Scribbles & Sketches

Today is Brian’s birthday. Some people may remember the Lego Brian I posted for his birthday last year. Well, this year I did Brian as Batman.

Let me know what you think.

The only way to get better at something is to educate yourself with the best of the best. So, I have decided to go back to CCAD to learn more about illustration. I’m taking Comic Book Illustration with Uko Smith. I was skeptical at first, mostly because I’m a comic book virgin. But, after the first class last Tuesday, I’m soooo excited for what’s to come. It will be challenging and time consuming, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think I’m really going to grow as an illustrator over the next several weeks.

I’m going to post all of my sketches, assignments, and final pieces here. The reason I’m posting them is for help from fellow illustrators. Please provide any constructive criticism you have. My feelings won’t be hurt. I really want to get better!

Assignment 1: Perspective

The assignment was to first do thumbnails and then one larger sketch using the perspective technique described in “Pat Quinn’s Perspective” (book provided by our teacher). There were 4 types of sketches that we had to complete.

1. One point – interior or exterior
2. Two point – interior
3. Three point – exterior
4. Three point – 3 figures, no background

It has been a few years since I have sent out cards for the holiday season, so I decided it was time. This is the first draft. This was created digitally. I’m going to take this sketch and use it in a block printing technique to get a more handmade feel. I’ll post the that version, if it is successful, this weekend.

This started out as another idea for a Valentine’s Day card. I think it needs to be pushed further for a card concept, but I liked it as a character sketch. I’m working to evolve this style beyond animal portraits.

The truth is, I love animals!

I’m having a lot of fun with this style. Here is another character. “Hello, I’m Laszlo. And. yes, I wear ties.”

I’m usually not very political, but this idea came to mind today. This is my tribute to the Inauguration and the next four years. It turned out a little more detailed than I had intended. Once I started to add stuff in I liked the texture it was creating.

I decided to work on a piece from an earlier post tonight. Here is a snapshot of the progress I made.

One of my goals for 2009 is to work on my illustration skills, so here is the first pencil sketch for the year. It’s a scene from the little boys imagination as he and his dog travel though space in their wagon rocket.

My next step is to explore mediums and techniques of adding color and finishing touches. The second image is just to provide more conceptual context around what I’m planning on doing with the background and composition of the piece.

Any feedback is welcome! I LOVE illustration and really want to grow as an illustrator, so any criticism, suggestions, ideas, etc. are much appreciated.