Creativity with PencilBrush

The latest groundbreaking trend for illustrators and artistes is the PencilBrush, a hi-end yet user-friendly and innovative pencil that works like a brush, just the way you want it.



Bigbrosworkshop had invited me to attend an 'Introduction to PencilBrush' workshop curated by the creator himself, Alex Tarusha. Alex had demonstrated us the fastest tricks and tips to draw portraiture or figure using Pencil Brush and it took me just 3 minutes to produce something that I would normally achieve in 30 mins or so. Among top Malaysian illustrator such as Michael Chuah (Gilamon), KidChan (The Illustrator), 100Tentacles, ActionTintoy, Kenji @ BlackFriday, UrbanCreatures, Lisa Lee, Najib a.k.a Artech, Kenzy, MAWS along others.





We had such an enlightening experience and the outcome of using Pencilbrush is truly unexpected and different from our usual stroke that most of us had achieved using permanent marker.

"A handheld tool that is as simple as charcoal, gives you the precision of a mechanical pencil and the sketchy feel of a normal pencil. In short, a smart tool that offers large area coverage and a sharp tip for details that at the same time can serve as a dynamic liner. All this in one single tool with just one tip!" - Alex.

PencilBrush gives a different, extended volume of stroke, 3-4 times faster from a single pencil could achieve. It's a great exercise and it provide you a greater consciousness of how you control your tool in producing different outcome from different movement and control.

PencilBrush, (RM 89.90 Retail Price) is available at selected art store and stationary shop like Art Friend, The Gardens Midvalley & Venus Art & Stationery, No. 90, Jalan Petaling, Kuala Lumpur and Cziplee in Bangsar. I'll update you more location of how you can own this fascinating tool to create wonderful artworks. You can also contact Bigbrosworkshop via email to purchase your order: info[at]bigbrosworkshop.com or visit http://www.bigbrosworkshop.com to place your order.

Meantime, checkout the video tutorials available at Pencilbrush.com.

Video Intro:



Photos from the workshop:

From left: Tintoy, Chunwoei & wife, Helen, Muid (me), Alex Tarusha, Euseng, Kenji, Shy (from JB),  Suki, Michael Chuah (sitting) & Lisa Lee (Liselle).

_

Tatapan Dari Sanubari

Daku berkarya

Berbulan tak terkira badan dan mindaku ditempatkan di arena kerjaya yang cukup mencabar, dibanjiri satu demi satu masalah dan penyelesaian. Walaupun retak badan mengenangkan periuk nasi, yang penting nikmat diberi Ilahi memberikan seribu satu penghargaan dan kesyukuran.


Sumber rezeki terkini

Barangkali doa ibu bapa, adik beradik dan rakan-rakan mengutuhkan pancaroba kehidupan ini agar terus mencari rezeki, dan setakat ini, aku sendiri kagum dengan diriku atas kemampuan yang dapat dilakukan, dan ketabahanku direalisasikan berkat pengalaman dan hubungan dari industri kreatif.


Akhirnya, sebuah karya dari mata fikirku.


Karya terbaru untuk pameran KLue / UOX pada 13 Disember ini, di Sg. Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur.


Menjadi seorang pengkarya bukanlah sekelip mata, tanpa rancangan, penerokaan dan pengalaman serta bakat, kita nan membuahkan hasil yang memberikan sesuatu yang prestij. Sekilas bertutur bersama seorang ketua pensyarah di kolej seni kreatif terkenal di Bandar Sunway, beliau meluahkan rasa kagum atas kebolehanku mengagih bakat dalam pelbagai perkara dan menyampaikan sesuatu dengan baik untuk pelajar-pelajarnya. Mungkin kerana aku bukan bengis seperti pengarah-pengarah seni terkenal yang hanya ingin melindungi kelemahan diri mereka dengan berwatakkan kemegahan dengan banjiran pengiktirafan industry sebaliknya gagal memberikan ilmiah kepada masyarakat, turut mengutuk dan mencaci pereka muda dan artisan yang berdikari seperti saya. Jangan getar, selagi ada daya, aku akan terus berkarya dan terus memberikan anugerah yang diinspirasikan oleh Ilahi.

Fajar di Bukit Lagong, Sungai Buloh



Kami jurugambar-jurugambar Flickr Malaysia sekali lagi melapangkan masa kami dengan aktiviti terkini untuk merakamkan gambar dari tapak nurseri pesakit kusta di Sungai Buloh. Ia sebuah tempat yang memberikan seribu satu pengalaman yang membekalkan keindahan alam, dan penempatan masyarakat yang terperincil dan amat harmoni.



