Ray Dillon / Artist & Writer

Young GEORGE LUCAS likeness for Ridley Scott's "Prophets of Science Fiction" on The Science Channel

2012-02-12T00:09:00.005-06:00

I'm drawing motion comics for Ridley Scott's "Prophets of Science Fiction" the George Lucas episode for The Science Channel and trying to get the likeness down. So weird seeing him younger. Fine beard and mane, sir! So, how am I doin'?

CLICK FOR LARGER

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | DeviantArt

TURTLES: DAWN OF THE NINJA - Chapter 1 (30pgs) now FREE ONLINE!

2012-01-28T15:41:00.006-06:00

CLICK HERE TO READ CHAPTER 1 AND PREVIEW CHAPTER 2!!

Written by Luke Keith & Jeremy Feist

Painted & Lettered by ME! (Psst. Ray Dillon)

http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com

Twitter@DawnoftheNinja

Facebook/DawnoftheNinja

My Art on THE SCIENCE CHANNEL!! "Meteorite Men" & Ridley Scott's "Prophets of Science Fiction"

2011-12-16T20:55:00.005-06:00

Can't post a video or art just yet, but currently if you watch "Meteorite Men" you'll see my work. I did the art for the intro. Meteorites crashing, space, Earth, Kansas, the logo, all painted by me and animated by Jared Flynn. It's odd how many episodes are in Kansas. I moved away from Kansas to work on a show set in Kansas. :D

http://MeteoriteMen.com/

MONDAYS AT 1OPM EST

And what I'm working on now is Ridley Scott's "Prophets of Science Fiction" where my comic book style art is animated. Currently doing the Isaac Asimov episode so expect to see some robots. Future episodes: George Lucas, Gene Roddenberry, and more!

http://science.discovery.com/tv/prophets-of-science-fiction/

CLICK FOR SHOWTIMES

Thanks for checking it out!

How did this happen? Well, one day I was driving down a calm street in South Portland, Maine and saw a couple of guys with a camera. I used to be one of those guys running around with my friends with a camera, and I didn't know anyone in Maine yet, so I decided to stop and say hi and see what they were working on. They pointed at the little brick building across the street and said they work for Lone Wolf Documentary Group. I went into the building and saw posters for shows I'd watched on Science, History, Nova, Discovery and more! So, I chatted with them, let them know what I do, and said if any opportunities came up for art, let me know. They said they were definitely interested and that some of their programs were going to have motion comic style stuff because that was starting to be a trend on those types of shows. So, after a couple of years chatting back and forth and working on some small things that didn't come to fruition, they asked me to do Meteorite Men and right after that, the producer for Lone Wolf moved to LA and started working for Science Channel. He remembered my work and asked me to do Prophets of Science Fiction.

What's my point? What I learned from this reinforced something I've always felt. Opportunity can be ANYWHERE, so never shy away from it and always keep an eye open! Also, stick with something even if nothing is happening YET. Plant the seeds and a tree might just grow from it later. Who knows where THIS could lead me now!

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | DeviantArt

My Mad Scientist art turned into a JACK-O-LANTERN!!

2011-10-04T14:26:00.007-05:00

This is so awesome!!! Pumpkin artist Tony Higgenbotham carved my Mad Scientist drawing into a pumpkin!!! I've never seen a technique like his! Looks like a painting! Go check out his Tony's Pumpkin Carving Art Gallery Really amazing stuff on there! Hulk, Yoda, Dexter, tons of stuff!

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RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | DeviantArt

VIDEO: "Let Me Fall" Animated Comic Music Video - Art by ME! - for the band "keep you honest"

2011-09-29T12:23:00.000-05:00

GEARS OF WAR 3 - DeviantArt Contest Entry for $10,000!

2011-09-29T04:21:00.001-05:00

My wife, Renae and I did this SUPER fast right before the deadline cutoff and minutes after finishing work on Anne Rice's "Servant of the Bones" #4 for IDW Publishing AND shortly after midnight marking Renae's BIRTHDAY!. The grand prize is $10,000 ... so, yeah hope that works out. There are people who clearly spent months on theirs though, so... wishful thinking! :D

Pencils: Renae De Liz
Colors: Ray Dillon

VIDEO: Todd Mcfarlane w/ Tyrese Gibson! - Some of the simplest, but most powerful drawing advice ever!

2011-09-23T11:19:00.003-05:00

This is one of the simplest but most powerful drawing advice ever! Really makes a difference in your pages!

Featuring art by Tone Rodriguez, who is the man! :D

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RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | DeviantArt

CLOWN from SPAWN!

2011-09-15T22:01:00.001-05:00

This came pouring out of me in 20 minutes as a warm-up sketch! No kidding. I love the Spawn comics. It's where I got my start reading and drawing. Clown is awesome. I haven't really drawn him since I was a kid. Whew! Didn't realize I had this sitting inside me. I think I'll have to do more Spawn universe art.

CLICK FOR LARGER

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | DeviantArt

[VIDEO] "All Ghoul's School" Official Teaser Trailer (IDW) - I drew for this!

2011-09-12T10:35:00.001-05:00

I drew a chapter of this graphic novel for IDW Publishing! Check it out!

Written by Marc Sumerak - Illustrated by Dave Bryan, Ray Dillon, & Eric Merced - Colored by Hi-Fi

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Coast City Comic-Con Poster!

2011-09-11T18:19:00.004-05:00

CLICK FOR LARGER

Done for Coast City Comics & The Coast City Comic-Con Nov. 12-13 here in Portland, Maine! I hope a lot of you creators and fans will come join us there! Poster turned out pretty cool and there is a dang dog-cyborg! Nothing cooler than that. Nothing. Look at his little hangy dog legs.

Art by Ben Bishop

Colors by Me.

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

"Seeing Grandma" Flash Fiction & Audio

2011-09-05T03:39:00.005-05:00

I read my story "Seeing Grandma" a flash fiction exercise. (mp3)

“Seeing Grandma”
By Ray Dillon

I can only skip through the foggy forests of memory to get to grandmas house, and it hurts to realize I can lay out the exact floor plan of her warm home in my mind’s eye, but not the details of her warm face. While I could tell you roughly how many steps it would take to cross her screened-in porch with grass-green carpet to enter her front door, I can only offer a vague shape of her head; and on that short, pear head is not the expression of happiness and love but the feeling of it wavering in front of smooth skin where a face should be. Eyes, nose, mouth, all blink in and out, but never long enough for my eyes to process. The single detail of her I can actually envision is the drastically sagging skin of her arms that scared me at first but now pull me into the memory of her joking about it and making me laugh. She always made me laugh. She made everyone laugh. I can recall the concept of her smile as infectious. Perhaps when she smiled her rosy cheeks stood out and her eyes became crescents, but I can only speculate.

We moved away. She died a year later. I was 10.

She left the Earth and what remained was a shell of her house that was later demolished leaving no trace of her in reality. But the golden ethereal holograms of that time I took a nap in her bed, and the brick walkway to my favorite tree, and Neapolitan ice cream, and safety, and love, and her arms around me only intensify with time.

The End

I would love to hear your thoughts and I would love it if you joined in and wrote your own story to the prompt of "Grandma's Memory." It would be even cooler if you recorded your own AudioBoo so I can listen to you read it.

Thanks for lookin'!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

MARVEL COMICS - ICEMAN - Art + Video Timelapse! - Digital Commission

2011-07-26T03:06:00.001-05:00

For info on how YOU can get a similar commission, go here!CLICK FOR LARGER

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

GREEN LANTERN / PILCHER FAMILY COMIC BOOK COVER - Digital Commission!

2011-07-20T17:19:00.009-05:00

This is a drawing for some old school chums of mine who got married and now have a family (and I think that's wonderful! :D), Tom & Jessica Pilcher! I love doing pieces like this so much! So special! For info on how YOU can get a similar commission, go here!

