Quite Possibly the most fun Ive had doing an Avatar Yet

Just Completed this Avatar for a client who wanted an Avatar where he's changing from Clark Kent to Superman/ I suggested instead of the big red "S" we use the first letter of his name. The results were magical.

HOW TO BE A STARVING ARTIST EBook By Elgin Subwaysurfer Bolling

Recently while speaking with some artist friends, the subject came up , as it always does, about "how business was ".  as usual  my ears were bombarded with the usual answers, " people just aren't buying," "this isnt the season" "its not what you know, its who you know" etc. etc. I mentioned a few things that had been working for me lately and was met by polite smiles and nods of the head, only to have people return to the same chorus of "Why Business Is Bad"....It occurred to me that perhaps I am doing things all wrong. In fact, maybe theres something wrong with ME! Conventional wisdom seems to suggest that Artists actually LIKE the title of "starving artist" why else would they fight so hard to live up to it? Being the entrepreneur that I am, I went to work on what perhaps will be my most successful Ebook: HOW TO BE A STARVING ARTIST! Here are a few excerpts from the upcoming book:

1.YOUR FRIENDS OPINIONS ARE ALWAYS RIGHT
Your friends who never lie to you. Thats why they're called friends.  You're friends after all because your opinions are the same. Refuse to listen to another point of view on matters regarding your work and your career. Listen to your friends ALWAYS. they are ALWAYS right. That's why they're your friends.

2.FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR BED
The Early Bird catches the worm is a dumb saying. Who wants to eat worms for breakfast anyway? Life is really stressful. Especially when you are an artist. You need all the sleep you can.  Your bed is the only place where you can find rest and peace. Dont just settle for sleeping at night, take a couple of naps during the day your work can wait.

3 WAIT FOR THE MOOD TO HIT YOU TO WORK
Its all about mood. You work best when you are happy. Whats the point of working when you feel sad, frustrated, or when your favorite sitcom is on? Work is one of life's constants. Its always going to be here, and there is always going to be more, not less of it. Since Work is already waiting to be done anyway, why not wait until the right MOOD hits you to do it then you can just breeze through it. Anyone who says otherwise is just a workaholic.

4 ALWAYS WORK AT THE LAST POSSIBLE MINUTE
Think about it, if someone put a gun to your head and said run the 100 yard dash in 2 seconds, you'd probably do it in one second. Pressure is GOOD for you. It energizes you. it makes you decide quickly what to do. that's how ALL the professionals work, regardless of what they TELL you. 


5 WHY READ IF YOU AREN'T IN SCHOOL?
If you've gone from kindergarten to college, you've already done a lifetime of reading. Trust me, there aint nothing new in those books anyway, so why waste time reading? All the author wants to do is get rich off of you, and give you useless advice. Leave the research to the professors. It's their JOB to read, after all....

6.FORGET "PRACTICE"
Practice is something beginners need to do.You are a professional, therefore, you dont NEED it.  You're not in art school , no one is grading you, so you dont need practice EVER. .Practice is for people who dont know what they are doing.


7 LEAVE THAT "TECHIE" STUFF TO THE GEEKS
Computer technology is for geeks. Leave that stuff to the techies. You're an artist. No need to learn this stuff anyway. If something breaks down you can just call someone to fix it. 


8 THE SUPERMARKET is The ONLY MARKETING YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Marketing involves unpleasant things like Math, Research, testing.... all of those annoying left brain activities that  will just jam up your creativity. Marketers are all soul less business drones in suits. Never sell out and be one of them! always know WHO you are! An ARTIST!


9 STAY IN YOUR COMFORT ZONE.... ITS COZY THERE.
Why do you THINK it's called a "comfort zone?" It's COMFORTABLE! Duh!!!  Lets be logical here, if someone asked you to trade in your nice comfy bed and mattress, for a bed of nails, what would you say? Yeah. I THOUGHT SO!


10 STOP LIVING IN A DREAM WORLD
We dont live in our imagination, we live in reality. The reality is that things are tough. You were dealt a certain "deck"in life, and NO amount of dreaming, affirming, or wishing will ever change that. Anyone who believes otherwise is fooling themselves.  


Yep folks, there you have it. If you want to be a success, and being a starving artist,  there it is! Good luck! These techniques WORK Guaranteed!   

The Caricature Comic Connection! Character Design Ebook is out!

Its finally here, caricature /comic fans! the companion Ebook To my lecture at the April 20th Big City  Drink and Draw session held at Jack Demspeys.  This 33 page Ebook covers with words and pictures the concepts spoken about in the lecture on how to use caricature to create compelling comic characters for graphic novels and comics.The book covers different storytelling methods you can use to overcome writers block, as well as step by step instruction of how to draw live in public settings. ( The art of DIPP. Drawing In Public Places) Of course the hook is jammed packed with lots of great art done live on the Subways of New York City, and other public venues. A must have book for any comic /caricature enthusiast interested in adding more power to their character designs.Buy your copy for only $5.00!

