Leilani

Graphic Classics Vol 22

2011-10-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

African-American Classics is coming this December 2011!

Available for PRE-ORDER TODAY!

I'm very excited to announce that I had the opportunity to contribute artwork to the latest anthology of works from Lance Tooks. Graphic Classics is a series of books presenting great fiction in comics and illustration for contemporary readers ages 12 and up. Each volume features the works of the world's greatest authors, illustrated by some of the best artists working today in the fields of comics, illustration and the fine arts.

THE LATEST!

African-American Classics: Graphic Classics Volume 22 will present great stories and poems from America’s earliest Black writers, illustrated by contemporary African-American artists. Featured are “Two Americans” by Florence Lewis Bentley, “The Goophered Grapevine” by Charles W. Chesnutt, “Becky” by Jean Toomer, two short plays by Zora Neale Hurston, and six more tales of humor and tragedy. Also eleven poems, including Langston Hughes’ “Danse Africaine” and “The Negro”, plus Paul Laurence Dunbar’s “Sympathy” (‘I know why the caged bird sings…’) The book is edited by Graphic Classics publisher Tom Pomplun, and co-edited by longtime GC contributor Lance Tooks, with story adaptations by Alex Simmons, Christopher Priest and Mat Johnson. Art is by some of today’s best artists in the comics and illustration fields, including Kyle Baker, Afua Richardson, Trevor Von Eeden, Jeremy Love, Randy DuBurke, Stan Shaw, Milton Knight, Arie Monroe, Jim Webb, Shepherd Hendrix, Kevin J. Taylor, Leilani Hickerson, Kenjji Marshall, Keith Mallett, Larry Poncho Brown, John Jennings, Glenn Brewer, Masheka Wood, Titus V. Thomas, Mac McGill, Jimmie Robinson and Lance Tooks. FULL COLOR. Look for it December 2011.

Links:

Graphic Classics Website

To Pre-order Visit:

AMAZON

BARNES&NOBLE

JOIN ON FACEBOOK

"Buyers of Dreams" by Ethel Caution has been brought to life by artist Leilani Hickerson from a script by editor Tom Pomplun.

My QR Code Lesson Plan: Kandinsky

2011-04-01T08:27:00.000-07:00

VTS

Teacher: Leilani Hickerson

Grade Level: 11

Lesson Title: Kandinsky – Let’s paint music

Brief Introduction/History:

Kandinsky initially found the subject matter of his paintings in the folk art and fairytales of his native Russia and of Germany, his adopted country, especially in the landscape around Munich, where he lived and worked from 1896 to 1914. In 1909 he began to free color, shape, and line from the constraints of describing objects or suggesting readable narratives, increasingly dissolving the contours that separated discrete images in his pictures. Music was the prototype he adopted as he envisaged the possibility of abstract painting compositions organized to balance the allusive and the recognizable.

In his paintings and writings, Kandinsky expressed the belief that painting could be a form of visual music. This musical analogy led the artist to categorize his works as Impressions, Improvisations, or Compositions, depending on the degree of spontaneity or formalization. This Improvisation is built on subtle color harmonies applied with an agility that derives from Kandinsky’s rich experience working in watercolor.

Standards:

9.1.12A.

Know and use the elements and principles of each art form to create works in the arts and humanities.

B. Recognize, know, use and demonstrate a variety of appropriate arts elements and principles to produce, review and revise original works in the arts.

C. Know and use fundamental vocabulary within each of the art forms.

J. Apply traditional and contemporary technologies for producing, performing and exhibiting works in the arts or the works of others.

K. Apply traditional and contemporary technology in furthering knowledge and understanding in the humanities.

9.2.12A. Explain the historical, cultural and social context of an individual work in the arts.

D. Analyze a work of art from its historical and cultural perspective.

Goal:

Students will learn how to decode QR codes and complete an online painting to be posted on their online blogs.

