Cartoon Curio

Surfer Magazine cover contest

2009-08-10T17:50:00.000-07:00

Hey folks! I hate to ask favors, but if you're reading this, could you please click here to vote for my design? I'd highly appreciate it. I've been working with an Australian client recently. He's asked me to do several dolphin projects, including a possible kid's book concept. I can't tell all, but check out a few of the images below.

I wish all my visitors, the small, special group of you, an excellent Summer in the sun!
xoxoxo

Oodles of Random Doodles

2009-07-01T14:09:00.000-07:00

Directory of Illustration

2009-06-12T08:34:00.000-07:00

Check out my work in the Directory of Illustration. The illustration above has been one of my recent favorite additions to my portfolio. I'm slowly honing in on my "professional" kid's book style. I'm shopping agents, and doing various projects, but I thought I'd take a moment to leave a sample on the ole' blog. If you have a second, I'd really really love artistic feedback or opinions about this collection of images. My Directory of Illustration ad page will look like this...

We'll be right back after these messages...

2009-05-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

...until then, here's a maessage from one of our sponsors: (click image.)

Cartoon Curio is on recess. I'll return as soon as I'm done relaxing. :D

Isabella, you inspire me

2009-02-17T06:45:00.000-08:00

Science never looked so FUNNY or as SCANDALOUS as Isabella Rossellini shows here.

Trying to learn Flash!

2009-02-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

Drawing from life at The Society of Illustrators

2009-02-10T14:47:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd post some recent life drawing samples on the ole' blog. I can't display my other projects due to clients, but naked models are fine! An ink brush was used to sketch these but I'll probably use a pencil next time for more detail. I like how they vary from cartoonish to realistic.

2009

2009-01-14T14:18:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a year filled with good creative work. Luckily, I've been too busy doing freelance assignments to update Cartoon Curio. Hopefully I'll be back soon!

Ho Ho Ho!!!

2008-12-20T11:35:00.000-08:00

Holiday Cocktails

2008-12-18T08:13:00.001-08:00

Did another illustration for the New York Press. This one's about the Holiday Cocktail Lounge in the East Village. The ancient bartender, Stefan, will begrudgingly serve you your poison. I've never been there but I want to go.

Here's a picture of Stefan I used as a reference.

Getting Stuffed

2008-12-09T13:18:00.000-08:00

It's a little late for a Thanksgiving related post, but this illustration I did reflects a writer's recent holiday experience. It should be running in the upcoming issue of the New York Press (hopefully with a CREDIT). His reverie described his excitement and anxiety surrounding his first attempt at cooking a turkey for his family. The outcome was successful, but there was much self-doubt and rigorous turkey cavity stuffing involved. Meanwhile, his girlfriend was obsessed with finding Pilgrim shaped candles for table decor. Hope you like it! I think I successfully channeled my own cooking anxiety into the finished piece. :)

Enjoy the holiday season!

No Pain, No Gain

2008-11-28T19:07:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving is over and the the New Year looms right around the corner, just beyond 30 days or so of holiday madness. If you're like me, you've stuffed yourself beyond capacity this turkey day and you're rolling around on the floor in the aftermath of major gluttony. You might be thinking, "Why exercise now? It's cold outside and I have a full month of procrastinating before making any damn resolutions." To that, I say, "I agree."

I'd still like to share the "Virtual Coaches" I designed for NeverSayDiet.com. They made a special widget you can attach to your facebook or myspace account that will give you occasional fitness tips in varying degrees of compassion. Click on it above. It was a challenging job because they sent me photos of real trainers and wanted caricatured versions of them. I don't plan on following their fitness advice until January but feel free to jump on the treadmill with them.

MILKy

2008-11-25T07:57:00.001-08:00

I saw MILK last night at a free preview screening in Chelsea and I loved it. I was really impressed. I'd heard some gossip about it just being "okay" but it was thoroughly enjoyable–and moving. Sean Penn delivers such a heartfelt, solid performance...I fell in love with him over the two hours I watched him struggle against odds greater than I can ever imagine. Plus, James Franco was absolutely dreamy as his main squeeze. Go check it out, even if you don't know the history behind the true story. You will be awestruck at Penn's first major portrayal of a gay character.

