seras - illustrations, designs, ideas

Neutron Star Collision

2010-08-31T05:45:00.000-07:00

Remember Reach

2010-08-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Vamps wheee

2010-08-18T10:02:00.000-07:00

Many many many thanks to Adel for the spectacularly wonderful present. I love it so much <3

I feel so happy, haha.

Hyde and Kaz. Crazy sexy cool personified.

Shell

2010-08-11T09:08:00.000-07:00

After everything I went through in NS, I assumed I would become better at dealing with people.

Today, I found out how wrong I was.

I'm hurting friends I don't intend to hurt. I make promises I'm unable to keep. I disappoint people with everything I do. I hate myself for being unable to deal with all of it, and for being a horrible person, a lousy friend. I try to fix my mistakes, but cowardly hold back, fear of further failure clouding my judgment.

Sometimes, I just wish I could go somewhere quiet. A large field, empty from horizon to horizon. Or a mountaintop. Or a deserted island. And there I'd just be free. Away from everything.

Yet these bonds prove harder to break day by day. They define me, and at the same time, they rob me of my identity. The irony is almost impossible to bear.

I'm tired.

I want to be free.

Cosfest!

2010-07-04T10:26:00.000-07:00

Haven't updated in awhile, been too busy getting ready for cosfest.

AND IT'S OVER.

Had so much fun. Like, really alot of fun. Gawd. So fun. And so tiring. I'm about ready to collapse right now.

I'll do just that.

WILL UPDATE MOAR.

It's nice going out alone, once in awhile

2010-05-30T06:25:00.000-07:00

Woke up feeling really heavy today. There's been way too many things on my mind lately, their collective weight a heavy burden upon my feelings.

Morning football helped ease it a little. On the court, the feelings disappear, and for those couple of hours I was happy. Sadly, it only lasted that long. Falling asleep on the train ride home didn't help much.

After a shower, and mulling about at home for a period, decided to leave house and pick up a couple of things I was in need of. Beforehand, I asked around a couple of friends, but no one was available. So I decided to go it alone.

Although in the end, I only managed to obtain 2 of my 4 objectives for the day, the time spent alone sorting out my thoughts made me feel good about myself again. It's relaxing knowing that one can walk free without the stresses of life and people.

I was searching

2010-05-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

I had one of those moments.

The path had always been right there, glaringly obvious to my avoiding eyes. Fearful, I stubbornly chose the alternatives, the convoluted side-tracks leading me to where I stand right now.

The middle of nowhere.

Confusion sets in; the belief and confidence in the path taken shattering like a mirror, jagged shards a stark representation of the broken spirit beneath my facade. Emotions coalesce into anger, first directed towards others, and then towards myself. Frustration follows, a raging torrent held back by the once stalwart confidence, now let loose and furious. Painfully it passes, and in it's wake comes profound sadness, and the slow but sure understanding of the futility of it all.

It all happens in the space of minutes. Hard-hitting, powerful emotions rend havoc, the vulnerabilities of the soul laid bare.

Yet, there always existed that faint glimmer of hope. Distant, yet visible, the right path called out, offering a life-line out of the dismal abyss.

I grab it, and I cling on tight, any and all hesitation discarded.

Once again, I stand before the right path.

Forgive me for being dramatic and all, but I just felt the need to type this all out.

Clients say the darndest things

2010-05-19T23:01:00.000-07:00

This happened to me 2 days ago.

I've been doing designs for a client for about a week now.

He keeps asking me to 'reduce transparency'. I took it that he wanted it lighter, so I kept adjusting each version as he keeps asking me to reduce it more and more.

Then he decides to call.

Client : Hello? Isaac?
Me : Hi, yea.
C : Hey, I just got your design.
M : Yep.
C : Did you reduce the transparency?
M : Umm, yea. I did exactly that.
C : Oh... okay...
(short pause)
C : Have you even been to our building?
M : You mean ********? (censored so I don't get my ass sued)
C : Yea yea. You been here before right? Did you get a look at the windows?
M : ... Windows?... Oh.