Objectives: Students will:

1. Students will improve observational and creative skills

2. Students will explore critical thinking

3. Students will further develop computer/technology proficiency

4. Students will further develop their use of technical productivity tools

5. Students will learn how to use technology problem solving and decision making

6. Students will learn how to use Brushter software

7. Students will learn about what a QR Code is

8. Students will understand how a QR Code can be decoded

9. Students will learn how to create their own QR code

10. Students will learn how to decode and use QR code and complete an online painting

Resource Materials/Visual Aids:

· 3x3 inch QR code student example

· Live demonstration using QR code technology and Brushter online program so students may effectively observe the proper procedure of completing the lesson exercise

· NOTE* Please Update or Install the latest version Shockwave in order to run Brushter Software

Supplies/Materials:

· Computer/Laptops· Internet Access

· Smartboard

· Electronic White Board or Smart Board

· Programs: QR Code Generator/Decoder/Brushter

· Ipod or Smartphone

Teacher Preparation:

Teacher will:· Will place small 3x3 inch paper with a printed QR code (that links students to their individual blog) onto their desks

· Will provide instructions to QR lesson onto homework/class lessons page online for absentees. o QR code lesson should include numbered QR Code Images labeled as follows:

Step 1. Look Step 2.Listen Step 3 Inspiration Step4. Create

Introduction to Lesson:

Teacher will explain what QR code is and the uses of QR codes within today’s society. Teacher will ask students to log onto their lessons plans page to find links that will connect them to QR code apps for their specific mobile device. Teacher will then ask the students to use their Smartphone and scan the QR code linking them to the Philadelphia Museum of art online gallery, featuring a work from Kandinsky. Introduce the artist Kandinsky and explain to the students his history, his abstract painting technique, and how music was a source of inspiration for his pieces. Explain to students that they will be completing an abstract digital painting inspired by Kandinsky’s “Improvisation No.29”.

Kandinsky – Let’s Paint Music

Directions:

1. Show students how to scan and decode their 3x3 QR code by using their Smartphone and running their QR Reader application.

2. Tell students to log onto their online lessons plans page and to find today’s lesson entitled: Kandinsky – Let’s Paint Music, in order to complete the following lesson steps.

3. Tell students to use their Smartphone and scan the QR code Step1:Look, which will link them to the Philadelphia Museum of art online gallery, featuring a work from Kandinsky.

4. Introduce the artist Kandinsky and explain to the students his history, his abstract painting technique, and how music was a source of inspiration for his pieces.

5. Explain to students that they will be completing an abstract digital painting inspired by Kandinsky’s “Improvisation No.29” using the software Brushter.

6. Using a smartboard, show students how to use the online software Brushter. Demonstrate the tools as well as the save option upon completion of demo. Ask students what they think of the software and its navigation/handling of digital media tools.

7. Tell students to now scan the QR code found in Step2:Listen, which will link them to an online radio station (Note*CHILDREN FRIENDLY RADIO STATIONS ONLY – QR CODE example within this lesson)

8. Tell students to now scan QR code found in Step3:Inspiration, which will link them to an online image of a landscape piece to be used as inspiration for their digital painting.

9. Tell students to now scan QR code found in Step4:Create, that will link them to the online digital painting program Brushter.

10. Step4:Create. Students will now create their own digital abstract painting inspired by classical music using the program Brushter.Closure: Students will save a JPEG image of their completed Brushter abstract paintings onto their flash drives. Students will then post their paintings, song title/artist, and short 5 sentence paragraph describing their painting and experience workingwith QR code and Brushter software onto their personal blogs.

Critique/Evaluation/Assessment:

Rubric. Students will be evaluated on the following criteria: use of QR Code technology/ use of online materials/participation/ originality/ complexity of artwork attempted/craftsmanship/and competence of abstraction technique

Time Budget:

15 min – Introduction/Demonstration

25 min – Working Time

5 min – Warning to wrap up QR Code assignment and computer shutdown/ student log out

Vocabulary:

Code- is a rule for converting a piece of information (for example, a letter, word, phrase, or gesture) into another form or representation (one sign into another sign), not necessarily of the same type.

Encoding - the process by which information from a source is converted into symbols to be communicated.

Decoding - is the reverse process, converting these code symbols back into information understandable by a receiver.

