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August 30th, 2010
BUSCH'S CV PRINT NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE!

Matt Busch's STAR WARS Celebration V limited edition print is now available exclusively HERE! Each print is hand signed and numbered by Busch, and limited to just 250 pieces. It measures 18" x 24" (standard poster frame) and it's printed on 100 lb. paper with a nice matte finish. They won't last long!

The image features all the tenacious bounty hunters from The Empire Strikes Back, and the tagline at the bottom reads:

Commemorating 30 Years of
No Disintegrations,
No Lightspeed
and No, I Am Your Father.

These will never be available again, so if you want one, nab it now!
You can get them at StarWarsShop.com right HERE!


July 20th, 2010
MATT BUSCH ARTIST SERIES FROM ZAZZLE!

From Lucasfilm and Zazzle, a new Online Store featuring the STAR WARS art of Matt Busch has just been unveiled! Here you'll find 25 different artistic images of the 'galaxy far, far away' that Matt has illustrated, and with any given image, you can order tons of different products! T-Shirts, Hoodies, Stamps, Buttons, Magnets, Mouse Pads, Key Chains, Coffee Mugs... Even clothes for your Dog!

The products you purchase through Zazzle are also customizable, so for example... If you want a T-Shirt that has one of Matt's Yoda pieces, you can customize it to say "YODA LOVES YOLANDA... FOREVER!" ...Or whatever you like.

The possibilities are endless! Check out Matt's store and get some rare, one-of-a-kind products for the STAR WARS fan in your life... Christmas is almost 5 months away, so get your Christmas Shopping done early!

Check out Matt Busch's STAR WARS Artist Series Store HERE!


March 31st, 2010
LATEST VIDEO: HOW TO DRAW AND PAINT
THE CLONE WARS!

Matt Busch delivers another pulse-pounding episode- this time illustrating an epic montage poster promoting the animated television show, The Clone Wars.

Here, Busch dons the fedora one last time for the final chapter of the Indiana Jones parody, an incredible STAR WARS crossover three years in the making.

Only 2 more episodes left to complete your training! Stay tuned!


February 10th , 2010
BUSCH'S BOBA FETT T-SHIRT AVAILABLE AT
KOHL'S ONCE AGAIN!

Back by popular demand! The Kohl's exclusive Boba Fett T-Shirt, illustrated by Matt Busch is available Online once again! Hit their official site right now to nab this killer T for the SALE PRICE of only $9.99!

You can get one while they last HERE!


February 9th, 2009
LATEST VIDEO: HOW TO DRAW SKETCH CARDS!

Artist Matt Busch takes you behind-the-scenes at STAR WARS WEEKENDS at Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Here, Matt gives some great tips for quick sketching- a skill very useful in creating:

SKETCH CARDS! This episode focuses on the custom collectibles that have taken fandom by storm, and how you can create your own sketch cards!


January 15th, 2009
LATEST VIDEO: HOW TO DRAW ANIME & MANGA!

STAR WARS artist Matt Busch takes you right into the heart of Tokyo, Japan, on a journey through the anime and manga underworlds! You'll learn to draw Padme Amidala anime style from several different angles.

You'll also meet some interesting folks in Japan, find out what they love about STAR WARS, visit the Sith Hotel, get tips on speaking Japanese, and see two Obi-Wans in drag duke it out!



January 12th, 2010
MATT BUSCH HEADS THE TK PROJECT!

From the International 501st Legion of Strormtroopers and the Make-A-Wish Foundation comes The TK Project: A collection custom crated and painted TK Stormtrooper helmets from around the world. You can bet that Matt Busch is involved- in fact, he created the brochure cover logo you see here! Find out more at: http://www.501sttkproject.com.

For Busch's contribution to the collection of custom TK Helmets, his take was a no-brainer. "I was 4 years old when Star Wars first hit theaters, but prior to that, I was a huge fan of the classic Universal Monsters, with The Creature from the Black Lagoon being my favorite." Comments Busch, "So when I first saw Star Wars, of course it was like nothing anyone had ever seen, but for some reason, even at 4, I saw a visual connection between the Stormtrooper helmet and The Creature." The TK Project finally gave Busch the chance to merge the two icons with an uncanny result.

The process Busch used in putting it together involved some preproduction work. "After priming the actual TK helmet, I then used black acrylic gesso over the entire helmet, as I knew I'd be working with acrylics." says Busch. He then sprayed on a can of stone texture which he would paint over, but that still wasn't enough. Busch elaborates, "While the basic shape of the TK Helmet was enough to resemble The Creature, I knew some added fins, ribbed brow, and emphasis on the fishy lips would help." Using Liquitex Modeling Paste, Busch added those appendages to create the overall shape he desired.

"Painting The Creature was a bit of a challenge, as most of the reference available are black and white movie stills, or other artistic representations from the movie posters or licensed products. The only problem is, the colored details are never the same. In some cases, The Creature's lips are red, sometimes green, and sometimes a fishy yellow ochre." Busch made compromises and decisions along the way to try and make an amalgam of all known reference, using an opaque acrylic technique, working from dark to
light. The last step was to try and make the helmet look permanently wet, as if The Creature had just risen from the watery surface. Comments Busch, "That was the easiest. I just poured a can of acrylic gloss medium over the entire helmet and let it drip."

