julianna rose: stuff i make

Beagle and Blackie comic: Meet Blackie

2012-02-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

A new character enters the scene ... keep reading here.

Any thoughts on what the smell is?

Beagle and Blackie comic: The Smell

2012-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Keep reading here.

**I do realize those "Gs" are really weird. The font is just so good - maybe I'll tweak them down the line but tonight I need to watch some TV.

The Beagle and Blackie comic

2012-01-30T17:49:00.000-08:00

I'm jumping the gun a little. Tomorrow is busy, so I would rather get this out there tonight. I'll be adding a page or two a week. Please view the start here. It's not very comic-y yet. I assure you, it will be.

And just for fun, my new BFF and namesake, Rosie:

I did some puppy sitting this weekend.

to come: Beagle and Blackie comic

2012-01-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

My leisurely, luxurious, art-filled schedule has come to an end. I have decided to commit to another weekly blogging project to ensure I don't fall off the wagon (again). Every Tuesday I will be posting a dog comic. I can't think of a clever name, so for now, the working title is "The Beagle and Blackie comic." Please look out for it this Tuesday, February 1st.** It will be an ongoing story about two dogs and their desires.

I haven't created anything new to post so I thought I would share some interiors from Elmo Loves You Pop-Up. This will go down in the books as my first, professional published work (yeeeeeeeeessssssssssss). Well, not really, because my name isn't on it anywhere. But at least in my mind, this is a big deal, and I am very grateful my boss threw it my way. I did the backgrounds - anything drawn in "chalk" was me.

As you can see, I am not the greatest photographer. My photo prof in undergrad always commented how out of control my pictures looked. I think I'm a heavy breather. But I digress ...

I am especially proud of that rooster.

Some library time.

Heavy reading.

Are you just dying to know - what's on the other page?

These are my deep thoughts, changing the lives of many children.

Please check back this Tuesday! Have a good weekend.

**I just realized there are 31 days in January. I will be posting on Tuesday, January 31st.

if: separated

2011-12-13T12:42:00.000-08:00

Spencer knew this tree was well placed.

It separated him enough from the mongrels below, but still allowed him to torment.

salt shakers!

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

I bought myself an early Christmas present from one of my favorite bloggers (look at her stuff here). She painted me some custom salt shakers of my two canine friends.

Summer has asked for me to purchase this sweater for her and this is Rex on the couch as I type.

So great, aren't they? She did another set for me, that I will post after Christmas.

And as for me, I am laboring through my drawing final. As it stands so far:

I'm taking a blogging/pot pie break.

if: round

2011-11-30T08:15:00.000-08:00

Little Leonard enjoys spending the day with his round ball of yarn.

He doesn't have to share.

It is very strange what can inspire. Earlier this week I stumbled upon this wonder:

No, excuse me, allow me to retract. How can this image NOT inspire??

Here is the original link.

happy tday!

2011-11-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

I love Google's turkey. I felt inspired to create some feathers of my own.
The first more fallish:

Second, a little more rainbow:

if: vanity / i got a goat!!

2011-11-18T12:37:00.000-08:00

I finally got my goat! I received this photo from a fellow blogger (check out her blog here). The photo is of her husband's grandma, her husband's grandma's brother, and a very vain goat. Apparently, this goat traveled around, getting its picture taken with kids in exchange for money. Well, obviously the goat didn't make any money. I think it just liked to have its picture taken. I would too with horns like that.

**ugh, why does blogger make images so blue when you expand them???

if: silent

2011-11-15T12:22:00.000-08:00

Silent?

Psyche.

As much as I draw inspiration* from the dogs, they are equally as distracting. I need a bigger apartment.

*Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking - does she even draw anything else? Noted. I will expand.

happy veteran's day!

2011-11-11T09:47:00.000-08:00

My Korean class from back in the day (yes, that is an airman that is sleeping). Cruising the town today with another veteran (my favorite actually, Scott). Museum of Science is free! Never been. Sure there will be lots of drawing inspiration.

i am official!

2011-11-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks to a friend who is an old* coworker and social media genius (she has many intriguing blogs, but the one I most often visit is her food blog**), I have a Goodreads account. Have a look here. I was unsure about a profile pic. Some very design-savvy friends (take a look at her etsy shop) liked the image more saturated. I didn't listen. Hopefully this wasn't the biggest mistake of my life. Just in case, here is the more saturated image:

Potential mistake fixed!

*Not old like, wow, she really should have stayed out of the sun (her skin is actually quite vibrant), old like ex. But ex sounded like we broke up. We didn't break up. I need a thesaurus.

**Do not visit if you are hungry. Or if you are hungry, be sure you are in a space where you can look at delicious eats and be cranky from your hunger and not lose any friends.

snoozing

2011-11-02T12:45:00.000-07:00

A little more comic to share ...

urban neighborhood doodle

2011-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

Sketch for a new comic:

Any thoughts on who is snoozing inside?

iPad animation

2011-10-25T13:07:00.000-07:00

My iPad offers more than I had imagined. I recently (like today) purchased AnimationDesk for super cheap (I want to say less than $5). It comes loaded with youtube videos explaining how to use the app (which even without, is pretty self-explanatory). I drew up a SIMPLE animation, inspired by Tracy:

I had the app export the video directly to my email. I will experiment to see if the app will export at a higher quality. At any rate, another way to procrastinate but still consider myself productive.

more tracy

2011-10-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

New views of my girl:

Turns out, she is a full-time witch. Halloween is obviously a special time for her. She not only has the opportunity to fit in with her peers, but she is also a leader. All the kids know if they want a bomb ass Halloween, Tracy is the one to see.

