Today I play with color =)
Showing posts with label illustration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label illustration. Show all posts
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Deeper Darkness - Book Cover - Value Study
A ton of work yesterday on the grayscale "value study" for the Deeper Darkness cover.... so much so, that I was too zonkered to post it by the end of the work day! But here it is.
Today I play with color =)
Today I play with color =)
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Career Interview
Thought I'd share with you an interview that I did last night via IM with a high school student... regarding a career in illustration.
[Note: edits have been made for brevity, to keep things on topic, and because I -never- misspell a word. =P]
Li Smith: 1. What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Laura: Hmmm, well I guess at the heart of it I just love creating art.... I mean taking a concept that is words or even just an idea and making it something visible.
Li Smith: 2. What's your salary like?
Laura: Hard to know yet, seriously, complex too. You see I think of my illustration business (and literally it is) as a "company" in its first few years.... So along those lines reporting a profit (after business expenses) to the IRS is my version of salary success at the moment. I won't give numbers, but I will say things are going up each year =) So much is based on "per project" so I'm actually quite surprised when I tally things up for the year.
Li Smith: What's it like in your workplace?
Laura: Comfy. I work from home. I've got a nice desk, fast PC and all the right equipment.... and hot tea whenever I want it. =) The commute isn't bad either.
Li Smith: 4. What kinds of things do you illustrate?
Laura: Fantasy... though I don't do the scantily clad chicks and dragons so much. I prefer the more children's-fantasy or the whimsical fantasy. That is not to say I don't take on a more "mainstream" project now and then.
Li Smith: 5. How long does your art process usually take?
Laura: Depends on what it is. For a full-color book cover, say, I tend to "budget" 40 working hours.... but then I also "run" the project along side others at the same time (so something like this can start-to-finish take 4-6 weeks).
Li Smith: 6. Have you got any particular pet peeves about your job?
Laura: Clients! No, seriously, it's the name of the game. Think of it as having many bosses at once. I often feel, though, like I am trying to "save" my clients from themselves (as they try to Art Direct... where they really don't know what they are doing!)
Li Smith: 8. What are your hours like--nine to five, eight to ten, etc?
Laura: I used to think of things more as sit down in the computer chair X hours. I now take a slightly different approach: setting project goals and deliverables rather than set hours. Generally, speaking you will find me at my computer doing art from around 9ish to 5ish all week days though. Sometimes it's heaven sometimes I'm cursing said art in front of me (not often).... it is nice to be able to bug-off for a walk mid-day though =)
Li Smith: Do you ever collaborate with other artists or are you a one-(wo)man show?
Laura: I don't collaborate per-see, but I am a member of a couple artists groups. The fantasy illustrators one is a tight-knit place for sharing our projects and getting crits from each other.... we're all freelancers so it helps us with a sense of community to. Sometimes freelancing can be a lonely business!
Li Smith: How free are you able to be with creativity, or do the restrictions vary from client to client?
Laura: Varies. I would prefer 100% freedom, but in reality it can be anywhere from 50-50 to 20-80 (flipped either way). It really depends on the needs of the client/project.
Li Smith: 11. What is your favorite genre of art, if you have one?
Laura: Children's fantasy. =) (Which I want to do more of.)
Li Smith: This is a little off-script, but do you do a lot of children's book illustrations?
Laura: Not enough for my liking. I've actually yet to do a picture book proper... though I am working on a huge NDA project right now that involves covers and b&w interiors for that genre =)
Li Smith: 12. What school did you go to for this career? Would you recommend it or another one instead?
Laura: I went to James Madison University. Because, quite honestly, they were close by, had a "decent" art program, and weren't going to leave me 100K in debt..... However, I am torn on the whole "college to do art" bit. In some ways I think my time at JMU was valuable in others I wonder how far along my illustration business would be now had I not gone and just started working fresh out of high school. I guess it really comes down to the individual. I would say: only go to school for illustration if there is a strong dept. for it at that college AND you realize that you are going for the skills not the degree. In freelance illustration no one looks at your degree. Period. They want to see your client list and portfolio!
Li Smith: 13. Why did you choose to do what you do?
Laura: Because art has always come naturally to me.... and for as long as I remember I've admired the art on books covers and in picture books. =) I can't not do art, if that makes sense. (As many a teacher can testify from my doodles in the margins of my notes!)
