Star Wars Tarot- Master of Energy

Dear Mr. Jinn,
Your hair is red-brown. Not white. Even thought you insist in every design of mine to HAVE white hair, it is indeed red-brown. Being so adamant is only trying my guilt of Fan Accuracy vs. Guilt of Artistic License and puts me in a fowl mood.
I understand you have are the “Grey Jedi”; however that is a metaphoric reference, not a physical trait. Please make that distinguishing differentiation as to allow me to proceed with designing your cards without the need to foam at the mouth.

Your much-needing-a-Valium fan,
~Bernice

Like it’s family-card (Padawan of Energy), Master of Energy depicts not only the “flow” of energy, but also the associative element of Water. “King” of this family, it once again amused me how accurately Qui-gon’s character description modeled the King of Cups- from the diplomatic and non-aggressive approach to disputes, all the way to the tirelessly devious attitude if crossed. Obi-wan predecessor without a doubt.

Star Wars Tarot- Master of Planets

This was a card that started off as very plain. I realized that it would pack a punch after the color was applied- and it did. However, during the course of it, there was an off-again, on-again love-hate relationship with the card. And I just kept reminding myself to hang in there- the color would vastly improve it.

Also, during my time working on the card, Jason Derulo’s “Riding Solo” came on the radio at least half a dozen times. This only made me laugh every time it did- because the first few times I heard that song I couldn’t help but think about Han Solo when he hit the chorus. So eventually when the song came on, I would hold up my card and point when he said “Solo”.

Han Shot First.

Bison Concept

Back in 2003, I was attending my first year at Animation. During that time, I had caricatured one of our teachers [Kaj Pendal] as a Bison. This was amongst the first concept for my “Raven” film.
However, as time went by, I realized there was no place for a Bison in a film that was NWP… and I don’t like mixing concepts, so the Bison had to go.
It was about 2006-8 (can’t remember the exact year) where I stumbled upon a powerful opening dialogue/forward to a television documentary series. It immediately sparkled a idea for a short, and what do you know? The retired Bison was the perfect visual match to the talking voice, and to the concept. I brushed him off, and re-designed him to fit the new short.
The design isn’t complete, but it’s a current stand in for the boards. I completed them [the boards] and will be doing a full character rotation.

I have a very good, talented and devoted helper this time in my endeavors… and she will be helping in the production process of the film. So let’s hope in 2 months time, we will have polished final!

Star Wars Tarot- The Sith

One of the most intriguing cards of this deck (I think so at least) was also one of the ones that simply “came to me” image and all without any fighting. In fact, I didn’t have to maul over the idea at all! *BA BUM CHING!*

In consistency with the Star Wars theme, the changing of the suits, and some of the titles/names, “The Devil” card is hereby known as “The Sith” card in the deck.

I had a busy week these past three weeks, and so I wanted to make up for it by putting out at least 2 cards this week, and I’m aiming for a grand total of 4 cards. I also have to make some arrangements, as I wan to reopen commissions for a couple of months now- so hopefully I can see through my 4 cards this week.
So far, it’s off to a strong start!

Piercing eyes are piercing.
Can’t go to sleep- Mauly’s going to eat you!

Star Wars Tarot- Master of Swords

The Master of Swords- both the suite and the SW universe- would obviously be: The Master Swordsman; Mace Windu.

I really saw a very strong, dominant figure for the card- a pillar, if you will. But lots of fire- as in my deck, the Swords are the suite for Fire. That in itself is the reason for the bright, sun heavy and warm palette for the card. I also used the iridescent colors for the border and this time the Lightsaber as well!
Funny little fact, when I was coloring the sky, had forgotten to leave space for the Lighsbater blade- so I had to continue and figure out how I would implement it. Enter one of my favorite mediums: Gouache! So the Lighsaber blade is actually gouache.