My blog is moving!!

Yes, after many years of faithful blogger blogging, I have moved my blog to my brand new website.

Please drop by and follow my RSS feed if you haven't already. Thank you for reading my blog and I look forward to many years of blogging at my new site. I also have created a blog specifically for weekly sketches and art. By visiting that blog, you get to see a drawing once, twice or maybe more every week! That's right. NEW and IMPROVED.

Big Apple Convention 2009

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the booth especially those who took the plunge and picked up books, paintings or commissioned sketches. I had a great time with my booth mates as well as friends who came by the booth or strolled around with me. I had a few highlights and I'll throw them out in no particular order.

• Playing the new Super Mario Wii Game (this will be fantastic when it comes out. Hope there's online play.
• Selling a bunch of Rob Bot books
• Selling a bunch of Catching Lucifer Lunch books
• Meeting the folks from Digital Pimps.com ( great neighbors )
  
• Sharing a booth with Joe Caramagna and Dennis Budd
• Getting a bunch of free schwag (especially the DS SD card reader)
• Seeing Time Square all lit up
• Being approached by another toy company
• Having people ask my page rate ( maybe I'll get some work )

That is about all from the Big Apple. I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Sounds like I'll be sharing a table at New York Comic Con next year. I was very surprised that Wizard decided to go head to head with it. I'm interested to see what happens and what kind of strings will be pulled. Thank you all!

Currently, my next convention will be the New England Small Press show on July 18th at the Crown Plaza in Warwick RI. I'd also like to squeeze in a Boston show.

Reggie The Robot Paper Doll

Hey folks. I'll be telling everyone about this Reggie cutout this weekend. Click on the image, print it out then cut him out and fold. You'll have yourself a little Reggie to sit on your desktop or shelf. I have a Rob Bot cutout but, I don't think I'll have any this weekend. I was hoping to give them out when you buy stuff, but the time didn't work out. So! Enjoy Reggie and send me some picts so I can post them. Please spread the word.

Share on Facebook

Cigar Box Guitar comes to Big Apple Convention October 16th-18th

Unfortunately, I will only have one guitar with me this weekend. It will be my personal cigar box guitar to show as a sample of the first guitars I will offer on my website. A simple neck in box, three string acoustic with marked frets. I love this little guitar. I could probably be coaxed to part with it if someone was persistent, but It's very fun to play. This model has a maple neck, 24.5" scale, slit style sound hole, three open geared tuners, bronze Martin strings, corian nut and cut nail bridge.

Another Story For Shroud Magazine

Coming in fall 2009, you can pick up the latest issue of Shroud Magazine, featuring a story by The Brothers May. I happen to be one of those brothers, so you'll want a copy or two. If you have any previous Shroud Magazines with my work in it, please be sure to bring it to the Big Apple Convention this weekend and I would be happy to sign it. When I get an exact street date, I'll be sure to post it here. So stay tuned. I am currently working on my third story for Shroud and I will be sure to update all of you on the release of that issue as well. For more information please visit their website at www.shroudmagazine.com

Big Apple Convention October 16th-18th

There is just over a week until I head off to the Big Apple Convention to sell my wares. I will be at booth 3043 with my buddy and Marvel's very own, Joe Caramagna. Joe was kind enough to write a story for my Rob Bot Halloween book which I will be debuting that weekend. He will also have piles of his own books like Model Operandi and I'm sure other various books. Dennis Budd will be with us too (comic artist on Model Operandi and other great books).

I will be bringing piles of robot head paintings, original art from various published works and my sketching materials. I will be doing my usual $10 robot sketches and will be happy to discuss any other types of sketches or commissions over the weekend. I may have a guitar or two with me. We'll have to see what time permits. I hope to see a good turn out. Let's see what Wizard can do for this show. NYC is always a good time.

Rob Bot Robot Mechanic Halloween Special has ARRIVED

(postage info)

or

Available at the Big Apple Con (while first print supplies last)

October 16-18, 2009
Signed! With a robot sketch on the inside back cover!!!!!

visit robbot.jasonmay.com for preview pages and more information!

