BRUTE!

New BRUTE! blog

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

The astonishing page lay-out capabilities of Wordpress have compelled me to set up a new blog.
Check out the new version at

http://blog.bruteprop.co.uk/

New BRUTE! Propaganda web site

2009-07-03T00:08:00.000-07:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the BRUTE! Propaganda web site has been down for the last month. However, we have now re-opened with a new domain name so please go to:

http://www.bruteprop.co.uk

From next week, skate decks will be available from the shop as well as our new canvas prints so please keep checking the site.

Popaganda Show Price List

2009-06-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

click on image to enlarge
We've been getting a lot of emails from people who couldn't make it to the Popaganda exhibition for details and prices so I have posted the price list for the show above.

Prices are in Czech krowns so I have included a link to a currency converter below.

Any further enquiries, you can contact us here bruteprop@gmail.com

Show ends July 13th Address: Mad Bar, Plaska 5, Mala Strana, Praha 5 (CZR)

Currency converter: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

RAGE! comic from 1982

2009-06-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

The early 80's was a tense time. The world seemed on the brink of war, youth unemployment was at an all-time high and strikes and riots were commonplace. To reflect this, I began to write and illustrate a series of strips that attempted to address these concerns. The first copy of RAGE! was sold in Bristol, London and Amsterdam and was creating a buzz until its demise soon after the originals for RAGE! 2 were stolen from my apartment in Holland.

Thanks to my brother for digging this one out.

BRUTE! POPAGANDA

2009-06-19T07:07:00.001-07:00

Short mini-documentary on the BRUTE! Popaganda show in Prague this month. Film maker Rory Wilmer and I spent the day walking and drinking along the river Vltava and discussing my work. Also contains scenes from the opening of the show at Mad Bar which features a short speech by yours truly on Popaganda reproduction.

BRUTE! Exhibition - Prague

2009-06-13T04:50:00.000-07:00

I decided, after several requests, to stage an exhibition of my work at a small bar gallery in Prague's famous Mala Strana district.
The owners of Mad Bar (Plaska 5, Praha 5), keen promoters of modern art, suggested I use their restaurant to display my Popaganda-themed work. Instead of using the more intense images for which I've become known, I instead chose a selection of more colourful creations.
This is also the first time I've employed the digital print-to-canvas system and I was very impressed with the results (although it didn't work so well with the black-heavy prints).
The gallery organiser turned out to be useless so Zuzana, my Czech girlfriend and PA, stepped in to organise the prints and help with the installation while I sent out eVites and set up Facebook events to promote the show.
Installation was pretty quick and glitch-free thanks to a fluid hanging system employed by the architects to protect the heritage building.
A last minute problem with the burning of the showreel led to me missing Gilbert Shelton and Robert Crumb's talk at the Lanterna across the bridge from the exhibition but there was a healthy turn-out for the event with several skate decks and canvases sold.

Show ends July 13th

Russian Hover Planes - Ekranoplans

2009-06-08T04:35:00.001-07:00

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/05/ekranoplans-showcase.html

Evolution of Technology /// extended Cinema Version - HQ

2009-06-05T14:14:00.001-07:00

I love robots.

post overalls cruzer shirt

2009-06-03T06:12:00.001-07:00

Some articles of clothing are so sublime, I find it hard to contain my excitement upon discovering them.

I've seen a recent departure from the traditional military/urban jacket to a more multi-purpose, soft fabric workwear, none more so than this two-ply cotton work shirt/jacket from Post O'Alls. Along with the similar Nigel Claiborne gingham shirt jacket, these brands are paving the way for a more purpose-related garment for the modern urban male.

Anyone interested in these shirts should buy me one, size Large.

http://www.superdenim.co.uk/prodpage.asp?productid=261

Apologies

2009-06-01T09:12:00.001-07:00

Many of you coming here will have seen that my main site at bruteprop.com is down. This is due to annual network maintenance. Business will be back to normal as soon as possible.