Li Smith: 14. What are the academic requirements for your degree?
Laura: Well, my degree is a BFA in Painting.... but from a liberal arts college so it was about 50% art classes and 50% academics. Basically a ton of hours in the studio painting for my degree... I would often literally be on campus from 7am to 10pm many days! That always "balanced" with gen eds and other academic classes.... enough to keep anyone busy!
Li Smith: 15. Are there academic requirements for keeping updated on the developments of your profession?
Laura: Not really. Think more professional conferences and conventions and reading things.... that "education" now is completely self-motivated.
Li Smith: 16. What professional organizations are related to your career?
Laura: Well the aforementioned SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), ASFA (Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists), New York Society of Illustrators, etc... also many online communities: like CG Society or ConceptArt.org
Li Smith: 17. What's your typical workday like?
Laura: Well once I sit down at my desk (after my long arduous commute...) I review what "needs to be done"... I currently feel like I have a pretty good grasp on how long things take me so generally it is a matter of deciding what to tackle today. I normally start out with whatever I feel most excited about and work on that until lunch time. After a bite to eat (and perhaps some ImagineFX)... I return to tackle the next thing on the list. My workday is generally a "wrap" when I've finished some nice chunks of work and gotten the "deliverables" off to the respective clients.
Li Smith: 18. How does it affect your family life?
Laura: Well, I used to be a major work-a-holic, I just didn't really take much time for anything else. Since meeting my (now fiancé) I make a point to keep my evenings and weekends work free =) It's good to have those divisions, especially when one works at home!
Li Smith: 19. Are there any online artists communities you would recommend?
Laura: CG Talk, Deviant Art, Elwood, are the three that come to mind... though I am not as active on those as I used to be I do at least maintain small galleries on a lot of "satellite" sites as I like to think of them =)
Li Smith: 20. What was it like getting started?
Laura: In many ways I still am ;) It's a challenge. It can be scary. It is also fun. Getting that first "job" is a leap of terror =P I kid. I actually got my first "job" when I was still in college..... started out small. It was a "cd cover" for a metal band -that I don't think ever saw the light of day- but anyway it was $100 and that first client on the list! =P It felt awesome at the time. I've definitely done my share of small and not quite related to my passion (i.e. fantasy art) jobs, especially at the get-go. Though, I've found that I am getting to do more and more what I want. I think experience sort of "earns" you the right to be more choosy in the projects you take. And the secret is: it's in your best interest to only take those projects most in alignment with what you want to do. Think about it: those projects BECOME your portfolio which then gets you more projects like what you've just done!
Li Smith: 21. What are your thoughts on the risks of your art being stolen? Has it ever happened? What did you do about it? What advice do you have for someone in that kind of situation?
Laura: Honestly, it has never happened to me... so not sure what to say there. I do hear it is good to formally register your artworks copyrights at the US Copyright Office. Though they are protected by law when they are created, without you needing to do a thing... registering just gives you a bit more legal protection. And it is looked upon favorably if you were to take a copyright violator to court.
Li Smith: 22. What do you think is the most important aspect of being an artist? The education? The skills? The discipline?
Laura: Not losing sight of the passion. Seriously, there is a reason you picked up that first crayon and loved it.... the trick is not to lose that enthusiasm under things like deadlines, contracts, and bills!
Li Smith: 23. How flexible are you with your mediums? Do you prefer digital, traditional, or do you enjoy both equally? Why?
Laura: I work 100% digital on client projects, it just allows the best flexibility for changes and tight deadlines.... I do enjoy acrylics and oils, but purely for personal art (I shudder to think of making major changes -client requested- to an oil painting!)
Li Smith: Have you ever tried traditional?
Laura: I did more traditional in college... many many classes worth. I still have an easel set up and my oil and acrylic paints though =)
Li Smith: 25. What advice in general do you have for someone looking into the career?
Laura: Experiment. Find what you most love (drawing) and draw more of it. Your portfolio is the single most important thing you have.... put stuff that you enjoyed doing in it. Don't be trapped into thinking that college is the /only/ way to go.... there are many fine seminars and conferences that could teach you more in a week than you might get in a couple years at college!
Li Smith: 26. What regrets do you have?
Laura: Well, I would say that I regret not going to an "art school" i.e. a private art college with an illustration program. But, honestly, I think half the reason I came out of college with such a strong portfolio was because I had so many independent studies.... I, literally, had complete control of my portfolio =) So a blessing in disguise for me.