Now it's very clear to see the connection Busch made as a child. You may never look at a TK Helmet the same way! See more at: http://501sttkproject.blogspot.com.


November 30th, 2009
HOW TO DRAW AND PAINT SLAVE LEIA: PART 2!

Last week, the long-awaited Slave Leia video was released, and the buzz quickly spread Online. Fans and aspiring artists welcomed Matt Busch's return to the popular series he's known for, and the antics seen in the new video didn't disappoint.

Now, exactly one week later, Busch has released the follow-up episode, quite possibly the most outlandish How To Draw video yet! Here you'll see some of Matt's great tips and techniques with painting, using an airbrush, and working with color pencils.

Of course, everyone is waiting to see the Slave Leia models duke it out in the grand finale, as the ultimate cat fight breaks onto Comic-Con's main floor! Check it out!


November 24th, 2009
HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS: SLAVE LEIA!

The wait is over! It's been a year and a half since the last episode, but Artist Matt Busch is back is full swing with Season 3. The action begins with a 2 Part video tutorial on how to illustrate Jabba's captive princess!

In this first segment, Matt holds auditions for Slave Leia models from around the world at Comic-Con International in San Diego, California. He also shows how to work with photo reference in your drawing.

Tune in next time to see Matt complete the painting, and hopefully resolve the ultimate cat-fight in Comic-Con history!


October 17th, 2009
ZOMBIE WARS: RETURN FROM THE GRAVE

Matt Busch's Zombie Wars poster parody concludes with Episode VI: Return from the Grave, based on the infamous 1982 advance one-sheet for Revenge of the Jedi, before the title was changed to Return of the Jedi.

All six of the posters Busch recreated tell a very different version of the saga. Here we see the final evolution of Darth Vader's zombie conquest, but we also see an alternate ending with Luke dueling Vader...one where Luke doesn't win!

"This poster may not be an epic montage like I did for the first five posters," comments Busch, "but I love the simplicity of Drew Struzan's original. It's become such an iconic vision."

Designer Paul Michael Kane comments on his logo work -- "This was the easiest of the posters for me. This totally showcases the amazing image and the type is cast as a secondary element. Sad to see this one come, as it signaled the end of the project. But what a blast it was!"

Since the original advance poster had no credit block, Busch had fun with the tag line at the bottom, "Coming soon from a cemetery near you."

Thanks for joining this intergalactic journey of the undead. ?See more incredible artists rendering Star Wars Zombies here. Have a wonderful Halloween and the Force will be with you... Always.


October 16th, 2009
ZOMBIE WARS: THE LIVING DEAD STRIKE BACK!

The Zombie Wars epidemic continues with artist Matt Busch's recreation of the saga. Here, the story of a "zombified" Luke Skywalker develops, and romance between Han Solo and Princess Leia is more tender than ever.

Based on the original Gone With the Wind-inspired poster for The Empire Strikes Back (illustrated by Roger Kastel), Busch couldn't resist pushing the envelop with his parody. "The original poster for Empire is so emotional, I had to pull out all the stops and make this one the bloodiest mess of them all. There's even a pointless explosion of blood in space!"

Too much gore for Star Wars? "The original version of this was definitely too over-the-top, though in a humorous light. I purposely tried to push the limit, knowing I'd have to make some alterations. It went through several revisions before it was tame enough to be shown here, though I'm always more than happy to make changes. The fact that us artists have been given a chance to play with such a dark and twisted version of Star Wars at all is a riot."

Matt's vision of a dark and twisted tauntaun also had a last-minute change, though for the worse. "I was finishing up this painting in Nashville at a pop culture show called GMX," recalls Busch. "I was marveling at how funny I thought the tauntaun was now, with its little chicken-like claws that clearly have done some damage. As I finished the painting, my friend Kim Dunaway, who happened to be watching, asked, 'Wait a minute -- where are the tauntaun's cut-out intestines?' I knew I had to go back and add her brilliant idea, thus immortalizing her name in the credits as well."

To complete the feel of the original, designer Paul Michael Kane created the new logo in Adobe Illustrator and then skewed it in Photoshop to match the original logo angle.

Check out more at StarWars.com right here!Tomorrow concludes Busch's horrific spin on classic Star Wars posters with Episode VI: Return from the Grave!


October 16th, 2009
ZOMBIE WARS: A NEW EPIDEMIC!

Matt Busch's re-imagined Star Wars zombie-fest continues with the fourth installment of Zombie Wars (and the first of the classic trilogy), A New Epidemic.

This series introduces new characters two decades after the prequels, including a newly-infected Han Solo, portrayed by fellow Star Wars artist Spencer Brinkerhoff III! However, you can still see the evolution of Darth Vader from the last poster, as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi, who's now nothing more than a skeleton in a cloak.

Comments Busch, "In this alternate version of Episode IV, the first Death Star is still under construction, and features two beam dishes, creating the eerie, or perhaps humorous illusion of a skull."

