Hardin Art Studios

Harley Movie

2016-05-16T16:54:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know. I'm just as excited as you are. Here is the thing though, I'm super busy already trying to get books done for DC's Rebirth Event, PLEASE DO NOT MESSAGE ME ASKING FOR ANYTHING. No I cannot get you tickets to the movie. No I do not know Margot Robbie. Yes she is beautiful, No I cannot get you into any conventions. Contact Scott Kress at Catskill Comics for Comissions/Art sales, Contact Steven Pulawa for appearances. And please leave me alone to draw. Okay?? for the love of Pete! I'm going offline from Facebook and Twitter because holy crap people please contact Scott and Steve Pulawa on Facebook for stuff not me. Also we are booked all the way to Feb 2017 so no more convention appearances for 2016 unless you have already made them with Steve and I. IF YOU HAVE ORDERED A COMMISSION BEFORE 5/16/16 I WILL HONOR THE AGREED PRICE (OF COARSE) BUT AS OF RIGHT NOW IT'S EITHER GOING UP OR STOPPING ALL TOGETHER. PLEASE STOP ASKING ME. Just let me draw.

Commissions Open Again

2016-02-22T14:18:00.000-07:00

Okay I am open to a limited amount of commissions. Contact Scott thought the Catskill Comics link http://www.catskillcomics.com/Hardin.htm to get on the list. Otherwise save your money for the shows I'm going to this year. Prices might fluctuate if it is a foreign show. I do not take pre-show commissions, just show up early and get on the list (or send a friend).

Deadpool and Harley

2015-08-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

This is what Jimmy Palmiotti and I wanted to happen at Comic Con San Diego 2015. The powers that be said no. So I finished the artwork anyway. Colored by Luis Guerrero. Let me know what you think. Who knows maybe if we get enough likes and shares we can change some minds.

Artists Beware

2015-06-30T19:38:00.000-07:00

When people ask me what it is like to be the artist for DC's Harley Quinn I tell people it is like drinking from the fire hose. Even though I've been drawing comics almost exclusively for a decade drawing Harley is different. Seemingly overnight I went from being the guy nobody pays attention to at conventions to being the guy who can't get away from his booth. Overall my experiences with fans, dealers and publishers has been positive and I am grateful to the majority of those interactions. However there have been a few instances where I wish I had a head's up. So, to you younger more talented guys out there who are about to make your big break; here are my two bits: There are people out there who don't see you as a human being but as a resource to exploit, and if you let them they will suck you dry. Never let your artwork or your art files out of your hands, and if you do make sure it is to someone you know and trust. If you are making sketchbooks or prints the only people who should have a copy is you and the printer. If you decide to let a dealer, or gallery owner, or agent have access to your art or your artwork files you had better trust them completely, otherwise there is nothing stopping them from ripping you off. You will be completely at their mercy when it comes to you getting paid. Learn to tell people "No". Flat out "NO". If someone invites you to a show or a signing but they can only do it if you "do something" for them (beyond signing books). Tell them "No". Basically you need to learn to be a little bit of a dick. Not to your fans, you owe your fans, but you don't owe users anything, Sometimes it hard to spot which is which.

To the uninitiated artist here are warning signs someone is trying to use you: They want you to sign more than 10 copies of the same book. They want to buy a lot of your stuff but only at a discount. They want more than one drawing or commission. They don't want commissions personalized. They want overly complex commissions for a miserly amount. They want to photograph your art. They want access to files or scans of your art. They want to sell your stuff for you. They want access to your original work. Get in the practice right now of just telling people "NO!" Don't waste your time and energy on trying to please users, focus on your real fans. When dealing with store owners, convention planners, art dealers. Talk to other artists and professionals find out who is honest and who isn't (it is a small industry), and just be on guard.

Best Wishes,

Chad.

P.S. I got a phone call from some people I work with who wanted to know if they did something to warrant this response and it occurred to me that there might be people speculating as to who caused this post. I'm not going to focus on the guilty party but here are a list of people who help me more than I deserve, and have my utmost praise: Scott Kress, Jacob Young, Jemma Martel Young, Steven Pulawa, Bryan Sharp, Jimmy Jay, Tiziano De Santis, Tushar S Vajir, Raymond Terrazas, and many many others. If this post caused any speculation to your character and your integrity I deeply and sincerely apologize.

Commissions UPDATE

2015-06-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

Okay guys, here is what I'm doing about commissions. I'm only doing quick sketches, and I'm toying around with the idea of doing a commission lottery. Here is what I'm thinking: I'm only going to be doing them at conventions. THAT IS IT. I'm thinking if you buy a quick sketch on one of my sketchbooks for $60 US I enter your name in for the chance to win a copic duo-tone head-shot commission FOR FREE! with the option to buy an upgrade to 11x17 or full-body or whatever but only if you win. I usually do about 50 quick sketches a show so that's about a one in fifty chance.That way you still have a chance to get a commission but I don't kill myself trying to do one for everybody. What do you think?

