Enfu going Indie at GDC

Last year I decided I wanted to explore the medium of my profession, which is making video games. I've thoroughly enjoyed the creation of my meticulous illustrations, and each new piece I've learned so much, but it was time to attempt something new. So at the beginning of 2012 I've begun developing a new game. With the moral support from my coworkers at 5th Cell I've mustered the courage to attempt this journey. Right now all I can tell you is I'm motivated to design a game to cater to my 5 year old daughter, as I watch in frustration with her frustration as she plays games that are targetted at her. So I jumped at the opportunity to go to GDC (Game Developers Conference) in SF last week, and I learned so much. Despite making video games for almost 10 years, I know little about making a game from scratch. I'm here to explore new ideas and expose myself to new experiences, and I'd love to share my journey with you.

Below are some pics from my adventures of me being a fanboy but also being photobombed by my coworker Tom.

enfu x romero

enfu x phil fish

more pix after the jump...

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Enfu at the Wing Luke: Asian American Arcade

Check out the Asian Amerian Arcade show at the Wing Luke running from Feb 10th to June 17th.

"Come play! Asian American Arcade follows video games out of the arcades and into an art exhibition, where visitors will discover the creative power of this addictive, interactive medium. See video games and related artworks that explore questions of identity and community, imagination and learning, and the power of play in our lives."

Thanks to GeekWire for covering the show. The opening was great with Chiptunes artist Leeni, and she was rocking it.

My pieces Elly Robo 12Go, Enfu Party, Game Brain Fart, and Bungie Town are displayed there in full.  Also on display is one of the Multiplayer maps I worked on for Halo Reach when I was working at Bungie: Reflection.  Some images of my past professional work making video games can be seen here. I currently work at 5th Cell, and am also working on my own game on the side. I enjoy making what I enjoy consuming: Video Games.

 

Freshness Uwajimaya x Enfu bag design reveal

The next Uwajimaya bag is in production, it had been delayed due to revisions, but will be worth the wait. I will be donating this Diptych to the Wing Luke Museum for auction March 17th, it will be a huge canvas print set.  The posters of these will debut at the Emerald City Comicon on March 30th. To hold you guys over here is the artwork for it. When the bag finally comes out I'll be sure to let you know here. This illustration took over 130 hours to make, and was definitely a labour of love.  There are close to 200 different items in the piece. Enjoy!

Nagomi Tea House x Enfu

The North American Post had set up a holiday art sale with a bunch of local artists, giving locals the chance to support their free range organic local artists.  Thanks for coming out and showing your support, we all appreciated it! Featured artists include: Ken Taya (Enfu), Junichi Tsuneoka (Stubborn Sideburn), Jonathan Wakuda Fischer, Aki Sogabe, Takuya Tokizawa, Robert Fornell, Kiyomi Okawa, Linda Hoshide, Dennis Harrison, and Nancy Matsudaira.

What a funky lineup.  Enfu (Ken Taya), Wakuda Studio (Johnathan Wakuda Fischer), and Stubborn Sideburn (Junichi Tsuneoka).  It was an honor and pleasure to have sat next to them.  I personally love their work and have them proudly hanging on my walls.  I also had a chance to sit next to Aki Sogabe and hear about her almost 30 years of experience showing at the Bellevue Art Fair.  I have yet a lot to learn from all my fellow Artists.  My eyes and ears are wide open for inspiration and advice from my peers and seniors. 

My daughter giving me a helping hand.  Thanks Honey!  She was the model for I Fart Rainbow's Elly charater.

BungieTown

I've gotten clearance to post the illustration I did for Bungie's 20th Anniversary.  All proceeds will be going to charity via the Bungie Foundation to raise money for the iPads for kids beta program.  I've been told this sale is only valid for today (7/7/11) so go to the Bungie Store and pick it up ASAP!  I was thinking of the fans of Bungie while I was drawing it, and I hope you guys like it!

Below are more detail shots, the best way to own all this is to buy this poster.  Do it for the kids.

Bungie x Enfu

I drew this illustration for Bungie, a place dear in my heart where I had worked for 5yrs.  I worked as an Environment Artist on Halo 3, Halo ODST, Halo Reach, and Halo Reach DLC.  I'm very proud of my work there, and so happy that I was able to make a piece commemorating Bungie's 20th Anniversary.

The print on sale available to the public will be on sale only today and will go to charity via the Bungie Foundation.  It should appear on the Bungie Store, but if it isn't up, grab it today on Amazon here!!

 Below is the thumb.  I will post deets later. Go go go!

