Monday, September 29, 2008

The Making of F1 Infographics 2008

The Singapore F1 night race is finally over. Over the past few days, The New Paper has been publishing some infographics as coverage for the event. Here's a look at the making of one we've published. Putting together an F1 graphics with so much detail requires great team effort.

F1 Infographics

This is a huge collaboration effort of 4 artists, Chng Choon Hiong, Kelvin Chan and Fadzil Hamzah aka Fuzz. Chng did the caricature for Lewis Hamilton in the middle. Fuzz provided the 3D racetrack. I modeled and rendered the F1 car. The whole thing was then laid out by Kelvin.

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

It's not easy to come up with a fresh concept for F1. As you can see from my collection of F1 infographics, from newspagedesigner.com, most of the ideas have already been used before: racetrack, pit crew, moves, and car designs. Ours is a combination of pit crew, racetrack and the drivers' race suit.

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

This is the wireframe of the McLaren MP4-23. I spent about 2-3 weeks modeling it.

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

I've only the blueprint from the top, and even that's a photo of an illustration from the wall at the McLaren press conference. For side profile, I had to rely on photos sourced from Flickr.com. Much of the modeling is done by moving the vertices around in 3D with reference to photos. Eye modeling.

At the start of the project, I was actually modeling the Ferrari car. But it became increasingly difficult to do so because of the lack of reference photos. I just couldn't see the form and detail behind the wheels. It didn't help that I don't have the blueprints for the Ferrari 2008 car too.

Luckily, supervisor Hup just came back from a McLaren press conference with tons of close-up high resolution photos. Meanwhile, I received information that there's a McLaren displayed at Paragon shopping centre. And so I went down and took another ton of photos for the McLaren MP4-23.

After that, it's the 2-3 weeks of modeling. It was long because that was on top of other daily work.

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

Here's the render without the official sponsor logos on the car body. I have no idea why but it seems that we don't have copyright to display the official logos. That sounds pretty silly, I know.

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

Here you see Kelvin doing some research. We had some F1 magazines and guide books. They provided us with information on the pit crew and graphics on how the cars tackle turns and overtaking.

Making of F1 Infographics 2008 Making of F1 Infographics-2

Making of F1 Infographics 2008

Kelvin had brought his toy model to pose as the pit crew. The model was was fitted with a generic orange uniform. 18 photos were taken, one for each crew.

After the photo shoot, the tedious process of laying out the whole infographics began. The whole project was concluded within an amazing 2 days, excluding the weeks that I spent modeling.

There are some more photos from the Making of F1 Infographics on my Flickr photos set, and the tons of McLaren reference photos.

Massa's Ferrari Drove Off with the Fuel Hose



That's the lamest thing that could happen to any driver. I just can't get tired watching it over and over again.

Priceless entertainment.

I'm glad F1 Singapore has finally drawn to a conclusion. The days just got busier in the art department as the race date approaches.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Got Myself an iPod Touch 32GB (2nd Generation)

After 2 years of usage, my old iPod Photo has died. I haven't a clue what happened. It just stopped while I was listening to it. Then it never worked anymore. It can reset but can't get into the target disk mode.

So I've got an iPod Touch to replace it. I hope it will last longer.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
That's my trusty iPod Photo 60GB on the right.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
The new iPod Touch comes in a clear plastic casing. There's not a lot of stuff. Here you see the screen cleaning cloth, stand, USB cable, earphones, quick-start manual and the iPod itself.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
The plastic plate holding the iPod Touch must be bent to release the iPod. I tried pulling it was pretty difficult. You have to bend the plate.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
Comparing to the iPod Photo. The Touch is incredibly thin. That's it. I'm sold. If my mobile phone goes, I'll be getting an iPhone.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
This thing is very glossy on the front and back. The front is made of rather scratch resistant glass. The back is prone to scratch.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
This is the Moshi slip in pocket for the iPod Touch. It can wipe fingerprint off effortlessly. But I still prefer the flip type of casing I used with my old iPod Photo.

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)

iPod Touch 32GB (2nd generation)
The resolution and clarity of the screen is fantastic. Everything is sharp and clear.

Initially, I debated about whether to get an iPod Classic (refurbished) at half the price comparing to the iPod Touch. I've trouble accepting the fact that the iPod Touch doesn't work like an external harddisk, the way older iPods used to work.

I watch a lot of TV shows. And I realised that I'm getting busier and simply no longer had time to watch them at home. I had to watch them while I travel to work. Travelling's the only time one can do nothing and just sit.

Now that I have my iPod Touch, I must say that I don't miss the external harddisk function that much. If I need more space, I can get a USB flash drive, which goes up to 16GB nowadays.

After transferring all my songs, podcasts and TV shows, I realised I only managed to use less than 8GB of storage. I bought a 32GB iPod Touch. A typical TV show compressed for iPod viewing is about 100MB to 200MB. My advise would be for people to just get the 16GB model and get a USB flash drive, with spare change.

The construction of the unit is tough, but I don't really want to drop it to try.

User interface is smooth and responsive. Safari on wi-fi is not too bad, but can be improved in terms of speed — I'm an impatient guy. Video playback is good. Audio quality's just the same as my old iPod Photo, but it really depends on what earphone you're using.

This thing cost more than an xBox. If you listen to lots of music and consume lots of video on the go, this might be worth the money. For people who can't watch more than 5 minutes of video while travelling without getting sick, the iPod Classic is a safer choice.

Reviews on amazon.com are mixed though. And I still don't get how Amazon can sell the iPod Touch cheaper than Apple Store.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Wario Land on Youtube a 5 Star Concept

You have to see it to believe it. It's the best concept for marketing the Nintendo Wii.

I'm unable to embed the video, but the point is you have to see it on the Youtube page.