Busch also admits there is a fine line between horror and humor. "Many horror filmmakers like Sam Raimi really push the exaggeration between the two. Here, I thought it would be creepy, and funny, to have R2-D2 so filled with blood that it's spilling over where his dome swivels. This cracks me up, as I don't know why blood would be inside an electronic droid in the first place!"

The unique poster, originally illustrated by Drew Struzan for the 10th Anniversary of Star Wars, also required some serious work from designer Paul Michael Kane. "This is my favorite poster of the bunch and the hardest to work on," says Kane. "The logo and type design had to be perfect because it's featured so prominently on the poster."

See more here. Next up, THE LIVING DEAD STRIKE BACK!


October 15th, 2009
ZOMBIE WARS - Episode III: REVENGE OF THE ZOMBIES

Artist Matt Busch continues his Zombie Wars saga with Episode III: Revenge of the Zombies! Here, we see the decaying evolution of characters like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi from the earlier posters that Busch created for Episodes I and II.

Amid the clashing of this epic disaster, one character hasn't changed at all. Matt comments, "Darth Sidious is already so evil and vile physically, he pretty much looks like a zombie. I thought it would be funny to just keep him the same when depicting Drew Stuzan's original rendering."

Matt has also worked in 'easter eggs' into his posters wherever possible. "If you look closely, you'll see all kinds of cute additions. For example, in one of the Jedi Starfighters, you'll see an Astromech Droid head missing, and replaced with a zombie head sticking out of the droid socket!"

Viewers may also notice some changes in the poster's credit block, which was recreated by Paul Michael Kane. Matt elaborates, "You may notice that some of my posters include the name Doug Drazin as a Skull Handler. When I was taking photo reference of plastic skulls, Doug helped me out by holding them at the correct angle while opening the jaw, suggesting a horrific zombie moan."

For more info and a look at other incredible zombie art from artists Nicole Falk, Cat Staggs, and Jeff Carlisle, click here. Stay tuned- tomorrow begins Busch's 'zombified' renditions of posters from the classic trilogy, starting with Zombie Wars - Episode IV: A New Epidemic!


October 14th, 2009
ZOMBIE WARS - Episode II: ATTACK OF THE UNDEAD

Matt Busch's alternate 'zombified' Star Wars saga continues on StarWars.com with Episode II: Attack of the Undead. Here, even Yoda has joined the Dark Side!

Viewers may note an evolution with the characters throughout Busch's series of zombie posters. For example, Obi-Wan Kenobi, who found his demise in Busch's first poster for The Zombie Menace, now is clearly infected and ready for revenge.

"I love how in the middle of all this horrible inter-galactic zombie massacre, Padme and Anakin still find a tender moment," says Busch,
"but my favorite part of this poster is Jango Fett. His body and clothes have decayed to nothing more than a mere skeleton, yet his armor is still perfectly intact. Oddly, it gives him almost a Popeye-like physique."

A keen eye may also notice some familiar faces from the real-world Star Wars community. "I wanted to do something special for the army of clones, so I sent requests to some of my fellow Star Wars artists to send me photo reference of them in zombie poses." From left to right, you can see artists Cynthia Narcisi (Cynthia's husband Ian can also be seen in the background), Brent Woodside, Kayla Woodside, Mark McHaley, and Denise Vasquez. On the right side of Jango, artist Randy Martinez hammed it up to portray a horrified Jedi.

See more here www.starwars.com/vault/books/news20091012.html?
page=8
and tune in tomorrow to see Matt's Zombie Wars series continue
with Episode III: Revenge of the Zombies!


October 13th, 2009
ZOMBIE WARS - Episode I: THE ZOMBIE MENACE

To commemorate the release of the world's first STAR WARS horror novel, DEATH TROOPERS, StarWars.com is running a special Zombie Week! When asked to contribute a zombie-inspired poster, artist Matt Busch not only jumped at the chance, he decided to do six of them, one for each movie in the saga.

"'Every Zombie has a Beginning,' and it all begins here," says Busch, "though these posters tell an alternate vision of the saga. One that's more... Infectious. In this version of Episode I: The Zombie Menace, even Jar Jar is deadly and provides no comic relief."

In addition to having fun shredding these classic characters into zombies, the project has also been a rewarding and educational experience for Busch. "I've always been a huge admirer of the original poster artist, Drew Struzan. Doing this parody really let me study the master with fine detail. I've learned a lot and and now have even more respect for Drew's work."

For the logo and typography, Busch turned to his long time professional partner Paul Michael Kane, who recreated the Episode I logo in Adobe Illustrator. Comments Kane, "Nailing this one down was crucial, as the rest the prequel posters used the same title and credit fonts."

Head on over here to see more, plus other fantastic art from Spencer Brinkerhoff III and Katie Cook! Stay tuned through the week to see a new zombie poster each day from Matt! Tune in tomorrow to see the continuation of the Zombie Wars saga with his rendition of Episode II: Attack of the Undead!


August 26th, 2008
BOBA FETT T-SHIRT BY MATT BUSCH AVAILABLE NOW!

Super department store chain KOHL's now has an exclusive Boba Fett T-Shirt illustrated by Matt Busch.  "Boba Fett has always been a favorite STAR WARS character of mine," says Busch, "I just love drawing all the clunky armor and compact weapons."

