The Cover's Book.

Frankly, I am very bored with the great lack of meaning in most of the graphic pieces (avatars and signatures for the most) that can be observed these days. I really like purpose, and I always try to incorporate very meaningful points into my work. Of course not all of my latest signatures are as well thought of as the following pieces, but I am certain they hold more meaning than most of what I have recently seen. I strongly encourage the practice of thorough thinking when creating.

Note 1 : I never use brushes unless I really need the default round one to add colours.
Note 2 : Dir en grey’s lyrics are not always chaste … Be warned if you are young.


APCL Logos
A school’s parent association organised a contest for their new logo among the students. I entered three meaningful images. Admittedly, the butterfly was not too professional, but I still sent it. In short, that insect is almost never associated with something bad; it is the symbol of an accomplishment, of a great evolution. The ladder represents improvement upwards as well; it is also very representative that each letter constitutes its own set of bars on the ladder, meaning it takes every element of this association (in general, the parents, the association, the school and the city) for things to work out well; furthermore, the shadow is a sign of great repercussions. Near the deadline, I also noticed that transporting ‘AP’ on the other side of ‘CL’ made the word ‘CLAP’ : is there seriously somebody who does not want to be applauded for their accomplishments … In conclusion, what else could an association want. The answer is this : exactly the first idea I dismissed when I heard about this contest because it was way too simple and stupid.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K..._Logo1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ogo2_2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ogo2_1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K..._Logo3.jpg

Winning logo that I refused to make :
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...allogo.jpg

Artplastique_layout_1
The layout for Art class, quite a simple meaning to understand. You use your head and your hands to create, etc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...yout_1.png

benjamin510_Signature
With such a pose, there is a certain malefic aura around Kai, which may remind the viewer of his Black Dranzer times. Therefore some of it is spreading onto his beyblade, onto his game.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...nature.jpg

BeybladeSpiritForums_Banner_2
Metal Fight Beyblade is known to use splatters of paint around Beyblades to symbolize impact sometimes, and I had been observing a few sets of clouds that really resembled paint around that time, plus they were just ‘beautiful’ clouds in general. The replacement of the paint by the clouds gives Beyblade a celestial atmosphere, and Metal Fight Beyblade is indeed interested in stars.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...nner_2.jpg

Direngrey_Signature6
Dir en grey came up with such expressions as “Withering to Death” and “It Withers and Withers”. The animation is self-explanatory.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ure6_1.gif

Direngrey_Signature7
I do not know what to explain about this signature, because if you watch the promotional video for Ryoujoku no ame, listen to the song and read its lyrics, it is quite self-explanatory as well.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ature7.gif

Direngrey_Signature10_4
This concept was quickly inspired by the Dir en grey Tour08 THE ROSE TRIMS AGAIN DVD I eagerly watched : after the show, I was admittedly so energetic I had to go do some exercises to burn some of that energy. I was also determined to create a signature of Dir en grey afterwards. To represent my state with Dir en grey, besides indeed including pictures of them in the signature from around this period of their career, my idea was to create something that would look like a piece of my skin could be seen fading into the layout. The English language has the expression ‘to get under one’s skin’, however I do not care about it, since I wanted to illustrate the energy watching and listening to them gave me. The veins or nerves are apparent because I find that good music cannot make somebody remain static when listening to it. I gave the signature a green colour because that is simply what this concept showed me; I must have some form of synesthesia. It is vibrant, but not in a ‘deadly’ way. And there is a ‘Kai-V’ on my skin, and in my veins, for obvious reasons …
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...re10_4.jpg

DirengreyORG_KyoBanner
Basically a fan’s devotion for Dir en grey’s singer, Kyo … It would have satisfied me a lot more if the lines flowed better, but it is still fine. I personally find that his lyrics can be very strong sometimes, very emotionally strong. It must be quite a deliverance to express yourself this way. Moreover, there is indeed a difference between Kyo on and off stage. The wings made out of some of his lyrics illustrate this concept. Kyo can act very ‘bodily’ sometimes, but it can otherwise easily be noticed that his performance comes from inside himself, hence I made the background look slightly ‘organ-like’ and him come out of it, or fade in it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...Banner.jpg