**wow, sorry about Blogger's crazy bad colors. She looks more like the small version in real life rather than the full-size.

ran into a new friend

2011-10-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yes, that "H" does stand for "Hero."

halloween comic

2011-10-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

More homework to share. Benjamin and Regina are at it again (with a new pal).

more iPad doodles

2011-10-11T12:42:00.000-07:00

I bought a couple other drawing apps - Brushes and Sketchbook Pro. Both were around $7 (I think). I've heard Sketchbook Pro is very popular, but I have not found it intuitive and it's a huge pain to switch between tools. Brushes is a simpler program, but still has layers. I'm finding it my go to for the iPad.

I have to come up with new characters for one of my classes. This is Tracy (drawn using Brushes):

I haven't decided whether or not she is actually green or she just painted herself green for her Halloween costume. Overall, I'm pretty fond of her. She loves taking pictures and going to the orthodontist to have her rubber bands changed so she can properly color coordinate her outfits (I don't think this is how braces work anymore??). Tracy "accidentally" breaks her glasses at least twice a year so she is always on top of the latest eye wear trends. Her parents aren't stoked with this.

brain dead saturday

2011-10-08T10:50:00.000-07:00

Working with seasonal patterns to get something moving today.

breakdown

2011-10-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

I couldn't stand it any longer. I bought myself an iPad. I decided with it in my possession, I will draw more. I got myself the Bamboo Stylus and Paper (the Paper is a free app actually) and got to doodling on Sunday.

I know, I know. Super impressive. It was nice to be able to do this sitting on the couch (or as Scott calls the couch during Fantasy Football: "the Command Center") rather than confined at my desk. Hopefully with more practice, this iPad will be the worthwhile investment my reasoning so needs it to be.

What I am really dying to buy though (I'm on a streak and cannot be stopped) is the Inkling. The release was pushed back a month. I NEED IT!!!!!!!!!! FOR MY CAREER!!!!!!!!!

Right?

if: ferocious

2011-09-29T09:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so this is a total stretch, but there are a couple of tough canines below:

first comic strip

2011-09-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Here they are again - Benjamin and Regina. Still working on the dialogue. I will take suggestions.

if: mesmerizing

2011-09-20T11:22:00.000-07:00

Wonka's Whipplescrumptious Fudgemallow Delight???

My mouth just watered.

characters for class

2011-09-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

I have to design some characters over the weekend for my comic book class. Allow me to introduce you to two friends: Regina and Benjamin.

Regina thinks that facebook is on its way out, that fruit is a risky snack (and therefore to be avoided), and that Obama is doing the best he can. She'd rather waste money than time and hates all non-fat/low-fat dairy products.

Benjamin believes that taking the time to warm up a car even in the summertime is necessary for optimal performance and that The Office is the funniest show ever (even though the rest of us are over it). He hates waiting in lines and dog breeders.

Hopefully more will come to me soon. I am suffering from low blood sugar, but am trying to hold out since I'm going out to dinner. Life! Sometimes ...

if: boundaries

2011-09-14T10:25:00.000-07:00

I am procrastinating running. Little doodle for this week's illustration friday's challenge. Eek, it's been so long since I've posted there, I almost forgot about it!

Rex used to do this all the time when Scott first got him. Believe or not, Rex used to chase us around the apartment, desperate to not be alone. Would be a very sad story if it were still the case, but Rex's priorities have changed. He would sell Scott and I both to the devil to be his personal sex slaves for just one bite of pizza, picked out of the garbage. Hopefully he will never have the opportunity.

In other news - iPhone has been resurrected! Technology win!

first day of classes

2011-09-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

Back at it today. Trying to keep busy. I'm trying to organize for school and find the Bachelor Pad #2 finale somewhere to watch online. Anything to forget that last night my iPhone went through the washer AND dryer (well, only 15 minutes in the dryer before saving it). It's in a bag of rice now, hoping for resurrection. Gah, so depressing.

Nothing new to post today, so I dug up the first movie I put together in undergrad. My roommate, Margaret, is the star. We randomly drew William Blake quotes out of a hat and were told to create. I was lost so I went to my thinking buddy (surprisingly, this is Scott). I told him my quote: "The best wine is the oldest. The best water is the newest," then asked him what he thought. Profound: "Well, there's nothing in the middle." That I could work with.

draw your mom monday: okay, i know it's tuesday

2011-08-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I had a mom drawn and ready to go. I got some chores done, came back to post but instead found myself in a major "ugh" moment - ugh, I made this mom kinda trollish. That is not the point of Draw Your Mom Monday (well, I guess unless your mom really does look like a troll). I took a second crack at it today. Here is Eileen:

Just noticed I lost her legs with the dramatic lighting, but believe me, a much closer rendering of Eileen and her classy sass (I assume that is where her daughter inherited from). I am trying to make bold lipstick my new "thing" (it's starting out a bit awkwardly) and am jealous at how effortlessly Eileen can pull off this vintage red. Eileen, as well as being a fashionista is Parker's grandma.

