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03/11/10:
- The Apple iPad doesn't come out for another few weeks but I have already had a fair number of people asking for images designed to fit the device. I've just posted 230 images (Members only) sized to fit the 768 x 1024 tablet. Zip file available here.
If anyone out there has an iPad I would love to see a picture of it sporting one of my backgrounds. You can post it on my Facebook wall, send it to me through Twitter, or just send me a link. Thanks!
03/08/10:
- I've added the dual and triple-screen versions of "Highland Spring" this afternoon. People really seem to like this one and I'm thrilled!
You might be interested to know that "Highland Spring" pushed my workstation to its memory limit. It required 13GB of RAM to render (I have 16GB installed) and contained over 25 billion polys. When the dual six-core Xeons become available I may have to make the jump (and go up to 32 GB of RAM).
Speaking of new workstaions, here's one last reminder for Members: My renewal sale expires tonight at midnight. I'm offering 20% off the renewal of your choice so you can upgrade to a Lifetime Membership for only $60 or add a year for under $10. The renewal form is here (use coupon code "thankyou"). Thanks!!
03/05/10:
- As I mentioned before, while "The Forest Citadel" rendered away on my other box, I was able to work on some other projects on my main machine. I've posted a number of them so far but I saved my favorite for last. I call it "Highland Spring" and it is now available for Members on my New Images page.
As the name implies I may revisit this scene during different seasons. I also have spring versions of some of my other scenes in the works so stay tuned. Spring is definintely in the air.
Don't forget I am offering 20% off all renewals until midnight March 8 (use coupon code "thankyou") and my 2 and 3 year Memberships are now available to first time Members. Have a great weekend everyone!
03/04/10:
- Today (while my renders spun) I reworked my renewal form. The form finally accepts coupon codes so I can now offer discounts on renewals as well as new memberships.
The standard education/military discounts apply. Also from now until midnight March 8 I am offering all members %20 off the renewal of their choice (tim...e is added to your current Membership term). Use coupon code "thankyou".
Thank you guys for supporting my work!!
03/03/10:
- I've changed up my sign up page a bit today. For starters, first-time Members can now choose the 2 or 3 year options that I've been offering only as renewals. Set it, forget it, and save a few bucks.
Second, former Members can enter coupon code "iamback" to get a $10 discount on 1 year Memberships and up (I've removed the separate form for returning Members).
Lastly, my coupon codes now work with PayPal as well.
Please don't hesitate to drop me a line or comment below if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks!!
03/01/10:
- I added "The Forest Citadel" to the gallery this morning (the original "Forest Citadel" is here). It's been in the works since early February but took a lot longer to render than I expected (due to all of the volumetrics no doubt).
The render was taking so long, in fact, that I moved it to my alternate box and worked on other projects ("Blossom" and "Take Two" for example) while it was running. Stay tuned because I have another landscape in the works that should be up soon.
It should be a good week to be a DB Member (expired Members can renew here with a discount).
Enjoy!
02/22/10:
- I've added the dual and triple screen versions of "Blossom". I hope you like the expanded view!
02/21/10:
- I received an email this morning from a Member telling me that my download menu (the dropdown list) made it impossible for him to download my images. His ISP (Vodafone) was intercepting the requested graphics and recompressing them before displaying. Very similar to what AOL used to do with their "browser" back in the day.
I've received a number of comments about the new dropdown list actually. Most people are of the opinion that it was simpler when every resolution had a link (allowing for right-click downloading). For my part, I like how the dropdown list doesn't take up a lot of space on the page but I can see that it is a lot easier to right-click and download the sizes you want rather than loading them all in the browser window.
After reading the email this morning I realized that a compromise had to be made. I've brought back the text links on the image preview pages (like this one), and I'll keep the dropdown list for the thumbnail gallery pages (like this page). I hope this works better for everyone.
Still working on a multiscreen "Blossom" and my newly adjusted scenery render is chugging away on my alternate box. Stay tuned.
