Creative By Design

Humility in Design - Don't let a big head push out a great idea.

2012-02-10T12:33:00.001-06:00

I've had some things on my mind a lot lately and recently had a project that brought my big head back down to size, so figured it would be a good time to share.

If your reading this and are a designer, chances are you have a big head. I mean really, most of us do. I'll admit mine gets inflated and threatens to float off. But seriously, how many times do we sigh in exasperation at a clients suggestions or input because we feel they do not live up to our own. How often do we snicker at their concepts and thoughts. Are we quick to get fed up with them saying, "sure its good, but how can we make it better?" or "I'm just not feeling it, what else can we do?"

I'd bet everything I own that as designers we have all had these things attack our bulbous craniums. Now don't get me wrong, I've heard some and seen some client suggestions that warrant being addressed and talked down. But I honestly believe that as designers we tend to get to calloused. We get so caught up in our own abilities and creative thinking that we block out anything that might come against our preconceived ideas of what makes a good design, specially when it comes from the client. I have a good design buddy that said something once about this and it has stuck with me:

"If you think you are the only person bringing something creative to the table for a project, you are missing out on creating something truly unique."

When we take on the challenge of working within a client's dreams and suggestions, to mold, shape, and refine them, we are pushed to create something beyond what we would normally do. Something unique.

Lets look at it like this, my son is two years old. If he were to get his Mega Blocks and want to build a tunnel for his cars to drive through, chances are it would look like giant Lego dinosaur just left a #2 on his floor. But if he comes and gets me, and I take the time to listen and figure out what he is wanting to accomplish, I can build what he envisions. He himself lacks the skill to do it, thats why he came to me, in hopes that I can make it a reality. So I build him a tunnel for his cars, and even add a ramp on the side made from one of his books so he can launch cars across the room onto his bed. Then we play.

Thats what we should be about as designers. Not always scoffing at a clients ideas or suggestions, but trying to get to the heart of their vision for the project, and see how we can construct it in a useful way and even enhance it. Sure there are times when an idea needs to be squashed, but I think more often then not we just don't take the time to catch their vision because we are to busy snickering at their pile of Mega Blocks. Rather lets look at the pieces and see what can be made.

A Learning Experience - What is this stuff you call... paint.

2011-10-17T12:30:00.000-05:00

This past Saturday was a day full of productivity. From cleaning out cabinets, to pulling brush and junk from around the property and even playing a little ball with Eli. On top of that, I also got to try my hands at a new creative process. A few days ago I posted on Facebook that I was looking for anyone with leftover house paint in their garage, who might also might be willing to get rid of it. In moments I had a couple from our church who had plenty to donate to my creative cause.

So what better to do on a beautiful Saturday than sling some paint? Most of my creative pursuits get bogged down in detail and the desire for profection. I wanted to do somthing to cut loose, and throwing paint seemed like a good messy solution.

So I'm a total newbie with paint. I have no idea what I'm doing, other than having fun. I took an old piece of masonite I had and cut loose on it. This was really a trial run, see what this brush and that brush are like, what do drips look like when I do this or that, try sand paper, water balloons filled with paint. Ok... I didn't do the balloons... at least not yet.

Main things I learned is that I should plan a little more as to the design and color scheme, and that playing with paint is fun! And on that note, I'll take more if anyone has it cluttering up their garage!

Being my first round and all, I like how it came out. I'm sure more will come, and hopefully they will keep getting better. Saturday also ended on a great note. Nothing like a big fire to sit by after working outside all afternoon.

A Trio of Breakfast Condimeants

2011-09-12T12:55:00.000-05:00

So, for those that maybe reading this and not know, I'm no longer working in the sign industry! About 4-5 months ago I took a job with a Christian based publishing company called Tate Publishing. So far I've mostly done book cover design with them and it has been great!

So you may be asking, what does that have to do with breakfast condiments? Well, in the cover design department they have created a handful of awards that are given out each month for various reasons, and they each happen to be based on breakfast condiments. I mean who doesn't think of syrup when you see great book covers! So here is the break down...

• The Jemima Award: This beauty is for the best cover design of the month.
• The Honey Bear: The 1st runner up cover design.
• The Get Outuva Jam Award: for the designer who took a book with a difficult subject or content to design for and created an effective cover.

These are given out at the start of each month and the winning designer keeps the award on their desk till they are given out next month. So right now, for the month of September, I have all three sitting on my desk...

Now before this goes any further I have to say that me posting this on my blog isn't about me receiving these awards, yet to give God glory for making me who I am and allowing me to do creative work. I can do nothing good on my own, its only in the Grace of God that I can do anything. The title of this blog is "Creative by Design" and I believe that. I did not make myself into who I am today, but was made to be who I am today by the design of my creator. So this little collection of sticky awards is simply a testament to a God who asks us to rely on Him and not on ourselves. I simply hope that in His grace I can continue to do creative work.

Maiya - A Digital Coloring

2011-06-15T12:48:00.000-05:00

I've been sitting on this project for a while now, figured I'd go ahead and share it. A few months back I really wanted to do a digital coloring of something. I didn't feel much like drawing and found that on Deviant Art there are people who share their line art, and make it available for anyone to color. Cha Ching! Just what I was looking for.

I found this nice line art by manic-goose and thought it would be a nice relaxing image to get my digital hands on. So I downloaded and got to work.

I hope you enjoyed checking it out. It was a fun little project, and if your a fellow EVO user, you can download the image sized for wall paper below

[click the image to download]

Parable of the Sower

2011-06-13T13:01:00.001-05:00

Matthew 13:3-9

3 And he told them many things in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow.4 And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them.5 Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil,6 but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.7 Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them.8 Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.9 He who has ears,t let him hear."

Our pastor spoke on this text two Sundays ago and these images popped in my mind as he talked.

I know I haven't posted much, but Lord willing, hopefully things may start to show up more often.

Thanks for stopping by!

New Look Points To Something Greater

2010-10-01T04:50:00.002-05:00

Several years ago when I really got into graphic design, I wanted to design a logo that I could attach to my drawings and other personal artwork. I wanted something that would visually connect with my beliefs and of course, look cool. Well after a bit of exploring and sketching I came out with my angel graphic, and I loved it. I’ve used it on several things from my online presence to stamping my finished artwork with it... but it was time for a change.

