+08:00

A somewhat inferior Monster Hunter fan art compared to my previous two, here’s Jinouga doing the Capoeira jump. Yeah I screwed it, I think.

Amatsumagatsuchi Sketch

2011-06-17T02:25:00.000+08:00

My favourite elder dragon in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd: Amatsumagatsuchi! I’m always in awe whenever I confront it. Amatsu evokes the impression of grace and mystical majesty. Faux traditional brush stroke approach feels just right for it.

Alatreon Sketch

2011-06-16T10:40:00.005+08:00

When you do art full time there will come a time when you’ll forget how to have fun (that got you into it in the first place). Since I always complain about exhaustion after work hindering me from producing fan art, I’ve decided to do it BEFORE I start work - what else would I draw? Monster Hunter of course!

Alatreon Helmet

2011-06-15T07:10:00.000+08:00

I’ve been asked on Xlink Kai about what’s on my avatar. I guess when it’s shrunk to 50 x 50 pixels there’s only so much you can see. It’s actually the Alatreon / アルバトリオン helmet for male blademaster’s gear.

I thought of sharing the lineart and coloured version here:

Yeah, I named my character Chivalry so when I die, well.. Chivalry is dead.

R.I.P Graphire4 (2004-2011)

2011-06-14T17:33:00.001+08:00

You have endured infinite battle damages beyond durability and you will always be remembered. We did so much kicking ass while it lasted. What kept this warrior together was the 3M adhesive tape. As you can see,the rubber grip is long gone nowhere to be found, and so was the double click button:

Now the new wife :)

OMG EVERYTHING IS SO SMOOTH AND SEXXXY WE GON HAF FUN TIMEZ 2GETHURRRRRR HUR HUR HURRRR INTO US, INTUOS 4!

Monster Hunter Portable 3rd: Weapon Usage!

2011-06-12T18:39:00.000+08:00

Today, I have finally balanced each of my weapon usage in Monster Hunter Portable 3rd to 101! (That means a total of 1212 quests and over 600 hours of gameplay)

Photos From Pekomik Award 2011

2011-06-02T01:39:00.006+08:00

Thank you for those who attended the talk. It was such an honour to be speaking and discussing issues in the comic industry with the legendary Tn. Hj. Zainal Buang Hussein. A humbling experience indeed.

I profusely apologize to whomever I declined to draw in their sketchbook because I was extremely exhausted after traveling, rushing deadlines and having to wake up early for the talk. Congratulations to winners of the nominated categories - it went well.

Photo by Odows Radzi (www.odowstudio.com)

Photo by Zamzami (www.obexstudio.com)

Pekomik Forum: Professionalism in the Comic Industry

2011-05-24T23:10:00.002+08:00

One of the most noble of organisations in Malaysia in hopes to acknowledge the local comic industry - Pekomik - is having a month long Comic Con in Kuala Lumpur.

I was invited to be one of the forum panelists this coming Saturday, to talk about professionalism in the comic industy.

Among others are the legendary Tn. Hj. Zainal Buang Hussen (of Gila-Gila fame), Aadi Salman (a.k.a Adijin), and Chee. I will be discussing the topic off the cuff and it will be conducted in Malay. For those of you who are interested, event details are below:

Venue: National Library Auditorium (Jln. Tun Razak, KL)
Date: May 28th 2011
Time: 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM

Or, you can RSVP on Facebook here.

Pictures from IDOLISM opening @ A Curious Teepee

2011-05-09T08:35:00.005+08:00

I am 4 days late to update on the event! Ah well, such a life of a busy man :P

Of course, I'm only uploading pictures of ME here. You can view the rest on
IDOLISM : OIC SINGAPORE X A CURIOUS TEEPEE Facebook album by Twisstii ;)

IDOLISM x OIC x A Curious Teepee

2011-05-06T15:06:00.003+08:00

Opening Launch: Thursday 5th May 2011, 7.30pm to 9.30pm

A tweed jacket, lobster claw heels, four little white stitches, a red gown…Iconography that has been etched into our psyche wittingly (and unwittingly) through the delirious world of fashion.

For this exhibition, illustrators draw inspiration from these objects of desire and their inventors, creating original artworks in the process. Using different mediums, participating artists include Mindflyer, Mr. B, Fleecircus, Sokkuan, Cherie The Mrr, Eeshaun, AnnGee, SanSan, Noreen, Fei, Miel, Annie Tan, Twisstii and Mriz Sidah just to name a few. (Yes, to name a FEW - They didn't include my name!) With varying backgrounds and styles, from political cartoons, to abstract surrealism, several take their first foray into fashion as subject matter.

With the inaugural Singapore Men’s Fashion Week just past and the upcoming Audi Fashion Festival this May, A Curious Teepee and OIC aim to convey another side of fashion, as seen through the eyes and hands of an artist.

All artworks are on display and available for sale till Sunday 22nd May at A Curious Teepee, 12pm to 9pm daily.

Where is Curious Teepee located?
2 Orchard Link #02-24, Singapore 237978
Map is here

No Free Drawing

2011-03-07T16:14:00.009+08:00

I've been drawing people during my lunch breaks at the restaurant I frequent as of late. Some of you may already know that I also participate in the O.I.C Portrait Day at the Red Dot Design Museum every once a month. Sitters will get to choose whichever drawings they like and pay for the ones they take home with.

So one day I decided to just give the drawing to the subject - for FREE! The result? Not only didn't I receive a thank you, I was given the look like I wanted to sell insurance.

