aaronmiller

The summoning is complete.

A servant of the demon Bael has been summoned. Best of luck with your new pet.

One of the easy ways to work out problems on a painting is to take a photo of it in progress and work on it digitally until the problem is solved. it can be very difficult to fix it in the paint if you're not really sure of your direction. It's best to do it either as I mentioned or an old school method is to work it out on a piece of glass.

I wasn't thrilled with the original face once I started working on it. I knew I just needed to push it in a direction that made it creepier and cooler at the same time. I feel like it has a lot more character now.

Now to get to work on an alternate version of this. These I work on digitally. And I'll go with an illusion. We need a 2/2 Illusion in the collection. 

Devil Progress

I've already had an opportunity to jump right into this piece. I'm just setting the stage right now. Some artists can work almost like a printer. My brain doesn't work that way so this is my process. Some liken these process differences to architects and gardeners. I'm a gardener, I plant seeds of ideas and color, I prune, I replant, I'm sculpting the landscape. I make a mess and gradually clean it up. Chaos into order.

So expect a lot to change from here to the final. But also not much at the same time. You'll see what I mean in a few days.

Before I get to this point I need to get the drawing transferred to whatever I decide to paint on. I paint on a variety of materials such as the panel shown here, linen canvas, and aluminum. There are about 5 good ways to transfer a drawing. One of the easiest is to project the image. It makes things go pretty quick even though it can be tedious. 

But these smaller compositions go quick. I use a digital LED projector. I love it so much. You can also see I've dropped in a summoning sigil. When looking up spells I came across images that looked familiar. They looked familiar because my good friend, and fellow MTG artist, Jim Pavelec is working his way through the Ars Goetia!

Points if you can name the sigil that is summoning up the Salamander class red elemental that we call a devil.

Devil Token - Sketch Phase

Hi Everyone!

And welcome new folks! So many new folks to shout out to! And a quick reminder this on top of the crossover promo.

I've worked up a sketch I like for the new devil token. I'll begin working on the drawing this week after I get a few other projects either wrapped up or started. Which is just how things work around here in the studio.

I should have the drawing completed before the end of the month and quite possibly the painting underway. I love to have the final to post on the paid post but it doesn't always happen. The paid post is always at the last day of the month when a new token is coming out. 

I'm confident the memberships will stay past the first goal and it looks like everyone is also getting a free sketch version of the Devil Token. So many extras this wave! 

I want to thank all of you that have been filling out those surveys from Backerkit. It's helping me figure out what works best for all of us. The store portion works great. And I will try to figure out how to just focus on that. It's given their team a lot to think about. 

Road Trip

I’m traveling back to the studio from GP Niagara. I just wanted to pop in and remind everyone from the Mask Wave I’ll be closing the surveys tonight. All that means is if you didn’t fill it out I’ll pick the mask token you get.

Devil Token sketches inbound by the end of the week.

Canada side!!!!

I made it Niagara Falls. Drive was smooth. Check in not so much. Walking off my dinner checking out the falls

Foil Treasure Token Sample

The Proxy Guy made a quick video of some sample tokens he had produced. These give you a good idea of what's coming your way. Very shiny, shiny. Just in case you're not sure what this is about check out this post. 

One more quick note. Please fill out those surveys. I will close them on Monday night when I get home from Niagara Falls and order all the tokens for the Mask Wave on Monday the 22nd. 

I was hoping to have started on some sketches today but, I had some unexpected changes to some card illustrations I submitted. Sometimes R&D changes their minds about how a card works and that can affect what is shown on a card. So, more painting and rephotographing need to be done. I am also getting ready to head to Niagara Falls for the Magic Fest this weekend there. I am very much looking forward to seeing the falls from the Canadian side. I just gotta remember my passport! 

Ok funny story about Niagara Falls. For many years in the summer I would head east to Amherst, MA to take part in the wonderful Illustration Master Class. A few times I curse myself for forgetting my passport so I could go see the falls. On one trip back in 2011 I mentioned to the artist I shared a ride with this very problem. He laughed, "You know it's on both sides right?" OMG I just could not fathom how I came up with the idea that this river was only on one side. I fest so stupid. But, we plotted a course that night to see the falls.

Terrible photo but proof! It's on both sides. lol

White Shaman Mask

I was able to spend some quality time with the last of the three paintings. I think I achieved the creepiness I was looking for. We had a bit of a scare here as my mother-in-law had been in, thankfully, only a fender bender accident. Just to be sure I packed up all my paints and the puppy and headed over to help out.

Here's all three Mask Tokens at a glance.

