A blast from the past

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Fred Noland

From 2004, Barbara Kadri and Justin Hall interviewed a number of us young(er) Bay Area cartoonists (including, Hellen Jo, Hsiao-Chen Tsai, Jesse Reklaw, Tony Talber) while doing a jam comic to be donated to the S.F. Cartoon Art Museum. I remember this being fun, giggling and joshing with Justin made me forget the camera was even there. I haven’t seen Hsiao (my neighbor at the time) in years. If you’re reading this, hollah!

There’re five parts total. Check ‘em out.

In other news, last week was the Tour of Napa, intended to be my 3rd century of the year. 30 miles in my chain had fell apart and I had to SAG to the finish. Oh well. Had to happen some time. Halfway through my metric half century I encountered this at the top of Mt. Veeder…

This gent made the day worth it. I could hear bagpipes through the fog hundreds of yards away and thought “I must be hallucinating!”

Kent and Shane, the guys I rode with, finished and crushed it. Shane was on a single speed and smoked me a couple of times. I might have to stop badmouthing those things. In the right hands they can be a force to be reckoned with!

Kent, Shane and me post Napa Century.

Dub Vision “Counter Attack!” album cover

Posted on August 4, 2011 by Fred Noland

I’ve been sitting on this one for a while, which wasn’t easy. I designed an album cover for the band Dub Vision. I’ve had opportunity to do some truly awesome jobs of late and this is one of my favorites! There was a winding road to get to the final and I’ll write a process post to my blog soon, meanwhile enjoy.

Here’s the band’s page for the curious. My contact, David, was a delight to work with so check them out!

July Illustration Round-Up

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Fred Noland

My poor blog is like a neglected child. It’s just a matter of time before it starts acting out in an attempt to seek attention. I shudder to think how that will manifest. A Tea Party newsdump? Perhaps a Perez Hilton knock-off for Bollywood? Whatever it is, I certainly have it coming.

It’s been a busy few months for comics and illustration. I’ve returned in earnest to production on the long-overdue Black Sheep and will post previews when things firm up. I had the honor of producing an album cover for a local band, Dub Vision, which I’ll post after it’s official release. I’ve wanted to do a CD/album cover since I was a young music geek so that was a dream come true! As usual my editorial spots are my bread and butter and keep me running. To that end, here are a few personal favorites.

For an SF Weekly article on the most dangerous jobs in America. You're far likelier to die on the job as a janitor than a firefighter.

For LA Weekly - The Calderon Brothers; politicians with the 'common touch'

For LA Weekly - 'Double Murder on Grape Street' http://www.laweekly.com/2011-07-07/news/double-murder-on-grape-street/ . Easily the darkest subject I've illustrated in years but oddly felt like a nice change of pace.

In other news, my 5500 mile year goal for recreational cycling is coming along. Mileage at last countwas around 2700 miles, a little under where I ideally should be. I rode American Diabetes Association Tour De Cure in May, signing on with the Lanesplitter Team and doing the century route. I’ve never ridden with a team before and, while I didn’t train with the group or ride with the pack there was a reassuring nod whenever we encountered each other. We had the finest jerseys by far.

The very definition of 'pimpin'.

Thanks to a bit of misdirection at one of the rest-stops I was sent on a 20 mile loop around Healdsburg so I can honestly say I gave 120% for my charity. My thanks to all who supported and donated to the ride. For winners of the “Custom Munny Raffle” Tim, Aaron and Tracy – I’ve been up late working on them and they’ll be in the mail soon!