Back on the Spot

Well, I've decided to go back to the Ispot. I was off for about 6 months and felt my web presence was kind of thin (like non-existant!). Here are a few pieces I've done recently that have really moved my style into a new groove. I did them for American Greetings and they should show up in Target stores around Xmas.

I've started doing some fine art lately as well and I will post soon.

For the Birds

Here is another piece playing with the "worn look". I'm still feeling around this technique to see if it will help the style or just be a distraction. It's fun recreating the feel of a classic publication, but I'm not super happy with the final. It's just missing something.

It's A Crime.

On all of these I gave the figure a highlighted edge and secondary, cool backlight, which I don't normally do in this style. It gives the figure more pop and drama.

Hollywood Hijinks!

And of course, what place was more amoral and depraved than Hollywood. I like the overall fade on this piece. The type is good old Klang. Also, a catchy blurb was essential.

Beaten to a Pulp!

As of late I've been looking at old pulp covers. For me the trashier the better. I really like the ones from the 50's and early 60's with their themes of amoral behavior that titillated the average Joe and Joann with tales from the wrong side of the tracks, the bohemian underground and the depraved lives those who dare to live counter to cultural norms and taboos. This was a shadowy land of innocence lost, peopled with Beatniks, convicts, hookers, gays and lesbians, and of course young, nubile women who took a wrong turn when they stepped off the bus from small town USA.

With these books the titillation started with the covers. You had to have a quick, overtly sexy title and skin to bring them in. I wanted my covers to look like they came from books you just pulled off a shelf from the back of your favorite used book store. I really wanted the viewer to smell that musty smell.

Happy Halloween!

Here is a piece I did for a greeting card that was never used. I like working in limited palettes like this.

Fun stuff

I've been asked to do some stock art for a collection. They are totally open to whatever I want to do. As an illustrator I don't usually get that kind of freedom so it is really a pleasure. Here are a few ideas.