And then, it clicked. I finally realized what he wanted.

He wanted me, to make the design translucent.

On the computer screen.

So like, I'm either Tony Stark, or Houdini apparently.

Durarara!! Shoot

2010-05-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Shot at backstreet areas somewhere near chinatown.

Photographer :
Valefor

Cosplayers :
Orihara Izaya - Val
Kishitani Shinra - d3athjok3r
Celty Sturulson - Sakana
Heiwajima Shizuo - Seras

Special Thanks :
Daikon

View more :
Valefor's devart
My devart

Not now

2010-05-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

3 hours to jamming and I've yet to nail down the new song. Life's just been to packed as of late.

And I'm starting to develop a flu. So much for 'faking' for an MC.

Good thing I've got some meds, should provide some temporary relief for now.

Welcome to Noble team

2010-04-28T07:56:00.001-07:00

My new favorite line of the month.

It's kind of excessive just for promotional purposes.

But it's good.

Can't wait for moreeee

And... Here it is

2010-04-25T23:29:00.000-07:00

Saw this moment coming weeks ago, yet I didn't bother doing something about it.

And now, it's here.

The Cosfest rush.

And it's piling up all my other commitments. Everything's just sucha mess right now.

Must... keep... fighting...

Fanart Backlog

2010-04-21T00:04:00.000-07:00

I should stop working on new pieces till I finish older ones.

Wait, what am I saying.

I should stop doing fanart and do some original work.

Rorshach Shoot

2010-04-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

Rorshach shoot at Supreme Court and City Hall, Singapore

Photographers :
Rescend
Swift-wing
Kaze

Special Thanks :
Blacklash
Daryl
Wayne

View more :
Rescend's devart
Swift-wing's devart
My devart

Then, Now, Later.

2010-04-20T09:46:00.000-07:00

Past.
- Aizen Sousuke (Bleach)
- Alucard (Hellsing)
- Rorshach (Watchmen)
- Alex Mercer (Prototype)
- Snow Villiers (FF13)
- Walter C. Dornez, Young ver. (Hellsing)

Present.
- Heiwajima Shizuo (Durarara!!) - Shoot
- Old Snake, Raiden OCTOCAMO ver. (MGS4) - CF
- Yaag Rosch (FF13) - CF
- Badou Nails (DOGS: Bullets and Carnage) - Shoot
- Snow Villiers (FF13) - Shoot
- Balthier (FF12) - TGCC

Future?
- Hajime Saito (Rurouni Kenshin OVA) - Shoot
- Raiden (MGS4) - AFA
- Auron (FFX) - AFA
- Solid Snake (MGS)
- Dark Walter (Hellsing)
- Rei Fukai (Yukikaze)
- Kiba (Wolf's Rain)
- Minamimoto (The World Ends With You)
- Mugen (Samurai Champloo)
- Driver (FFVS13)
- Cid Highwind (FF7)
- Pip Bernadotte (Hellsing)

Act 1. Death Cometh Slowly

2010-03-18T23:55:00.000-07:00

A trail of footprints and blood in the snow.

They led to a snow covered tree, indistinguishable from all others, except for the silent, unmoving figure which sat against it. Beneath that figure was a large pool of crimson blood, the dark reds a stark contrast against the sanctity of the pure white snow. Slumped against a tree, head bowed and totally still, the dark figure appeared dead. Death had not yet found him, however. The solitary clue towards the figure's subsistence being the faint white mist that occasionally emanated out from his mouth, and on closer investigation, the mild rise and fall of his chest.

