Category Archives: From The Desk

From the Desk: August 18th, 2011

Posted on August 18, 2011 | Leave a comment


Terry Gilliam shares his animation techniques in the Do-It-Yourself video.

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I like these book covers by artist Josh Cochran.

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FIB shares this trippy animated short by art school students in the Netherlands.

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NPR presents its Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels.  How many of you read?

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Random House is publishing a collection of lost Dr. Seuss stories.

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This 1965 Honda police motorcycle is dreeeaaamy – and super rare!

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Have no clue how to put together a polished, customized website?  This tutorial is a great idea!

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The most famous art heists in the last 100 years – my fave is the the incident where the stolen art was found in a lavatory with a scribbled note attached.

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GUHHH!  I wish these amazing exhibits would come to Portland.  An inside look at the McQueen exhibit in NYC.

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That’s it for this week’s batch of artsy-ish distractions!

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From the Desk: August 11th, 2011

Posted on August 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Dots & Stripes

It’s been a little more quiet than usual here on my blog, but that is not the case in my studio.  For the past week all the research and portfolio-building I’ve been accomplishing over the last few months will finally come together in the form of Promotional Mailers.  A lot of work goes into the self-promotion of any artist, and I’ll be happy to share my process with you later.

In the meantime, here are my favorite links from around the web this week!

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Great old-school designs on this collection of beer cans, featured by Design Envy.

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Also from Design Envy, illustrator Jessica Hische highlights this elaborate typography design from Like Minded Studio.

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These photographs of Frances Bean Cobain by Hedi Slimane are blowing up all over the internet, and for good reason – Kurt’s kid is now 18, and she’s a babe.

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Gettin’ older all the time, geez!  The film Stand By Me came out 25 years ago.

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Seen it before, but I had to look again: The 50 Most Stylish New Yorkers.

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Skeletons & vinyl records?  Count me in?  Maybe?

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Yes, CBS, it’s true, Portland has a pinball gang.  As a bartender, I’ve served many of the people featured in this news video, and they’re all super nice folks!  Their gang even has an initiation ritual.

Want to become a freelance illustrator? Where do you start?  Here are some of the resources that have been incredibly helpful in putting together my promotional mailers:

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Even though this guide is meant for writers submitting manuscripts, many of the same principles can be applied to illustrators: Rites of Submission: Cover Letters and Query Letters, by Jacqueline K. Ogburn.

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While these two women are working in a different field of interest than I am focused on, I highly recommend these two articles if you want to become a freelance illustrator:

Yes, it’s old, but this 2001 article by illustrator Phyllis Pollema-Cahill provides an excellent analysis of what to include in your promotional packet.  Ten years later, more art editors in every field STILL request direct mail – by a landslide.

Indispensable advice also provided by illustrator Heather Castles on How to Promote Yourself as an Illustrator.

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Those are the links of the week!  Til next time!

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FTD: July 29th, 2011

Posted on July 29, 2011 | 2 Comments

Channeling a little Hepburn.

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Maurice Sendak is releasing the first book he both wrote and illustrated in thirty years.

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This illustrated review of Transformers 3 by Brooklyn artist Lisa Hanawalt is pretty hilarious.

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Yeah, it’s wedding season (already been to 2, and have another 2 to go), but this wedding video of blogger Elsie (of a Beautiful Mess) is just TOO GOOD.

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Why is it no surprise that Jake sent this link to me?

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Seventeen Mag’s covers throughout the years – OMG, I totes remember that Leo Dicaprio cover!!

Side note: why do so many American mags have to put tons of ugly call-outs on the cover?  Simplicity is beautiful.

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I love to see an artist’s studio, but how about their entire NYC apartment?!  LOVE this inside look at Yuko Shimizu’s home.

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And, my favorite find of the week: How To Steal Like an Artist, by Austin Kleon.  Endless supply of words to live by.

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Happy Friday!

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From the Desk: July 22, 2011

Posted on July 22, 2011 | 3 Comments

I’m all for a fruitful Goodwill expedition, but sometimes finding that one good-quality vintage dress is worth dropping a few pennies on.  I picked up this dainty little number in the Haight neighborhood of San Francisco.  The shop, La Rosa Vintage, had so many wonderful hand-selected pieces it was hard to choose just one!

It’s been awhile since the last FTD (sorry if bits of it are old hat for you), so here we go!

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The entirety of Harry Potter summarized in comic form, by Lucy Knisley.

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Jillian Tamaki’s own version of Harry Potter.

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Never one for the mundane, Bjork’s colorful cover for Dazed & Confused.

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Earlier this month, artist Cy Twombly passed at the age of 83 – here is an article from the New Yorker.

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The massive behemoth of a project that is Bjork’s new album sounds insane – an app for every track?!

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Also to pass this month was Betty Ford – and here is an article that is illustrated by the great Vivienne Flesher.

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I love this old-fashioned font by Jessica Hische.

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Why the hell would you put him in a superhero costume, anyway?  Disney reverts back to the original Winnie the Pooh.

