Woah

One of the ways to continue with an interest for a lifetime is to take a break from one craft and do something else for a while. Create a new identity for yourself throughout the day, even. I'm not always a cartoonist, i'm only one when i'm drawing. I think a lot of artists use it as their entire identity! and if they fail at their craft.... they give up completely because the failure is too overwelming and destroys unrelated parts of their ego.
Here are products of the days where I was a costume designer! (just for myself) I created these costumes from scratch! and i'm proud of them! I "Draped" these costumes, meaning i made them up from my head and i sewed them myself. self taught (learned from internet and books) I made a couple other costumes, too.







the end

75 comments:

Chloe Cumming said...

I wanted to be the first...

I am dumbstruck by your ability to do things that I can't do.

I'd like to live with you in your elf house and bake you dorset apple cake while you sew insect costumes for the local orphans.

You raise an interesting point about identities and abilities. I think sometimes when people choose career paths they get submerged in the mechanics of their niche and neglect the breadth and depths of themselves.

Dustin Tanner said...

Egad...nice praying mantis!

Marlo said...

Chloe: Knowing your comments are in an english accent makes me want to twiddle my lips and make tard sounds. thanks for your smart woids

Jenny: I want to make romance inside of you

Marlo said...

Eddie has a great post today. everyone should read it.

Corbett Vanoni said...

Elf girl is excellent. . .but Praying Mantis is. . .well it's so extraordinary I may have to make up a word for it.

How 'bout "ferschluptuclar"

Jim said...

Female Zorak! Awesome!

Anonymous said...

You're gonna reference an inferior ADULT SWIM cartoon on Spumco artist Marlo Meekin's BLOG?????

Trevour said...

I always wanted a proper mantis attire fit for an evening of ballroom dancing. Now I know who to turn to!

ANester1 said...

Wow amazing. You are so talented, you must be a first born...

Your preying mantis costume; wow, I can't believe how much your sisters look like you ('cept for the ears on that one). *tee-hee*

Unknown said...

Holy shit, these are AWESOME...

Jenny Lerew said...

Oh my GOD!
Great ruminations, kid. And so right...of course I agree as I too have a million disparrate interest-identities....sometimes I've wondered if they makes me a dilletante, but who cares? I've made costumes myself for kicks but nothing as swell as these--wow. That mantis! The ELF!! Shit!

Katie said...

MARLO!!!

You're so cool! Teach me to be well-rounded like you! I can't do anything besides draw, except make cupcakes.

Julián Höek said...

can i be your prince??

Jw said...

My god, deal with it! Even if you have only a passng interest in animation, you know the character Zorak. There's no reason to flip, man. Cut the drama.

That said, those costumes are simply superb. You obviously put everything you have into everything you do. That's so rare.

Pico the Monkey Puppet said...

Awesome preying mantis. Too bad you have eat your mate afterwards. Great stuff Marlo.. Love it.. Eep Eep

Gary Clair said...

You posted them!! Danke'!!!!

Corbett Vanoni said...

Also - I want feathers for eyelashes.

– C

Unknown said...

seriously marlo, wtf. you didn't post the pirate balloon costume.

Brett W. Thompson said...

OMG!!! The praying mantis!!!

You're totally right, it's good for us artists to do different stuff to take all that pressure off the one thing.

You're so inspiring! :)

Dennis said...

World class cartoonist AND mantis-maker ... Marlo, you're unstoppable!

Anonymous said...

Criminy! You're a genius!

Anonymous said...

praying mantis is scary, i never wanted to see a female praying mantis taller than a human. *rubs neck i fear*

David Germain said...

One of the ways to continue with an interest for a lifetime is to take a break from one craft and do something else for a while. Create a new identity for yourself throughout the day, even.

Hey, you talked like Snagglepuss for a bit right there. :D

I find it interesting that you're praising Fitzgerald's latest blogpost because yours here seems to be saying the opposite.

Ironically, though, in a way both of you are right. If one has a passion for an artform (especially animation) then one must be prepared to give %110 million of their life and their blood, sweat, and tears to it. But, at the same time, one must also pre-occupy oneself from all that with a relaxing hobby of some sort so that they don't get stressed out.

When Tex Avery went to MGM, he worked on animation almost nonstop for 9 solid years until he just collapsed. Perhaps if he gave himself a hobby (such as raising his children) that collapse wouldn't have happened.

Unknown said...

You go girl!
You are SO happy standing in the cold, and that's something.

Bob Renzas said...

That second one NEEDS to be a Christmas card! Or other non-denominational holiday of your choosing.