If you read my post back in June, you know I’ve been thinking about who I am and who I desire to be. Well since then I’ve come to find that this angel graphic doesn’t really say much at all about who I am. As a follower and believer in Christ as the Son of God, I stand on the fact that He was crucified, buried and resurrected. That God’s wrath against sin was poured out on Him to save me from it, and has given me peace, freedom, forgiveness and access to a personal relationship with the one true God.

What does an angel graphic say of this? Well not much.

I never had anyone really make the connection that this angel was to somehow point to the fact that I’m a follower of Christ, and it was rather silly of me to think it would. Only recently I added the Greek cross to my name under the angel logo to try and connect it somehow to Christ. In a short time after that I actually had someone ask me, “Why the cross between your name? Does that have to do with what you believe?” So I knew I was on the right track, so the process began.

Now when I do logos, it’s kind of like mass chaos that gets refined over and over, polishing it down. Starting sometimes with brainstorm sketches or straight to the digital work, I try and grab as many of the ideas floating out of my head as I can. Not really trying to refine them, but to just get the basic idea of one, then snag the next. As this goes it can get messy (I actually cleaned up the image above so it wasn’t as crazy). Then comes the fun part, looking back over them and seeing what is really of value, what has potential and what really fits into what I’m looking for. Sometimes to find those things you really have to wrestle with your ideas, and sometimes they do all the work for you.

For this one it came about pretty quickly, once I decided to completely drop the angel and any variants of it. I wanted something simple and that would be easy to reproduce, and included a Greek cross. I loved its combination of references to Christ’s death as well as a universal symbol of medicine. Joining the two ideas in Christ being the healer of my heart and soul seemed the best place to start. Now the marks around the cross came about in response to what Christ has done. Wanting all aspects of me and my life to revolve around Him, and the reason for three is Matt 22:37 “And he said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”

Basically it comes down to wanting all things in my life to have Christ at their center. That He can be found at the core of who I am, which is also why the cross is put between my first and last name. Now it goes a little deeper with the color choices. Red was a must, for the blood of Christ, but you’ll notice the color of my name is lighter than the rest. This is intentional. When you look at the logo as a whole, you see my name but what keeps your attention? Its not me, it’s the cross. When you try to look away at something else, it draws your eyes right back.

When people see me, sure I’ll be seen, but my hope and desire is that I would fade away, that people would see Him in me.

So this is what the new look is all about and it’s what I’m about. Thanks for giving me a bit of your time and I hope you enjoy the things to come.

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Jack Sparrow - Pirates of the Caribbean - Sketchcard 3/3

2010-08-28T20:47:00.001-05:00

And to finish the set none other than Capt Jack Sparrow. Also take a look at all three together.

Thanks for checking them out!

Hector Barbossa - Pirates of the Caribbean - Sketchcard 2/3

2010-08-27T20:14:00.001-05:00

And next in the Pirates sketchcard trio is Barbossa.

Will Turner - Pirates of the Caribbean - Sketchcard 1/3

2010-08-26T19:38:00.000-05:00

After drawing Capt Jack in my Moleskine I've been thinking about doing a sketch card set of the Pirates of the Caribbean. Will Turner is the first of the three.

Marcus Fenix - Sketchcard

2010-08-25T18:34:00.001-05:00

It was only a matter of time before I did a sketch card of Marcus Fenix. Can't say it came out awesome, but it was fun. One day I'll do another of him.

Waiting on Photoshop = 80's Doodle

2010-08-13T11:50:00.000-05:00

Well, a few nights ago I was working on a project at home that was taking Photoshop a while to process things. So while instead of being hypnotized while gazing at progress bars, I doodled this.

For some reason it reminded me of women you would see playing extras in a 80s movie. Not sure how that connection was made, but anywhoo. I liked it and thought I'd share it.

Capt Jack - A Moleskine Sketch - Colored

2010-08-12T11:56:00.001-05:00

Well, as I said with my other post, I planed to color Ol' Jack. Still don't think I have a grip on color mixing for flesh tones. It always ends up a crazy mash of whatever might work in my head.

All in all I'm really happy how this one came out. I like the look and feel of it and it gives me confidence to keep going with color and the Micron pins.

I loved the character of Jack Sparrow. I don't know how much he was written to be like he was, or if Johnny Deep added all that Sparrow mystery to him. Either way, he is without a doubt one of my favorite movie characters.

Profile - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-08-11T13:45:00.000-05:00

Here is a little Moleskine quickie. Had a few mins still on my lunch break, so doodled this the other day. Figured I'd go a head and share it.

I'm a big fan of people who use large white negative space in there artwork. So this is my little attempt to make something work like that. Thanks for checking it out.

Capt Jack - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-08-11T08:56:00.005-05:00

Its been a while, but here is a new Moleskine sketch in the works. Thought I'd show this one in progress.

After browsing through the movies at the house looking for a good character to draw, I landed on Capt Jack Sparrow.

I tried something different with this one and dusted off my Micron pins and gave them a go. Its seems to me I don't have a good feel for how to get sensitivity in my drawings when dealing with ink. But I enjoyed doing this one. Maybe some more to come. I do plan on adding some color to this with my Verithins, will post it when done. Thanks for checking in.

Bass Bot - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-07-28T12:31:00.004-05:00

If you know me, then you probably also know I play bass guitar. Playing for several years with my church's worship band back in Lake Charles, and still now at First Baptist Newcastle has grown in me a great affection for music, worship and how the low notes fit in it all.

I had the idea for this sketch for a few days now, when at work we printed some small robot decals for a customer it got me thinking about this little bass bot.

Thanks for taking a look at the latest Moleskine sketch.

Green Face - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-07-27T12:23:00.002-05:00

Finished this one up today at lunch, and luckily had my camera with me. This little sketch was very interesting to me. Its odd to me how quickly I want to judge my drawings before giving them time to develop. I can start it out and think it looks horrible, then come back in a few hours or the next day and think it has a lot of potential.