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I loved this story!  “Lost” soul band Penny & The Quarters was discovered again after their song became a hit on Blue Valentine.

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The reason why we have album cover art dies: Alex Steinweiss in the Gothamist.

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I love the collection of artists that Red Cap Cards has gathered, including the great Jon Klassen.

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This baked cake (yes, I’m putting a freaking cake on here) and associated post from Regretsy is AMMMAAAZINGLY awesome.  Worth the read.

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One of my fave segments from Mister Rogers: how crayons are made!

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And to top it all off, the absolutely swoon-worthy article about the love letters between Georgia O’Keeffe and Alfred Steiglitz.

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Have a radical weekend!

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From the Desk: July 1st, 2011

Posted on July 1, 2011 | Leave a comment

Ahhhhhhhhh, summer!  Or, “Summer”.  Whatever.  It may finally actually be here!

This week’s round of Links:

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In an interview with Ian Falconer, creator of the immensely successful children’s book series Olivia, it’s interesting to know that his book idea was initially rejected for the writing, only to be accepted just as is, much later.

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Portlanders, look for Jake’s new ad for Fifty Licks Ice Cream in the Mercury.  Our buddy Chad is killin’ it with his handmade deliciousness.

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I looooooooooove these portraits inspired by classic paintings for Christian Louboutin’s Fall 2011 line.

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How did it take me so long to see this?!?  Tokyo duo Verbal + Yoon cover the The Runaway’s Cherry Bomb in a campaign celebrating Dr. Marten’s anniversary.  These two are so cool, it’s painful.

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And speaking of painfully cool, I also found Tokyo band Trippple Nippples on Verbal’s blog.  Not only am I diggin on their Goldenroad jam, but their costumes are crazy!  Rice, popcorn, spaghetti, feathers – what more could you want?!

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Bjork gets her very own custom instrument made, called a Gameleste.

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HAHAHHAHAHAA, not only is the children’s book Go The Fuck To Sleep already awesome for just being written, try listening to it being read by Samuel L. Jackson!

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Have an epically glorious holiday weekend!  Happy July!

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From the Desk: June 23, 2011

Posted on June 23, 2011 | Leave a comment

One of things that makes the Internet such a valuable resource to me is the the abundance of free, professional advice from other artists in my field.  I am constantly unearthing wonderful gems of information from some of the top award-winning Illustrators and Designers, simply by researching their personal websites.  Here are just a few that I’ve uncovered during my own searching:

Shaun Tan just received the prestigous Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award for his work as a Children’s Book Illustrator/Author.  His wordless, illustrated reaction to the award is here.  And even better?  Tips on how to get published, found in the FAQ section of his website.

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How do you make a living as an Illustrator?  Do I need to move to New York City?  Illustrator Yuko Shimizu answers these questions and more in her own FAQ section.

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ADC Young Gun designer Jessica Hische discusses her process, how she got into the business, and what it’s like being a designer in Brooklyn.

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This is probably some of the most valuable information I’ve read so far: not only does top Illustrator/Designer Bill Mayer provide a frank account of doing a recent job for peanuts, but his article opened up an incredibly interesting comment thread amongst other designers, students and professionals.  If you read nothing else, read this.

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And here are more links found around the web this week!

Sam Weber just did an illustrated cover (one of the very few) for National Geographic.  Flawless.

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Man, I love skeletons, but this guy takes the cake! Lady Gaga’s best friend is a Zombie Boy.

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From Good Design: 25 Female Designer and Illustators We Love.

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Walmart meets American art?  Founder of Walmart’s daughter Alice Walton has been building a monster million-dollar museum.  In the Ozarks.

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It’s a new record!  A gathering of the most people dressed as Where’s Waldo?, and it all happened in Ireland.

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That’s it for this week’s distractions!  This weekend Jake and I will be in Astoria attending a wedding (the first of many this year).  Expect photos of the Goonie Village when we return!

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From the Desk: June 16th, 2011

Posted on June 16, 2011 | Leave a comment

This week, on From the Desk:

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Back when people used to actually dress classy when going for a cocktail: a celebration of America’s cocktail culture is on display at RISD.  Check out them dresses!

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 I love these sumptuous illustrations of native ladies by Brazilian fashion student Camila do Rosário.

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A hilarious collection of quirky details in paintings:

Men in High Heeled Shoes

Creepy Hands

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Cats in Art

via the Hairpin.

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The Portland Art Museum very carefully transferred some collectible cars into their space.

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I’m late on this, but I feel like I discovered a gold mine!  The Sidebar podcast interviews feature some of my favorite artists, from James Jean and Sam Weber, to Ben Templesmith  and James Gurney.  Excellent listening for studio work.

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I just brutally chopped my own bangs, but I probably should have referenced this collection of lady bangs from Sea of Shoes first!

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Jake’s Tumblr perfectly captures his tastes and stylings, and provides a lot of great inspiration, too.

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As always, Jillian Tamaki provides more useful commentary on the relevance of illustration today.