A week or so before the screening, I was commissioned to do the above illustration of Sean Penn as Harvey Milk for Genre magazine. It was a real challenge because the film wasn't out yet, and I wanted to create something really recognizable for a historical gay figure that most people have never heard of AND it still needed to resemble Sean Penn. I'm hoping the angular, funky visage I drew works. I like how the deconstructed flag motifs work all around him, but I was concerned about the face. Both Penn and Milk have oddly proportioned, yet oddly attractive faces, so it was tough. I looked at as many historical photos and MILK movie stills as I could get my hands on. I just hope I did them justice.

Oh, and to someone who commented that I should post more often, I promise to try! I've been so busy either going out or marching in rallies against Prop 8, that I am just getting back to posting. But check it: ME and MY PROTEST SIGN made it onto the AfterEllen blog next to pics of Whoopi Goldberg at the march!

Fears of the Dark

2008-11-09T09:46:00.000-08:00

As much as I loved the raw, historically urgent, black and white animated tale of Persepolis, that film-going experience pales in comparison to this year's Fears of the Dark! I finally caught this film last night, at New York City's IFC Center, and it BLEW ME AWAY.

After seeing it, I realized how LONG it's been since I've been authentically transported to an inspiring new realm by a film. That realization was sad for me, because I tout myself as being much more of a feverish film fan usually. I suppose WALL-E had a similar effect on me, but I expected it to, because PIXAR has built such a beautiful reputation over the years, and their latest treat surpassed their last brilliant offering. What was surprising about Fears of the Dark was that it opened a whole new viewing experience for me, one that was refreshingly different from your typical CG loaded adrenaline-fest. Mind you, it has CG imagery, but it does an expert job of blending it with traditional methods of animation. The combination is graphically intoxicating. This film is both new and old in feel, and I love it for that. It feels classic despite its newness, and it evokes pure graphic poetry with its imagery. It's been a long time since I've seen visual storytelling on the screen this artful.

The film is a series of nightmarish short stories. Each story is book-ended by an ongoing narrative concerning demonic dogs and the film is punctuated by reflective comments by a crazed neurotic philosopher musing on the banalities of life. These moments are very French, and it's all very arty, but in an accessible and non-perplexing way. The short stories throughout the film all deal with fears in the broad sense of the word, not just campfire ghost stories.

The list of contributing graphic artists includes several European masters and a couple American masters of the craft. All the short stories in the film are brilliantly done which genuinely makes it hard to pick a favorite section. Included are amazing sequences by Richard McGuire and Charles Burns, two graphic artists I've loved for years. McGuire was a huge influence on me while I worked at Primal Screen studio and Burns has always been a cartoonist that's creeped me out in the best way possible. (The still at the beginning of this post illustrates his masterful ink lined sense of creepiness.) I recently saw an exhibit of Burns work here in NY, so his style has been on my mind a lot lately, so this film came at a perfect time.

All in all, I highly recommend this film if you're a fan of dark humor and horror stories or if you're a fan of any of the artists involved. The experience brought to mind the same thrills I got as a child by reading Edward Gorey's sinister strips or by watching Tim Burton's early, pre-fame animation sequences, namely Vincent. The opening to PBS's "MYSTERY!" series comes to mind as well, along with some of the creepy animation work of Rene Laloux.

GO SEE IT!!!

Happy Halloween

2008-10-27T20:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween everyone! This whole week counts as Halloween as far as I'm concerned. I still don't have a costume idea and the days are counting down. I don't know how I'm going to top last year's NYC Halloween parade outing as David Bowie from Labyrinth, but I'm taking suggestions. I need to get get busy.

In the meantime, enjoy Count Dogula. He was created for a t-shirt.

Collaboration

2008-10-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

I recently did these pieces in collaboration with Edson, continuing our string of fashion illustrations for AVENUE magazine. These depict a few activities favored by the New York social set, and were included with an article titled, "My Perfect New York Day". I wish I could afford to do these things every day, but New York is the kind of town where too much of all this will make you broke! Ahhh...to be loaded in NY, that must be the life.

The line art is by Edson, and the color backgrounds were created by me. They're mostly digital photo collage, combined with fabric swatch textures for the clothing. Hope you enjoy.

Fall Outré Boy

2008-10-06T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps, my loyal peeps who give a crap, thanks for stopping by. I'm tossing out a post just to stay on whatever radars are left out there. I've been busy, busy, busy. Working hard for the money. Shakin' the money maker. We can't be too careful during these economic hard times brought to us by the lovely Bush administration, so I've been doing all the freelancing I can.