Julat Dinamik Tinggi (HDR) adalah antara konsep yang ingin dikecapi seterusnya mengunakan banyak kaedah suntingan gambar untuk memberikan lebih kualiti dan dinamik.


Dingin

Diri mencari sebuah jawapan mengenai cinta. Cinta itu suatu perasaan kompleks buat kamus kehidupan kerana aku seringkali dipupuk dengan perasaan negatif untuk membuka hatiku untuk melemahkan hatiku ini. Setiap sudut ingin mencari rasa yang dapat memenuhi kekosongan dan kesepian, namum tak selamanya bahagia kerana ragu-ragu yang hadir mengoyakkan ketulusan untuk bercinta.

Satu epilog yang indah tetapi kekekalan yang tak akan dikecapi. Aku akan sentiasa dihantui kekosongan, walaupun cinta lain diwarkahkan dari keluarga dan rakan tersayang.

Buatmu

Pedih, By Muid Latif

Pedih, satu perasaan ulung membara jiwa,
Melilit tangisan pilu membanjiri sanubari,
Tertanya kesangsian yang meretakkan harapan,
Kerna kesilapan aku kecilkan duniaku sepi.

Cinta senang dihembus kata,
Entah mana pula perasaan terkira,
Disudut ini goyang pemikiran,
Pendirianku dulu kukuh kian pudar.

Hadirmu dimana?
Pelukmu dimana?
Mata mindaku kepadamu mana?
Hilang perasaanku dimana?

Pengorbananku memberi seribu keikhlasan,
Saat ku memerlukanmu mengiringi kehampaan,
Kau getarkan keraguanmu dengan ungkitanku,
Sering salah tingkah lakuku dimatamu.

Kini ku mengulangi kesilapanku,
Kerana impianku yang diidamkan musnah,
Lalu aku pergi membawa diri,
Hanya kekosongan duka mengiringi destinasiku.

_
Ditulis tulus dari sanubari yang rendah dan terkilas, lara mencari kegelapan.

Another Day in Jazzland

Interlude

To be able to find my time to write this blog would be refreshing, as I manage to finish of a lot of works on my plate. I got so many things to write about, but for now, I want to share my experience for the last one month. Hope all of you enjoy and inspire.

The Office @ Sinktuary

World Congress of IT (WCIT 2008)



A clean cut design work that will be featured in Jalan Pinang billboard, and finally to work on a widget for event countdown. Yeay indeed!

Penang e-Creative Open Challenge

An inspiring event I should say. I was invited as chief judge to evaluate the entries by local talents and I'm very inspired and flattered during and after the judging process, not to forget to meet new friends. As usual, judging is not easy and it takes a lot of consideration and evaluation to identify interesting subject message from the contestants.

I had hard time, because all of them are good, and to my surprise, they are all young, and we are talking about 14-15 year old school kids who enjoy watching Animax and read manga comics. The work produced is very well produced, and they use WACOM to do this. No joke for that!


Above artwork is made by the grand prize winner. Congrats to Reona Dawn! Her presentation is up to international standard, and she plans to study on Game Design & Programming. All the best girl!

Personal Updates

Adobe Design Achievement Awards 2008



Never in my life would be so lucky to be approached by Adobe Design Achievement Awards committee to be a part of their wonderful campaign. This year, Digital Malaya Project (DMP) had been invited to become Adobe ADAA Media Supporter, and I would like to give my thousand appreciation to Ms Carole Guevin, who is one of the outreach committee member and also the founder of the super-famous Netdiver. Morever, receiving a precious gift from them, the Adobe Design CS3 Premium software will make me more productive after getting this macbook pro baby. I'm planning to buy Office of Mac, Adobe Lightroom & Aperture 2 soon. Of course, we, DMP on our end need to promote this prestigious event to our local schools and colleges. I managed to get sponsors like EcazStudios and others (Jay & Vivian) to help me promote, so I thank those who supported Adobe and DMP.

Talk about DMP, I'm just trying to buy time to revamp back the site. It's been ages that I have not contribute any content accept major promo and updates. After reading 'Destroy The Web 2.0 Look' from Sireh & Cengkeh Terpilih, it made me pretty clear about myself as a designer, NOT to bow down on Web 2.0 look, entirely. We call ourself a designer but we are not if you kept on using design templates provided by wordpress and ready made templates, which includes following other people trends, but not yours? It's definitely a waste, and also a conflict of identity that you had been trying for, and as for me, I ain't going to give it up just because of the trends and so called 'the in-thing' that I myself need to follow, when back in 2001-2002, we already have explore the usage of JavaScript, Applets and DHTML. With the Web 2.0 look, or those ready-made template by other designer will will only weaken us as a designer. You can do everything according to the trend, but don't let all of your work be at one style. These days, Flash website gets more control because of FLEX and it's seamless interactivity. Thanks to Syed for bringing this great feature in his website. To us who have the pride of calling ourselves designers, do your design according to your own style and identity, but technically improve on back-end, whether integrating with a good CMS or a funkilicios ActionScript for your works.