Patrick McMicheal said...

How very talented you is....I really like the Mantis costume ( watch out for ceiling fans)..Did you EAT your date after the party?

Daniel said...

I love making that elf expression myself. I wish it had a common use in society so I could use it more often.

Now I want to pursue my alternate passion... freestyle rap!

Going to Eddie's blog now... bye!

Anonymous said...

Holy cats, Marlo – you’ve reached a new plateau! I especially like the mantis costume. (Do you eat your young in that thing?)

That’s the best costume I’ve seen since I threw a certain party for a certain occasion, and a certain person came outfitted as a certain ethnic persuasion. And Katie made cupcakes.

When I’m not drawing cartoons, I like to pretend I’m a Tyrolean swineherd in the Germanic Alps, and play the balalaika for naked studio executives - while they graze on the lost souls of artists.

It’s a living, and it beats drawing Scooby Doo.

Mister GC said...

wow!

Anonymous said...

the mantis is pretty awesome!

Hammerson said...

Wonderful stuff, especially the praying mantis. A cartoonist of extraordinary skill, and a costume designer... who knows what other super-powers and secret talents you have.

Mike Milo said...

Wow cool stuff!

Danne8a said...

Oh my god Marlo!
That Elf costume and pic are priceless!
That pic really made me laugh out loud....
Your words are sooo true.
I know a lot of artists who are frustrated musicians and vice versa, but I think if you take the time out to venture into other crafts it will definately aid your own a lot!
Elf pic...
Hehehe.

Urban Barbarian said...

Holy smokes! Those rock the hizzy to the frizzy! I guess you won't be in a bread line any time soon. BTW, you need to make it out to a Drink and Draw, Missy!!!

Rånny said...

MARLOEZ! WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE A FURRY! OUR FRIENDSHIP IS OFF! lololol. I'm just kidding. WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME YOU WERE MULTITALENTED! YOU'RE LIKE THE MODERN FEMALE VERSION OF DA VINCI!

PMS: I thought the second picture was a movie still D:

Ryan G. said...

A renaissance woman you are Marlo.. That fucking mantis is hillarious! Hey Katie! Take a break from your break and post some new stuff!

Corbett Vanoni said...

One of the ways to continue with an interest for a lifetime is to take a break from one craft and do something else for a while.

You're totally right, it's good for us artists to do different stuff to take all that pressure off the one thing.

I know a lot of artists who are frustrated musicians and vice versa, but I think if you take the time out to venture into other crafts it will definately aid your own a lot!


Is it worth it to remain creative through diverse crafts, if it means you won't become supurb at that one thing?
I like to think I remained diverse in my creative endeavors - but it hasn't done me any favors.
I'm still confused by Unca Eddie's post. Is it good to be diverse. . .or focused? (That may be too broad a question.)

Maybe I'll ask Unca Eddie.

– C

Corbett Vanoni said...

One of the ways to continue with an interest for a lifetime is to take a break from one craft and do something else for a while.

You're totally right, it's good for us artists to do different stuff to take all that pressure off the one thing.

I know a lot of artists who are frustrated musicians and vice versa, but I think if you take the time out to venture into other crafts it will definately aid your own a lot!


Is it worth it to remain creative through diverse crafts, if it means you won't become supurb at that one thing?
I like to think I remained diverse in my creative endeavors - but it hasn't done me any favors.
I'm still confused by Unca Eddie's post. Is it good to be diverse. . .or focused? (That may be too broad a question.)

Maybe I'll ask Unca Eddie.

– C

Shawn Dickinson said...

Hey! That's great! For an elf in the snow, you look pretty hott!

Anonymous said...

Woah!! That's insane! Man, I took a sewing class once and I just couldn't fathom how to make a stupid pair of shorts. Then I did and they were super crappy and not hemmed or anything. Wow, these are so super classy..

fabiopower said...

I like much the last picture! (mantis) you see yourself very amused!

Eddie Fitzgerald said...

HawHawHawHawHaw!!!! Great pictures! The elf picture could have come from the Peewee Herman show!

Jessica said...

HEY MARLO!
WOW I LOVE your work!!I had no idea you were soooooo talented! Remeber we met at Mike's house?

I think your carictures are so well done. You have a very good eye!Keep up the great work!

Jessica

Mitchel Kennedy said...

Your theories on being an artist and a human being are an inspiration!

And: Cool mantis costume! I hope you didn't chew anyone's head off.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Monkey Man (Oooo-oooo-ahhh!!) said...

Woah, is that Zorack with some kickin eye lashes?

