Matt Swartz Illustrations

The Mysterious Benedict Society

2011-06-15T00:36:00.001-07:00

So remember that project from last year? Well, this is the result of it, and as you can see, I didn't get very far. These character designs are inspired by the book "The Mysterious Benedict Society". It's awesome, and if you are a fan of mystery/detective young adult books, then I highly recommend it. So when I was working on it, it just boring. The character designs aren't particularly unique or interesting, just ordinary. I really like the color pallet and the original story, but that's about it. But for the sake of sharing, and trying to get better about posting, here it is. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear your opinions and maybe get motivated to work on this project again.

Tron: Evolution

2011-06-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some DGamer costumes and assets I made for the DS version of Tron: Evolution. You might see some characters not from the film, and thats because the game actually takes place before the film.

Tangled

2011-06-13T00:23:00.000-07:00

So here are some DGamer outfits for Tangled! I know the game (and movie) came out a while ago, but I figured why not post these. Let me know what you think.

Halloween

2010-11-07T20:52:00.000-08:00

I know, I know. Halloween was LAST week, and I'm just now getting my post up. But I've been busy, and there were festivities and parties, so this got pushed back a little. The good news is that it's done, the bad news is I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'd love feedback on it, seriously. I tried for something more dramatic and moody, instead of a generic broadly lit scene. Now that this is done-ish, I'll start working on Tristan and his story. And you think I was joking, but I want feedback!!!

Please?

Figure, Pt. 1

2010-10-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some figure drawings I did during a workshop at work. Nothing serious, just 10 mins. poses. Let me know what you think.

Influence Map

2010-10-13T01:07:00.000-07:00

So I know I've been neglecting my Halloween assignment, but things have been super busy at work! I mean it, CRAZY busy. I promise, I will finish it before the big day arrives. But in the mean time, here is a silly thing I made. It always seems like I'm behind in the times, but this "influence map" was floating around the interwebz a while ago and I thought it would be fun to do my own. It turned out to be more time consuming than I thought, but I wanted to find things that really influenced me as an artist. Can you see some of these things in my work? I can, but then that's why I picked them, duh!

Introducing...

2010-10-03T22:14:00.000-07:00

... Tristan! Surprise, another post! I've been saving up to make sure there are tons of new content. Hopefully this will give me the momentum to keep posting. Anyway, Tristan is the main character of my new project, and he is a fabulous hi-wire walking, acrobatic giraffe from a traveling circus. All that should give me tons to work off, and provide for interesting side characters and awesome environments. Let me know what you think. I really want to make this project super successful. I figure the more I say it, the more likely it is to com true. Anyway, comments, please!

It's Officially October...

2010-10-03T22:02:00.000-07:00

And you know what that means... Halloween is coming! Yes, that time of year that allows us to eat too much candy, and prepares us for November and December holidays! So, to start the month off right, lets start some Halloween fan art. I'm giving myself a week to get it finished, so lets see if I can do it. Let me know what you think.

Aaron Stone

2010-10-03T01:01:00.000-07:00

Alright, I promise this is the last DGamer game for a while. Promise. I want to start posting new work soon, to show you that I actually have my own creative ideas. Anyway, Aaron Stone is an interesting title because... it never got made. Aaron Stone was a TV show that were were going to base a game off, until the TV show got cancelled. So that game that was in production got cancelled. It's been a while, so I figured I was safe to post these. I think they turned out pretty cool, but I don't think the guns would have passed the ESRB ratings. Oh well.

Phineas and Ferb: Ride Again

2010-10-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

So this was actually a super awesome title to work on. It's super stylized, so it's challenging to convert to 3D DGamer style, and the show is HILARIOUS! No seriously, watch an episode and try not to smile. Can't be done. Like Fairies, we already made the main characters' outfit in the previous game, so our challenge was to still make interesting costume that are still recognizable to the franchise. Let me know what you think.