Folks in the Mask Wave, I've sent out all the surveys. The benefit is you get to choose your featured mask token. This will affect your metal token if you're getting one. the sooner I get all the surveys in the sooner I can place my orders and make sure I get all the right number of items. 

You can click here if you can't find your email. 

Those that are new I'll start working on sketches for the Devil Token and it's alternate soon!

An interesting opportunity came up that will maybe get two more mask colors made. I know some folks were hoping for two more to complete the set.

And a special shout out to patron James Wood for helping on a soon to be announced Kickstarter. His help was invaluable, insightful, and more than generous. I'm sure some of you can guess what it is but just not how cool it's going to be. 

Green Shaman Mask

I've completed the second of the three masks. This is acrylic on paper on panel. I've been so happy with how the acrylics have been working for me. It has been a very long time since I've worked with them. I used to paint with acrylics for years as a mural painter. I've painted the history of jazz, a coral reef, pastures of Italy, and secret gardens. Fond memories with subjects and the artists I worked with everyday.

Do you guys want to see process? I always wonder if there's something you all want that I don't know about.

For those in the previous Mask Wave, surveys should be going out soon that give you access to the member store. There will be a question to find out which mask will be your featured reward. 

What happens if you don't fill out your survey? First, you still get your rewards. Rest assured that will always happen. For anything I've offered as a decision I simply choose for you. Since I might wait a little for a response your reward might not ship when the others do. Once I do ship I force close the survey and also access to the member store until the next survey goes out. Again, you will always get your rewards.

The next wave looks like it's going to be a Devil token by the votes in so far. From there I'll see which alternate I can create from the painting. I keep seeing an Illusion working out. But stay tuned to find out.

New pin design! Treasure Skull

I'm excited to share a new pin design with you guys. It's based off the new token coming your way next month from me and Prox (The Proxy Guy). It will be a 1" hard enamel pin. All the gold color will be the gold metal of the pin similar to my original gold skull pin from my logo. 

How can you get one?

I'll make these available to you guys first in your member store when the surveys get sent out sometime next month. Of course you guys will have special pricing! Just $5.99. 

I also want to give a huge shoutout to Tawny Fritz who worked on the inking lines for me to work with from the artwork. She's amazing and also a Patreon creator, go and check her work out and give her some love. 

And just one more thing.

I'll be sending out one Tawny Fritz pin to someone getting one of mine. Will you be the lucky one to get this pin too? If you don't want to wait you can race over to her page and find out how to get one yourself.

And one last reminder, if you want both foil tokens you need to be a patron of me and Prox. Show him your love too! 

Black Shaman Mask

This is my week to try and get a million things done. And that includes artwork for the previous Mask Wave. There are so many ways to work on an illustration. For this one I choose to mount a print of my drawing and work in acrylics. I have't worked in acrylics for a long time and for some reason these pieces just called to me in that medium.

This piece is 9x12.

For those just joining in the month of April (and a huge welcome to you all!), you're getting to see how the wave you joined in on will proceed once I get to the artwork stage.

April Crossover Special with the Proxy Guy

I’ve been holding onto this for a while and am excited to finally announce a crossover Patreon event for April! I’ve teamed up with The Proxy Guy to bring you something special.

A double sided token featuring my art and exclusive frames by The Proxy Guy for each side. Each side features a new and unique frame. One side will be foil so we’ll have two versions.

How does this event work?

All Patrons with valid pledges at any pledge level at months end receive a bonus token. For all of my Patrons, you’ll be getting the double sided token with the Treasure side in foil. 

For Prox’s Patrons, they will be getting the double sided token with the Soldier side in foil.

Want both? Simple! Just have a valid pledge on both Patreons at the end of April. 

If you missed the link above to Prox's page just click here.

One more for the boosters

Well I finally have a reason to use the zoomed out art on this new Zombie Army token. I think I might put the full art on the back. If you are in a tier getting 5 boosters you'll get this one for sure.

Drawings - Green and Black Mask

Here are the drawings for the Green Mask and Black Mask. For the green, I'm picturing the top half patina copped with Boston ferns for the beard. The metalwork is totally inspired by one of the most beautiful facades here in Chicago designed by Louis Sullivan for the  Carson  Pirie  Scott Building in 1899. I'm thrilled to finally create something inspired by the exterior of that building.

The Black Shaman Mask has a lot of fun details and textures. I'm looking forward to painting the fur on this one. The hammered iron of the rest of the mask will be a challenge but another I'm looking forward to.And the scrunched up face makes me laugh.

Now how crazy would it be to see some of these made?