Fans may recall the Fett image that appears on the STAR WARS novel Tales from the Empire.  "That cover is painted in full color acrylics, so it's neat to see this shirt be a complete departure from that- a straight-up sketchy pencil technique."

The shirt retails at $18.00, but is currently on sale for just $8.99!  You can see the shirt at Kohls.com HERE.  While the shirt is already sold out Online, you can find the shirt on sale at a KOHL'S department store near you.


August 2nd, 2008
EXCLUSIVE MATT BUSCH MIGHTY MUGG FIGURE!

Matt Busch has hand painted one of Hasbro's Mighty Mugg figurines as  part of a charity for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The character of his choice? 

Boba Fett!

You can find out about how and why Matt created this character at his LiveJournal HERE.

The charity, which is now live Online is called The Empire Muggs Back, and you can bid on all the artist's exclusive figures HERE!


May 21th, 2009
MATT BUSCH A GUEST AT DISNEY WORLD THIS WEEKEND!

This weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Orlando Florida is the opening of STAR WARS WEEKENDS! Matt Busch will be a guest signing autographs along with actors Ray Park, Warwick Davis, and James Arnold Taylor.

Plenty of copies of the book You Can Draw STAR WARS will be on hand in the Star Tours Store (Wicket's Warehouse), and Busch will be signing on Saturday, May 23rd from 11am to 1pm and from 4pm to 6pm.

Busch will also be filming this weekend for an upcoming episode of You Can Draw STAR WARS, so bring your costumes, spirits, and be ready for anything!



May 13th, 2009
YOU TOO CAN OWN MATT BUSCH'S SLAVE... LEIA!

STAR WARS artist Matt Busch, Actress Carrie Fisher, Lucasfilm, Motor City Conventions and Paul Michael Kane have all teamed up to offer this beautiful lithograph depicting Princess Leia as Jabba the Hutt's slave. All proceeds from the sale of this print will benefit actress Carrie Fisher's endorsed charity, the Pajama Program.

Lucasfilm has graciously authorized this lithograph painted by Matt Busch. Limited to just 200 editions, the art measures 13" X 19" and is printed on thick, high quality 100 lb. stock. Each print is signed and numbered by Busch.

This print is created exclusively for the Motor City Comic Con, running May 15th - 17th at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Actress Carrie Fisher will also be in attendance at the event, in case you want to score her signature on the piece, as well.

However, while the posters won't be physically available until that weekend, you can pre-order your print right now, and have it mailed safely to your home! The price of this print is $25, but don't forget that these are extremely rare, and you'll be contributing to a wonderful cause. You can lock one in with PayPal before they're sold out by ordering right here.

You can also find out more about the Motor City Comic Con here.

You can find out more about the Pajama Program here.


April 14th, 2009
LUCASFILM AUCTIONS BUSCH ART TO HELP
AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS!

In an effort to help the Australian Red Cross aid the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, Lucasfilm is auctioning off an extremely limited print illustrated by Matt Busch. The print being auctioned is titled "Evolution of the Empire" and was previously sold exclusively in London at Celebration Europe in 2007.

The art features all of the clone troopers and stormtroopers from all six movies of the STAR WARS saga. These are over-sized lithographs, not to be confused with the smaller 24" posters that were also produced. They originally sold for approx. $300 U.S. dollars then, and of course it's virtually impossible to get one of these now. As it is, there are only 66 of these numberes and embossed prints in existence!

Lucasfilm is graciously offering this from their collection for a great cause. You can bid on the print via Ebay right HERE! Hurry before it's too late!


April 9th, 2009
STAR WARS GALAXY 4 TRADING CARDS IN STORES NOW!

The latest STAR WARS Trading Card series from Topps is GALAXY Series 4, which features a collection of artistic visions from the Galaxy Far, Far Away... The set features incredible talents like J. Scott Campbell, Russell Walks, Randy Martinez, and yes, Matt Busch!

For Busch's card, he chose to illustrate his favorite toy growing up: The Imperial Troop Transporter. Say Busch, "It was such a killer toy. And it was neat because it was the first Star Wars toy of something that wasn't in the movie. It even came with these strange black brainwashing devices that you would place on figures faces. Creepier was the photo of the toy on the packaging which featured a throng of troopers surrounding Princess Leia as she's being forced to wear it."

You can see this vision come to life in this incredible set with fascinating imagery from an incredible collection of artists. STAR WARS GALAXY Series 4 cards are available wherever trading cards are sold.


March 16th, 2008
HOW TO DRAW ANIME / MANGA STAR WARS!

StarWars.com has recently released the third and final installment of Matt Busch's How to Draw Anime / Manga STAR WARS series. This article features a tutorial on how to draw Padme Amidala in the 3/4 view. You can check it out HERE!

You can also check out the first two Anime / Manga tutorials at StarWars.com HERE and HERE.

Lastly, stay tuned for Season 3 of How To Draw STAR WARS videos- the first of which will feature how to draw Anime / Manga, with footage of Matt live in Japan! Details soon...


February 13th, 2008
HOW TO DRAW STORYBOARDS!

