Passing on

I'll ask that if you want to comment that you do it to me directly as a private message, thanks!

I'm not one to reveal too much about my private life on the internet, that's just the way I am...however I have something that I have to get out of my system then I can get back to my working-holiday.

While on a road trip from Edmonton to Winnipeg I felt overcome with a sadness and uneasiness...there was no logical reason for it, but I found out later that my Grandmother died at that time.

She was my last grandparent alive, and had lived such a full life - born in Kelowna to Japanese immigrants, she lived on the family property her whole life and I knew she would die there (she did quietly yesterday afternoon). Of course I remember that she was always kind, lived with a quiet honor, and had a laugh that apparently I inherited a touch of. Both my grandparents held such respect for each other and for others. I've strived to try be the best person possible while living a life full of unusual experiences - knowing that this is how I think they lived. It wasn't intentional for them I think, they lived through truly difficult years with the depression, WWII, and internment camps in Canada. My Grandmother was spared the camps here, but both grandparents loved their community and country no matter what had happened.

I'll miss my grandmother, but truthfully her health had deteriorated over the years and things were fairly difficult for her. There are many ideas about what happens after death in Buddhism, the best answer that I like is - we don't know what happens, and that we have today to live the best life possible since it can be over at anytime. The past is perfect (can't be changed), tomorrow isn't here and may never come, and it’s only this moment and our ability to completely change our lives.

Of course this affects me more than words can say, so I'll keep distracted with my work and career...if I'm quiet please be patient...

December!

What happened to my year? It was Spring, I was in school, then I'm done and suddenly it's winter and the end of the year. I've done and learned a lot this year and I hope that I can keep my work evolving. I just completed an update to www.danotanaka.com and I can see the difference in my work from month to month, just have to keep on doing it and I know good things will come out of it.

Have a happy Christmas (even though I'm atheist/Buddhist I say it! lol)

Vector of Playboy Playmate DJ Colleen Shannon

The past week was pretty busy. I found out that DJ Colleen Shannon was coming to Edmonton and since she was a Playboy Playmate it seemed to fit in perfectly with my pinup theme that I enjoy illustrating! After Meeting with Sam from the Rouge Lounge and told him my plan. He was very supportive and I started work the next day. I only had 5 days to complete the image and get it printed. That combined with my usual business of running around made things a bit tight for time.

In the end things worked out for the best...the final image took less than 30 hours, 12 of those hours was on Tuesday (the day before the event). I might have done it in less time but I was trying to perfect a better way to create hair in vector. I think I got it now though!

When I met DJ Colleen, I explained that there was 4 copies of the illustration - 1 for the bar, 1 for me, of course one for her if she wanted, and one to be auctioned off for Movember. She happily signed 3 copies and asked that I sign hers. She was pretty happy with the image since she said that she didn't get a copy for herself.

I thought the whole meeting was great, she then wished me luck in my new field after we had a photo together. All in all it was well worth the time I put into the image!

Next I'll be working on a vector pinup for Abby Valentine from Norman, OK. I think it will turn out great!

Dano Meets Masuimi Max!

Well I have to say that I'm pretty happy, this weekend I went to Calgary and met Masuimi Max at the Calgary Tattoo convention. I generally don't need a reason to attend a Tattoo convention, but if you have been following my work you might know that I did mad a pinup image of Masuimi (in front of a green hotrod).

It was great to chat with her and get her impression of my work. We talked for about 15 min where she gave me some ideas about selling my work. She was definitely cool, and was happy that I included her name with the image so that's great! Next will be to figure out how to sell these.

Also we exchanged signed copies of the print. Here is link to the sample image before I put all the credit stuff on it.

Really I was just happy to hear that she thought my work was awesome and that she had no issues with me selling my work of her. I hope that I can do more pieces and who knows where it could lead for a career!

College is done!

After many months away focusing on school, I'm happy to report that I have graduated! Of course one would think that I'm free of assignments and will have all this free time, but of course that isn't the case. We've been allowed to stay until Oct 15 to finish up projects, etc. This is perfect for me since I'm not entirely happy/completed my website. There is a lot to do and I'm sure I'll never really be satisfied...but it's got to get done!

Another minor complication is either finding gainful employment, or at least projects. I prefer projects since I love making my own schedule, and I think there is a lot more I can accomplish. Time will tell and things will reveal itself.

Speaking of the future, I'm pretty excited about the next upcoming weekends. The Tattoo Convention will be in #yeg (Edmonton) next weekend and to #yyc (Calgary) the following. I'll be going to both events. At the Edmonton dates I'll be getting tattooed and it will be the first time in over a year - much too long if you know me well. For the Calgary event I'm looking forward to meeting Masuimi Max - you'll note that I have a pinup completed and I'm working on another project. My hope is that she'll like my work. Regardless, both events will be fun!

Write more later, sooner than later I promise!

Back on Empire Avenue

Well yes after an absence I decided to come back. Without going into to much detail, there were some personal issues that developed due to my use of being online. That all seems to have subsided and I'm back.

Really I have missed the connections and meeting new people. My program is in its final 2 months so things will be even more busier! I think I've been doing some pretty good work, but looking forward to getting better and developing into a professional level.

A question that we've been asked is that we have to develop a web portfolio and with that a theme for the site. Things like this are always more difficult when it's for yourself...any ideas out there what a suitable theme for me might be?

More later!

Back on EA!

Here is my code for them to verify my blog!
EAVB_OGPZBZPOUY

Watch my blog again...I'm back!