Barcode - A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the object to which it attaches.

QR Code – A two-dimensional matrix bar code that is used to identify products. It can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric or 7,089 numeric characters.

Matrix Code - Also known as a 2D barcode or simply a 2D code, which is a two-dimensional way of representing information.

Smart Phone - is a mobile phone that offers more advanced computing ability and connectivity than a contemporary feature phone.

Abstraction – Abstraction indicates a departure from reality in depiction of imagery in art. This departure from accurate representation can be only slight, or it can be partial, or it can be complete.

Safety Concerns: None

Bibliography/References:

- Philadelphia Museum of Art: Kandinsky

- Radio Time:Classical 102

- Brushter Online Painting Software

- Kaywa QR Code Generator

- Shockwave Installer

- Pentax Digital Image Galleries

- IPHONE QR Code Readers

- ANDROID QR Reader

Black Comix

2010-02-06T12:40:00.001-08:00

Black Comix
Originally uploaded by lanitai

It's my pleasure to be apart of John Jennings and
Damian Duffy's fantastic new book Black Comix:African American Independent Comics, Art and Culture.

The immense popularity of comics and graphic novels cannot be ignored. But in light of the comics boom that has taken place over the past 10 years the artists, writers and publishers that comprise the vibrant African American independent comics community have remained relatively unknown, until now.

From Damian Duffy & John Jennings, "Black Comix" brings together an unprecedented collection of largely unheard of, and undeniably masterful, comics art while also framing the work of these men and women in a broader historical and cultural context.

With a foreword by Keith Knight and over 50 contributors, including Phonzie Davis, Jan-Michael Franklin, Frances Liddell, Kenjji Marshall, Lance Tooks, Rob Stull, Ashley A. Woods and more, the cross section of comics genres represented includes manga, superheroes, humor, history, science fiction and fantasy. This book is a must-have for comics readers of a wide variety of tastes and ages.

Preview Images

Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

Visit the Black Comix Official Website

New York Comic Con 09!

2009-02-11T20:09:00.001-08:00

NY-con09-002
Originally uploaded by lanitai

This was the first year my sister and I went to NY together. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend some quality sister time than at THE NEW YORK COMIC CON! It is one of thee BIGGEST and BEST comic cons around! My first year at the con was sweet! It was held inside the Javits Center in NYC, only a few blocks away from NY Penn Station. So I was hyped to know that I wouldn’t have to walk to the corners of the earth to get some fresh comic book paraphernalia.

I went up there to meet up with the terrible trio Robert Garrett (the creator of GALTOW and President of XMOOR Studios), Steven Harris (creator of The Brotherhood of the Fringe), and Eric Battle (comic book artist extraordinaire). Their latest comics and merchandise were set up point blank range from the entrance, located within the Shimmer Concepts Media booth. Not only was their set up amazing, their books and products were flying of the tables like it was the day before Christmas! I couldn’t even really talk to them considering I was be jabbed in the chest from all corners from fans trying to squeeze their face inside their booth.

As I made my adventures through the con I was able to meet and greet with some of the best comic book artist on the planet. I can’t name them all, but to name a few: Paul Azaceta, Gregory Titus, Delva, and Jeff Wamester. My home boy’s: Shawn Alleyne, Chuck Collins, Jared Blando, Zancois Rice - his buddy Andrew Ferrer, Marcus Embry and the crew from Ground Up Studios!

One of the most exciting things about the con was meeting the very lovable Teyon Alexander (3D-Artist, Graphic Designer, and Illustrator). Teyon was set up at the Manga Studios and Art Rage Booth located in the center of the convention. I nearly pee’d my pants when I saw that he was using the new Wacom Cintiq 21UX! To be in a Cintiq’s presence is amazing…kinda like standing in front of a grizzly bear, you want to touch it, but it’s still oh so scary! But no need to fear, because the handler (Teyon) was there to make sure I wouldn’t get bit. He gently sat me down in front of the “God of all Cintiq’s” and said…”Go on…give it a shot”.