I just finished this illustration of Pete Wentz, the cute bassist from Fall Out Boy, and I thought I'd share the joy. It'll be accompanying an article about his penchant for kissing boys (probably for shock value) and the recent media exposure of his private parts (via his handy Sidekick). I can't say I'm a huge fan of his music because I haven't listened to most of it, but I will say I'm willing to support these new kids with androgynous leanings and lax sexual boundaries. Try as many flavors as you like...that's all I'm sayin'.

I witnessed further evidence of Mr. Wentz's coolness recently when I stumbled into lesbian night at his bar, "Angels & Kings", in the East Village. I tagged along with my friend Julie for "Starlet Sunday" and was impressed that he'd offer up his bar for just the ladies one night of the week. Of course, maybe that's in hopes of getting in on the action, but hopefully it's a purer gesture. Whatever the case, we had a blast and I walked around secretly hoping to run into Ashlee Simpson lip-locked with some butch babe.

Show Style Explorations

2008-09-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was asked to create some pre-vis work exploring a "look" for a new kid's show. It's not in production yet, but I was sort of pleasantly surprised by the outcome of my concept art. It's a bit of a different style for me. I was trying to channel South American art into the look since the show creators are using Latin rhythms for the songs. A very multi-cultural cast and eccentric melodies should offer up something a little more folksy and different for kids and parents to watch together. I hope it gets made! ...and I hope I get to work on it! Feedback and/or critiquing would be greatly appreciated. :)

Have a drink o' Lemonade

2008-08-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

I'm proud to announce I'm now represented by Lemonade Illustration Agency. Check it out!

I also set up a profile on Altpick, another seemingly good illustration networking site. I'm not sure if my portfolio here has too many styles. I might re-edit the selection. What do you think? Does an illustrator really have to have ONE style?

It's good to be getting my portfolio out there, and overseas, even. Hopefully, it will bring in some good freelance work. We'll see...

Olive Oyl as seen through the Cartoon Curio lens...

2008-08-12T11:28:00.000-07:00

Olive grooves to the music

Olive metamorphosis

Olive in love

Olive as Edith Head (small fashion figures by Edson Alves)

Olive on acid

I've been doing so many version of her for a client recently...but I can't keep them up on here for long...trademark issues! Shhhhh... I just couldn't resist sharing. Hope you're enjoying Summer!

The curios that dwell in this cube

2008-07-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

A while back I chatted with a few fellow bloggers about being a toy junkie (which means collecting way too many plastic toys/figurines/curios/knick-knacks/etc. for our own good.) Like all the other toy junkies, my inner child cannot resist holding on to these little treasures. I decorate around them and build little obsessive shrines to them. It's a testament to my interest in cartoons, character design, and imaginary worlds.

Despite my serious interest in the collection of these strange little products, I can't help but think that non toy junkies view such collections as tacky displays of kitchy cartoon nostalgia. While one could argue that an adult that collects such trinkets is emotionally stunted or trapped in a permanent adolescence (haha...possible?), I argue that we are the truly enlightened members of adulthood. We've come full circle: from childhood to adulthood, and then back to childhood. We don't take the world seriously. We daydream and live in our heads. We see the humor and irony in these strange mounds of colorful plastic...and we know that in one hundred years, these will be the odd relics that societies in the future will marvel at, tilting their heads in confusion and wonder. Imagine if aliens visited our planet and searched for manmade products to take home with them. Do you really think they'll confiscate some vase from Pottery Barn over some bizarre cartoony figurine? No way, not if they're really advanced.

With that said, I'm devoting this post to pictures of my home's cartoon curios. In part, I am fulfilling a long-overdue promise to my Mom to post pics of my apartment for her to see how I live in New York. Otherwise, this is for all you other artists and toy junkies out there! I wanted to show my work-space and toy decorating inspiration. I hope you enjoy it. I'd love to see your toy junkie collection as well, if you have one. Please keep in mind that due to the size-challenged apartment situation in Manhattan, I've had to...(sob)...appraise and discard part of my collection over the years. But the select few that remain can be seen scattered across my mid-century inspired decor. :)

The center of distraction and procrastination (above)

See that little white cream puff/turd-on-wheels? I couldn't part with that.

My friend, Danita, gave me the Little Enid doll. The elephant and deer were too cutesy and kitchy to not love.

Cupie dolls and a fawn...can it get any more sappy?

My "pride and joy" plush collection. The green whale was a flea market find. The bunny with tie is by Julie Dumolin. "Marty" the pink devil is by Ingri Von Bergen. The little orange guy is from George Widmer, and the green atari-looking dude is by Michael Reagan.

We zoom out to see the whole living room

My architect friends, David and Gloria, gave me this coffee table. It's so mid-century and I LOVE IT.

