Black Book Adventures

DJ Pyjama Pants

2012-01-26T21:56:00.000-08:00

Enjoying this. Have a great weekend!

Still the Greatest

2012-01-17T18:15:00.001-08:00

70 today!

Tokyo Daze

2012-01-11T18:54:00.001-08:00

Just back from a fun and productive Tokyo trip. 2012 is looking great already!

Enter the Dragon

2012-01-03T02:35:00.001-08:00

Happy 2012! Hope the holidays have been good for you.

We found a great park here of mini streets, where the kids can skate, ride bikes and learn the road rules.

Good times!

Keep it moving

2011-12-20T12:52:00.001-08:00

Enjoying this

2011-12-19T01:57:00.001-08:00

Yeah, yeah.

Work in progress

2011-12-12T23:40:00.001-08:00

Here's a peek at a personal project I'm working on under the guidance of art director extrodinaire, Jesse Southerland.

I should probably clean my desk at some stage.

New Instrument!

2011-12-09T01:47:00.000-08:00

Can't wait to play this. On Ace trucks no less!

Inspiration Information

2011-11-06T22:50:00.000-08:00

I've always loved the work of Mr. Evan Hecox. Very inspirational. Here is his blog. Enjoy!

Festivals

2011-09-25T23:37:00.001-07:00

Here's some recent early morning work for a festival back in Australia. A lot of fun to do, but I got a bit homesick when I was painting it.

Long Weekend Soundtrack

2011-09-23T05:17:00.001-07:00

Great title on this last one. Our Lives Are Shaped By What We Love. True, true.
From this album, I only knew Merry Clayton from Gimmie Shelter. I always liked how you you can hear Mick go "Wooo" in appreciation to her singing when you listen to it wearing headphones. Wooo indeed.

Spots

2011-09-23T00:25:00.001-07:00

Here's how those spot illustrations turned out a while back. Afrobeat via Tokyo!

Enjoying this

2011-09-16T15:30:00.001-07:00

Enjoying this mixtape from The Stepkids. I've been on a weird monster kick with some freelance work lately so it fits perfectly. Have a great weekend!

Workin'

2011-09-14T23:24:00.001-07:00

It's not all festivals and camping over here. I've been busy (in a good way) for a while now. Many projects on the go. Here's a good soundtrack for the working hours. Work to Do is my theme song at the moment. Nice job, Mr. Hawthorne.

Bonodori

2011-09-12T22:39:00.001-07:00

Here's my daughter and her pal dancing up a storm at the Bonodori festival.

She had her first sip of orange Fanta and took a while to come down.

Burnin'

2011-09-12T22:27:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse at the annual candle festival in nearby(ish) Nara city.
Good times.

Two Tents

2011-09-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

I went camping with Henry and his cousins earlier this summer. Here's some typical Japanese countryside for you.

Weekend fun

2011-07-24T19:32:00.001-07:00

I found this place in Osaka over the weekend. Here are the deep and shallow ends.

The pianica is not a toy

2011-07-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

My son's class started learning the pianica, which made me pull out all my Augustus Pablo records. Good stuff.

Weekend Soundtrack

2011-07-02T20:06:00.001-07:00

Sketch Booking...

2011-06-28T20:48:00.001-07:00

Spot Illustrations

2011-06-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

Some recent spot illustrations. These were a lot of fun to do.

R.I.P.

2011-05-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Very saddened to hear the news about Mr. Gil Scott-Heron. I've always loved his music and had been playing it alot recently, particularly Pieces of a Man and Lady Day and John Coltrane. The latter is one of the best songs ever written. The world is definitely at a loss.

Weekend Fun

2011-05-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Here's where I spent most of Saturday, Miki park, getting sunburnt and leaving skin on the ground. Good times. The locals were cool, very laid back session. Here's my pal Yasu , rolling in. His baby boy was born the next day. Congrats guys! Welcome to the world baby Hatano!

Slow Burner

2011-05-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

This is not a remnant of a misspent youth but in fact my new coffee roaster. I haven't mastered it yet but it makes the house smell great. Enjoy the weekend!

They'll wash your troubles away...

2011-04-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

I always loved this song! Have a great weekend!

Sprung

2011-04-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

It took a while getting here but spring has arrived. Here's a picture from last weekend's blossoms.

Good Wood

2011-03-27T06:24:00.000-07:00

I've been playing the piano a lot recently. Hope the weekend was good to you!

Brighter Side

2011-03-24T05:30:00.000-07:00

They have been strange times in Japan recently, often overwhelming. At times it has been hard to stay positive but it's amazing how stoic people have been through everything. The media creates a lot of hype and often reports irresponsibly, one thing they haven't given nearly enough attention to is the way people have carried themselves. Big hearts.

While not forgetting the troubles I've been trying to keep on the bright side. Ian Johnson's art prints will do that for you, so will this Tokyo skate video. Smiles all round. Enjoy!