 

Enfu x Anime Expo 2011 Cosplay

I had a blast at Anime Expo 2011.  Much thanks to all those who stopped by and bought my posters.  It felt great to show my work to all those in Cali who haven't seen my stuff.  If you haven't already, Fan me on Facebook and/or Follow me on Twitter.  Below are some of my favorite pix from the event.  You can view all of the pix on my Flickr set too.  You can buy my catalogue or download it for free here.

 



 


Anime Expo debut.

I love meeting my fans at conventions and this will be my first California convention!  Come by and bring your friends to my booth to say hi.  I appreciate the support! 

Friday, July 1st, (Day 1) 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Premier)
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm (General)
Saturday, July 2nd (Day 2) 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 3rd (Day 3) 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Monday, July 4th (Day 4) 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

These 12"x12" posters are the ones on sale for $5, normally $20.

Rainbow Robo 12Go,Elly Cure,Yebiweiser,Elly Ramen,Enfoodle, and 893QP

Since my suitcase space is limited, I'm only bringing what I can fit & I like to pack light so first come first serve!

Hinomaru Bento

 

Hinomaru Bento: 
Umeboshi (pickled plum) over rice in an aluminum bento box.  
To me this is the every man's lunch and symbolizes to me the value of restraint & to value the simple things in life.  
I drew every grain of rice by hand to remind myself of the value of hard work and persistence.
It is called Hinomaru bento because it also looks like the Japanese flag (aka Hinomaru).
This bento embodies an entrenched Japanese value of moderation, persistence, and to hunker down in troubled times.
Ganbare Nihon!
I have not decided yet if I want to make this a poster print or canvas print, if you'd like your voice to be heard I'm all ears.

Poster Catalogue now at Kobo

Kobo at Higo now has in stock my poster catalogue for $25.  If you have to have an archive with all my posters put into one little magazine plus the collection of "i fart rainbow" comics, then the catalogue is for you.  Plus I signed and drew a little sketch in each one!  Supplies are limited so first come first serve!  You can always call (206) 381-3000 if you'd like to reserve your copy today for pickup later.

Sakuracon 2011 Enfu Pix

Thank you all for coming out and buying a lot of my prints & gushing, saying you saw my stuff at Blue C Sushi, Uwajimaya, talking about I Fart Rainbow, begging your boyfriends to buy more stuff for you, screaming, taking all my business cards, and buying out all the stock of 3 different posters.  Ok I'm done patting myself on the back, but thank you for patting mine.  You guys keep me going and motivate me to make more new stuff.  

I've compiled a bunch of the pictures I've taken from those who stopped by my booth.  Add me as your Flickr contact, fan me on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter.  For those asking about my credit card reader Square check them out.  Thank you for stopping by:

 

You can find my catalogue at Magcloud.

More pix after the jump:

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Sakuracon deals!!

Thanks for overwhelming me on day 1 guys, the Nihontown minis from my previous sale completely sold out in hours!  Here are my new Sakuracon specials for the next two days.

The following smaller posters normally $20 will be at a special Sakuracon price of only $5!!  You've paid an arm and a leg to get in the convention, might as well reward you for it.  Stop by my booth #530!

 

Rainbow Robo 12Go

Elly Cure

Krifn

Yebiweiser

Elly Ramen

Enfoodle

893QP

Rainbow Puris

Sakuracon 2011 x Enfu

Its that time of year to come to Sakuracon to cosplay and have fun.  While you're at it come by booth 530 where I'll be selling my posters and a couple other specials.

Here are my Sakuracon specials, only available for the next 3 days!  Join my enfu Facebook fanpage for more deals!

1.  I will be selling the Elly Blurb bamboo tiles for $5. (normally $20)

2.  Ase Cola bamboo pieces for $50.  (normally $150)

3.  If you buy from me an Enfu Poster Catalogue from me at Sakuracon you will get a free Rainbow Robo 12Go! ($20 value free)

4.  NihonTown Minis for $10/each these will go quick! Pictured below:

Akira

Here is one for the fans to caption if you want:

Ganbaro Japan: Let's go Japan

I drew this in reaction to the 3/11 quake and tsunami disaster in Japan.

The message I intended to illustrate was that of persistent hope.

I took an iconic image suggesting the Sakuma candy tin can which conjures up thoughts of Japan's past , hints at a childhood innocence and children lost, but also an homage to its iconic meaning in the Grave of the Firefly's movie.

The vintage Sakuma drop can symbolizes in this image Japan's recent history of being flattened by war. The vegetation growing from the can symbolizes overcoming that yet again.

Ganbaro Japan means "Let's go Japan". "We can do it".

Many communities in Seattle, especially those associated with Japanese expats, have been doing all they can to raise money for the relief efforts.  I feel so helpless still, and I'm not really great with words, so I had to draw this as a message to my wife, my family, and my friends who are affected by the disaster.  

So to you I say:  頑張ろう。Ganbaro.  

To a better tomorrow.