Sinister Missives » Dig it

The New Tattoos

Chad Savage — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 23:06:55 +0000

Once upon a time I had a hard and fast rule about getting tattoos only in what they call The Employment Zone: The areas of the body easily covered by a short-sleeved shirt and shorts. As of 2010, however, I’ve been self-employed for 10 years, working exclusively for the horror, Halloween and haunted house industries. To commemorate that, I got a pair of jack o’lantern tattoos on my forearms, something I’ve wanted to do (and talked about) for years. David “Half Pint” Martin of Marvel Tattoo did an exquisite job of taking my ink outline and paintings (as reference) and permanently marking me for Halloween.

Clash of the Awesome

Chad Savage — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 01:11:28 +0000

Had a great family day that included seeing Clash of the Titans with the girls. Memorable moments from the Peanut Gallery (us):

The only thing better than the battle with the giant scorpions was hearing Ripley giggle through the whole thing. When I asked her why she was laughing: “Because it’s so awesome!”
HADES: “You know nothing of beauty. What could be more beautiful than death?” RIPLEY: “Uh, life?!”
IO to PERSEUS: “You’re more than just part man and part god…” ME: “You’re also PART MACHINE!”
ME: “What do you suppose Charon does with all those coins?” ALEX: “Hookers.”
ALEX: “What was your favorite part?” RIPLEY, flailing her arms: “When Medusa was all, like, “AAAH! WHERE’S MY HEAD? WHERE’S MY HEAD??”

The Things That Make It All Worthwhile

Chad Savage — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 05:17:17 +0000

Received from one of my clients recently:

Clive Barker Is Re-Inventing Halloween One Mask at a Time!

Chad Savage — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:56:08 +0000

Legendary writer/director/artist/bon vivant Clive Barker announced on his Twitter account this evening that he is working with Disguise to create his own line of Halloween masks, a line he intends to expand each year:

I’m starting to get full-size sculpts for Halloween masks and costumes developed to give a wild, edgy look to my favorite holiday! In 2010 we’ll start with The Dark Bazaar. Then we’ll add characters to the mythology year after year – my designs for a whole new Halloween, with not a pumpkin in sight. I originate the characters as oil paintings. In 2011 we will get even darker, as we descend into The Pit.

I’m working with an awesome company called Disguise – great, creative people who want to give the holiday some bite, some fresh blood, some new Terrors. There will be big press stuff to follow. But you folks (Twitter followers) have been amazing to me during a really bad time in my life. You first!

Personally, as a long-time fan of Mr. Barker’s work, I cannot WAIT to see what he comes up with! Halloween 2010 already has a little something extra to look forward to!

Awesome Scarecrow Video Featuring Heather Gleason, Chad Savage & PumpkinRot

Chad Savage — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 19:58:11 +0000

Friend, client and fellow Halloween artist Heather Gleason put together this very cool video set to Ministry’s “Scarecrow”.

This is why my job can be difficult…

Chad Savage — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:33:37 +0000

Making It All Worthwhile

Chad Savage — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 20:04:35 +0000

Following is an email I received on Easter. This is all the explanation that you need about why I do what I do.

Let me start with, I don’t want you to do anything for me for free, I know how to use Google, and I already have a job. I am writing to you to thank you for your artwork, your links, your websites and the fun you seem to have with Halloween, Zombies, Vampyres and the Horror industry.

I searched Halloween on My Space about a year ago. In that search I decided to check out your website. I downloaded some of your fonts, and found the Zombie Jesus [Easter "Zombie Day" eCard]. (Laughingly I sent the link to my girls, we are not believers in Christianity, etc. ) I have since then forwarded many links to various sites to my daughters. Currently my youngest is approaching her senior year in Graphic Design. (I am not looking for a job for her either) Really it is just a thank you for your candid banter, especially in regard to freelance and the world of art and graphic design.

As for myself, thank you for allowing me to realize that it is OK to be amused and a little obsessed with Halloween and Horror. I live in a closed-minded community that moves Halloween when it falls on Sunday. So on this Zombie Day, I remember that I now celebrate a day with hilarity and gore, rather than as a religiously-driven holiday, due to stumbling upon your site and a Zombie Day eCard.

Sincerely,
Ann Marie Jones Allen

Font Conference

Chad Savage — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:16:26 +0000

This will either send you into hysterics, or leave you scratching your head. The former will identify you as a graphic designer; the latter means you’re… probably not a designer.

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1823766

BLIP.FM

Chad Savage — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:05:23 +0000

Blip.fm is like Twitter.com, only you post a song along with your short missive. I just discovered it a day or so ago, and I’m surprised how few people seem to know about it – hence this post. Yeah, I said “hence”.