Li Smith: 27. What sources do you draw inspiration from?
Laura: Movies. Books. Video games. Talking to and seeing the work of other artists in the field.
Li Smith: 29. Do you like drawing from life or out of your head more?
Laura: I do both.... I often find that when I look at things in "real life" I start imagining them with fantasy elements....and they serve to inform the drawings that result with more believability. I found in college I would start making up parts to still lifes because drawing them bored me so much!
Li Smith: 30. Have you ever had any specifically bad experiences in the business that stuck with you? Looking back, do you think they could have been avoidable? If so, what would you have done different?
Laura: Well, they say hindsight is 20/20. But I really prefer to look at the "bad" past experiences and just learn from them.... for instance my contract now has a number of clauses in it that it didn't start out with! It really all comes down to communication with the client.
Li Smith: would you care to elaborate on those clauses at all or is that private business matters?
Laura: Laying things out clearly, talking with them until you understand what they are looking for, etc. Things like "revisions" "rights" "timetable" etc.... my contract basically serves as a "every last detail" layout of the whole project. So that things are clear! Assumptions can spell hours of re-working. And that is no fun.
Li Smith: 31. How long did it take you to get where you are today? What did you have to go through to get here? Are you happy with where you are or are you ambitious to go even further?
Laura: Well, technically, it has been 4 years since I graduated college... though I've been doing art much longer. I went from interested in art high school student, to art major, to, now, young professional in my field. I'm always looking to grow and expand. That is the way of life. I'd love to get into more "self directed" projects that are my ideas AND art (like picture books where I am the author-illustrator).
Li Smith: 32. Who's your idol? What is it you like about their art? Are there any others you like?
Laura: Chris Van Allsburg: writer-illustrator extraordinaire (of Polar Express fame)... I love the magic he brings to his books. There are a ton of others I admire. Heck, I think I met most of them at IlluXcon last year! =P
Li Smith: 33. What was it that got you into this business in the first place? Can you pin down a specific reason or is more something that's developed in you over time?
Laura: Well, being recognized by my 3rd grade teacher and having my "coral reef" crayon drawing hung in the library was encouraging.... and later being an avid fantasy reader in high school and admiring book covers did the rest ;)
Li Smith: 34. Are you a fan of colorful socks?
Laura: Oh yes. I like the fuzzy kind and I tend to get immense satisfaction out of matching them with my outfits!
Li Smith: 35. What kinds of risks(in general, not just theft) are involved in what you do?
Laura: Mostly the "risks" are health related.... and it's a matter of taking breaks, getting exercise etc, what anyone in front of a computer for hours should be doing. There is also the fact that "paychecks" tend to come in spurts....things even out, it's just that you have to be mindful and keeping "padding" in your accounts =)
Li Smith: 36. How big a role do you think artistic style plays in determining an artist's success?
Laura: All of it. Or a lot. You see, a true style -one that emerges naturally from the way you see things and put marks on paper- is something uniquely you.... and you are one of a kind. Therefore, don't strive to be a second rate copy of anyone else! Be irreplaceable! =)
[Note: edits have been made for brevity, to keep things on topic, and because I -never- misspell a word. =P]
Li Smith: 1. What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Laura: Hmmm, well I guess at the heart of it I just love creating art.... I mean taking a concept that is words or even just an idea and making it something visible.
Li Smith: 2. What's your salary like?
Laura: Hard to know yet, seriously, complex too. You see I think of my illustration business (and literally it is) as a "company" in its first few years.... So along those lines reporting a profit (after business expenses) to the IRS is my version of salary success at the moment. I won't give numbers, but I will say things are going up each year =) So much is based on "per project" so I'm actually quite surprised when I tally things up for the year.
Li Smith: What's it like in your workplace?
Laura: Comfy. I work from home. I've got a nice desk, fast PC and all the right equipment.... and hot tea whenever I want it. =) The commute isn't bad either.
Li Smith: 4. What kinds of things do you illustrate?
Laura: Fantasy... though I don't do the scantily clad chicks and dragons so much. I prefer the more children's-fantasy or the whimsical fantasy. That is not to say I don't take on a more "mainstream" project now and then.
Li Smith: 5. How long does your art process usually take?