Tinker Bell and the Great Fairy Rescue

2010-10-01T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some DGamer dresses I made for Tinker Bell 3. We've done most all of the major characters in previous games, but we finally added Vidia, the antagonist in Pixie Hallow. Is it sad that I know all this? I guess it's just my job :) Anyway, more to come, promise!

Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam

2010-09-30T23:35:00.001-07:00

Hi guys, another DGamer update. This was a super intense title to work on. I only had two weeks total to model, texture, weight and export these assets, which is a tight deadline! Note - There are more costumes I'm not showing, don't think it was just a couple of weird dresses. I do not understand the fashion trends of some of teens these day. Back in my day....

Sorcerer's Apprentice

2010-09-29T23:31:00.001-07:00

What!?! Two posts, one day? Crazy... Anyway, here are DGamer assets for the Sorcerer's Apprentice. I will say, the movie was good. Maybe my expectations were so low that anything coherent would seem amazing, but I was entertained. Had some cool things to model for the game, but again, a lot of tee-shirts that I won't bore you with. Let me know what you think.

Club Penguin: Herbert's Revenge

2010-09-29T23:19:00.000-07:00

Another DS game means more DGamer! The best part of this project were the hats, everything else was pretty basic, hoodies and tees. So yeah.

Toy Story 3

2010-09-27T23:08:00.000-07:00

Anyone see that little movie called Toy Story 3? You and everyone else! Well, Disney made a DS game for it, and surprise, I made DGamer assets! So here they are. It was fun working on such a huge project! There was even talks of doing some marketing with LEGO, which I made assets for, but unfortunately, the deal didn't go through. Oh, and just so you know, there is a default Buzz costume in DGamer when you log on, but this one is so much better! Let me know what you think. I'll be posting a TON more games too, and maybe some personal work (insert shocked face here). See you soon!

Stitch Jam

2010-06-13T16:19:00.000-07:00

So this is another one of those crazy projects. This game was originally intended to be a Japan exclusive, but the executives figured since we were spending the money, why not make it available for the North America. Anyway, we had two weeks to produce everything. Normally not two hard, except we had to play the game ourselves and come up with the achievements and honors, something the game producers does. So it was a busy two weeks, but I had a lot of fun :)

Sonny With A Chance

2010-06-12T21:20:00.000-07:00

Yay! Another post! So here is another game I worked on based on a Disney Channel show. I think I've worked on every single show, and yet, I somehow managed not working on Hannah Montana :) So this is one of those situations where you should learn to keep quite. I was only supposed to make one super hero costume, plus 12 others items. Well, we pulled one costume and wanted to replace it. So we added another super hero costume. I jokingly said "If we're doing two costumes from "Loser Force Five", we might as well do the rest." Well, turns out my producers thought that was a great idea, and added those to my work load. I think they turned out pretty well though. My favorite is FlatuLance, because he's a super hero with "super farts". I kid you not. Way to go Disney!

Alice In Wonderland

2010-06-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

So yeah, I know I promised more post this year, but what can I say... Things have been busy. So here is more DGamer that I worked on last year for the movie Alice In Wonderland. The game is actually really good, one of the few DS titles I've played all the way through. And the style of the game is radically different than that of the movie, so it's visually interesting. But since the game is SO different (black and white with limited color), we decided DGamer should reflect the movie. I think they turned out well. I'll have more things to post soon, promise....

New Project... Finally!