Earthquake/Tsunami

2011-03-12T21:49:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to all the people who have emailed to check up on us here in Japan, we really appreciate the concern. Osaka is pretty far away from where it all happened so we are all safe and well. It's very surreal here at the moment, heartbreaking and tragic just don't cover it. I feel so sad for the thousands of people affected. The spirit of the Japanese people is really shining through even in this disaster, makes me love the place all the more.

Recent Purchase

2011-03-04T19:28:00.000-08:00

The daily grind just got even better with my new mill, porceline no less. It's perfect!

Stuck in my head

2011-03-03T04:59:00.001-08:00

I've had this song stuck in my head for the better part of a week now. Killer bee!

Heavy Rotation

2011-02-06T06:31:00.001-08:00

Couldn't stop playing this over the weekend. Great, great, great record.

Visual Mix Tape Volume 1, Side B: Dirty Old Town

2011-02-04T15:55:00.000-08:00

Inspiration Information

2011-01-27T20:32:00.001-08:00

Jason Jagel is a genius pure and simple. Amazing artist, I wish I could do half of what he can.

Drawing

2011-01-15T04:29:00.001-08:00

I did a little bit of drawing for the contents page of Monster Children recently. Picked up a copy when we were back in Australia. I was really happy to have my name next to Geoff McFetridge's in the contributors credits. A really small thing but it made my day.

Happy New Year, Happy New Board

2011-01-15T04:22:00.000-08:00

All the best for 2011!

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-16T17:24:00.000-08:00

We're packing the bags, collecting the kids and escaping the winter. Back to Australia for Christmas and New Years. Looking forward to catching up with friends and fam, swimming in the ocean, drawing, skating, BBQing, stubbies on the verandah and stocking up on vegemite and ginger beer. 2010 has been great, so many things to be thankful for. Look out 2011! Many irons in the fire. All the best to everyone, stay happy and healthy. If anyone needs to get in touch, I can be contacted at bradhoweillustration@gmail.com. Have a good one! Cheers-B

Fire in the hole

2010-12-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

My third favourite beverage ever.

Round again

2010-12-02T13:39:00.000-08:00

Here's a recent purchase. Its excellent. Whatever I'm listening to I always seem to come back to Bob Dylan at some point, listening in circles. This time around it's the early years, seems to fit the end of autumn and start of winter. Pure genius.

House of Soul

2010-11-27T05:13:00.000-08:00

I was recently asked to do some sketching for the good people at Daptone Records to update a drawing I did for them a while ago. This is the original...

...and here is the Holiday version. Have a good one!

Fat Packages

2010-11-22T23:12:00.001-08:00

I like the internet and all, but nothing beats the feeling of receiving a package in the mail.

This one came from The Jacky Winter Group in Melbourne, Australia. They've been kind enough to represent me in Australia through their Hatch program, above is their latest lookbook.

I have a page in the back section, but I'm working hard on someday getting to the front section. Onwards and upwards. Thanks guys!

Put a bounce in your step

2010-11-18T19:34:00.000-08:00

For an instant good mood, you can't beat this album. Have a great weekend!

Tokyo Daze II

2010-11-17T11:29:00.001-08:00

Henry and I took a trip up to Tokyo recently for a weekend art event. Such an amazing place, it was Henry's first visit, he was duely impressed. Thanks to our Tokyo pals for showing us a good time, and also to our Australian friends we met up with in Odaiba. Cheers guys, hope to see you all again soon! Many thanks to all the people who bought an illustration print at the show, I really appreciate it!

Reading this...

2010-10-31T18:58:00.000-07:00

Recent Purchase

2010-10-26T17:34:00.000-07:00

Good things indeed!

Cover art

2010-10-24T14:11:00.001-07:00

One of the best album covers ever. Mr. Burt Goldblatt, genius.

Trail Markings #1

2010-10-22T22:50:00.001-07:00

Good Wood

2010-10-17T14:35:00.001-07:00

I've started making a new batch of wood-mounted prints. Good fun.

Me and Henry will be going up to Tokyo in November for an art event so I'm getting ready for this too. Details to come!

Weekend soundtrack

2010-10-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday Drivers

2010-09-26T05:11:00.001-07:00

We went for a drive around Awaji Island the other day. Here's the Naruto Bridge.

Maya's first time to touch sand.

My girls.

New spot

2010-09-21T20:04:00.001-07:00

Here's a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I hit my head in the Soul Bowl, which might explain a few of my actions lately.

My regular website is slowly but surely being rebuilt. There are still a few kinks, so please bear with me, new things are in the works.

Inspiration Information

2010-09-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

Reading this...

...and listening to this. They go together surprisingly well.

Spot Illustration

2010-09-09T04:21:00.001-07:00

I did this spot illustration for a magazine in Australia not so long ago. It was about a man and his son's trip driving overland from Melbourne to London. It was a great story, I'd love to do something like that with my kids one day.

