Brian Britigan Goes Beyond the Western Lands

Posted on September 12, 2012 | Leave a comment

Brian Britigan and Jordan Giarratano at the opening of “Beyond the Western Lands” at Soil in Pioneer Square.

Frequent Sketch Jam competitor Brian Britigan has some artwork in “Beyond the Western Lands” a show currently hanging at Soil in Pioneer Square. From Soil’s website:

The queer artists in Beyond the Western Lands reimagine the intersection of man, nature and mythology in the fictive “West,” typically characterized as a place of wilderness outside the constraints of law and civilization. The title also references the name ancient Egyptians had for where the dead reside.

I caught the opening at last Thursday’s art walk. His work is easily as impressive and finely crafted as is his beautiful beard. Seriously, the guy oozes talent and he’s rapidly becoming one of my favorite artists. If you’re in the neighborhood the show is worth your time. It features Brian’s brilliant painted illustrations as well as work by Adrain Chesser, Steven Miller, and Jeffry Mitchell.

Rational Fear by Brian Britigan

In other Dead End Press news:

• Nate is teaching a Woodcut Printmaking Class in October. His classes are fun and inspiring, if you are looking for a creative, hands-on project this fall, this is it! You get four, four hour workshops, all materials provided for $225. Class sizes are small and Nate will work with you to help you understand the medium and complete your own prints. I can’t speak highly enough of how motivating and engaging his classes are. Check it out.

• Make art at Dead End Press! We always looking for other artists to rent space and be a part of the community at Dead End Press. It’s $150 a month for 24/7 access to the communal work space. Send us an email if you’re interested and want more info.

• I (Jordan) will be teaching a Self-Defense for Women 2 class workshop at the end of September. If you or a woman you know would like to learn to strategies and practice techniques for self-defense, please pass on this event listing.

Thanks again! Please help us spread the word by liking and sharing this link on Facebook. Every bit of community support we receive helps us to spread the word!!!

Jordan & Nate

→ Leave a comment

Posted in community events, news & announcements, printmaking, Sketch Jam Sunday, Uncategorized

5 Questions with Graphic Novelist Jason Thompson

Posted on August 17, 2012 | Leave a comment

Jason poses in front of his prize-winning character design from the Steampunk Sketch Jam.

In this edition of 5 QUESTIONS I pick the brain of one of my favorite local cartoonists: Jason Thompson. Jason’s line work, contrast and level of detail are awe-inspiring. He’s also a hell of a fun guy to draw with all afternoon.

1. How did you get into doing comics?

I read comics ever since I was a kid. I read “Peanuts” and “Bloom County” with my mom, but I didn’t really get deeply into them until college. First, there was a friend of mine in college, Dan Nitzani, who got me into American indy comics and “good superhero comics” like Scott McCloud, Alan Moore, Grant Morrison, etc. Second, that was when I started getting into anime and manga — Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Maison Ikkoku, etc.

I told you his line work was awe-inspiring.

At the same time I also learned about the small press and self-publishing (this was before webcomics), so I got the bizarre idea that I could actually make my own comics and get them out there where people could see them. I self-published an early version of The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath and some other comics, like The Stiff, and then I ended up working at the manga publisher Viz for 10 years. Later I wrote the graphic novel series King of RPGs, which is in sort of a manga style, drawn by the awesome Victor Hao. I’m into a lot of very different types of comics and my work is a mix of these influences.

2. You had a successful Kickstarter for The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath, what did you learn from the experience and what advice do you have for others?

Kickstarter is incredible! It’s one of the greatest things to come out of social media in the last few years. It’s enabled me to get in touch with fans and potential fans around the world that I never could have met otherwise. My wife Jay shot and edited the Kickstarter video and I think a strong video is really important. Also, create lots of interesting rewards. And lastly, I just shamelessly emailed everyone I know and spread the word.

Wraparound cover art from The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath.

3. What is it about the work of HP Lovecraft that you find so inspiring?

I had always seen his name mentioned in science fiction and horror books ever since I was a kid and it had a sort of mysterious allure to it. When I eventually read his fiction I got into the cosmic nihilism in his work, the idea that the universe is controlled by alien gods, the “insignificance of humanity” thing. Plus, he came up with great monsters. I have a special fondness for The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath, though, because of its unusual power of imagination/power of memory theme.

4. Other than your own work, what are your favorite Lovecraft adaptations (comics, games, movies, etc)?

I love the Call of Cthulhu role-playing game, which ties together two of my biggest interests, Lovecraft and gaming. Lately I’ve been listening to a bunch of Lovecraftian roleplaying podcasts at the British fan site yog-sothoth.com.

A beautiful page of architectural renderings from “The Doom that Came to Sarnath.”

5. We’d love to hear about your future projects, what else are you working on?

I’m working on a tabletop card game, a novel, and a new graphic novel. And I’m currently doing a new weekly adaptation of the Lovecraft story “The Doom That Came to Sarnath” at my website, www.mockman.com. Please check it out!