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Logos by ME!

CLICK FOR LARGER

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

2 New TMNT: Dawn of the Ninja Turtles Painted Pages!

2011-07-16T21:48:00.003-05:00

TMNT:DOTN Twitter
TMNT:DOTN Facebook (3,333 fans & counting! Your support helps!)
TMNT:DOTN Official Blog!

Written by Jeremy Fiest - Blog - Twitter - Facebook
Produced by Luke Keith - Site- Twitter - Facebook
Painted by ME (whoever THAT is)

We have this book in the hands of ALL of the people that can make it official, and they're behind us, but might need a bit more convincing. THE FANS can make this happen! If you like what we're doing, and want to hold this book in your hands, let the world know it! Spread the word all over the web, conventions, anywhere you think might help. If they hear 20,000 or a MILLION of us screaming DAWN OF THE NINJA they'll hear it!!! Thanks so much for your support!

IDW PUBLISHING now has the rights to do TMNT comics! Let them know you want to see DOTN at IDW!!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Womanthology on Kickstarter!

2011-07-09T13:25:00.003-05:00

Please support this project managed by my wife, Renae De Liz! Thank you!! Help 140+ women get published, proceeds go to charity, featuring some of the industries most iconic female creators!

Go here--> WOMANTHOLOGY ON KICKSTARTER!!

RayDillon.com | Art/Writing Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

[VIDEO] Meet the Creators : Ray Dillon & Renae De Liz : Husband & Wife : Pro Comics Art Team!

2011-07-01T11:00:00.000-05:00

Originally created for Womanthology - all female comics anthology for charity! Up on Kickstarter soon! Please support!

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RayDillon.com | Art/Writing Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

Old Vampire Warrior Painting

2011-06-19T02:23:00.002-05:00

Been struggling to paint all day, trying to get work done, took a break and started paint-doodling on this and it came out REALLY fast (about 20 minutes) and got my painting hand working again! Sometimes you gotta just take a break and inspire yourself!

Click for Details

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

2nd ANNE RICE Comic Book Cover! "Servant of the Bones"

2011-05-26T09:42:00.002-05:00

Click for Details (look in his eye!)

Penciled by Renae De Liz, inked/colored by me, Ray Dillon. Published by IDW. Pre-order now!

Cover to issue #1:

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Renae's Twitter | Facebook | DeviantArt | YouTube | Womanthology!

Frankenstein!

2011-05-17T01:45:00.001-05:00

Inspired by the awesome news that Steve Niles and Bernie Wrightson are doing a new book "Frankenstein, Alive, Alive!" for IDW Publishing!

Click for Detail

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Step-By-Step : Action Movie Poster Speed Painting

2011-05-16T01:25:00.005-05:00

The steps to painting a movie poster

Click for Larger

Had to change the pose of the main figure.

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Charlamange: King of Franks, Emperor of Romans, Wearer of Beard!

2011-04-28T14:59:00.005-05:00

Click for larger!

Click for larger

Preview of a short I'm illustrating for a book called "BRASS TEAPOT" created by Tim Macy and Ramaa Mosley Visist: www.BrassTeapot.com

To learn more about Charlamagne, GO HERE> I'll update this post as I get clearance to. Stay tooned!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

TMNT: Dawn of the Ninja Page! New FIGHT SCENE!

2011-04-25T16:45:00.003-05:00

DawnOfTheNinja.com
TMNT:DOTN Twitter
TMNT:DOTN Facebook (3,257 fans & counting! Your support helps!)
TMNT:DOTN Official Blog!

Written by Jeremy Fiest - Blog - Twitter - Facebook
Produced by Luke Keith - Site- Twitter - Facebook
Painted by ME (whoever THAT is)

We have this book in the hands of ALL of the people that can make it official, and they're behind us, but might need a bit more convincing. THE FANS can make this happen! If you like what we're doing, and want to hold this book in your hands, let the world know it! Spread the word all over the web, conventions, anywhere you think might help. If they hear 20,000 or a MILLION of us screaming DAWN OF THE NINJA they'll hear it!!! Thanks so much for your support!

IDW PUBLISHING now has the rights to do TMNT comics! Let them know you want to see DOTN at IDW!!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Pinups: Elizabeth & Demon!

2011-04-20T22:22:00.000-05:00

For Jonathan Lock for his comic book project! I'll have to get his links and repost them here. The character designs for this book are KILLER! And the story is also very intriguing. I can't wait to see how this book progresses!

--> Get a Commission from me! YOUR favorite character, person, animal, monster, etc!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

MARVEL: Captain America vs. Red Skull Pg.1!

2011-04-17T21:55:00.006-05:00

Click for Larger

A Marvel sample page and the first comic book page in a LONG time that I've penciled with an actual pencil on paper instead of digital. What do you think? Thanks to my amazing wife, Renae De Liz for helping me work this page out.

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

TMNT: Dawn of the Ninja Page! New & Action-Packed!

2011-04-07T09:08:00.003-05:00

New painted page from Chapter 1 of the fan-based graphic novel TURTLES: DAWN OF THE NINJA, a gritty, realistic approach to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Follow for more! And visit the DOTN website: http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com

TMNT:DOTN Twitter
TMNT:DOTN Facebook

Written by Jeremy Fiest - Blog - Twitter - Facebook
Produced by Luke Keith - Site- Twitter - Facebook
Painted by ME (whoever THAT is)

We have this book in the hands of ALL of the people that can make it official, and they're behind us, but might need a bit more convincing. THE FANS can make this happen! If you like what we're doing, and want to hold this book in your hands, let the world know it! Spread the word all over the web, conventions, anywhere you think might help. If they hear 20,000 or a MILLION of us screaming DAWN OF THE NINJA they'll hear it!!! Thanks so much for your support!

IDW PUBLISHING now has the rights to do TMNT comics! Let them know you want to see DOTN at IDW!!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Our New Project: ANNE RICE's "SERVANT OF THE BONES!!"

2011-04-02T09:02:00.008-05:00

Drawn by my wife, Renae De Liz! Inks & Colors by Yours Truly!

NEW ADAPTATION OF SERVANT OF THE BONES COMING IN AUGUST
IDW Partners With Best-Selling Author Anne Rice to Release New Comic Book Series

San Diego, CA (April 1, 2011) — IDW Publishing is proud to announce a new partnership with best-selling author Anne Rice (Interview with a Vampire, Queen of the Damned), kicking off with a new six-issue adaptation of Servant of the Bones
. Rice, the creator of fantastic worlds filled with vampires and witches, takes fans back to the time of Isaiah and Jeremiah, and the destruction of Solomon’s Temple, to tell the story of Azriel, the Servant of the Bones.

“This is an exciting adaptation! IDW has certainly chosen the finest artists and writers for this project,” said Rice. “The script is marvelous. Renae De Liz’s penciling has captured my characters exquisitely. Ray Dillon’s colors are alive and gorgeous. This Servant of the Bones adaptation is perfect!”

IDW’s adaptation of Servant of the Bones will be written by Mariah McCourt, with art by Renae DeLiz and Ray Dillon.

This opulent tale will take readers from ancient Babylon to modern day New York City, from the madness of fanaticism to the peace of faith. Once again Anne Rice fans will be able to enjoy her talent in delivering melancholic and psychologically charged moods through this newly adapted version of one of her most recognized works.

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In Servant of the Bones, Azriel is an immortal spirit who is bound to the gold-encased bones of his mortal body. Throughout the story, he struggles to understand whether he is a ghost, genie, demon or angel. He shares his story with the reader as he travels from an ancient Babylon of royal plots and religious upheavals to Europe during the Black Death and on to the modern world in New York City. Amidst the towers of Manhattan, he finds himself in confrontation with his own human memories and the dark forces that have sought to condemn him to a life of evil and destruction.