Weekend Ritual

2010-08-29T14:37:00.001-07:00

Most weekend mornings will find me bushy eyed and bright tailed in Nishinomiya, Japan. Find the baseball field and look for the break in the chain-link fence. This sticker lets you know you're on the right track.

Cut through the baseball field, use the facilities if you need to...

... up the garden path. Watch out for lizards.

When you get to the harbour...

Turn left and push for about 100m.

Here it is! 6AM and going strong. Summer here is like a jungle, so early mornings are the best time for it. Some people get up early and walk their dogs, go jogging, fishing and whatnot, what's wrong with skating? It's the best start to the day.

Sunday Evening Comin' Down

2010-08-15T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the last day of my first exhibition in Tokyo. It was a great experience and a lot of fun, it has really changed the way I look at drawing. Many thanks to everyone who came out to have a look and special thanks to Hatogai-san and all at BEAMS records who made it happen, much appreciated. See you again soon!

Good morning

2010-08-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Heroes

2010-08-05T13:51:00.000-07:00

Tokyo Daze

2010-08-02T14:11:00.000-07:00

Came back to Osaka not long ago from this event. It's going on till the middle of August, so if you if you find yourself in Harajuku please drop in. The amazing Hatogai-san and his knowlegable friends will point you in the right direction in the way of music. Good stuff all round. Many thanks to Beams Records for putting a fire under me. Cheers guys.

Getting ready

2010-07-14T21:02:00.000-07:00

Weather Report

2010-07-02T23:21:00.001-07:00

Osaka Nights

2010-06-18T00:02:00.000-07:00

Down for the count

2010-06-16T15:50:00.001-07:00

Taken care of. Now back to work...

Timber!

2010-05-27T03:40:00.001-07:00

My wife's folks run a Kindergarten here in Japan. It was pretty windy the other day, causing part of this old tree to fall. When asked how old it was, they casually whipped out these photos. They were taken just over a hundred years ago!

Snail's Pace Productions

2010-05-22T04:56:00.001-07:00

My new logo.

Cluttered desk, cluttered mind.

2010-05-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Is that a bad thing?

Hmmm...

2010-05-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Sad news

2010-04-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

R.I.P

Workin'

2010-04-18T18:53:00.000-07:00

Hello. I'm working on a jazz related project at the moment. It's a bit of an epic. Here's part of the soundtrack. Cheers.

Reading this...

2010-04-17T01:52:00.001-07:00

Amazing man.

Enjoying this...

2010-04-17T01:50:00.001-07:00

Cherry Blossoms

2010-04-04T04:31:00.000-07:00

Here's how our Saturday panned out. Spring here is truly amazing, the photos don't do it justice.

Recent Purchase

2010-03-25T15:57:00.001-07:00

Amazing album. This is where my head is at at the moment. Best played in the early morning.

Sunday Morning Music

2010-03-20T17:57:00.001-07:00

...And there's only one way to go...and you say, "Geronimo"...

Thanks for the record Frank!

Good Times

2010-03-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Never thought I'd get to see a Bob Dylan show in my lifetime. It was a lot of fun, such an inspiring man. The small venue was excellent!

Starting the day right

2010-03-05T16:41:00.000-08:00

Brad Howe Illustration is open from 5:00AM to 7:30AM daily. No surprise then that I love a good cup of coffee. Here's where I get my beans. If you're in Japan, they'll sort you out. Good stuff!

Recyclin'

2010-03-05T16:39:00.001-08:00

This fell off the shelf when I was cleaning up.

Simple Twist of Fate

2010-03-04T04:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I found myself walking through Osaka with a ticket to next weeks' Bob Dylan concert in my pocket (gloat, gloat). It was a strange feeling. What an amazing piece of paper to have!

Thanks MB!

Henry the Great

2010-03-04T04:38:00.000-08:00

Jackie Mittoo is good.

Wooooo!

2010-03-02T14:20:00.001-08:00

Strange Arrangement

2010-02-28T01:36:00.001-08:00

As a combined birthday/anniversary present, we got tickets to see Meyer Hawthorne and the County in Osaka tomorrow night. Box seats no less! How do you like that!

Paranoid

2010-02-28T01:31:00.001-08:00

Home Improvements

2010-02-24T04:44:00.001-08:00

I got this great print by Mr. Zach O'Hora not long ago. It's now framed and lives above the kids' bookshelf. Thanks Zach!

New Spot

2010-02-24T04:43:00.002-08:00

You can't judge a book by its cover

2010-02-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Not true. This one is excellent on both counts.

Samuel Beckett

2010-02-21T05:56:00.000-08:00

Here is the Samuel Beckett pro model I did for The Give and Take Athletic Association.

Back again in 2010

2010-02-21T04:43:00.000-08:00

Hello.
My regular website is currently undergoing a much needed overhaul, so in the meantime I've started this new blog. Most of my work starts out in one of those black books above which is where the title comes from. Hope you enjoy!-B