Do you all have a favorite so far?

Drawing - White Mask

I'll be working on the drawings for the masks over the next few days. Here is the White Mask. As I work I sometimes changes things up from the original concept. As I was working I felt that the veil just wasn't working for me. I still wanted a similar shape to work with so I just opted for a design crop.

I hope you guys dig it.

Mask Tokens (concepts)

Green and Black seemed to be tied and we had one more vote for White after which would then have been a 3 way ties. And here we are with three concepts above. White, Green, and Black. I'll work on these a little smaller like I did the Mana tokens and I should be able to get all three completed without holding up getting them to the printer. 

I know you all are some of the most supportive and patients folks around. So, I'm thanking you in advance for a little bit of a wait on these after the wave goes to the paid post on the 31st. Especially since there will be 3 options.

How am I going to make this work for you guys? Well, that's where Backerkit comes in. I'll be able to make a poll so you can pick your main, alternate and booster. If you don't get around to filling out the survey I'll just pick for you.

I think we'll be able to hit my first goal and that's going to add a sketch version. I'll do all three but you'll get a random version. 

These masks are worn by the shamans that commune with the elemental spirits. The spirits, iyesi, may or may not help the shaman. It comes down to their ability to converse in each language the iye, or spirit, prefers. The white shaman chants in dead languages, the green might offer a seeds in exchange for favors, while the black shaman will need to make a blood offering.

C2E2 - Chaos Drafting

I'm unpacking from C2E2 today. I got all the metal tokens over the weekend and will begin shipping today.  I figured I'd get the important info to you first.

Thanks to all those checking out with Backerkit. If you didn't fill it out I'll be taking care of that for the rest of you by hand so I can get your pack out today or tomorrow.

I had to opportunity to be part of the events at C2E2 for a Play-the-artist Chaos Draft. I had a great time although I made some pretty lame decks. Friday I tried Red/White,  Saturday I went with mono Red, and Sunday I made a mono Green. Of the 9 rounds I won the last game on Sunday. I supplied the prizes for beating me so I claimed my own prize to give to my opponent.

4 New Boosters

How exciting is this!! 4 new boosters coming with the next wave. A new Zombie, Ice, Shield, and Arrowhead Token. The zombie is a favorite painting of mine, it's from a zombie workshop I did around Halloween a few years back with the model I loved working with. I was able to get a person to do some zombie effects makeup and she looked so awesomely gross.

I mentioned on the poll page (go vote if you haven't) that I'll be working on Mask Token sketches while at C2E2 this weekend. 

What color is going to pull ahead is anyone's guess at this point. Let me know in the poll comments why you picked the color you did. It might help spark some ideas for the drawings.

I want to thank you guys for getting those surveys in. Again, this is a beta project and everything you do helps me make Backerkit better for me and other Patreon creators. Based on my needs and feedback I've already helped make changes and even caught a typo.

Not sure if you got the email? here's a handy link. 

I want to get all the packages shipped next week to you. I'll be meeting some of the folks who make your metal tokens this weekend at C2E2. Along with the tokens they are delivering a few 5x7 metal prints with some of my Magic card art. If this is something that appeals to you, let me know and it can end up in the member's store with special discount pricing.

Things to come

Now that I've wrapped up the paintings for the tribute series I get to start really digging into a project that has been percolating for a while now. You'll notice the wall of images I've posted. Well, that's the tone of the series I want to start working on. And I hope this gets you get excited for the work as well as your tokens.

I'm still working on a title for the series so I'll just have to describe it a little. The foundation will be the four elements. I'm fascinated with the work on this subject by Paracelsus. I'll first focus on the four bases outlined as gnome for earth, undine for water, slyph for air, and salamander for fire. From there I can figure out the Primes and what creatures branch off from each. For instance, I love the idea that research turns up satyrs, dryads, elves, and goblins fall under the gnome branch. 

I might be posting more sketches and concepts as well so you guys can follow along the process and see how I might arrive at a painting. 

I'll be posting a few polls soon. 

• The next theme I will pursue. 
• Shipping; I  want to get a read on how your packs arrive and if everyone is happy with how I ship things. 
• Tiers; I  want to make sure everyone is happy with their tier rewards and if I could be offering something better or just different that I had not thought of.

April will also bring an exciting announcement where I team up with another Patreon creator for an exclusive just for you guys. 

Counters

I have on my list Mask and Experience. Maybe there's a counter I don't even know would be cool to have? 

C2E2

I'll be at C2E2 this year at the Cascade Games booth area. If you're going let me know so I can hand deliver your Monk Wave packs! I'm expecting the metal tokens to be hand delivered to me there as well! 