As I gripped the pen tool between my quivering fingers, I looked up to Teyon for approval. He smiled gently as he gave me the nod to go. I felt as though my internal organs exploded from excitement. “Look Margie, I’m drawing!” I said to my sis, but she and Teyon were so deep into computer lingo to give me an ounce of attention.

The program I was drawing with is one of the newest digital coloring software called Art Rage. Art Rage literally is all the rage and completely sold out at the convention! The platform - easy, the navigation - clean and efficient, and it has an easier set up than Photoshop! I was able to bust out a character designer in less than 2 minutes! MAN OH MAN! It will be mine.

All and all the convention was a blast and I can’t wait to go again next year to find the latest comics, network with some amazing artist, and get up with all my artist buddies! See you at the next con!

Me and My Buddie Marcus!

View More Photos

Know Your Worth! Artist Wake Up Call!

2009-02-04T10:57:00.001-08:00

Guild Handbook
Originally uploaded by lanitai

Graphic Artists Guild Handbook: Pricing & Ethical Guidelines

If the art world had its own church, this would be our BIBLE! This book is for every type of artist, whether you’re an illustrator, graphic designer, web designer, author, publisher etc. If you’re working freelance, for a major or minor company, it doesn’t matter. You NEED this book.

Graphic Artists Guild Handbook Is THEE best book I have ever purchased in my creative profession. This is the ultimate reference book for design and illustration professionals. I can tell you from firsthand experience that there are employers out there who are ready to rip off a talented artist out of what they deserve but let me tell you something. It’s not their fault, it’s YOUR fault. If you don’t know your business and what your work is valued at how are you supposed to live as an artist?!

As an artist, it’ll take more than determination, motivation, and your mad art skills to get you going. You already had that from Jump Street. What you need NOW is essential business knowledge 101.This book is the cornucopia of knowledge. With this book you will never go hungry. It has everything from prices, practices, copy right information, contracts and more!

The Graphic Artists Guild Handbook will help you get your art career started the RIGHT way. I even recommend this book to people who’ve been in the biz for years.

Don’t slack on your business knowledge because the people who are using your talents to survive aren’t.

Links:
Graphic Artist Guild Handbook Info
Get your copy NOW!

Opening Night Photos!

2009-01-31T16:56:00.001-08:00

Beyond The Frame Exhibition
Originally uploaded by lanitai

Beyond the Frame: African American Comic Book Artist
Exhibition: January 24, 2009 – April 26, 2009

Opening night for the Beyond the Frame gala was a huge success. The response has been utterly incredible. People from far and wide, young and old came to see the remarkable work of such a great collective of artist.

I would like to thank you all personally for attending the show. I hope you all enjoyed and will continue to enjoy the art of comics. Spread the word and bring your family and friends to view the work of comic book artist such as:

• Robert Stull
• Eric Battle
• Sanford Greene
• Keron Grant
• Larry Stroman
• Dexter Vines
• Khary Randolph
• Ken Lashley
• Hannibal King
• Kyle Baker
• Jerry Craft
• John Jennings & Damain Duffy
• Charles Goubile
• Afua Richardson
• Ashley Woods
• Kenjji Marshall
• Stacey Robinson
• Leilani & Margarita Hickerson (^_^)

Special thanks to: Duncan Cardillo (curator of exhibitions) and staff at the Flint Institute of Arts for working so hard putting together such a beautiful show. Special thanks also goes to John Jennings and Damian Duffy for their seamless partnership with the institute in helping bring this show to life.

More Photos To Come!
Enjoy!

Artist Spotlight – Ted Kim

2009-01-27T23:04:00.001-08:00

UFH cover
Originally uploaded by lanitai

Not only do I love Ted Kim’s illustrations, I love that fact that he is a family man and educator. He provides outstanding digital coloring tutorials online that I’m obsessed with. I’ve seen his illustrations everywhere and come to find out he’s a really down to earth guy who is obsessed with all the things I hold dear to my heart: music, movies, cartoons, comics, ice cream, and chocolate!