“Servant of the Bones is a deeply layered, lush, and lyrical story. It’s visually rich, compelling, and asks the really big questions about life, love and death,” said IDW editor Mariah Huehner.

“We’re very excited to be working with Anne Rice, one of the most prolific writers of this generation, and we just hope we can do the story the justice it deserves. Getting to work with Renae DeLiz and Ray Dillon, the remarkable team behind The Last Unicorn, assures me that we can.”

SERVANT OF THE BONES #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, full color) will be available August 2011.

Christmas in London

2011-04-01T23:05:00.010-05:00

Pencils/Inks/Colors by Me. Horror comic. unreleased title.

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

Horror Comics : How-To Cut Off an Ear!

2011-03-31T18:35:00.003-05:00

"Silicon Dragon" page 130! Horror GN I've been working on a few pages at a time for a few years. Client is a film professor. To see more, go here: http://bit.ly/gu1pde And here: http://bit.ly/ijVJRV

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

Red, BLOOD, and Blue!! - ISLAND TALES!

2011-03-28T12:56:00.003-05:00

I like putting red and blue that clashes together. You seen my website? What about it? Got a problem!??!

Go here for more ISLAND TALES--> http://www.facebook.com/IslandTales (16,715 fans and counting!)

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

VIDEO: THE LAST UNICORN - Graphic Novel Art Gallery!

2011-03-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

Pencils by my wife, Renae De Liz. Inks & Colors by Me! IDW Publishing. Based on the classic fantasy novel by Peter S. Beagle.
RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

VIDEO: My Comic Book Art Gallery!

2011-03-26T03:24:00.001-05:00

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

Wife, Renae De Liz Art : He-Man, She-Ra, & Battlecat!

2011-03-23T15:44:00.004-05:00

WOW! Giant 14"x17" Marker on Bristol HE-MAN, SHE-RA, & BATTLECAT from Masters of the Universe!! Drawn by my wife, Renae De Liz! My wife's netbook just died and we don't have extra $ for a new one. She really needs it for work today. So we're selling these recent warm-up sketches and hoping to get enough today to buy a new one before stores close! THANKS!

This is for sale! Email me at raydillonggs@gmail.com!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

Wife, Renae De Liz Warm-up Sketches for Sale!

2011-03-23T14:34:00.004-05:00

My wife, Renae De Liz, is an amazing artist! Her netbook just died today and we don't have extra $ for a new one. She really needs it for work today. So we're selling these recent warm-up sketches and hoping to get enough today to buy a new one before stores close! They are 9"x12" marker on bristol. Please email me at raydillonggs@gmail.com! $30 EACH! THANK YOU!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Daily Sketch Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Tip Jar

TEMPERANCE DEMON - Digital Commission!

2011-03-22T00:05:00.003-05:00

Comrade Hero - Fundseeking

2011-03-20T23:02:00.003-05:00

I'm attached as artist for this, but they need funding to get it going. Awesome character design! Please go check it out and help if you can!

"The Corrupted" - Horror Movie Concept Art

2011-03-20T07:16:00.003-05:00

I painted these several years but have never posted the whole batch. For a horror movie titled "The Corrupted" for Scary Bits Films UK.
Have a great day!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

My Colors! - Marvel, DC, GI Joe, & Transformers!

2011-02-22T15:10:00.005-06:00

These are pages I colored for Marvel, DC, and IDW as part of the Hi-Fi Team! Brian & Kristie Miller of Hi-Fi are awesome!

Marvel Heroes: Heroes vs. The Fury

Booster Gold #37

Blackest Night: Teen Titans #3

GI Joe #4: Nuclear Standoff

Transformers Vol.2 #8

LEARN HOW TO COLOR LIKE HI-FI!!!
Check out these awesome books!!!

Have a great day!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Sonic the Hedgehog: Universe #25 Preview!

2011-02-18T23:13:00.002-06:00

My colors start here on a 4-issue arc called "Silver Saga." I would love to hear your thoughts!!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

THE LAST UNICORN Hardcover is #2 on NYTimes Best Seller List!!!

2011-02-04T23:09:00.004-06:00

This is incredible news! Art by my wife Renae De Liz, inks and colors by me! Published by IDW Publishing. Based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle.

Click HERE to see more art and information about The Last Unicorn comics and hardcover graphic novel!

How do you get a copy?

ORDER FROM US & GET ART TOO!!! This is a special, limited deal. You'll get a signed and personalized copy of The Last Unicorn hardcover, you can pick two penciled pages from the comic (11"x17" on bristol), and an original sketch by my wife Renae De Liz all for just $200. Please email me if you have questions or want to order!

CONLAN PRESS Order directly from Peter S. Beagle (the novelist/creator) and we get $1 per copy sold!! Plus you get it signed by Peter S. Beagle (we'd also be happy to sign if you mail to us with SASE. Email for details!) Go to Conlan Press>>>

COMIC BOOK STORES Help your local comic shop which helps our whole industry! Go to http://www.comicshoplocator.com/ to find your nearest store!

AMAZON: If you use this link http://amzn.to/f02Mk1 it will link to our Affiliate account for which we get just about a $1 per copy. But try to use one of the other options first because that benefits other people, too. But if Amazon is your only option, please use that link.

Or your local book store can likely order it. Borders or whatever you have.

Every order helps my wife and I in our careers and helps support an amazing, classic creation by Peter S. Beagle. If you do order, please let us know. We'd love to hear all about it!

Thanks so much for your support!!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

"Original Monsters" Sketch Card Set 1

2011-01-28T00:59:00.003-06:00

This is the first set of 6 hand-drawn sketch cards based on original concepts of monsters not from existing ideas but from my imagination and based on my own fears. The stuff I'm afraid will be around the corner at night.

They are available to purchase individually or as a collection and there will be many more to come. Horror fans, I hope you dig 'em!

If interested in collecting these, please email me raydillonggs@gmail.com and make an offer for 1 or all of this set and/or future sets to come.

Thank you for checking them out. I'd love to hear your feedback!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

THE LAST UNICORN Hardcover Collected Edition!

2011-01-26T20:30:00.005-06:00

Pencils by my wife Renae De Liz. Inks and Colors by ME! Published by IDW Publishing. Based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle.

This book is really special to us. It was my wife's favorite movie as a little girl and inspired her in huge ways. We got the opportunity to work on this book right around the time we got married, found out we were having a baby, and wrapped it up shortly after our son was born. Renae was working on it all through the pregnancy. We even moved from Kansas to Maine while working on it. It was an epic adventure in our art and in our real lives.

** If you use that Amazon link, it will attach to our Amazon Affiliates account and we get a few cents for each book sold. Not much but still helps our family.

And please help spread the word! We hope to do a lot more projects like this and creator-owned projects. The only way to ensure that can happen is by making this book a big success. Shop owners and fans, please do what you can to get this book in your local store! Great all ages book!

To see more previews of the book, go here: http://raydillon.blogspot.com/search?q=last+unicorn

Thank you for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

New Painted Graphic Novel

2011-01-26T06:43:00.004-06:00

Can't say much about it yet, but It's a really cool story based on a screenplay. Details to come.

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

ZOMBIE YEARS - Digital Commission!

2011-01-23T00:28:00.003-06:00

Speed painting for the website ZombieYears.com

GET YOUR OWN!!! I've started taking Digital Commissions of just about anything (YOUR creator-owned character, your fav character from comics, movies, games, etc, animals, people, celebrities, sports figures, monsters, whatever YOU are interested in). To learn how to get one, click here>>>

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

DC Comics: Brightest Day #13 - My Colors!