Ribbon of Souls update

2009-05-30T04:27:00.001-07:00

In the final stages of the tattoo design. Colours have been saturated to give more of a feeling of old skool sailor tattoos to correspond with the dark noir of Chris Lefler's 'Street' tattoo on his other arm.

I imagine there will be more tweaking over the next month with possibly a character change or two ('Are there too many naked women?' I ask myself).

Visual Art Assassination interview

2009-05-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

Interview with online art magazine.
http://visualartassassination.net/
2008/07/30/the-art-of-brute/

Visual Art Assassination is an East Coast Art Collective with members as far north as Connecticut and as south as Virginia. The VAA Collective is made up of a tight group of socially conscious art activists. The purpose of the VAA is to use art as a weapon to empower the mind and facilitate change. Visual Art Assassination is a completely independent, exclusive and self-contained organization that relies only on it’s inner core members.

Popaganda show in Prague

2009-05-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

Poster for my forthcoming show at Mad Bar, Malo Strana, Prague (from June 11-July 13)

Blokefight

2009-05-23T18:20:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alancharness/2909382268/

A very old KMFDM rough that was never used. I think I then re-adapted it for use as a magazine cover.

Thanks to Alan Charness for posting this.

More BRUTE! Helmet roughs

2009-05-20T05:14:00.001-07:00

More rough helmet designs for Bimmerworld racing team.

I first built a basic helmet shape in 3D (Poser 4) and then textured them with the artwork, taking snaps of the front, back, sides and top plus a three-quarter profile. Finally, in Photoshop, I cut and pasted them over the helmet line-art and photos supplied by the company.

Keep posted to see the final design evolve.

Loco!

2009-05-17T13:30:00.001-07:00

Another from the vaults, this time from the collection of my friend and patron Robert Lee who commissioned this painting from me back in 1996-97.

He has since restored it to its former glory.

BRUTE! KMFDM Tohuvabohu Swordgirl

2009-05-17T02:45:00.000-07:00

My original ink artwork for KMFDM's album Tohuvabohu goes up for auction this week.
Be sure to bid for this unique, hand-drawn figure.

Go to eBay: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270379032529&rvr_id=&mfe=sidebar

Kurator magazine cover by BRUTE!

2009-05-15T04:43:00.000-07:00

Too few times in an artist's life will come clients offering him creative control over their content.

And so it was with now-defunct Kurator, whose art director seemed happy enough with my work until last month when they went suspiciously quiet and refused to answer my emails.

A quick scan of the web reveals no such magazine. Ah well.

Its a bitch of a time to be starting up such endeavors and my condolences go to the staff of yet another deceased monthly art and design title.

UPDATE: I spoke with the editor of the mag who informs me that they will be back in business in the next couple of months once they sort out their advertisers.

Here's the first of two covers I did for Kiev-based Kurator magazine.

Ink Originals from the featured cover will shortly be available from this blog.

BRUTE! Crash Helmet Designs!

2009-05-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

One of the cool things about my job is the opportunities it throws up to make you see the work in a new light.

I was recently asked to do a series of helmet designs for a racing team and was intrigued by the way the shape of the helmet dictated the dynamics of the art.
Shortly after sending in these roughs, I began to build and texture the helmet in 3D, the results I will post later.

prototype [GAME-VIDEO] - HD

2009-05-11T16:50:00.001-07:00

Lethal-looking prototype for upcoming game.

BRUTE! gas tank design

2009-05-11T04:10:00.000-07:00

A while back, bike builder Paul Solar asked me to come up with a design for his motorcycle gas tank.
Here is the final product.

Musashi Tattoo

2009-05-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

The final image for Vincent Compean's calf tattoo featuring legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi conquering a fictitious monster. This took me almost four months of research and conceptual designing and I am more than happy with the result, especially as its fantasy aspect is one that's relatively new to me.

Check back to the blog in a couple of months to see how the tattoo is progressing.

To see the monster head in detail, go here: http://bruteprop.blogspot.com/2009/03/monster-head.html

The Rotring Art Pen Sucks!