Consciousness returned to the figure. His heavy eyelids parted slowly, the first thing in his vision was of his right hand, resting upon his thigh. He tried to move it, unsuccessfully, and he began the fear the possibility of paralysis. A sudden twitch in his fingers rescued his thoughts, and life returned to his blood stained hand. The figure then decided to shift his posture, but was hampered by a sudden pain from his abdomen. He lifted his shirt up, and underneath he saw a haphazardly bandaged wound. Bleeding appeared to have stopped. Gritting his teeth, he tried getting onto his feet. It proved an ordeal of sorts, having to cope with not just the pain from his abdominal wound, but also from his limbs, which had not yet regained their full function. The figure leaned against the tree, breathing quick and heavily. A card then slipped out of his coat pocket, landing upright on the snow below, which would have gone unnoticed had his head not been lowered. Enduring the pain once more, he bent over to pick up the card. On one side was a symbol, a square shape with a triangular L-section cut out of it. Flipping it over revealed something more useful, an unfamiliar address. Unable to make sense out of it, or for the matter, anything at all, the figure tucked the card into his coat pocket. Surveying his surroundings, he found no discernible path to follow out of the forest, except for what he assumed was his own blood and footprint trail. Wrapping his coat around him tighter, the figure limped forward, following the trail.

Asuka on my desktop

2009-12-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Model kit painting ain't easy shit, but it's kinda fun i guess. Wouldn't mind trying it again sometime soon.

I think i did rather okay with it. Looks pretty good from arm's length, but up close the little mistakes start to appear.

Got a little impatient and rushed certain bits here and there, which i totally shouldn't have done. Next time i guess.

Kinda proud of it tho, and she looks pretty darn good standing beside my monitor =D

Now if only i had the Rei one...

Final Fantasy XIII Mini-shoot

2009-11-25T00:15:00.000-08:00

Final Fantasy XIII mini-shoot at Suntec City Sky Gardens and Convention Hall.

View more on my devart! [here]

Snow's Arm Thingy and Others

2009-11-15T09:29:00.000-08:00

No I'm not gonna call it a bracelet. Men don't wear bracelets, especially a manly man, like Mr. Villiers.

Did some planning so far, gonna start working on it asap. (MW2 is like the devil on my shoulder)

Rough as hell, but should be enough to make out. Prob gonna be using craft foam mostly, with some styrene here and there, and probably little beads for some of the details. That thing in the center looks strangely like a speaker... won't be putting one there though. Prob just slap a piece of foam there or somethin'.

As always, measuring comes first. It's trickier doing measurements on foam compared to styrene, as the material may somethings compress, and deviate measurements by a couple millimeters (which doesn't sound much, but may occasionally F thing up here and there).

For cutting, instead of the penknife, I'm using a cutter, which looks sorta like a surgeon's scalpel. The blades are wayyy sharper, which really helps make a clean cut on craft foam.

After I finish cutting the individual pieces, I proceed to glue 'em together. I keep the pieces that are to be of different color separate though, this helps when i paint em later. After the glue sets, I bring the pieces to the kitchen stove and heat them, and then form them around some round jars lying around, giving me a nice rounded shape.

Next up, sealing. This process eliminates the absorbency of the foam, allowing the paint to stay on the surface. It involves painting coats of a mixture of white glue, fabric glue, and water on to the foam pieces. At least 7 coats are required to achieve an optimal effect.

And oh, the other pieces too. Haven't shown em so far, so here they are. The yellow one is the strap that goes around the arm. The 2 smaller ones go on top of the previous ones shown.

Here comes the paint. I throw in the Nerf gun and blacken the whole thing, just coz it looks cooler.

After it dries, I assemble it. The darts travel wayyy further now with the modifications. Awesome.

The assembled arm piece. All it needs now is the little details that go around it, stuff like little gems and etc.

Also add the border to the armband itself. Used the usual acrylic paint.

I then tried a quick costume test, just for kicks. Making his boots are way beyond me, so i went with generic brown combat boots. Everything else I made as accurate as i possibly could.

Oh, have also been working on his necklaces, the one from Serah, and his own one. They were a b*tch to make, but now that they're done, am rather satisfied with my handiwork. =]

After giving the armband a good mat varnish, i glue on the centerpiece. Voila, arm thingy.

That about wraps up all the props i need for Snow. All that's left now is to make some little details on the coat, and figure out how the damn tattoo works. =/

Time is really running out

2009-11-02T06:20:00.000-08:00

3 weeks to AFA.