2010-03-19T11:18:00.000-07:00

So I just wanted everyone to see a sneak peak of the personal project I'm working on. I'm trying to get a more "film" quality to it instead of something too "TV", if that makes since. Let me know what you think. Thanks - Matt

Retrospective

2010-03-18T18:43:00.000-07:00

So at the beginning of the year, this thing started spreading around DeviantArt. Even though I don't have an account, I couldn't resist making my own. When most people get rid of old embarrassing work, I hold on to it, all of it. Because at one point, I thought it was quality, original work. Of course now I realize its horrible and possibly offensive, but it's nice to have things to show your progress. So look at this "Retrospective" and enjoy. It might even inspire you to make your own. And hopefully I'll continue to get better to the point where I look at the work from 2009 and cringe :)

Princess and the Frog

2010-03-18T18:24:00.000-07:00

Since, Princess and the Frog just got released on DVD and Blu-Ray, I figured now would be good time to post the stuff I made for DGamer. This was actuality a really fun project for me to work on. I was actually super excited to work on it. As an artist, you have to respect the work Disney does with it's animated movies, especially the traditionally animated movies. I have so many memories attached to films like "Dumbo", "Jungle Book" and "The Lion King", they essentially became a part of me. So you can imagine my excitement receiving a packet with marked CONFIDENTIAL in big red letters. I opened it up, and it was the style guide and concept work for Princess and the Frog! Just looking at it made me drool. And they wanted me to make little 3D models with this! Awesome! So here you go, a sample of work. There are tons of things I didn't post because it would be 20 more renders... Oh and I still have the style guide at my desk :) I don't know if they need it back, but I still have it!

Jonas

2010-03-01T23:21:00.000-08:00

What? It's March 2, and this is my first post of the New Year?!? Poor little neglected blog. I promise to post more. I recently did a retrospective and 2009 was quite a "light" year for art, personal or otherwise. I'm working a new project though, and hopefully I'll have more things to post soon, giving this blog some credibility. Any ways, here is another title I worked on last year. I know it's not the most glamorous or exciting title, I just do what they tell me to. Even if this game or franchise isn't my personal choice, I figure I'll show people that I'm at least producing some kind of work, even if it is for the Jonas Brothers. I still have Princess and the Frog from last year, and the new Alice and Wonderland game (which is actually pretty good, and releases this week). Maybe I'll be posting in the future? Maybe...

A Christmas Carol

2009-11-05T07:18:00.001-08:00

So, this must be some sort of "Christmas Miracle" if I'm posting another post! Ha! So something exciting about this particular title is that I worked on the original concept when I was an intern in the Think Tank! That means I started working on this Jan 2008, almost two full years before the movie, and then picked it up in March 2009. It was pretty cool working on a big movie property like this. I got to read the script (my first script!) and I had to have everything approved by Robert Zemeckis' and Jim Carrey's people. I also was able to expand and improve on DGamer, helping create new code redemption assets. So if you buy some cool Christmas Carol products, you might find a redeemable code that will give you so awesome avatar gear! Anyways, enjoy. And don't fret, because another post is coming soon!

TinkerBell and the Lost Treasure

2009-11-02T23:39:00.001-08:00

Wow, it's that time again! Time for my random post showing the fruits of my labor, meaning a new DS title was released with DGamer on it. No surprise here, that there would be a game based on the second Fairies movie, seeing as how the first one was so popular. So here we have TinkerBell and her friends wearing their dresses from the movie. Be warned though, there is going to be a DS release for every week in November, so this won;t be the last you hear of me. Maybe someday I'll post some of my personal work.

Wizards Of Waverly Place

2009-09-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

So, its that time again... DGamer time! Things have been so busy at work, I moved apartments, and went home to Montana for Labor Day (not that these are any excuses for not posting more frequently), but I though you should know. Wizards actually came out in stores a while ago, maybe at the end of Aug? Anyway, more of the same... yet different. This game had it's own share of problems, not so much technical, but creative. Painting super small, heavily patterned textures is not fun, but that's my job, and I did it! I'm actually really starting to get into a rhythm of creating for DGamer, so things have been getting easier. I'm excited for the end of the year because four titles launch in one month, that's a game every week! Exciting!

