Just like I promise I am going to start updating the blog weekly on the weekend, that's when I have the most free time.

So how did I come up with the MonkeyQuest idea? Well, it started with a girl I met. She had this brooding, mysterious look to her and I wanted to base a character on her (see pic#1). She made quit an impression on me. At the same time I heard about Small Press Idol, I thought to myself I just created this character why not use her.

Now the decisions to go anthropomorphic and cartoony emerge from two reasons.

Back in 2007 I entered Tokyopop's Rising Stars of Manga contest. And the judges noted that my animal/monster characters were more animated and emotive than my human characters (see pic #2). What do you think? That's why I went with animals, besides they are more fun to draw.

The cartoony decision was based on time contraints. I can also draw in a more classic 90's comicbook style. In my experience it takes me about a day(15hrs!!!) to draw in the 90's style. while in the same amount of time I can pencil, ink and maybe even lay color flats in the cartoony style. There was no freaking way I can produce a high quality comic in the 90's style for the competition. I have other responsibilities and priorities in life just like everyone else. Going cartoony was a wise decision on my part. Otherwise Chimp would look like the pic #3. I t changes the feel of MonkeyQuest. I don't think it captures the tone of MonkeyQuest like the cartoony style.

That's it from me this week. Check back next time for the creation of CHIMP!

Oh almost forgot! Please vote for MonkeyQuest! http://www.smallpressidol.com/forum/topicview/misc/815.htm