STAR WARS Artist Matt Busch continues his series- this time exploring the preproduction world of storyboarding. As Busch dons the fedora for another chapter of the ongoing Indiana Jones parody, you'll see how storyboarding and previsualization can help build the framework for movies, television, video games, music videos, and more. 

This is the last episode of Season 2, but fear not- Season 3 is on it's way and in the planning stages right now!  Stay tuned...


December 16th, 2008
HASBRO RELEASES NEW STAR WARS ACTION FIGURE NAMED AFTER MATT BUSCH!

Hasbro, the official licensee for STAR WARS toys, has released a new "Droid Factory" collection of action figures, where collecting six figures gives you six extra pieces to create an all-new "Build-a-Droid" figure. The new series lets you build MB-RA-7, a figure somewhat created by and named after artist Matt Busch.

After the first STAR WARS film was released in 1977, Kenner (a subsidiary of Hasbro) released "Death Star Droid", a chrome protocol-type droid which was later named as an RA-7 droid. Comments Busch,
"The Death Star Droid as seen in the movie is actually black, though a memorable chrome RA-7 droid communicates with R2-D2 in the Jawa Sandcrawler."

Fast forward to 1998, almost a decade before the book You Can Draw STAR WARS was released, Busch was the regular writer and artist if the "How to Draw STAR WARS" articles for STAR WARS KIDS Magazine. "To help make these tutorials fun for kids, I wrote and illustrated them as if a droid was teaching you. I always loved the look of the RA-7 droid, and so, to give this fictional teacher an identity, I simply tagged on my initials, making him MB-RA-7."

Over the course of two years, every issue of STAR WARS KIDS featured a drawing tutorial, lead by MB-RA-7. Now you can build your own MB-RA-7, by collecting the new wave of "Build-a-Droid" STAR WARS figures, which includes General Grievous, Bail Organa, and FX-6! Hasbro STAR WARS figures can be found in any store that sells toys.


November 7th, 2008
MATT BUSCH BECOMES A STORMTROOPER!

STAR WARS artist Matt Busch has become the world's first Honorary Member of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers to get his armor! The 501st is a worldwide community of fans that costume as collectors, fundraisers, volunteers, and doing charity work.

Busch was inducted as an Honorary Member of the 501st in 2006 by Jay Shimko of the Great Lakes Garrison. Other Honorary Members include many notable STAR WARS actors, artists and writers behind-the-scenes, as well as celebrities like Kristen Bell, Seth Green, Kevin Smith, "Weird Al", Yankovic, the band No Doubt, and George Lucas himself.

While Busch is the first to have completed TK trooper armor and be registered, several other honorary members are on their way. Col. Anthony Toledo, the master drill instructor for the 2007 Rose Parade, has an Imperial officer costume, but no armor yet. Author Karen Traviss is working on Clonetrooper Armor. Actor Jeremy Bullock was given a full set of Boba Fett armor, but he hasn't joined the Legion yet. Author Timothy Zahn is also doing an Imperial Officer, too.

Busch's ID in the 501st is TK-3477. He received an incredible amount of help from Terrell Reber, TK-1787 of the Great Lakes Garrison. The armor was made of vacuum formed plastic, then trimmed, assembled with E-6000 glue, velcroed and riveted, sanded, painted with high performance enamel gloss white, detailed, and strapped together with velcro, elastic, and nylon straps. Other folks that helped out were Tony Krewson (TK-4063) for the blaster, Wyatt Stevens (TK-4205) for the undersuit top with neckseal, Brooke Merva (TD-1148) for the belt, and Steve Brejnak (TD-465) for strapping up the armor.

You can find out more about the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers at www.501st.com.


October 31st, 2008
MATT BUSCH ON THE FORCE-CAST AT FAN DAYS 2

Last weekend Matt Busch was a guest at the STAR WARS FAN DAYS 2 event in Plano, Texas. The show was incredibly well-received by both fans and guests, and the excitement was captured in audio with TheForce.Net's FORCE-CAST!

In addition to to the guest actors and artists (and Elvis Trooper!) Matt Busch is interviewed about his latest involvement with all things STAR WARS and otherwise. You can listen to it right now by clicking HERE. (Note that Matt Busch's segment begins with -14:29 left of the show.)


September 19th, 2008
BUSCH ILLUSTRATES CLONE WARS POSTER/
FAN DAYS IN TEXAS!

Based on the highly anticipated CLONE WARS show coming to Cartoon Network, Matt Busch has illustrated a beautiful montage capturing the turmoil and excitement! The weekly show begins in October stomps right on the heels of the theatrical release last August.

How can you nab one of these posters? For FREE?

Busch will be attending the STAR WARS FAN DAYS II show in Plano, Texas, October 25th and 26th. Be one of the first 500 through the door and you'll get one of these puppies free! In addition, Busch will be doing exclusive show sketch cards. Mind you, 30 second sketches, but those will be free as well. Busch will also have books, posters, DVDs and even original art on display and for purchase. Don't miss this show! More info HERE!

 


August 13th, 2008
JAPANESE STAR WARS PRINT AVAILABLE ONLINE!

