Letter to Joe Kubert

A few months ago, after far too long of a delay, I called up Joe Kubert to thank him for all I learned when I went to his school (from 1983-85). We had a nice chat, but I didn't want to take up his whole day recounting my life story. So I told him I'd follow up with the details, and here is the letter I sent him:

Hi Joe -- as a follow-up to our phone conversation from a while back, I want to share with you how much my education at the Joe Kubert School has meant to my life and career.

I attended the Joe Kubert School from 1983 to 1985. I got an amazing foundation of all the most important drawing and storytelling skills during those years. Up until I went to your school, my artwork had developed in fits and starts…but once I came under the full-time guidance of all the experienced teachers I learned more than I ever thought possible.
The old Kubert School circa 1984
In your Narrative Art class, I learned about telling a story visually. One of the core ideas that has never left me is that the  reader is always right. If they get confused it's my fault. The artist has to make the storytelling clear and compelling.

I learned solid basic drawing techniques from Jose Delbo -- his class taught me how to draw the real basics that are often skipped by young artists. I learned figure drawing, perspective, how to use pens and brushes, lettering, coloring and painting. I have used all those skills throughout my career; not only in animation storyboards (for Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Warner Bros and Disney), but as a comic book artist/writer/inker/letterer and full-color cover artist for Nickelodeon Magazine.
Most important was that you taught me about the realities of working for publication and on deadline. You stressed over and over that an assignment is useless if it's not done on time. The professional world is all about production and deadlines, and if you can't hack that, you're dead. Thank you for putting so much emphasis on the importance of good professional work habits

Best of all, I have been teaching others, continuing the lessons and traditions that I learned from you and your crew of seasoned professional teachers. In my role as Storyboard Supervisor and Director at Disney TV Animation, I help teach other artists the solid basics of visual storytelling. I wrote and illustrated a book called, "Cartooning: Character Design" for Walter Foster Books, and I am currently teaching an online class in storyboarding.

By the way, I'll never forget that our first assignment in your class was drawing a comic book story with no words, and only with silhouettes. That assignment broke my brain open to the challenges and opportunities that can be achieved by telling a story with drawings. In my online class, I just taught a lesson on posing, acting and the importance of silhouettes!

Basically -- everything I know about drawing and storytelling had its foundation at the Joe Kubert School. I am eternally grateful that you started this wonderful school, and that you have been so generous with your knowledge.

Gratefully,
Sherm Cohen

NARS LIPSTICK -- DOLCE VITA


NARS - DOLCE VITA LIPSTICK

When I bought my First NARS Lipstick in March, I though this was the most expensive lipstick I was buying. Who knew very soon TOM FORD lipsticks would become one of my dream luxuries...Oh well, I still feel $24 for a lipstick is 'PRICEY'.




A pure, creamy lipstick formula for bold color. Nars Lipsticks are enriched with
vitamin E to increase wearability and keep true color intact. Sheer finish
creates the most natural, stained-looking lips. Semi-matte produces velvety,
full-bodied lips. Finally, satin fashions creamy, moist-looking lips.


Swatch of NARS Lipstick in Dolce Vita -Single Swipe

So these come in three finishes and the one I have is Dolce Vita, which is a sheer finish. Needless to say, its not the most pigmented lipstick. The sheer formula is comparable to MAC Lustre formulas.



The Texture and Pigmentation (of Dolce Vita):

It is soft, creamy, with a glossy finish to it. The pigmentation is obviously sheer, more like a stain or Pigmented LipBalm.



The Color (of Dolce Vita):

It is a lovely, dusty rose color, which has less of mauve and more of coral?? (thats one hell of a description). There is no sparkle or chunky glitter. It gives a glossy shine and finish on the the lips.


MAC Cosmo and NARS Dolce Vita

The color is close to MAC Cosmo in tube, but the finish of Cosmo is a satin, which makes it more pigmented.



The application is smooth. It glides easily and is moisturizing. No drying of lips at all. It lasts for just 2 hours and then I have to re-apply.

It even reminded me of Kat Von D lipstick in Lolita, but again the formula is different and Lolita has more milky pink touch to it.

All these comparisons and Descriptions of colors are horrible. I have attached the best pictures I could click.

Overall, I like NARS as a Brand for their Blushes and Multiples. I have not tried many lipsticks, but the one that I have tried, I think its pretty pricey and similar effect can be achieved from less expensive brands.

(You can see some of NARS in-store Lipstick swatches here and here)

Suburban Horror - Kids Book Illustrations you have to see to believe

Check out these scans from a safety booklet for kids from the fifties or sixties. These pics are guaranteed to give any kid nightmares, and keep them away from strangers, bikes, leaf piles, refrigerators and kites forever.