The following week (today), I encountered the same group at the same restaurant. Guess what, they crept out as I was ordering my lunch. As soon as I was done with my meal, I noticed them checking out if the coast was clear as if I was a stalker!

Maybe people have completely embraced that nothing in life is free, but man..
Maybe I SHOULD have walked up to them and ask if they wanted to buy the drawing instead, huh? So, verdict: Free Drawing FAIL.

Anyway here's the drawing:

P.S. It might have been a different turn of event if I drew a group of boys, but who'd want to draw boys? :P

Mawlid

2011-02-15T00:45:00.003+08:00

Happy birthday, Ya Rasulullah. How I wish you were still around to help fix our people from continuously tarnishing ourselves.

It pains me terribly to see the world today, especially the stigma - no thanks to misguided jihad extremists and ignorant preachers :(

Finding Venus

2011-02-13T03:42:00.008+08:00

In this decadent, superficial world, is there any genuine Venus left out there? Working with Copics has been really fun, although the colours do look better in person than the ones scanned here. Always the case with analogue media it seems.

The model is loosely based on a photograph of Nasha Aziz in kebaya. The background is inspired by Yoshitaka Amano's crazy magnificent elements.

Markers on multiple papers
21cm x 21cm

Work in progress:

Vertical / Horizontal

2011-02-08T04:05:00.002+08:00

Strengthen your relationship with the vertical line foremost, for it will repair any broken lines in the horizon. Feeling spiritual at 4 AM.

SHIMATTA!

2011-02-03T12:30:00.002+08:00

One of my resolutions for 2011 is to sketch more despite my busy schedule. One of which is to record and document my dreams visually. For this entry, I dreamt I was bald in the middle! SHITE!!!!

The Journey Of A Fanboy

2011-01-29T00:06:00.001+08:00

Decades ago, I would save every day from school - particularly lunch money - just to collect The Devil's Reign crossovers and Weapon Zero series. I was such a fan boy spending all my dough on Top Cow titles.

Today, I received a cheque for a new 5-issue mini series project I'm working on (I won't disclose it just yet) from the same company.

Call it as a return of investment, but it's one of those childhood dreams that came true :)

The Lonely Muslim

2011-01-25T02:59:00.004+08:00

UPDATE: Lee Kuan Yew's remarks deeply offensive to Malays

Today, I read an article on Lee Kuan Yew's honest opinion from his book "Lee Kuan Yew: Hard Truths to Keep Singapore Going" which brings me to yet another chapter of heartache in this foreign land:

Lee Kuan Yew urges Muslims to 'be less strict'
(Click link for full article)

"I think we were progressing very nicely until the surge of Islam came and if you asked me for my observations, the other communities have easier integration -- friends, intermarriages and so on..." he stated.

I strongly disagree with this. It's a very third world mentality coming from the man that made Temasek into one of the world's most expensive island to get by.

Case in point, my late great grandmother came from Mainland China. My aunt married a Chinese man whom fathered my 3 cousins. In addition, one of my cousins is dating a Chinese girl for 7 years. But then they're all Malaysians so I'm not sure if this applies to Singapore.

From *my* humble observation, since I first set foot on Singapore, Muslims here are already 'less strict' than from where I come from. I am neither holier nor more pious than the next Muslim in the mosque but (no offense meant) I do see tattoos everywhere, public consumption during the fasting month and nobody would care, and their dietry laws do not go hand in hand with the Holy scriptures. Alcohol consumption among Muslims isn't a shock factor. So I don't see how Muslims in Singapore can be less strict than they already have, and I'm not quite sure where these problems come from. Then again, I have only been here not more than 3 years and a half. I did not live long enough to see the rapid growth glitched by a wrench that is Islam.

In fact I went through a culture shock and even got involved in an argument because of the openly racist humour that I didn't quite agree with. Being the only Muslim in my social circle at that time, I can get overly sensitive.

I believe that his main issue is with the conversion of faith. Apostasy in Islam is almost miniscule when it comes to intermarriage - the spouse is usually the one to convert to Islam in order to tie the knot.

"People get educated, the bright ones rise, they marry equally well-educated spouses. The result is their children are likely to be smarter than the children of those who are gardeners," he said.

Tracking back my family tree, my late grandfather was an uneducated construction labourer with 9 children. Miraculously, without any taxidermy avant-garde cross-breeding, my 9 aunts and uncles grow up to be successful, educated people. Again, what do I know? I don't run a 1st world country.

With all that said, I can't entirely point fingers to Kuan Yew alone. Muslims at this day and age are our own downfall. How can we bring back the glorious days of Islam pre-Crusade period when all we do is squabble and agitate at the slightest provocation? Extremists with misguided jihad for terrorism only display the exact opposite of what Islam is about.

I would die for Islam but I won't blow myself up to make a point. That's suicide, man. No amount of virgins in heaven would welcome you in the afterlife for that :P

Up to this day all these bad news on Islam are self-inflicted, and they overshadow the good. So please, brothers and sisters. Before we lable the stigma as Islamophobia, let us all do our part in portraying the true teachings from the Holy Qur'an. To end my entry, a quote from a hadith:

"Religion is very easy and whoever overburdens himself in his religion will not be able to continue in that way. So you should not be extremists, but try to be near to perfection and receive the good tidings that you will be rewarded."

Bukhari, Volume 1, Book 2, Number 38"

Peace be upon you.

