Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thanks
Thanks to Maria at AltPick and Jami at Ispot for spotlighting my new work in their respective "News" sections. I'm honored!
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Monday, June 15, 2009
Time Flies!
Hello, reader! Welcome back! I'm happy to say this post will feature ART!
In regards to my last post concerning the field of illustration, I would like to say that after some research and correspondence, I was educated on the Conyers Bill from 2002. Check it out for info on what was almost an illustrators' union as well as info on antitrust laws. Its interesting stuff. I do still think some type of universal creative organization would be beneficial but I will stop talking about it as it appears its been tried before and didnt work out as parties could not agree or act in unison.
No worries, though! Lots of other things to focus on! New cards are coming this week. Maybe you will get one. Six new pieces are finished or in the works for future publication in the coming months. I'm hopefully getting to work in some personal project book covers this summer, and I'm looking for new ways to promote. I am looking for illustration groups and organizations to join as well in order to just have some sense of community as working from home is very solitary.
What else to mention? Currently, I am halfway through a multi-illustration project that I look forward to sharing when published. Its all hush-hush now but hopefully it wont be for long!
So for now, I can only share some artwork that is being published tomorrow:
ESPN the Magazine contacted me back in March with a cool illustration assignment: the defensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The artwork was for ESPN's Fantasy Football 2009 Magazine. I had been wanting to do some sports-related art but I could never find the time; so I was super-psyched to do the job!
I was actually a little intimidated as the magazine is for "SUPER DIE HARD football fans." I was so paranoid (as is always the case) that I would mess up a uniform aspect or a player's name/number. So I did tons of research before even starting sketches to really familiarize myself with the team. Ed Mann, the art director, also sent me some nice high-res reference as well which helped greatly. After Ed and I settled all the details of the project, I sketched up these action-based images for him.
The Sketches:
I called this one "the stack." I was really having fun just trying to show the defense as a mass of helmets and uniforms. A swarm, if you will. I liked how this one was a stack of players where you don't notice the ball carrier at first; it focuses on the defense by not even show the carrier's face/front.
I called this one "the wave." In this sketch, I was going for more of a "crashing down" on the ball carrier. Unlike the first sketch, this one features the ball carrier prominently but in a position of weakness. I really enjoyed how the figures are unrealistically stacked to the right; this sketch feels almost like fantasy to me. Perfect for fantasy football!
The last sketch was one I called "the wall." I wanted to show the defense as a literal "wall" between the ball carrier and the goal. The aspect I liked of this sketch was the hands obscuring the ball carrier's uniform number; this would help by not singling out any particular player as the victim, and its also a bit metaphoric. I also liked the "back against the wall" aspect that no one would probably ever notice but me :)
Ed chose the third sketch ("the wall"), and I was off to create the final art. I decided to flip the image so that the viewer's eye would travel top left to bottom which made more sense to me. I also altered my use of blacks to focus more on the Steelers' uniforms and less on light and shadow; it worked well in this piece as there is still a healthy pattern of blacks and value.
Final Art:
One note I would like to make is the effort put into the logos and uniform numbers. I dont mean to boast, but its all there, even the helmet "Riddels!"
Thanks to Ed for the opportunity to make artwork I really enjoyed! I hope to do more action-oriented artwork in the sports field for future assignments.
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
In regards to my last post concerning the field of illustration, I would like to say that after some research and correspondence, I was educated on the Conyers Bill from 2002. Check it out for info on what was almost an illustrators' union as well as info on antitrust laws. Its interesting stuff. I do still think some type of universal creative organization would be beneficial but I will stop talking about it as it appears its been tried before and didnt work out as parties could not agree or act in unison.
No worries, though! Lots of other things to focus on! New cards are coming this week. Maybe you will get one. Six new pieces are finished or in the works for future publication in the coming months. I'm hopefully getting to work in some personal project book covers this summer, and I'm looking for new ways to promote. I am looking for illustration groups and organizations to join as well in order to just have some sense of community as working from home is very solitary.
What else to mention? Currently, I am halfway through a multi-illustration project that I look forward to sharing when published. Its all hush-hush now but hopefully it wont be for long!