Off to the best coast in just two days! I will be bringing my computer but hopefully I will be doing too much poolside drinking that drawing will be impossible. In any case, anything that you send me will be drawn eventually: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

draw a dog friday: e and t

2011-08-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

This silly man is Elmo, Lila's brother and for dramatic purposes, fearless protector:

I thought Elmo would provide me a seamless segue into a book announcement, but I'm struggling this morning. Normally I don't post so early (before my first cup of coffee has been consumed) but today is packed and morally unstable (I'm officially throwing vegetarianism out the window), so here I am.

Okay, awkward segue- have I mentioned Elmo Loves You Pop-Up on here? It will eventually be out on sale and I had the opportunity to contribute the backgrounds and a few animals to it (including a dog and a cat!).

Jumping on again, next we have Tucker:

Tucker is handsome, stylish, and serious. He and Rex are soul mates (no, I'm not exaggerating). Proof: Tucker's mom once told me when she looks into Rex's eyes, she sees Tucker's soul. They also share all of the same interests, including sniffing, peeing, walking slow, eating, and hanging out alone because they are very independent and cannot be bothered with our human pettiness. They are very deep.

Happy weekend! Keeping sending animals.

draw a cat wednesday: Lila

2011-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

Lila, an adorable feline from Nantucket cannot be disturbed today:

This cat truly understands what life is all about. Or at least island life.

Only a week and one day before I'm back to the BEST coast. Send me moms and animals: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

draw your mom monday: NEED MORE MOMS!

2011-08-22T10:21:00.000-07:00

I need more mom love. Only a couple of weeks left before I'm back in school - please send me your moms!

This Monday I have used my own mom as a fill-in. I truly believe this is how she would want to be portrayed:

Super, super, super young. My mom is obsessed with being young. Her favorite story to tell is the time a stranger asked if my brother was her brother. "No, no, no," she giggled. "He's my son!" This is nothing to brag about, the nasty old man was hitting on you, mom.

My mom will stare with a DESPERATE desperation at my cousin and beg for her secrets, "Aram, how do you not have any wrinkles?" My cousin will answer, "Gomo, because I'm 21."

My mom sleeps on her back, facing up. All night. Like a corpse. She says it's the only way to keep your skin smooth and sag-free.

She was CRAZY, old school cheap when I was growing up. If I poured myself a bowl of cereal only to realize the milk had been spoiled, she would still make me eat it. We never wasted food. Chico, CA (my hometown) has blistering summers. 100+ degrees day after day after day is nothing out of the ordinary. Never, ever, EVER were we allowed to put on the air conditioner. We had central air! Now that is wasteful.

Today, it all makes sense. My mom has saved all her money for expensive creams, masks, and treatments to keep her looking young. She scarified her own kid's comfort for her looks. It kills me to say it, but it worked:

This is a picture of my mom and my uncle. She is well into her 50s.

I know most people would normally be really excited to inherit such young-looking genes, except this isn't genetic. The only way I will look like that is if I use the nightly 40 minute hydrogel masks she keeps sending me (Scott is freaked out by them - it's kinda like covering your skin with someone else's. I imagine anyways) and NEVER touch my face again.

Sometimes I have allergies! My eyes get itchy.

Anyways, enough sharing. More images please: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

blogging hiatus

2011-08-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

No cats, dogs, or goats this week. No fault of your own - I have been ill. I haven't quite figured out the perfect ratios of pizza, ice cream, and cough syrup for a miraculous recovery. I even tried consuming all of these in bed and it didn't do it. However there still is today, and I am committed to getting better and cranking out more drawings!

Dogs have been stoked though. Dog diets are out the window. I've been stuffing their Kong Geniuses* with treat after treat after treat to give me some sick space. This is the closest I've ever seen them "playing" together too - Rex gets the treat out of his, and corners Summer with her toy. He cries, she growls, I yell at him, Summer looks up, Rex sweeps in, steals her toy, Summer follows him around with her toy, he gets the treat out, Summer steals it and eats it. Every time this is what happens. They eat their treats, Rex starts crying again, and everything starts over.

It's a must when I'm sick. Look what I'm dealing with right now:

I love my girl, but give me some space!

And this is Rex, so content:

One sentence later:

Crying in my face.

Okay, no more dog stories. I will be back to it with a fury next week! Today I'm adding copious amounts of caffeine to my remedy. I think it could do the trick.

*So ya, my dogs are geniuses, nbd.

sketchbook

2011-08-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

I never posted anything from my sketchbook 2 Days, 2 Dogs, 1 Hot Dog. I finally got around to downloading my pages from the Sketchbook Project. Also in my month of glory (that would be this month), I've been brainstorming how I can do more with it.

Super sketchy, but I had a great time (night) doing it nonetheless.

Anyone signed up for 2012?

draw your mom monday: mary

2011-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

This woman, with the lovely smile is Mary:

Mary resides in Virginia with her husband and dog. From all that I've heard, she is a wonderful, supportive mom who is missed and appreciated! Isn't that a nice way to start the week?