Malay Mail Article

2011-01-06T18:17:00.004+08:00

I'm featured on the Malay Mail newspaper today. Big thanks to OIC Singapore for helping me out ever since I started going solo!

Click here to read the article on the Malay Mail website or you can click the image to read the scanned copy.

A Hunter's Woe (Monster Hunter Fan Art)

2011-01-03T17:49:00.004+08:00

My first ever full coloured Monster Hunter fan art! I've been playing this thing since 2006 and I was so sad to learn that I can't transfer my characters and progress from Unite to the new game due to the new engine! All those years of grinding to flaunt my killer equips have become obsolete!!!!!

Below are the line art and coloured version without dialogues. So sad :(

MyPaper Singapore media coverage

2010-12-11T23:57:00.008+08:00

Out Friday December 10th, 2010. Many thanks to O.I.C Singapore, Animax and Fourskin for the opportunity. Click on the image for larger resolution :)

Preview: Kalkitos + OICsingapore featuring FULL MOON RESCUE by Zid

2010-12-09T02:27:00.006+08:00

Debuting at Singapore Toys, Games & Comic Convention this weekend!

K-Fantasy: FULL MOON RESCUE by Zid
The lovely damsels are in distress and our heroes are out to save them while seeking hidden treasures. Watch out for monsters lurking around, trying to thwart your mission!

KALKITOS is a collection of rub-down transfer activity games that was hugely popular back in the 1970s. Players are given sheets of blank scenery which they can fill up wherever they like with transfer images of people, animals, objects, vehicles to create their own unique stories.

To know more, go to: http://www.kalkitos.sg/categories/k-ollaborate/
See other titles here: http://www.oicsingapore.com/wordpress/tag/kalkitos-oicsingapore/

Source: O.I.C Singapore

Unsold O.I.C Portrait Day (December) Drawings

2010-12-05T11:41:00.005+08:00

November drawings were sold out :) Come December however, my markers were running out of ink (and so was my luck!) - Only 3 were sold, and these are the ones I took home yesterday:

Intipati Cover Sketch

2010-11-29T12:16:00.002+08:00

for Yon Gumix #6

Clementi Avenue 6 HDB Parking Lot

2010-11-29T02:12:00.007+08:00

Inspired after re-reading and re-watching Akira:

The original scan:

Intipati / Pg. 9 / Work In Progress

2010-11-27T21:52:00.006+08:00

Finally, some free time to continue the personal project.

.. And an extra sketch before bed:

EDIT: Why I Decided To Go Solo

2010-11-11T16:16:00.023+08:00

Edit: Due to e-mails, messages I've received (some agreed, some well, not so nice), I will remind that this is neither directed to every studio out there, nor written out of spite. This is just my opinion based on personal (past) experience. I understand that not all organization is the same. Artists, enthusiasts and studio runners please don't get rubbed in the wrong way. I sincerely apologize if you did. I know a few professionals who feel the same, but I just chose to be vocal about it and bear full responsibility for amplifying my thoughts.

While it provides income stability, a studio setting does not help - at least for me - mental stability where artistic growth is concerned. There's a price to pay for that monthly pay cheque: a goal one has to strive for in the interest of collective creative direction.

With modest amount of experience I have working in studios, no matter how many times I've heard a studio promoting to celebrate individual identity/diversity (so far), eventually the measure of how good an artist is would always boil down to either who can paint "that certain way" as realistic as possible, or, whoever renders painstakingly detailed imagery until every excruciating specifics on the subject is visible. The list goes on, but these "qualities" summarize as only technical prowess.

Eventually, it would lead to those who carry that technical skillset will have higher value in comparison to other artists. More often than not you'll see artists getting emotional and disciplinary issues start to emerge. Also, Not forgetting celebrity artists who know they're THAT good and feel that they deserve to have special treatments. Boy I'm done with that.

I don't speak for everyone. I understand those skills are important on entry level but in my very humble opinion, details and realism only bring visual stimulation so far (and I am very much sick of it). I chose not to paint in such ways because they are the very superficial qualities in comparison to seeing a hot car or a beautiful woman. (I'm not helping myself here by grouping cars and women in the same sentence)

It's also the reason why I deliberately avoided digital art magazines today. Because seriously, how many times must I see this repetitive, perpetual portrayal of chicks with big guns, chicks with mecha, chicks with dragons, chicks with chicks.... now that's actually a nice image... WAIT THAT'S BESIDE THE POINT! Moving on...

I posed this question to myself at a crossroad: Dream or ricebowl? I chose the former, and here I am now on my own, working hard to make my choice a hybrid - Dreambowl.
Edit: But who knows if in 2 years I'm living in a cardboard box I'll just have to go for interviews.

In the words of George Frederic Watts,

"I paint ideas, not things. I paint primarily because I have something to say, and since the gift of eloquent language has been since denied me, I use painting; my intention is not so much to paint pictures which shall please the eye, as to suggest great thoughts which shall speak to the imagination and to the heart and arouse all that is best and noblest in humanity."

For me, it has always been form and content. This will lead to another long discussion - it's my favourite topic in visual representation. Maybe next time but for now, I'll end this entry without being off-topic.

Unsold O.I.C Portrait Day (October) Drawings

2010-10-30T19:07:00.006+08:00

These were done using a ballpoint pen and Copic markers. My first Copic sprint!

Edward Cullen?!?!

Manga & Anime! Japan Contest

2010-10-18T16:49:00.006+08:00

Photo courtesy of www.toysrevil.net

Vote for your favourite OIC Vs. Animax illustration on Animax Asia's website and stand a chance to win a trip to Japan! Supporting your favourite artists has never been this rewarding - so what are you waiting for? Vote now and Nihon e ikimasu!