And I'm hardly even prepared for it.

Need a miracle right about now.

Epic pr0n

2009-10-25T10:52:00.001-07:00

THIS TOOK ME 12 HOURS SO FAR.

My speed is fail.

Oh check out my l337 layer names too.

Nerf Gun Mod

2009-10-16T07:22:00.000-07:00

Came across this today. [link]

There's also a tutorial on making it more powerful, giving up to 15 meters more range on a dart. Totally gonna try that shit. Plus an epic paint job.

Updates to come.

Shiki

2009-10-13T09:15:00.000-07:00

Fanart of The World Ends With You (awesome game btw). Not complete yet, gonna add a few more characters, and a background. (yay!)

This resulted from a 'challenge' i made to Valerie, who complained of being bored and uninspired. It was kind of a lame challenge really, we just had to draw fanart of whatever. I actually finished the lineart in about 2-3 hours, which might be sort of a record for me, slow-assed artist that i am.

lolspeedpaint

2009-10-11T08:32:00.000-07:00

Err... 2-3 hours, does that still count as a speed paint?

its effin rough. the original lineart was insanely messy, and the half-assed job i did on cleaning it up made it worse i think. OTL

Will do another piece on this lovely pair sometime soon to make up for this anyhow piece.

Metal Gear Solid : Philantrophy

2009-09-30T11:22:00.000-07:00

Oh my god. I'm so impressed i can't say anything else, but to watch this yourself.

[LINK]

[PROTOTYPE]

2009-09-23T08:53:00.000-07:00

Games Convention Asia 2009, 19th September, Suntec City

Photo credits to Kirmu. Thanks for the ub3r shots!

Did this one out of randomness. It just screamed it, and i couldn't help but add it in LOL.

The Blade arm

2009-09-03T00:21:00.000-07:00

I just realized i have 17 Days to finish this. Omgwtf.

PART I - THE BLADE

Using all the measurements I made (that took forever... forgot all my math) I draw and cut out the 2 blades. I also measure out a centre line, and score along it, giving me a nice fold.

I cut strips of craft foam and line the edges, leaving a gap of 1cm. This is to ensure the edges don't get too flat once i glue the entire structure together. (got this idea off The Prop Blog. Extremely useful resource for budding props makers)

Using the measurements, i cut out pieces of craft foam for the main structure, and reinforce it with wire. I make a total of 3 in different sizes and glue them onto one side of the blade...

... As seen here.

Once that is done, i slap on the other side, and slowly glue it on. I start with the outer edge of the blade, applying by segments so as to prevent the glue from cooling too fast. After the outer edge is done, i proceed to glue the structure at the center, and then finish off with the inner edge. Oh, i also save the tip for last, as it is sorta glued flat right at the point. (Ignore the dent at the bottom, it dropped off the table whilst i was taking the picture ._.)

And... standing on my table. Oh, and i also use the exact same process to make the other part of the blade, the 2 smaller ones on the top. No pics for that, since it's the same ol' thing over again.

Using wire, I slowly (and painfully... it's friggin sharp edges caused me much distress) make the structure for the centre part. I did not take photos of this entire process as it's rather self explanatory. It's very important that measurements are made properly at this point, don't wanna end up having the sizes all wrong.

Here's another shot of it, but on the floor, for a clearer view.

After that, i start attaching the blades onto the main structure. This part is tricky, and takes some precision work, thus, no photos. But here's one of what it looks like when i'm done.

Tried it on, just to make sure the size is correct. Looks good so far. Just needa slap on the surfaces.

At this point, i realize one problem. Compared to the original, the 2 smaller blades on my current structure are too bent inwards. Exactly what happens when one forgets to check with reference occasionally ._. I fix it, and begin to wrap the empty structure with masking tape. The masking tape layer will be the base layer for the later paper mache layers. Here's what it looks like with the tape on.

For the first layer of paper mache, I use brown paper, the kind used for wrapping mail packages. It's way stronger than newspaper, and more durable when it hardens.