Magic Fests

I'll be at a few but the first one will be next month in Niagra. If you're going let me know and stop by. I love meeting you guys in person.

Questions?

You guys can always message me.

Thanks again for all the support you're able to give.

Final Monk painting

Bodhi - Monk Order of the Moon, Guardian of the Dreaming Tree

I'm so happy with this. Thanks again to all of you for supporting my artwork.

Here are a few details of interest I thought I would share. The golden threads on the cloak are for each year of Bodhi's life. There's a little flying squirrel that live in the Dreaming Tree. Fairy bugs are used in the lantern. And there might be a magic cricket in the little gourd on his waist. The bottom of the staff holds a scroll. We're not sure what's on it though. The tree itself has leaves of moons and stars.

Here's the final token:

I decided the concept sketch was more fun to look at for the free sketch version so I went with that. I might need togo back into the drawing and pull out some values to make it more interesting for me.

And lastly the Alternate token is an Ally. My wife loves these so much that I have to paint one of Tiberius and he'll be a Cleric for sure. He'll be fighting some demons. Dogs make the best Allies so it just seemed a great fit. 

Everything has been ordered today. I hope to be shipping before the end of the month. Thanks for being a part of the tribute series. I'll be posting what's coming up next very soon. 

Bodhi-Monk Order of the Moon, Guardian of the Dreaming Tree

I've completed the drawing of the new Monk Token. I'll be transferring the drawing to a panel today. I'm super excited to paint this one. Hits a few nostalgia notes for me. I hope you guys like it.

For those all sad that we're not doing the Cleric, my wife is pushing for that one to be a young Tiberius our Prince of Logan Square. I'm not sure I can say no. But, I just don't know when I will do it. 

Right now we're set for the FREE sketch version. I adjusted the colors to go with the theme a bit more on point. 

Don't forget if you're in the Soldier Tier and above you're getting a FREE random Cubeamajigs featuring my artwork. Some of the options I have are shown below.

If you think you know a friend that would love to be a patron as well please share. All of you make it possible for me to continue to create these new paintings.

Monk or Cleric?

There's still time to vote to break the tie. 

I'd love to do both but we're guaranteed for the one. I'd have a hard time choosing myself. I'll start working on a drawing Monday.

Here's 9 of the 10 Cubeamajigs options, one will be in your envelope in the Soldier Tiers and above. 

Just popping in for a sec.

I'm wrapping up a few Magic card paintings this week. But I wanted to stop by to say hello to a few of our new fellow patrons.

I've shipped out all of the Elemental Wave tokens. The metal token tiers went in the post this morning.

I'll be working on the thumbnails next week for the next token so there's still time to vote. Also, don't be discouraged if one is winning out, the runner up will most likely be the alternate.

Also, don't forget those in the $5 and up tiers get a sweet Cubamajigs deck box. I'll be taking some photos next week as well. That way if you're still not familiar you'll see what they are. 

We're also a few bucks shy of having the guarantee of a sketch version of the token. Last time a few of you added on to your tier which put me over the goal behind the scenes. So, thanks for that.

Patreon Pledge Drive - Free Cubeamajigs pack!

I just got a shipment of Cubeamajigs!!! All with my art on them of course.

I want you all to have one too! 

TIERS $5 AND UP WILL GET A FREE CUBEAMAJIGS!

Cubeamajigs is a series of reusable gaming packs for cube, board games,12mm dice, sideboards or just carrying a couple cards around.

Here are a few of the art options you might get.

They are really cool and useful. I was excited to be part of the campaign to get them created. I even use one for my business cards.

Please share and spread the word. 

The offer ends February 28 when the Bodhi Wave closes.

Elemental Wave is go.

Thank you all once again for being able to make this happen. This wave helped me cover the costs of the class I took at the Watt's atelier. This painting came out so much better than I had even planned. And it happened because of you guys. 

Regular Assassins and Cats Are In!

I'll start shipping out the Assassin Wave rewards that I can. I'm still waiting on the metal tokens, they as usual, take a little longer.

Alternate Art January Wave - Elemental Bat

I wanted to share the alternate art version of the new elemental; a firebat. Now this one you'll be able to add any P/T you want. 

We're $9 short of everyone getting a free sketch version of the token. If you know someone that you think might like getting cool tokens and supporting making the artwork, let them know and you all benefit.

January - Elemental / Spore

The last day to sign up for the January Wave is January 31 at 1pm CST.