I'm starting to think this mostly comes from the metal vision of what I think/want it to look like, and how it looks when the pencil hits the paper. Often I compare it to the original mental picture when I start and see it's not reaching my expectations. But when giving it time to sit and returning to it once the vision has faded and seeing it for what it is, compared to nothing else, its not that bad.

Well that's about it =o) Thanks for coming by and taking a look into my little sketchbook.

Girl - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-07-27T08:14:00.004-05:00

My newest Moleskine sketch. Over all I think this one came out alright. I started out wanting to do it in true color, but that collapsed rather quickly.

Something about trying to learn color theory and mixing just never seems to work out for me. So I just kept playing with it till I got something I wasn't totally upset with.

Sorry for the touch of glare on the ink. =o(

The only thing I'm not super happy with is the cloth / pillow her chin is on. I rushed putting the folds in and it shows. But oh well, all you can do sometimes is learn from the experience and move forward. As always, thanks for stopping by!

Paul - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-07-22T12:24:00.000-05:00

Yep thats right, another sketch in my moleskine pocket book. What can I say, I'm hooked on this thing.

For this one I was stuck somewhere without much to use for a reference, all I had was a single CD case in my car. Paul Baloche - Glorious

So again like my last drawing, I didn't try and focus on drawing his likeness exactly, just used it as a loose reference and just enjoyed drawing.

I'm sure there will be more of these, so I hope yall are enjoying them! Thanks for taking a look.

Purple Face - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-07-21T20:53:00.000-05:00

Yes another Moleskine sketch, I've just really been digging these. When looking for another subject matter I found a picture a photography student had taken of my wife when she was in college. Her face was lit from below and a fan on her hair to fan it out.

Well as I started on the drawing I started getting really stressed at it. It wasn't looking true to my wife's appearance. I walked away from it for a minute then came back and decided to forgo trying to represent her likeness and just focus on the shadows and how the light from below hits the face.

One I decided that it freed me up a lot and brought the fun back into this little sketch. My wife calls it her "I'll swallow your soul picture" but she still wanted it in purple. Thanks for stopping by!

Lantern - A Moleskine Sketch

2010-07-21T10:11:00.000-05:00

Well after the Red Man sketch I wanted to work some more with my Verithins in the trusty Moleskine.

I thought a lantern sketch should be in order. Not only do I love collecting them and burning them on the porch at night, but drawing them is pretty fun too. They are so intreging to me, each having its own personality.

Thanks for checking in and putting your eyes on my work.

The Red Man

2010-07-20T08:42:00.008-05:00

I was really wanting to sketch in my Moleskine last night and when trying to think of a good subject I remembered an Indian image I came across a few months back. So I picked out some of my Verithin Prismacolors and hoped to it.

Now I don't think this was by chance. I couldn't help but remember it was one of my former coworker's birthday (mostly thanks to Facebook). Dylan Cavin was the designer I worked with at Signs Now in Norman, OK and He's a pretty cool dude who does some pretty awesome Indian portraits. Mostly working in water colors and acrylic he gets some great results with great style. Go check out his work on Facebook at The Art Of Dylan Cavin

Dylan with two of his paintings

Also if you like his work you might find it for sale hanging on the walls of the Standing Buffalo Indian Art Gallery & Gifts in Norman.

Missing A Lost Love

2010-07-19T12:45:00.001-05:00

While I continue to work out some things on a new drawing (hope to post some sketches soon) I thought I'd post something else from years back. When I was going to McNeese in Lake Charles for my art degree I tried something new my first semester there, Ceramics. It didn't take long for me to fall in love with pottery. Working late at night in the school's studio and coming home with clay covered pants was rather common in those days. (you can see why I left ceramics here) Sadly I don't have much from my early years of ceramic work, but I do still have a bit from my last semester. My hopes are to someday reunite with my love for pottery, but till then, I have these reminders. Hers a little look at my last body of work.

..................................................................................

Also wanted to show a couple of my favorite pieces that I'm lucky to call my own.

- By Nathan Carnes -

.............................................................................................................

- By Barry Carpenter -

my instructor

Remembering Micah 7:7-9

2010-07-06T12:08:00.000-05:00

If you read my last post, you know I've taken a break from drawing recently. Well as I prepare to build a new body of work I wanted to share an older piece that I've always been fond of and the scripture that brings its all together. I've shared this in other places online before, but if this is your first time to see it I hope you enjoy it and thanks for stopping by.

As for me, I will look to the LORD;

I will wait for the God of my salvation;

my God will hear me.

Rejoice not over me, O my enemy;

when I fall, I shall rise;

when I sit in darkness,

the LORD will be a light to me.

I will bear the indignation of the LORD

because I have sinned against him,

until he pleads my cause

and executes judgment for me.

He will bring me out to the light;

I shall look upon his righteousness.

Micah 7:7-9

A Look Inward (52 Days of Searching)

2010-06-25T13:24:00.009-05:00

Well if your one who checks in here from time to time, or follows me on twitter, I'm sure you've noticed I've been rather absent lately. It was something that needed to happen in my life, and it brought a great conclusion for a time of my life that was despritely needed. I had to deal with something inward for myself that really wasn't making me happy, nor was it glorifying to God. So I left all social media for a time of searching, just me and God, not trying to fill my already exhausted time with anything else, and I wanted to share where it took me as both a person and a creative.

At the start of 2010 I made a vow to myself, rediscover drawing and in doing so rediscover myself and what I was created to be. As with the start of most things in life, there is excitement and this was no different. I started this blog to share my art and progress, and day one began sketching at lunch and drawing most evenings at home. A few weeks in I started to miss sketches at lunch here and there, but usually in pursuit of other art mediums and ideas. As it went on, I started to have a desire to combine my love and relationship with God with my love for drawing, and while I've done some drawings expressing those things, I wasn't actively pursuing it, but I was pursuing something.

Affirmation. Getting views to my blog, getting retweeted and hearing "good job" became my drive. Its all I wanted, its what made me want to be a better draftsmen and all around artist. It grew in me daily. Each sketch was no longer just the joy of drawing, but a rush to get it on the blog, in hopes someone would say something positive about it. With each drawing going (seemingly) unrecognized by people in my circle, the frustration grew. It even got to the point of becoming jealous of those in my circle who seemed to receive a constant flow of positive feed back.