02/19/10:
- I've been working on a scenery wallpaper for the past week or so and I had hoped to have it ready before now. It's been rendering and rendering and showing very little progress. It's getting into "Enshrouded" territory now and that's unacceptable to me. I will have to go back to the drawing board and rework some things to make it render faster.
When it became apperent to me that the scenery would be an epic render I decided to move it over to my alternate box and work on something new. I fired up an old friend, Xfrog, for the first time in many years and started playing. The result, "Blossom", was rendered in Lightwave using Fprime and G2. You could call it a direct decendant of my "Cobalt Daisy".
On a technical note, Worley needs to release a 64-bit G2. This scene barely fit under 3 GB of RAM. "Blossom" took 12 hours to render at 2560 x 1600 using Fprime, which means it would have taken 12 days using Lightwave's built-in renderer. Fprime can really speed up renders, but even it has limits and it seems I was born to push them. I may try a different version using LWs Nodal textures.
I wouldn't call it a perfect render by any means, but I thought it looked interesting enough to share with my Members while I do further tweaks. I should have my new scenery wallpaper ready before too long as well. No ETAs, just letting you know that it is in the works. Have a great weekend!
02/13/10:
- I've added dual and triple-screen downloads for Members running 1680 x 1050 monitors today. There are over 140 dualscreens and 45 triple-screens available. I've also added files to fit three 1920 x 1200 monitors. Zip files are available so you can download them all quickly.
I've been doing all of this Photoshop work while my new render chugs away in the background. No ETA on the new render, but just wanted you to know that it's in the pipeline.
Lastly, people seem to have been having fun refreshing my front page to see the random images. Awesome! To make it easier I've added a link to the side that will send you randomly into my gallery. Click it again when you are ready to load a new random pic. Enjoy!
02/12/10:
- I've added five new multi-monitor resolutions to my collection. I've only managed to update the most recent 20 of my wallpapers with the new resolutions so far, since I'm doing all of the Photoshop work by hand, but I plan on adding more and all new multi-monitor images will have the new options.
The new resolutions are: 3840 x 1080 (dual 1920 x 1080), 5120 x 1440 (dual 2560 x 1440), 5120 x 1600 (dual 2560 x 1600), 5760 x 1080 (triple 1920 x 1080) and 7680 x 1440 (triple 2560 x 1440). Members can download them individually from the dual/triple-screen pages or download them all in Zip archives from my downloads page.
Enjoy!
02/11/10:
- AFTERNOON UPDATE:I should never say "final render". Added one more revision of "Take Two" this afternoon to bring it in line with the multiscreen versions I posted this morning. The new version brings back some of the bow highlights that were toned down in the second render. If you prefer (or want to check out) the previous versions you will find them in the Pickle Jar.
- MORNING UPDATE:A couple of items to mention this morning. First, I've added the dual and triple-screen versions of "Take Two" to the gallery. I did make a few changes from the single screen version so have a look even if you only have one monitor.
- Second, I was checking out Google Analytics last night and noticed that 1280 x 800 was the single most used resolution amongst DB visitors. It only made sense to add it to my Member download options.
There are over 250 files so if you want to get them all I recommend a visit to my zip files page. I'm going to work on adding 1600 x 900, 1024 x 768 (the second most popular screen res), and more multi-screen options in the near future. If you have a resolution request you can leave it in the thread below. Thanks!!
02/10/10:
- I've posted an updated version of "Take Two" this morning. A lot of the feedback on the original focused on the heart tips but I felt it was also important to update the shafts as well. I gave them their own glow which should keep the hearts from sticking out too much.
This will be the final update for this one, as the holiday is fast approaching and I have another scenery wallpaper in the works that is calling my name. I'm going to put together a multi-screen render of "Take Two" today and then move on.
I also wanted to mention that I've added education and military discounts to my Membership options. They aren't limited to US citizens so feel free to use them if you are a student, teacher, or serviceman. The coupon codes are here and the prices are hard coded into my PayPal form.