2011-01-20T09:21:00.002-06:00

Thanks to Peter Steigerwald and Aspen MLT I did some colors for a couple of issues of Brightest Day. It's particularly amazing to me that I got to do the credits page, that awesome spread of Hawkman, and with my name right there next to some of my favorite creators.

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

ARAKNID KID - Digital Commission!

2011-01-18T12:02:00.002-06:00

ARAKNID KID is a character created by Josh Alves. You can learn more about the character, and get the comic book here: THE ARAKNID KID COMIC BOOK!!! Great for all ages. Really fun book, great art. Go check it out!!!

GET YOUR OWN!!! I've started taking Digital Commissions of just about anything (YOUR creator-owned character, your fav chacter from comics, movies, games, etc, animals, people, celebrities, sports figures, whatever YOU are interested in). To learn how to get one, click here>>>

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

ISLAND TALES Covers

2011-01-12T15:05:00.003-06:00

Island Tales is a comic anthology based on folklore and mythology from the Pacific. Some stories are adapted from traditional stories while others are modern retellings of the classics.

Created by our great friend Stephen Smirl. He's a genius and one of the nicest guys in the universe!

FOLLOW ISLAND TALES!!
http://www.twitter.com/islandtales
http://www.facebook.com/islandtales (Almost 15,000 fans!)
http://www.islandtales.com
I pencil, ink, color, and letter digitally in Photoshop CS5 with an Axiotron Modbook (Apple Tablet Computer)

You can also see Island Tales work by my wife, Renae, and I. She pencils 'Pono Loa' and I ink and color.

I will be doing a ton of work for Island Tales, so stay tuned for more! And please spread the word! Let your comic shop know, share it on your social networks. Help us make this something special! Thank you!!

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Droid-x Phone Art with Autodesk Sketchbook

2011-01-01T22:07:00.003-06:00

My wife once again blows me away with her amazing Christmas gifts! (Previous gifts like the Axiotron Modbook!) This time with a Droid-X phone, which is going to be huge help this year! With the drawing app Autodesk Sketchbook I'm able to almost work on the level of my normal stuff in Photoshop, save PSDs, and export immediately to blog, email, twitter, etc. In fact, this post was created on my droid, too. Anyway, this is some of the work I've done so far. These are really super fast and still learning on a learning curve. Once I get really warmed up to the system I bet I'll be using this a LOT. Art in the grocery check out, paint at a traffic jam, etc. Score one for productivity! Thanks, wife!!

This was created using this neat 'Mirror Drawing' feature in Autodesk Sketchbook

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

ISLAND TALES: Legend of Sirena

2010-12-20T00:30:00.015-06:00

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Letters by Me.
Scroll down for more info on the series and more art!

These are the 3 pages I'm pencilling, inking, coloring, and lettering tonight. I'll update this post as I go for this edition of #OnTheDesk for Twitter. I'll also update as I go on the full length of the project.

Island Tales is a comic anthology based on folklore and mythology from the Pacific. Some stories are adapted from traditional stories while others are modern retellings of the classics.

Created by our great friend Stephen Smirl. He's a genius and one of the nicest guys in the universe! Written by my frenemy Jeremy Fiest he ai'ight.

FOLLOW ISLAND TALES!!
http://www.twitter.com/islandtales
http://www.facebook.com/islandtales (Almost 15,000 fans!)
http://www.islandtales.com
I pencil, ink, color, and letter digitally in Photoshop CS5 with an Axiotron Modbook (Apple Tablet Computer)

You can also see Island Tales work by my wife, Renae, and I. She pencils 'Pono Loa' and I ink and color.

I will be doing a ton of work for Island Tales, so stay tuned for more! And please spread the word! Let your comic shop know, share it on your social networks. Help us make this something special! Thank you!!

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Chronicles of Narnia - Christmas Gift Comic Book!

2010-12-19T08:12:00.011-06:00

I'm a ridiculous Narnia fan so I'm pretty geeked out to be working on this. Also very intimidating. I was commissioned to draw this for the clients wife as a Christmas gift. There are 5 pages total and I'll keep updating this post as I go. If I could draw a series of Narnia comics my head would explode. - Pencils, Inks, colors, and letters by Me.

CLICK FOR LARGER

Tools: Axiotron Modbook & Photoshop CS5

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

On My "Desk" : Pgs 117-120 "Silicon Dragon" GN

2010-12-17T12:35:00.014-06:00

(Click for close up)
This is a horror/action graphic novel "Silicon Dragon" Written by Tom Sallah, Adapted by Jeremy Fiest. I've been drawing a few pages at a time for a few years now. These are the 4 pages on the desk right now.

I'll be pencilling, inking, coloring, and lettering these pages TODAY, so check back in for progress shots.

Here is the page that came before this sequence:

UPDATE: Pages 117-120 pencil/ink/color/letter by me!

UPDATE: Colored page 120

UPDATE: Colored page 119

UPDATE: Colored page 118

UPDATE: Colored page 117

UPDATE: Drawn/Inked page 120

UPDATE: Drawn/Inked page 119

UPDATE: Drawn/Inked page 118

UPDATE: Drawn/Inked page 117

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

ISLAND TALES: Pikoi the Rat-Killer - Colors!

2010-12-11T20:11:00.004-06:00

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Letters (to come) by Me.
Island Tales is a comic anthology based on folklore and mythology from the Pacific. Some stories are adapted from traditional stories while others are modern retellings of the classics.

Created by our great friend Stephen Smirl. He's a genius and one of the nicest guys in the universe!

FOLLOW ISLAND TALES!!
http://www.twitter.com/islandtales
http://www.facebook.com/islandtales (Almost 15,000 fans!)
http://www.islandtales.com
I pencil, ink, color, and letter digitally in Photoshop CS5 with an Axiotron Modbook (Apple Tablet Computer)

You can also see Island Tales work by my wife, Renae, and I. She pencils 'Pono Loa' and I ink and color.

I will be doing a ton of work for Island Tales, so stay tuned for more! And please spread the word! Let your comic shop know, share it on your social networks. Help us make this something special! Thank you!!

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

The 5 Most Popular Pieces of My Art

2010-12-07T16:21:00.001-06:00

I find it really interesting what pieces of my art have been the most viewed, downloaded, and used pieces of art. They've appeared on blogs and sites around the globe with 20,000 views or more. That's crazy!!!!! And weird pieces, too. I mean, Batman and Wolverine make sense, but that baby sketch painting and a mad scientist?

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

15 Influential Fictional Characters

2010-12-02T15:19:00.003-06:00

The rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen fictional characters (television, films, plays, books) who've influenced you and that will always stick with you. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Tag at least fifteen friends, including me, because I'm interested in seeing what characters my friends choose.

1. Daniel-san (Karate Kid)
2. John Rambo
3. Rocky Balboa
4. Kurt Sloane (Kickboxer) (Van Damme... probably his sweaty brother a bit, too)
5. Bastian & Atreyu (Never-Ending Story) (so what if I put two here!)
6. Leonidas (300)
7. Holden Caulfield (Catcher in the Rye)
8. Edmond Dantés (Count of Monte Cristo)
9. Leonardo (TMNT) (Thought it was Mikey when I was a kid, Leo slipped in there)
10. Guy Montag (Fahrenheit 451
11. Batman/Bruce Wayne
12. Roland (Dark Tower)
13. Robinson (The husband in Dolan's Caddilac)
14. Mikey (Goonies)
15. Old man in 80's Narnia BBC movies.

* This was really interesting to me. I haven't given it much though until now. Funny how manly and violent a lot of these guys are and I'd rather sing than fight, but it's in my work ethic and dedication. I'm the Rambo of taking care of my family and making art! :o)

Thanks for reading!

- Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

THE SHEN Fan Art!