Something had to change. This was not the person I wanted to be. Drawing was no longer fun, or for myself, nor was it an expression of love to God, I had made into something all together different. It was now about my self worth placed in peoples view of my work. When a drawing wasn't going how I wanted it to, I'd get so angry, tearing the page into pieces or striking it with my pencil. I'm ashamed to admit how violent I would become over something like this. The day I destroyed my mechanical pencil due to a drawings progress I knew something was wrong. Something had changed and something needed to change. So I've spent the past 52 days not drawing, but searching.

In this time I found that I had given up something precious in my life. Finding my self worth in Christ, and not the words of men. For a while now I've defined my personal success by the accomplishments of others, and not on fulfilling the purpose Christ has given me. I think it started out in my professional career as a graphic designer for a sign company. Soon I started to feel the only way I'd be a successful designer was to get out of the sign industry and work for an agency. I kept thinking, "I'm not a real designer until I achieve that." No one told me that directly, but I had built up in my heart this feeling that other designers didn't see me as a "real" designer because of where I worked. Well now I've come to the end of defining myself by these things. I've had enough.

So in the end, I came to two conclusions.

First - My self worth is in Christ, and I want to glorify God with the abilities he has given me. I want to not just talk about wanting to do it, but to take action. During the past 52 days, I spent lots of time in prayer, and in the scriptures, did a 4 day fast, replacing my meals with dedicated and focused prayer time. There I found joy, in spending time with my creator and savior. There is where I felt complete and though life has had its hard times and frustrations, I felt at peace. Its where I want to be, so I want to bring my abilities to God and have Him show me ways to use them for Him. Not just to find glory for myself. Sure I'll still do sketchcards of cartoon characters and what not, and fun random drawings, but in it all I want my focus to be on drawing things that show my life is marked by my creator.

Second - That my desire to draw and pursue art will not overtake my time with my family. To show them more devotion than my pencil and paper. I don't want to leave them feeling alone while I pursue things that I can put down. They are the love of my life, and I want to make sure they know that, and not just with words but actions.

Now, I feel the need to say that I make these things public not as a plea or even a slander to those who view my blog. I'm thankful that people do come and see whats going on in my little slide of this world. I'm not posting this to beg for comments, or hold a grudge on those who haven't. Sure comments and crits are good, but it can not be what defines me. I just wanted to be open and share whats been going on in my life these past days and my love for a magnificent God.

Thanks for coming by and reading.

Shrek - Sketchcard

2010-05-11T08:16:00.005-05:00

I was looking through our DVDs the other night trying to find someone to do a drawing off, and came across this guy. Another one of my favorite animated movies.

You can see all my sketchcards and how to trade with me on my site!

Rodney Copperbottom - Sketchcard

2010-05-10T08:45:00.004-05:00

I've really been enjoying doing these sketchcards lately. While I still plan to do sets of connected characters, right now I feel like just drawing whoever I feel like.

I loved the movie Robots. I'm obsessed with mechanical things, and the design behind this movie really hit home with me. Also I enjoyed its story of not only following your dreams but fighting for them.

You can see my other sketchcards, and see how to trade with me on my site.

More Fifth Element Cards

2010-05-07T08:09:00.005-05:00

In my last post I had a pic I took of my drawing board, showing my current Fifth Element cards. Well I finished them up, cut them out and scanned them in so yall could get a better view.

I was planning on a seven card set, but I figure I'll keep this one to four. May do another set, lots of characters to pick from =o) Hope you enjoy.

If you are interested in doing a card trade for these, let me know.

"X" Does Not Mark The Spot

2010-05-05T12:56:00.006-05:00

I recently posted on twitter that I was taking a break from sketching for a while. This was mainly due to lack of time and getting frustrated that some of my recent attempts were not coming out how I wanted them. You know, the whole "vision limited by talent" issue that artist go through. But last night I had some time and was thinking about it, and without failure and pushing through something difficult, growth will never happen. This applies to all areas of life, to relationships, integrity, character, the list goes on. So I got the pencil and jumped back into it and pressed on. Also brought my current sketchcards to work to draw on my lunch break.

I didn't have time to take shots of each and crop them down, so you also get to see how I work. Can you tell which one had me frustrated? Oh, and you also get an upside down preview of Ruby =o) Hope you enjoy seeing my work, thanks for checking it out!

"Zero Stones, ZERO CRATES!!!" - Fifth Element Sketchcards 1/?

2010-04-30T08:43:00.004-05:00

Started a new ATC set, based on Fifth Element characters. Not sure how many I'll do yet but here is the first.

I really liked Zorg as a villain. Brought down for his pursuit of money and power, used and manipulated by "Pure Evil" he chased the elemental stones through the entire movie. One thing I always find interesting is that Zorg never comes into contact with our two heroes, Korben and Leeloo, only meeting Father Cornelius in the movie. I loved his sinister and sarcastic nature and Gary Oldman really brought him to life. A great villain for a great movie.

I also feel like this raises the bar for me with sketchcards. I've only done a few so far, but this my best to date. I tried hard to capture his emotion in this seen after deceiving Aknot and his crew with the self destructing weapons. I felt I got close, yet still not 100% but still really happy with the end result.

I also tried something different while drawing. I didn't use any blending tools, or smudging as I usually do with my drawings, and also only used a 4H and HB lead mechanical pencils, and an ebony to go back in a few places for some rich darks. Once I finish the entire set, it will be up for a trade.

Thanks for stopping by!

Creative Outlets (my 4 string friend)

2010-04-28T08:11:00.008-05:00

People who enjoy being creative usually find multiple outlets. From painting to cooking, crafts and gardening, its all part of who we were designed to be. For me one of my other outlets is music, specifically playing bass guitar. I've often wanted to come up with a cool decal for my guitar, and tried a few times but nothing really worked for me. Well yesterday by chance I had my bass in my car, and at lunch was thinking "Why not my Angel logo." A little matte black vinyl and BAM! Here is it.