02/08/10:
- I've never tried a Valentine's Day wallpaper before so I thought it would be fun to try one this year. It turned out to be quite a challenge. I wanted something that said "Happy Valentine's Day from Digital Blasphemy!".
Whether or not I succeeded I will leave up to you. The render is called "Take Two" and it is now up on the new images page for Members to download.
I hope you enjoy it and have a fun Valentine's Day. Stop back in a few days as I am also working on a new scenery wallpaper which I hope to have up soon!
02/05/10:
- I've added "Harbinger (2009)" to my freebies this morning. This was a favorite of mine from last year, even though I wasn't feeling too good when I created it. It is an update of this wallpaper from 2001.
"Harbinger" was the first project in which I managed to apply my 2D fractal skills (acquired creating wallpapers like this) to my 3D scenes. This led to some pretty cool results down the road (with more to come).
I'm working on a couple of new projects for my Members but I'm not sure which one will be finished first. I hope to have something up by early next week. Have a great weekend!!
01/31/10:
- I've added a couple of new prints to my Zazzle store. "Corona" and "Haiku (2007)" are now available.
I'm especially thrilled to finally have a print version of the new "Haiku". For some reason I never could get this one to render at print resolution using the older versions of Vue d'Esprit, but Vue 8 managed to get the job done. I'm looking forward to getting my own copy as it's one of my favorites from my gallery.
Also, I've been working with Pim Vermeyden on some themes for Google's Chrome browser. These are still in the testing phase but I thought my Members might like to check them out. They are zipped .crx files (around 6 MB each). Download the zip, extract the theme, and drag it into your open Chrome window to apply it.
The first is based on "The Spark" and you can download it here.
The second is based on "Echoes" and you can download it here.
We are working on more and I will try to have a central repository for them shortly. Be sure to leave Pim some feedback in the thread below!
01/29/10:
- After seeing the dualscreen of "Corona" a number of people asked if I could render a version with both stars on a single screen. I worked one up last night and I've posted it in the PickleJar. Which do you prefer: Single star or binary?
- Mark has posted more Firefox Personas to my gallery. I'm also working on making some themes available for the Chrome browser.
01/26/10:
- I've added dual and triple-screen versions of "Corona" to the gallery this evening. I framed this one for multiple widescreen monitors so please don't judge it by the thumbnail (which is a crop). The 7680 x 1600 provides the best view, with the main star more off-center than in the 4800 x 1200 version.
I'm going to experiment with replacing the star in "Muspelheim" so I'm holding off on the multiscreen there until the scene is finalized.
- I've tweaked my "front page" to show a random (large) graphic whenever you visit. I did have it set to always show my latest image, but I think this way you might discover an image you have previously overlooked. You can bookmark it and visit whenever you can't decide what you want on your desktop.
What do you guys think? How else could I improve the front page (short of bringing the bald guy with the fireballs back)?
01/25/10:
- I've posted a minor update to "Corona". The texture on the star itself looked a little blurry at higher resolutions so I've attempted to add some detail. The ratings and reviews for the original were pretty favorable so I was a little hesitant to make any changes, but I think the new version keeps what worked in the original while adding more detail for Members with large monitors.
I kept the original available in the PickleJar, but the downside to that is that I have to ask Members who rated the original to submit a new rating. Thanks!
- I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I was looking for people interested in creating themes/skins based on my work. I'm happy to say that I've found a talented individual willing to fill out my Firefox Persona gallery. You'll find 8 new DB Personas available with (I hope) more to come. Big thanks to Mark Hamilton, a Member since '07 from New Zealand, for volunteering!
01/24/10:
- If you've been following my posts for the past few days you'll know that it's been a trying week for my family. Jason is home now and seems to be almost back to normal. He's still having nightmares about needles and other hospital unpleasantness, but I imagine that is normal. The hospital can be scary place for a grown up (I know), and I imagine it's even moreso for a 3 year old.
He's running around the house and playing Legos with his brother now so all is well. Thanks again to everyone who wrote, posted, prayed, and sent positive vibes. Thanks also to the doctors and nurses at OSF Children's Hospital in Peoria, IL.