I need more moms/cats/dogs/GOATS. We only have four weeks until I'm back to the grind, and one of those I will be spending back on the BEST coast. Email me your pics/ideas: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

draw a dog friday: birdie and jackson

2011-08-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

I know and love Birdie (she is actually Rex and Summer's baby cousin). After many tries, I have not been able to properly capture her Birdie-ness. To compensate I went crazy with Iphone-like effects:

Birdie, I will try again with a cousins' picture.

Next, we have Jackson:

As you can see, Jackson is a very independent young man. He is a Southern gentlemen, residing in Hoover, Alabama. His interests include chewing on things he shouldn't be and sneaking onto the couch. Can't really blame him though, no one likes being told what to do.

Please send me more animals and moms to draw: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

Happy Friday!

WHERE IS MY GOAT?

2011-08-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

No goat. A random doodle instead:

Sometime, in the upcoming months I will be able to share this in context.

Other big news - I'm trying to be clever on twitter: @jrosestuff

Find me? And are you worth following? I need to beef up.

draw a cat wednesday: cry for cats has been heard!

2011-08-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

Even better, I got kittens. Here are Sniffles (left) and Claire (right):

I love, love, love when animals have human names. It gives them an air of sophistication. I have a friend who told me her cat growing up was named Heather. I bet that was a bad ass cat.

Still looking for that goat!

draw your mom monday: i'm addicted to bling

2011-08-08T13:55:00.000-07:00

This is Sarah. The year is not for sure, but let's just say it's from her last years of freedom (aka before becoming a mom).

Lucky for her daughter, she inherited Sarah's good looks.

Keep sending your moms/dogs/cats/living creatures: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

draw a dog friday: parker

2011-08-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

I have been fortunate enough to spend some time with this good looking guy. He is sweet, charming, and I get a kick out of his extra long ankle hair. I started with an "ink" drawing of him which I rather like:

I felt like his doo rag called for something. It called for some bling.

He's the real deal.

My plan is to put up one more dog tonight. Without sharing details (although I would love to), this week has been less than ideal. But today I'm off to the MFA to check out the Chihuly exhibit before it's outta here and I plan on coming home so inspired, I will be a drawing machine tonight.

draw a goat thursday - not looking good

2011-08-04T14:46:00.000-07:00

My goat didn't come in, so here is another pattern:

Back to it tomorrow though. I have dogs waiting!

draw a cat wednesday - a bust (not in a good way)

2011-08-03T16:41:00.000-07:00

Hmm, no cats have come in, so nothing new to post this Wednesday (I also am waiting on those goats for tomorrow ...) I like cats, but am pretty allergic and lack motivation to search out cats to draw on my own.

Instead, here is a pattern from my design class:

I was thinking it could be very fun to animate ... I need to focus.

Send me animals/moms to draw! I still have 5 1/2 weeks before classes start again.

first draw your mom monday!

2011-08-01T07:48:00.000-07:00

This is Joyce:

Joyce is Molly's grandmother. I wonder if Molly became such a Sox fan through her grandmother's influence.

I have house guests today so I may or may not get to post another mom today. I look forward to drawing one mom in particular ~ she looks like she would be a great party date.

Keep sending me your pictures!

first draw a dog friday!

2011-07-29T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here we go! I'm drawing in the order I receive dogs. School is now officially done so I will be able to catch up and produce many more canines in the weeks to come. So please, continue to send in your dog to julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

First dog submission: Madison, a very, very cute papillon/daschund mix. She's stylish and has some sassy eyes:

Next, we have fellow Bostonian, Molly:

Molly is a major Red Sox fan. She must be stoked they are playing so well this summer.

Again, just a reminder that Draw Your Mom Mondays is right around the corner. There has also been requests for other doodles, so I am also instituting Draw a Cat Wednesdays and Draw a Goat Thursdays (this might be more of a miscellaneous day). I'd love to see your pictures and ideas!

more patterns to come and BIG NEWS!

2011-07-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Working on my design final. Coming up with patterns inspired by genius Kwon Ki Soo:

Me, so far:

Color also to come.

Okay, so the big news. I have August off from classes so I have decided to launch "Draw a Dog Fridays" and "Draw Your Mom Mondays." Send me a picture of your dog and/or mom, and I will draw and post. If I don't get any submissions, I will be posting more doodles of Rex and Summer. And I guess of my mom as well. We will see how that goes. Get in touch: julianna.w.rose@gmail.com

awkward self-portrait

2011-07-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

I can't think of anything else that dislike more than the awful, dreaded, awkward amount of one on one time that must be spent on a self-portrait.*

This isn't a post of self loathe, simply, didn't we spend enough time analyzing our looks in junior high? I am ready to explore more of the world now.

Anyways, here it is:

I think it pretty much captures how much a shock 2011 has been (free Lady Gaga tickets, burglary, job departure, elopement, Bruins taking the Cup, my ADULT age).

It's based on Photobooth photo that surprised me, which is much better than my drawing:

Maybe in the next drawing class I will be better skilled to capture its essence (although, how many more self-portraits are in my future??) NO MORE PLEASE!!