Want to link to my site? Need a banner

Here's a quick banner. I hope to have more soon. If I do I'll post them here. Thanks for any help linking back to www.jasonmay.com

Jason May on Deviant Art

I have finally joined Deviant Art after many people encouraging me to over the years. You can visit my page by clicking here. Please visit and comment. If anyone has suggestions or requests, please email me or comment. Thanks.

New Rob Bot Website is Up and Running

Check out the new site today! There is information and preview pages available. Please contact me if you are interested in an interview or review. It will be available on the web as well as the Big Apple Convention in October. I might start taking pre-orders so that I can plan for a second print run. Quantities are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. However, if needed I will run a second print run. No worries.

Not sure if you want to go to the Addam's Family Gathering?

Here is a sneak peek of a guitar that I will be showing on October 2nd at the MAC650 Gallery in Middletown CT. The show runs for a month. Here is an image and you can visit my gallery page for me.

Rob Bot Robot Mechanic Halloween Special is ALMOST HERE!!!

It's almost off to print! I am sitting in my studio finishing off the final page of Rob Bot Robot Mechanic Halloween Rob-Usto Special! Whew!! A mouthful. With that being said, you can pick up your copy at the Big Apple Convention in New York City in October. After that, if it is not sold out, I will have copies at the Addam's Family gallery show in Middletown CT. I think I will have to do another print run soon, because I feel that people may order these off the web like hotcakes. One can only hope. Rob is a very popular guy and I want to make sure there is enough to go around.

Just a reminder, I swindled a bunch of accomplished writers and got them to write stories. You can get your dose of Joe Caramagna (Iron Man: Armor Wars and much much more) Shawn Granger (Family Bones, Gene Gardens and more) and Steven Withrow (Toon Art, Creating Graphic Novels and much much more). Please support the book. It's self published and was a lot of work. If it takes off, I can concentrate on the art and hire people to do the dirty bits for me. Thanks all!!

The Addam's Family Gallery Show

Please come to the gallery opening at 650 MAC space at 650 Main Street, Middletown CT on October 2, 2009. The reception starts at 7:00pm and ends at 10pm. There will be a collection of works by various artists inspired by The Addam's Family. I will have a collection of Cigar Box Guitars displayed, each of which will be fully functional with a macabre twist.

Artists include:
Joseph A Dinunzio
Joseph Calluccio
John Mccormack
Shannon M. Gange
Selley Osowiecki
Katie Osowecki
Jason May
Carrie Swider
Joey Marsocci

Old Model Operandi Pinup

While shuffling through my old artwork in search of a final page of a Rob Bot, installment that was never finished, I ran into this Model Operandi piece. I drew this pinup for Joe Caramagna who recently wrote a story for me. You can read the story in the upcoming Rob Bot Halloween Special in October 2009.

I have had Ukuleles on my brain for a few weeks now. I will be building a few soon and I've been sketching and thinking for quite some time. When I visited the library a few weeks ago with a few guitars I had a few parents ask if I had a 'How To' for cigar box guitars much like the Ghostbusters Proton Pack Tutorial I posted. I do not have one at the time, but I am considering doing so once things slow down. For now I will just leave you wiht a page from my small sketchbook. Enjoy.

Rob Bot - Halloween Book

I've decided to finally announce that I am working on a Rob Bot Halloween comic bookk which I hope to have finished and printed by the Wizard National Show in October of this year. You can find out more about the show by visiting their website.

I currently have short stories contributed by writers: Steven Withrow (Character Design for Graphic Novels, Toon Art and much more), Joe Caramagna (Model Operandi and various Marvel Comics) and Shawn Granger (Family Bones).

There will be a few other stories and I will announce the authors as I recieve their stories. I've very excited about this project and am looking forward to seeing it in print.

A Week of Library

I just wanted to thank everyone who came to the library last week to listen to me talk about working and creating with comics. It was great seeing all the kids there and showing them all of my supplies and printed works. They really seemed to enjoy it.

I was also lucky enough to be asked back to the library for their musical instrument day. There are a number of cigar box guitars that I have built over the past year which interested the librarian. Thank you again Sarah.

Please feel free to email me any questions about my guitars or comic art work: jason.illustrator@gmail.com

I had many people ask me how much it would cost to have a guitar built. They start at $65 and can reach any limit depending upon hardware, wood and various other custom aspects. When it comes to custom instruments, the sky is the limit. Please stay 'tuned' as I will be unveiling my latest cigar box build in the coming weeks.