Summer Fun

2009-08-15T01:26:00.000-07:00

So yes, more DGamer was released today, so that means I can show you stuff! This is actually pretty cool because its our first web-exclusive, meaning you can only find it at DGamer.com! (at least for now) These will eventually become default items on our game cards, but not right now. DGamer hadn't done anything like this before, that is until I came along, so now we're planning more DLC! Exciting! As long as they want to keep me busy, it means I have a job, and that makes me happy!

Gorillas and Tigers and Polar Bears Oh My...

2009-07-26T16:34:00.001-07:00

Just some simple sketches I did one day. I think the Polar Bears are my favorite, but thats just me. Which are your favorite?

"Where Have All The Cowboys Gone...."

2009-07-23T22:43:00.001-07:00

Thank you Paula Cole, for that lovely introduction. I know I'm on a role, because 3rd post this week! Yeah boy! So, again more sketch, this time focused on some hard workin' cattle folk. I don't know if it was growing up in Oklahoma, or Montana, but I think cowboys are awesome, and should be drawn more often. And trust me when I say, I'm totally going to draw more cowboys... maybe soon?

Landscapes

2009-07-23T01:21:00.000-07:00

What? Another post... in the same week?!? Crazy-ness I know. But I've had some time to go through my computer files, and found somethings I had done, but never posted. So here are just some quick landscapes, you know nothing fancy. I wish I could say I did them from life, but that's only sort of true. They are from pictures I took. So yes, I saw them in person, documented the occasion, then did some drawings in Prisma. Enjoy

G-Force!!!

2009-07-21T14:04:00.001-07:00

So, I'm well aware of the fact that I've been neglecting this poor blog, but the past months have been relaxing, just hanging out with friends, movies, and of course good food! But, now, back to business!!!

So whenever I tell people about what I do at work, they have no idea what DGamer is, and it's alright because it's focused for a younger audenice. But with today being the day G-Force games are being released for your playing enjoyment, I'd figure it was the perfect time to show what I do. Basically, I play dress up with 3D dolls! I create all the costumes that these little avitars wear, and I do all the textures too! The textures have to be pretty simple, only the size of 64 bits (very small). So yeah, take a look at what I worked on forever (from January to March) GForce is my first title, so there were some stumbling blocks learning the ropes, but I'm happy its out for the world to see now.

Figures

2009-04-25T22:21:00.001-07:00

So recently, I've decided to take up Disney's Consumer Products free figure drawing class. Unfortunately, it's only Friday during lunch, and always a costumed model, but I shouldn't complain (it is free after all). It's been good though, trying to get back into the groove. Ignore all the males faces, because something just wasn't clicking that day. I'm not saying these are amazing, but at least I'm trying, and that's all that really matters right?

Introducing....

2009-04-21T01:44:00.001-07:00

Ami! First off, what do you think of the names? I really like Ami, but not sure how I feel about Travis. Suggestions? Anyway, slowly but surely, the family is coming together. I have a pretty clear idea where I want to take the parents, but you know how things can change. But can you feel the conflict? Delicious!

Turn Arounds

2009-04-10T00:29:00.000-07:00

While looking at my concept portfolio, I realized that most of the things in there are "one shots", a basic study, emotions, or maybe just one environment. I hardly ever flesh out the worlds, with multiple pieces relating to one project, and giving the viewer a sense of mood and what the story is. I'm working on that though, and I'm starting with the gamer from a few posts back. I'm going to do more characters/ family member designs, plus some environments and maybe a few props. Check back to see my progress.

Tree House Revisited

2009-03-14T01:16:00.000-07:00

I was looking at my portfolio the other day, and felt like I needed more environments. Not that this is really an environment, more of a design. Anyway, another realisation is that I need to flesh out pieces in my portfolio. I have so many things that are just one shots, and not a lot of exploring every aspect of a project, from environments to turn-a-rounds and expressions to prop designs. Well, hopefully I'll have more time to round out some ideas I have. Tell me what you think.