So for now, I can only share some artwork that is being published tomorrow:
ESPN the Magazine contacted me back in March with a cool illustration assignment: the defensive line of the Pittsburgh Steelers. The artwork was for ESPN's Fantasy Football 2009 Magazine. I had been wanting to do some sports-related art but I could never find the time; so I was super-psyched to do the job!
I was actually a little intimidated as the magazine is for "SUPER DIE HARD football fans." I was so paranoid (as is always the case) that I would mess up a uniform aspect or a player's name/number. So I did tons of research before even starting sketches to really familiarize myself with the team. Ed Mann, the art director, also sent me some nice high-res reference as well which helped greatly. After Ed and I settled all the details of the project, I sketched up these action-based images for him.
The Sketches:
I called this one "the stack." I was really having fun just trying to show the defense as a mass of helmets and uniforms. A swarm, if you will. I liked how this one was a stack of players where you don't notice the ball carrier at first; it focuses on the defense by not even show the carrier's face/front.
I called this one "the wave." In this sketch, I was going for more of a "crashing down" on the ball carrier. Unlike the first sketch, this one features the ball carrier prominently but in a position of weakness. I really enjoyed how the figures are unrealistically stacked to the right; this sketch feels almost like fantasy to me. Perfect for fantasy football!
The last sketch was one I called "the wall." I wanted to show the defense as a literal "wall" between the ball carrier and the goal. The aspect I liked of this sketch was the hands obscuring the ball carrier's uniform number; this would help by not singling out any particular player as the victim, and its also a bit metaphoric. I also liked the "back against the wall" aspect that no one would probably ever notice but me :)Ed chose the third sketch ("the wall"), and I was off to create the final art. I decided to flip the image so that the viewer's eye would travel top left to bottom which made more sense to me. I also altered my use of blacks to focus more on the Steelers' uniforms and less on light and shadow; it worked well in this piece as there is still a healthy pattern of blacks and value.
Final Art:
One note I would like to make is the effort put into the logos and uniform numbers. I dont mean to boast, but its all there, even the helmet "Riddels!"Thanks to Ed for the opportunity to make artwork I really enjoyed! I hope to do more action-oriented artwork in the sports field for future assignments.
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Friday, June 5, 2009
What can we do? Educate each other.
Hello, friends. I'm really sorry I have not posted in a while. I am quite busy with a multi-illustration project that takes up most of my time. Also, projects from the past few months are just now starting to get published. So in the coming months, there will be more art posts. Again, I apologize. So I'm sorry if this post is a dangling carrot, but I wanted to open a possible forum to discuss a several topics in the field of illustration.
It seems every interview, blog, or podcast dealing with the business of illustration eventually discusses stock. For laymen, "stock" is the term used to describe illustration that an artist sells to a company including all rights; this company in turn sells the publishing rights only to anyone with the money (usually a much lower price) than a custom illustration. Some reports of stock illustration for a $1-50 are common.
What stock does to the illustration field is an attack in two-parts. First, it takes money from an illustrator's pocket by denying someone a commission, i.e instead of commissioning you to do a custom piece, a buyer can go to blank.com and buy an illustration that "sort of" fits the topic. So first, its takes money out of ALL artists pockets and gives it to these companies. Secondly, stock kills the creative process that results in unique and moving art; why pay someone a fee to think and be creative when one can just buy a generic businessman illustration or photo?
We all know stock is harmful. Yet people are still fueling these companies with new artwork. Why? Are schools not teaching students the harm of stock? Are stock companies paying more for work? I doubt it. Maybe some illustrators see it as free money for artwork they already made, but they do not realize that the small fee they get is harming the industry by denying someone a full commission. I honestly do not know why folks are still giving these companies art. I DO know its hard to make ends meet at times when freelancing; I do know its scary out there when the phone isn't ringing and the inbox is empty.
So I've come to the conclusion that many illustrators just may not be educated on the subject. Perhaps these illustrators did not attend a school or perhaps they moved into illustration from another field. It really does not matter where or why. We cant change what has happened or the cause; stock is here, and we must deal with it.
I applaud the efforts of the Graphic Artists Guild, Illustrators' Partnership of America, Illustration Conference, and numerous individuals (too many to name). Please note, I am not a member of any these organizations (although I soon hope to be when funding is available :) But their sites are free to visit so PLEASE DO!
