"Moist Embrace" ("The Break-Up")
Pencil Marks: If there's one thing frustrating about doing this gallery, sometimes we're at the mercy of the movie studios when they choose to release their films. Case in point: the Jennifer Aniston/Vince Vaughn comedy "The Break-Up". Honestly, I wouldn't have decided to base a picture on this, but it was the only film opening that weekend. And yes, if I had a choice, I probably would have gone with option B. But alas, there was only one pick so an illustration on a romantic comedy it was.
Coming up with the idea to do a harlequin novel was easy (contrary to what Tony says otherwise); it was the matter of who to feature which took some time. Did I want Erik to do the unthinkable and be unfaithful to Kari? Would he run off with the headstrong Eli, the alluring Rakkoon, or the desirable Crispie? Or was it Crispie himself who'd be playing foolish games with matters of the heart? But then it dawned on me - harlequin novels always feature characters with dark secrets they try to keep hidden.
I know it doesn't make sense to you guys. I'm sorry. This picture really is a deep inside joke very few people know about. It's just I really didn't want to do a picture for "The Break-Up". - Jake
Ink Smudges: For weeks leading up to this entry, Jake was complaining he couldn't come up with anything, which only fell to him due to our week-on/week-off schedule. He was procrastinating and trying to get me to do it for him. But I stood strong and refused to budge since secretly I couldn't think of a single idea myself.
I knew he would eventually come through. What I wasn't expecting was the angle he would take.
A romance novel cover. The kind which always feature Fabio and his wind-swept hair that must be a wig with a beautiful woman nearly passed out in his manly arms. For a movie based on breaking up with someone, he chose to not only go the completely opposite direction but poke fun at something behind the scenes at Plightsite. Not to say I disapprove. I enjoy the little inside joke Jake threw in there for a certain guest artist, and trust me, if you all could see the comic which inspired the gag, you'd probably need a little "alone time" with some lotions and tissue. Very kinky stuff. - Tony