Reggie...Again

2009-03-02T02:02:00.000-08:00

So I finally finished something. I've been so busy at work, and bringing it home, that it's been hard to work on anything personal. Like the other day, I went on a one day business trip to Utah, to get secret Maya secrets passed on to me. Crazy. Anyway, here is a Reggie painting. I just wanted to play with texture and lighting. Super cute right?

Surprise!

2009-02-19T01:11:00.000-08:00

So not to be out done by my friend, Miss Anna Luther, here are some expressions I've been working on for what seems like forever. It has actually proven to be quite difficult, stepping slightly of my drawing style, for something much more animation friendly. Anyway, there are a ton more expression and gestures, but these are my favorites. Let me know what you think.

More Environments

2009-02-04T08:56:00.000-08:00

Here we go, another environment, but this one is different. Recently, I've been focusing lately more on values and lighting, and of course maintaining my graphic style. I think I'm going to do something with this character, but i haven't decided yet. Check back to see what I do.

I Know I Know

2009-02-02T08:44:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a little late on this, but better late than never. Here are two more t-shirt designs, so hopefully they do as well (if not better than the first). Wish me luck :)

Building

2009-01-21T00:03:00.000-08:00

To go along with the environment I just completed, I wanted something a little more "rendered". So these are just the three building in the mid-ground, but with a little bit more detail, lighting and all that wonderful texture. Let me know what you think.

Finished Environment

2009-01-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

Just finished the environment I was working on. And I know it's hard to believe, but this is Photoshop not Illustrator. I really did start this thinking "painterly" thoughts, but why fight a good thing. I'm happy with it though. Let me know what you think. Hopefully sometime during this week, I'll have more to post. Oh, and only a few more days to vote for my shirt design "Party Time", so go out and vote!

Threadless Submission

2009-01-08T15:30:00.000-08:00

Some of you might remember these guys from an earlier post, and I've finally decided to do something with them. I submitted to Threadless and was approved! For those of you that don't know, if I get enough votes, then my design would be printed and sold online. Plus, I would get some prizes! So it's up to you citizens to vote for my shirt! Go, login or register and help me get printed! Thanks

I'm Not Dead!

2009-01-06T00:22:00.000-08:00

So, I know I said I would post before Christmas, but I say a lot of things. Seeing how it's no longer the season to produce holiday fanart, here are some thumbnails for a project I'm working on. Really simple shapes, trying to play around with compositions. Just a simple Bavaria village in th shadow of a terrible mountain. Let me know what you think. More post to come in the future, I promise. (It's my New Year's Resolution - wink)

Finished Holiday Birds

2008-12-15T00:15:00.000-08:00

So, true to my word, here is the second bird, offering a star to his lady love (awww). So yeah, I think I've worked out a schedule that lets me work during the week, and to focus on my own projects during the weekend. Hopefully, I'll get one more piece finished before I leave for the holidays, so check back again to see if I do.

Holiday Bird

2008-12-07T22:57:00.000-08:00

So yeah, I'm not dead. I have just been swamped at work, and it's been following me home. But hopefully, I'll be able to post more things as I get into the holiday spirit. I just wanted to make a cute little image, using cut paper. There will be a second one coming soon, so watch out for that. Tell me what you think.

"When Pigs Fly...

2008-11-17T21:33:00.000-08:00

surely they will go into business towing banners behind them."

Just a little design I did while I was sick over the weekend. Still feeling under the weather, but hopefully more posts soon.

Family Reunion

2008-11-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

A little late, but better now than never. The story behind this is simple, Drak Jr. hates family reunions. He always ends up escorting his Great Aunt Agatha around, who tends to think he looks like her late husband. The background is obviously not finished, but that will be for another post. Anyway, let me know what you think of it so far. Any advice is appreciated.

Haunted House

2008-10-13T00:52:00.000-07:00

Well, not really. Maybe just a creepy house. But I really like it, it just took me a little while to finish. Hopefully I'll have something more to post, I love Halloween, so inspiration is on it's way. Anyway, tell me what you think.