Of course I'd say vote for me but I ain't getting those tickets so - DO THE RIGHT THING!

Link: http://animax-asia.com/manga-and-anime-Japan/

Bandcamp

2010-10-13T22:09:00.002+08:00

I've moved my music from Purevolume to Bandcamp. No more issues with player not loading this time, hopefully. And they support free downloads! Now I can even include lyrics for each song.

I integrated the look to match my website (linked under 'music' from the navigation bar) but you can also view it on its own too, at http://mohammadyazid.bandcamp.com

MANGA & ANIME! JAPAN

2010-10-12T00:59:00.013+08:00

A Journey from the History to Modern Day Inspirations

OIC has been very privileged to be given the opportunity to work with Animax, Japan Creative Centre and Fourskin.
My Bleach illustration will be exhibited together with other OIC illustrators' entries.

Full event details can be found here: Japan Creative Centre

Dates
16 Oct to 12 Nov (Closed on Mon & Sun & Deepavali on 5 Nov)

Venue
Japan Creative Centre
4 Nassim Road S(258372)

Co-organisers
Japan Creative Centre
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Animax
Japan Foundation

Co-sponsors
Japan Airlines
Kinokuniya Bookstore of Singapore

National Art Gallery Open House (Day 2)

2010-10-11T15:15:00.015+08:00

See what you've missed last weekend!
View the rest of the photos here:
1) Portrait Day @ TNAG October 2010 (10 Oct) by Joyce
2) OIC Portrait Day at The National Art Gallery (TNAG) by Chuang

National Art Gallery Open House (Day 1, Pt. 1)

2010-10-11T15:12:00.007+08:00

See what you've missed last weekend!
View the rest of the photos here:
1) Portrait Day @ TNAG October 2010 (10 Oct) by Joyce
2) OIC Portrait Day at The National Art Gallery (TNAG) by Chuang

National Art Gallery Open House (Day 1, Pt. 2)

2010-10-11T14:56:00.008+08:00

See what you've missed last weekend!
View the rest of the photos here:
1) Portrait Day @ TNAG October 2010 (10 Oct) by Joyce
2) OIC Portrait Day at The National Art Gallery (TNAG) by Chuang

White Frames Exhibition at MAAD Market

2010-10-02T07:47:00.007+08:00

Repost from www.oicsingapore.com

OIC is proud to unveil the artworks from all our dear friends/ supporters who have come together to celebrate OIC’s 4th anniversary with drawings and paintings.

All artworks are very compact, affordable, handdrawn, handpainted and are for sale.

Prices range from S$40 – $400, A4 size and smaller

Come and view early and reserve your favourites tomorrow from 1pm onwards! First come first serve!

White Frames is one of the many collaborations OICsingapore have initiated to celebrate its 4th year of making drawing FUN in Singapore.

Superficial

2010-10-01T01:06:00.008+08:00

A study for a piece I'm working on called Superficial. I have begun formulating this idea in my sketchbook a while back (as a sequel to Demi Kala in Digital Symbolism series) but never got around to do it. Still very vague at this stage but hopefully in the real thing the message will get across clearly.

The execution of style and composition is in reference to my two favourite masters, Gustav Klmit and Yoshitaka Amano.

Here I'll share with you the process that took place:

O.I.C x Noise Singapore = NOICE!

2010-09-18T21:37:00.011+08:00

I missed out on the previous Noise session with Fleecircus due to Eid celebration in KL last week. Today, I attended rockstar Ben Qwek's character design jam and instead of doing his assignment, I drew these guys instead. From left: Our lovely Twisstii, Mindflyer being serious, and the MASTER himself!

The original sketch:

Art Block (Reprise)

2010-09-17T22:33:00.005+08:00

It seems like it's a consistent cycle that an art slump blocks my creative flow. I have a lot to voice out (and express) but I suppose I'm not as gifted as my [fine art] contemporaries in projecting those mental images into visual composition.

Perhaps it's because I've been consistently working in the commercial side, answering to art directors and suits that I've gotten rusty to tap into that.. "zone".

In a meek attempt to unclog, I took a break from all commercial works today and screwed around with some collage. It's nothing to be proud of. In fact, I feel that I'm even more at lost with whatever it is that's going on.

Anyway, they are uploaded as means to document my process of, for lack of a smarter word, searching.

Formspring

2010-09-04T23:35:00.004+08:00

Yeah my friends made me do it. Got a question but too lazy to email me? Ask me here!

Oni-giri!

2010-09-01T16:22:00.004+08:00

The two final designs submitted, with the 2nd (below) image being pushed for approval. As expected, it was too demonic for Animax so it looks like the 1st (top) one will make it to the t-shirt, folks.

I don't read Bleach

2010-08-25T13:10:00.004+08:00

Working with Animax for a History of Manga exhibition. Selected artists are assigned to come up with their own rendition of characters from the anime. The artwork will also be printed on t-shirts sold during the show. These are the suggested sketches:

It's really a hurdle to nail a design that can work on its own as well as on an apparel. Out of the three suggestions, they picked the 1st. I was kind of hoping they'd pick either of the last two, but I'll work a way to blend the elements to merge into one.

Lovely Machine!