EpicMTLBeyReunion_Logo_Blue
Beynval wanted me to include this one screenshot of Storm Pegasis and Lightning L Drago from the thirteenth episode in this logo somehow. Being quite a proud Québec resident, I quickly came up with the concept that the sparks being produced from the collision of both beyblades would help form the overall shape of our flag’s fleur-de-lys, and it only made sense to make them blue. The contrast of the black and white with the blue makes the latter stand out and mark a difference with other logos that could be created like this.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...o_Blue.jpg

Hamix200_Signature
The Aries Face is a fossile, and, added with the fact that Aries is very rare these days, I found it acceptable to mix the beyblade with an old rock-sand background, as well as a text that is being scattered by the wind, just like sand.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...nature.jpg

HELL IS A BAIT
http://kai-v.deviantart.com/art/HELL-IS-A-BAIT-74147669

jsc_Signature
Back then, Kyouya was in his insane phase. If you have questions regarding the meaning in this signature, keep looking.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...nature.jpg

Kai_Avatar17
Have a look at it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...atar17.gif

Kai_Signature17_1_3
Idem. There is a story in it.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...17_1_3.gif

Kai_Signature19_1
Besides what seems obvious to me when reading the palindrome, the movement in the signature is to remind the observer of a train and a car, both means of transport, to get to another, perhaps better place. Water washes, and if the water lines are seen as tears, they are however going in the opposite direction of the user’s. Palindromes are also always the same even if you read them backwards, meaning this strong message is permanent even if you are for some reason upside down compared to the rest of the world.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...re19_1.gif


KaiV_Avatar2
Admittedly, I like mathematics.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...vatar2.gif

KaiV_Avatar4
I like thinking more than anything else. It is always easier to do so when you have the world around you freeze : it allows for a deep analysis of the situation. The colour blue is a calm one, and represents this stillness that makes evaluating quite feasible. However, inside, everything is very active, hence the brighter colour. Despite that, a head must sometimes remain cool. “…x” signifies the resolution of something, which is always appreciated. As for L showing Launcher L, it just made sense literarily, and he puts it forward as I like to bring some new content here and there, once in a while …
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...vatar4.jpg


NO ONE WANTS THE PRESENT
http://kai-v.deviantart.com/art/NO-ONE-W...T-92928408
Plus, Cherry=Chéri=Cherished. Cherry trees. There are some dead embryos among the fallen leaves.

PROVOKATION Logo
I believe this one is quite self-explanatory, but it basically illustrates the consequence of a provocation on a calm lake. The colour green made it appear more ‘dangerous’.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...N_Logo.jpg

RPR_Signature3_4
A signature I made for a friend. The elements of each character flow together to create a cycle : fire melts the ice, which turns into water, and the latter can freeze back to ice with a strong, cold wind.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ure3_4.gif

Background for SKIN VELOCITY
It was meant to resemble a blurry window that is being assaulted by the rain, with a tint that reminds the spectator of the skin. In general, my concepts for SKIN VELOCITY are not too happy.
http://worldbeyblade.org/Thread-Skin-Velocity (Access it there.)

SquirtleRocks_Signature
I had always wanted to make this kind of signature where an object looks as if it is falling in the water, with the light of the sun descending upon it from high up, and the trails of the moving water surrounding it in its restricted drop. I found it suiting to do so with Aquario, for obvious causes. The text is also affected by the distortions in the water.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ture-1.jpg

This Community That Is Ours
http://kai-v.deviantart.com/art/This-Com...s-99420637
http://kai-v.deviantart.com/art/This-Com...-127448321

TyKamaraBanner3
The butterfly comes out of its cocoon.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...ner3-1.jpg

TyKamaraColourBanner
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Ty_Kamara/index.php?showtopic=6615&view=findpost&p=3522569

TyKamaraContest4
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...est4-1.jpg
Poseidon, stars, gods, etc.

TyKamaraContest
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...test-1.jpg
For a winter holiday banner contest at Ty Kamara, therefore quite self-explanatory.

TyKamaraWinterContest
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...test-1.jpg
I figured winter was all about snow and the diverse festivities that take place during that season.