Weekend Breakaway

Last weekend (29-30 March) had been another blast as I spent my time with my fellow Saladin artists such as Sandra, Remy, Hanie & Immo to go out for a sketch-session at the National Birdpark in Kuala Lumpur. I got so caught up with 'Toco Toucan' and Malabar Pied Hornbill species. Managed to get some sketches done, though I have to rush for Yahoo! Malaysia Flickr 2nd Anniversary Party at Pelita Hati Gallery, with another special freestyle dance performance by me :P

Photography: Going on Travel Photography, most likely.



Meantime, my photo work of Niah Great Caves has been shortlisted in the National Geographic 'Daily Dozen' for April 1, 2008. A big thanks to k.a.b.i.r, my KLickr pal who had informed me.

Digital Malaya @ PeKOMIK Mini Convention



I was invited by Azhar, chief of Malaysian Comic Association (PEKOMIK) to give a talk at the PeKOMIK Mini Convention last weekend, 6th of April. I was so honoured to be presenting my work with the attendance of fellow artists including the legendary Ujang. His talk was awesome, inspiring and hilarious.

RECAP: Get Mooovable Moving Art Exhibition

This show went with a great success, follow by strong support by my friends, mostly from Flickr Malaysia. Our exhibition was also featured in two magazine, one is Space, volume 1: 2008 and March's KLuE with name mentioned and artwork displayed. It was also one of my very rare event, because I had performed two dance session. I pay my greateast respect to two special individual, Jay Lim & Vivian Toh for putting up such a successful event and to be able to handle and coordinate very smooth. You guys are in my heart.


Muid & Friends


Muid's performance.

Artwork Updates: 3 fresh from the Oven

I managed to do some illustration on my flight to Penang, so this illustration was created 27 feet tall. Cherry Bomb! (Joan Jet)


'If Dreams Are Miracle', by Muid Latif


'Exploration: In Her Mind', By Muid Latif

I'm also digging up my old illustration and managed to rework on some including my current work-in-progress for the Hijau exhibition this June.


'The Punishment', by Muid Latif


W.I.P, 'Hizhou', for HIJAU Exhibition, this June 2008.

The Trip: Java Jazz

Back in 1994, when TV3 introduce us to Benson & Hedges: 'Golden Dreams', I used to remember that I wrote a letter to them about my golden dream to meet someone that I adore, someone that I constantly listen to back when I was wearing that green pale pants and white school uniform, imagining that someday I would meet Kenneth Edmonds, probably known as Babyface. His music had pretty much influence my life, my creativity and my interest for r&b and soul music. So when my sister bugs me about Jakarta's Java Jazz Festival, I had a flat chance to go there because of my workload, but thanks to my dear boss, I was able to go there! To know Incognito, D'Sound and Park Drive will be performing in that prestigious event, I felt there's no reason I should not waste my weekend by not going there. So later we tag along with our friends like Oya, Halimi Saidi, Atilia, our dearest local singer, and her konco-konco, Fizar Harun, Jerry, Fid Fathir (he's a cool dude!), David, Eric Li, Donna, Teejay, Comel, Roslan Wikinson (hope I spell the name right), and our dearest soul-lady, Salamiah Hassan and the rest.





A week before, my sister asked me if I would like to buy the special ticket to watch Bobby Cadwell and Babyface, but I rather spear my money for shopping, because I'm up for that. Going to Jakarta is like heading back to your second home, because I got lot's of memories and friends there. I know it's such a waste not to see Babyface performs, but on Sunday the 9th itself, set the most historical date of my life. This is how the story goes;


In front of Aquarius Record Store.

After shopping tons of CD at Aquarius in Pondok Indah, I kept on whining to Abby to go to EX Mall nearby Sarinah Mall (I think so!) because I want to get that delicious Japanese food that I ate early last year when I attended the Massive Offline conference. But instead, Abby told me to head back to Jakarta Convention Centre so we can arrive early to the show.

