New site update
Hi there, peeps – this is a quick update about the new site, which is still under construction but gaining momentum.
I have installed NextGenGallery and have posted around 20 existing TipTop and other cartoons converted to TipTop, and am enjoying creating some new ones. I am focusing on themes of parenting, well-being, wisdom and quirky (like the new one above) and am creating some greeting-card type designs for all occasions. Also, I am currently trying to integrate a plugin called Comic Easel into the new theme I’m using (Minimum) which will help with navigating and show the latest cartoon. That’s proving tricky technically as it involves messing with code, but the theme support staff are kindly going to help out! Nice.
It’s getting there!
Have a TipTop week,
Rob
Development Sketches with new Cintiq 13HD
Hello wonderful people,
I am now the incredibly fortunate owner of the new Wacom Cintiq 13HD. Yahoodydoodie! It was very expensive but easily the best investment I have ever made in my passion of cartooning. It is such a pleasure to use and such an immersive creative experience. It motivates me to get up at 5.30am or draw late at night (the only time I can create with a busy job and a family).
Anyway, I wanted to share some of the experimental sketches I have done with it and with Manga Studio. I have made a bit of progress with the web site and am beginning to understand the customisation process of WordPress.org themes.
One of the ideas below may be familiar to you (Mantas) – I wanted to trial drawing an old idea with the new gear. The sketch of the old man with the bird is a style I used to work with back in the day: watercolour with pen and ink – now possible again in the digital realm with the new equipment. Anyway, these are just ideas I’m throwing out there.
TipTop tips his hat to you and wishes you an awesome bank holiday weekend!
Rob
TipTop Manga Studio stylee
Hola!
The new TipTop web site will take a while to get it the way I want it, so I will post some TipToppy ideas here every now and then:)
I’m enjoying the panels and speech bubbles in the new software. This idea was another experimental affair. We’ll get there!
Have a TipTop evening,
Rob x
Experimenting with Manga Studio 5
Hello peeps! Another update.
Development in graphics software I’ve just bought Manga Studio 5, some software for comic creation and have just started mucking around with it, that I am keen to grow my style into. The picture above is a random idea that came to me when trying it out tonight. I had been using the excellent Sketchbook Pro and ArtStudio.
Hardware developments: I have been using an iPad for drawing up until now but Manga Studio works with a graphics tablet. I currently have a Wacom Bamboo, which is great, but you don’t draw straight onto the screen, which is what I much prefer, so I’m saving for the new Cintiq 13HD.
Website developments: I have started creating a new website using WordPress.org, under the title of “The World According to TipTop”. Technically, I am finding it quite challenging but it is good to learn. It won’t be visible until I’m happy with it and until it has been populated with drawings but I wanted to give an update every now and then.
Hope you are well. I am now back at school, teaching on not much sleep, what with all the baby business, but I am a very happy daddy.
Catch you later!
Rob x
Ever wondered what happened to the 0.1% ?
Now you know.
Inspired by the majestic Perry Bible Fellowship.
And apologies to Elton John – I saw you in Plymouth 2001, Elt’ me ole mucker, and you rocked the joint!
Characters that didn’t quite make it (Number 2)
How “Pooh” caught on is anyone’s guess. After all, it’s a synonym for excrement.
Still, the name was always going to be first choice over Winnie the “Piss”. Just doesn’t have an endearing ring to it, does it?
Snow joke
It’s good to be back, after a week or so away from the blog. Something to do with Tonsillitis and a screaming child in the middle of the night, keeping me awake! Anyway, more TipTop coming soon to a screen near you. x
Mr Oh 