2010-12-01T18:59:00.009-06:00

These pieces are not my art, but they are characters from my superhero team THE SHEN (see the bottom of this post for info!).

**ARTISTS: Here's the deal, if YOU draw any/all of my characters from THE SHEN I will promote you, your work, your project, whatever you got (as long as it isn't explicit). I would love to see your rendition!

Ferry IckhwanoFerry's Links: Twitter | Facebook | DeviantArt

Ferry Ickhwano

Ferry Ickhwano
Ferry Ickhwano
Jeff WelbornJeff's Links:Facebook | Blog

Bud CoyBud's Links:Facebook

Josh AlvesJosh's Links: Site | Twitter | Facebook | DeviantArt
Great kid's comic by Josh: Araknid Kid

Spyros Evangelos Armenis Spyros' Links: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | DeviantArt

Jean Dedeaux Jean's Links: Twitter | Facebook | DeviantArt

- --------------------------- -

ABOUT THE SHEN:
(This IS my art)

About The She'n: In ancient Chinese mythology there is a long-forgotten. tale of four beings who ride within a storm and fall from the sky. All face death, are resurrected after four days and are granted powers. They walk among men to stop a great war and endless bloodshed. In modern day, these are four strangers from around the globe visiting Shanghai who manifest powers after a plane crash and are considered gods among men, or "She'n." One of whom, their leader, follows another meaning of "she'n" as a shapshifting dragon who creates mirages. China needs them to stop the political war that has begun, the plague of violence and decay on the streets, and new unforseen supernatural forces soon to be released to bring an end to the world.

The Characters:
Benjamin Song (the Dragon)
Jena Huang (the Hawk)
Billy Hu (the Tiger)
Cali Hung (the Bear)

The Shen is © Ray Dillon, 2009

Read the Interview HERE-->

Also featured in the awesome Tutorial book from Hi-Fi Design:

Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

New TMNT: Dawn of the Ninja Page!

2010-11-16T22:31:00.005-06:00

New painted page from Chapter 2 of the fan-based graphic novel TURTLES: DAWN OF THE NINJA, a gritty, realistic approach to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Follow for more! And visit the DOTN website: http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com

TMNT:DOTN Twitter
TMNT:DOTN Facebook

Written by Jeremy Fiest - Blog - Twitter - Facebook
Produced by Luke Keith - Site- Twitter - Facebook
Painted by ME (whoever THAT is)

We have this book in the hands of ALL of the people that can make it official, and they're behind us, but might need a bit more convincing. THE FANS can make this happen! If you like what we're doing, and want to hold this book in your hands, let the world know it! Spread the word all over the web, conventions, anywhere you think might help. If they hear 20,000 or a MILLION of us screaming DAWN OF THE NINJA they'll hear it!!! Thanks so much for your support!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Digital Commissions! Get YOUR favorite!

2010-11-16T13:47:00.001-06:00

Get a personalized, hi-resolution downloadable version of YOUR favorite character, a portrait of yourself, family, friends, celebrities, musicians, animal, creature, monster, sports figure, or a character of your own creation! Print a poster! Use as a desktop wallpaper!

$20 - SPEED SKETCH : Paintings or Illustrations
Single Character or Creature of your choice! 6.75" x 10.5" (wide or tall)
Rough sketch version. No background scene details.
$20 for each additional character or creature.
Paypal rayd@goldengoatstudios.com
Questions? Email raydillonggs@gmail.com
Usual turnaround time: Same Day

$50 - CHARACTER ONLY : Painting or Illustration.
Single Character of your choice. Finished illustration, no background. 6.75" x 10.5" (wide or tall) (Any other size, please email)
This is a finished piece of art, not a sketch.
Add $50 for additional characters.
Paypal rayd@goldengoatstudios.com
Questions? Email raydillonggs@gmail.com
Usual turnaround time: 1 week

$200 - DETAILED PIECE : Painting or Illustration.
Single Character of your choice. Moderate details on character and scene. 6.75" x 10.5" (wide or tall)
This is not a sketch, it is a finished piece of art.
Add $50 for additional characters.
Paypal to rayd@goldengoatstudios.comQuestions? Email raydillonggs@gmail.com
Usual turnaround time: 1 week

*NOTE: The Jack Skellington, Iron-man, and Nightwing illustrations are actually NOT digital, they were done with marker, but my digital work is the same or better so you get the idea. Glows and fx will obviously be better in a digital version.

For other options on size, detail, number of characters or anything else, please email me at raydillonggs@gmail.com

Thank you for your order and support! Have a great day!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Creator-Owned!!

2010-11-15T10:43:00.003-06:00

Teensy bit of progress on a new creator-owned project with my writing partner Jeremy Fiest. Something big is coming! Don't want to give away the title or details just yet, but fans of Lord of the Rings & 300 will likely enjoy this! (We hope anyway!)

Tools: Photoshop CS5 and the Axiotron Modbook (Apple Tablet Computer)

If you like what you see, please SHARE the link and subscribe so you can follow progress and help support it in stores (when it gets to that point!) We appreciate it! Trying to take a big step in creator-owned direction with our careers and for our families. THANK YOU!!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

ISLAND TALES: Pikoi the Rat-Killer

2010-11-10T03:49:00.009-06:00

More ISLAND TALES!! : "Legend of Gadao"

2010-11-06T02:44:00.004-05:00

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Letters by Me.

Island Tales is a comic anthology based on folklore and mythology from the Pacific. Some stories are adapted from traditional stories while others are modern retellings of the classics.

Created by our great friend Stephen Smirl. He's a genius and one of the nicest guys in the universe!

This first story I'm illustrating for them is based on the old poem "The Battle Between Two Chiefs" and the legendary Chief Gadao.

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Letters by ME.
Written by Jeremy Fiest

FOLLOW ISLAND TALES!!
http://www.twitter.com/islandtales
http://www.facebook.com/islandtales (Almost 15,000 fans!)
http://www.islandtales.com
I pencil, ink, color, and letter digitally in Photoshop CS5 with an Axiotron Modbook (Apple Tablet Computer)

You can also see Island Tales work by my wife, Renae, and I. She pencils 'Pono Loa' and I ink and color.

I will be doing a ton of work for Island Tales, so stay tuned for more! And please spread the word! Let your comic shop know, share it on your social networks. Help us make this something special! Thank you!!

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

More "S.E.A." Painted Graphic Novel & Movie

2010-11-03T22:46:00.002-05:00

Project I'm painting & lettering.

ABOUT "S.E.A.": A bio-weapons scientist driven underground by NATO violently reemerges to take back his stolen research even at the cost of relinquishing his last connection to humanity - the crudely bio-enhanced soldier made from his dead brother. http://www.NegativeImages.com

For more "S.E.A." go here>>
Tools: Photoshop CS5 & Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T10:20:00.002-05:00

It has only just begun! Our first Halloween in Maine!!

Went to the Freeport, Maine Pumpkin Festival:

Carved our Jack-o-Lanterns (my wife's, mine, baby Drake's above mine carved by my wife, and our son Tycen's)

Playing some Booooo-opoly (Halloween Monopoly)

Stay tuned for more!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Island Tales - Pencils/Inks in progress

2010-10-29T18:52:00.005-05:00

Some new pages in progress from ISLAND TALES. Colors to come. (Pencils, Inks, Colors by Me).

Here is the first page, fully penciled, inked, and Colored by me.

ISLAND TALES LINKS:
http://www.IslandTales.com
http://www.Twitter.com/IslandTales
http://www.Facebook.com/IslandTales

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Halloween: Best Jack-o-Lanterns Ever!

