Illustration Friday: FAIL (2)

Still behind, but catching up! I had this idea while sketching for all the IF themes I'm behind on. While the quote was easy and quick, I actually had plan and draw this. It was fun, I enjoy drawing type - although here I used a selection of fonts as reference/basis. In my sketches (below) you can see kind of how the initial idea developed and how one word leads to the next until you almost 'read' the picture of the whale. I also wanted each word to be spelled differently, but sound the same. I knew there was a third spelling option, but I needed the internet to be reminded of veil. Looking back, I like the proportions of the sketch better. In my head I saw text and icon small on the page, a pin-pint central focus. I never got past that. Now that I've finished the piece and look back at the sketch (which I didn't look at while creating the final layout) I can see it would be stronger filling up more of the layout.
I also thought of turning it into one of those mind-bender questions by changing some of the words - make it a "which one doesn't belong" kind of thing. If I used all words spelled "ale" (other than fail), the answer wouldn't be the image because it's spelled "whale". It would be like saying "failure" doesn't belong. Okay, I'm done thinking 'out loud' for now - on to PRIMITIVE!

Illustration Friday: FAIL (1)

Late again, but I assure anyone that actually follows this blog at all that I AM working on IF concepts, for present and past themes. I'm a bit out of practice at the moment, this is a messy submission. But it is one of my favorite quotes about failing. The learning is always in the failing. While working on this lettering piece, I was doodling some other ideas and I found one I really liked. I'll be working on that and "primitive" next... and try to fill in the gaps later. It's great to active again!

Award: CPSA D.C. 219

A couple weeks ago I submitted two pieces to my local CPSA chapter who were putting together a show of colored pencil works. I did not know they would be awarding anything but much to my surprise and delight, one of my pieces "Queen Quagga" was awarded First Prize. I would like to thank the chapter for organizing the event and Around the Corner Art Framing Gallery for hosting. It was lovely meeting so many members and visitors at the reception last week.

Award: Slush Monster! / Illustration Friday: HEAVY

Thanks to the many who voted for me in the Editorial Anonymous mascot competition! The piece I had submitted was just a rough sketch colored digitally. After being selected for the final mascot, EA asked me if I wanted to make any changes before he was placed in his new home on the blog. I accepted of course, and here is he is in all his final glory.

I'm also posting him for the Illustration Friday theme, he looks like he could be heavy. And he eats paper! Of course he's Heavy!!!

Thanks everyone!

Illustration Friday: THEORY

What happens to all those Christmas spirits? Isn't it Christmas somewhere all year long?
I intended to do a christmas card, but it got done a little later than I had planned, so I tried to make it more of a cross-over, Christmas - into new year card. How did I do?

RECENT WORK: Time Out New York

I've done quite a few small jobs for TONY. What follows is a sampling: some icons for the SEEK section on winter sports and dating activities and also a promotional campaign for their singles issue




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Illustration Friday: CHOOSE

So much for turning over a new leaf... Freelance life is a lot more busy and hectic than I expected, I guess. I thought I'd have MORE time to blog and make artwork, but it seems I'm always running around, doing work, getting more work, checking up on clients, you name it! Not that I'm complaining, I love it. But I do miss this stuff - and I want to do more. I haven't been posting as I'd like. But I thought I'd post a few of the pieces I've done in the last few months, as a catch up of sorts.
This piece was done for a friend as a christmas gift. She loves her Hero (short for Herododus, father of history).

It's interesting the theme this week is CHOOSE and not CHOICE. Depending on interpretation the difference can be small or large. I'm choosing to post this, because it's what I have and it's been far too long. I know it's weak and there's NO concept whatsoever, but I gotta get back in the game some how! Encourage me folks - I needs to do NEW work!

-m.