The exclusive Celebration Japan print, illustrated by Matt Busch is now available for a limited time at StarWarsShop.com! The print run is limited to 250, and each piece is signed and numbered by Busch. The poster-size print measures a whopping 24" X 36" and has a deluxe aqueous coating. You can check it out right HERE!

Titled "Land of the Rising Suns", the foundation of this piece began years ago as a wrap-around cover of Autograph Times Magazine. At the time, the image featured a self portrait of artist Busch engulfed in a sea of characters from the original trilogy and Episode I. The image quickly became a favorite among fans, requesting that it become a print in the future. That day has come, and Busch has updated the image to reflect characters and vehicles from each of the movies, with a twist of Japanese pop culture design.

As to what the Japanese characters represent? "For the fans that can't read Japanese, I don't wan't to spoil it. I think half the fun is the mystery and the adventure of figuring it out. For part of it, I will say this, though: Konnichiwa, Boku wa Matt Busch desu. Anata Wa Star Wars o kakeru!" This rare poster won't last so grab yours while you can! Click HERE!


August 11th, 2008
HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS: MORE COMIC BOOKS!

MATT BUSCH is back- this time offering even more great tips on how to draw COMIC BOOKS! This episode focuses on how to tell your visual story through dynamic page layouts. Check it out below!

You can also see this episode in higher 640 X 480 res at StarWars.com by clicking HERE!

How To Draw STAR WARS! Episode 13 of 21: Comic Books!


July 16th, 2008
MATT BUSCH IN JAPAN!

Matt Busch is currently on in Tokyo promoting the 30th Anniversary of STAR WARS in Japan! This weekend/next week is the STAR WARS Celebration Japan show at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba. Taking advantage of the trip, Busch will also be filming scenes for several new videos, as well as actually getting some vacation time- something unheard of for Busch.

In addition to an exclusive set of one-of-a-kind sketch cards, Busch will be toting a brand new STAR WARS poster, Japanese-style! Titled "Land of the Rising Suns", the foundation of this piece began years ago as a wrap-around cover of Autograph Times Magazine. At the time, the image featured a self portrait of artist Matt Busch engulfed in a sea of characters from the original trilogy and Episode I: The Phantom Menace. The image quickly became a favorite among fans, requesting that it become a print in the future. That day has come, and Busch has updated the image to reflect characters and vehicles from each of the movies, with a twist of Japanese pop culture design.

As to what the Japanese characters represent? "For the fans that can't read Japanese, I don't wan't to spoil it. I think half the fun is the mystery and the adventure of figuring it out. For part of it, I will say this, though: Konnichiwa, Boku wa Matt Busch desu. Anata Wa Star Wars o kakeru!"

A week from now Busch will head straight for San Diego for the Comic-Con International show, which Busch is a featured Special Guest. Stay tuned for a complete schedule of all the things he'll have planned for that!


July 7th, 2008
YOU CAN DRAW STAR WARS VOLUME 2 COMING TO DVD!

As a follow-up to the original series of tutorial videos that found limited release on DVD in 2007, Lucasfilm Ltd. has authorized a new DVD from DK Publishing and Planetmatt Entertainment: YOU CAN DRAW STAR WARS- VOLUME TWO. Hosted by notorious artist Matt Busch, the DVD will collect all seven Episodes from Season 2 released this year.

The first series chronicled the entire creation of a 30th Anniversary poster, whereas Season 2 includes the creation of the REVENGE OF THE SITH Style D One Sheet, but also spreads focus to areas such as drawing on the road, storyboarding for film and animation, and comic books. Each chapter includes comical skits to spice up the pace, including a few where Busch parodies Indiana Jones- another Lucasfilm staple.

The tutorials began as a side promotion for the book of the same name from DK Publishing, to which Busch produced nearly 400 illustrations. Before released on DVD, all videos can first be seen on StarWars.com and KidDK.com. The videos later hit other avenues online, and have had more than one million plays on MySpaceTV alone. "It's awesome that these are available on DVD," comments Busch, "for the dedicated aspiring artist, to be able to experience the details at four times the resolution is wonderful."

Busch himself will be attending the upcoming STAR WARS Celebration Japan next week in Tokyo with a brand new limited edition poster. The following week, Busch will be a featured Special Guest at Comic-Con International in San Diego, the largest pop-culture show on the planet.

The Volume Two DVD will debut at Comic-Con as well. To find out how to get your hands on a copy for FREE, check out Busch's Spotlight panel on Saturday, July 26th from 11:30 - 12:30pm in Room 30CDE. Another good idea would be to stop by the DK booth and find out when Busch and author Bonnie Burton and fellow artist Tom Hodges will be signing books. To find out the latest info on how to nab a DVD, stay locked in to www.MattBusch.com for updates.


June 10th, 2008
HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS: EPISODE 12!

Recently released this past weekend on MySpaceTV, Matt Busch's latest How To Draw video topped the MySpace Video Charts, coming in at Number One for categories of Instructional and Animation/CGI, and Number Two for Entertainment. To date, Busch's videos have gathered more than a million plays on MySpace alone.