So we went there. We took the tunnel from The Sultan Hotel. There's a moment when we about to pass the lobby and I said to myself, 'If only I can see babyface..', and a few second, I saw a tall American-African came out of the lift alone. I immediately shout lightly to Abby and I said, 'Sh!t, that's Kenneth, Babyface!'. I lost all my sense and run towards him and greeted him 'Kenneth'. To my surprise, there's not even one assistant was near him. I ask him if we could take a photo of us together with him and I know that time, he was rushing for his show. He said 'yeah, sure'. It's just out of the world to know that suddenly I have a chance to meet him. I shake my hands and I told him thanks and said it's an honour to meet him. Right after we took the photos with him, three of his assistant start to chase him and ask him to leave for the show. I thank to Abby, and God for making that moment a day to remember.


So, this is for the cool in me, and Babyface!

The 3 days event is a blast, with a lot of fun and laughter. Finally I managed to get my hands of the famous Krispy Kreme, the most delicious donut. I also bump into my friends, and they are Azlan Abu Hassan @ Soulguy, and Omar K! Me and Azlan goes way back and we have been chatting since 2002 but never meet him in person, but Java Jazz made a great meeting point for us. Thanks Azlan, for recognizing me and to hang out with us. It was also a pleasure to meet Omar K, one of Malaysia latest new fresh producers who made great composition.





Parkdrive, as smooth as jamiroquai+incognito.

It was a pleasure to be able to stand in front of them and enjoyed their performance and meet them in person. Thanks to our brother lead guitar of Atilia's genious band, David, who's also a natural-born photographer, for hooking us up with the Park Drive's musician, Rayendra (Ray).





Transform: Masterforce!



More collection, more orders including the cool G1 Encore Omega Supreme. I managed to get Skylynx (but ain't really likin' it) and managed to get two precious Masterforce series, the Powermaster Lightfoot and Powermaster Dreadwing.

Outro: Kembara Hati

Being grateful and thankful to God, for giving such high spirit and awakening. Friends comes and goes, but to some friends, you made such a wonderful journey for me. Thanks again for your kind support, and thanks for accepting me for who I am, and for the worst of me.

I recently had a great smoking-break with a colleague of mine and we had discuss about relationship. I conclude his input that inspired me.

I will no longer push everyone to be in my shoe because they can't be as I am. I have to learn to accept that very small part of a person character, regards to the limitation they have. I understand some people can be comfortable within their box, within their own comfort zone and I will not push them to go as what I am. Some people are afraid to share their past experiences because they afraid of loosing, and I may no longer doubt or question them. Let them know me, and I let myself learn just little, as long as they are happy.

I revisited my mistakes and my failure once again, and in time and space, I will find my way again.

Up Against The Wind - Lori Perry

Day after Day seems like I push against the clouds
They just keep blocking out the sun
It seems since I was born
I've wakened every blessed morning
Down on my luck and up against the wind
Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
You'll do fine, you'll be good, you'll get by

Night after night seems like I rage against the moon
But it don't ever light the dark I curse the falling rain
But it won't stop for my complaining
Down on my luck and up against the wind

Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
You'll do fine, you'll be good, you'll get by

Swimming against the tide and striking the indifferent air
I'm swinging with empty hands
Driving that empty dream

Day after Day I fend myself against heat
But it don't ever cool the breeze
Don't you stop, don't you run, don't you cry
You'll do fine, you'll be good, you'll get by

_
It's time to blow that candle, and sit in a silent darkness, but not as a lone moth, but a free hummingbird, ready to sing beautifully.

A Neu Creative 2008: Reinvent & Rebuilt

" Becoming an art director does not require years of art director school, even if one existed. It does however, demand a smattering of many competencies derived from varied educational and work experiences. Certain art directors are better at photography or illustration, while others are more adept with motion or three-dimensional space (3D), but overall, to be a good art director one must know how to delegate - who to call for best work to achieve the final product, which is ultimately the result of C O L L A B O R A T I O N "

- Stever Heller, The Education of Art Director, Allworth Press Publishing.

Interlude: 2008, Expression of A Self-Taught Designer

I exist to build upon and rework on things that inspire me. Most important is to share what I had discovered and collaborate with creative people around me; so I can achieve various final products. I want to restore what is left of our ancestors and what truly unique which most people have neglected and thought our roots was a redundant argument. I know at this moment, at this point, after 28 years, I do achieve something bigger than receiving awards, I don’t need to go to Yale to tell people what a person think, but most important is to let others understand what they can adapt, not by a fixed rationale that can be followed in books. It's also to let both of you and I understand and appreciate the talent that God has given us and channel to various products for either living and other social contributions. This is not only by words, but practically I do execute it and I'm able to understand WITHOUT following what people like rather to create their own style and identity.

