Monday, May 29, 2006

Pre-Bob portfolio


Did some signings at Birstall Borders in Leeds yesterday, and fielded a query from one book-buyer as to whether I based my book characters on BOB THE BUILDER - I guess this is reflects on the character of the boy Bobby in DINOSAURS AFTER DARK, and maybe even the girls in MY DADDY. In answer, if he does check out this site, here's a character I designed and painted for a story called THE CROMBIES from way back when. It was during my "lean period" between having finished on MARS ATTACKS and searching for the next gig. Obviously, wanting to do character design and also break into publishing, illustrating a text of my own seemed like the most sensible thing. As you can see in the picture the character of Simon looks VERY like Bob (well, he does to me anyway, with the beady eyes for starters).

So yeah, I have a folio style that's recognisably "me" which certainly helps my work get noticed I suppose. The same question usually pops up re: similarities between Pilchard and FRANKENSTEIN'S CAT, but in truth my style of drawing animals like cats and dogs has been consistent for many years previous to Bob. I think I've posted FISHBONE the cat on here before now, do let me know if I haven't and I'll whack him up here as he's a good example of a pre-Bob cat that should put any queries to bed once and for all!

More pictures from THE CROMBIES to follow. For the purpose of explanation THE CROMBIES revolves around a boy who stays with the Crombies for a week in summer and all the terrible things that happen to him there...

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I shoudl mention that this picture was in our dining room till very recently. I've taken it down so as not to make potential buyers aware of exactly how warped CJ is.

dragonhead said...

"Can we be attacked by cacti? Yes - We - Can!"

Yeah, I do think you have a style that is your own.

"not to make potential buyers aware of exactly how warped CJ is."
Funny, I would want people to think that I was more warped then I already am.

Hey Jobling, think you could post an picture of your work area? I'd love to see it. :)

Jo Bling said...

My work area? Sheesh, the lads from Seed Animation would vouch for the chaos that particular area is in at the minute. I moved into my studio after Xmas and have still to unpack. To be honest most of my work is done "on the hoof", at one makeshift studio or another, and paintings have been done on the kitchen table in the past.

Indeed, as Mrs Bling points out, we're in the process of dressing the house up/down to make it available for sale. There are some buyers who might like the idea of buying a house off me but it may be best to de-personalise things to hit the widest audience. So say countless House Makeover TV shows, anyhoo...

Anonymous said...

We believe in the House Doctor.


She scares me...

dragonhead, you can't have the picture. Sorry, mate, we have to maintain the illusion that he's some sort of professional, and the dining room table covered in old towels just doesn't cut it.

I. N. J. Culbard said...

Simon looks considerably older than Bob.

Jo Bling said...

Yep, receding hairline and five o'clock shadow. Plus Bob wears Tena Mens sanitary underpants, of course.....

I. N. J. Culbard said...

You're showing me a whole new world, Mister Bling, a whole new world.

Jo Bling said...

It's the future mate. Just think, no more getting up out of bed in the wee small hours for those pesky toilet trips....

dragonhead said...

Gosh Jobling! Tena Mens sanitary underpant. Your a genious! Why didn't I think of that.