2010-08-24T09:10:00.002+08:00

Totally digging this track right now ~

Room Post

2010-08-23T02:12:00.009+08:00

3rd room (2009 - Present)

Ever since I set foot on the island of Singapore, I've been in 3 different houses each year. My 1st was a flat by the beach near the East Coast Park. Very windy, and a nostalgic place:

1st room (2007-2008)

After the new year, my then colleagues convinced me to move in with them in the haunted 4 story terrace (which I eventually had to move out of after changing my job - the property was owned by the company):

2nd room (2008-2009)

I'm happy where I am now at a quiet side in the east.

Aging.

2010-07-31T03:18:00.007+08:00

Is this the sign of old age? I'm not easily impressed with anything anymore. Whatever movie soundtracks out there today aren't exciting enough, no good new music (bands etc.), movies sucks overall, no more wow when i see comics and paintings by artists today, and I think art is dead, list goes on.

Not that I make the best art or record the best music. Hell, I'm still struggling to be half decent an artist and I don't even direct films. But man this feeling sucks ass.

The line in Dogma comes to mind: "When you're a child, the glass is small, so it gets filled up easily. As you get older, the glass gets bigger, it takes more to fill it."

RAAAAANTTTTT.

Intipati Pg. 8 (W.I.P)

2010-07-22T12:53:00.005+08:00

Ever since the Storm Lion shut down stunt, I've been sending out my portfolio to almost everywhere - no replies from anyone yet. I guess they're all busy with Comic Con. In the mean time I'm gonna continue my Intipati project - I hope I can finish it before December.

I'm planning to self-publish this as a one-shot book, to get an ISBN and to make it available for online purchase. Also will hopefully be able to launch it at Comic Fiesta 2010. Fingers crossed.

I understand that self-publishing will be expensive and the price will be a bit higher than normal comics out there since it will be a print on demand thing, but even if I only have 5 people buying it I'm happy.

The 99: Muslim Justice League of Avengers ASSEMBLE!

2010-06-30T16:59:00.005+08:00

I am posting this with full responsibility and expectations on impending clash of discourse. But here goes.

I came across this article today and let me cut to the chase:
I am a Muslim growing up being fed with Western pop culture media primarily cartoons and comics every morning, and the later half with influences from the Eastern side of the world through anime and manga. Having said that, upon reading about Muslim Superheroes - those two just don't sing. It's not in the culture even. While I love superhero comics to a certain extent, I stand firm that the idea of khaliphs clad in spandex does not fit within the context of Islam.

It's embarrassing to see servants of God with Allah's 99 attributes spreading the Da'wah and Islamic values while they themselves look like they can't be taken seriously. Imagine a superheroine wearing her Hijaab (head scarf) flying around town. Would she take 5 every time for prayers? Perhaps then they can explain about the prayer for Musafir (travellers). Still... *facepalm*

The Japanese have their Ninja and Samurai that they are proud of to this day. The superhero genre has long been a trademark of Western identity. Why not explore and exploit the possibilities of the origins and rich history of Middle Eastern assassins? Ubisoft surely paved the way on giving it a contemporary approach through Assassin's Creed.

Yes, we do believe in supernatural beings in fact Djinns are mentioned in the Qur'an. This is where I would say the approach of Karas - a supernatural being who fights evil in the realm of the spirits, thus can't be seen by the naked human eye - is more suitable and relative. How does punching someone in the gut or emitting a Holy beam to a supposed infidel villain in public make it any different than the terrorist who believe in their attacks?

Coincidently I am also working on a personal comic project regarding this theme of superheroes and Islamic faith by combining both world of Retrojak and Black Light. I spent weeks rationalizing on how to make it work. I agree with an artist friend Corey Lewis' stand on how we should just let lose and enjoy the fun of storytelling. This however just takes it to a different degree. Come on it's already selling the idea of a religious superhero team. A MUSLIM superhero team, no less! If that's not serious then I guess I'm just getting old and becoming more uptight about trivial matters.

With all that said, I understand this is probably one of those novelty business models created to bring down the Islamophobia in the face of the world but... I don't know man, to me it just.. doesn't fly. Regardless, I will contradict myself here by giving a pat in the back to the creator of The 99, Dr.Naif Al-Mutawa for his attempt to perform his Da'wah. President Obama gave a shout-out to this guy in his speech, okay?. He still has my respect, make no mistake about that. Who knows if sales go up then he has proven me wrong.

I may have a sense of humour of an undertaker but Muslim superheroes sounds funny to me.

Link: The 99's Official Site

Final Fantasy Battle Overture

2010-06-20T19:49:00.018+08:00

Direct link to mp3: Battle Overture I (Final Fantasy I Battle Medley) (7:15)

The day I have been waiting for so long has come - I am no longer held back or limited by technology and resources. As a kid I've always wanted to pay tribute to music behind the video games I loved so much. One of which is Final Fantasy. Nobuo Uematsu's music played a pivotal part in bringing the world alive.

Final Fantasy Battle Overture is my pet project, a labour of love I am committing myself to until the end of the year perhaps, where I will be recording my own rendition of all Final Fantasy battle music in the form of a medley.

Launching first is the battle tracks from FF I. The tracks are:
- Battle Scene (default battle)
- Inside a Boss Battle (mid boss)
- Boss Battle (A+B variation)
- Last Battle (with Chaos)

The only original track from FF I for the NES is Battle Scene (the only battle music when it first came out). The rest are taken from the FF I Anniversary re-release for the PSP.

I'm not wasting anymore time to begin arranging the beats for FF II. I honestly can't wait for FF IV (my favourite FF of all time). Thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed working on it :)

UPDATE: It's live on Youtube!