When I talk about being a designer, I would not prefer to say that I am a mainstream designer, I want to be different. I want to be called as a 'neo-soul' designer. And that is why today I am known for my identity. Most people tried to deny what I do due to the level of envious (constantly bitchin') because I am capable of scoring each field well, not to sound very swaggering but rather fulfilled, positive and certain of my capability as a human, and this talent, came from Above (Praise God!). Every composition of my designs or artworks is written like music. It's how you arrange the bass, percussion, keyboard, piano, guitar and the melody.

Fascinating Nusantara



For all that I know, and ensure, I want to remain on carrying the oriental elements in my artwork because it's simply beauty and unique that not all Malaysian or any new young artists or designer do. I am very much serious about what I stand for, and I try to go as deep as possible, not only to study on Malay Wood Carving or Batik, but to go back to the history of Majapahit, back in the 14th Century, and the rest of the history of South East Asia. I managed to buy a lot of books covering from arts and history, and due to my several meet-up with Dr. Zubin, I gain more knowledge and interest. That's why I want to visit Angkor Watt in early 2008. Few months back when I was heavily involve on the Interactive Kiosk development for MOSTI Angkasawan Programme, I manage to study about Seaweed. To my surprise, my mind had been broaden even more, and how excited I am to see my organic creation is similar to the studies of seaweed, such as the Chadophora, Dumontia Contorta, Turner and much more.

The debate is very simple, (in Bahasa Melayu): "bila bangsa lain mula bercerita tentang kepakaran mereka menyelidik mengenai asal usul nenek moyang kita, mulalah kita yang Melayu panas satu badan, walhal punca utamanya datang dari kita, kerana kita mengendahkan dan memperkecilkan keindahan budaya kita. Orang luar sibuk terkial-kial menyelidik tentang seni dan budaya kita, bahkan kita teragung-agung dan menjilat budaya orang lain (European whatsoever). Apakah persoalannya bila kita mengikut aliran Bahaus, kita diiktiraf sebagai pereka yang ada kelas? Takkan ke mana jua. Jadi, fikir-fikirkan lah, dan sila beringat-ingat tentang kekayaan budaya kita yang ada, yang terunggul unik". Learn it well. Even a good mentor of mine, Mr. Joshua Davis reminded us how beautiful and rich our culture is.

What is Srivijaya?

Srivijaya, Sriwijaya, Shri Bhoja, Sri Boja or Shri Vijaya (200s-1300s) was an ancient Malay kingdom on the island of Sumatra which influenced much of the Malay Archipelago. Records of its beginning are scarce while estimations range from the 3rd to 5th centuries AD, but the earliest solid proof of its existence dates from the 7th century; a Chinese monk, I-Tsing, wrote that he visited Srivijaya in 671 for 6 months; the Kedukan Bukit Inscription is dated 683.The kingdom ceased to exist between 1200 and 1300 due to various factors, including the expansion of Majapahit.In Sanskrit, sri means "shining" or "radiant" and vijaya means "victory" or "excellence".

• "Malays praticed Buddhism, Hinduism, and their native Animism before converting to Islam in the 15th century."
• The Malay Archipelago is a vast archipelago located between mainland Southeastern Asia (Indochina) and Australia. Straddling the Indian and Pacific Oceans, this group of some 20,000 islands, the world's largest archipelago by area, constitutes the territories of Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, Malaysia, East Timor, and most of Papua New Guinea. (Info taken from Wikipedia)
  

Life Updates

Yesterday, I went for dinner at TheCurve after I met my doctor (again, my digestion disorder problem due to heavy stress lately). So, I went to Pet Safari in Ikano later, and to found out that they have 'Sugar Glider' for sale. Now, I have a big obsession on these cute-ys after watching 'Samurai Champloo' which reminds me of the cute Momo in the anime's character and right after seeing them for the first time in a pet shop in Malacca city when I was with Martin Gomez and my friend Roul. I immediately told them I would like to book two of them, because they are so adorable. Seeing them makes me so happy and joyful so I decide to buy them in pairs. Since I didn't have cash with me, I told the supervisor that I will be picking them tomorrow evening. So on 1st of December, right after my first ever, 13 year of high school reunion in Lemon Cafe at Mines Shopping Centre, I went straight to Ikano. I even met my colleagues (of MDeC) at Starbucks and drop by a camera shop to get my 50mm (f1.8) lens for my Canon. Then I went straight to Pet World. And there, both of them sleeping in the food container (orang melayu kata tapuwear kecik).