Yes, these guys are working hard to benefit us, however, I see limitations that we must deal with. First, I think those that teach should educate their students THOROUGHLY. It assumed that these students are selling their art after graduating and seeing it as a good deal; they are making money directly from ther art. However, they are selling this art for basically nothing. Repeatedly drive home that stock is competition not opportunity. Cite examples if need be; I 'm sure I'm not the only one who has lost a job to a stock image! Don't just say "stock art is bad" and leave it at that. Even if the students groan and complain, make them aware. Play them podcasts! Read them articles by Brad Holland. Have speakers on the illustration practices and pitfalls from the Guild or even just from working professionals. Maybe make reading book such as "The Education of an Illustrator" mandatory instead of just "suggested." Thinking back I had a professor who did repeatedly attacked stock, and another who just glossed over it. I'm very thankful for that professor who made the extra effort!
I feel the above mentioned organization efforts to fight for illustrators' rights are great. The organizations are batting for all of us. Unfortunately, not all of us realize it. I see this as a big hurdle. The Graphic Artists Guild and Illustrators' partnership are valuable resources, and they are constantly trying to make headway for illustrators through efforts such as fighting the Orphan Works Act. But its "under the radar" so to speak.
Illustration is a career of solitude; we work and live alone for the most part. These organizations have information available but maybe these illustrators and students selling to stock companies don't know that these insightful and helpful organizations have websites and books geared toward helping us. Perhaps more of an effort needs to be made to reach out to the new faces in illustration. I really feel unless one searches out these venues of aid, they will not be aware of the existence of such helpful resources.
I know meetings are held and solutions found at conferences (panels of which I have been fortunate enough to enjoy) or at events, exhibitions, etc but lets face it: kids in school or fresh out cant afford to attend much of anything. Maybe we should have some "no charge" meetings for folks who cannot afford to attend. I feel any information on the subject of proper business practice and ethics should be free as it helps all of us. Heck, lets make pamphlets and hand them out on the streets if need be :) Please realize I dont mean to attack any organization; I just think we can reach more people without fancy parties and such. this may be a stretch but look at Alcoholics Anonymous: a open door, a welcoming group, and people talking and resolving issues; look at how that helps so many people.
That is one reason why I am writing this; I think a number of young illustrators and designers frequent this blog, and I hope this post will get some of them to visit these sites and read some valuable material not only about stock but about all aspects of being an illustrator. I also hope to open up some discussion on the subject by asking people to comment or question. Let's share information and resources!
Maybe organizations should "go guerilla" and aggressively deliver info to schools and illustrators? I don't know, but I DO know we need to get awareness and knowledge out to everyone in the field. WE also need to get illustrators motivated to want to learn. I know I learned a great deal AFTER college by just reading and visiting sites on illustration. And by communicating; I think thats our biggest weakness as an industry: we are so divided be it by geographic region, financial status, or circles within the industry. I have a friend working in film, and it amazing what their union has done for them. Perhaps its time for something like that? I don't know. Any thoughts on anything I've mentioned here are greatly appreciated.
Links:
Illustrators' Partnership: Lots of essays and articles on all aspects of Illustration
Graphic Artists Guild: Publishes the Pricing and Ethical Guidelines Handbook. Features a contract monitor to help understand contracts along with other valuable resources.
AIGA: A huge site with lots of info (link to Orphan Works page)
Freelance Switch: Lots of article of freelancing. Features a podcast on everything illustration including business etiquette, contracts, valuing your work, you name it. Also has a rate calculator and other useful tools.
Starving Artists Law: Info on copyright, trademarks, volunteer lawyers, etc
These are just few. PLEASE feel free to link to more in comments! I hope this helps someone; I just want to make an effort on behalf of the industry.
Books:
The Education of an Illustrator (Heller/Arisman)
The Business of Illustration (Heller/Arisman)
Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer
It seems every interview, blog, or podcast dealing with the business of illustration eventually discusses stock. For laymen, "stock" is the term used to describe illustration that an artist sells to a company including all rights; this company in turn sells the publishing rights only to anyone with the money (usually a much lower price) than a custom illustration. Some reports of stock illustration for a $1-50 are common.