*wait, I just did ~ GI trouble on a run is no fun either.

finishing summer session

2011-07-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

Lots of drawing to finish up on. Not the funnest drawing either. It's piling up:

Not a perfect replica (worse chin, better nose?).

And still working:

Sorry, Eve. I don't know why Durer (and I) have made you so hideous. Nothing personal.

tulips

2011-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

Just messing around for class:

needless to say ...

2011-07-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

I quit my job and am back in school.

Now I really have no excuse not to post.

A big week/weekend

2011-05-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well, this week/weekend has been exciting for a variety of reasons.

Reason #1: One of my coworkers (design genius coworker) showed me how to make seamless patterns in illustrator. My life has officially been changed. I am in love. I started with my normal copy/paste headache:

And then expanded with new knowledge:

I need to buy ink for my printer so I can wallpaper EVERYTHING.

Reason #2 for excitement: Our apt was broken into, during the day, while we were at work, THROUGH THE FRONT DOOR! Some lock. Some guard dogs (although I'm sure Summer tried her best -> I believe there will be some artwork to come reflecting this). Laptops were stolen. Ugh. Luckily, Scott has renter's insurance and a much larger limit on his credit card than I, so I am now posting on a BRAND NEW MACBOOK PRO!!!** And I was backed up-ish so not too much lost. Really, the best case scenario for awful situation. Scott has also left his Dell days behind and got on the Mac wagon. Perhaps now he will stop harassing me for paying more attention to my computer than to him.

**Ooh, maybe I shouldn't be advertising? Please don't come back robber. I've had a long talk with the dogs and Rex is now clear on his duties (biting robbers = good).

first minted entry

2011-02-16T18:19:00.001-08:00

Vote for my

design on minted.™

see more from Julianna Rose

vote for me!

Check out my competition in Christmas photo cards and Save the Date cards at Minted.

two baby doodles

2011-02-15T18:09:00.000-08:00

if: sweater

2011-02-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

Comfiest sweater one would ask for.

I know, a big stretch for this illustration friday, but this true life event was too big to not share. Rex is not an affection dog. He has licked my face once and that was because I was eating. This monumental moment has changed our relationship. Poor Summer was bull shit though.

I recently bought myself some watercolors. Shockingly, you can graduate with a Studio Art degree from Smith without taking any painting (and actually, any drawing classes as well). It was fun to try something different, and I will definitely explore a class in the future.

My palette got a little out of control in the original. Apparently I live in a circus tent?

And there's my little girl in the back, desperate as always.

if: reverse

2011-02-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Lionel knew something else was going on - he wasn't just a "late bloomer."

Barf colors Blogger. I finger painted this on my track pad, sitting on the couch, watching Pretty Little Liars. An ideal Monday night.

fundraiser freelance poster

2011-02-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

Some new work I've been messing around with:

The idea is to color the Chicago sign as money is raised:

I did a poster for this fundraiser last year as well, except with a New York theme. I drew the Empire State building with a cutout King Kong that would hang off of whatever amount had been reached. I just found the poster to perhaps post, but (sigh) my actual execution was pretty sub-par. King Kong deserved more respect.

if: chicken **updated

2011-01-16T12:51:00.000-08:00

Regina didn't care what they would call her for not jumping. She didn't like heights.

Inspiration struck right when I should've been getting ready to meet friends. Doesn't that always seem to happen? This is what I originally submitted for illustration friday:

I think the drawing now fits better with the text.

And a little peek at what Regina is reading:

Captain Maggie and the Milk Bone Players

2011-01-16T10:05:00.000-08:00

Meet Maggie (Milk Bone Players to come):

One of Scott's little cousins is writing a story about dogs playing hockey. I told her I would help with the drawings. I believe she is still in the early stages of drafting, but I wanted to send her something for inspiration.

sketchbook success

2011-01-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

Sketchbook is completed. It turned out very different than I planned in a few ways:

1. My story of Rex and Summer and "How They Met" completely went out the window. Still curious about the story? I'll give you the abridged - Rex and Summer met. Rex, upset he was no longer the one and only of the household, attempted suicide by eating a month's worth of Summer's seizure medication. Poison control was called, and vomiting induced. He then got the attention he so longed for by riding the T and spending the day with me at work, whining the entire day under my desk like a walrus (he had to be observed for 24 hours). He came through fine but then Summer's seizure meds weren't working and then she went on new ones that turned her into a meth baby, licking all the hair off the couch until she hacked and hacked and barfed and then Rex, helpful man that he is, would sweep in and eat it. He seemed to start liking her then more. Besides that, there were the parasites and a very awkward call to the vet from me which actually turned out to be Scott's office. So ya, basically I was too busy dealing with "their story" to actually draw it.

But luckily, I think the new story is better.

2. On a very different note, I thought the sketchbook was going to be much more "final art," but once I realized there was no time for that (see #1), it was so freeing! The end result is VERY sketchy but I felt so creative filling it up. I believe it is more of a success in the end. Now I can take that true creativity into something more final ...

3. And lastly, hey, I really like what I made. You know, that doesn't happen too often. Sad, huh?

So just a glimpse at the cover:

Yes, pretty plain, but here it is, with 1/3 of my muses (don't discount the hot dog!).

