"Moist Embrace" ("The Break-Up")
Pencil Marks: If there's one thing frustrating about doing this gallery, that's sometimes we're at the mercy of the movie studios and when they choose to release their films. Case in point: this picture based on the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn comedy "The Break-Up". Honestly, I wouldn't have decided to base a picture on this, but it was the only film opening up that weekend. And yes, if I had a choice, I probably would have gone with option B. But alas, there was only one pick so an illustration on a romantic comedy it was.
Now coming up with the idea to do a harlequin novel was easy (contrary to what Tony says was the case otherwise); it was the matter of who to feature on it that took some time. Did I want Erik to do the unthinkable and be unfaithful to Kari? Would he run off with the headstrong Eli, the alluring Rakkoon, or the desirable Crispie? Or was it Crispie himself who'd be playing foolish games with matters of the heart? But then it dawned on me - harlequin novels always feature characters with dark secrets they try to keep hidden.
I know it doesn't make sense to you guys. I'm sorry. This picture really is a inside joke that very few with know about. It's just I really didn't want to do a picture for "The Break-Up". - Jake
Ink Smudges: So for weeks leading up to this entry, Jake was complaining that he couldn't come up with anything, which only fell to him due to our week-on/week-off schedule. He was bitching and moaning, and trying to get me to do it for him. And I was all, "No Jake, you do it." And he was like, "Man, F-You! Do it!" and I'm: "Bite me!". So, the weeks go by and then suddenly he hands me this typical Jake picture, all "characters, but no background" and he's like: "Make it a romance magazine cover".
Um WHAT??? Do they even MAKE romance magazines?? Does People count?
So taking my crystal ball, I look into it and realize that my pal Jake was probably talking about a romance NOVEL cover, you know those kinds that always feature Fabio and his wind-swept hair that just HAS to be a wig. And seeing the picture Jake handed to me, I figured that was what he really wanted.
I do enjoy the little "inside joke" that Jake threw in there for a certain guest artist, and trust me, if you all could see the images that inspired the gag, you'd probably need a little "alone time" with some lotions and tissue. Kinky stuff. - Tony