What stock does to the illustration field is an attack in two-parts. First, it takes money from an illustrator's pocket by denying someone a commission, i.e instead of commissioning you to do a custom piece, a buyer can go to blank.com and buy an illustration that "sort of" fits the topic. So first, its takes money out of ALL artists pockets and gives it to these companies. Secondly, stock kills the creative process that results in unique and moving art; why pay someone a fee to think and be creative when one can just buy a generic businessman illustration or photo?
We all know stock is harmful. Yet people are still fueling these companies with new artwork. Why? Are schools not teaching students the harm of stock? Are stock companies paying more for work? I doubt it. Maybe some illustrators see it as free money for artwork they already made, but they do not realize that the small fee they get is harming the industry by denying someone a full commission. I honestly do not know why folks are still giving these companies art. I DO know its hard to make ends meet at times when freelancing; I do know its scary out there when the phone isn't ringing and the inbox is empty.
So I've come to the conclusion that many illustrators just may not be educated on the subject. Perhaps these illustrators did not attend a school or perhaps they moved into illustration from another field. It really does not matter where or why. We cant change what has happened or the cause; stock is here, and we must deal with it.
I applaud the efforts of the Graphic Artists Guild, Illustrators' Partnership of America, Illustration Conference, and numerous individuals (too many to name). Please note, I am not a member of any these organizations (although I soon hope to be when funding is available :) But their sites are free to visit so PLEASE DO!
Yes, these guys are working hard to benefit us, however, I see limitations that we must deal with. First, I think those that teach should educate their students THOROUGHLY. It assumed that these students are selling their art after graduating and seeing it as a good deal; they are making money directly from ther art. However, they are selling this art for basically nothing. Repeatedly drive home that stock is competition not opportunity. Cite examples if need be; I 'm sure I'm not the only one who has lost a job to a stock image! Don't just say "stock art is bad" and leave it at that. Even if the students groan and complain, make them aware. Play them podcasts! Read them articles by Brad Holland. Have speakers on the illustration practices and pitfalls from the Guild or even just from working professionals. Maybe make reading book such as "The Education of an Illustrator" mandatory instead of just "suggested." Thinking back I had a professor who did repeatedly attacked stock, and another who just glossed over it. I'm very thankful for that professor who made the extra effort!
I feel the above mentioned organization efforts to fight for illustrators' rights are great. The organizations are batting for all of us. Unfortunately, not all of us realize it. I see this as a big hurdle. The Graphic Artists Guild and Illustrators' partnership are valuable resources, and they are constantly trying to make headway for illustrators through efforts such as fighting the Orphan Works Act. But its "under the radar" so to speak.
Illustration is a career of solitude; we work and live alone for the most part. These organizations have information available but maybe these illustrators and students selling to stock companies don't know that these insightful and helpful organizations have websites and books geared toward helping us. Perhaps more of an effort needs to be made to reach out to the new faces in illustration. I really feel unless one searches out these venues of aid, they will not be aware of the existence of such helpful resources.
I know meetings are held and solutions found at conferences (panels of which I have been fortunate enough to enjoy) or at events, exhibitions, etc but lets face it: kids in school or fresh out cant afford to attend much of anything. Maybe we should have some "no charge" meetings for folks who cannot afford to attend. I feel any information on the subject of proper business practice and ethics should be free as it helps all of us. Heck, lets make pamphlets and hand them out on the streets if need be :) Please realize I dont mean to attack any organization; I just think we can reach more people without fancy parties and such. this may be a stretch but look at Alcoholics Anonymous: a open door, a welcoming group, and people talking and resolving issues; look at how that helps so many people.
That is one reason why I am writing this; I think a number of young illustrators and designers frequent this blog, and I hope this post will get some of them to visit these sites and read some valuable material not only about stock but about all aspects of being an illustrator. I also hope to open up some discussion on the subject by asking people to comment or question. Let's share information and resources!