Perhaps when I get the scans in I will share some of the interior.

employed in publishing fail

2010-12-22T19:07:00.000-08:00

I work in publishing. You would think I would factor in production costs when it came to my holiday card. I did not. I planned on making a little flip book. Then I realized how much it was going to cost me and decided I would make just one and then videotape the flip book action. Then I REALLY realized how much it was going to cost me to print one, and alas, Flash won. This is why e-books will dominate (and don't tell anyone at work this, but I'm kinda stoked).

Happy Holidays!! And I love hearing New Year's Resolutions.

**I did not anticipate the CRAZY bad quality of blogger - please view here: holiday card

holiday card preview

2010-12-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

I have an idea to try something different for a holiday card ...

I will post it if I am able to pull it off.

warren

2010-12-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

A rejected little doodle from work:

Don't worry - Warren doesn't take it personally. He gets possums aren't necessarily trending right now ...

if: prehistoric

2010-12-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Santa still needed some help back in the day.

poster

2010-11-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

So here is the poster I was working on:

And I guess I have not mentioned this on my blog before, but I am always open to taking on freelance projects ;)

Happy upcoming T-day! I'm sure the dogs will be a nightmare ...

Winter Weekend

2010-11-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

I just got some new freelance work. I'm designing a winter-themed poster. I have a pretty clear idea of what I want it to look like and I'll post it once it's finished, but for now, a doodle to get me started:

if: afterwards

2010-11-06T10:13:00.000-07:00

Walk to the Common:

Walk back from the Common:

This is actually much more Rex's style than Summer's, but you've probably seen enough of him already ...

my girl!

2010-10-28T16:07:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and she is wonderful! We had a small hiccup last week (involving Rex, a month's worth of Summer's seizure meds, a lotta barf, and one whiny dog in the office) but otherwise it has been a very smooth adjustment expanding to a family of four. My sketchbook project is also in full swing. I've been very busy storyboarding and hugging my kids but I finally got around to drawing her. Just a quick sketch, but here she is, my beautiful girl:

She's got the hair. She's got the attitude to pull off the hair.

old animation find!

2010-09-19T10:43:00.000-07:00

I found an old mini-mini animation on my computer today. It was a nice surprise. I have to say, it's nice to come across old work and not be disgusted. There are a few more too - I'll post them as I get organized.

**the timing got messed up either in the conversion or through youtube - the animation is much smoother than what is shown here, but you get the idea.

sketchbook: page 1

2010-09-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

These can be considered sketches for the sketchbook project. I'm not entirely sure about the style, just thinking of ideas.

sketchbook start and exciting news

2010-09-18T10:38:00.000-07:00

I have decided to participate in The Sketchbook Project and received my book about a week ago. Although exciting news, I have been holding onto something much more exciting - our family is expanding! I have a daughter in Tennessee who will soon be making the trek up north. Her name is Summer and she is beautiful:

I love how messed up her bottom teeth are. Thanks to breaking my retainer shortly after getting my braces off, mine pretty much look the same. We are the perfect mother-daughter duo!

Why am I writing about my sketchbook project and Summer in the same post? My sketchbook theme is "Boys and Girls" and have decided Rex and Summer will be my muses (big surprise, I know). I can't plan my sketchbook as thoroughly as I would like because their story has not yet unfolded! but for now, a title page:

Can't wait!

if: proverb

2010-09-13T18:53:00.000-07:00

I feel very blah about this if challenge. Blah.

if: immovable

2010-08-28T19:43:00.000-07:00

What are the chances I'm going to be late for work?

more doodles

2010-08-04T19:21:00.000-07:00

I slightly changed my guy's face from last night - I'm going for less gorilla, more bigfoot.

Then I really should have showered, but instead I continued to sit in a sweaty pool of ass swamp and gave him a friend:

doodling

2010-08-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

decided to draw instead of workout tonight:

that's all

Random

2010-07-28T17:24:00.000-07:00

So I've been thinking about cleaning/organizing my computer - c'mon thinking about it is halfway there. Anyways, I was quite surprised at the very random, very strange, some very bad drawings I came across. A sampling ...

Almost frightening ...

new blog ideas

2010-07-26T18:39:00.000-07:00

Poor blog - I don't update you often enough. I have been trying to come up with new ideas to get me drawing more. I was thinking of perhaps a joint blog with a friend, creating a story around a walrus:

My friend and I aren't on the same page. But to appease:

That's the best I can do tonight, Sam.

junior high Shannon

2010-06-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

I know there is something not right about this ... Does anyone know? I will redo it. For some reason I just remember Shannon looking kinda scared or anxious.

full story

2010-06-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Done real quick - I'll post a link to the story when they have been put together.

new story illustration

2010-06-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

So I'm (slowly) working on a couple illustrations for a story (for the same website as The Beautiful Bird story below). This is what I have done so far ...

Hopefully it will all make more sense when I have all the drawings up here together ... until then, be creative!

7th grade Sarah

2010-06-20T18:39:00.000-07:00

Or maybe 8th?? I'm going home in August - I will grab a yearbook.

reused drawing ...