I designed this cow for Cowparade. The "Hee!" book is by Ivan Brunetti, master of sick comics (the "Misery Loves comedy" book is also by him). Weird, red, nude guy painting in back by awesome street artist.

I can't resist colorful bed spreads.

Duckies!

I love my UFO-inspired salt and pepper shakers on the microwave.

'nuff said.

Sip on this for Summer...

2008-07-09T23:12:00.000-07:00

Now that we're halfway through Summer, I can't help but wish that time would slow down. There's just too much to do!!! Summertime in Manhattan unleashes a non-stop schedule of film festivals, Summer blockbusters, park activities, and street fairs. It's enough to wish you had all hours of the day to attend everything, but unfortunately, no one has this kind of time (except maybe those lucky trust-funders).

If scientists ever figure out how to tap into those 4th dimensions via wormholes, I sure hope they concoct a method of beaming us to and from to our weekly event destinations. That way, I can finally pack everything I want into my NY summers. My days have become so crammed that I don't have my valuable blogging time anymore. All I can do is try to find these much needed reflective moments in my day. I ain't promisin' nothin', and considering how long ago I posted, there's probably no one listening by now anyhow.

If someone I love is out there still clicking over every once in a while, I want to say thanks. And I also want to share the fabulous news that I have some animation work featured in an independent flick to be released later in the season. It's the much anticipated sequel to "Another Gay Movie"!

It's sure to be a blast, and how could it not be with RuPaul, Lady Bunny, Scott Thompson, and many other big names involved! It's scheduled to open in NY late August, and later, everywhere else. Please go check it out if you get a chance. I got a chance to animate refreshments frolicking and flirting on the beach (see below), and after the jump, you'll see a still from a sequence involving a "louse party" in a character's crotch. Yes, a character's crotch.

The screening dates for the film can be found in the links up above. Even if you don't normally take in this kind of raunchy comedy fare, I hope these animation stills intrigue you! They were such fun to do. I'll have to get them up on You Tube once their audio is finished.

Unlike the crabs these boys unknowingly host, this project definitely didn't arrive overnight. I've been conversing with the director about the animation for quite a while. It's been my biggest freelance gig to date, and I'm excited to see the end result on the BIG SCREEN! From this moment forth I plan on continuing the freelancing as far as it will take me, and hopefully there will be opportunities for blogging throughout. It's always nice to bounce stuff off of an online community.

Cheers!

New York Depress

2008-04-16T21:20:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not depressed. I was just bummed recently when the cover illustration I created for the NY Press got butchered by its design staff. Above is the illustration before I sent it in to them. They asked me to create a colorful image of a porcine man cutting into a big meaty steak. So I had fun with it. I really got into delineating the fatty areas of the meat, and the perspective was a neat challenge. At the risk of sounding like I'm tooting my own horn, I was pleased with the outcome.

When I saw the final cover on the stand (above), I was totally shocked. Not only was the typographic treatment tacky and dreadful, but they had gone in (without permission) and totally altered the color of the steak! On top of that insult, they obscured my initials. They had ALREADY asked me to remove my entire signature, what more did they want? I always sign my pieces in one way or another. That's an illustrator's right usually.

The pride I had felt for my finished illustration was completely shattered by their treatment of it. It was as if someone was TRYING to choose the absolute worst typeface, layout, and alteration. First of all, darkening the steak turned it into a shapeless muddy blob. I really don't think it reads like a steak this way. It looks more like a pool of clotted blood. Secondly, the TYPE. The type treatment had to be the most high-school usage of typography on a major weekly I've ever seen. Seriously, it's not even readable. I understand they were trying to create an aggressive, in-your-face "sales pitch" tone, but they completely failed and created more visual "noise" for our advertisement polluted city. The "Salsa" typeface used in "IN-SA-A-A-A-A-ANE!" is poorly stretched (using a cheap Photoshop effect) leaving it practically illegible. The type above it isn't much better either. It's placement on the left creates all sorts of visual tangents with the image below it, rendering it hard to read as well. On top of these visual errors, it's not even that clever or amusing. It's more like a slap in the face. Tell me, during a busy day in New York, why would anyone's eyes linger long enough to read this mess?

This is the problem with the New York Press. They try to compete with the Village Voice, but they don't give their paper the same thoughtful design treatment the Voice usually affords. A good cover uses an arresting image to draw you in, and then informs you with smart typography. When typography is this messy and obnoxious, it repels the viewer. I am incredibly dismayed that an alternative paper here in NEW YORK CITY, a capitol of good design, can be so design ignorant. And this isn't the first cover I've seen mangled, either.