Maybe organizations should "go guerilla" and aggressively deliver info to schools and illustrators? I don't know, but I DO know we need to get awareness and knowledge out to everyone in the field. WE also need to get illustrators motivated to want to learn. I know I learned a great deal AFTER college by just reading and visiting sites on illustration. And by communicating; I think thats our biggest weakness as an industry: we are so divided be it by geographic region, financial status, or circles within the industry. I have a friend working in film, and it amazing what their union has done for them. Perhaps its time for something like that? I don't know. Any thoughts on anything I've mentioned here are greatly appreciated.
Links:
Illustrators' Partnership: Lots of essays and articles on all aspects of Illustration
Graphic Artists Guild: Publishes the Pricing and Ethical Guidelines Handbook. Features a contract monitor to help understand contracts along with other valuable resources.
AIGA: A huge site with lots of info (link to Orphan Works page)
Freelance Switch: Lots of article of freelancing. Features a podcast on everything illustration including business etiquette, contracts, valuing your work, you name it. Also has a rate calculator and other useful tools.
Starving Artists Law: Info on copyright, trademarks, volunteer lawyers, etc
These are just few. PLEASE feel free to link to more in comments! I hope this helps someone; I just want to make an effort on behalf of the industry.
Books:
The Education of an Illustrator (Heller/Arisman)
The Business of Illustration (Heller/Arisman)
Starting Your Career as a Freelance Illustrator or Graphic Designer
Monday, April 27, 2009
Illustrophile Feature
Today I got an email from Charlene Chua letting me know that I would be featured on Illustrophile's homepage for the week! Awesome! Thanks, Charlene!
Stop by and check out their blog; there's something for everyone!
Enjoy the day,
Chris
Stop by and check out their blog; there's something for everyone!Enjoy the day,
Chris
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Desire for Academics and Creativity
Hello.
Well, here we are. April. The end of this month will mark one year of this new journey. I am very happy to say I have been able to survive as a freelancer for a whole year. Much has changed, and at times I am still uncertain of what to do. There is still much to learn and much to be done. But I do think I'm off to a good start!
To mark this anniversary of sorts, I took it upon myself to re-design chris-whetzel.com(being uploaded tonight). Lately, I had been really unhappy with the website layout so I read up on some coding issues I was having with the site, and fixed it up to look a little better on any size screen. Also, I decided to use clearer thumbnails and add some features to make things easier for art directors after viewing joshuamiddleton.com. Thanks to Scott and Irene for bringing this website and its positive qualities to my attention. Also, thanks to Josh Middleton for amazing art on a well-designed site. I am really happy with the re-design, and I feel it may be around for a while. Of course the artwork will be updated as close to monthly as I can manage!
The time since my last post has been filled with work, thankfully. All are pending publication, so they will eventually be featured here. I have been very lucky to have some children's work to supplement my income! I am considering featuring the kids work on this blog as well as setting up a site for it. Also just completed was artwork for a client I was very excited to work with! Sadly, this artwork will not be released until June, and I can't wait to add it to the portfolio!
Its been a weird period. I have found myself to be very artistically driven as of late. I just added three new self-initiated pieces to the portfolio (which was a project in itself), planned more portfolio work, and provided artwork for three commissions. The odd part is that while being very busy with this work, I have had this yearning to be reading more. These past two weeks I read Robinson Crusoe and Lord of the Flies; I am currently working my way through Walden again. Walden is a very important book for me; a much of the book reflects how I attempt to live my own life (with some allowances :) Anyway, I have found that this rekindling of the desire to read has really inspired my creative side. What a pleasant surprise.
Now shut yer trap, Chris! Its time for the artwork!
This blog post features three new self-initiated pieces based upon Shakespeare's works. I took these on as a vehicle to experiment within my own artistic methods: playing with color, cropping, and composition as concept:
I am pretty happy with these, and I hope to get more work along these lines. If not, I'll just keep making them for myself, experimenting along the way!
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Well, here we are. April. The end of this month will mark one year of this new journey. I am very happy to say I have been able to survive as a freelancer for a whole year. Much has changed, and at times I am still uncertain of what to do. There is still much to learn and much to be done. But I do think I'm off to a good start!