Building your proton wand for your Ghostbuster pack

WARNING: FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AT YOUR OWN RISK. ALWAYS USE PROTECTION WHEN WORKING WITH TOOLS.

Click here to check out the first half of this tutorial "How to build a proton pack for kids!"


I apologize for taking so long to put up the second part to this tutorial. I didn't think I would get so many emails and comments on the subject. I will make a PDF later with more precise instructions and some measurments, but until then this should get you started.

• You will need:
• About a foot of 1x4 pine board
• .125" Masonite (hard board)
• 12" of PVC pipe (1" outside diameter)
• Bicycle handle
• 1" wood screws (a handful)
• Hot Glue
• Wood Glue
• Wire harness organizing stuff. (.5")
• 5/16" wooden dowel
• .75" OD clear rubber tubing 1.5" long
  

STEP 1Start by cutting out an angled wedge system (see picture on right) and attach to proton pack arm with hot glue. I made mine by cutting a pine board, 1.5" wide, on a table saw with a 45 degree angle. I then sliced it 1.5" leng-wise which gave me two identical pieces which I angled across from each other (as seen in picture)

STEP 2 Now you can build your WAND BODY. The wand body that I made is aproximately 4"x3"x3". Cut out two pieces of pine to the dimensions of 4"x3". Measure in one inch from an end and lop off a 45 degree angle. I will attach a diagram later. After those pieces are cut, sandwich the PVC pipe in between them and measure the total width. This measurment will tell you how wide your Masonite needs to be to cover the front, back, top and bottom of wand body.

STEP 3 Take the measurement acquired from STEP 2 and rip a piece of masonite to that width. Or cut with a jig saw or hand saw. Move the PVC pipe to the side. Now measure the top, bottom, front and back lengths and cover them with the masonite. Hot glue everything together. At the very end, drill piolet holes and put in wood screws to keep everything extra sturdy.

STEP 4 Drill holes to match the outside diameter of your PVC in the front and back of the wand body. (I had to use a 3/8 drill bit and enlarge the hole with a dremel because I did not have forsner bits at the time. I suggest a nice forsner bit)

STEP 5 Slide PVC through the back hole and out the front. I left about 3.5" out the back for the bicycle grip. Once the PVC is in place, use 3" wood screws (pre drill first) to ancor the PVC through the body.

STEP 6 This step was a lot of trial and error. I measured the top and bottom of my Wand Holding Wedge and created a shape to slip inside. I kept working a piece of masonite until is slid in nicely. Round the cornders and sand everything smooth so the wand doesn't get stuck in the groove. After I finished that, I mounted the piece to a .75"x1.5" pine board and screwed the whole thing to the side of the PROTON WAND using 3" wood screws.

STEP 7 Now that the Wand is complete, take this time to paint the entire thing black with the paint from the first part of this tutorial. When the paint is dry you can then slip on the bicycle grip. I used some hand sanitizer to lube the PVC. Make it easier to slide on and it evaporates.

STEP 8 Take your .5" cord organizer tubing (found at Staples or other office suppliers) and put about two inches of wooden dowel inside of one end. Now put it inside of the PVC tubing where the handle is. Fill in all around it with hot glue. Now drill a hole where you want the WAND WIRE to attach to the proton pack (make sure it is part of the wooden subframe). Drill a hole and insert a dowel with some wood glue on it. Then cover the dowel with hot glue and slide the cord organizer over it. Use the tie wraps it came with to tighten it around the dowel while it sets.

STEP 9 A nice finishing touch is to add a piece of .75" clear hose to the hole in the tip of the wand. I just used rubber hose because I had it laying around. Everything I used was already laying around my house. A sort of recycling project. I also used some silver paint to dry brush areas so it seemed like the paint was chipping off of metal rather than wood.

Please send me some pictures of packs that you make for your kids. I'd love to post some up on the website. You can also comment suggestions on my blog to help other people. I'm sure they will appreciate it.