Jason will be participating in this Sunday’s Sketch Jam, come on by and see his artwork at HP Lovecraft’s 122nd Birthday Party at 6:30 pm! We will have a dramatic reading from the Call of Cthulhu, a birthday cake ceremony and tons of great art.

You can also win great prizes generously donated by Artful Dodger Tattoo (gift certificates), Benito’s Chicago Eatery (a free pizza), Arcane Comics (graphic novels) and pick up some swag from Yelp! Pop Chips are providing the snacks and Artist and Craftsman will reward the winning artists with new supplies!

This breathtaking map is a fitting companion piece to the Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath graphic novel.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in 5 Questions, indie & DIY culture, living as an artist, Sketch Jam Sunday

{event photos}: Zombie Art Show

Posted on July 20, 2012 | Leave a comment

On July 8, we hosted our biggest Sketch Jam yet! Thirteen artists gathered to depict their favorite Founding Father as a zombie! After five hours of furious art making, we hung our work on the wall and invited the public in to award points to their favorite pieces.

Don’t miss out on our next event: HP Lovecraft’s Birthday Art Show on August 19! RSVP to the Facebook event and tell your friends. You can also keep up with studio news by following co-founder Jordan on Twitter or by joining our email list.

All photography by Pocket Images by Megan! Please feel free to post these photos on Facebook and tag your friends! We appreciate it :)

Thanks to our crew of artists! You guys created the best art we’ve ever had on our walls, you are the reason we do these events! Check out more work by our artists: Lucky Barnard, Nolan Harris, Dexter Rothchild, Erick Lingbloom, Jordan Giarratano, Seth Goodkind, Jason Thompson, Maxx Follis, Jon Young, Nate Stottrup, Brian Britigan and Amy Chisman. We are always welcoming new artists, if you’d like to participate in the next Sketch Jam, send us an email.

Another huge thanks to Artful Dodger Tattoo, Benito’s Chicago Eatery, Over the Line Productions, ZombCon and Utrecht Art Supplies for supporting local art.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in community events, events + parties, Sketch Jam Sunday

Zombie Art Gallery at Dead End Press Until July 25

Posted on July 11, 2012 | Leave a comment
Zombie art at Dead End Press, a member run illustration and printmaking studio in Seattle, WA.

Lucky Barnard, Jordan Giarratano, Nate Stottrup and Seth Goodkind at Dead End Press.

The Zombie Founding Fathers art show will be hanging in our gallery at Dead End Press until July 25. If you’re in the Ballard neighborhood, please feel free to stop by and check it out. The gallery is open every Wednesday from 3 pm to 8 pm and every Saturday from noon to 4 pm. We are also open whenever someone is in here working, so definitely come on in if you see the doors open.

All artwork was created during our third Sketch Jam on Sunday, July 8. Thirteen artists had five hours to design and illustrate a zombie version of their favorite Founding Father based on the following story concept:

The zombie apocalypse begins. The Founding Fathers rise from the dead. Disgusted by the blank-eyed, empty-brained, consumptive America before them, they resolve to put aside their cranial cravings and band together once more to found, fortify and defend a new nation. A nation built on dreams, respect, liberty and hard work: The Zombie States of America.

Zombie art at Dead End Press, a member run illustration and printmaking studio in Seattle, WA.

Thirteen artists created zombie versions of their favorite Founding Fathers this Sunday at Dead End Press.

Local illustrator Seth Goodkind took first place with his thoughtful, detailed watercolor painting of Zombie Crispus Attucks. He won a $75 gift certificate to Artful Dodger Tattoo and a limited edition Zombie Thomas Jefferson intaglio print created by Dead End Press.

Food and prizes were also generously donated by Benito’s Chicago Eatery.

Come to Dead End Press at 1518 NW 52nd St in Ballard to see this show while you can. You can also read a write-up of the event in the Ballard News Tribune.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in 5 HR Sketch Jam, past events + parties, Uncategorized

5 Questions w/ Zombie Walk artist Nolan Harris

Posted on July 4, 2012 | 1 Comment
Lucky Bernard, of Artful Dodger Tattoo, Nolan Harris and Jordan Giarratano at Dead End Press, a member run printmaking and illustration studio in Seattle, WA.

Nolan Harris (center) poses with Lucky from Artful Dodger Tattoo (left) and Jordan from Dead End Press (right) at the Steampunk Art Party.

In preparation for the Red, White & Dead Zombie Walk on Saturday, July 7 and our own Zombie Art Party on Sunday, July 8, we caught up with Zombie Walk poster artist Nolan Harris. Nolan is also a caricaturist, the co-owner of Over the Line Productions and a frequent participant at Dead End Press’ Sketch Jams.