I was so unhappy with the outcome of this cover I decided to redesign my own version specifically for my portfolio. Check it out below. I'm no typographic master, but I think my version is already ten times better than the existing cover. The image draws you in and even points to the type (with the knife). "Insane Prices" is allowed to leap forward in yellow, grabbing your attention, while the smaller type reveals the details neatly while contained in the steak. Isn't it much more pleasing to look at this way? I'd love to hear whether you agree with me or if you think I'm crazy. I feel like anyone at the helm of a paper would–and should–understand these visual rules. Apparently, ANYONE off the street can design the cover of a publication these days. I know one thing for sure, if someone tried to submit writing on the same level as the botched cover design above, the editor would surely throw it out.

That's what I'm depressed about. Why isn't design given the same respect? It works wonders when administered properly. Often, it's what makes the consumer pick up your product in the first place.

Below is another cover illustration I did for the NY Press last Fall. They did a better job with this one, but I think it could be better. Thanks for reading my rant. :)

The NEW improved justinwinslow.com!

2008-03-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

After a looooong pause in blogging, I find myself compelled to throw something up until I'm able to elaborate. The kid's show I was working on ended, I did some traveling, and I spent the last few weeks working at a new studio. So I've been quite busy shifting gears from working to not working and then scrambling around for a job. On top of all the other life changes, I've been culling together all my best work for my NEW WEBSITE. A good friend of mine, Scott Sosebee, helped me create a new look for justinwinslow.com. Please check it out. I'd love to hear what you think of it. I hope it represents the best of what I have to offer to the worlds of broadcast design and illustration. (I also hope it bags me an agent.) We'll see if anything spectacular comes out of it, but for now I'm just giddy clicking through page after colorful page. I think Scott did an incredible job with the interface and I feel like it represents me well. Hopefully, it presents something new of mine you haven't already seen before.

The Art & Flair of Mary Blair in San Francisco

2008-02-17T15:59:00.000-08:00

I recently returned from an amazing trip to San Francisco with my boyfriend and friends! It was a beautiful trip...and the added bonus was taking in "The Art & Flair of Mary Blair" show at San Fran's Cartoon Art Museum. Above is a close-up of the main piece in the exhibition showcasing Mary Blair's work. If you're not familiar with who Mary Blair is, check her out: Disney Legends, Mary Blair Flickr set, Yesterland, & The Art & Flair of Mary Blair the book.

This brilliant painter, concept artist, and stylist was one of the first women to reach great heights of influence within the Disney canon, in the 1940's and 50's amazingly. Her paintings distilled mood and emotion into deceptively simple design compositions, therefore they were used as a loose guide for the animators when creating scenes for the films. Her expressive use of colors and forms can be seen in several Disney films, and her work continues to inspire artists and animators to this day. Her work is most evident in Disney's Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and DisneyWorld's It's a Small World attraction. Beyond Disney, you can see her work in several Little Golden Books from the period.

Here's another close-up of one of Mary Blair's pieces. I love these colorful and whimsical parrots! This piece was inspired by a trip Mary Blair made to South America, and it was later used to inform the style of a Disney short.

This is perhaps my favorite piece in the entire show. I love the design of the two girls.

Here's my friend Keiko, a very talented animator who met us at the exhibit! Check out Keiko's work, it's great!

Here's Me, Edson, and Keiko again...the following photos are more shots from our San Fran trip!

Me, Edson, and Carol at a park in downtown San Fran.

Here's the whole traveling group: Jay, Carol, Karina, Me, Edson, and Paulo. We're all sitting down for a big lunch at a cool little cafe we found.

I loved San Fran, and could easily live there. But once Edson and I set foot back in Manhattan, we were glad to be home!

Happy V Day

2008-02-14T16:24:00.001-08:00

My lovely boyfriend surprised me with a fab new button down shirt and a cool pair of pants on V-day. I'm lovin' it. I returned the favor with a hand-drawn card (above) and exotic orchids (yellow with bright red streaks bleeding out from the center bud). I think he dug it. I know I dug spending the day with him. Here's to our second one together, baby! :)

B-Bot-Boy

2008-01-30T10:33:00.000-08:00

New Year's Cards

2008-01-30T08:02:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this shot of a couple New Year's designs I sent out as post Xmas "sorry you didn't get an Xmas card" cards. "HEEEAAAVE!" The inside read: "Here's to starting off the new year RIGHT!"