2009-05-03T03:34:00.001-07:00

Are YOU the type of artist that likes to wander around your studio covered in ink?

Do YOU like to spend 30-40 minutes cleaning your pen after only 5 minutes of use?

Are YOU interested in using an art instrument that makes a quill look like a laser beam?

Then this piece of shit art pen by Rotring is just for YOU!

Vectips Interview with Aidan Hughes

2009-05-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

http://vectips.com/tips/interview-with-artist-aidan-hughes/

An interview I did with Vectips, a site specifically featuring the work of vector-based artists and illustrators.

Stephen Tompkins

2009-05-02T04:32:00.000-07:00

http://cargocollective.com/stephentompkins

Check out this guy's work. Bizarre but captivating. I like it!

BRUTE! Death Tongue album cover - Wayne Kramer

2009-04-27T22:02:00.001-07:00

An album cover design I did for the celebrated MC5 guitarist, Wayne Kramer.

I was living in London's Notting Hill area and his record company was at the bottom of my street. Somehow, I managed to wangle my portfolio into their offices and this is the ensuing art.

Copy Machine

2009-04-22T06:36:00.001-07:00

BRUTE! Tohuvabohu Swordgirl Original

2009-04-22T04:48:00.001-07:00

Another element from the Tohuvabohu art file.

This is the original ink art that was scanned in to complete the album cover.

Hand-drawn with brush-pen and rapidograph, this 5''x7'' illustration was the definitive final version before I traced it in Illustrator and coloured it.

I am now proud to present it for sale, price 275 euros (incudes shipping and handling). Contact: bruteprop@gmail.com

(If unsold in three weeks, I will then put it up for auction on eBay).

Old Porno cartoons

2009-04-19T06:19:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways for an artist to keep in the zone between art engagements is to draw porn. It keeps the hand fluid by creating curves and the eye alive by constantly evaluating shadows and light sources.

Plus, its fun!

Thanks to Deborah Ferraz for this valuable addition to my blog

Doodle from 1993

2009-04-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

Way back in 1993, I was in Chicago, art directing the KMFDM animation 'Drug Against War' at C-Pop studios. In one room, the techies slogged (doing the animation tweening and compositing) and, in another, much sweatier room, I worked night and day with the cel animation team or 'inkies', as we called ourselves.
To keep spirits and morale up, the team and I engaged in Art Wars: denigratory and derogatory cartoons aimed at humiliating the other animators. Pretty soon, we had a huge wall covered with these gems and I am proud to present, courtesy of ace draughtsman, Peter Moriarty (who also worked with me on 'Sonofagun' and the ZPC: No Flesh Shall Be Spared game for Zombie Interactive), one of the best. In between our punishing 36-hour shifts, the team shared a love of pool which we indulged in in bars such as McNeill's and Hoilday in the city's Wicker Park area.
Here is one of the crowing cartoons I posted one day after a typical trouncing on the green baize.

Abe Lincoln Posters by BRUTE!

2009-04-15T01:00:00.001-07:00

Limited edition Abe Lincoln posters are still available from the BRUTE! Prop Shop, along with many others. Check them out at http://bruteprop.com/v3/shop_index.htm

KMFDM rough art from Tohuvabohu

2009-04-14T06:19:00.000-07:00

Tohuvabohu Swordgirl rough 01

Tohuvabohu album cover concept rough sheet

Tohuvabohu swordgirl figure concept sheet

I'm often asked how much preparatory work goes into each album cover I do and this series of rough conceptual work goes some way in illustrating how the final design comes about.
3 months before the final artwork was completed, I started outlining the various ideas I had for the sleeve and a slew of pictures emerged from the process which Sascha and I discussed before I began to build the final image.
Now, I am able to present these images for sale. Anyone interested, please leave your contact details in the comments box below or contact me via our Gmail account bruteprop@gmail.com and I'll provide prices and size details.
All the above are rendered in black indian ink and signed.