To mark this anniversary of sorts, I took it upon myself to re-design chris-whetzel.com(being uploaded tonight). Lately, I had been really unhappy with the website layout so I read up on some coding issues I was having with the site, and fixed it up to look a little better on any size screen. Also, I decided to use clearer thumbnails and add some features to make things easier for art directors after viewing joshuamiddleton.com. Thanks to Scott and Irene for bringing this website and its positive qualities to my attention. Also, thanks to Josh Middleton for amazing art on a well-designed site. I am really happy with the re-design, and I feel it may be around for a while. Of course the artwork will be updated as close to monthly as I can manage!
The time since my last post has been filled with work, thankfully. All are pending publication, so they will eventually be featured here. I have been very lucky to have some children's work to supplement my income! I am considering featuring the kids work on this blog as well as setting up a site for it. Also just completed was artwork for a client I was very excited to work with! Sadly, this artwork will not be released until June, and I can't wait to add it to the portfolio!
Its been a weird period. I have found myself to be very artistically driven as of late. I just added three new self-initiated pieces to the portfolio (which was a project in itself), planned more portfolio work, and provided artwork for three commissions. The odd part is that while being very busy with this work, I have had this yearning to be reading more. These past two weeks I read Robinson Crusoe and Lord of the Flies; I am currently working my way through Walden again. Walden is a very important book for me; a much of the book reflects how I attempt to live my own life (with some allowances :) Anyway, I have found that this rekindling of the desire to read has really inspired my creative side. What a pleasant surprise.
Now shut yer trap, Chris! Its time for the artwork!
This blog post features three new self-initiated pieces based upon Shakespeare's works. I took these on as a vehicle to experiment within my own artistic methods: playing with color, cropping, and composition as concept:
I am pretty happy with these, and I hope to get more work along these lines. If not, I'll just keep making them for myself, experimenting along the way!Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Personal Projects
Hi! How ya doin'?
Welcome back! So whats new? Well, two posts back work was very slow and I am very grateful to have had some projects come in these past two weeks. So while working on them, I just got my new postcard out last week, and I am working on some new pdfs for the website. I FINALLY just got all my taxes sorted out and found that my amount due wasn't too bad at all. Nice! What else is going on?
Plenty! I actually wanted to talk a bit in this post about the slow times in freelance. It only took a little slow down to make me panic. I was sure the business was done, and I needed to find another production job. Maybe that will be the case if the economy continues the way it has this past year. But for now, I see the past two months as a great test to my fortitude and desire to really be doing this type of work. No doubt about it, my faith was definitely tested every time I looked at my bank account. Also, when not working, one's self-esteem takes a pretty big hit, too. "Why isn't anyone hiring me? Do I suck?" These questions creep up on you in the quiet times.
I have found the best way to deal with these times is to focus. Focus on one's work. Promote more. Fix anything you don't like about your portfolio; make it stronger. Clean up your website. Go draw. JUST DO SOMETHING so you aren't constantly doubting yourself.
I find this is a great time for personal projects. For me, its hard to make time for them when commissions are on the drafting table. So to utilize the time, and to assuage my doubts, I took on the Joker portrait from the last post, and another personal project. Sometihng I have worked on here and there is a comic concept my brother is tinkering with. I liked it so much I want to draw some stuff for it. We are currently reworking a short script, and here are the non-final character concept sketches:
The main character and his father (we are discussing a re-design of the father as I feel his character is wimpy)
The villain in armor and in robes:
Supporting characters:
A character study to capture a "crazy look:"
I also started a little poster campaign for myself concerning our current economic situation and energy needs. It will eventually be a three poster series but for now it just one :)
Sketch:
This was just a sketch in my book. I had been tinkering with the concept for a bit prior instigating the poster project.
Final 11x17:
I decided to crop the art to more easily draw attention to the bulb; I felt the sketch had too much info in it. I mocked it up as a Waste Management poster to work my typography muscles, and I sent it to 'em. My contact there forwarded it to the proper channels, but I don't expect to hear anything as WM works with a design studio for all of their materials. But still, I wanted to at least try my hand as pitching an idea to a cold client to exercise those muscles as well. Anyway, the other two posters are looking to be themed around recycling and public transportation while using the term "green thinking." Someday, you'll see them. They are actually on a far back burner for projects I am much more excited about right now, both commissioned and personal.
And that's that. I have sketches for more posters underway, and some work due early next week so I better get back to it.