Also added a nice little detail of my S+C on the head stock.

Thought it came out pretty snazzy and wanted to share it with yall, and just for fun, a pic from a few years back, prebeard, playing with the band from my church back in Lake Charles, LA.

As always, thanks for coming by!

Angel (An oldie but a goodie)

2010-04-15T12:55:00.002-05:00

From time to time I like to go back and look at my old artwork. Thought I'd highlight one of my favorite pieces from years back. This was a intaglio print, done with all line etching in a zinc plate.

For some reason, at times, I am a glutton for punishment with my artwork. The wings on this piece took forever. But it was well worth it. Hope you enjoy seeing it as much as I do.

LBS - 4/13

2010-04-13T12:43:00.005-05:00

Today is the final day on this one. Spent 3 lunch breaks on it and it came out alright. Didn't get as far as I wanted to today but it was fun. Maybe down the line I'll do a more intense study of some of the FF XIII characters.

From LBS-2010

Thanks for coming by!

LBS 4/9

2010-04-09T13:02:00.004-05:00

Its a Lunch Break Sketch continuation of Lighting from FF XIII. She's starting to form up, really trying to focus on things like hair and shadows more, vs just throwing lines and shades around. Slowing down and trying to get it right. A hard task for me. Hair has always been my biggest challenge and frustration.

As always, thanks for stopping by!

From LBS-2010

LBS - 4/8

2010-04-08T13:17:00.003-05:00

Ahhh, the joy of sketching again. Having shifted back in gear the past two days has felt nice. This Lunch Break Sketch is based off the lead character in Final Fantasy XIII. I picked up the game this past weekend and have been enjoying it a lot (I'll spare you the nerdgasim of my video game review here ;o)) So far in the story she seems hard shelled, but a soft side waiting to come out.

From LBS-2010

30 min sketch

I think this will be a two, maybe three day sketch for me. I like the way its starting to look and think I'll invest a couple more rounds with it. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my work, means a lot =o)

LBS 4/7

2010-04-07T12:38:00.007-05:00

From LBS-2010

30 min sketch

This is my first Lunch Break Sketch I've done in a while, and it shows. Felt a little rusty doing this quick sketch. Can't say I'm really proud of it, but I still wanted to share.

I'm a big believer in a being a part of creative network, and in that group sharing freely what ups and downs we have, and how we grow. Its a journey, and only sharing the victories paints a blurry picture. A good story has conflict, and I'm sure most other creatives would agree that we have conflict with our artwork.

Female Warrior (WIP update)

2010-03-19T11:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a few more shots of how this piece is developing. Taking it slow and really enjoying this one.

Reference image from Caffeinated Stock on Deviant Art

WIP Update (still untitled so far)

2010-03-16T08:20:00.005-05:00

An update on my current project. Its been fun so far. Its been really good for me to slow down vs how much I used to rush my drawings. Getting much better results.

From Artwork-2010

Thanks for stopping by!

Reference image from Caffeinated Stock on Deviant Art

Voltron Force ATC Set ( Available For Trade )

2010-03-12T09:45:00.008-06:00

Alright here it is. All five of the main heroes (minus the first Blue Lion pilot Sven, after he was killed the Princess took over command of his cat) I've enjoyed doing this set, much like the GI Joe set, remembering watching the cartoon and playing with the toys as a kid.

All five, Keith, Lance, Hunk, Pidge, and Princess Allura are up for trade. All I ask for in return is a set of your favorite comic book or cartoon characters from your childhood. They don't have to be all from the same series either. Feel free to mix it up. If you interested you can leave a comment, look me up on twitter: @shawn_collins or email me at shawn.collins@live.com

Thanks for stopping by and checking out my work.

A Voltron ATC set ( 2 of 5 )

2010-03-10T08:47:00.002-06:00

I started another Artist Trading Card set of one of my favorite cartoons / toys from my younger years. In Voltron each character had a different color suit and lion, so I'm doing them monochrome in their respective colors. Three more characters to go.

From Artist Trading Cards

Beloved (A Digital W.I.P.)

2010-03-08T12:43:00.004-06:00

Just thought I'd share an update on the Beloved digital painting. Really starting to like the feel of using the Wacom.

From Artwork-2010

Also, here is a small set of states on a test piece. This is the first thing I did trying to get the hang of how the Wacom works.

From Artwork-2010

Beloved reference image from Senshi Stock on Deviant Art

Test reference image from MissS-Stocks on Deviant Art

Beloved

2010-03-05T02:06:00.004-06:00

From Artwork-2010

While some artists only create to express, and some just for the joy of creating, I do a little of both at times. I also think its important for artists who express things with their work to give insite to the artwork's meaning. So here is mine for this drawing.

Titled "Beloved", this drawing is another expression of the relationship I experience with my God and His son Jesus Christ. Most drawings I do that are expressions for me deal with my spiritual beliefs and their impact on my life. The event of forgiveness and redemption in my life are deeply impacting experiences. While Some people say, "I feel most loved when someone _____" you can feel in the blank with whatever you want, I feel most loved when someone has forgiven me. In scripture those who are followers of Christ (the church) are referred to as "the Bride of Christ". So this image of being freed from shame and darkness, and claimed as the bride of Christ in His sacrifice and forgiveness is powerful. To know the rest of my life is marked with this union with my redeemer, and though all of life's pain, and my own stumbling, I'm still his Beloved.

This drawing was inspired by two songs by Tenth Ave North - Times and Beloved, on there debut CD titled Over and Underneath. These tracks are paired together on their album, and when listened to together it creates a beautiful dialog between man and God. Starting with man talking in Times, then God from "I hear you say" through all of Beloved. Here are their lyrics :

Times-

I know I need you
I need to love you
I love to see you, and it’s been so long
I long to feel you
I feel this need for you
And I need to hear you
Is that so wrong?

Now you pulled me near you
When we're close I fear you
Still I’m afraid to tell you
All that I’ve done
Are you done forgiving?
Or can you look pass my pretending?
Lord I’m so tired of defending
What I’ve become
What have I become?