I use newspaper for the next layer however, so as to allow me to distinguish the layers. I'm planning for a total of 5 layers, which should be durable enough to withstand some punishment. (I hope)

5 layers of painstakingly slow paper-mache-ing later... I start putting on the little details using paper clay. It's an air-drying clay, so no heat required. It tends to crack when drying tho, so i patch them up with more clay everytime it does.

After it sets, it's on to the paint job. I spray a generous coat of black all over the center portion, and give the blades a small coating of gunmetal grey. I weather the blade a little using some black paint, giving it some texture, and use a silverish grey to mimic a sharp edge on the blades. Once the paint dries, i give it a quick coat of acrylic varnish to protect it a lil'.

With the blade arm almost ready, i also take the time to work on the rest of the costume. The jacket was an ordinary black one, added on the stripes and the tribal-decal-thing on the back using T-shirt transfers (which cost a bomb btw). I had to dye the hoodie a little to get the correct shade of grey... although it came out looking only a little darker. Nvm, doubt anyone would notice it.

And that's about it. Didn't take anymore pictures from this point on.

Stay tuned for pics of it in action!

The Resistance

2009-09-02T01:37:00.000-07:00

THE RESISTANCE

Uprising

United States of Eurasia / Collateral Damage

cantwaitcantwaitcantwaitcantwaitcantwait

Two down, Ten days with Eight to go

2009-08-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm FCUKED. Ha.

Oh well, here's what's done so far.

*sobs*

Rorshach's Hook Gun

2009-08-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

I totally forgot to take pics when i did Alucard's Jackal, sucha waste. It turned out looking pretty nice. Sigh.

No such mistake this time round.

Presenting... Rorshach's Hook Gun!

The Original

The base i'm working with. Bought it at a toy store near arab street.

And... exposed.

To save time, im gonna use a substitute for the gas cylinder on the back. Found a random bottle that looked suitable. The blue cap is a base for me to make the reel box, which im doing from scratch as i can find a substitute. Gonna move the muzzle up of its original position, and the orange tube, originally the barrel, will be cut down to be part of the hook tip.

First, sawing off the tip of the base. This let's me have a good surface on which to glue the muzzle.

Cut out a cap for the cylinder with a styrene sheet, and glued it together. Whilst it dries...

Measured and cut out a strip, which will be used for...

The circumference of the reel box. Had to hold onto for half an hour till the glue set >_>

Sawed off the bit of the barrel i intend to use as part of the hook tip.

Cut out the top of the back part of the gun, so as to give the gas cylinder a better base to rest on.

Finally, the glue has set. The fumes are makin my head spin.

Cutting out and gluing the sides of the reel box.

At this point, i realized that the front sight was blocking where the top hook would eventually be. Off it goes.

Using some paper, i create a prototype of the hook. Looks fine.

Using the piece of paper, i trace and cut out the hooks.

Owch, my hand hurts from all the scissor work T_T

And... The not-so-complete reel box!

This bit here is some small tube that connects the gas cylinder to the reel box. Details, details...

I measure and cut out some craft foam for the hook, gluing them in between.

Voila, 3 flimsy hooks!

And... i take a break. Went to shower, watch some TV, and wait for dinner.

When my dad puts in the effort, he can actually cook some rather nice stuff. Mmm, spagetthi...

Back to work. Here, i've cut out the bottom of the reel box, so it can sit nicely on the base.

And i glue it in place.

Cut a small piece of styrene to cover the exposed part of the muzzle.

Okay... i forgot to take pictures of this part OTL. Basically i just measured and cut out styrene, glued em together, and then glued the whole thing to the back of the reel box. I shall not forget again.

Glued the connector to the gas cylinder. Will wait for the glue to set before i put everything together.

Using some air-dry clay, i make a tip for the hook and then put it aside to dry.

Okay here i've cut out the portion that will connect reel box to muzzle. It's tiny.

Glued together. omg so flimsy.

Glue set, i join up the whole thing. Hey! It's starting to look like something!

Muzzle goes on. Oooh.

