www.mariomora.net | Mind

NEWS
Star Wars in Concert, Atomic Veronica	December 16, 2009
Well, the year is finally winding down. I've had a chance to experience and see quite a few cool things that have inspired me, and it's been really fun soaking up all the creative stimulus.
Up first is a design I submitted recently for Ruffian Games. They wanted designs to incorporate into their new and upcoming game, Crackdown 2.

Atomic Veronica is actually a concept I came up with last year. The basic story behind her goes as such: Originally she was a character that could alter elements of her surroundings with her spray paint cans. I had been creating her for a video game concept where the elements she would paint would become interactive and radioactive realities.
All of this came about because she was originally a homeless graffiti artist girl who fell asleep near an old nuclear reactor that had a dangerous radiation leak. But unlike other superheros who live from initial exposure, she died.
BUT, her sentience/spirit was caught and held and then reformed by the radiation. She reformed into a physical being that was able to utilize radioactive paint to change or add to elements of reality. The problem is not unlike the energy she was borne from, all of her creations are unstable and prone to mutation.
The next episode of the Artisan Rogue series is being finished up now. I had been wanting to go to the Star Wars in Concert performance as aside from getting the opportunity to see and hear Mr. Anthony Daniels retell aspects of the Star Wars saga as vignettes of scenes from all six movies played, accompanied by a live orchestra.

I love the droids probably the most of all from the Star Wars movies, so it was an incredible rush to not only witness Anthony Daniels, but also to see his incredible costume. It was a weird, wonderful feeling that was only topped by getting a photo taken with R2-D2 (check out my Facebook page for that particular photo).

I was pleased as well to get to see some of the concept work up close. My only complaint? NOT ENOUGH TIME to view the exhibit. I got a chance to get a lot more photos, but I'll be adding those to a gallery on here at a later date.

So,after all of this, and months of attending shows and events with a heavy costume basis, of course, the artwork to be created out of this next Artisan Rogue episode will be something costume inspired. You'll have to tune in to check it out. I should have it up before the new year.
On a final note, in the first episode on my series, I covered the creation of my take on Bayonetta. I just got a copy of a very limited edition calendar created by Sega and Platinum Studios. To even be involved in this small part with the Bayonetta world, with Sega and Platinum Studios, is a literal dream come true for me.

So with that, expect one more update before the new year, and then I'll have some new information coming on Pagan Zoetrope and some other items I have in the pipeline.
Until next time, thanks for reading! - Mario, the Artisan Rogue

WWI Memorial, Van Gogh, Toy Story 3D	November 27, 2009
More and more, I've been trying to get out and do more things when I can a lot of it for research, (all of it for the fun of it).

The first place that I finally got a chance to to do was Kansas City's WW1 Memorial Museum. So many aspects of this place were incredibly cool. I had been interested in going to it because I had one particular "DieselPunk" project that I've been working on, that I needed some real world historical input on.
The collection harboured within is incredible. I was actually really overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and the number of items in the collection.
I liked the fact that the museum even pulled in other aspects of WW1 inspired elements like the assorted propaganda posters (below), I truly believe that the golden age of Illustration was during this time. I know for certain I'll be going back to get a better look at these.

One bit of artwork they had featured was of particular interest to me. Charles Schultz's myriad strips that featured Snoopy and his Sopwith Camel encountering the WW1 Ace the Red Baron were highlighted throughout the museum. Schultz was a very empowering influence to me, and regardless of how he thought of his own work, I find him to be one of the most prolific and influential cartoonists that of this past century.

Speaking of influential artist and works of art, I also managed to get out to see Toy Story in 3D. WELL worth the money to see it this way. It didn't come off as being offsetting or gimmicky. It did enhance the visuals and showed how the two movies have aged gracefully.
I was actually pleasantly surprised by the intermission and beginning and ending extras that Pixar had worked into the presentation of the two movies. The trivia and conceptual art that was put on screen was really cool, but I remembered a lot of it from the "Toy Story Toy Box DVD set" that I had gotten from a few years ago.

I did like the nod to Bill Waterson that is optioned as choice "d." in the upper screenshot. (Pardon the not too sharp quality of the two images below, I had to take the pictures really fast in a darkened theatre.)

The final film that I got to see before this update (which is not actually true, because I saw "9", and that was just freaking great as well) was a film I saw in conjuction with a gallery showing at Union Station of Andy Warhol's work.
Sidenote: I don't get Warhol's work. I know he is a brilliant artist, responsible for pushing new boundaries and visions of everyday aspects of life, and was a champion of environmental rights, so for all of that, I really do admire what he left the artworld. But I don't UNDERSTAND his work, and like many other things in life, that's okay that I don't get it. :D But man, does it unsettle me. And for that reason, I like Warhol even more.
"Van Gogh: Brush with Genius" is a great film. It's only 40 minutes long, but then again, he only lived to be 37. I was lucky enough to see this on an IMAX screen. Let me tell you, NOTHING compares to seeing his artwork THAT large on a screen. I was literally in awe of the brushstrokes and the magnificent colors that were abound before my eyes.
Like so many other talented individuals who died before they'd had a true run at a long, bountiful and creative life, I wonder what other elements and ideas Van Gogh could have brought to the world of art had he even lived another 20 years.
Well, with that I'll end this update. I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving weekend in one way or another. I usually don't believe in the traditional aspects of Thanksgiving, but the ideals I can live with. I'll have another update soon and have a new addition to the Artisan Rogue series of videos soon. I had actually planned on finishing it up this weekend as the weather is fantastic, but my voice is comepletely gone at the moment.
Until next time, take care, and thanks for coming by and checking out my site! - Mario

Bayonetta, AtomeFabrik, the Artisan Rogue	October 25 , 2009
A lot of things have happened since the last time I've updated. First up is a bit of logo work that I did for Pepper's Apothecary.