Ted Kim is a renowned Illustrator and Concept Artist noted for his vibrant mix of street-style manga character designs. With Ted’s outstanding skill with digital paints and heavy texturing he provides a uniquely fresh style to his dynamic illustrations.

He’s provided illustrations for the latest and hottest RPGs, books and animations on the market:

•Full Auto, recipient of the ‘Award for Best FX’, 2006 ELAN Awards

• Pseudo Interactive, nominated for ‘Rookie Studio of the Year’, 2002 GDC Awards

•Cel Damage, nominated for ‘Game Innovation Spotlight’, 2002 GDC awards

•Joyride Studios, Cel Damage toys based on Ted's character designs (He still gets a kick out of that)

Leilani’s Q&A with Ted Kim

Q: Ted, when did you discover your awesome talent for drawing?

A: I've always loved drawing but it took me a long time to realize it was something I wanted to pursue as a career. After completing a degree in finance, I realized I'd much rather draw superheroes than crunch numbers!

Q: I’m inspired by all different types of artists. Who are the other artists that inspire you and why so?

A: There's a huge range really. I love the new wave of comic book artists like Skottie Young and Sean 'Cheeks' Galloway. But If I were to pinpoint 2 artists that really inspired me to pursue illustration it would have to be Jim Lee and Bruce Timm.

Q: As artists there are trials and tribulations that we go through. What kinds have you experienced while pursuing your passion?

A: The biggest thing I think is getting use to the volatile nature of the industry. Its equal parts exciting and stressful. Now that I'm a freelancer it can be even more challenging with a family to support but what's life without challenges? Boring!

Q: Now spill! What type of projects can we expect from you in the near future?

A: Currently I'm working on an educational graphic novel for children and I'm in the middle of producing my first art book which should come out sometime this year (2009).

Q: Words of wisdom. What advice can you give to the many aspiring artists and illustrators out there?

A: Two words - Never Stop. Never stop drawing and studying art and other artists. Never stop challenging yourself. Never turn away from constructive criticism and never stop networking. You have to keep drawing to be seen, and you have to be seen to keep drawing!

Thank You Ted. You're AWESOME!

Ted's Links

Ted Kim - Website

Ted Kim - Youtube

Ted Kim - Blogspot

______________________________

Artists inspire me every day of my life. They are my friends, mentors and colleagues who work hard every day pursing their passion. They drive me to become a better artist than I was last week or even five minutes ago. Keep looking toward these people to guide you and push you towards becoming the best artist you can be! Build strong connections, help your fellow artist and remember to always DREAM BIG!

~Leilani

USOUL MAG Issue 4 Featured Artist

2009-01-19T23:07:00.001-08:00

USOUL MAG_4
Originally uploaded by lanitai

USOUL MAGAZINE is a quarterly publication that aims to celebrate progressive urban soul music and more! It is sold in many locations including: CA, NY, FL, CT, IN, MA, IL, MD, NJ, and much much more!

Featured in this latest issue are interviews with Musiq SoulChild, Cherisse, Sean Ace, K-Love, Elaine Faye, and Rashid Hadee. If you would like to view these articles online, be sure to visit USOUL MAG'S website! Pick up your copy today!

I'm honored to be the featured artist spotlight in USOUL'S latest issue released this January. It is a 2 page artist interview including images of my newest work.

Thanks So Much!

USOULMAG myspace page
USOUL MAG official site

Beyond The Frame Exhibition!

2009-01-19T17:44:00.001-08:00

beyondtheframe
Originally uploaded by lanitai

January 24, 2009 – April 26, 2009

Beyond the Frame: African American Comic Book Artists
Temporary Exhibition Gallery
Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts

Brought to you by the great minds of John Jennings, Damian Duffy and Duncun Cardillo.

Hello Everyone. This week is the grand opening of this fantastic exhibit. The work of great artist will be showcased including work from my upcoming kids comic book My Hafu™! Don't miss it!

Beyond the Frame: African American Comic Book Artists presents the work of African American artists working in commercial, self-published, and web-based comic book and graphic novel genres. The exhibition will reflect a cross-section of artists, some well established, others emerging and active in new areas of publication, such as Internet-based web comic art.