Laura: Depends on what it is. For a full-color book cover, say, I tend to "budget" 40 working hours.... but then I also "run" the project along side others at the same time (so something like this can start-to-finish take 4-6 weeks).
Li Smith: 6. Have you got any particular pet peeves about your job?
Laura: Clients! No, seriously, it's the name of the game. Think of it as having many bosses at once. I often feel, though, like I am trying to "save" my clients from themselves (as they try to Art Direct... where they really don't know what they are doing!)
Li Smith: 8. What are your hours like--nine to five, eight to ten, etc?
Laura: I used to think of things more as sit down in the computer chair X hours. I now take a slightly different approach: setting project goals and deliverables rather than set hours. Generally, speaking you will find me at my computer doing art from around 9ish to 5ish all week days though. Sometimes it's heaven sometimes I'm cursing said art in front of me (not often).... it is nice to be able to bug-off for a walk mid-day though =)
Li Smith: Do you ever collaborate with other artists or are you a one-(wo)man show?
Laura: I don't collaborate per-see, but I am a member of a couple artists groups. The fantasy illustrators one is a tight-knit place for sharing our projects and getting crits from each other.... we're all freelancers so it helps us with a sense of community to. Sometimes freelancing can be a lonely business!
Li Smith: How free are you able to be with creativity, or do the restrictions vary from client to client?
Laura: Varies. I would prefer 100% freedom, but in reality it can be anywhere from 50-50 to 20-80 (flipped either way). It really depends on the needs of the client/project.
Li Smith: 11. What is your favorite genre of art, if you have one?
Laura: Children's fantasy. =) (Which I want to do more of.)
Li Smith: This is a little off-script, but do you do a lot of children's book illustrations?
Laura: Not enough for my liking. I've actually yet to do a picture book proper... though I am working on a huge NDA project right now that involves covers and b&w interiors for that genre =)
Li Smith: 12. What school did you go to for this career? Would you recommend it or another one instead?
Laura: I went to James Madison University. Because, quite honestly, they were close by, had a "decent" art program, and weren't going to leave me 100K in debt..... However, I am torn on the whole "college to do art" bit. In some ways I think my time at JMU was valuable in others I wonder how far along my illustration business would be now had I not gone and just started working fresh out of high school. I guess it really comes down to the individual. I would say: only go to school for illustration if there is a strong dept. for it at that college AND you realize that you are going for the skills not the degree. In freelance illustration no one looks at your degree. Period. They want to see your client list and portfolio!
Li Smith: 13. Why did you choose to do what you do?
Laura: Because art has always come naturally to me.... and for as long as I remember I've admired the art on books covers and in picture books. =) I can't not do art, if that makes sense. (As many a teacher can testify from my doodles in the margins of my notes!)
Li Smith: 14. What are the academic requirements for your degree?
Laura: Well, my degree is a BFA in Painting.... but from a liberal arts college so it was about 50% art classes and 50% academics. Basically a ton of hours in the studio painting for my degree... I would often literally be on campus from 7am to 10pm many days! That always "balanced" with gen eds and other academic classes.... enough to keep anyone busy!
Li Smith: 15. Are there academic requirements for keeping updated on the developments of your profession?
Laura: Not really. Think more professional conferences and conventions and reading things.... that "education" now is completely self-motivated.
Li Smith: 16. What professional organizations are related to your career?
Laura: Well the aforementioned SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), ASFA (Association of Science Fiction & Fantasy Artists), New York Society of Illustrators, etc... also many online communities: like CG Society or ConceptArt.org
Li Smith: 17. What's your typical workday like?
Laura: Well once I sit down at my desk (after my long arduous commute...) I review what "needs to be done"... I currently feel like I have a pretty good grasp on how long things take me so generally it is a matter of deciding what to tackle today. I normally start out with whatever I feel most excited about and work on that until lunch time. After a bite to eat (and perhaps some ImagineFX)... I return to tackle the next thing on the list. My workday is generally a "wrap" when I've finished some nice chunks of work and gotten the "deliverables" off to the respective clients.
Li Smith: 18. How does it affect your family life?
Laura: Well, I used to be a major work-a-holic, I just didn't really take much time for anything else. Since meeting my (now fiancé) I make a point to keep my evenings and weekends work free =) It's good to have those divisions, especially when one works at home!
Li Smith: 19. Are there any online artists communities you would recommend?