2010-05-27T17:06:00.000-07:00

But hey, it's/will be my birthday! I'm still figuring out how to balance work (yes, I am employed full-time in a bomb ass capacity), instructing, my own training, and DRAWING.

Until then, a small celebration:

Please friends- move to Boston. Please.

flashback: rachel

2010-04-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

I prefer drawing animals to people. To change things up I thought I would take a trip back to the glory days of junior high and draw my friends' yearbook portraits from memory. Here is the first go:

Does anyone have a 7th grade yearbook? I think this is pretty accurate ...

if: detective

2010-04-17T21:01:00.000-07:00

There isn't too much detective work needed here ...

if: rescue

2010-03-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

You're killing me mom.

if: expired

2010-03-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

And the extra rolls are out of comfortable-reaching distance.

ogre cards and more meathead

2010-03-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

I received the cards I designed for my dad awhile ago, but they got misplaced during the move. I just came across them this morning:

I think they came out pretty well. I have been pretty inattentive to my shop, but please check it out when you have a chance.

Also, a little off topic for my blog, but I received some concrete proof of Scott's previously- mentioned meathead-ness that I think is worth sharing. I asked him to run down to the market and grab me some coffee since we were out. This is what he came back with:

Yes, seriously.

monday artday: castaway

2010-03-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted on Monday Artday in a looooooooooong time. One of the newest challenges is "castaway." It came to mind for me more as cast - away. When I was in junior high, one of my friends was really into theater and was trying out for the town's production of Grease. She was my friend, and she really liked acting and singing and I thought, well, maybe I would too. I decided to tryout with her (this is actually pretty shocking looking back, as I was a shy kid).

Well, not to brag or anything, I have been told by more than one that I do have the worst voice in history, a fact I was oblivious to when I was twelve. So I got up on stage, insisted I sing my piece acapella, and I let myself become awash with the emotional and physical struggles of the young orphan Annie (I'm not actually sure this is what I sung, but for dramatic purposes):

My friend, who was talented, landed a part. I did not. I still feel for the casting directors for what I must have put them through.

manville

2010-03-16T07:11:00.000-07:00

I think my roommate/boyfriend was feeling left out with all of my drawings of Rex but none of him. Last night, when I asked him what I should draw, he responded with, "draw me punching a homeless guy in the face," and then proceeded to laugh like a hyena. Believe it or not, he actually is non-violent and kind to the poverty-stricken, but he is a 100% meathead. If you opened up his head, I'm sure all you would find is sausage in there. So here he is, with my other little man, sitting on his man-couch that is way too big for our little living room:

That couch is a train wreck, but I have to admit, pretty comfy.

for whitney

2010-03-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

My very first internship was at a very mis-managed advertising agency down south. Despite these two factors, I met some really great, super smart people who I wish would move their tiny butts up north (if you know Whitney, you know butts don't come any tinier). You know those people out there that can always get your mind rolling in the right direction? Those people, like good roommates, are pure gold. You can't let them leave your life once you find them.

Blogger has dulled the colors to poo again.

I always wanted one of those super eighties black-white boards growing up. Do they still make them??

if: subterranean

2010-03-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

The newest topic for Illustration Friday is subterranean. "Underworld" came much more to mind than anything else (yes, I am watching too much Buffy). Here is my Slayer, Bunny, kicking ass and killing demons, while staying stylish of course:

He's not a vamp, but as Buffy always says, "A stake through the heart will kill a lot of things."

practice practice practice

2010-03-11T07:31:00.000-08:00

It would be very cool to be an animator. I was never able to take an animation class in college (as they were not offered) but I tried dabbling a little on my own. I never tried to work out a proper walk cycle, so here is my first attempt:

Youtube squashed her somewhat, but you get the idea (at least I hope so!)

Along with new/more serious(?) animation ventures, I've started getting up at 5am. It always seems like successful people get up at 5am, so I figured I'd give it a try. I thought the Army would have transformed me into this morning person, but alas, not so much. We will see how it goes, and hopefully I will soon be able to post the rewards reaped from my new lifestyle choice.

illustration friday: brave

2010-03-08T16:14:00.000-08:00

The last couple of days have made me hopeful - is spring almost here? Work with me Mother Nature, please be brave and fight the cold:

big party

2010-03-05T20:48:00.000-08:00

My favorite little man's sixth birthday party is coming up. I know I mentioned in an earlier post I wanted to create an animated invite for the event but with the move, the party has already been pushed back and it is just not going to happen. But here it is - the first creation with the new, AMAZING tablet:

If you are in the area, you know you will be expecting one soon.

big purchase

2010-03-05T15:09:00.000-08:00

I sold my truck to a friend after the big move. It really couldn't have worked out better. I don't need a car here, and I really needed the cash. Giving myself some breathing room, I decided I could afford a treat - I upgraged my tablet from my Cookie Monster blue, small-time kid Bamboo to the big, black, I-can-draw-some-serious-shit Intuos4. YES! To better show the true ridiculous-ness of what I have been drawing on:

I had a visitor come check out what I was doing.

Of course he couldn't leave the scene without leaving a mess
(can you see his dog hair?).

