Link to podcast here. Be sure to find and subscribe to us on Itunes and Youtube.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
OUAS Podcast on the Adobe switch to subscription
Link to podcast here. Be sure to find and subscribe to us on Itunes and Youtube.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
My Next Big Thing
The Next Big Thing is a global blog tour, started in Australia, to showcase authors and illustrators and their current work. I was tagged by the super cool and talented Chris Jones! Someone I'm looking forward to interviewing later this year over on my OnceUponASketch.com blog!
So now I'll answer some questions about my newest books, then pass the Q & A along to two others who'll pick up the tour next week.
1) What is the working title of your next book?
2) Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea for Kiss Kisses came from observing my niece. I observed fact that every time she enters a room she is quickly prompted by my sister to go around the room delivering kisses to all her relatives. It made me wonder what a kiss would mean to her and how many different kinds she would imagine there were.
3) In what genre does your book fall?
This book is an early reader. Primarily set up as a bed time story of sorts.
4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh Wow! I imagine that I'd love for my niece to play the part but she is too young. So I think I'll go with a young Keshia Knight Pulliam. She played Rudy on the Cosby Show.
5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
From the time she wakes up till she falls asleep, Erica spends her day getting and giving different kind of kisses. Join us to see all the different kinds! What kind of kisses do you get? (Ok, that's longer than a sentence. I need to shave that a bit!)
6) Who is publishing your book?
I'll probably let this be my first foray into self publishing, but I do have a couple of prospective publishers interested in e-publication.
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
The first draft came rather quickly. The revisions on the other hand!! Heh!
8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Hmm...I can't think of any in particular. My book is intended to be a bed time book but it doesn't focus on bedtime specifically. So it can be read anytime.
9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My niece was my inspiration!
10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
I think spending the day with Erica will help to fuel kids imaginations about the different kinds of kisses they get in their lives. Don't be surprised if your kids start naming the different types of kisses they get!
Thank you for stopping in here to help me celebrate my "Next Big Thing." Now onto the next three candidates who will post on the 23rd of this month. I'll update with direct links then!
Norman Grock
Kevin William Cross
Mary Reaves Uhles
1) What is the working title of your next book?
The working title is Kiss Kisses which is written by me!
2) Where did the idea come from for the book?
The idea for Kiss Kisses came from observing my niece. I observed fact that every time she enters a room she is quickly prompted by my sister to go around the room delivering kisses to all her relatives. It made me wonder what a kiss would mean to her and how many different kinds she would imagine there were.
3) In what genre does your book fall?
This book is an early reader. Primarily set up as a bed time story of sorts.
4) What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Oh Wow! I imagine that I'd love for my niece to play the part but she is too young. So I think I'll go with a young Keshia Knight Pulliam. She played Rudy on the Cosby Show.
5) What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
From the time she wakes up till she falls asleep, Erica spends her day getting and giving different kind of kisses. Join us to see all the different kinds! What kind of kisses do you get? (Ok, that's longer than a sentence. I need to shave that a bit!)
6) Who is publishing your book?
I'll probably let this be my first foray into self publishing, but I do have a couple of prospective publishers interested in e-publication.
7) How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
The first draft came rather quickly. The revisions on the other hand!! Heh!
8) What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
Hmm...I can't think of any in particular. My book is intended to be a bed time book but it doesn't focus on bedtime specifically. So it can be read anytime.
9) Who or what inspired you to write this book?
My niece was my inspiration!
10) What else about the book might pique the reader's interest?
I think spending the day with Erica will help to fuel kids imaginations about the different kinds of kisses they get in their lives. Don't be surprised if your kids start naming the different types of kisses they get!
Thank you for stopping in here to help me celebrate my "Next Big Thing." Now onto the next three candidates who will post on the 23rd of this month. I'll update with direct links then!
Norman Grock
Kevin William Cross
Mary Reaves Uhles
Friday, March 8, 2013
Daily Doodlers Disney
Day 3 is Disney! So I went with Gaston from Beauty and the Beast. "Every Last Inch of me's covered with HAIR!!!!"
The list and info in regards to participating can be found here.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
DailyDoodlers Captain
Day 2 is Captain!
The list and info in regards to participating can be found here.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
DailyDoodlers_Cat
The first day is cat!
The list and info in regards to participating can be found here.
Monday, March 4, 2013
New Artwork!
A new cover I did recently for a Warner Press activity book publication. Also the final cover for the coloring book I did that is available for purchase now, Peter's Promise . I love working on these! Tons of fun and Warner is a great group of folks to work with! Shout out to Christian Elden and Kevin Spear!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Bugs and Critters
Some insects from a recent project and these weren't the only ones!
Can you name them all?
Can you name them all?