2010-10-29T09:52:00.009-05:00

We LOVE Halloween around here. We're carving our pumpkins tonight and I was looking up some inspiration. These are the coolest Jack-o-Lanterns I found online. Really impressive stuff and cool ideas! And those last two are something I've never seen before, but is really amazing because of the varying colors: Watermelon Carving! Unfortunately I couldn't find the artist's names on any of these, but they deserve exposure! If anyone knows, please let me know! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Amazon.com Widgets

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Painted Pg.5 of "S.E.A." Comic & Movie

2010-10-28T17:20:00.004-05:00

Click for Larger
For more info and previews of S.E.A. GO HERE

Tools: Photoshop CS5 & Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

The Caffeine Power Nap!

2010-10-28T08:48:00.005-05:00

This is a real method I use all the time for the countless allnighters I have to pull for my overloaded work schedule and to take care of our baby who also never sleeps. Might not work for everyone, but it works for me. Obviously sleep is important for health and I'm not encouraging anyone to deprive themselves or anything like that (don't sue me if we all find out not sleeping kills you, it was your choice to try it), but being overloaded is a reality in everyone's lives and if you just can't help but miss sleep, you might give this a shot. I feel much better after!

"The Caffeine Nap is simple: you drink a cup of coffee and immediately take a 15-20 minute nap. Researchers found coffee helps clear your system of adenosine, a chemical which makes you sleepy. The combination of a cup of coffee with an immediate nap chaser provided the most alertness for the longest period of time in tests. The recommendation was to nap only 15 minutes, no more or less and you must sleep immediately after the coffee." - via http://www.sleepdex.org/caffeine-nap.htm

I'd like to add that for best results, stay hydrated. REALLY hydrated (which also helps keep you awake) and JUMP out of that bed/chair/floor/computer keyboard. If you jump up and get moving, get that blood going, your body and mind will feel much better much faster.

Let me know if it works for you! Good luck with your deadlines!! If we keep at it, we'll reach success and get away from the sleepless nights!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Books on Visual Storytelling

2010-10-27T23:41:00.002-05:00

What is Visual Storytelling?

Telling a story visually, that's what! And it's a very important and difficult thing to learn. Most books you see on "How to Draw Comics" talk about anatomy, perspective, and composition and touch on some of the smaller points of storytelling, but leave out all the really unique parts that really make an artist a powerful storyteller and a book a success!

Pace and Mood are two of the most powerful tools a comic book artist can master. The size of the panels, distance between them, the way you represent passing time, dramatic lighting, how the angle and placement of the 'camera' can make your reader feel (bird's eye = safe, worm's eye = down in the action), to the way a silohuette and the choice of not using dialogue can take a characters mournful posture from sad to distraught, depressed, hopeless.

I've picked some of my favorite books that look outside of the normal grids and action shots of how to draw muscular superheroes and delve into the intricacies of the art and craft, Visual Storytelling.

Please let me know what you think and if you have any favorites of your own. If I haven't read them yet I would LOVE to!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

[VIDEO] Business of Art Vol. 1 by Massive Black

2010-10-27T09:38:00.005-05:00

This is the trailer for a downloadable video series that will be very important to the art community. Business is never covered to any length or in such a direct way as this appears to be. Getting the entertainment business advice directly from an entertainment lawyer is fantastic! So, check out the trailer and got to http://www.ConceptArt.org and keep an eye out on the Downloads section for this to be released!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

"S.E.A." Graphic Novel & Movie

2010-10-24T23:37:00.007-05:00

Project I'm painting & lettering.

ABOUT "S.E.A.": A bio-weapons scientist driven underground by NATO violently reemerges to take back his stolen research even at the cost of relinquishing his last connection to humanity - the crudely bio-enhanced soldier made from his dead brother. http://www.NegativeImages.com

Some of the cast of characters:

"Betrayal is the birthplace of revenge."

Sketch to Paint

Tools: Photoshop CS5 & Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Paranormal / Ghost Book I'm Illustrating

2010-10-21T23:33:00.003-05:00

Don't think I can tell you much more about this project yet, but there is lot more to come. Hope you enjoy!

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Letters by Me. Tools: Photoshop CS5 & Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Zombie Ray Play Kickball!!

2010-10-11T00:08:00.009-05:00

Here in Portland Maine, they have an annual Zombie Kickball game where everyone dresses up like Zombies and... play Kickball!! Just a reason to dress up, be silly, and get in the Halloween spirit! This was my first time and it was so much fun!

Makeup by my wife Renae De Liz - she's incredible at anything she tries! Both me and my son were done in an hour and it was her first time ever trying!
Our son, Tycen (7) even got into the action:
Our baby boy, Drake, was just a light snack between innings. :o)

See my photo stream of the day here: http://plixi.com/raydillon Click the arrow to the left to continue in order. Some really flattering pics of me in there. :o)

For more on Portland Zombie Kickball follow these links:

Official Facebook Page
YouTube Search for Portland Zombie Kickball
John A. Macy Photography

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Island Tales!

2010-10-04T13:12:00.004-05:00

Island Tales is a comic anthology based on folklore and mythology from the Pacific. Some stories are adapted from traditional stories while others are modern retellings of the classics.

Created by our great friend Stephen Smirl. He's a genius and one of the nicest guys in the universe!

This first story I'm illustrating for them is based on the old poem "The Battle Between Two Chiefs" and the legendary Chief Gadao.

Pencils, Inks, Colors, & Letters by ME.
Written by Jeremy Fiest

FOLLOW ISLAND TALES!!
http://www.twitter.com/islandtales
http://www.facebook.com/islandtales (Almost 15,000 fans!)
http://www.islandtales.com

I pencil, ink, color, and letter digitally in Photoshop CS5 with an Axiotron Modbook (Apple Tablet Computer)

You can also see Island Tales work by my wife, Renae, and I. She pencils 'Pono Loa' and I ink and color.

I will be doing a ton of work for Island Tales, so stay tuned for more! And please spread the word! Let your comic shop know, share it on your social networks. Help us make this something special! Thank you!!

Thanks for looking!

~Ray

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

15 Influential Artists & 15 Minutes

2010-09-27T09:42:00.002-05:00

The Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. Fifteen Artists who've influenced you and that will ALWAYS STICK WITH YOU. List the first fifteen you can recall in no more than fifteen minutes. Post YOUR list in the comments! I'd love to see it.

1. Renae De Liz (Also my wife! I'm awesome!)
2. Norman Rockwell
3. Bob Ross
4. Justin Sweet
5. Marko Djurdjevic
6. Ryan Ottley (not just saying that, dude!)
7. Todd McFarlane
8. Greg Capullo
9. Rob Liefeld!
10. Joe Maduriera
11. Joe Kubert
12. Kerry Gammil
13. Bernie Wrightson
14. Frank Frazetta (how did I almost leave HIM off?!)
15. Tony Diterlizzi

Did the list in about 1 minute so I might be forgetting some. Seems good, tho.

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Will Smith Wisdom

2010-09-26T11:15:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite inspirational/motivational videos ever. Such great advice!

QUOTES:

"Being realistic is the most commonly traveled road to mediocrity."

"Its unrealistic to flip a switch and a light comes on. Fortunately Edison didn't believe that. Its unrealistic to make a hollow metal tube and fly people over the ocean in it. The Wright brothers didn't think so."

"We grew up with the sense that where we were almost didn't matter, because we were becoming something greater."

Hey, you can even follow Will Smith Wisdom on Twitter! http://twitter.com/willswisdom

MAKE YOUR LIFE HAPPEN!

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Back to Writing - Not in Kansas Anymore!

2010-09-12T00:43:00.020-05:00

Well, I'm slowly getting back into writing. For any of you who've been following for a few years back, you probably remember this blog being mostly about writing. Back in the early 2000's I was barely in my 20's, living with my dad, and I was doing a lot of writing every day. Wrote a few novels, graphic novels, and short stories. And art was almost secondary for a while.