Introducing Meeko and the late, Bambee. Both are two (3) months old, originally to know that they came from Australia and Papa New Guinea. Sugar Glider (Glider Possum) lives up to 10 years (I heard 15 years max) and can grow up to 7-9 inches long (ala, cam besar squirrel). Americans call 'em Flying Squirrel. They eat apple, strawberries and other fruits but they can also eat small insects (but I ain't put any of that in the cage). Last few days, we entertained Meeko at the living room with my aunt and my grandma (Opah). Opah was so happy to see the sugar glider. Meeko is hyperactive at night, even jump on my face when I carried him around! But unfortunate accident, Bambee (female) passed away on the 17th of December. I don't want to discuss further but I felt the lost and now leaving Meeko alone. But I’m getting a new bigger cage and few more (if my budget permits lah..).



View this video (Me & Meeko)

Equipped and Ready to Rock and Roll!

With the new HP Pavillion desktop PC with 320 GB (truly awesome!), Apple 15.4" Macbook Pro, Sony HDE-SR5E handy cam and few new lens for my Canon SLR, 2008 will be more productive year for me to gain back my creative experiments. I already discussed with few notable photographers like Syahrin Aziz, Kieren Kuek for special collaboration

Officially an Art Collector

On the 7th of December, I went to Norhaslinda Nordin’s art exhibition in Kebun Mimpi, Bangsar with Dr. Zubin. I remember 2 years back, I had my work exhibited together with Linda at Gema Rimba, Bukit Tuanku. I had an eye for Linda’s artwork because her stroke are very sweet and serene. Her composition of work is cool and the colors are just nice (for me) and I believe some of Linda’s artwork are inspired by my guru, Jailani Abu Hassan. Jai taught me a lot in exploring composition and colors. It’s because of his teaching had make me well verse in color composition, using harmonic colors. Linda is actually a very junior of mine from UiTM, and she had climbed very rapid after winning few competitions.




Well, Linda had made me an art collector that night (malas nak title art buyer), because I got so impressed with her work that I even bought two of her artwork. I will buy more artwork of her in the coming future, and I’m looking forward to buy artworks of my favorite, favorite artist, Mohammad Noor Mahmud. By far, he’s the most high profile and identical artist in Malaysia to carry the batik motive in his paintings. (gila sawan tengok artwork Mohd Noor!).




Talk about UiTM juniors, I would like to talk about two UiTM juniors from the Graphic Department. Now, picture above is me with two UiTM students, Hazlynda & Firdaus. They had invited me over for an interview for their project paper, and that project paper was the case study of ‘Muid Latif’. I was truly flattered with both of them, to be able to bare their patience with my busy schedule. Nevertheless, I’m excited to know that few weeks ago both of them emailed me and informed that they had scored A+ for the project, and Hazlynda was nominated for Dean’s list. So congrats to both of them!

Last minute swiping sessions

I couldn't resist myself to get the G1 Transformers Ultra Magnus right in front of my eyes after I bought Nightwatch Optimus Prime three (3) days ago. I went to the shop called Area 51 Toys same level as MacAsia in One Utama. Before that, on my way to the shop, I drop by to Tower Records to check if my girl's CD, Jill Scott: Volume III is re-stock, since it's hard to find one! Even a friend of mine's CD, Imran Ajmain is impossible to find one on the rack. So as I was flippin' on the CD, I found a very very interesting cover art. It look so Indonesian-band because they are more identical, especially indie ones. So I bought the album and soon to find out the illustrator is none other than Darbotz!



Darbotz is a cool friend of mine when I met him back in Jakarta, and also in Singapore at the DesignEdge 2005. He's art direction for Agrikulture is simply blast-fully out of this world. This band's latest album is called 'Dawai Damai' which I encourage you guys to buy, especially those who like funk experimental electronicas. The album is absaf'*%inglutely amazing. It moves you to that weird creative drive that you can wake up at 2 am to do non-stop illustration or artwork. Very hypnofunk!

Today's Interview Session

Q: How serious you want to improve in your photography?
A: I want to do more editing. More hard-work, more tone-mapping, more HDR, more paranomic shots, more lightings, more space, more layers, and more equipments especially lenses.

Q: who are your most inspiration in photography?
A: Danielle Levitt and Dave Hill, nuff said! ;)

Q: what about art & design communication? who are the ones who inspired you from day one?
A: The late Ismail Zain, Mohd Noor, Tan Jin Ho, Yazid (Zid), Aadi Salman, Shieko, Thalia & Ari, Joshua Davis, Drew Europheo, Yugop, John Leigh (Karborn), Mike Young & Marcus Erricson (Subdisc).

Q: Muid, what is Your Aim in 2008?
A: To be able to develop an interactive website with my oriental style. I'm currently short-listing potential clients and hope I can brink 'da funk' in 'traditional' design back in the 21st Century through new media revolution.

_

Whenever You're Around

Whenever You're Around

I'll let you choose the colors in the sky,
So we both can create rainbows of affection,
I promise to lead you the way to my heart,
So I won't be in a solitude space.