Stay in touch for more KMFDM concept sketches

Mad Bar

2009-04-14T01:42:00.000-07:00

This A3 (16''x11'') ink original is now for sale. Originally designed as a wall mural for a bar that went bankrupt, I am selling the conceptual artwork for 350 euros (plus postage/packing).
If you are interested in purchasing this intense piece, let me know via bruteprop@gmail.com or in the comments section below.

Nitzer Ebb Pub

2009-04-14T01:15:00.001-07:00

The lads from Nitzer Ebb enjoy a quiet pint in a pub with a swell decor. It can't be that tough to get served in there, surely!

New BRUTE! Ink originals For Sale

2009-04-13T05:39:00.000-07:00

Kafka Cafe
Old Man
Hitman
Cones

Another assortment of original ink sketches, roughs and composites for various art projects completed in 2008.
As usual, to purchase any of these illustrations, please either leave your request in the 'comments' box below or contact me at bruteprop@gmail.com

KMFDM Animation Frames Unearthed

2009-04-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

A fan recently sent me two frames from the KMFDM animation 'Drug Against War' which I worked on with H-Gun Studios in Chicago, circa 1993. The top one is a three cel composite (additional inking by Pete Moriarty) while the one below is the basic illustration which was later coloured in Photoshop and animated in Director.

Special thanks to the Bert Bosman collection.

View the video here

Waltz With Bashir - Waltzing Soldier

2009-04-08T11:47:00.001-07:00

Beautifully-rendered sequence.

I Bombed Beirut

2009-04-08T11:44:00.001-07:00

I love this and would appreciate if anyone knows how it was created (Flash? Swish?)

New Food4Thought Ink comps

2009-04-06T23:54:00.000-07:00

After my earlier illustration was deemed 'too morbid' by KPMG execs, I decided to do a friendlier version. These composites were used to create the pic and I am offering the original inks for sale.

Contact me at bruteprop@gmail.com for prices

Getaway Film Poster

2009-04-06T04:44:00.000-07:00

A retrodden poster for the Sam Pekinpah movie, 'The Getaway' featuring Ali McGraw and the legendary Steve McQueen. I love this!

KPMG illustration 'Food for Thought'

2009-04-06T04:32:00.000-07:00

A pic I did for KPMG which was deemed 'too morbid'.
Available as an ink original from BRUTE! Propaganda Inks.

Interested? Leave a comment for purchasing/shipping details

BRUTE! Skateboard decks by War Effort

2009-04-02T13:20:00.001-07:00

Series 2
Series 1

Both series of the BRUTE!/War Effort skate decks are now available for 50 euros each (signed by the artist).

Please contact me at bruteprop@gmail.com for payment and shipping details.

ThE CITY by frans Masereel (1 of 4)

2009-03-31T07:27:00.001-07:00

Simply awesome blockage!

(1 of 3) Passionate Journey by Frans Masereel

2009-03-31T07:21:00.001-07:00

Brash woodcuts by the Man Himself, Frans Masereel. I have been a big fan since 1982 and his work has been a big inspiration in formulating my work minimalistically.

Sixth Sense Wearable Device

2009-03-27T04:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.5min.com/Video/Learn-about-the-Sixth-Sense-Wearable-Device-100993419
Cool device should eradicate tagger pricks...

IRON MAN action figure

2009-03-27T02:19:00.001-07:00

There are some things more sexy than the most beautiful woman on Earth and this is it.

If you want to buy me one (or two so they can mate and have kids), the link is here: http://gamu-toys.info/sonota/sw/hot06/hot06.html

Blacklight movie for Fox Atomic

2009-03-23T04:12:00.001-07:00

My old boss at Zombie Interactive, Mark Long, has recently had one of his properties taken up by Fox Atomic and has asked me to provide propaganda posters for the post-apocalyptic worlds portrayed in the script.

See here for the article.

More here

Ribbon of Souls Tattoo - update

2009-03-23T04:03:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot of time in the cafes of Prague, penciling and inking the Ribbon of Souls tattoo design for friend and client, Chris Lefler.