Laura: CG Talk, Deviant Art, Elwood, are the three that come to mind... though I am not as active on those as I used to be I do at least maintain small galleries on a lot of "satellite" sites as I like to think of them =)
Li Smith: 20. What was it like getting started?
Laura: In many ways I still am ;) It's a challenge. It can be scary. It is also fun. Getting that first "job" is a leap of terror =P I kid. I actually got my first "job" when I was still in college..... started out small. It was a "cd cover" for a metal band -that I don't think ever saw the light of day- but anyway it was $100 and that first client on the list! =P It felt awesome at the time. I've definitely done my share of small and not quite related to my passion (i.e. fantasy art) jobs, especially at the get-go. Though, I've found that I am getting to do more and more what I want. I think experience sort of "earns" you the right to be more choosy in the projects you take. And the secret is: it's in your best interest to only take those projects most in alignment with what you want to do. Think about it: those projects BECOME your portfolio which then gets you more projects like what you've just done!
Li Smith: 21. What are your thoughts on the risks of your art being stolen? Has it ever happened? What did you do about it? What advice do you have for someone in that kind of situation?
Laura: Honestly, it has never happened to me... so not sure what to say there. I do hear it is good to formally register your artworks copyrights at the US Copyright Office. Though they are protected by law when they are created, without you needing to do a thing... registering just gives you a bit more legal protection. And it is looked upon favorably if you were to take a copyright violator to court.
Li Smith: 22. What do you think is the most important aspect of being an artist? The education? The skills? The discipline?
Laura: Not losing sight of the passion. Seriously, there is a reason you picked up that first crayon and loved it.... the trick is not to lose that enthusiasm under things like deadlines, contracts, and bills!
Li Smith: 23. How flexible are you with your mediums? Do you prefer digital, traditional, or do you enjoy both equally? Why?
Laura: I work 100% digital on client projects, it just allows the best flexibility for changes and tight deadlines.... I do enjoy acrylics and oils, but purely for personal art (I shudder to think of making major changes -client requested- to an oil painting!)
Li Smith: Have you ever tried traditional?
Laura: I did more traditional in college... many many classes worth. I still have an easel set up and my oil and acrylic paints though =)
Li Smith: 25. What advice in general do you have for someone looking into the career?
Laura: Experiment. Find what you most love (drawing) and draw more of it. Your portfolio is the single most important thing you have.... put stuff that you enjoyed doing in it. Don't be trapped into thinking that college is the /only/ way to go.... there are many fine seminars and conferences that could teach you more in a week than you might get in a couple years at college!
Li Smith: 26. What regrets do you have?
Laura: Well, I would say that I regret not going to an "art school" i.e. a private art college with an illustration program. But, honestly, I think half the reason I came out of college with such a strong portfolio was because I had so many independent studies.... I, literally, had complete control of my portfolio =) So a blessing in disguise for me.
Li Smith: 27. What sources do you draw inspiration from?
Laura: Movies. Books. Video games. Talking to and seeing the work of other artists in the field.
Li Smith: 29. Do you like drawing from life or out of your head more?
Laura: I do both.... I often find that when I look at things in "real life" I start imagining them with fantasy elements....and they serve to inform the drawings that result with more believability. I found in college I would start making up parts to still lifes because drawing them bored me so much!
Li Smith: 30. Have you ever had any specifically bad experiences in the business that stuck with you? Looking back, do you think they could have been avoidable? If so, what would you have done different?
Laura: Well, they say hindsight is 20/20. But I really prefer to look at the "bad" past experiences and just learn from them.... for instance my contract now has a number of clauses in it that it didn't start out with! It really all comes down to communication with the client.
Li Smith: would you care to elaborate on those clauses at all or is that private business matters?
Laura: Laying things out clearly, talking with them until you understand what they are looking for, etc. Things like "revisions" "rights" "timetable" etc.... my contract basically serves as a "every last detail" layout of the whole project. So that things are clear! Assumptions can spell hours of re-working. And that is no fun.
Li Smith: 31. How long did it take you to get where you are today? What did you have to go through to get here? Are you happy with where you are or are you ambitious to go even further?
Laura: Well, technically, it has been 4 years since I graduated college... though I've been doing art much longer. I went from interested in art high school student, to art major, to, now, young professional in my field. I'm always looking to grow and expand. That is the way of life. I'd love to get into more "self directed" projects that are my ideas AND art (like picture books where I am the author-illustrator).