I hear you say "my love is over,
Its underneath, its inside, it’s in between
The times you doubt me, when you can't feel
The times that you've questioned 'is this for real?'
The times you've broken, the times that you mend
The times you hate me and the times that you bend
Well my love is over, its underneath
Its inside, it’s in between,
These times you're healing
And when your heart breaks
The times that you feel like you've fallen from grace
The times you're hurting
The times that you heal
The times you go hungry and are tempted to steal
In times of confusion and chaos and pain
I’m there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame
I’m there through your heartache
I’m there in the storm
My love I will keep you by my power alone
I don’t care where you've fallen, where you have been
I’ll never forsake you
My love never ends, it never ends

Beloved -

Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
Give me your life
Lust and the lies
The past you're afraid I might see
You've been running away from me

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
It binds you to me
It's a mystery

Love of my life
Look deep in my eyes
There you will find what you need
I’m the giver of life
I'll clothe you in whine
My immaculate bride you will be
Oh come running home to me

You're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
It binds you to me

Well you've been a mistress, my wife
Chasing lovers it won't satisfy
Won't you let me make you my bride
You will drink of my lips
And you'll taste new life

Cause you're my beloved
Lover I'm yours
Death shall not part us
It's you I died for
For better or worse
Forever we'll be
Our Love it unites us
& it binds you to me

You're my beloved
Forever we'll be
Our love it unites us
And it binds you to me
It's a mystery
It's a mystery

So if you took the time to read all this. Thank you. Its important to me to share the reason behind my drawings at times. I hope you enjoyed a little look into who I am. For the ones who made it this far in my post, here is an early state of it as a digital painting =o)

From Artwork-2010

Reference image from Senshi Stock from Deviant Art

Joes VS Cobra Sketch Card Set

2010-02-21T23:02:00.003-06:00

Well here's all 8. Joes and Cobras together. This set as a whole has been a great adventure for me. Memories of spending hours setting up epic battles with action figures, and watching the cartoons. Some of my most cherished childhood memories are in these characters.

I am new to the ATC seen, and as I said in my last post, these 8 cards (2.5 x 3.5) are up for trade. All I'm asking for in return is a 8 card set of your favorite cartoon characters. If your interested you can look me up on twitter or email me at shawn.collins@live.com

And Knowing is Half the Battle!

2010-02-19T22:12:00.005-06:00

Well, I've had my favorite 80's cartoons on the brain lately. Thought I'd do a sketch card set of some of the most memorable Joes and Cobra troops from my childhood. Tonight I finished the four Joes.

These were a BLAST! This set of 8 (once I add my Cobra badies) will be up for trade. Whatever 8 characters from your favorite 80's cartoon, make it something fun for you. I'm new to this artist trading card deal, not sure if offering a set vs being requested to do one is politically correct, but I figured I'd go for it.

LBS - 2/19

2010-02-19T12:26:00.005-06:00

Today's lunch break sketch was really refreshing. I've been sick lately and today was the first I felt up to drawing vs just vegging out at lunch.

From LBS-2010

I'm really trying to push an illustration style out of my drawings, while trying to define my own style. Trying to make myself be minimal is hard, but its a good thing to learn. I think today was a good step. I'm also exploring this style on a GI Joe sketch chard set.

Reference image from Veestock on Deviant Art

LBS - 2/10

2010-02-10T12:35:00.003-06:00

Well, for todays sketch I thought I'd try something different. This morning when checking my Google reader, I found this jewel on Bubba Shelby's blog (seen here). Not only is it a great illustration, but really got me thinking back to my love of watching G.I. Joe back as a kid, and my crush on the Baroness. So I thought I'd give it a shot doing a portrait of her. Here is my humble attempt...

From LBS-2010

Sadly I didn't have time to do much with the hair at all, looks really week without her black hair framing in her face. and things seem out of place. Drawing with an illustration style isn't a strength for me at all, but I want it be =o) I usually work from a photo reference and for the most part stay true to the reference. So this was a challenge for me, but a fun little adventure for my lunch break. I think a full size, time invested drawing of the Baroness might be in the near future.

LBS - 2/9

2010-02-09T12:30:00.003-06:00

Todays Lunch Break Sketch

From LBS-2010

45min

Not much to say other than I think this is one of the best ones so far. Really happy with how it came out for the time in it.

LBS - 2/8

2010-02-08T12:26:00.003-06:00

Lunch Break Sketches are back! Woohoo! Was so nice to pump out another quick sketch today for lunch. Felt a little rusty, but that should go away pretty quickly, and hopefully start progressing again soon. So enough said, here it is.

From LBS-2010

Reference image from Meltys on Deviant Art

My First ATC

2010-02-04T19:41:00.002-06:00

So my buddy Oran has been tweeting (@oranparker) and posting on his Blog about these Artist Trading Cards, and its got me intrigued. So I thought I'd give these pint size sketches a try. From what I've gathered so far, they are 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 sketches on some sort of heavy paper or card stock, and you trade them. Seems people request a certain topic for a ATC set to trade, or just draw some and offer them to whoever wants to trade. Well here is my first one.

From Artist Trading Cards

The size was a bit intimidating at first, but once I started sketching it came along alright. I'm drawing this set because I collect lanterns. My dad did for a while and I've always loved having them around. Its great to have them all lit out on the porch and hang out with friends. I'll post the full set when I finish them.

New W.I.P. - untitled so far...

2010-02-02T22:19:00.009-06:00

Here is a peek at a new Work In Progress. Got to sit down tonight and do some more sketching on it. I started this one during the ice storm this past weekend. Pretty excited about. Still sketching in the layout, but I love sharing the progress. So here's the humble beginning (don't worry, the ending will be humble too)

From Artwork-2010

This drawing really connects with one of my favorite things to draw, fantasy art. =o) I'm often inspired by character designs for video games, mostly the Final Fantasy series. Beautiful works in those. But anywhoo, I love the imagination behind fantasy art. Hope to do a lot this year.

Reference image from Caffeinated Stock on Deviant Art

Where have all the LBSs gone?