The pic features about 2/3rds of the eventual design and will be coloured once the inkwork has been completed in a couple of weeks.

Click on image to enlarge

To see the earlier sketches, click here: http://bruteprop.blogspot.com/2009/02/brute-new-sleeve-tattoo-ribbon-of-souls.html

Monster Head

2009-03-23T03:56:00.001-07:00

I've never been known for producing fantasy images but here's one I'm working on for a client's tattoo.

The image will be part of a wrap-around design intended for one of his calves and will also feature the legendary Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.

Keep checking back to see the finished image.

Original BRUTE! Artwork on eBay

2009-03-19T07:08:00.000-07:00

Every couple of years, I go through my files and put a few original ink pieces up for auction. Here is the the latest selection:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270360944054&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270360947954&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270360936044&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270360932327&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:GB:1123

No kidding, start bidding!

Röyksopp Happy Up Here'

2009-03-05T04:06:00.001-08:00

Superb 3D and motion graphics design.

Kelly Brook update

2009-03-04T10:39:00.000-08:00

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Almost on the final leg(?) of the illustration of Kelly Brook which I started vector-tracing over a week ago in my spare time.

I've learned a lot by using the gradient mesh and transform mesh tools and my anchor point tweaking has improved tremendously.

Its been an experience working this way as my normal output seldom includes so much gradient work but its handy to know if something of this type crops up again.

Keep watching for the final illustration. Feel free to make suggestions for the background (keep it simple).

Big MIKE

2009-03-04T04:07:00.001-08:00

Another buddy pic, this time of Mike Cusato, a superb guitarist and a credit to his native Wales.

I met him and his buddy Marcus when I was living on Merseyside, UK.

One autumn, we went to a small cottage in Anglesey, North Wales, and recorded low-flying jets from the local air base all weekend.

Great days, great guys...

I scanned the doodle into Pshop, coloured it; ran the black and colour layers through Cutout and then dropped in a Creation background.

Big ED

2009-03-04T03:57:00.001-08:00

A quick Illustrator sketch of my good friend Edward Galore of Seattle, Washington. Ed was on the Zombie team back in the day and is still one good-looking SOB.

Creation Graffiti PRAHA

2009-03-04T03:41:00.001-08:00

A few examples of my collaboration with the now-defunct Creation Project.

Using bio-
degradable, non toxic, water-based chalks and paints, we attempted to illustrate what could be done with more organic forms of graffiti.

All the above were created in a matter of hours in three different locations in Prague, Czech Republic.

EDEN01 - 1st Creation Poster

2009-03-04T03:09:00.000-08:00

click to enlarge
The first graphic I did for the Creation Project, whose philosophy of graphic architecture matches my own. Their idea is to include art at the planning stage, thereby eradicating the urban scribble of graffiti whilst retaining its graphic texture.
This A2 print is now available for a short period from BRUTE! Propaganda. Contact us by leaving a comment below.

BRUTE! PIG poster

2009-03-04T02:13:00.000-08:00

A poster I did a while back for a client impressed with my artwork for the PIG vs. KMFDM sleeve. The background is supposed to represent Edgware Rd. flyover in London.

BRUTE!/PIG prints are available for 50 euros (includes shipping and handling).
Poster format A2. Signed by the artist.
To purchase, please contact us through the comments box below.

Terminator Salvation Trailer

2009-03-04T00:58:00.001-08:00

I don't normally put up non-graphic film clips up on here but I was so impressed by this trailer for the new Terminator movie that I almost came on myself. This is the pinnacle of realistic CGI that was ushered in with Transformers but here splattered with grime and carrying real weight for a change. I cannot wait to see this...

RYAN - BRUTE! Vector illustration up for grabs

2009-03-03T05:01:00.000-08:00

Also in this month's 'For Sale' file is this vector illustration I did last year.
Please contact me here if you require purchasing information for this image.

