Method to the Madness

Lately I've been fielding a lot of emails about my process from people who are interested in having a fabulous life where they can have it all and still have fun while they "work". I thought that this might be a good opportunity to show you how I start thinking and using my sketches for good (or evil) depending on a client...

One of the really fun things I've learned from years of doing this and finally getting the hang of things, is that you should always start off like you don't even have a client. Sometimes I like to pretend the client doesn't exist. Sorry lovely clients, you get better work out of me and you know it, if I ignore you for a tiny bit at the beginning.

I'm working at expanding a jungle or rainforest line of surface design this week. I did this page of sketches this morning on the F train in red felt tippy pen.

I think part of the reason it's good to ignore your client a tiny bit at the beginning is that you're allowed to brainstorm. These doodles are just crazy and silly, but they're going in the right direction. I know that penguin kid in a hat isn't going to do anyone any good but I got to draw him without thinking that at the time.

The key to happiness in everything I do is allowing myself the freedom and room I need to create. I don't ever tell myself something is awful. I let it breathe a little bit and I usually come to the right decisions. Don't beat yourself up if something isn't working. Just put it down and draw something else or take a break. One of the great keys to success in life is breaks... speaking of which, I'll get back to this some other time.

Let them wear hats!

So let it be written. So let it be done.

That Disingenuous Creature...

Some call him 'Fox'.
mediums: Construction paper, Bic ball-point Pen, White-Out, Boredom

Ain't No Routine Like an Olympic Routine!

Ah hem... so like I mentioned....I've developed what you might call an unhealthy obsession. Luckily it's for watching extremely healthy people. The Olympics have reminded me that I am actually an animator, that I have my BFA in FILM and that I should be paying attention to MOTION. I sketched this series out rapid fire last week during the Olympic diving trials.
Go USA!!!

It's best seen in scrolly vision, meaning start at the top and on your mark, get set, go!!!

I Cannot Possibly Be Expected to Create Art....

I'm in Olympic mode. My world has been dominated by trials for weeks and now it's dominated by actual events. I'm inspired and I'm sure you'll appreciate the aftermath. I'm sketching like a fiend and you'll love the "women's" gymnastics sketches that I've been pulling together. I'm too busy to post now, as the majority of my time not watching the Olympics is spent daydreaming about Michael Phelps. I hope you're soaking up the sports. I'll be back soon. I'll be back with Vampire art and Sporty drawings in a week or so, as all my time has been divied up between the Micheal Phelps and Stephenie Meyer. It's been a long time since I've been so greatly influenced by the outside world. As I'm swept into my own radical fandom, I appreciate my loving audience even more. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you. I'm excited about this upswing. Have happy days and check back soonish;)