Many people know me as Pandan the Cartoonist and I draw cartoons and comic illustrations. But I have more than 1 passion, apart from drawing.

P.s. Please read till the end, there is a small surprise.

My Hobby

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This is an old hobby that I still keep till today. If you ask why I keep this hobby is because it shares many common principles. Drawing and photography are complimentary to each other. Photography requires some depth of understanding of the subject. I learn some method in managing the shots. I started taking photos in 2010 and I pick the tips from some senior photographers on basic techniques in getting the right angle and composition.

I start from the most basic technique. First start by identifying the concept and genre for that I want for my subject. For example I get to choose if I want my photographs to be landscape, portrait, nature, micro, miniature, slow shutter, light trail and many others.

In drawing I am exposed to a slight slant, a view from a different angle. I have to imagine the surrounding ambience, the layout of the canvas or paper. Almost alike but its different.

Happiness Behind the Shutter

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I am a very happy man when I am clicking away. I take trips just to get some good shots. One thing that peeved me is the fact that I can't take my own picture, unless of course selfie counts as one. It is also quite impossible to do that when you use a DSLR (Digital Single Lens-Reflex). DSLR is a little complicated. It is like getting into a car with the exception that the car is a Lamborghini and getting in is a bitch. The same goes for DSLR, it drives well, it has the speed, but certain things still is a bitch, like its weight. To me, my DSLR is a little personal to me and like a gun, you usually don't give you gun to another person because they may not know how to use it and it can be disastrous.

Doing a portrait of myself is probably possible with a tripod but its quite cumbersome to carry it around. But my photos aren't about myself, it is about capturing the moment. Many people are also into capturing the moment and handphones are the perfect tool to have handy. If Airasia (budget airline) says,

'Now everyone can fly'

maybe Samsung should say,

'Now everyone can be a photographer'.

( I have my eyes on you)

(I wonder if the grass is greener there)

(If I think I am beautiful, I am beautiful, I verily believe in myself worth)

(They say grasshoppers are lazy, we are not lazy, we are just laidback and happy.
See, I am smiling)

(Enthusiasm is contagious, it causes a ripple and it gets wider)

My Excursions

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The following are example of places through my lens. Some say that this hobby is expensive and they are probably right if the photographer subscribes to the fact that he must have an array of lenses and keep up with the best cameras there is. To me, my camera is merely to record my perception from my lens to capture the nature and subject. It is a tool to capture and immortalize images. I don't believe in what you use, but how you use it. The tool is merely an intermediary of an expression of art.

(Hynoptic Horizon)

(Of Calm and Hope)

(Waterfall Cotton Floss)

Comic Collection

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I am also an avid comic collector. I did it since I was an adolescent till today. I like to read comics and I am forced to buy so that I can own them. I draw, so having these comics are good as my source of reference. I have DC Comics and Marvel. In Malaysia it is not easy to get them. Many shops have shut down and there is much lesser paper prints today. The internet has dominated this industry and there is much lesser choices out there today.

Collecting comics is not a hobby without its perks. You can make money out of it. I aim for hard-to-find comics and rare ones. For examples, I have sold one of Simon Bizley Slaine's, 'The Horned God' by Pat Mills and Simon Bisley at 8 times its original price. Luckily I have two of those books. I still keep comics both as an investment and hobby. If you want some tips...here we go.

Tips for Being a Collector/Investor

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Try searching and buying the first issue of a comic. Buy two isssues and keep it safe. Locked it up if you need to. You can't be too safe. This is because people look for first issues. You buy two is because one is to be sold for reaping in the investment and the second copy is for own collection. Old comic will appreciate over time and you have to preserve its condition. Someday, you may get lucky. Just like the guys who kept bitcoins when it was a miserably cheap.

There are some big boys out there who are really serious into collecting comics. I still keep old comics and I buy new ones for my children. They took a liking to comics and it also help them cultivate a reading habit.

Here are some of my collection:

My Third Hobby

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This is the one that everyone know me for. The drawing part.

I started drawing since I was young. Today, it has turned into my career. I have never taken formal lessons but I was fortunate enough to learn from among the best in the industry. From a hobby it has become a job. People say you lose passion for it once you make it a job. For me, that is not true. I still enjoy doing what I do.

Art is quite a weird thing. Experience count for a lot but sometimes, the youngsters who are barely in the industry for even a year, can spring up surprises and bring new techniques that are not even openly practised. Ming boggling. A good artist may not be talented in all genre. Its like asking a carpenter to carve a statue using rocks. But I try acquiring some basic skills in all genres.

Introducing my Scrap Book

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I introduce you my scrap book. I bring this everywhere I go. I spend many hours with the book and it is almost like my second wife. Its funny that my son starting emulating me. I see it as a good thing because he is starting to explore his creative side.

My Hobby as Our Bond

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This is one hobby that keeps me close to the family. They like to draw and I can be with them through this hobby. Maybe it is in their blood and they have fun while exploring new ideas. I couldn't be more glad when they are into the Zone. I think my tagline should be, a family that draws together, stays together.

That is all folks. I am a mere cartoonist and if I leave out the host of this contest, I feel a bit queer, hence I am including Eric who is also known as @anomadsoul for this challenge because it is my habit. I have drawn many of my friends too. Don't be pressured because this isn't bribery but a small gesture from me. Thanks for reading and have a great week ahead. Cheers.

credit to @zomagic