You can see the original version that I had done in my gallery. This one was in an effort to rebrand the company and have the owner done up as a mad scientist sort of character. This is my favorite character logo design that I've done to date. You can check out the website on Etsy here: Pepper's Apothecary, and purchase some really cool handmade items!
As some of you may know, I am a HUGE fan of the game company Sega. As a kid, while other kids had their NES systems, I had a Sega Master System and a copy of Lord of the Sword, and from that point on, I began collecting and reading up on everything Sega. I happened to come across a contest that was being put on by Wizard in cooperation with Sega to celebrate the introduction of the newest original character in the Sega character stable, Bayonetta. The competition was calling for artists to submit a re-envisioned take on this supernatural gun toting heroine. So, I submitted the artwork below (a full view version will be up in the gallery at a later date.)

About the same time I began working on this, I had recieved a phenomenal work of art from a buddy of mine in England who runs a business that focuses on extremely tough and well made hand machined goggles. His name is Nicolas, and his site is www.AtomeFabrik.com. As it turns out, the design that he and I had talked about became the origin of the idea for creating a "Steampunk Bayonetta". Which on a side point brought about the creation of a new YouTube based series on art creation that is now under the signature brand of "the Artisan Rogue" (The Twitter feed you can follow is @theartisanrogue). You can see me wearing the goggles that Nicolas created, in the video as I talk some about the work that I had put into the Bayonetta work.
Put the youtube video here.
And what do you know? I ended up placing in the top 10! I have to commend the other artists that I ended up competing against as there was an insane amount of talent to go up against.

In other news, I've been busy working on a website for Christian Ristow, and hopefully we'll have that up and running soon so I can show you guys the incredible talent that Christian is in the field of robotic art. In fact, after you've finished looking at my video above, search YouTube and pull up the "Hand of Man" and prepare to be amazed. :D It's like a Nintendo Power Glove from hell, and oh so damn cool.
I'll be posting up some information soon about my convention schedule for this next year as soon as some details are finalized and I can figure out where and what I am able to attend to push Pagan Zoetrope. Look for my next update for more information on this.
Have a fun and sage Halloween, I'll be trying to take pictures of some of the cool costumes I hope to see and maybe post a few of them up on here. Thanks for reading! -Mario

Muses and Creativity are everywhere...	August 23rd , 2009
If you feel so inclined, feel free to add me on Twitter, and listen to my insane babble about where I am and what I may be doing. It's the official Pagan Zoetrope Twitter! You never know where I'll be.

Well first I think I'll show off the last full illustration I did. It was for a competition to aquire a Dragontooth Ocarina, through Songbird Ocarinas. They have some beautiful instruments on there, and although I didn't win, I think I ended up with a decent spot illustration based off of the general story of St. George (which as I understand it, is a mish-mash of English and French tales, not unlike the stories of King Arthur).
I think the best aspect of it was the way the dragon managed to come out. I had wanted more action emphasised in it, but ultimately I became locked in by the "Yin & Yang" symbolism I was also trying to pull off in it. Clearly I wanted the Ocarina to be the emphasis, so I wanted a layout that was biomorphic and organic in flow.
On a totally separate note, but still on the subject of art and influences, I usually am bored with urban sprawl and find most all buildings to be boring as drywall. I work part-time down in the Power & Light District, and only recently managed to get a photo of my favorite building in the downtown area. The library. As you can see from the scale, the wall facade is HUGE! You don't often find things like this in the midwest, but I had to talk about this on here, because to see literary classics like these presented as they should be, larger than life, warms the bookworm heart in me.

And speaking of influences and fun ones at that, my brother had managed to score some tickets to the International JoeCon here in KC. My recent appreciation and and growing love of the genres of diesel and steampunk (based off of me re-reading some Vernes and watching some early turn of the century films as of late featuring Buster Keaton), resulted in me wanting to find a way to purloin this beautiful bit of prop and bathe in it's radiant awesomeness.
There were actually a lot of very cool things here that helped me recharge my creative mindset, and left me wanting for the good old days of my childhood when my biggest stress was getting the next Joe action figure.

Finally, this feeling became so overpowering, I felt compelled to pose against an action figure card display and immerse myself in to geekdom and become one with the kung-fu grip. Mind you, this is not hard to do in a room with almost 800 other Joe fans.