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That’s it for this week!  I’ve been spending more time at my drawing desk than on the computer – which is where I’m returning now.

Til next week!

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From the Desk: June 9th, 2011

Posted on June 9, 2011 | 1 Comment

You may be wondering why the heck I’m wearing a beanie in June, but hey, it wasn’t quite summer that day here in Portland.  I think summer rolls around sometime in August here.  Or maybe October.

ANYWAY

Here’s the news for this week!

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I want to visit this time capsule mansion.  I’d travel all the way to France just to see those weird taxidermy frogs.

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A gem from Sesame Street: Monsterpiece Theater presents Twin Beaks!

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What?! Milton Glaser didn’t make a dime when he designed the famous I ♥ NY logo.

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Why pictures books ain’t dead.

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How to prepare for the Jazz Age Lawn Party in NYC.  GUHHHH I want to go to this!  Article from Yikes Machine.

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Yes, there’s a Ralph Snart fansite, but seriously, did any of you guys read this comic like I did?

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It’s interesting to know that even the French state wouldn’t accept paintings from now very famous Impressionists.

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And I thought bar patrons were weird!  Check out the strange customers of this London bookshop.

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I am quite fond of children’s book Illustrator Sophie Blackall, and in particular her Missed Connections series.  Plus, she wouldn’t mind taking a walk on the beach with Edward Gorey.

That’s all for this week!  Til next time!

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From The Desk: May 25th, 2011

Posted on May 26, 2011 | 3 Comments

Last week I picked up a bunch of Peonies (as you may already know, I have professed my love for Peonies many times!).  As I carried them home, they were a modest size, but after they were re-cut and placed in a jar, they mutated into the largest freaking flowers I’d ever seen.

The blooms must’ve spanned 8 inches or so.  Maybe 8 feet, I can’t remember.  I felt like we had acquired a new roommate.

Sometimes while admiring them I would think, “Man, there’s a reason why all those famous dudes were painting flowers all the time!”  And then I remembered one of my favorite role models, Georgia O’Keeffe.  If she were still alive, she’d totes paint these Peonies!

 So anyway, indulge yourself for a few and watch this video of O’Keeffe herself, hanging out at her homestead in New Mexico.  This lady was sassy.

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+ These Depression-era photographs are epic.  Is it any wonder the young lad in the first photo is more dapper than most grown men I see on the streets these days?

+ I am totally diggin the stylish artwork of  Somefield, particularly his wonderful  Alice in Wonderland series.

+ I have to admit, this line of sequined foot gear inspired by the graffiti of Keith Haring are pretty awesome works of art.

+ In my continuing obsession with interior design, here’s another good source of inspiration, especially that office space!

That’s it for this week!

Signing off -

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From the Desk: May 18th, 2011

Posted on May 18, 2011 | 2 Comments

All wrapped up in Pendleton.

Hello!  Welcome to another edition of From the Desk.

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You may have noticed a lot of buzz about Twin Peaks lately, and there’s a reason why: the whole television series is running on Netflix Instant right now.

Although I’ve seen the movie, I’ve never actually watched the series, so Jake and I have been working through it for a couple of weeks now.  And yes – it’s totally worth it.

“Sure, and maybe after the square dance we can go on a hayride!”

Dark, weird, ominous, quirky – this is definitely one of the oddest murder-mysteries out there.  I understand why this David Lynch series developed such a cult following.

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And while you’re at it, you may as well treat yourself to one my most favorite movies, EVER:

This is ALSO on Netflix Instant (surely one of the greatest gifts on Earth), and I implore you to watch Wild At Heart if you haven’t seen it already.

WTF?? It’s Willem Dafoe.

Sailor Ripley, Lulu, Bobby Peru – the cast of characters in this flick is brilliant.

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And maybe I’m going way too far down the rabbit hole, but I just made this correlation last night:

THIS GUY from Twin Peaks

And THIS CHICK from Twin Peaks

Whom play a married couple on the show, ALSO play a married couple in this movie:

They’re the psychotic murderous couple from PEOPLE UNDER THE STAIRS!!  OMFG!  I loved this movie when I was small innocent child.  I’m still reeling from this revelation.

Ok, ok, moving on…..

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Coincidentally, a few days after I perused the beautiful hand-lettering styles of Darren Booth on his website, Bobby Solomon happened to feature Booth on  The Fox is Black.

This article features the process behind the making of Booth’s cover art for An Object of Desire, a novel by comedian Steve Martin.  I always love seeing how an artist works, and this was no exception.  All hand-drawn and painted! Read the article here.

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I cannot get over the winter cabin stylings of this Norwegian house (Oh!  That skull pillow!)  I want to clone stamp the whole thing into my own house.

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And here’s a couple more tidbits for you guys:

+ The most comprehensive internet guide to finding a literary agent I’ve found yet.  (Best tip: you ain’t going to find one on the Internet.)

+ Portland’s own Schoolhouse Electric was featured on Door Sixteen.

+ And, if I haven’t shared this yet: The Top 20 Children’s Books of 2010.

Til next time!

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