Imaginary Relationships

2008-01-20T22:39:00.000-08:00

Since I plan to get back on track with my little comic strip narrative, I thought I'd post some of my developmental sketches. This is a loose relationship chart linking all the characters together. As you can see, I'm getting kinda' ambitious with this. I want to flesh out the whole universe of their warped little world. I'm a big fan of mythology and magical creatures and space aliens and robots, so I decided if I'm going to create a little world, it's going to involve all of my clashing fascinations. With a strip title like "Mythfits", I feel obliged to make opposites attract. I'm eager to induce all the meet and greets...even if it takes me a while.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-05T11:17:00.000-08:00

These pics were taken on the rooftop of my apartment building right when the clock struck 12 for the new year. To those far away, I wish you could have been there with me. To those nearby, I'm lucky to have your friendship in this city. As the above pics illustrate, I like how we can be serious or SILLY together! Thanks for making my life here so enjoyable.

When I look at these New Year pics, part of me is amazed that I've arrived in New York. I've made it, as they say (well, at least as far as my area code goes...maybe not according to my tiny, tiny bathroom). I've proven to myself that I can survive in NYC with a smile. I can pay the rent. I can run with the big dogs. It feels great to cross off this huge item on my childhood list of dreams. I'm really in love with this place, too. Many people say they want to live here, move here, and find numerous things they can't stand and get out, but I think it really gels with me. Mind you, there ARE those occasional days where NYC is kicking my butt, be it from the extreme bipolar weather, the tense pedestrian traffic during rush hour, or the ornery subway system, but overall I've gotten by just fine. In fact, NYC has improved me as a person, as a professional, as an artist, and even as a boyfriend. Living here now I see why I didn't really "fit" in other places. It's eye-opening to have that realization. Now that 2008 is here, I'm happy to report my continued residence for a little over two years! They say here that the first two years are the test, and if you make it beyond that then you're officially a New Yorker. Thank God I made it!

2008 resolutions*:
-Make more comics
-Eat healthier
-Update my website
-Travel with my boyfriend
-Keep a consistent work-out schedule
-Visit distant friends and family more
-Keep my flimsy blog going

(* may be terminated at any point)

Holiday Card Madness

2007-12-20T20:55:00.001-08:00

Increasingly with every passing year, Christmas seems right around the corner once Thanksgiving slips by. And here it is again! But this time I'm armed with CARDS. Oh sure, I've made hand-drawn Christmas cards before, but this year, I really went all out. (the ones pictured here are only HALF of them) I've lined them up on my coffee table for your viewing pleasure. (Please excuse the washed out shots my crappy camera created. I think its lens is damaged or something and I hope to get a better camera soon.)

Some are "nice". (Cutesy reindeer and talking stockings abound)

And some are "naughty". (Check out Santa's outfit)

An occasional menorah pops up for a few Jewish friends, and an occasional robot pops up because they're fun to draw, and Dolly Parton makes a Christmas appearance for a coworker who's her #1 fan. And yes, those are two huge ornaments she's holding up.

I finished them all just in time for the holidays with hardly any time to spare. I really hope they arrive in time for everyone!

You remind me of the babe...

2007-11-28T07:44:00.001-08:00

BEHOLD: JARETH from Labyrinth!

My boyfriend Edson as Pan!

Our friend Dustin as a Gothic Lolita Harajuku Girl with a MONSTER!

Dustin's boyfriend Enki as the Mad Hatter and Kim as Amy Winehouse!

Edson again with Lu as a gypsy woman!

(my Drunk Bowie face)

It's after Thanksgiving and I'm just now getting around to posting pics of my Halloween costume. How sad.

I hope it's worth the wait. First of all, I hope you get the reference, and NO, I'm not supposed to be a drag queen. I'm going to embarrass myself by stating that I am a total Labyrinth geek. I've watched that movie about a thousand times since my early teens. I rememeber seeing the box cover for it on the shelf at our local video store and at first, I was hesitant. I had been traumatized a few years earlier by the bleak post-apocalyptic flick, Mad Max Beyond Thunderdrome, and somehow my teenage mind confused Tina Turner's face (and hair!) with Bowie's face (and hair!) on the cover of the Labyrinth box. Here's the two covers. SEE WHAT I MEAN? (Sorry they're so small.)

So initially, I thought Labyrinth was going to be some sort of terrifying sequel to the Mad Max series (I was such a wus), even though the words "Mad Max" weren't anywhere on the Labyrinth packaging. That shows you the power of visual merchandising on my young impressionable mind.