Although snowstorms can be fierce enough sometimes, an average falling snow is one of the most peaceful things to observe, hence why Takao is seemingly daydreaming. Yet, he is also looking up at a singular phenomenon : the snowflakes are in fact beyblade attack rings (From left to right : Zeus', Trypio's, Wolborg 4'S and Master Dragoon's). The inscription on the pillar he is resting on says "Because every snowflake is unique".
The festival time is represented by the yellow lights floating about the place. Yellow is usually a very happy colour.

The snowflakes did not require brushes. I had to use the regular round brush for the snow on the palisade and on "TY KAMARA", as well as to make dots that would later be turned into glittering lights.

The text is meant not to stand out too much. It is mostly covered by snow anyway.

UROBOROS P145BS
http://worldbeyblade.org/Thread-FACE-CON...pid=120509




I have another piece incoming, however it might take a while since I am drawing it on the computer for the first time.
It's great to see your feelings and expressions in these pics. xD it's very heavy with symbolism c:
The phrase 'a picture is worth a thousand words' could definitely be used for the images you make since they are, as momiji said, heavy with symbolism.

Great job, Kai-V!
oh man the pictures dont work anymoreUnhappy
As far as I know the month for bandwidth will end soon, so they should appear again.
All the pictures should work again now.
Hah, I found your second avatar hilarious. I like looking at your pictures, although admittedly your "skin velocity" has me completely confused. I guess I can't read too deeply, hah.
interesting pictures, glad i can actually see them now,hah. the butterfly, did you paint that or make it in photoshop?
(Sep. 13, 2010  10:43 PM)XBlader Wrote: interesting pictures, glad i can actually see them now,hah. the butterfly, did you paint that or make it in photoshop?
Photoshop.
(Sep. 13, 2010  11:02 PM)Kai-V Wrote:
(Sep. 13, 2010  10:43 PM)XBlader Wrote: interesting pictures, glad i can actually see them now,hah. the butterfly, did you paint that or make it in photoshop?
Photoshop.
BTW, my fav is Kai_Signature19_1, but i also like all of them too. your a great artist
(Jun. 20, 2010  5:27 PM)Kai-V Wrote: KaiV_Avatar2
Admittedly, I like mathematics.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v106/K...vatar2.gif

In actuality, that added 1 does not mean that much. 1 becomes much less significant the infinitely higher a number gets. I do like it, just saying.

It does indeed mean a lot when it's a blog/page counter though, lol.
(Sep. 14, 2010  3:04 AM)Elmo Wrote: In actuality, that added 1 does not mean that much. 1 becomes much less significant the infinitely higher a number gets. I do like it, just saying.

It does indeed mean a lot when it's a blog/page counter though, lol.
Actually, it should be interpreted slightly like this :

1 and all the nine's are two separated entities, and 1 indeed seems insignificant.
However, when it adds its input into the group, it becomes the first number, and the rest turns into zero's.

It is mathematical, but 'situational' as well. It is a sort of comparison or metaphore.
In its mathematical sense, 1 is insignificant whether or not it changes all of the digits in a number. For philosophical purposes, 1 person can change everything.

If anyone has taken calculus and/or know about infinite limits, then they'd know what I'm talking about.

But never mind that. HELL IS BAIT is a pretty nice drawing. Your style is similar to that of a friend's. It'd be nice if you showed more of your drawings and not just x
My new avatar :
http://worldbeyblade.org/Ankh_Animation3_1.gif

It started as just the screenshots I had taken seconds apart, from one of the scenes in Kamen Rider OOO. I had never worked with real people in graphics before, and I knew that I wanted to keep the focus on Ankh himself and the way he 'acts' in this scene, so I could not add or remove too much from it, but I still could not be lazy and simply keep the animation as I had created it from a series of screenshots.

The first concept I wanted to illustrate was the fact that Ankh is associated with fire, and there is one burning inside of him in a way, but his personality is often quite cold, as are his words. However, what I tried to add was not professional enough. It might have worked with a drawn character, but a real person makes those effects become horrible.