Li Smith: 32. Who's your idol? What is it you like about their art? Are there any others you like?
Laura: Chris Van Allsburg: writer-illustrator extraordinaire (of Polar Express fame)... I love the magic he brings to his books. There are a ton of others I admire. Heck, I think I met most of them at IlluXcon last year! =P
Li Smith: 33. What was it that got you into this business in the first place? Can you pin down a specific reason or is more something that's developed in you over time?
Laura: Well, being recognized by my 3rd grade teacher and having my "coral reef" crayon drawing hung in the library was encouraging.... and later being an avid fantasy reader in high school and admiring book covers did the rest ;)
Li Smith: 34. Are you a fan of colorful socks?
Laura: Oh yes. I like the fuzzy kind and I tend to get immense satisfaction out of matching them with my outfits!
Li Smith: 35. What kinds of risks(in general, not just theft) are involved in what you do?
Laura: Mostly the "risks" are health related.... and it's a matter of taking breaks, getting exercise etc, what anyone in front of a computer for hours should be doing. There is also the fact that "paychecks" tend to come in spurts....things even out, it's just that you have to be mindful and keeping "padding" in your accounts =)
Li Smith: 36. How big a role do you think artistic style plays in determining an artist's success?
Laura: All of it. Or a lot. You see, a true style -one that emerges naturally from the way you see things and put marks on paper- is something uniquely you.... and you are one of a kind. Therefore, don't strive to be a second rate copy of anyone else! Be irreplaceable! =)
Saturday, January 23, 2010
My Working Space / Studio
As promised, refreshed pictures of my working space. I'm absolutely loving the new NEC 30incher ^_______^
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Mother Goose and Steph Portrait
First up. I just started another lovely book cover for Kalliope Audiobooks. This is for the audiobook version of The Mother Goose in Prose by L. Frank Baum. The story I chose for the cover is "Little Bo-Peep."
Also onto the next character portrait for Tom Tancin's Time Warriors series:
Also onto the next character portrait for Tom Tancin's Time Warriors series:
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Daddy Long Legs (just about done)
Nearing done on the painting part of the Daddy Long Legs cover... Title text work next.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Daddy Long Legs and Moving
It's been a bit since the last post. At the end of February I moved both my home and office (one in the same) and have been busy coordinating a series of exciting projects with clients as well as unpacking! (And buying copious fantasy prints with which to adorn my expanded wall space.)
One of the current projects on my easel is a cover for the audio book version of Daddy Long Legs, to be published by the wonderful people at Kalliope Audiobooks. You can see the publishers page for it here: http://www.kalliope-audiobooks.com/daddy-long-legs
The first two WIP (work in progress) images:
One of the current projects on my easel is a cover for the audio book version of Daddy Long Legs, to be published by the wonderful people at Kalliope Audiobooks. You can see the publishers page for it here: http://www.kalliope-audiobooks.com/daddy-long-legs
The first two WIP (work in progress) images:
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Time Warriors 1: Sketch
More work on the Time Warriors 1 cover. I've taken the selected thumbnail and turned it into a clean sketch.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Eboracvm Cover Update
An update for the Eboracvm cover... More painting yet to do, but progress is being made.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Eboracvm, The Fortress
I've got progress images to share from one of my current projects. This is a book cover for Eboracvm, The Fortress by Graham Clews. You can visit his site at: graham-clews.com to learn more about the book.
The next step is the actual painting part.
The next step is the actual painting part.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Rigs and Covers
I'm juggling three projects at the moment, two books covers and the card one. I'm also very excited about finally coming up with a nice new website design, which I am in the process of implementing. This one has MUCH more flavor to it, and I feel it better reflects my art style without stealing the show or looking too graphic design-y.
I updated my rig photo. I was quite amused to see that my last one was made on April 23rd of last year, exactly a year and a day ago.
Today also happens to be my birthday. A quarter of a century, yikes! I prefer to think of 25 as the new 15 ;)
I updated my rig photo. I was quite amused to see that my last one was made on April 23rd of last year, exactly a year and a day ago.
Today also happens to be my birthday. A quarter of a century, yikes! I prefer to think of 25 as the new 15 ;)
Friday, March 28, 2008
New Computer Ordered
There is the kind of blog silence that means nothing is happening and the kind that means everything is -this is the later sort.