Blacklight: Tango Down

2010-05-18T23:29:00.012+08:00

Blacklight: Tango Down (One Shot)
Story by Jason Dean Hall & Eric Lieb
Written by Jared Gerritzen & Ian Stephens
Pencils & cover art by Zid
Interior colours by Puppeteer

My first comic with Storm Lion will be out by Sand Diego Comic Con, hopefully. Based on the sci-fi shooter video game from Ignition Entertainment and Zombie Studios, Blacklight: Tango Down one shot (Not to be confused with my online comic based on Tsuburaya's celestial sentinels) follows an elite cover ops team as they fight off zombies while trying to rescue an officer from behind enemy lines.

Interior previews:

You can check out the official game site here at playtangodown.com

Final Fantasy Battles

2010-03-22T07:55:00.004+08:00

http://mohammadyazid.com/depot/FF%20BATTLES.mp3
(Work in progress)

EDIT: Music is complete, redirected here.

It's been years since I last made Final Fantasy IX Battle 1 using my acoustic guitar and a cellphone. Now I'm hell bent on making my own cover of Final Fantasy Battles from FF I to FF X. (Above embedded mp3 is Battle Scene from FFI)

Not really crazy about the battle music after 10 since Nobuo Uematsu left. Also, I wish my guitar playing is better so that I don't need to cover up my basic shred with background leads/harmonies ;_;

Stay in tune cos this is going to be a LONG month for me recording every weekend.

Rachel / Figure Drawing at YMCA

2010-03-13T23:51:00.005+08:00

Testerday was my first time organizing a figure drawing session in Singapore. It went well I suppose!

Everybody was Monster Huntiiiiiiing~

2010-03-01T09:13:00.003+08:00

~Those cats were fast as lightning!

Trying out this new screenshot plugin for the PSP. No more ugly pictures :D Strike a pose!

Intipati: Page 6, 7

2010-02-22T00:22:00.001+08:00

So I've decided to give up on it and settle it like this so I can move on to the next page.

Eggplant and True Blood

2010-02-18T15:34:00.002+08:00

D (Eggplant)
Pen and ink on paper
21 x 30 cm

D (True Blood)
Pen and ink on paper
21 x 30 cm

Intipati, Page 6 (Work In Progress)

2010-02-16T14:03:00.005+08:00

Finally, a breather from work. Managed to draft page 6 of Intipati however the success of the page is elusive to me. Yeah the landscape doesn't make sense mostly because it IS a dream-like sequence after all - surreal as much as it can be. But SOMETHING is amiss..

Then again I may have found myself in a slump. Stuck with the work in progress for now so I'm leaving the spread for a while and do other things. Feedback, anyone?

Interview on Jazma Online

2010-02-05T11:07:00.007+08:00

I have an interview up on Jazma Online here:

http://forums.jazmaonline.com/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=1531

O.I.C Figure Drawing @ Substation (Pt. 2)

2010-02-01T20:06:00.007+08:00

Despite all the bad news with the religious disputes back home, I managed to take a breather and participated in yet another round of figure drawing session with my fellow O.I.C peeps:

Previously: O.I.C Figure Drawing @ Substation (Pt. 1)

Of Music and Mayhem (Reprise)

2010-01-21T23:21:00.006+08:00

Somehow Of Music and Mayhem was spotted online and is featured at Bleeding Cool Comic Book News!

I am in the process of organizing a sub-section for my website with photographs from the exhibition very soon. Perhaps might be able to open the art for sale, should there be of any interest.

Al-Jazeera Time

2010-01-16T09:19:00.002+08:00

One for the stupidity:

Two smarts versus one narrow:

Verily, I'm embarrassed, upset and continuously feeling depressed with this issue... How will the use of the term Allah confuse Muslims if we read the Quran? Get your 'iman' checked, please :(

SIGH.

2010-01-09T10:02:00.010+08:00

I really don't do this to my blog/journal but this brings pain to my heart:

4 Malaysian churches attacked in "Allah" dispute"

I'm a Muslim and basically a loner in a foreign country. I'm also not in Malaysia and I haven't been following the current events, as if that's an excuse. I do not know if it was an inside job to instill hate towards Islam or if it was really committed by my fellow brothers. If it was, then they are obviously not doing what is being taught by the Holy book.

It is said here that the dispute escalated because the use of the Arabic term "Allah" in Herald, the Roman Catholic literature in it's Malay-language edition (which, the local Muslims believe that it may confuse Muslims and tempt them to convert to Christianity)

This is downright silly :( "Allah" is NOT exclusive to only Muslims. He is the one God that created all of us, if you need to be reminded. I don't see why this is a problem.

Islam is NOT in any way in threat! Brothers, this is not like a turf war. It's about faith and submission. First it was the Cow's head parade and now bombing churces? I might have missed a translation somewhere that promotes us to cause damage and inflict harm upon others.

For the life of me I still don't see the point of all this. In Indonesia, they have religious studies and they use "Allah" for God for all religion, not only for Islam. Hebrew spells Him as "Elohim" in the Torah! The singular "Eloah" is used in late Biblical Hebrew, in imitation of Aramaic usage. And this goes way back before Jesus and Muhammad. In Malay we call Him "Tuhan". In English we call him "God".

IT'S ALL THE SAME.

So.. we are squabbling and killing each other for the same Big Guy? Please, brothers. Have more faith in our religion. Have patience for the sake of Islam.