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Gentlemen, Start Your Computers

This is the infographics I did to explain the usage of computers in a F1 race. I didn't know that they played such an integral part in the race. E.g. The engine has to be started with a computer, I didn't know that.

Lenovo Williams F1 Infographics
This are some notes, questions and sketches.

Lenovo Williams F1 Infographics
A proof for checking errors.

Lenovo Williams F1 Infographics
The final printed version on the paper. If you have noticed, the headline was changed.

F1 Infographics
On the other page is a mega project by another 5 artists, including me. You can see the car I finished modelling a few days ago used in these two infographic.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Some Steven Gerrard Vectors

Steven Gerrard
It's strange the way he's not very injury prone despite how he plays. He looks reckless when he goes in for the ball. But hey, he scores, who cares?

Book Review: Alchemy of Mirrormask

This book contains a stunning collection of collages by Dave Mckean. Every piece of collage is showcase of creativity and fantasy. The pages are visually saturated from the cover to the last page, a feast for the eyes.

The premise of the book is on the production of the movie Mirrormask. It talks about the production of the movie exclusively. Very little is mentioned about the story, which is not a problem if you have watched the movie.

The thing with collages is, they are typically filled with great textures. This book is no different. It is through the textures of these collages that give this book so much depth.

I felt there could have been more write up on the making of the movie. But this book is essentially 5 stars for the art displayed.



The Alchemy of Mirrormask

The Alchemy of Mirrormask

The Alchemy of Mirrormask

The Alchemy of Mirrormask

The Alchemy of Mirrormask

Visit the link beside to read more reviews on Amazon. If you buy from the link, I get a little commission that helps me get more art books for review.

Country-specific Amazon links for this book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de

Check out other books I've reviewed also, with pictures:
Art book list | Design book list

Quick on the Draw 20080921

Quick on the draw

Lehman Brothers Bankrupt

I haven't been drawing political cartoons since, well, ever.

The initial version's the one that was published. But I also did an alternative version for that with the US government backing AIG.

Monday, September 22, 2008

Book Review: The Art of Spirited Away

The copy I'm reviewing is a Chinese version. The English version from VIZ Media Publishing is essentially the similar in content. Some of the English versions end with movie scripts, some don't.

As usual, there are lots of beautiful sketches on character design and concept art for the environment. They are all painted in traditional media. The bath house on one full page on its own is just breathtaking. There are only a handful of movie stills. Captions below the sketches describe the scene and ideas behind.

At the end of the book are is a short write up on how they used computers to composite some of their cel animation onto the big screen.

I like the movie very much and this book is a perfect complement to it. If you collect Studio Ghibli movie art books, there's no reason not to add this to your collection.

Note that there's another book called Spirited Away Picture Book. It's essentially the movie published as a book. It comprises only off movie stills and the story is written for kids. I actually made the mistake of buying that book before The Art of Spirited Away, which is the real art book.

PS - Oh, the soundtrack for the movie is simply fantastic. One of my all time favourites as well.

If you like this book, you might also want to check out the other art-of books I have reviewed for Studio Ghibli's movies.



The Art of Spirited Away

The Art of Spirited Away

The Art of Spirited Away

The Art of Spirited Away

The Art of Spirited Away

The Art of Spirited Away

Visit the link beside to read more reviews on Amazon. If you buy from the link, I get a little commission that helps me get more art books for review.

Country-specific Amazon links for this book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Book Review: Perspective Made Easy

It's great that this book is going to be reprinted again, since its first publication in 1939. It's a very useful book.

All the concepts of perspective are explained in plain and simple English. It teaches the basic foundation well, in a progressive manner where you build onto what you've learned earlier. Included are examples that emphasis the lesson point effectively. Once you get it, you get it forever.

Google Book Search has a limited preview of Perspective Made Easy.

For the low price, it's worth every cent.

Visit the link beside to read more reviews on Amazon. If you buy from the link, I get a little commission that helps me get more art books for review.

Country-specific Amazon links for the paperback book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de

Country-specific Amazon links for the hardcover book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de

Check out other books reviewed on this blog, with pictures:
Art book list | Design book list

Kopi-O Klan Now On The Web

This is the 3D comic strip that I do for The New Paper. It has now been adapted for the web.

Enjoy.



If you like soccer, do visit The Postman.

Friday, September 19, 2008

Mclaren in wireframe

Mclaren in wireframe
This is what I'm working on at the moment, a Mclaren F1 racing car.

Vroom!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Book Review: Robota

Doug Chiang is the design director for the Star Wars prequel. Robota is a personal project inspired by sketches of robots he drew when he was a kid.

This is more of a picture book than an art book. Orson Scott Card filled in the role as the writer for the story.

The story's about the battle between robots and humans on a world called Robota. In this world, humans were made slaves to the robots. One day, a mysterious young man appeared and started a revolution against the robots. That's the premise of the story.

If there's anything I learned from story artists from Pixar, a good story must have twist and turns often. Give readers something and then take it away, making them want more. Show readers the characters are fighting for a cause. It is in these two areas that the story fail to engage me. I just can't relate to

I've seen lots of concept paintings done by Doug Chiang on Star Wars. While the paintings inside this book are impressive, they are lacking in the story element. Except for a few, there's rarely any action in the panels. They are merely concept art. Nothing wrong with that except that there's a story going along. There's no communication between any characters.

Here's a video to help you decide whether or not to get the book.



Robota

Robota

Robota

Robota

Robota

Visit the link beside to read more reviews on Amazon. If you buy from the link, I get a little commission that helps me get more art books for review.

Country-specific Amazon links for this book:
Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Amazon.co.uk | Amazon.fr | Amazon.de

Check out other books I've reviewed also, with pictures:
Art book list | Design book list