No More Commissions.

2015-04-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hey guys I just got home from a great show in Calgary Canada, and I had a great time, but (here it comes) I stripped a gear. I probably did close to 100 commissions at the show. I tried raising the prices of my commissions earlier to see if that cut down on the amount of drawing I did. It didn't work. So I am officially pulling the plug. If I owe you a commission I will honor that commitment and get it done and to you as soon as humanly possible, but no more. Please don't ask, the answer is just no. I'm sorry. If someone tells you they can get me to do a commission call them a liar and tell them to go to hell.

To my loyal fans, please don't panic. I will have to figure out another way to make you happy, but right now the demand is just too much so please bear with me. We'll work it out somehow.

Teddy.

2015-03-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

Black Widow Finished

2014-10-18T00:15:00.000-07:00

Black Widow

2014-10-15T01:27:00.002-07:00

Make-A-Wish Harley Shirt.

2014-08-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

Here's the Shirt for Pittsburgh, Help raise money for "Make-A-Wish" order yours here: http://www.pittsburghcomicon.com/2014_tee.html

Original Harley Pages for Sale!

2014-08-07T10:54:00.002-07:00

Hey Guys, Original Harley Pages are up for sale on my webstore! Click the Catskill Comic icon in the left hand corner of my blog or visit: http://www.catskillcomics.com/Hardin.htm . Talk to Scott and he'll hook you up. Next month the Harley/Joker wedding pages will be there, so don't get caught with your pants down. Subscribe to his newsletter and be the first in line.

Also, if you want commissions, pre-convention commissions, Scott will take care of you. If you ask me I'm going to just give you his email, and number. I need to focus on the book and Scotty let's me do that. Also never pay for an over priced piece of art. I see people flipping my convention art on ebay, charging an arm or a leg DO NOT GET SUCKERED! Come to me and Scott. We won't rip you off and you can get the drawing you want.

Thanks,

-Chad.

Harley

2014-08-04T08:46:00.001-07:00

Show some respect.

2014-04-15T02:17:00.000-07:00

Right now I should be inking away to put the can on HQ#6 but I have got to get this off my chest.

In the last couple of weeks I have seen two articles (one on a blog and one on CBR) by women critiquing art drawn by male artists. The backlash they are getting for simply expressing their opinion is disappointing to me. While both articles were awkwardly written, the theme of these pieces are basically: “I don't have the mentality of a 13 year old boy; this artwork does nothing for me”. For some odd reason males my age and profession feel like this warrants their immediate and overblown retaliation. Their outbursts on social media then trickle down to their fans/followers, and pretty soon it’s a full blown doggy pile, complete with anonymous internet trolls threatening rape. Enough.

So here’s my plea to my fellow male artists: Please act like a professional. 50% of your potential readership/patronage is sending you a message: Use decorum. Women want something that represents them better. They aren’t asking you to re-invent the wheel, but maybe stop putting gigantic tits on characters that are supposed to be young girls, or put some armor on that female fantasy character that is more than a bra. It’s a valid critique, just as valid as any that we would get from from an editor. If you feel compelled to reply to such critiques, do so in a polite and intelligent manner. If you can’t manage that, be man enough to walk away without whipping sycophants into a hate mob.

I know what you are thinking: “but Chad, you are an artist on a book that has a female character who is basically running around in her underwear,” That’s true, but I own it. I’m also known to tear into people online, usually after a day or so of acting the fool I come to my senses. When I cross the line I apologize. I’m not excluding myself from this critique, but I try to listen, be respectful, and open to change.

That is all.

-Chad.

#FF Harley #0 Sketch Covers

2014-04-11T11:58:00.003-07:00

Thank You for Understanding.

2014-02-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, fans and supporters,

First of all I just want to say thank you for all the complements, reviews (good and bad so long as they were intelligent) and support you have shown me for Harley Quinn, and other projects I’ve done in the past. It has been awesome and honestly overwhelming. Being the artist on Harley is a dream come true. I too am a Harley fan and a giant comic fanboy (Don’t tell my editors :-p).

I want all of you to know that If I could I would draw you pictures all day long for free. I mean it. It is a fantastic complement that anyone would want something I’ve drawn for any reason whatsoever. The reality is I though that I have very limited time. After all I got to make sure that Harley is on the shelves when DC tells you she’s going to be, and more importantly I have 4 kids that need a father and wife that needs a husband. The reason I’m writing this letter is because with the attention Harley is bringing I can’t handle the massive influx of requests for commissions especially at conventions.

Just recently I increased my rates for things like sketch covers. I felt bad doing it. I don’t want people to think that I’m using them or taking advantage of them or of Harley. I did it in hopes that the amount of requests would normalize back to a number I could handle. Unfortunately they haven’t, In fact they just keep coming. So I just want you to know I’m raising my rates again. This is not because I want to milk you like a cow. Trust me as a fan there is nothing more off putting to me than an artist who asks too much for a sketch (I’m with you)! So If I’ve done a sketch for you in the past, and you get shell shocked for my rate increases at an upcoming show. I’m sorry but I have got to do it. Also I want to remind everyone that Scott Kress is my agent, has been for years. He handles all the sale of my original artwork and commissions. His job is to make sure you get your stuff. I wish I could haul him to every signing and convention as well. His email information is here: coymn@hvc.rr.com

I want to make everyone happy, I will never forget that with out you guys I would never be able to do any of this, I love you all, and I’m grateful to you all as well. Thank You for understanding.