I've been doing a lot of good art since my last update, which unfortunately I can't share until publication. ;) But lets just say I've been putting my 8 hours in most every day.
My biggest news: COMPUTER! That's right, I'm readying for a major upgrade in the form of a completely new custom built system. I just ordered the last component yesterday and I received the motherboard in the mail today. This thing is going to be super sweet. Here are the technical goodies:
- Lian Li PC-B25B Case (ohhh... the glowing blue circle!)
- ASUS P5E WS Motherboard
- Intel Quad Core Q6600 Processor
- ATI FireGL v3600 Graphics Card
- 8GB of CORSAIR XMS2 DHX RAM
- x2 1TB Western Digital Caviar RE2 Hard Drive (for a RAID config, art and data)
- 500GB Western Digital Caviar SE16 Hard Drive (for programs and OS)
- 36GB Western Digital Raptor Hard Drive(solely for Photoshop scratch disk)
- FreeAgent Pro 1TB External Hard Drive (I already have a FreeAgent 500GB for backing up the program drive)
- x2 SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD combo drive
- CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX Power Supply
- Vista Business 64-bit
I'm going to have the shop that built my current PC assemble this one for me. I can't wait!
I've been doing a lot of good art since my last update, which unfortunately I can't share until publication. ;) But lets just say I've been putting my 8 hours in most every day.
My biggest news: COMPUTER! That's right, I'm readying for a major upgrade in the form of a completely new custom built system. I just ordered the last component yesterday and I received the motherboard in the mail today. This thing is going to be super sweet. Here are the technical goodies:
- Lian Li PC-B25B Case (ohhh... the glowing blue circle!)
- ASUS P5E WS Motherboard
- Intel Quad Core Q6600 Processor
- ATI FireGL v3600 Graphics Card
- 8GB of CORSAIR XMS2 DHX RAM
- x2 1TB Western Digital Caviar RE2 Hard Drive (for a RAID config, art and data)
- 500GB Western Digital Caviar SE16 Hard Drive (for programs and OS)
- 36GB Western Digital Raptor Hard Drive(solely for Photoshop scratch disk)
- FreeAgent Pro 1TB External Hard Drive (I already have a FreeAgent 500GB for backing up the program drive)
- x2 SAMSUNG Black 20X DVD combo drive
- CORSAIR CMPSU-620HX Power Supply
- Vista Business 64-bit
I'm going to have the shop that built my current PC assemble this one for me. I can't wait!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Lachlei Rough Sketch
I did more work on one of my current book cover projects (hint: it is the same one I did the concepts below for). The book is titled Lachlei and is a fantasy novel by Margaret H. Bonham, to be published by Dragon Moon Press. Today, I worked on the rough sketch, trying to find a good layout based on the thumbnails we liked best. At the moment there are still a great deal of items that need to be refined, but I do think I like the way it is coming along.
The Author's Website
The Author's Blog
Publisher's Website
The Author's Website
The Author's Blog
Publisher's Website
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Harry Potter and the Ruby Apple
I'm immensely excited about seeing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in IMAX tommorrow. It's been years since I've seen anything at an IMAX. The last 20 min of the movie (the battle at the ministry I assume) are going to be IMAX 3D. Wicked!
In other movie news, I saw Ratatouille yesterday. What a cute well-done movie. Eye-candy with a good message. Props to all the artists at Pixar. :)
More work on the ruby apple painting. Mostly Painter though I have cheated a bit and used some Photoshop.
In other movie news, I saw Ratatouille yesterday. What a cute well-done movie. Eye-candy with a good message. Props to all the artists at Pixar. :)
More work on the ruby apple painting. Mostly Painter though I have cheated a bit and used some Photoshop.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Small Magics Cover Art!
New artwork posted on my site. This is the cover image for Small Magics by Erik Buchanan, to be published by Dragon Moon Press.
Friday, March 23, 2007
A Startling Realization
So this morning, I checked my e-mail. Nothing. Or rather not the go-ahead I need to take the next step. You see, I'm still waiting for a response from the author to nail out details for the sketch (for my latest cover art project). And I thought: "there goes another day." But then I got to thinking (yes, more thinking!) and I realized something
...something very important that I've been missing.