THEN A WHOLE LOTTA LIFE HAPPENED!

I met my future wife Renae De Liz, got a step-son, Tycen (now 7), moved a couple of times, traveled all over the country, got married at San Diego Comic-Con, moved again (this time to Cape Elizabeth, Maine), had a baby boy, and all sorts of other crazy adventures.

And during that time I had to focus solely on my art to make money to take care of our family. It's still a huge struggle, but it seems things are settled a bit more than they have been and I can't keep off the writing bug any longer.

SO... I'M BACK AT IT!

Finishing my last novel that has been sitting for 4-5 years without an end (at least one I liked), adapting it into graphic novel, started a new novel, and I'm co-writing a few comics and graphic novel projects. These things will take quite a bit of time to develop, because I'm still a full-time (over-time... all the time) artist, but they'll happen. Little by little and piece by piece.

"A page a day is a book a year." ~ Richard Rhodes

And the other cool epiphany I've had: I've been living life!! I don't live in Kansas with my dad any more, trapped in my room (of own free, hermity will). Over the last 5-6 years I've really gone all over the place and experienced all sorts of things. This adds so much to my ability to write about life and the thing I'm most excited about, it allows me to explore new areas in my writing. Always before my stories would take place in small-town Kansas, because that was what I knew. And any traveling outside of that felt forced and clunky.

NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE, TOTO!
From...

...to...

Now I've spent enough time in places like New York, Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco, Oregon, North Carolina, and now Maine that I can actually set stories in these places. Can't write about them like the back of my hand, but I can certainly expand my writing horizons.

So, you probably won't see much from me right now, but it'll start to trickle in.

And if anyone would be interested in reading my latest novel, a Beta read, and giving me your honest opinion, I'd love to have it. Just email me at rayd@goldengoatstudios.com

Here are sneaky, vague images to preview my two novels / graphic novels in progress:

PROJECT ONE

PROJECT TWO

Thanks for reading!

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

[VIDEO] 2009 Digital Sketchbook

2010-09-06T05:06:00.003-05:00

View on my channel: http://www.YouTube.com/raydillon

There are a few marker/paint pieces, but mostly Photoshop and an Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer.

RayDillon.com | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | DeviantArt

Marvel's X-Men vs Agents of Atlas samples

2010-08-26T01:03:00.004-05:00

Doing some sample sequential pages for Marvel in between my normal work. Going slow at it because I'm super-busy, but having fun. Kinda wish I could just abandon the pencils and do my normal approach, sketch/ink/color/letter or paint/letter. Feels more natural and that's what I want to do for them eventually anyway, but have to prove myself as a penciler first. Hard to break in as a full-production artist right off the bat.

Oh, and these are "real" pencils, they're penciled digitally using Photoshop and the Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer.

Thank you for looking! Love to hear your thoughts!

~Ray

[VIDEO] Monster Speed Paintings

2010-08-24T01:03:00.005-05:00

Around 15 minutes each:

FRANKENSTEIN

MONSTER FACE

And here are the finished pieces:

FRANKENSTEIN

MONSTER FACE

Sonic the Hedgehog #215-216 colors by ME!

2010-08-23T02:14:00.005-05:00

I'm coloring a Silver the Hedgehog back story appearing in issue #215-216 of SONIC THE HEDGEHOG! Check it out and let me know what you think! Sonic fans, especially, I would love to hear your thoughts!!

I will also be coloring some more monthly full-issue books for Archie in the coming months. So, if you like that story, stay tuned for more!

New THE LAST UNICORN covers!

2010-07-23T06:00:00.003-05:00

Pencils by my wife Renae De Liz, inks & colors by Me for IDW Publishing!

THE LAST UNICORN #6
THE LAST UNICORN #5

THE LAST UNICORN #3

2010 Ongoing Sketchbook : 5-15 Minute Sketch Paintings

2010-07-23T05:43:00.003-05:00

You can view a bunch more here: 2010 Ongoing Sketchbook

Tools: Photoshop CS5 & an Axiotron Modbook Apple Tablet Computer

You can view a bunch more here: 2010 Ongoing Sketchbook

TURTLES: Dawn of the Ninja | Graphic Novel Ch.2 Pg1!

2010-07-23T05:34:00.001-05:00

Here it finally is! Page 1, painted by me for the fan-based graphic novel TURTLES: DAWN OF THE NINJA, a gritty, realistic approach to TMNT.

Follow for more! And visit the DOTN website: http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com

TURTLES: Dawn of the Ninja - Graphic Novel PAGE 1!

2010-04-29T21:19:00.006-05:00

Here it finally is! Page 1, painted by me for the fan-based graphic novel TURTLES: DAWN OF THE NINJA, a gritty, realistic approach to TMNT.

Here is the original layout sketch for page 1:

And here is the layout sketch for page 2, coming as soon as I can:

Follow for more! And visit the DOTN website: http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com

Drake REALLY wants to talk - Part Duex! HE... MEANS... BUSINESS!!

2010-04-06T15:02:00.002-05:00

Okay, this one has a lot more talking in it. Until, once again, he sees the camera and becomes a Frown-enstein!

Starring Drake Asher Dillon (He's da baby; gotta love him!)
Co-Starring Renae De Liz (Da Momma)
Directed by Ray Dillon (NOT da Momma)

Baby Drake REALLY wants to talk!

2010-04-06T10:03:00.003-05:00

Baby Drake Asher Dillon REALLY wants to talk, but then realizes he's being filmed. Usually talks a lot more, but never let's me catch him like that. :o)

Starring Drake Asher Dillon (He's da baby; gotta love him!)
Co-Starring Renae De Liz (Da Momma)
Directed by Ray Dillon (NOT da Momma)

THE LAST UNICORN #5 Preview!

2010-03-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

THE LAST UNICORN #6 Preview!

2010-03-30T15:46:00.001-05:00

THE LAST UNICORN #4 Preview!

2010-03-30T14:52:00.002-05:00

THE LAST UNICORN #4!

Last Unicorn #2 - Interior page previews!

2010-03-29T21:44:00.003-05:00

Pencils by my wife Renae De Liz. Inks/color by Me. Check out previous posts for more art premieres of the new comic book adaptation of Peter S. Beagle's "The Last Unicorn!" for IDW Publishing.

That last one in particular, with the close up of the harpy... ! MAN! I love my wife! She can draw anything and make it look incredible! Beautiful things, scary monsters, whatever. It's a dream every time I get to work with her.

Thanks for checking this out and please spread the word! We'd love to hear what you think and I'd personally love to get my wife's work out there to the furthest reaches of the universe!

Oh, and catch up on Last Unicorn before the comic hit stands. Books, DVD's, CD's, Apparel, Awesomeness!

Amazon.com Widgets

~Ray

Comics Art Career: A note about page rates

2010-03-29T00:22:00.006-05:00

Hi, everyone-

Message boards are an excellent place to find countless threads on this subject, and most end with pretty good informations about what's "standard" in comics. What's gone before, what the highest rates are, what's considered entry-level, what is your time worth?

All that is fine information, but I think it's missing a key element.

What is a realistic amount to live on?
&
How much work will it be?
I think a lot of writer's with projects, and even a lot of publishing companies don't get this. They enforce monthly deadlines, but don't offer compensation to match. I think artists don't keep this in mind either. We ask, "What are industry standard rates?" not "What do I need to live?" and then we just go with what we can get.

Amazon.com Widgets

For starting out, $75 is okay. But once you're established, and you have a family to take care of, that number becomes LOW. Think about it, $1,650 BEFORE taxes. That's around $1200 after taxes. That's not much to live on. Rent and groceries and you're done. And for full-time work, approximately 8 hours/day. That's about $9 an hour (not including the time for research, reading scripts, layouts, character designs--which are usually unpaid, paying for supplies, etc., etc). You can make that in fast-food. We're providing very specialized work. Without being money-hungry, WE need to determine the industry standard.