2010-02-02T09:31:00.012-06:00

While I didn't do any lunch break sketches this last week, there is a reason. To make a long story short, I have a new car (2008 Chevy Aveo hatchback) and I'm getting to wrap it. I work as a graphic designer for a company that specializes in vehicle wraps for advertising, and my boss offered to let me wrap my car, in exchange for having the logo and website on it, at least large enough for people to see. So I'm going for it. Here is a sneak peek at how its going.

I was alloted an amount of time to spend on the clock designing it, and once that was up I had to take it to my own time. And seeing that my computer at home wets itself when trying to open these large files, I'm cranking it out on my lunch breaks. I wanted to design something that was fun for me, incorporated my angel graphic, and its been just that. Some might say that its just a trendy design, but I don't care, because its something I enjoy and enjoyed making. Thats what matters to me.

I've designed a lot of wraps for different companies, this was the first of a personal nature, and since it was for myself I got to cut loose and just have fun with no pesky "approval process" My boss did say there was one thing I couldn't have on it... naked ladies. Could you see me pulling up to church on Sunday to play in the praise band with a car covered in naked chicks... haha. Right. Anywhoo, its been fun, hope to finish it up this week and get it on the car. Using your own car as a pallet for your artwork is pretty sweet. Will post finished pics =o)

The First Creative

2010-02-01T15:29:00.007-06:00

I don't keep it a secret that I belive in a creator - God, more specifically Yhwh, and for the subject of this post, His name Elohim (in Hebrew means God the Creator) I'm always amazed at the beauty of creation, and the creativity of The Creative who formed it. It has ability to inspire and bring about joy and awe.

The past 4 days we've been having a winter storm here in Oklahoma. Having grown up in Southwest Louisiana, only living in Ok for about a year and a half now, winter weather is still very new to me. I have to say that I am fascinated with it (as long as I don't have to drive on icy roads, bad experience last year...) Simply put I find it beautiful, my wife compares me to a child when I run outside to see it snowing and take pictures of the ice on everything (there is the joy part) And if it wasn't for the cold I would stay out in it all day. Its amazing to me. The feel of walking on the snow and the site of thick ice plates forming on everything. God never stops amazing me with His creation.

See all the pics I took of the awesomeness.

Harlequin - Final

2010-01-24T00:58:00.001-06:00

Here she is. Finally done. This drawing was really refreshing for me, the first one this year I truly got to sit down and really invest time in. Really pleased with how it came out.

11 x 17 Strathmore Bristol Smooth (my fav paper for final drawings) Layout drawing was done with a .5 mechanical pencil with 4H lead, first shading with a #2 pencil, then once done with that, hit it with the ebony in places to bring out some good rich blacks. I use kneedable erasers and Black Pearl erasers. Doing this really brought me back to my days of drawing for fun. Hope you enjoy seeing it =o)

From Artwork-2010
Reference image used from Caffeinated-Stock on Deviant Art

LBS - 1/21

2010-01-21T12:24:00.000-06:00

I've been wanting to do a monochrome sketch with my Verithin Prismacolors, so thought I'd go for it today. Did a quick layout sketch with a mechanical pencil with 4H lead, then used my Terracotta and Dark Umber Verithins. Also, with today being Thursday, thought I'd dedicate todays sketch to the Terror Road Gang (TRG) So here you go guys and gals.

From LBS-2010

35 min

The TRG is a group of Supernatural (the TV show) fans from South Louisiana. Sadly me and my wife moved to Oklahoma before the group officially formed. I still count these guys as true life long friends, and thank God for Twitter and other social media that I can easily keep up with them. Miss you guys!

LBS - 1/19 (Part Two)

2010-01-19T14:37:00.001-06:00

Today I did part two of this LBS. Was fun finishing it up. Had some trouble on the shading of the guys face. The angle just kept throwing me off. But I think it worked out nicely.

From LBS-2010

35mins

Beards always give me trouble, especially short haired ones. It feels like it takes FOREVER to draw them in, and all the short quick movements with my pencil make me want to burst into spontaneous spasms. Its hard for me to slow down and relax while drawing them, have to stay focused.

It was also nice to finish a drawing that had two people in it, that were directly connected.

LBS - 1/18

2010-01-18T14:40:00.000-06:00

Today I was planning on doing part two of of this Lunch Break Sketch however I forgot my jump drive today, which had the reference picture on it. So I decided to do something different. Mostly so far my LBSs have been of female faces, so I thought I'd draw a male this time, and found a wonderful face with lots of character. Hope you enjoy it.

From LBS-2010

30min

Harlequin Update

2010-01-16T22:08:00.003-06:00

Worked a little more on my Harlequin drawing tonight. So far pretty pleased with it. Working it up with 4H pencils and simple #2s (which are 2Bs I believe...) Once I get the full image done with that, I'll finish it up with going back with an ebony pencil to give it some real richness.

So far taking it slow, and fighting not to rush. I used to get so excited about a drawing and want to finish it all in one night. Its been my downfall so many times trying to work for long periods and screwing up a good drawing.

Reference image used from Caffeinated-Stock on Deviant Art

LBS - 1/15 (part one)

2010-01-15T14:55:00.000-06:00

Today's Lunch Break Sketch is the beginning of a two part drawing. Had this picture in my morgue file and thought it would be a good challenge, two people in the same image, being connected. So I decided to break it up by face. So today one, Monday the next.

Hope you enjoy!

From LBS-2010

Having my new sketch kit today was really handy! Was nice having a good selection of tools to use.

Custom Made Sketch Kit

2010-01-15T00:17:00.000-06:00

I've been wanting something small to use as a easy transport for my sketching materials vs just laying around in my shoulder bag, and for some reason was feeling very crafty for the solution. So I used a old pair of jeans, some nylon twine, a few wooden sticks, and created this guy -

From Sketch Kit

Whats in my sketch kit?

Trusty #2 Ticonderoga Pencils.

My 0.5 mechinal pencil with 4H lead, for layout sketching.

A sexy ebony pencil for getting those deep rich blacks for extra contrast.

Few micro pens.

Kneedable and Black Pearl eraser.

Pocket knife, if I need to add a sharp edge to a hard eraser.

Few blending stumps.

Sharpener.

