While participating in the Art & Story Alive podcast this evening, I had my sketchbook in hand. The sketches above are a byproduct of that session. The character in question is Monkey Mod, originally created and developed by the incredibly talented Kevin Cross. He and co-host Joshua Kemble also record the Big Illustration Party Time podcast, a weekly show which focuses on the ins-and-outs of freelance illustration and cartooning. I’ve been a listener since the first episode, and find the show to be both entertaining and incredibly useful.

I’m really excited that Kevin’s taking the foray into webcomics, and look forward to reading more of his incredible work. Take a peek!

-Krishna

P.S. Time permitting, I may ink and color the sketches above…

My buddies Kevin Cross and Joshua Kemble of the legendary Big Illustration Party Time podcast are in a jam.

What is the Big Illustration Party Time podcast you ask? To borrow their byline – it’s “a podcast about the ins and outs of freelance illustration and cartooning”. It’s a GREAT show for artists and illustrators with lots of valuable content. The production quality of their episodes has been top-notch.

Recently, however, their recording equipment died, and to add to the woes, they don’t have the financial means to get new equipment.

Not wanting to sit around, myself, Jerzy Drozd, and Mark Rudolph (of the excellent Art & Story podcast), decided to help save the day by creating some pieces of art that Kevin and Josh can auction off to raise money to purchase new recording gear. All proceeds raised will go directly towards getting replacement recording gear.

Below are two pieces that will be available for auction:

1) original pencils featuring Bob and Kevin’s character Monkeymod drawn by Jerzy:

…and a color print of the above, inked and colored by yours truly.

Mark Rudolph submitted this gorgeous piece featuring BIPT host Joshua Kemble and Thadius Gizawatt, Mark’s own character from his incredible Mulligan’s Run book. (Obligatory plug: I have a copy of Mulligan’s Run, and folks – it is GORGEOUS – both from an illustration perspective as well as production perspective. The story is a Sci-Fi / action / drama extravaganza!)

Here is the piece Mark is submitting for the BIPT Benefit:

Update:And here’s another gorgeous piece by Mr. Rudolph:

Update:Even more wonderful pieces will be available up on the auction block in the next few weeks:

The energetic piece above was created by Kim Holm.

Update: Here’s a vintage poster with MonkeyMod and Pete Townshend (of The Who!) created by artist Thomas James:

And another one by Thomas, featuring Josh and Kevin!

Below is a collaborative piece featuring pencils by Jerzy and inks by Mark Rudolph. (That’s Josh hanging out with Jerzy’s character, Orange Guy, from The Front.)

And this beautiful pen and ink illustration comes courtesy of Mark Stroud:

Update:a bold new piece by Danno Klonowski.

Want more details? Stay ‘tuned to Big Illustration Party Time for auction info. Information will also be available here and also on Art & Story as well.

And if you’re a cartoonist or illustrator – and you’d like to help out Kevin and Josh by way of contributing your own art for the fund-raiser auction, please let me know. I’ll pass along your e-mail to Kevin and Josh. If you prefer to donate to the cause in lieu of art, you can click their Paypal button on their site.

Let’s make it happen for these guys!

-Krishna