After attempting to work on the shading of the character to see if it looked better, as well as other things, I got the idea of a fire, and snow, but in the shape of falling ashes. However, again that looked out of place with a real human, so I would have had to show the series of screenshots itself, then my custom-made fire with falling ashes, however it was not connected enough for me.

Finally, yesterday I thought of another idea : in Kamen Rider OOO, bird Yummies are associated with eggs as well, and the type of character Ankh is always has a sort of "shell" too. The sophisticated background is slightly curved to consequently represent the inside of this sort of egg, and the pattern illustrates his elegance. Later, I wish to make his image blur so we can focus on the background to see through the egg the falling ashes, that would represent this coldness that he shows, but inside, it is not entirely like that.

The gold pattern is absolutely no brush or pre-made shape. I created an intricate background with the use of any brush at all (nor Cinema 4D or anything fancy) that had a lot of lines and whiter shades between those lines, so I looked at all of them, found a shape that I knew that, when duplicated and mirrored horizontally, it would make a decent pattern to resemble those sort of floral patterns. In fact, I thought it looked appropriate since to me, I see two feathers.

Note that I had to cut the background from a real human, which is a lot more difficult, especially since at some point his white sleeve was right on a bright spot in the background, so I could not see where its shape actually was ...
Kai-v is that you on your avatar?
(Jul. 23, 2011  5:08 AM)Librasam Wrote: Kai-v is that you on your avatar?

... I just wrote, at the beginning of the previous post, that it was Ankh (played by Ryosuke Miura) in Kamen Rider OOO ...

Also, that is a man, and I am a woman. Gender ambiguousness is quite something ...
(Jul. 23, 2011  5:17 AM)Kai-V Wrote:
(Jul. 23, 2011  5:08 AM)Librasam Wrote: Kai-v is that you on your avatar?

... I just wrote, at the beginning of the previous post, that it was Ankh (played by Ryosuke Miura) in Kamen Rider OOO ...

Also, that is a man, and I am a woman. Gender ambiguousness is quite something ...

In my true, honest opinion, "Ankh", looks like a woman. I liked the avatar BEFORE the WBO Community avatar for HMS & Plastics Remembrance Day better than your current avatar.
(Jul. 23, 2011  4:00 PM)Futomos Wrote: In my true, honest opinion, "Ankh", looks like a woman.

I can recall reading or hearing somewhere that gender ambiguity in Japan is a highly desired trait in males, so it's just the culture.

---

I actually thought that your avatar was an unchanged clip from an episode of OOO. I had to stare pretty carefully, hah.

Also, glad to see that there's someone here that knows what they are doing when it comes to logo creation. Symbolism and deeper meaning other than just a picture is important in logos, especially with companies and their image.

I find a lot of "logos" shown throughout the forum to be empty of this characteristic, and to me seem more like a watermark or simple image.

edit: whenever i look at both of our avatars, i feel like as if ankh is trying to have a conversation or make a deal with kougami, with kougami laughing heartily at his face.
This, is, very interesting. I'd like to be able to all this, I guess this shows what other should people should do when it comes to graphics. But, Kai-V, you really do incorporate meaning into your art, I now understand, I'll incorporate more meaning into my pieces.
(Jul. 23, 2011  4:00 PM)Futomos Wrote: In my true, honest opinion, "Ankh", looks like a woman. I liked the avatar BEFORE the WBO Community avatar for HMS & Plastics Remembrance Day better than your current avatar.

Kai-V really likes her current avatar, though. You better watch your carp :p
(Jul. 23, 2011  5:17 AM)Kai-V Wrote: Also, that is a man, and I am a woman. Gender ambiguousness is quite something ...
That being said, I would get myself into a lot of trouble if I ever went to Japan.

I didn't think you were the type to watch Kamen Rider.

What brought on the change?
The HMS and Plastic Remembrance Day avatar was way too bland for me, and I like Ankh. I could still use L, nothing in me has changed, but I thought some visual change would be good for once.


bugturtles, I try to see them both separately for what they are, hah.
woww. epic art. hah ankh looks like a girl. great graphics (u should go in a competition) imo, the L avatar made the deepest impression on me. Smile
can I use the pegasis/Ldrago battle as my signature?