Instead of displaying how scary we are, let us check upon ourselves if we perform our daily prayers 5 times a day without fail. Please, stop bringing shame to Islam.

Their use of the term Allah for whatever their cause is do not put Islam in jeopardy. The bombings and massive killings are.

*UPDATED*
Further Reading: Allah was originally a Pagan God

New Sketchbook

2010-01-03T22:17:00.007+08:00

Scanner can't take thick sketchbook without breaking the spine so. Whatevurrrrr. I want to reset to Christmas so the long break returns!

New Music: "Letter To The Devil / Cry"

2010-01-01T11:21:00.014+08:00

I have finally finished recording and mixing the track with my new Flying-V :D It's a slow number though, very 80s too.

It's an original composition but just to add trivia to the material, the chorus is a cover of Big Life's "Cry" from Street Fighter II The Animated Movie - which is also inspired by Whitesnake's "Sailing Ships".

Letter To The Devil (5:50)

Thank you and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

... And I Thought MY Guitar Was Cool

2009-12-26T23:34:00.003+08:00

He looks like an Oompa Loompa WTF???!!!!1111

Company Christmas Party

2009-12-24T11:17:00.004+08:00

I've never been this lucky.
Out of 50++ staff I won the grand prize in the event finale lucky draw:

A GIBSON FLYING V

It makes sweeeeet sounds to my ears X)
Gonna record new stuff with it sooon!!!!!

Comic Fiesta 2009 Day 2

2009-12-20T21:44:00.012+08:00

Wow, today was VERY tiring after all the sketchbook request drawings and talking and shouting (it was just too loud) and selling.. Man. Glad my prints managed to sell. Thanks for the support, guys. Appreciate it, really.

Since it's Sunday the place was just way too crowded. I even forgot to take pictures of what I drew in those sketchbooks! So before it became packed, here are some photos from early in the morning:

Me and a long time LJ friend, UltraM2000

OMG A KIRIN ARMOUR SRSLY?!

THERE SHOULD BE MORE MONSTER HUNTER COSPLAYERS!!!!

Michi finally came to collect the Fatalis armour drawing

And that's about it. I hope I can find scans or photos of my drawings today from the net soon! Anyway, it's been really fun meeting up with everyone. See you guys again next year!

Comic Fiesta 2009 Day 1

2009-12-19T22:42:00.021+08:00

Very tiring but also very rewarding.
Lots of fun, lots of new cosplayers, and especially new crowd - it gets bigger and bigger every year! Can't believe it's almost a decade of Comic Fiesta. Has it really been that long?!

Daft Punk!

I had in mind not to accept drawing requests this year because I really just wanted to chill and enjoy the event. Fat chance. So instead I started drawing to Amei (AMAZING artist, by the way. She's not even doing it professionally. Taking PhD in Australia even!) as a favour. Once they see you take that brush out it's like every other year again hahah.

The sketch for Amei that started it all (image stolen from her LJ. Thanks, Amei!

Fake smile with Amei after flipping through her crazy sketchbook boo hoo hoo

The requests continue:

My first Monster Hunter fanart, and it had to be a Kirin armour. Weird anatomy, but hey it's a quick live sketch for an excuse

Satisfied Cobra "Royce" Commander. Thanks for the support, dude!

For Hooooon

WITH Hooooon

Another Monster Hunter entry, FATALIS ARMOUR! This one goes to Michi

Be back tomorrow!

Yongumix #5 @ Comic Fiesta 2009

2009-12-15T00:08:00.006+08:00

Comic Fiesta 2009
Date: 19-20 December 2009
Venue: Sunway Pyramid

Be seeing you guys at our booth this weekend?

KRE8TIF! : Malaysian Creative Industry Awards 2009

2009-12-12T00:46:00.009+08:00

Photo by Najib / Art:Tech

I was away for almost a week in Malaysia to attend the inaugural creative industry awards (aside making presence at my cousin's wedding) held at the Royal Chulan hotel, KL.

Being away from home I had no idea how huge the event was until I set foot there and saw myself the big names involved throughout the digital content conference.

I was one of the finalists for the award night. I could never be happier with my decision to bring my beloved mother along the moment results were announced. My Demi Kala piece won Best Digital Artwork (Experimental) and Intipati bagged Best Digital Comic!

The interview with Astro went on air the next day but boy was I glad that I already flew back to Singapore so I didn't have to see myself stuttering in awestruck.

Photo by Najib / Art:Tech

Malaysia has started to recognize the presence of digital art industry and I can only hope for more of such events in the future. Thank you, MSC! Can't wait to see the turnout for the coming year.

More about the event:
- MSC Malaysia Kre8tif! Industry Awards @ Voize
- KRE8TIF! Digital Content Conference @ art:tech : life

Things to look forward to this December

2009-12-09T00:09:00.007+08:00

See you guys at Comic Fiesta 2009!

Unfinished Demo

2009-12-01T08:31:00.004+08:00

Done live at Anime Fest Asia '09, Suntec on a Saturday session.