1. What are some of the good, bad and weird moments you experience working as a caricaturist?

Usually in my line of work I encounter your normal “vanilla” variety of tourists and locals. Things get pretty interesting for us when we draw at after-hours events. The alcohol is flowing and we start to get requests involving “sexual acts with animals” or “S&M,” which we always politely decline!

Nolan Harris's art

Zombie-style caricatures are one of Nolan’s many specialties.

2. Why did you decide to take your skill for caricature and build it into a business?

It became a necessity once I graduated from college. The job market was flooded with fresh-faced talent that were more than happy to work for peanuts. After working in the corporate art world for five years, I decided that I did not like having a boss. I moved from Ohio to Seattle and joined up with my business partner in crime, Dexter Rothchild. It was the best decision that I have ever made!

Nolan Harris's art.

The Hulkster hired Nolan for this classic image of a childhood icon.

3. Who are some of your all-time favorite clients and what did you do for them?

My highest profile client is Hulk Hogan. I’ve worked on an assortment of shirts for him and we’re currently tag-teaming on some new merchandise concepts that will be available on his website later this year. I also love doing work for the Piranha Blonde events, which include the Mobile Food Rodeo, Fremont Outdoor Movies, ZomBcon and Red, White & Dead. We have good chemistry and the themed events that they throw are always right up my alley.

Nolan Harris's art

Nolan designed and illustrated the poster for ZombCon.

4. How has running your own art business changed you?

I’ve always been a business savvy kind of guy. Most of my knowledge stems from working in the corporate world. Running my own business was always going to be the next logical step for me. I enjoy the freedom that comes with running my own business. I’m always forced to be creative. The biggest perk of running a retail caricature business is the fact that we can bring in new talent and help them succeed and make money with their art.

5. What is your favorite type of zombie/zombie movie?

Nolan Harris's art

Nolan’s third prize winning entry from the Steampunk Sketch Jam (created ENTIRELY on an Ipad).

The original Night of the Living Dead still scares the living daylights out of me. Zach Snyder’s Dawn of the Dead remake was definitely the push that the zombie genre needed to remain relevant and frightening. My new favorite zombie film is called, The Dead. It’s set in a zombie ravaged Africa and it has some of the most frightening imagery I have seen in a zombie movie. I  highly recommend it.

Get your caricature drawn by Nolan at the  Red, White & Dead Zombie Walk on Saturday (and then say hi to us, he’ll be right next to our tent). And, don’t forget to come to the Zombie Art Party Sunday night to see Nolan and the rest of the artists render their favorite Founding Fathers as Zombies!

Nolan Harris draws Dead End Press's co-founders, Nate Stottrup and Jordan Giarratano.

Nolan drew Dead End Press co-founders Nate & Jordan in the style of Dan Clowes.

→ 1 Comment

Posted in 5 HR Sketch Jam, 5 Questions, living as an artist

Intruder # 2 is Out Now!

Posted on June 27, 2012 | Leave a comment

Intruder #2 features a brilliantly colored, classic sci-fi style cover by Marc J. Palm.

Intruder #2 is out now and even better than the first issue! Pick up your free copy at any of the following locations: Arcane Comics, Comics Dungeon, Comic Stop, The Dreaming, Spin and Crown, Left Bank Books and Fantagraphics Bookstore.

It features new work from a number of local comic book artists. In addition to Marc J. Palm’s gorgeous cover, Tom Van Deusen returns with another installment of “Scorched Earth”, my personal favorite strip in the paper. Max Clotfelter’s hyper-detailed strip “See How the Farmer Waits for the Precious Fruits of the Earth” is Nate’s favorite. Start to finish, it’s an even better paper this time around! Check it out now!

Also, if you missed it, check out  5 Questions with Marc J. Palm to learn about the process of creating the first issue.

An uncolored sequence from Tom Van Deusen’s “Scorched Earth.” Pick up Intruder #2 to see the whole thing.

→ Leave a comment

Posted in comics, indie & DIY culture

June Art Opening: Two Bells Tavern

Posted on June 5, 2012 | Leave a comment
Nate Stottrup and Micheal Azzano showing artwork at Two Bells in Seattle, WA.

Stop by on June 10 from 2 – 5pm, Nate will be on hand with other local printmakers to talk about his work.

Nate has two pieces hanging in Creative Block: A Printmaker’s Show at Two Bells Tavern (2313 4th Ave in Belltown).

Nate Stottrup, Brian Lane , Joel Astley,  Michael Azzano,  Angie Lena Chamberlain and eleven other  local artists reveal a variety of printmaking processes and techniques that explore the possibilities within relief printmaking.

On Sunday, June 10th, from 2pm – 5pm,  artists will be present at Two Bells Tavern to discuss their work and answer questions.

* * *

Nate also has a show hanging at the Flying Apron bakery in Fremont. Stop in and say hello, don’t be afraid to tell them we sent you ;)

→ Leave a comment

Posted in community events, printmaking