Wolf Sketch

After work, usually around 4:30, I like to treat myself to a quick sketch before going home. It's a nice way to wind down and have some fun. Lately, I've been drawing all my roughs (for work) on the computer using a program called Sketchbook Pro. It saves time and if there's a revision, it's easier to make an edit on the computer rather than redraw something from scratch. So getting back to the real sketchbook and holding an actual pen or paint brush feels really good!

This drawing took about 30 minutes. I really enjoy the spontaneity that comes from working fast.When I give myself a time limit I'm usually trying to put down as much information as I can and so the analytical part of the brain shuts down giving unexpected results. It's fun!

Wolf Portrait
Ink Brush, Colored Pencil and White Out on Toned Cardstock

Hipster Fox

I had a blast designing a series of hipster animals at work last month. Here's the link to the rest of the animals as Embroidery Designs.

http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/Products.aspx?Catalog=Emblibrary&ProductID=x11348

On the side, I've been working on a personal project with my wife. The goal is to create a theme of art prints to potentially sell on Etsy. Heidi's been so great at giving feedback about what works, what doesn't work and how to make it all go together as a set. This fox design on top was test in Adobe Illustrator to play with textures. Basically it's all grain filters and gradients. I'm liking the results and plan to apply it to the personal project.

It's been fun learning about Etsy and how it can empower creative entrepreneurs. The hardest part for me is being okay with the return rate vs. time invested in creating the art possibly being minimal. It's really about the journey though and learning more about the business side of being an artist. :)