I haven't had much time for artwork this week but I did get a chance to do some rendering Friday. Rather than start in on something completely new (and leave you guys waiting for another week or so) I felt like improving the star I had created for "Muspelheim".
I played around with it some more in Lightwave, added some fractal effects courtesy Apophysis, and recast it as the centerpiece in a new space scene (with some abstract touches). I call it "Corona" and it is up now for Members to download.
If you aren't a Member yet you are welcome to download a mobile version and try it out on your phone. You'll find the mobile versions (marked with "FREE") in the download dropdown menu. I recently made all of my mobile wallpapers free so you can demo my work on your smaller screens and, if you like it, I hope you will consider signing up to access the HD versions for your larger screens.
The multi-screen of "Muspelheim" is currently rendering on my other box (taking a long, long time for some strange reason) and I hope to have that up soon. I am going to go play with my kids now...
01/21/10:
- A pretty scary 24 hours for the Bliss family. I just got back from the hospital in Peoria (Jessie is staying with Jason) and the news is good. Not all of the tests are back yet, but his hemotologist didn't think he was suffering from any major blood disorders. They suspect a strong virus, followed by a bacterial infection, caused his bone marrow to shut down.
He responded well to the transfusion last night and was more like my happy little guy when I saw him today. The doctors say if he continues to improve he will come home tomorrow.
I would like to thank you all for the prayers and positive energies that have been sent our way over the past 24 hours. They were appreciated and seem to have made all the difference. Now we just need to get him home. . .
01/20/10:
- My 3 year old son Jason started running a fever last Monday (the 11th), just after his Tae Kwon Do class. We got out the usual tools and prepared for battle. By last Wednesday we took him to the doctor (didn't find anything) and Sunday we took him to the ER. He went from an energetic little chatterbox to never leaving the couch or bed.
Monday he saw his doctor who gave him some antibiotics and we started hoping for a recovery. It didn't happen. This morning we took him to the local hospital for some more blood tests and xrays and our pediatrician was so alarmed he ordered Jason admitted to OSF Children's Hospital in Peoria (about 50 mile away). His hemoglobin had fallen over 1 point from Monday to today.
There's a whole host of things that could cause this, ranging from scary to terrifying. The doctors think it is most likely a nasty virus attacking his bone marrow and inhibiting it's ability to create new red blood cells but they are running tests for things like lymphoma and leukemia.
I've posted a lot of this on the DB Facebook page (because I could do so with my phone) but didn't have a chance to let the rest of you know until now. There was only room for one parent to spend the night so I came back home and I'm about to collapse.
If you have any spare prayers to give we would greatly appreciate sending them towards our little guy. This is the first time I've had one of my guys be really sick and I must say it is a terrifying experience.
- I've made the mobile versions of my work free to all. The Droid files (which are pretty hi-res) are going to remain Members-Only, along with the ability to download the zip collections of each mobile resolution.
To access the mobile file simply select the size you want from the download dropdown (no login required), allow it to load in your browser and then save it to your phone or your computer to sync over later.
If you like my work on your mobile device I hope you will think about signing up for the hi-res versions. The smaller versions give you a general picture but I like to throw in details that you can only appreciate at higher resolutions.
01/18/10:
- My artwork was mentioned on the BBC's "ClickBits" segment last week. Here's the link if you're interested (mention comes around the 2 min mark). Thanks to Patrick Biggs of NZ for sending me the link!
01/16/10:
- I've posted a new revision of "Muspelheim" this evening. As much as I would like everyone to be happy with it, I'm not sure that will be possible given that everyone seemed to like and dislike different aspects of the original (which will remain in the Pickle Jar).
The little man stays, because I like him, and the sun stays as well (it fits with the fiery theme). I've moved the rocks back towards the horizon and I've given them a new texture. I've also added a cave opening to frame the scene, a la "A New Dawn".