Here Busch returns with a plethora of tips- this time delving into COMIC BOOKS! The latest episode focuses on how to illustrate your visual storytelling in your panels through shots and angles.

Continuing the INDIANA JONES parody from where Episode 10 left off, Busch evades more Stormtroopers and finally makes his way to the Temple of Vader, but will he successfully nab the golden idol? You'll have to watch to see!

In addition to the MySpace Video below, you can also see this episode in higher 640 X 480 res at StarWars.com by clicking HERE. As well, you can download all of the How To Draw STAR WARS episodes as Quicktime files at the DK site HERE.

How To Draw STAR WARS! Episode 12 of 21: Comic Books!


May 13th, 2008
FIGHTING LYMPHOMA, JEDI STYLE!

Matt Busch, Lucasfilm, The 501st Great Lakes Garrison, and Paul Michael Kane have teamed up to produce this beautiful poster commemorating the 25th Anniversary of RETURN OF THE JEDI! The best part is, all of the proceeds will go to the National Lymphoma Society. Jay Shimko, Great Lakes 501st member TK-130, is actually a lymphoma survivor, which makes this charity poster all the more special!

Lucasfilm has graciously authorized this limited edition poster by STAR WARS artist Matt Busch. This piece completes the Original Trilogy set of villain-style posters that Busch has produced for the films' anniversaries over the years. The standard poster size measures 24" X 36" and is printed on thick 100 lb. stock with a deluxe aqueous coating.

This poster is extremely rare and contributes to a wonderful cause. The 501st Great Lakes Garrison will be selling the prints this weekend at the Motor City Comic Convention, held at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, MI, this Friday, May 16th through Sunday the 18th. Busch will also be a guest with some special surprises planned. For more information on the show, including tickets, hours, directions, and guests, click HERE.

If you can't get one in person at the show, a limited number of posters have been reserved for pre-order sales Online. You can see a larger version of the poster and secure your copy HERE!


May 6th, 2008
HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS: EPISODE 11

The latest episode of Matt Busch's tutorial series has been released! In the second part of creating the Style D One Sheet movie poster for REVENGE OF THE SITH, Busch begins painting and takes you through the complete process. As well, there's guest Narration from MattBusch.com's own Paul Michael Kane- who'll show how he created the typography and other digital secrets for the poster.

On location in Hollywood, California, you'll also see Busch prepping for a big Jedi Lightsaber Tournament. How does Busch fare with the competition? You'll just have to watch and see!

In addition to seeing the latest episode on MySpace TV below, you see the full episode at StarWars.com at a full 640 X 480 resolution HERE. You can also also download all of the Episodes as Quicktime movies at the KidDK.com right HERE.

Stay tuned for the next episode, where Matt returns with a brand new INDIANA JONES-themed episode on how to draw Comic Books!

How To Draw STAR WARS! Episode 11 of 21: Painting Lightsabers!


April 25th, 2008
SECOND HOW TO DRAW MANGA SERIES

StarWars.com has just released Part Two of a new How To Draw Manga series, written and illustrated by Matt Busch! You can check out the Step By Step article HERE.

Manga, of course, refers to the Japanese style of comics, and what a better way to prep for the upcoming Celebration Japan show in July than to explore some of their pop culture. This week's article takes a look at how to draw Manga Padme from the side 'profile' view.

The article is the second in a Three Part weekly series, so be sure to check back next week and see how to draw Manga STAR WARS characters from different angles. In case you missed it, you can see the first article HERE.


April 14th, 2008
INDIANA JONES DRAWS STAR WARS!

Any fan of INDIANA JONES and STAR WARS can quote numerous instances in which the Indy films reference the films from the "galaxy far, far away..." (Did you know that in Temple of Doom, the sound the plane's engines make when it runs out of fuel is the same sound the Millennium Falcon makes when the hyperdrive fails?) Now, paying homage reverses in Matt Busch's latest How To Draw STAR WARS video, which can be seen HERE.

In this episode, Busch himself is dressed as the famous archeologist, seeking the Temple of Vader. He uncovers the mysteries of the Original STAR WARS Style D "Circus" poster, and prepares to illustrate it's bookend piece for REVENGE OF THE SITH. With the aid of Lucasfilm's Pete Vilmur, you'll see the entire process for getting a STAR WARS poster approved and the many different sketches an artist often goes through. You'll also see how Busch incorporates digital technology to accommodate changes to his traditional sketches.

Since hitting MySpaceTV, the How To Draw STAR WARS series has exploded onto the charts, going straight to Number One. The last episode gained 350,000 plays on MySpace alone, in addition to StarWars.com and KidDK.com. The video series is loosely based on the book You Can Draw STAR WARS, which Busch provided nearly 400 drawings and paintings for, and was released by DK publishing in 2007. A limited edition DVD of the first 7 episodes were also released last summer.

Like Indiana Jones, Busch himself is a professor by day at Macomb College, though at night he's an adventure-seeking illustrator. Mostly known for his work illustrating STAR WARS products, he's worked with all kinds of Hollywood properties, including some upcoming work based around the new INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL movie.