Friday, January 4, 2013
Create Your Own Critique Group
Being a freelance illustrator can be a lonely and insular experience. One of the things I miss the most about working in an art department is the ability to stick my head over the top of a cubicle and say, "Hey, come look at this and tell me what you think?" Getting input from your peers is an invaluable tool that can help you catch errors that you've become blind to, give advice and help problem solve on issues that have you blocked, as well as give you ideas for new directions you can take your illustration that you may not have thought of on your own. Your peers can help your art grow and speed your development as an artist.
A great way to get this input is through a critique group. A critique group is a gathering of individuals who have agreed to share work with each other and get honest input on it based on their experiences, taste and talent.
I have been members of many and have enjoyed some and loathed others. The problem can emerge when you are dealing with other artists that you may not truly consider your peers. Most crit groups I have joined were with strangers. I wasn't familiar with them, there artwork or there temperament and they weren't familiar with mine. This can make it difficult to want to share your artwork and open yourself up to critical input. Many of us have very personal ties to our artwork and having someone tear it apart is like having someone criticize our children or a dear friend. (This is something we have to get over as professionals, but I acknowledge that many of us are still developing that thicker skin.)
The result ends up being that after a person posts an image, many are afraid to say anything negative. Some after posting an image and getting critical input will never post anything again. So how do you solve this problem and create a strong group of individuals to share your work with? A friend on Facebook inadvertently gave me the answer.
I've cultivated a number of relationships with fellow artists through social networks. Many I have to come to admire and respect as my peers and fellow professionals. One of them recently sent me a message that included five other artists. They were asking for advice on how to solve an issue they were having with their image. Within minutes a few had responded with advice and direction on the image. As they made the changes suggested they posted the newer images and we'd all continue to give input until the artist was satisfied with the image. Ladies and gentleman, we have a critique group.
I then tried the method myself. I went through my friends list and selected five or so members that I admired and respected and presented my image and asked for input on it. The response was immediate and hugely beneficial to the final product. As one person chimed in, others would react to their input, as well as offer their opinions and advice as well. It was like having a conversation amongst friends. (In a controlled manner!) I'll definitely be doing this again and I can only hope that the artists will return the favor and do the same with me.
The good thing is that your group is able to float. You can custom create your group for each individual problem or circumstance. If anyone you have messaged doesn't want to participate they can leave the conversation of their own accord. Details below!
A great way to get this input is through a critique group. A critique group is a gathering of individuals who have agreed to share work with each other and get honest input on it based on their experiences, taste and talent.
I have been members of many and have enjoyed some and loathed others. The problem can emerge when you are dealing with other artists that you may not truly consider your peers. Most crit groups I have joined were with strangers. I wasn't familiar with them, there artwork or there temperament and they weren't familiar with mine. This can make it difficult to want to share your artwork and open yourself up to critical input. Many of us have very personal ties to our artwork and having someone tear it apart is like having someone criticize our children or a dear friend. (This is something we have to get over as professionals, but I acknowledge that many of us are still developing that thicker skin.)
I've cultivated a number of relationships with fellow artists through social networks. Many I have to come to admire and respect as my peers and fellow professionals. One of them recently sent me a message that included five other artists. They were asking for advice on how to solve an issue they were having with their image. Within minutes a few had responded with advice and direction on the image. As they made the changes suggested they posted the newer images and we'd all continue to give input until the artist was satisfied with the image. Ladies and gentleman, we have a critique group.
The good thing is that your group is able to float. You can custom create your group for each individual problem or circumstance. If anyone you have messaged doesn't want to participate they can leave the conversation of their own accord. Details below!
Friday, December 7, 2012
More vector fun for Once Upon A Sketch
Here's a quick doodle I worked up in Illustrator for my other site, Once Upon A Sketch.
Lots of fun! Still getting the feel of things down for my style in vector. I think next time out should be a full out Illustration rather than a spot.
Sketch
Sketch
Tighten Up
Finals
I think next time out should be a full out Illustration rather than a spot in vector. Maybe a puzle or hidden picture!
(Maybe I should have made the dino a zanier color??)
Be sure to check out OnceUponASketch!
(Maybe I should have made the dino a zanier color??)
Be sure to check out OnceUponASketch!
Monday, December 3, 2012
I've been Interviewed!!
Heya guys I forgot to share here that I was interviewed over on two different websites!!! What an honor! Drop by and check out these artists and the wonderful blog posts they share with the world!!
Friday, November 30, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
BABY YOU'RE A STAR!!
A little vector process. I'm working on expanding the vector end of my portfolio. This really is more of a character study than anything that could really be used as a portfolio piece. But it was fun nonetheless!! Enjoy!