There's a whole bunch of these
horrifying illustrations
in the original article at:


There's a lot more...you really gotta see 'em!
...especially the one about the leaf pile.

http://bit.ly/SuburbanHorror

Kat Von D - Autograph Eyeliner - Romantico

My deliberate attempt to stay away from Black liner is making me dig my own stash for liners with any other colors that are not black.



Autograph Eyeliner is a liquid eyeliner from tattoo-artist Kat Von D.

Designed by reality television star Kat Von D especially for Sephora,
this eyeliner lets you paint a perfect 'Kat'-eye in a range of sparkling shades.
For a dreamy eye makeup look, dip the applicator wand into the see-through tube
and use the slim brush to precisely define your eyes—and make your makeup as
fanciful as your body art. The eyeliner tube is stenciled with silver roses and
a gothic lettering logo inspired by Kat's favorite tattoo.



This one is a liquid liner, which goes by the name ROMANTICO. It is a lovely Antique Gold color with a hint of Olive in it. This a Gorgeous color, which is discontinued for reasons that I don’t know.

I am not a fan of liquid liners, not because they are bad or anything. Its because I am lousy with them and getting a uniform application on both eye is one hell of a task.
This liner has a thin brush applicator, which does not picks a good amount of color for a decently thin application at one go. I mean the brush is good for detailing, but I have to dip the brush in the product multiple times. The handle though is a good one. It has a rubbery, matte finish and has a nice grip. I can hold the brush very well.



The pigmentation is good and the consistency is neither too watery nor too thick. It stays put, but is not a water proof liner, which makes it not so practical for summer application, especially if you have oily lids or eyes that water easily in sunlight. This will smudge and run in Ultra hot and humid climate.



I like to layer it over a black liner/base, that is slightly smudged. In short I like the color pay off over a black base. My coloring is NC40/42 and so my lids are pretty dark brown. A brown liner is not so flattering, as they blend in with the Tan and I find Antique Gold color, or Olive Colors works well for me.



This did not hurt or itch my eyes. There were no Allergic reactions whatsoever.

This is my personal experience with one color. I don’t know if all the have same consistency and finish. This color is discontinued, but the product is still available.

MONDAY MORNING....



Hi my Friends,

It seems Monday Morning Ramblings are more in number on the Journal than anything else! But I can't help.....Look at speed, this year is passing by...

The weekend was a very very Lazy one. From Friday Evening till Sunday Night, all we did was watched movies at home. 14 Movies, Back to Back. I didn't cook, I didn't blog, I didn't shop....Nothing!! All we did was our necessary chores and sleeping...lol!!!
We hired some movies from Netflix, some from friends and just enjoyed all of them with food. I literally ate from all the food joints around my home. Thanks to all the Delivary guys...

Oh, remember the OPI Drip Dry? A product that I was highly impressed with? Man, I hate it now...It just disappeared in the bottle itself!!! I was using Seche Vite more often and this just took a back seat. Yesterday, it was almost gone in the bottle....That SUCKS BIG TIME....
Obviously, I have to pay the price for buying soo much stuff.....This Shopping should STOP!!!!

Enough Rambling for one morning....

Have a great Week Ahead...

xoxo,
dazzling....sparkling....me!!!

Makeup Forever - HD Microfinish Powder


HD Microfinish Powder


A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn
alone. Sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours. This 100% mineral silica powder softens the appearance of imperfections. Completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. One universal shade for all skin tones.

It's completely translucent and goes on any skintone. Its talc-free formula does not dry the skin and is formulated with 100% silica.
Dermatologically tested.



If you have dry skin or uneven flakey skin STAY AWAY from this. No, seriously! It literally sucked out every bit of moisture from my face. The line may sound exaggerated, but I am so disappointed with this one, as I wanted something this finely milled to work for me.

I purchased it in March and tried it on myself in almost every climatic condition. It just didn't work!



The texture:
Ultra fine. The product is very finely milled. I had never seen a product so feather light. Its so fine, that when I open the container, it goes everywhere like smoke/dust/mist.

The color:
Pristine white in container. Turns colorless on light application. Looks white/ashy with heavy application on my skin (NC42, with Yellow/Olive Undertones).

The effect on skin:
This one does not provides any coverage. It creates a fine film, which is translucent if applied correctly. It just evens the skin by reducing the fine lines and reducing the oily appearance. If the skin has flakiness or an acne in its healing stage, the powder settles in those craters. I am sorry for the lack of words, but you guys got it…right?



The application:

1. Dust lightly over skin with the fluffiest brush available to get a light application.
2. Apply on Oily T-zone area only.


I tried both and none of it worked.

The ingredient:
Silica. It didn’t break me out, but I felt itchy because of excessive dryness.