You can check out the first Indy-themed episode on MySpaceTV below. As well, you can see a higher res 640 X 480 version at StarWars.com by clicking HERE. Last but certainly not least, you can also download this episode as a Quicktime movie and save it to your iPod at the KidDK site right HERE!

How To Draw STAR WARS! Episode 10 of 20: Sith Circus Sketching!


April 9 th, 2008
NEW HOW TO DRAW MANGA SERIES!

StarWars.com has just released Part One of a new How To Draw Manga series, written and illustrated by Manga Matt Busch! You can check out the Step By Step article HERE.

Manga, of course, refers to the Japanese style of comics, and what a better way to prep for the upcoming Celebration Japan show in July than to explore some of their pop culture. This week's article takes a look at how to draw Manga Padme from the front view.

The article is the first in a Three Part weekly series, so be sure to check back and see more next week and see how to draw Manga STAR WARS characters from different angles.


March 19th, 2008
BUSCH DRAWS THE ELVIS TROOPER!

The latest episode of How To Draw STAR WARS has hit the web. Matt's focus this time is how to draw stormtroopers' clunky armor out of simple three dimensional shapes.

Co-hosted by Ken Tarleton, the Elvis Trooper himself, you'll hear about how Elvis auditioned for STAR WARS and see why his scenes were cut from the movie.

In addition to the MySpaceTV video below, check out a higher res 640 X 480 version at StarWars.com by clicking HERE!

How To Draw STAR WARS! Episode 9 of 20: Stormtroopers!


March 2nd, 2008
EPISODE 8 OF HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS IS HERE!

In this first new episode of Season 2, Matt Busch takes you all the way to London, England, and gives tips on how to keep your chops up when not at home near your familiar drawing desk. In addition to going over sketchbooks, this episode focuses on all things Wookiee, and shows tricks on how to rock a drawing even if you don't have photo reference to look at.

With special guest appearances by Lucasfilm's Bonnie Burton, Star Wars artist Cynthia Cummens, and author Brandt Goldstein, this exciting episode is just the beggining of what to expect this Season.

NOTE: In addition to the MySpace TV video below, you can view the same Episode at twice the resolution at StarWars.com by clicking HERE:

How To Draw STAR WARS! Episode 8 of 20: On The Road!

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February 17th, 2008
SEASON 2 TRAILER: HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS!

Matt Busch announced today that Season 2 of the popular video tutorial series How to Draw Star Wars would debut on StarWars.com and MySpaceTV.com. In addition, a brand new trailer highlighting scenes from the new series has just been posted. (See below.)

Busch was the key illustrator of the critically acclaimed book You Can Draw StarWars (Lucasfilm and DK Publishing) for which the video series is loosely based. Combining humor and cutting edge storytelling, Busch found a unique way of educating fans on drawing, while creating their favorite characters from "a galaxy far, far away...." Originally released as webisodes on StarWars.com, the first seven installments were later collected onto a limited edition DVD. After that, the videos hit MySpace and exploded on to the charts- going straight to Number One. Each video released has at least gone to number one in one category or another.

Currently, Busch is putting the finishing touches on the new episodes and has some exciting plans. While the first series clocked in at nearly nine minutes each, the new installments will be more streamlined- ranging closer to five minutes each, but boasting well over a dozen brand new episodes. As well, while the last series was monthly, Season 2 will be weekly.

Topics will cover more drawing and painting techniques, but certain episodes will also expand into areas such as comic books, storyboarding, and even beginning animation. Expect more comedic antics from Busch, including several episodes which will spoof Indiana Jones- another popular Lucasfilm property and often associated with Star Wars.

Season 2 Trailer: How to Draw STAR WARS!

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February 10th, 2008
MATT BUSCH ON THE 501st PODCAST!

Recently, Matt Busch had an opportunity with chat with Dean Plantamura on the official podcast of the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers! Listen to it HERE!

In this interview, Busch discusses his involvement using the 501st as reference for his official STAR WARS work, including filming the 501st for new video episodes of HOW TO DRAW STAR WARS. Matt also talks about a plethora of new projects he's working on, and even talks about getting his own suit of TK Stormtrooper armor! The interview is a half hour long, and also has an exclusive Matt Busch related CONTEST for 501st members!

You can always find out more about the show at www.501st.com/podcast, however you can download the Matt's specific episode HERE! (Right click to save it as an MP3.) Matt's in-depth interview begins 34 minutes into the show.


January 9th, 2008
ART SCENE INTERNATIONAL MAGAZINE!


The latest issue of ART SCENE INTERNATIONAL features a huge 12-page step-by-step tutorial written and illustrated by Matt Busch! The illustration covered? The STAR WARS: Revenge of the Sith Style D One Sheet movie poster!

From the first initial concept sketches through the final brush stroke- every detail is revealed. The article also includes side bars by Lucasfilm's Pete Vilmur, who art-directed the poster, and Paul Michael Kane, who did the typography and digital alterations. If you've ever been interested in seeing how a STAR WARS poster is put together, this magazine is a must-have.

No stranger to the magazine, Busch has had an extensive gallery, interview, and another illustration tutorial based on the TV show "24" in previous issues. The new issue of ART SCENE INTERNATIONAL is available now at Borders and finer book stores.

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