I saw a spark of territory tend to divide us,
but when I close my eyes,
I see nothing can come between us,
because your strong will and adoration conquers me.

I heart for a cure to heal me,
from such painful damaged years,
Somehow slowly recovering,
To seek a hope that will set me free..

-

New Work: Orcanius, New Jpod Baby born!

I promise Alvaro that I will be publishing my new work on my blog so here goes.


I am very happy and joyful to hear the news from Orcagirl about the new Jpod Baby born. Thanks to Orcagirl for the linkup. Truly honored and flattered. Congratulations! Check out her blog here.

The raw sketch had been made when I was at the Photoshopworld Asia 2007 together with Yahoo! Flickr Malaysia group on November the 6th, and this artwork is actually dedicated to my dear friend who's an environmentalist who is now in Mexico looking after the adorable killer whale name Orca.

I decided to use very minimal duo tone colors. I will be producing more of this soon, after my visit to Niah Caves in Miri, Borneo this weekend.


above is the brief artwork process like what I did for Merdeka series.

A Happy Deepavali

To all my Indian friend who's celebrating Deepavali, wishing you guys a great holiday and may the lights colors your life with love, prosperity and happiness to you and your loved ones.


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Happy Eid Mubarak / Eid Ul Fitr

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and everyone of you a blessed Eid Mubarak. Thanks for all your support and looking forward to see you guys in my (*ehhemm*) open house second week of Raya (by invitation only, special privilege to my fellow KLlickr).


Family portrait (Gambar raya) with my brother in law's parents.
This is eventually my first day of Raya.

To Kamal, Ezat, Hasnul's (G&K), I couldn't spend my Raya happily if it wasn't for you guys! Thanks and much hugs. And guys, thank you for sending those beautiful sms'es and greetings cards (Wan Peng, unexpected, and really appreciate it). I have not been getting those in years. Note to Teong Hin, Adibah Noor, Kevin Zahri, abang Mahathir Lokman, Steve Bristow and many more, thanks for your kind greetings!

Have a nice festive holiday!

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The Buzzing Bee

Have I been away from the art & design world? Apparently not. With the duration of two months, besides preparing myself to collaborate with Shieko for LAMU / KTM project (Credits to Roopes & Mr. Wing!), I had came up with few artworks, to be precise, my Merdeka Art Series for the Merdeka 50 years Anniversary. This series will also combined with my other oriental art series for my upcoming solo exhibition by end of 2007. I had already talk to Izu from Galleriiizu and agreed on making a solo exhibition, this time I would like to travel throughout Malaysia and South East Asia promoting my oriental art series.


My study case of my artwork. As you can see, the floral decorative with Batik influence was applied for my artwork to create more organic freedom. The one-piece raw illustration was repeated to create a balance. Choosing the right color is the most important factor and it surely need a lot of time.



Final Artwork. The 3 main color (red, yellow and blue) are mixed together. All the four (4) colors represent Jalur Gemilang, the Malaysia National Flag. Instead of the typical stripes of red and white, I intend to put more depth and vibe to create a harmonious mood. It works well and I like the outcome. Using Adobe Illustrator surely ease my artwork to be printed on canvas, in any size desired. This final artwork will be printed A0 size, and the cost to print this is very expensive ;)

Photography Galore

I managed to 'bertapa' (meditate) in the duration of two (2) months to polish my photography skills with my fellow Flickr group members (among them is the talented Syahrin Aziz, Awi (Shafina's cousin), Eka Putra, Johan, Matt Marzuki, Nik 'Waa', Iskandar, Ted Adnan, Danny Lim and other great photographers).


Ms. Dina

This month and last month, I had also manage to get interviewed by two party, one is a good friend and a strong fan of Digital Malaya Project, Syed from Sireh & Cengkeh and one more, surprisingly from ABC Network, Australia for a TV program called 'NOISE', which features artists and designers from all over the world and have few minutes to talk about their artworks and creation. Anyway, a big thanks to Desmond, the director for Saladin: The Making, of Saladin team for featuring me (few seconds je) along the rest of the talented Saladin team in The Making of Saladin in Astro Ria, dated 31st of August 2007, 2.30 pm. (feel free to drop by Desmond's Jalan Petaling Online Shopping Portal). Just two days ago, I found out a dear friend of mine, Atilia, mentioned that she also had voice Anisa, one of the characters in Saladin 3D animated series.


With Emily & Derrek from NOISE.

Find out more on my interview with Syed, here. You can also visit NOISE website for more info. Videos will be uploaded soon in YouTube by Jay Lim.