The issues:

1. Being finely milled a lot of product is wasted, as it flies everywhere.

2. It dries out the skin badly. It obviously gives a matte, dry look. The skin feels so stretched, itchy and parched!

3. It will settle in if you have flakey skin. I think its meant for a skin which is in pretty good shape to begin with.

4. It will turn Ashy on Darker skintone, if applied incorrectly or if the application is Heavy.

5. It will make you cough and sneeze if you inhale it.

It may work for:

1. People with Oily Skin
2. People with even skin texture.
3. People who like ultra mattified look.

I didn’t like this product, but I have a skin on drier side, so may be this product was not meant for me. If you have tried this and have any suggestions please let me know. Do let me know, if I am using it in a wrong way.

Its so bad that it didn't work for me. I was pretty hopeful when I bought this...

PIGMENT PASSION -- MAC GOLD STROKE



PIGMENT PASSION is a series that will feature MAC Pigments, their texture,the
ways I use them and all the fun stuff. One pigment will be posted every Friday
and I will try to share whatever pigment colors I own.



This name is so misleading!!! A self Confessed Gold lover, I just picked this color at my CCO without even swatching. If I would have re-searched earlier, I might have passed this one, as its pretty close to Chocolate Brown Pigment in appearance. There are some difference. Chocolate brown has no Plum in it, which makes it way more wearable for me.

This is a Brown Plum shade. It has some Gold tones, which might be one reason for its name. It definately has more brown and plummy undertones. The texture is very nice. It applies smoothly, has minimal to no fall outs.



Personally I don't like this color on my eyes. It makes me look Tired and at times punched.
This would look better on person with cool undertones. Also I have some dark circles, which makes it more difficult for me to wear this color.

The ways I have tried this.

1. As crease color. (It didn't work)

2. As lid color. It did work, but I have better options.

Gold Stroke will be re-released this fall. Maybe I might get some ideas how to work with this color, after seeing others doing look with this.

A Feast of Severin - John Severin Comics Scans from Cracked Mazagine (sic)

Diversions of the Groovy Kind has a ton of vintage John Severin comic scans for your perusal. I wasn't a big fan of Severin growing up, but over the years my appreciation for his work has grown and grown. He must have drawn thousands of pages for Cracked in the sixties and seventies! Here are some of them:

John Severin Takes on Star Wars and Rocky

http://diversionsofthegroovykind.blogspot.com/2009/09/black-and-white-wednesday-john-severins.html

Tarzan by Severin

 Charley's Angels and MASH

All the John Severin posts

TARTE - PARK AVENUE PRINCESS -ORIGINAL


TARTE Park Avenue Princess (Original)

Tarte Mineral Powder Bronzer is an oil-, talc- and fragrance-free bronzer that
fuses earthly minerals with naturally derived ingredients for a finish that's
pure perfection.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates

The Notes:

This bronzer contains Skinvigorating™ ingredients like vitamins A and E, which act as antioxidants to fight free radical damage and mineral pigments that are known for their soothing and softening properties. Dermatologist-tested.

This is a Mineral bronzer and I have it in Travel size, because I wanted to try it out first.
The color is a lovely Golden Bronze kinds. It has Obvious Yellow Undertones, without being too Orange or Brown.
This one does not makes me look Muddy at all. It didn't break me out, didn't clog my pores or made me itchy.



The texture is Buttery smooth and the product is so very finely milled. It has some sheen to it, which is not sparkly or glittery. The formula blends in Beautifully, without leaving too much shimmer on face. I find it smoother than the Matte Formula (Review).



This can look a bit Metallic, if not blended properly OR if applied using a dense brush. Right Brush and Right Application is the key to get a beautiful color from this product. This can be a Drawback and I personally would think twice before dusting this all over my face during the Day time.



It works perfectly for my skintone and I like to use it at evenings or nights. It just gives a more polished look.

My Travel size Bronzer came with a tiny, retractable brush too. Its a dense brush and I don't see myself applying Bronzer with it. I would like to use the brush to precisely contour the cheek bones, with the Original Park Avenue Princess. Its not the Crapiest brush ever made, but it still is pretty useless. I have yet to try it with some cream product. (Why am I wasting all my time talking about a crapy Brush??)

This works for me. It has needed Yellow undertones and Golden Bronzy touch. As always, Bronzers are subjective. There is nothing like, "loving a Bronzer shade". Its more like "working best for a skintone".
Some people may find their Holy Grail Bronzer from E.L.F and NYX and others may love their Guerlain or Chanel. Its just finding the RIGHT SHADE!!

Cow-Milking Comics: The Story of Johnny Surge

Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 01

"The Story of Johnny Surge"
or "Why We Don't Push The Sale of Pine-Tree Milkers!"

Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 02 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 03 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 04 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 05 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 06 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 07 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 08 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 09 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 10 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 11 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 12 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 13 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 14 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 15 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 16 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 17 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 18 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 19 Johnny Surge Babson Bros Miler Comics - Page 20

...ummm...I'm speechless.