448 Demystify LOGO for SALE

2009-03-03T04:30:00.001-08:00

Every now and again I end up with a piece of art that hasn't been paid for and this one was done for an Australian gymnasium which has since gone out of business. If anyone is interested in purchasing the logo (at a reduced rate), please contact me here. I will add your business name free of charge.

Nittosha matchbox design

2009-03-03T04:19:00.001-08:00

nice matchbox design discovered on the web

BRUTE! Grenade logo for somethingawful.com

2009-03-02T08:45:00.001-08:00

My approach to drawing technology has always been to draw attention away from the actual mechanics and concentrate more on the effect caused by textures arranged dynamically within a silhouette.

This logo I completed recently illustrates this pop idea simply and effectively.

Check out their site:
www.somethingawful.com

BRUTE! - KMFDM CD Sleeve for 'BLITZ'

2009-03-01T06:23:00.001-08:00

KMFDM are my most regular clients and I had great pleasure in completing their latest CD sleeve recently. Its going back more to the roots of the KMFDM style in terms of art.
Check out their site: http://kmfdm.net and official MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/officialkmfdm

BRUTE! Cover for Ron_K CD

2009-03-01T06:03:00.001-08:00

I was asked to come up with appropriate image for musician Ron-K's new single, Grace.
Check out his web site for release dates www.ron@ron-k.net and Myspace page www.myspace.com/ronkofficial

Kelly Brook Vector Pin-Up

2009-02-27T01:44:00.001-08:00

After a successful re-rendering of Girlz, I decided to embark on an epic vectorisation of a photo of Kelly Brook.

It is now a scientifically proven fact that Kelly Brook has the perfect body.

Scientists at the University of Texas say that her perfect waist to hip ratio, which happens to be 0.70588253, makes her visually very attractive.

The research has proved that the waist to hip ratio is the secret to attraction. The lower the ratio, the perfect the figure.

Measuring your waist at the narrowest point and dividing it by the measurement of widest point of your hips calculates the ratio.

Anyone around the 0.7 mark has the visually most attractive body.

So, what better way to reproduce her than in Illustrator?

The original photo

I Spy TV Opening Theme - Version 1

2009-02-26T12:30:00.001-08:00

Some nice moves in this semi-animated 60's cop show intro to I-Spy and the first interracial pairing in TV history

Cops and Hookers Poster

2009-02-26T03:11:00.000-08:00

Yet another fine rendering I found on some web-site.

I love the way the unknown artist has positioned the
camera so that the girls' legs resemble trees in a forest.

BRUTE! Street Tattoo - the final stages

2009-02-25T00:12:00.000-08:00

Chris Lefler's BRUTE tattoo is updated with extra art.
A space on the wrist is filled with new art

side view

street detail is added

Apple Expo '07 - Wacom Cintiq - Demo Illustrator

2009-02-24T02:21:00.001-08:00

Wacom Cintiq 12WX

2009-02-24T02:09:00.001-08:00

Damn, I gotta get me one of these!

2009-02-24T02:09:00.000-08:00

http://www.flixfacts.co.uk/view/mediaplayer/?l=en&demo=&d=49&f=wacom-cintiq12wx&p=1064&g=&txt=&cp=no&btg=WN5&t=fl&

Anatomy of a Murder

2009-02-19T07:58:00.001-08:00

The amazing Saul Bass.

1964 - James Bond - Goldfinger: title sequence

2009-02-19T07:56:00.001-08:00

Despite the zero budget, this sequence is classy, sexy and, mixed with the music, iconic.

1965 - James Bond - Thunderball: title sequence

2009-02-19T07:52:00.001-08:00

Stunning credit sequence from the master of the game, Maurice Binder.

THE LIQUIDATOR 'Main Title' - Shirley Bassey (HQ)

2009-02-19T07:45:00.001-08:00

Great song, arrangement and credits

Daft About Lager

2009-02-19T06:08:00.000-08:00

A rare copy of Rohan Daft's essential guide to imported beers has become available on Amazon.
It includes over 30 black and white illustrations by yours truly.
Did we have fun writing this!