The Messenger

2008-09-22T00:05:00.000-07:00

So another challenge that Anna issued. I wanted to do something really cute, and I think I did. Referenced Richard Scarry again, just for that whimsical feel. Let me know what you think.

The Ringmaster

2008-09-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

And here is the second part of the challenge, the Ringmaster. I wanted to keep in the style of the dancing bears, so really simple Photoshop. Maybe I'll try to do a more painterly Photoshop design in the near future, but right now whatever gets the job done. And I kinda like the flat color, so who knows.

Dancing Bears

2008-09-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

Original sketch

Yet another challenge with my good friend, Miss Anna Luther. It was "The Ringmaster and Dancing Bear". And as you can see, this is just the dancing bear part, and only sketches on top of that. But do not fret, for the ringmaster will appear soon.

Prophet Of DOOM 2!!!

2008-09-02T23:26:00.000-07:00

So I'm going to try, try being the operative word, to upload a sketch book page a day. Even if they are just tonal studies or cafe sketches or a painted page like this. It's just that today is the second of September and the year is almost over, and I should have a lot more to show for it. I'm just trying some new things out, and trying not to rely so much on Illustrator, so humor me and my ill-fated experiments. Check back often for more art and lets get started shall we.

Prophet Of DOOM!!!

2008-08-24T21:46:00.001-07:00

This is a character is none other than the Prophet of Doom! I challenged my friend Anna to a design-off, just for fun really. I wanted to do something different, so I chose this little girl whose cat has a third eye, allowing it to see the future!!! Hence, when ever you see this unlikely pair, bad news is a foot. I also did this in Photoshop, which I don't use enough, and came to this realization - Bad Photoshop is easy to point out and we say "I could do better", but it's hard work. I don't think some of the people that can do Photoshop well get enough credit, but that could just be me. Let me know what you think.

Long Time Coming

2008-08-03T01:58:00.001-07:00

After all those mini-paintings, I realized that I really need to just paint more. This has been sitting on my desk for a while now (since before I started work), and I was motivated this weekend to finish. I really wanted to focus on pattern and design, and think I was fairly successful. Let me know what you think.

Gifts 2

2008-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Erin Justin Jay

Just some more gifts I gave away at the end of the internship. I'm really enjoying these mini-paintings, just something simple and fun. Anyway, I hope to have more paintings/ illustrations in the future, so keep a look out.

Gifts

2008-06-30T07:44:00.000-07:00

Anuja and Chuck

Sean and Gideon

So, I just wrapped up the six month internship at DIS, and it was a great experience. I met some really talented people and I expect great things from them. Anyway, here are some mini-paintings I made as going away gifts. I think it's the least I could do for them, after having to spend six crazy months with me. More to come.

Ostriches

2008-06-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

When I was looking through my portfolio, I realized I do a lot of sketches and never really resolve or experiment with any of them. I originally started out with the bird holding the stop sign and went from there, exploring stylization, emotions and gesture.

Environments/ Compositons

2008-06-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

More work for my portfolio. I haven't really played around with environments and compositions in a long time, and we've been storyboarding at work, so I felt compelled. Just the tonal study and colored final.

Portfolio Stuff

2008-06-09T23:26:00.000-07:00

So, I've been busy lately with work and trying to build a portfolio to show after my internship is over. It's hard to believe I've been L.A. for almost six months, but I'm optimistic something will turn up soon. So here is the character sheet for the Space Boy, focusing on action and expressions. I'll have more stuff up soon, so continue to check back for updates. Enjoy.

Clem

2008-05-20T21:35:00.000-07:00

So, here is a character I designed. I think it turned out well, I like the color palette and the general design of him. It was supposed to be a part of a Wizard of Oz redo, but I realized it had no connection to the story at all, and I was using the story to fit my own twisted needs. So yeah, just a dude with some character features of the Scarecrow, but not the Scarecrow at all.