And while on the subject of geekiness, my brain's internal hard drive practically suffered a reboot when I attended the veritable wonder displaying at Union Station. Much to my chagrin, I was not allowed to take photos, or I would still be sitting in there, snapping away and annoying my followers on Twitter with link after link of closeups of sword hilts, miniature models, props, and costumes.

The overall presentation of it was damn good. Usually when I've gone to some exhibits at Union Station, they fall a little flat, moreso because of the presentation. This was staged to give you the feel you were entering the tales' environments and seeing actual movie props and real belongings of C.S. Lewis in just the first entry room certainly got my blood pumping.
When you entered the second room, it was made up to look like an attic, with a wardrobe in it. After hearing a small narrative, the doors opened on their own and you got a chance to walk through the wardrobe into the main display hall FILLED with the actual armour made by Weta, the incredible costumes (the gown of the Ice Queen was a standout here), and many more elements.
Throughout the walk of the exhibit, I could hear the voice of the director in various video clips, telling the story of the creation of the two motion pictures. Towards the end, there was a phenomenal display of the arms and armour used in both movies. To see how the stunt armour was crafted, it can certainly fool the untrained eye even up close, but I was surprised just how well the armourers and weaponsmiths at Weta managed to evoke the heft, look and feel of aged weapons in so many pieces.
I mean in all honesty, the ONE just mindblowing movie prop in there was the full wearable costume of a Minotaur from Prince Caspian. Although enclosed in glass, the detail and feel of it was as if you were looking at a bit of taxidermy. It was THAT odd of a feeling. Whether that just further shows the brilliance of the artisans' involved to mimic a fantasy world and bring it to life in such profound ways, or something more primal and enduring in our own imaginations, is up for each of us to decide. But
I can tell you I left there actually a bit saddened. As if, for just a while, I'd managed to be in Lewis' mind and saw what HE saw in the wardrobe...

Meeting Kurt Angle.	June 18, 2009
Off all the times I could have worn my Pagan Zoetrope shirt and gotten some exposure on TNA. They were filming bits for the next show! The shot below of me, Kurt and my brother Marco was taken at the show in St. Joseph after the event was over. Kurt is such a nice guy and a consumate professional. It was really an honor to meet him.
Although I don't watch wrestling on tv much, I do get a kick out of any live performances I am ever around.

I've got more strips up for Pagan Zoetrope on the Drunk Duck site, so please check them out. I've gotten back to updating at least a few a week. Which also means Issue #2 is more than halfway complete and will hopefully be available for sale before the end of August.
Until next time, enjoy the summer weather and read some comics!

Current happenings.	April 22, 2009
Issue #1 of my comic book Pagan Zoetrope is available for sale at www.paganzoetrope.com with a few other new items to show your love and support for PZ!
What have I been up to you all may wonder since it's almost been a year between updates? Dredging my way through the quagmire that is the freelance world of art and occasionally hanging out with stormtroopers. "D

I had most recently a phenomenally fun stint with Hallmark here in KC. I got a chance to work with the Digital Work Team, (a great bunch of people) and had the opportunity to learn some really cool things about the inner processes and procedures on card creation. The environment of Hallmark is one of the best I have ever worked in. Creative, dynamic and at the same time, so close knit and freindly.
And if you find yourself wondering "Gosh, I'd like to see some of Mario's illustration work first hand as a finished product..." Well, YOU CAN! The wonderful pet supply company UPCO has my artwork featured in it's latest catalog (cover AND inside illustrations), and you want to know the best part? The catalog is FREE!!! Just go to www.upco.com and request one! Hurry and do so before they run out! Hell, if you get the catalog in the mail and send me a photo of you holding it, I'll post it up on here! Now how's THAT for getting some internet fame?
So with this update, I'll bid you all adieu until I find something else positively stirring to talk about!

Launching of the site.	June 20, 2008
New logos have been added to the gallery section, including one for USA TODAY Bestselling Author, Yasmine Galenorn. I feel very lucky to have been asked to create a logo for her "NightStalkers Fan Club". A very talented writer, Yasmine is also a phenomenal and interesting person to have gotten to know. Please be sure to check out her site or pick up on of her books. You won't regret it. :)
Some of you may have come here looking for the webcomic I do, Pagan Zoetrope. It's not featured here, instead you can find it on it's own site in the near future. In the mean time, you can check out Pagan Zoetrope online at www.DrunkDuck.com. I am getting closer to having Issue 1 being printed up and available for sale. More information on this very soon.
If you've got a myspace page, feel free to add Pagan Zoetrope's official page. Now with Spanish and Italian updates! :D
Pricing information and art for sale will be available as soon as I can get it online. But please feel free to get ahold of me if you have any inquiries or requests.
Feel free to get in contact with me for any and all of your design needs at mario@mariomora.net. Click on the "Body" link above to see more information on my design rates. Illustration pricing is handled differently, and I will have those rates up soon as well. Thank you for visiting!


Welcome! My name is Mario Mora and I am an Illustrator / Graphic Designer based out of Kansas City, MO with almost a decade's worth of experience.
Use the 3 links above (Mind, Body, and Soul) to navigate around the site.