Being Addictive

It's been over two month most of us from the industry had been 'attacked' by the new age of Friendster / Myspace for grown ups and professionals, Facebook.com. With over 30 million users and still growing, I can't take my sight of this cool personalized networking community portal which rocks big time! with web version 2.0 compliant. With facebook, I got the chance to hook up with industrial professionals and it's been such a privillage to be able to communicate with people like Datuk Paduka Marina Mahathir, Datin Tiara Jacquelina, my friends like Atilia, Teong Hin, long lost buddies and many more. I know some function can be so irritating, like the group / 3rd party plugin invites. Nevertheless, it's so addictive!

I had also created the Creative Commons Malaysia Flickr Group (MyCC). This is one of my possible move to reach out more Malaysians and others to support this campaign as much as possible. It's good to see a lot of people starting to support CCM group. Feel free to visit our group here.


My sister Aniq, Abby & me.

Last Saturday, I had my good night enjoying Atilia live show at Wine Room, Kuala Lumpur. It's good to see people who have similar music interest enjoy the show. This is probably a great escape from sitting in my room reading novels and comics, or watching anime, over and over again. We went to the Indian restaurant nearby and my sister and her husband join us. A rare moment to see all of us together. It reminds me of the 'way back when' days with me and my sister's friends in those groovy nights.

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Transformers Mania

My dream came true (yeah baby!).Though Michael Bay didn’t bring the best of transformers for their die-hard-fan (macam saya), but it’s worth watching. I mean, come on, can’t expect every freakin’ transformers to be in the movie right? But I bet there’s Transformers 2, and hopefully ada Omega Supreme or Fortress Maximus atau Metroplex. Cool eh? Although the game for PSP was f****ng boring, I still watch it few times in the cinema. (Hopefully to be on IMAX). I’m sure by now, all transformers collectors are increasing their current collector price to $$$$ (4 digits) Ringgit Malaysia.

Here’s my recent transformers collection




Yang Baik (Autobots), mostly Takara version.


Yang Jahat (Decepticons). R.I.P. to my Insecticons, Starscream G1 & Demolisher. Sedey.. Ni semua gara orang gaji yg tak tahu menahu pasal kepentingan toys aku. Boleh tak dia buang time kitaorang pindah from Kem Sg. Besi to Selayang. Aku redha...

To calculate the total of my transformers collection, I spend more than RM4,971 since 2002 excluding DVD collection and other merchandise. Gosh, I can get a new MacBook with that figure. Tapi sayang pulak nak jual all my stuff kat eBay. Let me keep this as my only permanent hobby. (Tapi tak leh lawan my boss, giler satu rumah penuh koleksi from A-Z). Kalah Afdlin Shauki). More of my Transformers Collection @ My Flickr. Talk about hobby, my new hobby is playing PSP! yeay! (Gosh, macam budak2... umur dah nak dekat masuk 30 tahun).

TF Wishlist (jer!, bukan confirm beli):

1. Optimus Prime Electronic Mask (Macam not necessary)
   
2. Bumblebee (TF Movie version)
3. Optimus Prime (TF Movie version)
4. Ultra Magnus Masterpiece
5. Starscream Energon
   

And I know all of these stuff I can get at only oooonne (1) place, that closes at 3 o’clock in the morning, right here in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur. But having said that, I will be spending my money buying a very freaking cool WACOM tablet for improving and increasing my illustration skills using Photoshop CS. Better right?


_Work Updates:

Illustrations:



And my sketch of a robot tengah membaca. Very cute one.





I have to do it since everyone in the office starts to illustrate their own version of transformers including Junning, Iman & Eisu.. Duh!


'Dambaan Jiwaku', My first LP CD, Edited by Kromosom / Keribang

Talk: ‘Generating Creativity Through Interactivity’
I will be flying to Johor Bahru to give a talk on ‘Generating Creativity Through Interactivity’ together with my big man, ‘Kanye West’ & Ke’Kamal’lan under MSC Malaysia Creative Multimedia Content Initiative (CMCI) program on the 24-25th of July.

2nd’Exhibition: 7 July 2007 (7/7/7)
Digital Malaya will be showcasing it’s demoreel and my second public art performance at Central Market for the grand opening of 7/7 Malaysia First Digital Art Gallery. I will be rework on ‘Body Movement’ performance with a wyyeeeetle bit of contemporary dance for the gimmick launch. Nak tengok muid buat aksi lipat roti canai dan teknik sakit urat badan, teknik tangkap biawak, mari sama-sama ke Central Market Art Zone this 7th of July, 7pm!



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I still miss my Perodua Kancil. I will never forget you!