Thankfully, my Dad rented Labyrinth (probably thinking it WOULD be an intense continuation of the Road Warrior genre), and I was exposed to it. I think my brothers and my Dad were disappointed by the lack of violence, thrills, and things blowing up, but I was in HEAVEN! Labyrinth was my new FAVORITE MOVIE from that point on. Being a visual person and artistically inclined and all those cliché budding artist descriptions, I was enthralled by Jim Henson's GENIUS. He was a GOD.

Thus my Bowie/Jareth costume!

I even stuck a sock in my tights to get that conspicuous "Bowie bulge" ever-present in the film.

Not only did I chance upon the crystal orb at a local plastics manufacturing store, I also found an owl! (It's a bastardized "Hedwig" prop from a Harry Potter costume.) And if you're wondering if I bought the outfit as one of those pre-designed costume kit packages–I DIDN'T! It's all my doing, baby; pieced from various clothing articles and accessories found in various New York costume shops.

That's me on the right. Not the Bowie on the left. I think the girl is checking out our bulges.

So as you can imagine, Halloween 2007 was THE SHIT for me. I even marched with my boyfriend and friends in the official New York Halloween parade. It was amazing! I even saw another dude dressed as Jareth, AND he was holding hands with a girl dressed as Sarah from the movie. Almost Immediately I had the urge to rush over and smear his Bowie makeup and rip his wig off... but I restrained myself. Hey, Jareth's up for grabs for anyone, not just me. However, I did contemplate stealing "Sarah" away from him, not because she was nice or I liked her particularly; I just wanted her as an accessory.

Moving

2007-10-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I just finished moving from the Lower East Side to Midtown West. (My drawing above sorta' reminds me of my neighborhood.) I found a fab studio apartment for a great deal. I'm shocked, actually. All my books, art supplies, and furniture have been carted across town and hauled up four flights of stairs. I hope to post pics of the new space soon...once the sea of boxes part to reveal a path to the promise land! FREEEEEEDOMMMMM... to decorate however I want! All my "ironic" kitsch treasures will crawl out of their hiding places and perch themselves proudly upon every surface, shouting "Unite! Unite! 'Good' taste shall be undone!" I will sit and lovingly admire each and every one of them, from detached baby doll heads to shiny, saucer-eyed fawns to plastic-molded, cartoon figurines. They will rally around me and serve as my minions. I can't wait. (Actually, I like good taste too, but bad taste makes me laugh.)

More cartoons to come...

Let's talk about feelings

2007-10-07T22:33:00.000-07:00

Tagged!!!

2007-10-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

Cutesypoo (go see her fun creations) tagged me earlier this week. To show I appreciate the love, I'm gonna play...

The rules:
1.) Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2.) Share 7 facts about yourself: some random, some weird.
3.) Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names (linking to them).
4.) Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.

Here we go...
1.) As a kid I drew LOTS of dragons. (Here's another one up above.)
2.) I have so many allergies I might as well live in a bubble.
3.) My day job is creating these crazy backgrounds for a kid's show.

4.) I like making cards for people, especially people who I know will appreciate them.
5.) I didn't learn how to drive until I was 21. (I was a spazz behind the wheel.)

6.) I like grapes, pineapple and kiwi fruit, but I hate cucumbers, green peas, and celery.
7.) I'd secretly love to be a gifted chef like Remy the rat in Ratatouille (an amazing film), but I just don't have the drive –or time –or space.

Here's who I am tagging: (sorry!)
1.) Dave DeGrand, who is an amazing cartoonist whose doodles never fail to crack me up
2.) BIG AL'S SPOT, where Al Pardo animates funny characters
3.) D'Home, home of Stephen D'Andrea, the world's most talented teacher
4.) Kansa-Shite, where a cool fashion student named Gilda muses about the world
5.) Tirui, because her designs are great and she's cool
6.) Misadventures of Dee, because she's an awesome background designer
7.) The Ward-O-Matic, even though I'm sure Ward doesn't have the time

Something smells funny...

2007-09-24T23:08:00.000-07:00

High Fashion and Poop

2007-09-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

Well, it was OBVIOUS that I had to continue the adventure of this little turd. He appeared earlier, but now he's going to have his own little story.