Ever since graduating I've been focused on getting and doing paying illustration work. Art for other people. I've often gone months without doing anything (art-wise) just for myself. In fact, I did more of what I wanted when I was a student and that was with loads of classwork. And -a confession here- when the inevitable lolls came between jobs I'd would do a bit of illustration "business" work, but mostly I mess around.
But it isn't really the art for other people, the book covers, etc, that will get me to my dream situation, it's the art that I'm always "too busy" for: my own. Because, while I do aim to continue working on book covers, and want to keep getting bigger and better cover projects, what I really would like to do is spend more of my time doing pictures from my imagination. I'd like to write and illustrate my own children's books. In fact, I dare say I'd like to pump most of my effort into this.
So WHY if I want to do my own pictures for my own stories aren't I farther along with it? Why in all of this "down time" have I not completed all 3 of the sample images I planned for River of Dreams? Not sent it off to prospective publishers? If I want to work toward my dream... Why?
A good question.
Luckily, today I found something helpful: Bobby Chiu's YouTube podcasts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yit95pgZEeo
Here's an awesome digital painter/illustrator who has really inspiring philosophies on art & life which he shares as he paints a quick sketch. The man has me pumped. So much so, that instead of doing any goofing off today, I've made awesome progress in one of the aforementioned River of Dreams images. I'll not show it yet, least I jinx myself, but I'm pretty psyched! Thank you Bobby!
...something very important that I've been missing.
Ever since graduating I've been focused on getting and doing paying illustration work. Art for other people. I've often gone months without doing anything (art-wise) just for myself. In fact, I did more of what I wanted when I was a student and that was with loads of classwork. And -a confession here- when the inevitable lolls came between jobs I'd would do a bit of illustration "business" work, but mostly I mess around.
But it isn't really the art for other people, the book covers, etc, that will get me to my dream situation, it's the art that I'm always "too busy" for: my own. Because, while I do aim to continue working on book covers, and want to keep getting bigger and better cover projects, what I really would like to do is spend more of my time doing pictures from my imagination. I'd like to write and illustrate my own children's books. In fact, I dare say I'd like to pump most of my effort into this.
So WHY if I want to do my own pictures for my own stories aren't I farther along with it? Why in all of this "down time" have I not completed all 3 of the sample images I planned for River of Dreams? Not sent it off to prospective publishers? If I want to work toward my dream... Why?
A good question.
Luckily, today I found something helpful: Bobby Chiu's YouTube podcasts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yit95pgZEeo
Here's an awesome digital painter/illustrator who has really inspiring philosophies on art & life which he shares as he paints a quick sketch. The man has me pumped. So much so, that instead of doing any goofing off today, I've made awesome progress in one of the aforementioned River of Dreams images. I'll not show it yet, least I jinx myself, but I'm pretty psyched! Thank you Bobby!
Monday, March 12, 2007
Up in the Clouds
Much better feeling head this evening. So, I worked further on this potential website background/personal piece as I listened to more of my next manuscript to illustrate. I must say it is an enjoyable story. It's always a good sign when I can forget about the "computer" voice doing the reading and just dwell on the narrative. Another day or so and I'll probably be ready to start coming up with cover ideas for that one.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Visual Ergonomics and Angels
I've been doing a little re-arranging of my "office" space. So, my neck has really been bugging me these past few days. After a bit of research I came upon THIS website and did a bit of reading, enough to convince me that trying a configuration where I sit above my computer monitor was worth a shot. So $0 and a good bit of make-shift engineering later, I now have a keyboard/art tablet table that is a good few feet higher than it was and a raised platform for my computer chair. The point is to see if this really works. If it does we'll see about a better looking arrangement, probably a Steelcase Criterion Drafting Chair (which would raise as high as my Steelcase Criterion Office Chair is presently) and a custom built table for the keyboard with a cabinet sliding mechanism whereby I could have both my keyboard and mouse on it and my Wacom at the same time, sliding either section in front of me as needed. I took some photos of the ghetto set-up for kicks:
Oh yeah, I also finished the angel book cover I've been working on. I've got the manuscript for the next cover (unrelated) and hope to start on that shortly.
Oh yeah, I also finished the angel book cover I've been working on. I've got the manuscript for the next cover (unrelated) and hope to start on that shortly.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Almost Done
I "fixed" many little things. My biggest difficulty was with the main angel's face. I swear, I must have repainted that one about a million times!
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