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Welcome back! So whats new? Well, two posts back work was very slow and I am very grateful to have had some projects come in these past two weeks. So while working on them, I just got my new postcard out last week, and I am working on some new pdfs for the website. I FINALLY just got all my taxes sorted out and found that my amount due wasn't too bad at all. Nice! What else is going on?
Plenty! I actually wanted to talk a bit in this post about the slow times in freelance. It only took a little slow down to make me panic. I was sure the business was done, and I needed to find another production job. Maybe that will be the case if the economy continues the way it has this past year. But for now, I see the past two months as a great test to my fortitude and desire to really be doing this type of work. No doubt about it, my faith was definitely tested every time I looked at my bank account. Also, when not working, one's self-esteem takes a pretty big hit, too. "Why isn't anyone hiring me? Do I suck?" These questions creep up on you in the quiet times.
I have found the best way to deal with these times is to focus. Focus on one's work. Promote more. Fix anything you don't like about your portfolio; make it stronger. Clean up your website. Go draw. JUST DO SOMETHING so you aren't constantly doubting yourself.
I find this is a great time for personal projects. For me, its hard to make time for them when commissions are on the drafting table. So to utilize the time, and to assuage my doubts, I took on the Joker portrait from the last post, and another personal project. Sometihng I have worked on here and there is a comic concept my brother is tinkering with. I liked it so much I want to draw some stuff for it. We are currently reworking a short script, and here are the non-final character concept sketches:
The main character and his father (we are discussing a re-design of the father as I feel his character is wimpy)
The villain in armor and in robes:
Supporting characters:
A character study to capture a "crazy look:"
I also started a little poster campaign for myself concerning our current economic situation and energy needs. It will eventually be a three poster series but for now it just one :)Sketch:
This was just a sketch in my book. I had been tinkering with the concept for a bit prior instigating the poster project.Final 11x17:
I decided to crop the art to more easily draw attention to the bulb; I felt the sketch had too much info in it. I mocked it up as a Waste Management poster to work my typography muscles, and I sent it to 'em. My contact there forwarded it to the proper channels, but I don't expect to hear anything as WM works with a design studio for all of their materials. But still, I wanted to at least try my hand as pitching an idea to a cold client to exercise those muscles as well. Anyway, the other two posters are looking to be themed around recycling and public transportation while using the term "green thinking." Someday, you'll see them. They are actually on a far back burner for projects I am much more excited about right now, both commissioned and personal.And that's that. I have sketches for more posters underway, and some work due early next week so I better get back to it.
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tee Hee!
Howdy folks! I just wanted to do a quick post about an upcoming show in Philadelphia. The show takes place at Brave New Worlds in Olde City. It is a themed-group show put on by The Autumn Society.
Exhibition info:
Opening Reception: Friday, April 3rd, 2009 6-9 pm
Brave New Worlds
45 N 2nd st
Philadelphia, PA 19106
I decided to focus on the comic-book Joker as opposed to movie versions as portrayed by Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger. Also, after seeing much of the art for the show, it seemed to me that much of it was humorous or based on capturing the likeness of Mr. Ledger. I decided I wanted to focus on other aspects of the character. In my diagnosis, he feels completely misunderstood by society. Lacking any constructive means to express himself, he does so with violence. I think he truly enjoy one's suffering, even his own.
Sketch:
Final:
You know, I always like my sketches more. I may explore this in full-color, and I think expanding upon these portraits is a good personal project for me.
Enjoy the Day,
Chris
Exhibition info:
Opening Reception: Friday, April 3rd, 2009 6-9 pm
Brave New Worlds
45 N 2nd st
Philadelphia, PA 19106
I decided to focus on the comic-book Joker as opposed to movie versions as portrayed by Jack Nicholson and Heath Ledger. Also, after seeing much of the art for the show, it seemed to me that much of it was humorous or based on capturing the likeness of Mr. Ledger. I decided I wanted to focus on other aspects of the character. In my diagnosis, he feels completely misunderstood by society. Lacking any constructive means to express himself, he does so with violence. I think he truly enjoy one's suffering, even his own.
Sketch:
Final:
You know, I always like my sketches more. I may explore this in full-color, and I think expanding upon these portraits is a good personal project for me.Enjoy the Day,
Chris
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