Someone suggested a black hole in the sky and it sounds really cool but I think I'll save that for another wallpaper. Sounds like a cool idea. . .
01/14/10:
- After posting "Poseidon's Playground" a number of you, rightly, suggested that I put the blue brush away for a little while. Fair enough. I suggested early on in the comments that I might make a fiery companion piece to "Niflheim". That companion piece is my first post of 2010 and is now available to Members.
As "Niflheim" was named after the ice world of Norse mythology, this new piece is named "Muspelheim" after the Norse realm of fire.
I may still want to tweak this one a bit, but I thought it looked nice enough to share (and for some reason it is taking forever to render). Hope it warms you up!
- HELP WANTED. I'm looking for someone (or a maybe more than one person) talented at creating iGoogle Themes, Firefox Personas, and other application skins to create themes based on my work.
The arrangement I had in mind would involve someone downloading my work (a free Membership or renewal will be given) and then creating the themes based on as many images as they feel they can work with creatively. They would post the themes on the appropriate theme sites in my name and I would provide them a "theme design" credit. I'm interested in Windows 7 and other OS themes as well, but those I would rather host myself (you would still get credit though).
I would link my own site visitors to the themes so potentially thousands of people would see your work. The themes would then link people to my site if they are interested in the base artwork. Basically we would share credit for the theme.
I could probably create one or two themes myself, but I would much rather concentrate on making new artwork than on all the Photoshop work involved with creating diverse themes.
I want visitors to my site (and visitors to the sites hosting the themes) to be able to use my work in as many applications as possible. All I want in return are links back to digitalblasphemy.com and an image credit. To the theme creator will come whatever notoriety I can provide by linking my site visitors directly to your themes.
You can either post links to your work in the comment thread below (if you are a Member) or you can send me an email with your references. If I think our work is a good fit I will contact you for further discussion. Or feel free to comment on the links already posted or ask any questions you might have.
Thanks!!
Also, I'm putting the finishing touches on a new wallpaper and I hope to have it up either later today or tomorrow! Stay Tuned!
01/06/10:
- I've added "A New Dawn" to my free samples this morning. It seemed like a good fit to start out the new year!
01/05/10:
- Just returned yesterday from a much-needed vacation. After Christmas we packed up the car and drove down to Siesta Key, FL for some beach time. It might have ben more relaxing if we had left Ian and Jason at home (18 hours in the car both ways). They did great however and the kids had a blast digging in the sand and collecting seashells. I'm still pretty tired (didn't sleep much) but my spirit feels refreshed. I think we'll fly next time though.
I set the multi-screen version of "Posdeidon's Playground" rendering while I was away and it is now available. I kind of went back and forth about how to split up the dual-screen but settled on splitting it down the middle. If it doesn't work for you then you are welcome to download the triscreen version and slice it up to suit your needs.
It looks like "Poseidon" has inched ahead of "Beginning of the End" atop my all-time "Top Ten" (as rated by my Members). Whether it stays there or not, I am pleased that it was well received. I'll try not to wait so long to do another underwater scene.
I have a few ideas about what to work on next. It will be something warmer (both in content and hue) than my last few wallpapers. Promise.
12/31/09:
- Goodbye to 2009. I can't say I will miss it. It started out with me in the hospital having some clogged innards removed and I am only now starting to feel halfway normal again. Compound that with the same economic angst I'm sure you all have been feeling.
So, you've probably noticed that it hasn't been a year for shiny happy wallpapers from me. Still, I think I did some of my best work in 2009. Half of my all-time Top 10 were created this year, including the #1.
If you look over them all you will notice a palpable moodiness. I resolve in 2010 to lighten up and bring some whimsy back. To that end I am taking a little break this week (while the multiscreen "Poseidon" renders) and look to return refreshed in January. I promise to put the blue pixels away for a little while (though I will always come back to them from time to time).
In 2010 I plan on a major site upgrade, learning some new software (Terragen), and getting back to a more regular work schedule. Thanks to you all for sticking with me through this challenging year.
Here's to a brighter 2010!