Website!

2008-04-20T00:38:00.000-07:00

All right all you readers (all five of you), I updated my website. FINALLY! After being in a state of "update" for several months, it's finally done! I think it came out awesome, and a special thanks to my friend John for setting it up for me. So check it out!

More Roboto...

2008-04-19T00:36:00.000-07:00

So, here it is, what you'll all been waiting for. My robot project has come to an end, but I really like what I did with it, as far as drawings and ideas. This is also how I present to companies my concept work, a little development and a little more polished, and there you have it. Hope you enjoy.

Mr. Roboto

2008-04-08T00:06:00.001-07:00

Finally! After multiple designs and trials, here is the final robot that I've been working on. I hope you like it!

Wolverine...Finally

2008-03-28T21:15:00.000-07:00

Front

Back

A work there has been a recurring theme of Wolverine, and I've been a little unmotivated. But for some strange reason, when it came to decorate a friends birthday present, who would pop into my head other than Wolverine. So yes, here he is.

Robots Galroe

2008-03-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

So I finally have some new work up! Huzzaz! I've been pretty busy at work, and then re-designing my website, be sure to keep an eye out for a new and improved version soon. But what you are beholding at this very moment are some robot designs for an upcoming personal project. I just felt I need more character based work for my portfolio, so I just went for it. Let me know what you think, or which is your favorite even, anything is appreciated. And thanks to John and Anna for all of their critiques and input.

The Juggler

2008-03-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

So, here we go. I've been pretty busy at work, but I decided I wanted to paint something. I came up with this quick thumbnail and then just dived in. It's just an image, with no real concept behind it.

I didn't know which direction I wanted to take with it, so I decided to do of them - one digital and one in acrylic. I like aspects of both, but the digital one just feels cleaner. The colors on the acrylic one seem really garish on the computer, but it doesn't seem this way in person. Well, any opinions would be great.

Bagel Of Supremacy

2008-01-31T23:33:00.000-08:00

Yeah... so peanut butter bagels are the best. Hands down.

I Have A Real Job!

2007-12-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Big News! Way back in November, I applied for a Think Tank internship with Disney Interactive Studios, and to my surprise, they called me for an interview. Fast forward a week, and I have accepted their offer! That means moving to L.A., finding and apartment, getting a car, and starting work all before Jan. 14. Very exciting...and extremely scary!

Scarecrow

2007-12-03T22:26:00.000-08:00

Just a little something I did on my day off. I want to do the rest, to start a children's portfolio. All cut paper, with some inspiration for Mary Blaire. What do you think?

Snow Day

2007-11-19T11:30:00.000-08:00

Last night was the first day it has actually snowed and stayed. So this is what I woke up to this morning. 6.5 inches of snow. So lucky me, I got to shovel the walk before I left for work. But at least it's pretty.

The Chef

2007-11-18T21:49:00.000-08:00

Howdy! So this is the first Illustration I've done in a while. But I have been feeling motivated since my trip to Minneapolis, so here we go. I was thinking about a children's cooking book, something in the realm on Richard Scarry, where everything is labeled. Enjoy.

Happy All Saints Day!

2007-11-01T20:39:00.000-07:00

Well, I hope everyone had a good Halloween, that is if you weren't working on projects or anything. Haven't gotten around to doing anything finished, so here is more sketchbook stuff. I won't try to pass it off as character design, because Lizbeth is right, there is no experimenting and exageration, just sketches my pencil drew. Just some super heros, trick-or-treaters, scary houses, dragons, and thumbnails for my next project (hopefully). What do you think?

Compare And Contrast - Hephaestus

2007-10-23T20:42:00.000-07:00

So one of the first things I did when I returned to Montana was work on building my portfolio. Sterling and I talked and agreed that some of my previous illustrations had potential, but needed work. So here is the first one, Hephaestus. I really like the drawing on this, and felt it was a good image, but the values were holding it back. So after working on it a little, what do you guys think of the new and improved(?) Hephaestus?

