Irritated Earthworm

Mole's habit of building home extensions at two in the morning did not make him very popular with his neighbors.

Transferring Sketches With A Printer

*Edit: I corrected the title spelling, that's what I get for posting late at night lol

I have always used a light table to transfer my sketches to watercolor paper. A VERY time consuming process that almost doubled the amount of time it took me to complete books.  I'd watch a movie or listen to music while I mind-numbingly traced over my lines with a pencil.   Not to mention the times I've messed up on a painting and had to transfer for a second and some cases a third time.  So, what if I could cut that process out completely? If I did, I could possible fit in one, maybe two more projects per year and therefor have an easier time making a living as an illustrator.  I could meet deadlines much quicker as well.  Well there IS a way, but it will take an initial, fairly large investment to do it. I'm talking about large-format printers (to fit those larger double page picture books spreads). What I'd do is scan a clean sketch, lighten the lines until they're barely visible with Photoshop and print it directly on my watercolor paper. And if I mess up? No problem! I'll just print another copy. I know some illustrators have been doing this for years, but I guess I waited for the prices on these printers to drop more. I remember back when I checked on them they were averaging around 5k a piece (?) Ugh! Now they're definitely more affordable although still enough to make me hold my breath. 

Since I'm only on the sketching phase of my current book, I'll probably wait until the final art is under-way to get one. But when I do, I'll post my experiences with the new printer.

Also, please post a comment if you yourself have transferred sketches this way. Thanks!

A Daily Dose of Inspiration

An illustration from start to finish by P.J. Lynch

Illustration Friday: Subterranean

How Cool is This?

Recently, I was approached by LuShae Jewelry to write a review about a product of my choosing, and of course I jumped at the chance.  I love their designs, and here's the kicker, I got to keep the item for free.  I didn't even have to pay shipping either, so thank you LuShae!

Above is the ring I chose, entitled "Kissing Hearts Ring", created in a Rhodium- High Lustre finish, it retails for $64.00 on the LuShae website.  It really has become one of my favorite rings.  And let me add, there were a couple days when it mysteriously disappeared.....want to know why?  My grandmother, who has alzheimer's disease (but still knows something pretty when she sees it) had at some point wandered in my room and picked it up off my crowded dresser.  I thought for sure I had lost it forever, but then later found it on her finger.  Now we share the ring :0)

So, I really couldn't be happier with their product, and I already see plenty of other beautiful pieces on their site I'd like to get.  As an aside, I did a bit of of Googling and some research before I agreed to do this in order to protect my readers, and so far I've read nothing but rave reviews about their costumer service and products. 

Anyways, thanks again to Sarah and I do apologize for the delay in writing this post.  I had a couple deadlines to attend to. 

You can visit the LuShae website here

Illustration Friday: Brave

High Five Cover Sketch

This is for the September issue.  I added lots and lots of detail to this illustration so that the kids could have fun pointing out all the different toys.  Hopefully the art director/editors like it and I can go to color! :0) Painting this should be a nice challenge.  The different shapes, circle and rectangle are all design parts of the magazine, titles etc.

A Way Back Into Love (Illustrated by Jimmy Liao)

Images are from the book "A "Chance of Sunshine" by Jimmy Liao.  Video created by youtube user: broadcasthere.

Make sure to watch at full size: A Way Back Into Love

Vocals:
Haley Bennett
Hugh Grant

Illustration Friday: Perspective

Style Two

I'm working on a new pen-and-ink style to add to my portfolio.  It will probably take a while to develop, but I had some fun doing a pen-and-ink version of my magazine cover idea (not one I'm submitting).  I'll probably do a few more to see if it's something I'd enjoy--because that's what it all comes down to, right?