So, yeah, keep that stuff in mind. Who is your artist? Is he a single guy living in Kansas who can live pretty decent on $2,000, or a married guy with two kids living in New York who needs $5,000 a month to scrape by.

New artists (and old), please keep this in mind as you're forming your career. It's absolutely essential to be able to sustain it. Trust me, I'm still struggling with this stuff. Figure out your budget and if you can't get higher pencilling rates, try to find other ways to get to your budget mark each month, whether it be adding other skills (inking, coloring, etc.), moonlighting in other industries (film, video games, trading cards, etc.) or finding ways to do more work in your chosen area.

Oh, and just for the record, these are "Industry Standard" rates:

Entry Level: $25-$50
Mid-Level: $75-$100
Hardcore Pro: $125-$200
Superstar: $300-$1200
Ray Dillon: $5,000-$1 Million (includes inks, colors, letters, friendship, on-call assassin, lunch, dinner & a movie...)

Share your thoughts on this and feel free to ask questions.

Thanks for reading!

~Ray

More great books on Comics & Art Career

"The Last Unicorn #2" Comic Book - Creepy little snippet!

2010-03-25T15:30:00.007-05:00

Pencils by my wife Renae De Liz, inks/colors by Me!
Published by IDW Publishing, based on the novel by Peter S. Beagle

And if you haven't already, make sure you tell your local comic book store to order issue #1 and the rest of the series! Also, if you're at Wondercon, you have the chance to get an advanced signed copy by Peter S. Beagle.

My Interiview @ MasterDigitalColor.com!

2010-03-23T11:20:00.006-05:00

Read about the creation of my new Superhero Team "The Shen," and Having a Comics Art Career! CLICK HERE:

I originally created this Superhero Team to be used in the Superhero Hero Style section of the book Master Digital Color. You can see how Brian Miller of Hi-Fi colors this piece and get a hi-res downloadable version to practice on from the CD Rom that accompanies the book!

And see an exclusive preview of this excellent new how-to book from Hi-Fi "Master Digital Color":Within the pages of Master Digital Color you find the ultimate comic book art gallery to color along with detailed step-by-step tutorials, hands on challenges, advice from the experts. Also features a Bonus DVD with Video tutorials - Artwork for all tutorials & challenges - Color guides, sample & reference art - Photoshop Add-Ons: Brushes, swatches, actions, scripts, & more - Click-A-Tone create - Manga style grayscale comic artwork - Hi-Fi's 1-2-3 Automation one-click color separations - Bonus artwork

Here are the progress steps that went into making this piece. Concept sketch, cover sketch & cover Inks me. Colors by Brian Miller of Hi-Fi.

About The She'n: In ancient Chinese mythology there is a long-forgotten. tale of four beings who ride within a storm and fall from the sky. All face death, are resurrected after four days and are granted powers. They walk among men to stop a great war and endless bloodshed. In modern day, these are four strangers from around the globe visiting Shanghai who manifest powers after a plane crash and are considered gods among men, or "She'n." One of whom, their leader, follows another meaning of "she'n" as a shapshifting dragon who creates mirages. China needs them to stop the political war that has begun, the plague of violence and decay on the streets, and new unforseen supernatural forces soon to be released to bring an end to the world.

The Characters:
Benjamin Song (the Dragon)
Jena Huang (the Hawk)
Billy Hu (the Tiger)
Cali Hung (the Bear)

The Shen is © Ray Dillon, 2009

Read the Interview HERE-->

VIDEO: Me Painting RPG Fantasy Warrior Woman!

2010-03-03T00:00:00.002-06:00

http://www.RayDillon.com

This was a commission for http://www.BigIronVault.com a role-playing game magazine.

I was asked to do a lookalike tribute to a Larry Elmore painting. Tried to do my best with that.

The model in this piece is Jessica, the wife of Keith Foo, owner of Big Iron Vault.

Please, let me know if you think the length and speed of this (and my other) videos is good or two slow/fast. I greatly appreciate your feedback.

ARTISTS: Check out these instructional and motivational books on art and career: LINK

Thanks for watching!

~Ray

VIDEO: Me Painting April O'Neil for DawnoftheNinja.com!

2010-03-02T12:30:00.002-06:00

http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com
http://www.raydillon.com

-- This is a fan-based graphic novel and film concept that I'm illustrating. Created by Luke Keith & Steve Lee. Written by Jeremy Fiest. Drawn by me!

--Music used with permission:

-- Song #1: "Underground" by Loch - http://www.youtube.com/lochofmceo

-- Song #2: "Righteous Ninja" by Duece Z - http://www.DueceZ.net

To hear the FULL songs, go to: http://dawnoftheninja.com/player.php

ARTISTS: Check out these instructional and motivational books on art and career: LINK

Thanks for Watching!

~Ray

New TMNT Paintings! Shredder, April O'Niel, Beebop, & Rocksteady!

2010-03-01T13:46:00.003-06:00

I'll doing concept paintings and illustrating the graphic novel for Dawn of the Ninja, a gritty, dark, realistic take on the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It's a fan-based graphic novel and movie concept.

Go to http://www.DawnoftheNinja.com to learn more!

How-to Calm Your Baby & Stop the Crying!

2010-03-01T12:26:00.003-06:00

Oh, my gosh!! I'm so excited!! Anyone who follows my Twitter knows that my wife and I just had a baby and we haven't slept since. We've been having a really a hard time calming our baby and getting him to sleep. We've tried books, online videos, advice from all over, and nothing quite worked. Some worked a little, some worked once and never again. THIS worked instantly and is continuing to work. Please, if you have a newborn, get this DVD! Have a stress-free time with your new baby! I know WE wanted and needed that. I'm sure you do, too!

ARTISTS: Todd McFarlane Bio DVD - HUGE inspiration!

2010-02-28T20:47:00.005-06:00

Are you a struggling artists fighting to make something big happen with your life and art? Do you have a family to take care of? Are you a Todd McFarlane / Spawn fan? Do you just like biography DVD's? You gotta see add this to your collection!

I've watched this DVD somewhere between 1 Million and 1 Billion times and it STILL keeps me highly motivated and inspired to keep goin!

Hearing him and his wife tell the stories of when they lived in a trailer, he was working two jobs, and staying up all night at the table. Him sending in 40 submission packets a month before finally getting picked up, and the rise to fame and success. Seeing the roots will be an invaluable asset to anyone struggling to make it!

And seeing how his constant drive and attitude propelled him to success is a big lesson, too. He worked mopping floors, and by cracky, he was the fastest floor mopper ever! Turned it into a challenge!

You also get to see the quirky side and the family side of Todd McFarlane.

It's a fantastic, motivational story and a really well-made DVD. Get this, take the inspiration, and make things happen in your own life! And, please, share the link: http://bit.ly/aRAakO

~Ray

Artists: You need this book!

2010-02-24T08:48:00.006-06:00

Hey, you!

Are you trying to learn perspective and it's super confusing?? Or are you well versed in perspective, but hate how long it takes to set up grids and what a pain it is to plot points 3 feet away from your paper?

This is an absolutely essential book for any form of artist, not just comics. Features PERSPECTIVE SHORTCUTS that will definitely improve and speed up the way you work.

PLUS, it is a GRAPHIC NOVEL! I mean, it's literally all illustrated panels following characters as they discuss perspective. Fun, fast read and you'll understand perspective more than you ever have. Trust me, I read ALL the perspective books! All the complicated, dragging, confusing ones with chapters on just how to make a spiral staircase with perfect measurements. THIS book is what you're looking for.