*UPDATE* So thanks to John, I figured out what was wrong with my file. Stupid CMYK/RGB settings. Now you can really see how bad and washed out the original was.

How Long Has It Been?

2007-10-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

So yeah, it is now October 22, and my last post was in September, almost a month ago. It's not that I haven't been working, but it's difficult working full time, and then having the extra energy to post sketches and stuff. But here is some stuff I made to go on my website (which I am completely redesigning). Just some sketchbook stuff and random doodles.

Compare And Contrast - Brer Rabbit

2007-09-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

So, I have no idea how/why my first Hephasteus image got all messed up? It somehow inversed the color, or something, and I tried many times and couldn't figure out how to fix it. But rest assured, the first image was worse than the original. Now he second illustration I worked on while I was home was Brer Rabbit. I started the image at the Illustration Academy '06, and liked the composition and design of the briar patch, but once again value was an issue. So I fixed it, what do you think?

"Can I help you find something?"

2007-09-09T20:05:00.000-07:00

So, it has finally happened. I decided to get a part time job while I start my freelance illustration career, and today was my first day as an official employee at...Target. Needing money and getting a little stir crazy being stuck in my house all day, I decided to find a job. I applied to many stores, from the mall (Express; Barnes And Noble; etc) to Michaels to some local design studio. But Target was the first to offer, and it seems decent enough. So today, I had the pleasure of standing for six hours straight and learn how to be a Target cashier, EXCITING! It was unique to say the least. I handled everything from cash, check and credit card to condoms, bra and panties, and dog Halloween costumes. We had a homeless man trying to get a ride outside the store, and shoplifters who tried to steal a duffle bag filled with 6 or 7 game systems. So lets see if the next few weeks will be as entertaining. I do have Monday and Tuesday off, so hopefully I will be productive art wise and finish my most recent illustration.

Illustration Academy, Part 2, Side B

2007-09-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

So here are the rest of the finished pieces from this year’s academy. The first is Bill Cosby, Anita Kunz's conceptual portrait assignment. I really think this is the best piece I did this summer, and is the general direction I want to take my work. The next is Doug Chayka and Jenny Kostecki's assignment, Pinocchio. It was formatted to be a two-page spread from Chapter 3. The final image is Mark English's assignment, where we had to go back and use only one value to describe things, and it had to be set in a restaurant/ cafe. I think this summer I really found out what work I really want to do, and in a round about way, how to do it. I just want to give a shout out to everyone that helped me this summer, especially Miller and all of CJ2, the instructors, and pretty much everyone else. Thanks for all the help.

Illustration Academy, Part 2, Side A

2007-08-29T15:57:00.000-07:00

This summer, I went to the Illustration Academy for the second time, and it was amazing. It was completely different from last year, but still worth every second of it. Here are the first three assignments, each given by a different visiting artist. The first is "Slice of Life: Sarasota", given by the four instructors. The objective was to focus on shape, value and composition, so I used painted cut paper. The second is Chris Payne's assignment "Celebrity Portrait". The image had to be appropriate for the New York Times' Book Review, and had to focus on likeness, I chose Rudyard Kipling. The third piece is "Blue", given to us by Gary Kelley. I actually redid this assignment over lecture week because the first was horrific, if not a learning experience. It is based of "Devil in the Blue Dress", or in this case, "Devil not in her Blue Dress".

Senior Thesis

2007-08-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

So, from January to May, my life was consumed by my senior project. I decided to make a comic book, allowing me in illustrate, design, layout, and character design all at once. Here is the cover and the first four pages. If you want to see more, or order a copy (they are printed), just e-mail me.

In the beginning....

2007-08-28T11:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome. This is an attempt to get back in touch with normal society. We'll see how well this goes, and if I can maintain the challenge of posting regularly.