-Chad.

Harley Quinn: Line work

2013-11-22T23:41:00.003-07:00

Harley Quinn

2013-09-13T09:37:00.004-07:00

Just in case you have been living in a cave... DC has asked me to be the ongoing artist for Harley Quinn. I'm totally stoked to be working with Jimmy, Amanda, Katie and Mike. I will post more preliminary sketches here so stay tuned!

Some Like It Rot.

2013-08-26T19:18:00.002-07:00

Forgive me guys, it has been a crazy time in my life and I have had some of the tightest deadlines. I always have to put my family, friends, clients, and school first, before the blog. Which means it can get the shaft every now and then. I have not abandoned this site, and I hope to update regularly now that I have put some things behind me. I have big news to share. Look here to be the first to know. Here is a commission I recently completed and hope to post more over the next few days.

For those of you who don't know Salt Lake Comic Con is just around the bend come visit me at booth #204 and I fill you in on the latest.

Dragon Age: Until We Sleep - Concept Art

2012-11-23T13:48:00.002-07:00

Any Dragon Age Fans care to guess who this dwarven maid might be? Read DA: Until We Sleep #2 to find out! -Chad!

Dr. Fate

2012-10-30T23:34:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Dr. Volts and The Little Con of Horrors

2012-10-22T04:45:00.000-07:00

This Saturday Oct. 27th I will be signing at the famous Dr. Volts in Salt Lake City UT from 11 to 3pm then I will be rushing off to Spokane WA for the Little Con of Horrors where I will be signing and drawing form 10 am to 4 pm. Please come by and see me if you are in the area of either of these two events! Above is a picture of "Creepy Connie" the LCH's mascot! I will have prints available at both events just in time for Halloween! Special thanks to Faestock on DeviantArt for the stock photo reference.

The Walking Dead

2012-10-16T00:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

Las Vegas Comic Expo

2012-10-13T14:12:00.001-07:00

Thanks To John, Jacob, and Jemma for taking photos! Next week: Cards!

Kitteh, Kitteh, Meow, Meow!

2012-10-02T21:38:00.001-07:00

Because we all know the internet needs more pussy cats! Bad-um-pump ching!... Las Vegas Comic Expo was a smashing success. It seriously reminded me of San Diego about 20 years ago. Loads of super talented people: Stephane Roux, Dan Panosian, Mateo Scalera, Adam Hughes, Scott Lobdell, it goes on and on. Lots of people from Utah, California, Arizona, and of coarse Nevada. Despite a flash flood changing the venue, and a rival con going on at the same time: LVCE has broken the Las Vegas Comic Convention curse. Bravo ladies and gentlemen, Bravo. Special Thanks to: Slade Hart for hooking me up with my sweet standing banner in time for the show. John and Rachael Ross for feeding me, and putting up with my wackiness for the con, and a boatload of free miniatures. Lynn Walker who watched me set back the Rivera Buffet at least a week's worth of profits. The waiter at Coco's who let me draw commissions well into the morning on a purchase of a diet Pepsi and a piece of pie (hope the tip helped.) Breanna Brock for helping the HAS crew get situated. Special thanks to my former students / current friends (and their significant others) Amanda Bills (soon to be Mrs.) Beu Law, Jemma Young and Jacob Young. They were surrogates for Joy who could not attend and kept me from spending my money on toys, comics and other artists' sketch books. I just might ask Jacob to come with me to every show because he could sell ketch-up popsicles to a woman in white gloves. However I have zero pictures because Joy wasn't there to take pictures. Finally my apologies to Jemma who had to sit in the backseat and listen while Jacob and I talked politics and James Bond movies on they way home (If bad conversation were a crime I would get the chair). As if being pregnant, tired, and carsick wasn't bad enough for the 3 hour road trip back. As my Dad would say "You're all good kids".

Dragon Age: Those Who Speak

2012-09-23T21:07:00.001-07:00

Hey all, just a reminder that I'm still working hard to bring to you the Dragon Age books from Bioware and Dark Horse. I just got the script for the first issue from Dragon Age: Until We Sleep and OMGosh if you liked The Silent Grove, and are liking Those Who Sleep, your going to lay an egg when you see who shows up in Until We Sleep. Anyhoo, here is a piece I did based on what's going on in issue #2. Hope you like it! If you do, tell your friends, this issue should hitting the stands pretty quick.

Also a reminder that I will be attending the Las Vegas Comic Expo this Sat. and Sun. (Sept. 29th and 30th Las Vegas NV) at the Riviera on the Strip!