Wrecking Skull Envelopes!

Above are examples of the pre-order exclusive Wrecking Skull envelopes I'm making to package the book in. Each one will feature a one-of-a-kind stencil on the front, and an original skull sketch on the back.

Again, these envelopes will only be available to collectors who pre-order the book by July 13th. Just another incentive to reserve your copy now at www.hiredmeat.com/meatshop.htm!

"Sit down, honey. Let's kill some time. Rest your head on this heart of mine."
- Dave

"Almost there. Almost... there."

Just about done with the Dark Side piece I've been posting progress shots of, these past couple weeks. I thought you folks would enjoy one more look at it before the final touches are applied.

"It's like a newborn baby, unseen sound so hold it. I worked too damn hard for you to fuckin' download it."
- Dave

Gifts, Presents, Regalos, Loot!

A few months ago, I was fortunate to receive two random packages in the mail. Low and behold, they ended up being gifts!

Package 1 - This came from my colleague, Tony Guaraldi-Brown, and contained his latest book of art - 763 Motor Madness, Vol 2: The Showdown. It's sixteen pages of screeching tires, speeding autos and violent collisions. And the featured drawings exhibit Tony's incredible grasp of black & white, motion, and car anatomy. To purchase a copy and check out more of his work, visit www.tgbart.com.

Package 2 - This one was from a stranger, thus increasing the surprise element tenfold! Luckily, it wasn't anthrax or anything explosive. Rather, some kind soul decided to send me a DVD and a copy of the Batman: Black & White trade paperback. I was pretty jazzed about the comic book. But the trophy for uniqueness goes to the DVD, which contains the first 3 episodes of an indie web series called Oblivion. The series follows the misadventures of a gang of punks, rockers and weirdos in a fictional, L.A.-based town called Holwenstall.

The characters, acting and narrative are all super-youthful. The production is somewhere between Ladies & Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains and Tapeheads, especially with Oblivion's 80's era stylings and personas. And each episode moves along with a constant soundtrack that emphasizes the young energy of the show. Drop in and visit the denizens of this strange, rocker-hipster mash-up world at www.obliviontheseries.com.

"Damn man, come on and sell your seconds! No one can make ya make ya break ya! Anyway, anyway, anyway I'll make ya! They'll crown me!"
- King Gum Crosland

WRECKING SKULL: Update 1

Presale Period Halfway Over
Much gratitude to those who have pre-ordered Wrecking Skull, so far. The first half of the presales have gone very well, thanks to loyal collectors and an additional push from my pals at Nerd City.

That being said, there are still 2 more weeks for you to nab a copy by the July 13th deadline. Act now to reserve your book, along with all the pre-order exclusives and bonus tidbits at a reduced price. For more info and to order your copy now, visit www.hiredmeat.com/meatshop.htm

New Presale Exclusive Envelope
Speaking of pre-order goodies, I'm working on an exclusive, stenciled Wrecking Skull envelope. This will be super-limited and only available with books purchased during the presale, so don't sleep on it!

Pre-Order Pick Up at TR!CKSTER
Several collectors have asked about this, and the answer is YES -- you can pick up your pre-ordered Wrecking Skull packet in San Diego, next month. I'm participating in the independent creators' convention, TR!CKSTER, and will be able to bring presold books & extras with me. If you'll be in SD for Comic-Con week and want to arrange for a pick-up, please email me at Dave Crosland.

Art Preview Next Week
Lastly, I've been blasting away at new images for Wrecking Skull... everything from funky-faced freaks to hooded & bound prisoners has been springing forth from my brush! While I won't be giving everything away online, I will be posting a new preview on my blog, next week. Look out and shout!

Again, many thanks to folks who have already reserved their Wrecking Skull. Stay tuned for more updates on this book project and beyond!

"Dial 9-0-0 for the hero of the weirdos! I hope my brain don't bust! Transform into a 7-11 Slurpee slush!"
- Dave

Julie from The Maxx

I'm kicking off the weekend with a feverish evening drawing session, rocking out to Oysterhead and freaking out my neighbors. Above is the finish on a drawing of Julie, the pivotal love interest and powerhouse lead female of Sam Keith's The Maxx.

"They've stepped up urine testing to make it go away, because it's hard to kill the enemy on old MDMA!"
- Dave

Print Progress

Just over a month ago, an illness and some traveling forced me to postpone work on the series of Seasons prints I'd planned on creating this year. Well, after some schedule juggling and sacrificial slaying, I'm digging in once more!

I was originally going to kick off the series with "Spring," but we're now well into summer. With that in mind, I've decided to release these first two prints together as a set. Above, you can see the early drawing stage of "Summer" and a revised version "Spring."

Look for the finish on these Monday. In the meantime, have a badass weeekend!

"Below the streets that steam and hiss, the Devil's in his hole."
- King Gum Crosland

The Dark Side Cometh!

Above you can see some of the color layering that's going into a Dark Side-heavy Star Wars piece that I'm working on.

I swear, I'm still a huge fan of how skull-like and imposing Stormtrooper armor is. Too bad it's anything but blaster proof, and Stormtroopers are anything but crack shots.

"I know it drives you crazy when I pretend you don't exist. When I'd like to lean in close and run my hands against your lips..."
- Dave

WRECKING SKULL Available for Pre-Order

Above is a small preview of my upcoming limited edition sketchbook, Wrecking Skull. It features a whole new batch of drawings from 2011 that includes black & white AND color art. For years, I've experimented with mixed media and various color tools in my everyday drawing. Now I'm proud to share these explosive new works with you in print, the way they were meant to be seen -- in full color!

Wrecking Skull is available for pre-order in my online store. The early bird gets one hell of a worm, this time around. Place your order now to receive some wonderful collector bonuses --

- Customized cover art & an original skull sketch by me
- The exclusive "Wrecking Skull" print, free of charge
- one of my snazzy new postcard prints

The Presale runs from now through July 13. Pre-ordered books & bonus goodies will ship on July 15. For more info, visit my online store.

Click here to place Your Pre-Order Now.

"If it breaks when it bends, ya better not put it in!"
- Dave

Jumpin' Jungle Jive!

Another page-in-progress from the sci-fi project I'm doing with writer Chris Kirby. I actually started these awhile ago. It's almost surreal finishing them now, because I'm approaching the pages with all the lessons I learned from doing Alphabet Attack! for 3 months. It kinda feels like I just got out of an illustration boot camp!

"This ain't Whistler playin' with his mom's cassette. This is Ronnie, George and Ollie North with contra jets."
- Dave

New Sketchbook Brewing & Comic Page Stewing

Here's some work from today, ya'll! The in-progress ink drawing is the cover of a new sketchbook I'm making for Tr!ckster/Comic-Con, in July. And the comic page is from a fun sci-fi/adventure project I'm working on with writer Chris Kirby. Busy, busy, busy....

"Camp Anawanna, we hold you in our hearts..."
- Dave Budnick

From Pencils to "POP, POP!"

I've been doing my best to document my process, lately. Partially for posterity, and partially to analyze the work as I'm churning it out. Above, you can see some of the jumps from the pencil drawing stage, to the painting and, finally, to the finished piece.

There are lots of decisions made along the way in these color drawings. Some of them are very technical. But there's also a lot of instinct involved. Personally, I'm always trying to find that balance between utilizing learned skills, and letting the beast loose on the canvas.

"Chase these clouds away! I hate this sunless Saturday!"
- Dave