I think it looks pretty legit on my new desk in my new apt, don't you?

And yes, you are looking at the Boston Common through my bomb ass window.

I feel good things coming.

second project rushed

2010-03-04T06:50:00.000-08:00

Another activity for GEF required a little doodle. The activity, called Pollinator Investigator encourages children to go outside and observe the who/what/where and hows of pollination. This was again thrown together, which is such a shame because I think there is just a lot of potential to develop/clean up these characters. Maybe they will appear (in a more sophisticated form) in the future? I hope so:

long time no post

2010-03-03T18:54:00.000-08:00

So it has been over a week since my last post. Between moving, starting a new internship, and a poor sick pup, I haven't had any opportunity to draw. I am really behind on a few projects, but it's exciting to know I actually HAVE projects in the works. All I've managed today is another QUICK drawing for GEF. We will see what the art director has to say about it. GEF has come up with another green activity that is not only good for the environment, it's just practical (and not just for kids - I have enough old college notebooks to make this worth my while). Anyways, here is the drawing:

I mean, not insane, but I'm okay with it mid-move.

if: propagate

2010-02-22T17:56:00.000-08:00

The newest Illustration Friday challenge is propagate:

I was in the mood to do something a little different. Unfortunately blogger has made the colors look like something that might have come out of my dog's butt (he is the kind that will eat just about anything).

The dandelion kind of represents my brain/thoughts/emails/cover letters sent out since my last semester of school. One of the books I bought this last month was Breaking Into Freelance Illustration. I've only skimmed through it so far, but the advice is easy enough: start a blog (check), have an easy-to-find website (in progress), send out a variety of promotional materials (I've actually had them printed, but think my website needs to be perfect before I send them out), and basically, just keep trying (well, I am).

One piece of advice I have found very helpful in my post-grad life was not from the book but from my boyfriend's sister-in-law, Sarah. She suggested to ask companies I was interested in working for for informational interviews, even if they were not hiring. I sent out a bunch of emails to artsy companies in the area with my resume attached. From animation to advertising, I have been able to go into these places, get some good feedback on my portfolio and help narrow down exactly where I might fit in the art world. Even better, the informational interview email was how I landed my newest publishing internship. Apparently they were interviewing when they received my request, and well, it couldn't have worked out better. I start this Wednesday. One of those dandelion seeds looks like it might have a chance ...

train colored

2010-02-22T12:55:00.000-08:00

I took a break/gave myself an excuse to procrastinate packing and colored what I drew this morning:

Unfortunately the sweating is the most true-to-life element of the self-portrait.

goal #1 accomplished-ish

2010-02-22T08:51:00.000-08:00

Well, today was the deadline for the Monday Artday train challenge and I did manage to get something in, although not colored:

Even after the army, still working on getting the one pull-up down. And then there's Rex, working on what he does best (that is him next to me right now in fact).

I have not been posting as zealously as I was earlier this month - things outside my blog life seem to be coming together. I am moving this week into a bomb ass apartment in Beacon Hill and also landed a bomb ass internship in designing children's books (for like a big deal place). So I'm pretty stoked about things right now. I have more goals to add to my list as well:

previously listed goals:

1. write about art books I've been reading (this now seems really boring, we will see ...)

2. finish my homage to my true love, Kara Goucher

and now:

3. post my Buffy the Vampire Slayer comic strip (there will be a lot to say about this - I do not dare insult the great Joss Whedon)

4. animate an invite for Rex's upcoming b-day party

5. update my website (ugh, I don't even want to think about this one)

Well, I'm not soaring through these, but something else will be done before the move this Friday. I don't think I have a choice.

if: adrift

2010-02-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

So this was actually for Green Education Foundation, as a t-shirt design (which hopefully happens!), but I thought it was also pretty fitting for this week's Illustration Friday challenge:

being embarassed

2010-02-10T20:43:00.000-08:00

It is day 10 in my draw-a-thon and I am so in love with life. Blogging has been a great way to "put myself out there" - to put my "artist" self out there and not feel so embarrassed. Feeling inadequate or untalented, well it gets old. I always laughed when I told someone I was a Studio Art major because I didn't see myself as artsy enough. Monet's lilies are not blossoming out of my fingertips and I am nowhere near where I want to be skill-wise but I have my butt planted in my desk chair (pictured below), drawing away all day. It always feels good to know you are trying. My Amazon books have been helpful too ... I suppose I will have to get into those on a later post.

Moving on from the overshare, I whipped up my next Monday Artday posting to ensure getting it in on time (my Kara Goucher homage was late - and one of these days I will finish the bldgs and crowd). The challenge is candy:

I'm not sure if bubblegum officially counts as candy, but this is what popped into my head. The next challenge is train. Nothing seems to be percolating, and it looks like that will be my third promise made in this blog (to recap):

1. Complete the train challenge.

2. Blog about art books I have been reading.

3. Finish bldgs and crowd (my lady deserves it).

Yes, these promises have been made to the mighty internet universe. No backing out now.

the beautiful bird

2010-02-10T16:19:00.000-08:00

I am illustrating stories for a website in the works that wants parents to read to their kids. I will post a link when it is up and running, but for now here is my first story:

Still addicted to playing with texture.