The Lone Wolf Pt. 2

2009-10-26T10:23:00.004+08:00

Ink and copic markers on A3 sketchpad. Not as cool as the first version, though :(

Autumn

2009-10-26T02:23:00.003+08:00

Ink and marker on A3 sketchpad

Strange & Beautiful

2009-10-24T13:47:00.005+08:00

Pen and inkwash on A3 sketchpad

The Lone Wolf

2009-10-23T02:49:00.005+08:00

Ink and markers on A3 sketchpad

Traveller

2009-10-19T11:36:00.003+08:00

5 Sec Faces

2009-10-10T12:36:00.009+08:00

A friend of mine is running a project called 5 Second Faces -a street photography project between Fleecircus and Danny Santos to capture the different personalities that make up face of Singapore:

"We roam around the streets of Singapore with an illustration board for a makeshift background, look for strangers with distinct faces, then ask "Can I take your picture? It'll just take 5 seconds..." If they agree, we quickly click away :)"

This was taken during a hectic 3x3 exhibition day at the Red Dot Design Museum:

What a doped-up druggie.

See the rest of the 5 Sec Faces on Flickr and Facebook

Eid

2009-09-25T16:51:00.004+08:00

Love the clouds.

Alchemy / Adiwira W.I.P

2009-09-14T18:52:00.004+08:00

Adiwira + Friday (Prayer) Blues

2009-09-11T21:12:00.009+08:00

Adiwira was originally a short story. I'm currently developing this concept for a one shot comic or a 5 story arc. We'll see what happens to it in the near future.

Today marks the 2nd week of work at my new office in the heart of the Lion city. Adapting to the new surrounding includes finding a nearby mosque for Friday prayer. With the help of streetdirectory.com I located a mosque at the UOB towers / Raffles Place MRT.

Upon reaching there I couldn't find any building that resembled a mosque, let alone one that has a dome. Puzzled, I scouted around - it was already 10 minutes past 1 and I still haven't heard the call for prayer. Eventually I tailed people "who look like they're going to the mosque" and to my surprise, I was at a small staircase entrance leading to an underground basement: The mosque is underground!! How cool is that?!!

But that fleeting feeling sank soon after the sermons began, when I saw people squeezing their way in as if it was a hidden refuge... An underground mosque huh?
Before long, flashes of news on the image of Islam to the world today gushes in :(

I just felt sad on my way back to the office.

Peace be upon you.

Neko Pancake

2009-08-30T14:34:00.004+08:00

So it's been more than a week since I finished my mammoth project that took up 80 meters in the Esplanade, and I've been doing nothing but play Monster Hunter Fredum: Unite with D. I don't even draw anymore in my free time!

She made me pancakes <3

That was an awesome Sahur :3

Esplanade Presents: Of Music And Mayhem

2009-08-20T10:48:00.011+08:00

SO HELLO EVERYONE!!!
Zid here, back from the DEADDDDDDD.

This is the product of me missing in action for 2 months: a suicidal 87.1 meter installation. Disclaimer: It can definitely be much better should I have been given the appropriate time to complete this. This will do for this crazy attempt.

If anyone feels like taking a walk down the Esplanade tunnel accompanied by linear narratives, feel free to do so from tomorrow until Oct 4th!

Here are some setup photos from yesterday!

The Thrills - I'm So Sorry

2009-08-10T04:28:00.001+08:00

Rooney - Are You Afraid

2009-08-08T20:26:00.002+08:00

HOLY SHIT

2009-08-03T14:05:00.005+08:00

So I was wondering what to have for lunch today, working at home and all. My usual trip to the nearby restaurant for food take out had a slight change of menu when I saw "Thai Pineapple Rice". Then I figured hey, why not? Right?

And then they gave me this:

FYI, I carried the pineapple all the way home just like that. This is friggin' cool! ~Nom nom nom~

OH NO YOU DON'T!

2009-07-28T22:41:00.019+08:00

In other news, Radical sues Radical! *gasp*
To Quote Heidi MacDonald:

THR has a copy of the complaint, and the most interesting thing is this:

“Blatant’s management failed to have any of its employees sign work-for-hire agreements and/or assignments of copyrights, thereby clouding title to all of Blatant’s projects, and making it impossible for Blatant to provide proper chain of title documents and guarantees to investors, production companies, studios, and insurers, to the detriment of its shareholders.”

Mmm hmm.. we were there. The news is so proliferated. Read all about it here:

- The Beat
- THR, Esq.
- Blog@Newsarama (with City of Dust cover, whoo hoo!)

TEST PRINTS FOR SALE

2009-07-21T18:07:00.005+08:00

I'm selling these two test prints for SGD 100 each. No duplicates. Contact me here or email me at mohammadyazid@gmail.com if anyone is interested. Thanks!

Test Print #1
200cm x 100cm
PVC Banner Solvent

Test Print #2
200cm x 100cm
PVC Banner Solvent
SOLD

80s graphic yet again

2009-07-19T03:21:00.007+08:00

Working on a Saturday night while listening to high school playlist. Man, the 90s brought me back to the bittersweet memories with friends who came and went. Homeworks and exams, exams. Oh the horror.

Shit it's already Sunday 3:24 AM?!

Oh and before I sleep (it's 3:45 AM), I just made my very own South Park avatar now that I have officially watched all 13 seasons of it kekekekeke. Urgh.. stomach.. growling.. witching... hour...

You can watch them episodes online and create your own avatar at southparkstudios.com

Jet Set

2009-07-12T00:56:00.007+08:00

Haven't slept for 3 days.

REMEMBER THE FUCKING 80S

FRI
6 - 10PM Gave a presentation / talk at Marina Towers Singapore
11 - 2AM Attended farewell party of ex-colleague, stayed up 'till morning

SAT
6AM Flight to KL for urgent family reunion
7AM - 8PM In KL, eat eat eat
10PM Flight back to Singapore

SUN
12:45AM Here I am updating this shit and haven't slept. I'm so high I don't know what's going on!