HERES A FANTASTIC REVIEW OF THE BOOK BY AN ENTHUSIASTIC FAN!

In his new E-Book, "The Caricature/Comix Connection," Elgin Bolling
a.k.a "The Subwaysurfer" shares with the reader his unique insights
into the arts of caricature and cartooning. Based on his many years of
experience drawing live in New York City, from underground subways to
black-tie galas in high-rise penthouses, Bolling shares his extensive
knowledge of this enigmatic subject, with abundant wit and humor. Here
you'll learn his practical solutions and original theories that will
have you thinking like a caricaturist. All presented here in a highly
entertaining format, and backed up with numerous caricatures,
cartoons, and illustrations. Prepare to have some fun! Highly
recommended for both the novice and the seasoned professional. No
matter what you might have already read on the subjects of caricature
and cartooning, you can't afford to miss the mind of The Subwaysurfer!

Chris Collins
Graphic Designer and Photoshop Educator

When Somebody Believes in you

I love my life as a professional artist. It offers me a lot of rewards. Most people dread coming to work, dealing with the grind, the calls, the same old routine. For me, every work day is a new challenge. Whether I am doing a character design for a film,  drawing avatars for the next great internet mogul, or laughing with corporate execs in plush NYC Penthouses, my art has taken me places far beyond my expectations, and I look forward to even higher heights.
But it wast always that way.
Like most artists,I was  just the lonely nerdy kid who "could draw" People took me for granted, used my talent when it was convenient for them, and pretty much disposed of me  when it was time to play their reindeer games.I might have even given it up at one point if not for my cousin John.  Cousin John affirmed me a LOT as a kid. His door was always open and while he had children of his own, he always made me feel welcome and treated me like a son. John was fascinated watching me draw and encouraged me my whole life, pushing me to do better, and better.I think abotu John often but neglected visiting him  due to the distance separating us. One day a few weeks back I was working a gig near his Brooklyn home , and inspire of a torrential downpour I made the trip to his house. John was glad to see me as always, and we spoke for hours just as easily as we had always done. It was like I never left.Following a pause in our conversation, John pointed to two pictures on the wall, stating that he still had my masterpieces. To my shock John had framed two black and white pieces that Id  drawn well over twenty years ago when I was still searching for an art identity. He framed them because , he said, he knew the value of them, and said they were his favorite pictures. He then took them out of the frames made two photocopies for me, and sent me on my way with a present so valuable that I dont  have words to describe it  He Believed in me. Even before I believed in myself. Thanks John.

Caricature Quick Tip #* Dont THINK , FEEL

Was thinking about Bruce Lee's famous line from the movie, ENTER THE DRAGON, when he SLAPS this kid in the beginning of the movie, for thinking too much when he should have been FEELING. The prininciple is applicable for betting over artist block when you're staring at a blank page. Listen to the podcast, grasshopper and learn.

Be  glad that I'm not infront of you to slap you and reinforce this lesson like Master Lee had to!

Ipad Gift Caricature of a Pirate King.

In addition to party caricature, Gift caricature is one of the staples of a successful caricature business. I especially love doing gift caricatures, because it also allows me to operate in the capacity of a character designer, especially if the client, like in this case, gives me full reign to let my creative abilities run amok! . My client wanted this picture  for a buddy  who possessed  a notoriously red beard. We immediately decided on a pirate theme and I went to work. creating the red beard character here. I wanted this pirate to look kind of classy, so I took a few items from Captain Hooks closet to clothe my character. .  When doing gift caricature, If possible, I like to play with, manipulate , and borrow from cultural icons that are immediately recognizable to everyone. I do ad my own flair so that its not outright plagiarism 

Overall Im vary pleased with the gift caricature. The only thing missing is a Pirate and a bottle of rum. But we're trying to keep things nice and sober here on the subwaysurfer blogggg.

This caricature was colored beautiful in my trusty ipad using the art studio app.

My client let me know that his buddy was notorious for wearing hats, so I did give him a Fancy Pirate hat, but couldnt resist doing one without the hat also. 

Big City Drink and Draw Demo by Subwaysurfer

Caricature Quick Tip Series TOOLS

New Gift Caricature Work

logo redesign work

Publish Post

been doing a lot of freelance work Including Logo Redesign work

Subwaysurfer to speak at April 20th Big City Drink and Draw

Tomorrow evening at six I will be speaking on the subject of caricature and how it relates to sequential storytelling, and character design, as well as demonstrating/teaching my drawing method. I am also introducing two ebooks tomorrow as well. There's other great stuff going on as well, so I hope you will attend.