Beyond the Frame explores the styles and subject matter of artists working in the commercial sector, as well as those whose work emphasizes culturally relevant themes of racial identity, family life, hip-hop culture, and African American history. Organized by the FIA with assistance from veteran comic book industry artist Robert Stull, and John Jennings, Professor of Art and Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the exhibition will be presented in coordination with educational and art school programming at the Flint Institute of Arts.

DREAM BIG!

Flint Institute of Arts Exhibition Details
Beyond The Frame: African American Comic Book Artists
Location Details
Flint Institute of Arts

COMING SOON!

2008-12-24T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hello all. I have already started production of some wearable art. In the Spring of 2009 I will embarking on the wonderful adventure of merchandising some of my artwork.

In the works

Custom Hand Painted Sneakers (limited edition, made to order)
T-Shirts
Tote Bags and more!

SNEAK PEAK

THE WORK IN PROGRESS!

Colored Panels

2008-12-21T20:10:00.000-08:00

Here are a few colored Panels from My Comic.
Thanks for Looking!

Beyond The Frame Exhibition

2008-12-18T18:56:00.000-08:00

I'm so happy to say that I am apart of another comic book exhibition being held at the Flint Institute of Arts in Flint, MI.

Beyond The Frame: African American Comic Book Artists

Date: January 23, 2009 - April 26, 2009
Place: Flint Institute of Arts - 1120 E. Kearsley Street, Flint MI 48503 - 1915

Organized by the FIA and John Jennings, Professor of Art and Design, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Beyond the Frame: African American Comic Book Artists presents a cross section of young and mature artists, some well established and others self-published. The exhibition explores a wide range of styles and subject matter, from artists working in the commercial genres and the emerging field of Internet "webcomics," to those whose work addresses themes of racial identity, urban life, hip-hop culture, and African American family life.

Flint Exhibitions

USOUL Magazine Model Artist Profile

2008-12-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

I had the opportunity to have a model/artist profile done in the latest issue of USOUL Magazine. USOUL MAG is a quarterly publication that aims to celebrate independent progressive urban culture in areas pertaining to fashion, musics, arts, business and more!

USOUL MAG Issue 3
USOUL MAG Myspace

Photography Provided by: Kennedy DeSousa of Kennedy DeSousa Photography.

Speed Coloring Video

2008-12-17T10:58:00.000-08:00

This speed coloring video was produced by my sister Margarita and Illustrated/Colored By Yours Truly. This is a panel from our upcoming kids comic book My Hafu©™. This video goes through my step by step process: laying down flats to rendering with brushes in Photoshop.

Out Of Sequence Exhibition

2008-12-17T05:26:00.000-08:00

My sister and I have the opportunity to be apart of a great exhibit called Out of Sequence:Underrepresented Voices in American Comics. On display are my comic book illustrations and my sister's Digital Video. The pieces are from our upcoming kids comic entitled MY HAFU©. Please come and enjoy the work of many fine artist!

Premiere Location

Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion in Champaign, IL
Date: October 24,2008 - January 4,2009

Traveling to:
Doshisha University in Kyoto, Japan
Date: November 13th & 14th 2008

The Lab at Belmar in Lakewood,CO
Date: January 28,2009 - April 28, 2009

More show updates to come!

Out of Sequence:Underrepresented Voices in American Comics Exhibition

Despite recent attention to the history and development of comics, the steps required to create a new canon have been limited and incomplete. Out of Sequence continues and expands on investigations such as Masters of American Comics, presented in 2005 by UCLA's Hammer Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, by showcasing areas of sequential art that might otherwise be overlooked or underappreciated. These areas include the work of women and minority artists and small press and webcomics creators. The exhibition will explore alternate histories of American comics and suggest some of the limitless possibilities for the medium in the past, present, and future, from early newspaper strips to the Internet and virtual narratives in simulated three-dimensional space.

The People Who Made It Happen: John J. & Damian D.

My Sister Margarita
Me

The Great Ashley A. Woods!

My Work

Exhibition Pictures
Exhibition Information