Two of my fav color Prismacolor Verithin, for monochrome drawing.

And my jump drive, to keep a copy of my morgue files on board, or any digital art I can work on at lunch.

I'm excited to have something I can always have stocked and ready to go, rolls up easy, and has all I need. This will surely come in handy for my lunch break sketching.

Lunch Break Sketch 1/14

2010-01-14T14:56:00.001-06:00

Todays LBS was a lot of fun and very encouraging. Last night I started this project (here) and I think slowing down to focus on this drawing helped a lot with my sketch today. I also wanted to try and use less shading but still have the feel of form. I think it worked ok.

From LBS-2010

40 min sketch

The Start of Something New

2010-01-13T23:21:00.001-06:00

So if you've visited this blog before, you've noticed that I'm doing a bit of quick sketching this year, (a trend I hope to continue) but I've been wanting to sit down and start a new piece to invest some time in. Sometimes I'll look thought my morgue file or other reference materials, see an image and it pops in my head how I would draw it. That's what happened tonight. I'm going about this a little different than I used to. I'm sketching it out lightly with a 4H lead mechanical pencil, and really focusing on not jumping the gun, but refining as much as possible before I start developing it. This is the beginning...

Guns are not a fun subject for me, at least making them look like "real guns" So I took a little liberty with it and made it a bit larger and not so "real world". I'm looking froward to digging into this one, will share as it grows.

Reference image used from Caffeinated-Stock on Deviant Art

Lunch Break Sketch - 1/13

2010-01-13T14:59:00.001-06:00

Nothing to special about todays LBS, other than I think it came out ok. Nice to feel like things are getting better. Still a long way to go, but enjoying the walk there.

From LBS-2010

30 min sketch

Randomness

2010-01-12T23:53:00.001-06:00

Randomness indeed... for some reason drawing a female with cat ears and lots of piercings sounded interesting to me tonight...

From Artwork-2010

Tonight was one of those nights that most artist probably have from time to time. When you spend the time drawing then look at it and the finished product just doesn't seem to be all you had hoped it to be. Another case of talent limiting your vision. But its part of growing and becoming better. I did this with pencil sketch first, a ink wash, Micron Pens, then a good ol' Bic. I like drawing with ball points, oh and added some color with Prismacolor Verithins. One thing I came away with from this drawing with is how much I love graphite. All my adventures with ink have left me sour.

Lunch Break Sketch - 1/12

2010-01-12T14:55:00.001-06:00

Back when I was drawing a lot, I mostly did straight on faces or 3/4 angles. I have a lot of trouble with profiles and odd angles. So I thought doing one of someone facing slightly down would be a nice challenge for today.

From LBS-2010

40 min sketch

This sketch was a big confidence builder for me. While its not perfect by any means, it started a lot worse. But over the time I reworked it, it kept getting better. It really forced me to slow down (even though these are suppose to be quick sketches) and observe my reference closer.

Lunch Break Sketch - 1/11

2010-01-11T03:08:00.001-06:00

From LBS-2010

25min sketch

Did another quick sketch on my lunch break today, decided to do one of someone in my past that has inspired me, Gerry Wubben. He was my figure drawing and printmaking instructor at McNeese. Here is one of his portraits.

He worked on a massive scale. Drawings taking a full wall of paneled paper. I used to hate drawing figures until after taking my two drawing classes under him. So this my nod to a great draftsmen, printmaker and instructor.

Dusting Off

2010-01-07T01:47:00.000-06:00

Tonight I had a blast looking back through some old artwork. Stuff I hadn't seen in a very long time. Really made me smile looking back to where I had been and where I've come. Thought I'd share some of the fun. Some of these I'm a little embarrassed to show, but I think its part of being part of creative network, letting others view your work and just enjoying the whole process of development.

Most of these where done during my college days, so before December 2004. Sadly I lost a lot of artwork in hurricane Rita... really sucks losing a huge chunk of your creative history, not to mention the artwork given to me by friends.

I guess I could have tried to dig them out of the piles in front of our apartment. Nahhh

From Hurricane Rita

Lunch Break Sketch - 1/6

2010-01-06T14:30:00.001-06:00

So I'm trying to start things off right, in comes the lunch break sketches. It's the best time to get away by myself and spend a good 40 or so mins to sketch and charge up some creative juice. Hopefully there will be many more of these.

I decided to start this journey with a portrait. I love drawing them and its what I'm most comfortable with. So pulled out a reference pic from my morgue file and took to it.

From LBS-2010

40 mins

I'm pretty excited about it, LOTS of places to improve but pleased with the result of breaking off the "quick" sketch rust.

Looking for something lost...

2010-01-05T14:17:00.001-06:00

So it’s a new year, and i have to say I'm pretty pumped about it. I've been doing a lot of thinking the past few months about life and my love of art. Ever since I can remember I loved to draw, spent more time in school doodling up strange characters then day dreaming their adventures than I did taking notes. Then while in college I learned a lot about myself and art. Became a better draftsmen, discovered printmaking, explored digital art, and I fell in love with a new passion, ceramics. I was captivated by the process and the feel of turning clay pots on the wheel.

But sadly something happened, and I think it happens to a lot of creative people, we get scared. After four semesters of ceramics and declaring it my major, I turned my back on it out of fear. Fear of the unknown. What was I going to do after college with a ceramics degree. Sure, I know people can make it in the world as a potter, but what about ME as a potter. I could blame leaving ceramics on a lot of things, my school advisors, my teachers, lack of support or encouragement... but when it comes down to it, it was my choice. I switched my major to graphic/advertising design because it felt more "real world" applicable for after college and still felt like I could use the creativity I was given. Seemed like the right thing for me to do.

So college ended and I went after my career and at first I learned about programs, design trends and effective marketing. I grew a passion for helping clients find creative ways to market themselves. I enjoy designing and am good at what I do, but there is a deep seeded desire to go back to those days staying up late drawing and enjoying my creativity again, simply for the joy of being creative.

This year my goal is to rediscover what I was designed to be. To reclaim my love for drawing and to explore being creative again... for myself. So this blog is hopefully a way to not only track my progress and creative ventures, but just share about my life as a creative.