I JUST ACQUIRED JASONMAY.COM

Now you can visit, Jasonmay.com, Jasonmay.net and Jasonmay.org to reach this site. I've very excited I was able to obtain each of these domains. It will make it easier for all of my fans to find me. Thank you all for your support and keep you eye open in 2009. I should have quite a few surprises coming up in the near future.

UPDATE ON LIBRARY TALK

Be there! July 13th at 3:00pm.

Click here for more information about the library and event.

Comicbook Talk at Local Library

I will be doing a talk at the Davisville Free Library in Rhode Island on July 15th, 2009. Anyone interested in hearing about my trials, tribulations and all the crazy stories from the past ten years, please stop by. I will offer more information after I speak to the library. Until then, you can probably contact them via their website:

http://www.davisvillefreelibrary.org/programs.htm

First file in HOW TO BUILD A KIDS PROTON PACK

Please let me know which parts are confusing, and/or poorly worded, by contacting me via email. I will fix what I can and provide a newer file for everyone. Here is the file.

You can check out the second half of this tutorial "How to make a proton wand" by clicking here

HOW TO BUILD A PROTON PACK FOR KIDS

So, you are getting the new Ghostbusters game next week and your kid is loving it, but wants more. They want a Proton Pack. Where are you going to get one? Who are you going to call? Well, I've put together a short tutorial on how to slap one together with some house hold items. I had most of them laying around my basement or kitchen to start out and I think I did a pretty good job. It's pretty durable (if you use enough hot glue) and the kids will have a field day. I'm mainly doing this, because no one on the web has a quick and easy pack to build for kids. So, here it goes. Just skip the wood and use more cardboard if you're not powertool savvy. I will be posting the first part of the tutorial tonight. It will get you through the pack and evendually I will make one about the proton wand. Good luck!

Shroud Magazine Story #2

I just wrapped on the latest story for Shroud Magazine. The story is written by my brother, T.J. May and I have provided numerous water color illustrations for the story as well as a cover page image. This is a book intended for older readers. This should be in the July issue of the magazine. If you have not picked up the May issue, be sure to head to your local Borders, Barnes and Nobel or grab it from Shroudmagazine.com.

I'm currently working on a personal project that many fans have been asking about for a few years. I will be sure to post as much information as possible as it becomes available.

Jason May in Hero Envy Comic - Available Now!!

On May, 3rd Keith Gleason announced that the latest episode of Hero Envy was released. He also mentioned that the first Hero Envy comic book was also available to buy!! Why is this exciting? 1- Because I saw a preview and the book is a good time. 2 - I colored the back-up El Diablo story. Everyone has been waiting for the Origin of El Diablo. Drop by Hero Envy's site and pick up a copy today. You can also pick up all of their webisodes on DVD or watch them online right now. Thank you all for supporting Hero Envy, because they help support me.

Free Comic Book Day

Tomorrow is free comicbook day. Everyone head down to their local participating shop and have a good time! Here's a link to find your store!

I'm an Accentric Artist

For quite some time I have wanted to get some items for my shop. One item in particular would be some sort of lab coat. I look back to movies like Frankenstien for inpiration on this. I wish that it was easy to get your hands on a side button down lab coat with a collar. It would protect all of my clothes depending on which ridiculous project I was working on next. I've had things explode all over me, or at least spatter back at me. Unfortunately, it seems I can only find regular, mundane lab coats. I have to say, I'd even take one of those.

Look at this fancy fellow on the left. His tie is left wide open to be spattered. At least most of my clothes would be protected.

Then there are the matter of saftey. My eyes are important. Without them, I wouldn't be able to draw, paint, build odd objects or play video games. I have various types of eye protection, but I think I would really enjoy something a bit more outlandish like a pair of panser goggles. Or even the pairs pictured here.

It is no surprise that many of my friends refer to me at their friend, "Jay-the mad scientist." I enjoy that. Mainly because I can build my friends just about anything or fix something in my "lab." It's nice having so many tools at my disposal. I find that strange things like lab coats, goggles and numerous other items strewn about my work area helps me be more creative. If any of you out there know where I can find some interesting (and useful) gear at modest prices (after all, mad scientists hardly make a dime) please drop me a line.