SKETCH
COLOR STUDY
FINAL VECTORS
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Folio Academy gets a touch up!
The Folio Academy has videos from Will Terry, A.B.(Russ), RussellAmber, MediaBill, WhitakerBlufire Studios, Bob Barrett, Burning Oak Studios, Danni Jones, Greg Newbold, Jerry's Artarama, Justin Cook, Kirk Richards, Paul Mann, Perry Milou, Peter Wood, Provo Creative, and Simon Winegar.
I learned a great deal from Will's video's so I stand by those for new-intermediate artists. But even you masters of your craft can always learn something from somebody else's technique or methods.
I will probably be posting a review of one of his videos soon. Check his art below!
So drop in check the previews and see what you like!!
Use a link in the above article or the one in the right sidebar!
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Friday, September 21, 2012
Time to alter the dress!
And even more changes. These are just for this blog though. I widened the straps A reader told me that she should have three finger straps. Anything less than that wouldn't be allowed in school. Really?? Wow!! And I opened her eyes and her mouth a bit, just to give some variety let me know if you prefer it with them closed. I also altered her right hand some. (thanks Milica!!)
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Another Beastie
Another beastie from an ongoing project!
His feet could be bigger and his toes more pronounced and forward rather to the sides like that! He looks bow legged. Did this while watching Rise of the Planet of the Apes. What do you think?
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Thank you Photoshop!
Just finished another coloring book! I love doing coloring books! So much fun!
In the process I learned how much I absolutely love Photoshop!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for Curves, Layers, Levels and Hue/Saturation!
It's so easy to get tunnel vision and for your palette of colors to get way too narrow. This happened to me on the cover.
Here's the image chosen by the art director to be the cover. This is just the linework that appears within the book.
I then proceeded to color it. And guess what I thought I was done. Here is that image.
After looking at it I realized that my contrast was crappy. My background was muddy. The foreground characters were getting lost. So I pulled out the Curves, Hue/Saturation and Levels to push and pull my colors. When I finally got something I liked it looked like this.
Now truth be told if I had more time I would have posted this to a few groups I frequent online and let my art peers tear into it. Pick the advice that I thought was the most on point and went back in and reworked those areas. But I am glad that I am getting better at seeing what's wrong with my own images. (Not the best, but better.)
Every image we do is a lesson to be learned about what we are bad at and need to get better and what we are good at...and still need to get better.
I'll let you know when the book becomes available for purchase!! :)
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Congrats Gabby
This started out as a warm up sketch and I decide d to try and emulate the style of Miss Vanessa Newton. Of course I come up woefully short!!! She is amazing! But enjoy the image none the less! Congrats to Gabby Douglas!!!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Process for Educational illustration
I haven't shown a process piece in a while so let's do one now! This one will be something that was done for a client. The first step: I was given a poem about a kitten and some visual direction and reference for what they wanted the image to look like. I created a sketch and sent it to them leaving the predetermined amount of space for the left side of the image.
The first step: I created a sketch and sent it to them leaving the predetermined amount of space for the left side of the image.
The second step: The feedback received was that they wanted me to zoom in on the action. Move the mouse to the left. The kitten didn't need to be under the table and use the string to allow your eye to move from left to right.I made the changes and resubmitted.
The third step: The sketch was approved for color. I proceeded to color in the image and resumbit it.
The fourth step: The feedback received was that they wanted me to show the full room and remove the white fade. They also weren't happy with the boys face and wanted more roundness and depth to it. I also adjusted the shadows, added stripes to the boys shirt, added stripes to the wall, changed the color of the string and changed the shapes and colors of the shadows.I also did some touching up to the kitten.
The fifth step: Before submitting I showed the image to a few fellow artists who noted how odd and wrong the floor patterns were. I went in and changed that as well as add additional shadows to the back wall. Then I submitted it to the client. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's approved!!!
The first step: I created a sketch and sent it to them leaving the predetermined amount of space for the left side of the image.
The second step: The feedback received was that they wanted me to zoom in on the action. Move the mouse to the left. The kitten didn't need to be under the table and use the string to allow your eye to move from left to right.I made the changes and resubmitted.
The third step: The sketch was approved for color. I proceeded to color in the image and resumbit it.
The fourth step: The feedback received was that they wanted me to show the full room and remove the white fade. They also weren't happy with the boys face and wanted more roundness and depth to it. I also adjusted the shadows, added stripes to the boys shirt, added stripes to the wall, changed the color of the string and changed the shapes and colors of the shadows.I also did some touching up to the kitten.
The fifth step: Before submitting I showed the image to a few fellow artists who noted how odd and wrong the floor patterns were. I went in and changed that as well as add additional shadows to the back wall. Then I submitted it to the client. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's approved!!!
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