Get yours here:
http://www.amazon.com/Daft-About-Lager-Definitive-No-Nonsense/dp/0747403651/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235052477&sr=1-2

BRUTE! Paperback for sale on Amazon.

2009-02-19T05:52:00.002-08:00

The first issue of BRUTE! was unleashed on an unsuspecting public in 1984. A satirical homage to the hard-boiled pulps of the 30's and 40's BRUTE! 's strategy was to revive the strident writing of the original texts whilst injecting a savage humor all of its own.
Authors Malcolm Bennett and Aidan Hughes invented an original concept in literature, 'woodspeak', which enabled them to concisely edit their stories into brutally short stabs of tabloid-style prose.
Visually BRUTE! also kept to the classic designs of the pulps but added a epic quality found in illustrated religious pamphlets of the 20's. Its tiny (A6) format was designed specifically to fit in the pocket (portability equals accessibility). The first three issues achieved a small-scale notoriety until 1986 when they caught the attention of Blitz, a London-based style magazine.
The authors were commissioned to write and illustrate a monthly short story in the BRUTE! style (a TV series, narrated by actor Jack Klaff, was also broadcast during this period) which led to other related work in radio, TV and advertising.
The media exposure for the release of BRUTE! 6 attracted Sphere Books who published a compilation paperback which sold out its initial print run.
However, owing to complaints about the nature of its content, the publishers shied off from a second print run and a proposed sequel. Despite healthy sales and a die-hard fan-base, BRUTE! breathed its last in 1988 with issue number 7.

"Masterly." - Literary Review
"One day all books will be written this way" - Time Out
"The best experimental novel of the decade" - Kazuo Ishiguro

GET IT HERE! http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/0722115652/ref=sr_1_olp_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1235049899&sr=1-1

The Pentel Brush Pen

2009-02-19T04:36:00.000-08:00

The magnificent Pentel Brush Pen changed the way I worked back in 1981 (when I discovered them by accident in a Chinese store in Amsterdam) and I have been using them (or Berols) ever since.

Initially, I'd use them for a particular stroke but then moved into doing a spiked shading with them, similar to that used by Frans Masereel in his wood-cuts.

Combined with a hard-tipped outlining pen, they far outstrip the peformance of paint brushes and can adapt to detailed work as easily as they do to bolder strokes and calligraphy.

The first publication I used them in was The Claim in 1982 and then used them regularly with rapidographs for the BRUTE series before dispensing with the tech nibs completely in 1984.

The difference is: with the Rotrings, art becomes like surgery. With the brush pens, its more like foreplay.

Draw the BRUTE! way today: http://www.dickblick.com/products/pentel-brush-pens/#photos

Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens

2009-02-19T02:12:00.000-08:00

I recommend these neat little fibre tip pens as am alternative to the brush pens I normally use.Pigmented India Ink in multiple nib sizes and 48 colors brings great versatility to pen-and-ink drawings requiring lots of intricate details. Pitt Artist Pens are great for sketching, journaling, cartooning, and drawing.
Get them here:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/faber-castell-pitt-artist-pens/

BRUTE! New Sleeve Tattoo - Ribbon of Souls

2009-02-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Chris Lefler, whose last BRUTE! sleeve tattoo, 'The Street', is nearing completion, has now commissioned one for his other arm. The design, which will curl around his arm like a serpent, will comprise of dozens of interlocking characters clambering upon each other.
Final inking to commence in a week or so so stay tuned for regular updates.

click on image to enlarge

ZPC: BRUTE! PC game on Amazon

2009-02-18T10:39:00.000-08:00

I made this computer game back in 1996 for Zombie Games in Seattle, Washington.

It has become available on Amazon for a few bucks.
Check it out while they last at: http://www.amazon.com/ZPC-Pc/dp/B0009YN3O2

and see cut clips and animations from the game here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98vuEmgYm9k

BOSS 01 - 02

2009-02-12T05:11:00.001-08:00

Office manager and gang boss from the same doodle.