I wanted to share the next token coming out for the January Wave. A 1/1 Elemental - Fireseed.

Fireseeds are similar to a phoenix in that they a birdlike and on fire. Unlike the phoenix, fireseeds die once their fire is out. Fireseeds are created by a kiss from a Salamander.

I'll be working on the alternate version this week. The alternate will be a _/_ so you can fill it in with whatever you'd prefer.

not-so-random booster

Last week someone mentioned wanting some Spore counters. Normally I just add it to the list of things to make at some point. There are still tons of options I haven't been able to get to yet. But for some reason it sparked something. Usually it starts with a super simple solution. Somehow it just hooked me. The ideas started spinning and that's when I usually dive down a rabbit hole of research. I tend to do this with most of my projects. It's never just that simple. 

The subject: spore makes me think of my old Nausica comics and miasma. So, while working on other work I watch the animated movie. I start researching reference for spores. Which leads to finding out Ambrosia was most likely psychedelic mushroom juice. There's a fungus that infects insects. Some turning them into zombies. Then I find an awesome statue with all sorts of mind altering plants carved on the base dedicated to the god Xōchipilli. Xōchipilli is the god of art, games, beauty, dance, flowers, and song in Aztec mythology. Now I'm really hooked and dive into a relaxing Sunday making art for you guys. And one of your boosters (if you're getting one) will be a Spore counter.

Assassin tokens have gone to print!

Just wanted to keep you guys up to date with what's going on in the studio. I've just sent the files off to the printers. I expect everything within a few weeks. 

It turned out my alternate art looked and felt way more "assassin" than the original so I went with that.

Here's the alternate Cat Token:

Since I've made the alternate a different class altogether anyone in the Alternate Tier just let me know your preference. I want you happy rather than disappointed.

Assassin Update / January Wave Preview

Hi All,

I'm back from the Watt's Atelier Illustration Bootcamp. I mentioned before I was bringing both the Assassin piece and the Elemental piece to work on. I ended up working on the elemental for the week and was even lucky enough to get a day in on this one.

I spent the week pushing paint around to capture a lot more depth in this somewhat simple idea. Although a complicated lighting setup that's not easy to capture I was glad to push this idea further than I had expected to. 

I'll wrap up the assassin painting this week. Look for the final art post later this week. I expect to start shipping the Assassin Wave early next month.

If you missed out on the Assassin Wave and still want to get in on it just message me and we'll get you the deal.

Here's what we'll do for January.

Your January Wave will be this awesome Red Elemental. That way rather than just getting one as a booster you'll be able to get it as a tier reward and have access to getting this as full art, metal, alternates, and multiple P/T options. There are red elementals in the 0/1, 1/1, 3/1, 3/3, 7/1, X/X ranges plus more. With the normal _/_ card i'll be able to offer a few more of these options. I'll need your help to pick which ones would be the most useful. 

Plus I could use your help on possible alternate ideas.

Once I hear from you guys I'll make an official post by Monday.

As a helpful reminder I put the tokens with _/_ in perfect fits and use a marker on the sleeve to write in the P/T I need and just change the sleeve if I need it for a different use.

Does anyone want me to create some of my ooze tokens with the new 2/2 option? I haven't made any in a long time. The new design does not have a black border so the art is a little bigger. The one in my video was my prototype.

Happy Birthday

Today is my birthday. Yeah! I wanted to share something that you'll all be getting in the next mailing. 

I've seen a few versions of this online and I wanted one for myself. I'm totally the target market for a small turn flow reminder. I hope you have a friend that maybe could use this as well. I will also make it available as a printable PDF. But, before I do that I'll give you guys the chance to make any last minute changes. I think as a bare bones chart it should be good to go. The actual turn structure rules would need a poster.

I'm sharing something that I hope you share and make more friends play the game you love.

Cat Assassin Drawing

The drawing for the Assassin token is finished. While we were super close to everyone getting a sketch version a few folks had to move on and I don't think I'll hit that goal for this wave. I'm always open to suggestions to make things better for you guys so always feel free to send me comments or suggestions.

After this wave we have one more tribute wave. We'll do a tribute to Bodhi. I'm figuring the poll will reveal whether he is a monk, cleric, or a wizard. 

I'll also be working on the Design-a-Token painting that was purchased during the Kickstarter from earlier this year. It will be a Red Elemental. When finished everyone getting a booster token will get one of these. Here's my concept thumbnail. It might change a little but it will be Firestarters. Seeds that have been kissed by Salamanders. And just coincidentally this piece will usher in some of the themes and paintings I'll be working on in 2019. More on that later though.