Turns Out I'm Sticking To My Plans

am currently hip deep in some of my own projects as well as work that is not my own. I just wanted to post a little teaser of something that I'm working on with a friend. I have a really good friend who has helped me for the past nine years working all sorts of web related garbage I through at him, just because (I think) he likes to see what I will come up with next. I created this little masthead for the project and I should be unveiling the entire thing in the coming months. 2009 is going to be a busy and fruitful year for my artwork. Please stay tuned and I hope I won't disappoint the small niche group of fans I seem to have brainwashed.

Website Renovation

It is high time I start to remodel my website and make it more obvious that I don't just paint robots. While my robots are incredibly popular, I also work in magazines, comics and film That's right, film. Over the next few weeks I will do my best to get this blog ship shape as well as research a simple way to create a gallery for you all to view my wide range of work. I am also in the process of investigating bringing back my long missed web series. Keep checking back or join my google group for up-to-date information.

The Hog - Feature Film Production Sketch

As some of you may already know, I will be doing some production design for a feature film called "The Hog." Since this sketch was released by the director, on Facebook, I decided I will share it with you in order to drum up some interest in the film. I've been asked to work on a number of items through the film. This is a sketch of the logo that will be used on the college football hemets in the film. I'm pretty excited. I will keep the blog updated with any information that is available for release. Keep your eyes on the IMDB.com page for "The Hog." Matt Nastos seems to be keeping the public well informed about the production of this film. I am eager to see the finished product. It has been described to me as, "Porky's meets Jaws." Two movies that I loved as a kid, that I never thought I would see melded together.

2009 Turning out to be a pretty productive year

I've been very lucky this year to have so many talented people ask me to help them with projects this year. I have just wrapped up the first of, I hope, many stories for Shroud Magazine. "Lucky Moon" will be published in the May issue.

I have also been asked to co-host "Cartridgecade" with Brian Letendre of Secret Identity Podcast fame. You can check that out at their website. It is a bi-weekly segment about retro video games.

I'm am very excited to announce that I have been added to the IMDB data base for production design on the upcoming movie, "The Hog." You can check that out by visiting this link.

I have also been asked to contribute some artwork to various comic books as well. I will announce them when the time is right. Thank you all and stop by for updates!

Etsy Store for my Hand Made Goods

I recently opened up an Etsy store on the internet. You can visit this store to purchase my artwork and hand-made goods. I currently have added two cigar box guitars and will soon add prints, paintings, small figurines, sketchbooks and more. Please visit my store and see if there is something that may interest you.

Also, please tell your friends. If you are interested in helping spread the word please contact me and I can provide you some code for my mini store for you to post on your site. Thank you all.

Jason May Donates a Painting to a Benefit Event - Hartford CT

I was asked to create a piece of artwork for a show in Hartford, CT. The show is a launch party as well as a benefit. The proceeds go to the UCONN women's health center. There will be a big art auction. Please come down and spend a fortune on my painting. 100% of that will go to the charity. Here is the information:


When: March 7th

Where: "The Warehouse" Arts & Entertainment Venue
45 Bartholomew Avenue
Hartford, CT 06106 Please call or e-mail Stephanie Lush for details!
860-967-6327

SLushrocker@yahoo.com
What: "Creative Conscience" & "He Say. She Say." DVD Magazine
Launch Party!
*Charity event for breast cancer research and women's health awareness
-Proceeds will be donated to UCONN Health Center

*Art donated to be auctioned for charity!
Theme- "Celebrate Women"

This is going to be a big event! It will be a great networking and promotional opportunity and a lot of fun!
Hartford Public Access Channel 5 TV will be filming!
There will be filming for the DVD magazine as well!

The Warehouse is Hartford's newest arts and entertainment venue. It is a big, beautiful space. It's an old factory building with high ceilings, wood floors, wood and brick walls. Stained glass windows and old chandeliers add to the nostalgiac ambience. It features two stages and two bars, and has an 800 person capacity. There is a room with pool tables and a lounge with cushy leather chairs. There is plenty of space for artwork to be exhibited. Artwork will always be on display and on rotation. The Warehouse is open 2-3 nights a week for live music and special events.

"Creative Conscience" is a just being birthed non-profit arts collaborative. The concept is "Building community through the arts to contribute to a greater good".