Gods Looked On

2009-02-11T10:29:00.005-08:00

A re-edited version of our entry to the 2002 Guardian 48-hour Film Challenge.

Written and directed by Gad Kuju, Aidan Hughes and Rory Wilmer

Starring Aidan Hughes and Paul Barker

Shot entirely on location in New Brighton, Wirral.

Thanks to the Wolf for the loan of the lighthouse and extra cinematography.

Aidan Hughes 12 minute BogArt

2009-02-11T10:29:00.003-08:00

BRUTE! Artist Gallery

2009-02-11T10:29:00.001-08:00

BogArtBar-Paddy's Tale

2009-02-11T10:28:00.001-08:00

A short film I put together from footage taken while helping out on a pop video we shot in Andel, Prague.

Directed, written, edited by and starring Aidan Hughes.

Five Minute Hitler

2009-02-11T10:27:00.005-08:00

NEW BRUTE! shop opens for business!

2009-02-09T15:22:00.001-08:00

After a few months of prevarication, I finally came up with a short list of posters and opened the BRUTE! shop from which to sell them. Check them out at:
http://www.bruteprop.com/v3/shop_index.htm

Barga Creation installation

2009-02-09T15:08:00.001-08:00

Photo of the Creation installation in Barga, Tuscany by Rory Wilmer
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rawcut/2278223098/

Nobody the Idiot/BRUTE! art

2009-02-09T14:19:00.001-08:00

Sean Harter came up with the brilliant idea of creating a super hero and then convincing a bunch of artists to give him their unique perspective on his klutzy character. Check out his site:http://nobody-the-idiot.deviantart.com/ and keep an eye out for the first issue, due out in March 2009.

Buffbusters Straight-to-DVD trailer.

2009-02-09T13:46:00.000-08:00

We originally made this promo for Future Shorts
but, when they decided not to go with the comedic
excitement angle and opt instead for boring talking
heads, we edited it down for our own purposes.

Special thanks to Zoran Kovacevic as Dr.
Sinister, Rory Wilmer as my screen buddy, our DoP,
Trevor McDonald and those builders who let us
use their elevator
Written & directed by Aidan Hughes
(shot on location at the PragueTV Tower,
Zizkov, Prague).

Transporter Flash loop

2009-02-09T13:41:00.001-08:00

A loop I created for my site a while back when I still
thought having stuff move about in the corner of the
screen was a good idea.

Health Propaganda poster

2009-02-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

Chest ailments never looked so good. Mural ideas forming...

City

2009-02-09T13:35:00.001-08:00

A very active cityscape graphic from another unknown artist

Harakiri Film Poster

2009-02-09T13:32:00.000-08:00

Killer film poster from Japan (artist unknown)

BRUTE! font created by Fontstruct

2009-02-09T13:27:00.001-08:00

The BRUTE! font, called Brutesk, is a minimal typeface
that powerfully emboldens banner headlines and retro signage.
http://fontstruct.fontshop.com/fontstructors/falik/public

BRUTE! Street Sleeve Tattoo

2009-02-09T13:20:00.001-08:00

Chris Lefler's tattoo nears the finish line

Homicide scene wall texture

2009-02-09T13:17:00.001-08:00

A nasty mess rendered in Pshop for a 3D background.

BogArt - Off the Wall Project

2009-02-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

After a collaborative chin-wag, we design and install a number of 2D/3D 'floating' decals. We are using the basic 'drop shadow' technique but in real-time. By cutting round and removing the head /body from the card, we are left with a template stencil to lay down the 'shadow' in grey spray paint. Once dry, we then lay the head/body down over it, ensuring the shadow matches the lghting on the picture which should not cover the shadow entirely (see pic).
They do look freaky, especially when placed in areas with limited spatial range.

Facebook Profile pic of the Month.

2009-02-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

To bolster myself against a possible thin year ahead work-wise, I designed this work-related icon to inspire me in 2009.