David Germain said...

Hey, Marlo, did you send this idiot over to my blog to bust my balls? If not, do you have any idea who that idiot could be?

Edward S. Smith Jr. said...

Man, you make me feel full of the suckiness with how incredible you are! That mantis costume is beggin g for a Kyaiju challenge!(I hope I spelled that right!)
I would pay big bucks to see you wrestle a Japanese guy in a tin foil potato costume!
Anyway, my worship of all things Meekins continues! Same stuff, different day.

Anonymous said...

I love a girl who can play dress up. Lots of different fantasies here.

B. Toast Man

Unknown said...

wow! those are extremely amazing! i'm speechless

Mick said...

those are dandy draped designer.. ah whatever. Nice one that you use your time so well. you should be commended.. perhaps a small statue.. maybe a tour bus could point at your house and the announcer could announce 'there is the house where she is, back in the last week folks from all over said she should be commended. Eventually she was and everyone lived happily ever tomorrow.' It would be great wouldn't it?
back pats, well done, commend commend

Jeaux Janovsky said...

Nice work Marlo.
Keep it up.
-JX!

david said...

" Anonymous said...

I love a girl who can play dress up. Lots of different fantasies here.

B. Toast Man

17.8.06 "




this is kind of disgusting and hilarious at the same time.

i bet its some random fat dude that jacks off to your blog and cums all over his keyboard on accident. I bet he would want a praying mantis to pray all over his fat weirdo weiner hidden behind fat folds and old man skin. WHAT A CREEPER, man. sorry.



remember that time you dressed up as a leprechaun for that festival and people thought you were irish. Hilarious!!


keep up the great work fwend!

Martin Wittig said...

So FREAKIN COOOOOOOL:)!!

Anonymous said...

You be sharp to grasp this well-rounded concept while you still gots plenty of time. You don't wanna end up a bitter drunk only able to talk about animation. You a hell of a talented designer, in any medium. Keep open to everything and you'll rule the world and eat all your partners, even before they be dead.

Anonymous said...

where's your lephrechaun in the parade? I love lephrechauns, they are some of my best friends....

Clinton said...

Hey Marlo, I like your artwork a whole lot. Great pictures. I'm with you on the one path one goal deal. my aspiring cartoonist friends are focused on just getting into the business without preparing for the probable outcome that they may not make it. It's always good to have a backup, otherwise you drown in your own self-pity. Would you be posting any demos or theories anytime soon?

Gerald de Dios said...

Whoa, you are truly talented. I love that second photo.

Gabriel said...

holy shit, the praying mantis sure was unexpected!

Anonymous said...

that praying mantis costume is plain kinky, ooooohh yeah...

Jeremy Townsend (JERT) said...

holy freakin crap?

Helder said...

WOW, IMPRESSIVE!

TheFuzzyPubes said...

Theyre really nice!
the 2nd photo is so cool!

Anonymous said...

Cute costumes, you make a swell elf!

Sue said...

....hey! Do you have more pictures of that mantis costume?? I totally love it! I wanna see the whole thing...

Awesome job; all 3 look amazing.

See ya!
-Sue

belindadelpesco.com said...

Oh My Gosh, I want to see you TWIRL in that first one! It's AWESOME!

turcios curriculum said...

HELLO MARLO
I LIKE YOUR CARICTAURAS!!

fabiopower said...

Your "green" picture of profile is BIG
...and beautiful

Eddie Fitzgerald said...

Hi Marlo! If the reason you asked about the class was to take it then please reconsider. I wouldn't be able to teach it if any of my friends were there. I'd be tongue-tied and wouldn't be able to put two words together.

Gabriel Hunt said...

Did you make your undergarmets also? Excuse me "Drap" your undergarments.

greg oakes said...

holy crap that looks like a lot of work!! that queen get-up is pretty fancy!! love the elf (your face!!)... everything about it is picture perfect!! that praying mantis is killer!! ;) you're crazy... in a good way! ;) keep it up!!

greg oakes said...

holy crap that looks like a lot of work!! that queen get-up is pretty fancy!! love the elf (your face!!)... everything about it is picture perfect!! that praying mantis is killer!! ;) you're crazy... in a good way! keep it up!!

mr.ed said...

la foto que estás vestida de verde con la casita de fondo sobre la nieve, es genial!

cool site, cool work! (and very funny)

Anonymous said...

I love you forever and i am your biggest fann

Anonymous said...

Want to do a caricature of another weenie man (I saw your drawing of Steve on his web site)?

My email address:

Mr.HotDog@Cox.Net

Thanks!