SnookerBingo.com Freelance work

Had a lot of fun drawing these Snooker Players for a recent client. heck, i didnt even KNOW what "Snooker" meant, it had to be explained to me! LOL! If you're into pool, as us yanks say it, then this site is definitely for you! Just make sure when you enter you stop all the loud talking. People are trying to play snooker here....http://www.snookerbingo.com/

Ipad Gift Caricatures

Avatar Logo of Kettlebell Trainer Bob Garton

Hi Folks Havent posted in a couple of days... which is GOOD...in a way. I mean if I was a STARVING artist, Id have plenty of time to post, but since Im a working artist, I have to take care of business! Ive got some great stuff coming up in the form of new Ebooks and such for you to download and learn from, as well as an upcoming seminar at Jack Dempsey Bar in NYC April 20 on the art of character design ... but more on that later

Heres one great caricature Ive worked on for client, Bob Garton , a Fitness trainer specializing in exercising with the Kettlebell. Bob has LOTS of great stuff going on at his blogsite which you can view here: http://www.bobgarontraining.com/  I highly recommend you go to Bob's site. Kettlebell training is is unlike ANY strength program that you will ever practice, and works simultaneously in developing incredible levels of balance, coordination, physical strength and flexibility.Me, I just like the kettlebells because they look so cool! LOL dont do this on your own! let trained professional like Bob show you how to do this RIGHT. 

Speaking of RIGHT, thats exactly how I drew Bobs Caricature/LOGO check it out! Bob loved it so much that he made The SUBWAYSURFER a Commercial Testimonial! hows THAT for a satisfied customer?   No need to be jealous of Bob, you TOO can get your OWN cartoon , caricature Avatar, Logo to put on your Blog, Ebook or whatever. All you need do is shoot me an email explaining exactly what you want and i will work out the details with you. 

drawing Live at a Queens Junior High School

Gift Caricature of a Couple in Love

Nothing says "LOVE" like getting a caricature done as a gift for the one your love. I was commissioned by this young man, to help him celebrate his six month anniversary to his college sweetheart.  He sent me great photos, told me her favorite colors, and within twenty four hours, he presented his girl with a versatile gift that could be used as a screensaver, used as an avatar, printed out and put on a teeshirt, mouse pad, mug, or simply as a picture to be framed.  Its that easy folks! You can also have your picture done at a very affordable price. Please contact me for details.

Actors, you can ditch your "day job " now!

Just completed this cool Ebook Project for Actor, Writer, Entrepreneur, "Bones" Rodiguez. http://www.bonesrodriguez.com/ According to Bones, if you are a working Actor, you should be a WORKING ACTOR, not a "Waiting Tables" actor. In this soon to be released Ebook, Bones gives gives actors, his proven strategies for consistantly working in the profession of acting. A MUST HAVE book for all you PERFORMERS out there, and YES I do mean ARTISTS too! Will give you the link for this as soon as its available.

This Blog is going to the DOGS! My Doggie Caricature of Butchie Dog!

Well maybe it's not going to the "DOGS" but at least ONE dog, anyway. My dog, Butchie. Butchie is my 13 year old American Staffie aka a Pitbull Deluxe. Butchie dog, as I call him, has been my constant companion for years as I sit in this lonely basement studio that is either too hot, too damp, or too cold, as I crank out caricatures, create cartoons, communicate with clients , or cry continuously because of cranky customers! LOL. It occurred to me that Ive never really drawn the one who is truly, "mans best friend" ... shhhh is my wife listening?....One day, after coming home
from a vet visit, he came into the living room, and was so happy to see his dinner waitiong, that he wagged his tail stuck out his tongue and held this pose for a couple of seconds, long enough for me to get just the gesture drawing I needed to make this great Doggie Caricature

Spotlight on Sergio Aragones

I recently came across this great series called THE COMIC BOOK GREATS where Marvel Comics frontman, STAN LEE interviews the movers and shakers of the comic book industry. In this segment, he interviews Mad Magazines, Sergio Aragones, one of my favorite cartoonists, and the creator of Groo the Barbarian.
View the online presentation HERE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=caHVIE6vItQ
Its a four part series.

Are You A Tortoise or a Hare Online?

When it comes to working style, according to Sonia Simone, Guest blogger on the Copyblogger blogsite at http://www.copyblogger.com/critical-business-question/#comment-1009018 you fall into two categories, Tortoise, or Hare. Unlike the fairy tale, this story has a happy ending for both characters. Find out which one YOU are in regards to your working style online, and discover how you can maximize your particular personality strength. The title of the article is CRITICAL ONLINE MARKETING QUESTION YOU NEED TO ANSWER NOW. There is a great audio podcast you can listen to where Sonia Simone breaks it down in an entertaining way.

If youre wondering which one I am, I would say Im a Tortoise, Hare Hybrid. A Rabbit with a shell! LOL! As a freelance artist, I have to on the one hand, get work done quickly and efficiently as my business is very competitive, and deadline sensitive. As a business person, I also have to cultivate business relationships and friendships, as well as build and maintain my brand, and that takes time and patience. If i was to decide which approach is "better" I would have to go with the Tortoise, personally. In life, and business, you will encounter a few storms. There are times that you can go full speed ahead, but must stop, regroup, and recharge. If you have a shell on your back you always have a sanctuary where you can go to find peace, and also have a defense system to repel the slings and arrows that will inevitable come your way. If you're a rabbit, you'd better watch out for foxes , wo are faster, stronger and more cunning....