I then retire to sleep for the night. It's tiring making props..

The next day, i wake up and start doing the paint job. Spammed silver over the whole thing. Shiny...

I then glue the hook tip onto the muzzle, after cutting out small notches to glue the hooks.

Hooks on. ZOMGWOW.

Okay at this point, i realized i should have painted the portions seperately, as the gas cylinder and the muzzle are bronze. DOH. No matter, i paint them on afterwards. Sadly, some paint smudges, and i get an ugly stain on the right side T_T looks like i'll be hiding that bit...

Close-up of the front...

And the back... Smudge in clear view *sob*

And my other prop HAHA. Handle not yet glued.

Well, that's it. Took me 2 days of work, on and off, and 2 trips to the art store *grumble*

Portfolio

2009-08-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

Objective : To have a complete portfolio by the end of August.

Target : 10 pieces of new CGs, inclusive of at least 2 backgrounds.

Deadline : 31st August.

Here it comes, the moment i've dreaded for the last year or so.

Gonna use this thread as a progress update, to make sure im churning out the CGs on good time.

CG1 - Ophelia [DONE!]
CG2 - Airfield [DONE!]
CG3 - Mayo [DONE!]
CG4 - Aaron's overdue birthday present [NOT DONE]
CG5 - Milk [DONE!]
CG6 - 12 Gauge piece [DONE!]
CG7 [NOT DONE]
CG8 [NOT DONE]
CG9 [NOT DONE]
CG10 [NOT DONE]

T_T why didn't i do more work the last few months.

*OBJECTIVE FAILED*

sigh.

Tired, tired, tired.

2009-07-19T04:32:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since cosfest and the DMD chalet.

And i'm still burned out from it.

Had a hell lot of fun tho. Cosfest was uber epic. Chalet was rather successful. (cept' for the overload of food... thanks kit)

Went on day 1 as Rorshach. I had like 10% vision with the mask on, but i at least made out rough shapes. Day 2 i went as Alucard. This is my 3rd time doing him, and i think i finally managed to get the look down to about 90% correct. I hope.

Credits to Kirmu for the pics.

Today, we did a photoshoot at a studio. This being the first time for all of us, we wasted a ton of time, and ended up having to extend an hour. Even with that, we had to rush our shots. But we still managed to get a buncha good ones in the end. Will post 'em up once editing is done.

Sketchbook 08-09

2009-07-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

Time to buy a new sketchbook =]

Work Hiatus

2009-06-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Won't be doing much work for the next few weeks, till the end of Cosfest. Just got too much on my plate at the moment.

Will be doing my best to seriously start working on that portfolio after that tho. The amount of work i have now is just pathetic.

Insane vids 01

2009-05-16T10:21:00.001-07:00

Ahead - 2009's to do list

2008-12-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

2008 has been a rather wasteful year now that i look back at it. There were alot of things i wanted to do that never happened. So now, to help me remember, imma make this list so i have something to look at and remind myself constantly.

In no particular order.

• Driving Lessons
Car and bike.
Start - ASAP
Hopefully done by - Mid '09

• Japanese Lessons
Wantin to do this for a loooong time.
Start - Mid '09
Hopefully done by - This might take awhile.

• Learn to play bass
Gonna get a bass with Jan' pay.
Start - Once i get the bass.
Hopefully done by - Mid '09?

• Cosplay
Err, think i'll do a seperate post for this.

• T-shirt Design
Design T-shirts based on inspiration by J-rock.
Start - ASAP
Hopefully done by - Plan to sell at EOY '09

• Card Game Project
More here [LINK]
Already started.
Hopefully done by - Tentatively, plan to sell promo cards at EOY '09.

• Story Idea - INQ
Work on my own story/world idea.
Already started.
Gonna keep workin' on it.

• Story Idea - 12 Gauge
Work on my own story idea.
Already started.
Gonna keep workin' on it.

• Portfolio
This one is a permanent item on this list.

That's all i can think of for the moment, pretty sure there's a couple more..

Iz