"He Say. She Say." DVD Magazine is a project being put out by Sparc Media, a new multi-media firm right next door to The Warehouse, in the same building as The Fuller Movement Yoga Center. Sparc Media offers professional photography, film and graphic design. The DVD Magazine is going to be featuring fashion, art, and music, all elements which will be featured at the Launch Party.

Retro Gaming Segment on Secret Identity Podcast

As many of you already know, I have a few friends who do a podcast called "Secret Identity Podcast." I will be hosting a segment on retro gaming with Brian Le Tentre every now and then. The first episode will be on Tuesday, Feb 24. You can download it by visiting their site and downloading issue "155.5 second helping."

We will choose one of our favorite "old school" games, every episode, and talk about it. This week I'm heading back in time to the NES and reviewing one of my favorite games. Tune in to find out more.

Please, keep in mind that I am not a professional podcast personality. I'm just a guy who draws robots who was asked to participate. Listen at your own risk!

Robot Twinkies Video

I uploaded this video today for those of you who could not make it to the Robot Twinkie show last November. Hope you enjoy it. I'll try and get some video of my guitars in action soon. I've got the hang of youtube now.

There is Something in the Air

It must be the new year and the sprouting conventions. I am getting numerous emails and PMs regarding my artwork and my appearances. The cigar box guitars are creating quite a stir, which makes me very happy. I enjoy making them.

I just wanted to let everyone know, that currently I am not scheduled to set up at any shows. I do have a few galleries asking me to contribute work. I will post those as soon as they are concrete. Thank you everyone for all of you interest, especially in this tough economy. I hope my artwork brings you joy in this time of uncertainty. Hopefully we'll see some cool work being produced by artists. This kind of climate usually makes us drum up some of our best pieces.

I have also signed up for youtube and will post as soon as I get some feeds together.

Second Cigar Box Guitar : Electric Time

This is the second cigar box guitar that I created. I made sure that I added more bells and whistles. There is a nice heal at the base of the neck as well as a volume knob to control the piezo pickup inside. It has a nice bluesy tone to it. It has a standard guitar scale with four strings. I silk screened on my famous "Robots are the New Monkey" graphic and added a matching decal to the head. This guitar sports an oak neck and two stap holders.

Here is a nice shot of the output jack, sound board and sound hole.

Here is a nice heal shot. I decided to leave the back in tact, because I enjoy the text on it.

This guitar is not a wall hanging (although it has a hook). It is fully functional and sounds great plugged into my amp. I will try and get some video footage soon. This guitar is for sale. Please contact me with any questions: jason.illustrator@gmail.com

Kindered Hearts Commission

This winter I was commissioned to illustrate and design a cover for a book. My client Stephanie wanted to create a special book to give out to her friends and family with a nice story about a girl fairy who is introduced to her animal counterpart and how she deals with it. With the permission of Stephanie I would like to share the illustration with you. These are some of the final stages of the cover. I will post the final composition soon.

Cigar Box Guitar #1 - Roboto

This is a four string cigar box guitar. It is not a wall hanging. In fact, not only does it have good acoustic projection, but you can plug it into your amp with a standard plug. This has a long poplar neck. The box top still opens giving the player access to the electronics. This model has a piezo pickup installed under the sound board. There are two strap connectors, two fantastic resonator eyeballs and a standard spaced guitar scale measuring thirty four inches. Great for guitar slides.

This guitar is for sale. I'm asking $225 for it. Email me for more information (jason.illustrator@gmail.com).

I will be posting some cigar box amps and other guitars soon.

A Cold Frozen North

It's been cold up here in New England and the days are short. I'm hoping to tuck myself away in my studio and start producing more artwork. I currently have three finished cigar box guitars and hope to get some pictures posted soon. I think with the new year, a new site design may need to be in order, or at a least a gentle overhaul and facelift. Hopefully the new year will bring more and more opportunity to create, for myself and my fellow artists. Be sure to support your local arts in the tough times.

Watchmen Movie Lawsuit

If you are looking forward to the new Watchmen movie you are going to be sorely disappointed if Fox holds up the release of the film. It will be even worse if they stop the release all together. Here is a little info that I read:

Check it out here.