While I drew robots, unicorns, and poop this weekend, my boyfriend checked out some collections during NYC's fashion week. I got a chance to see some of the designer lines as well, and boy, there was some pretty impressive stuff. It's so interesting to learn more about an area of design I'm less familiar with. I love hearing my boyfriend talk about the silhouette, cut, and details of clothing. It's mesmerizing how much thought and planning goes into some of these shows, too. There's such an eager audience for these events! People arrive and wait with bated breath to get a glimpse of their favorite designer's new creations. I can't say that I've seen many fine art crowds as passionate and impatient to view the latest creations by a living artist.

It's really interesting to me how the fashion world forces its audience to charge ahead and stay with the times. If fashion shows bared any resemblance to most American art museums (and their patrons), the styles walking down the runway would be forever stuck in Victorian England's fashion era...or maybe even caveman skins.

Let's go Shopping...

2007-09-12T15:14:00.000-07:00

I hate grocery shopping, but I tried to ignore that when I was making these supermarket backgrounds.

Here, have some CHEESE!!!

Actually, I went to the acupunturist the other day, and she said I should try to cut cheese out of my diet. She says my body type is "hot and damp" and "easily accumulates phlegm" and cheese engenders dampness in the body perfect for phlegm production.

Yum.

A Doomed Relationship?

2007-09-09T02:48:00.001-07:00

Hey, check out the awesome take on my unicorn character by Albert Pardo. He's an incredibly talented animator who does work for the kid's show I design backgrounds for. I'm honored that someone would do a stylization of one of my characters... and a hilariously silly one, at that!

Little Ditties

2007-09-04T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hey folks, I've been gone a few days vacationing in Provincetown. It was a beautiful Labor Day weekend. I hope you all had a pleasant one as well.

I'm workin' on more adventures with Robot & Unicorn, so sit tight! For now, I'm posting a little doodle that was half-way transformed into a finished illustration. When will the people at work realize I need to devote ALL my time to these Mythfits??? ;)

In addition to that, here's a few sketches from NY City and the beach!

There's really no better place than NY to draw strange people...well, maybe Las Vegas?

Ugh...the woman on the right ended up out of proportion. She was supposed to have more of a midsection than that.

You know what I realized while sketching on the beach? There sure are a lot of fat Americans out there.

Below is a photo of my friend, Luciane, who I sketched above while lying on the beach. She liked the finished drawing, so I'm going to give it to her eventually. (Don't tell her, but we're also trying to find her a girlfriend! She's single, ladies!)

It was great to relax in the sand and practice some figure drawing, although I think my drawing of Lu came out a bit stiff...but I like the movement in her hair and skirt. Gotta' loosen up.

I'm trying not to get sunburned.

Fishing sure looks boring to me.

Something Totally Different

2007-08-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

A week ago, Edson and I did our first collaboration. The end result is definitely a hybrid of both of our styles! We were approached to create illustrations for AVENUE magazine. The article we were to illustrate was about a snotty Madison Avenue book party. These two illustrations are the end result. Edson whipped up several of his stylish fashion figures and I designed the apartment backgrounds and furnishings. The color palate and the fabric textures applied to each figure's outfit were decided by both of us working together, scanning in various textures. I think we're pretty happy with the end result...but even more so, we're thrilled that we can work together successfully! It really requires careful compromising and sensitivity to work with another artist. I'm glad we didn't step on each other's toes!

The illustration above was the opening illustration of the article, and an introduction to the party crowd. The illustration below depicts the main character, a stylish Charleston, South Carolina woman visiting New York, and how she took pleasure in the fact that the host was unaware of the mousy salesgirl who was ruining a priceless designer desk with a rusty cash drawer.

WOW! A Unicorn!

2007-08-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

This was my first attempt creating a Mythfits strip. Obviously, the robot hasn't shown up yet.

That turd might show up again later. I like him.

A Match Made In Heaven?

2007-08-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

2007-08-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

...Then a Robot Appeared.

2007-08-13T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here's part two of the beginning of my strip. I hope you like it.

Note: first panel best viewed while imagining Richard Strauss's "Also sprach Zarathustra" (from 2001: A Space Odyssey) playing in your head.

Yeah, yeah...I know, that's a tired cinematic cliché, but it makes it all the more ridiculous.

In The Beginning, There Was a Drunk Unicorn...

2007-08-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

I like unicorns that drink to kill the pain. :)

This is my attempt to materialize my new endeavor (mentioned a couple posts below). I hope you like it. I think it will be an on-going series. A friend alerted me to a similar concept being developed out there in the zeitgeist, so I thought I'd boogie to get mine started.

Happy Anniversary, baby

2007-08-09T00:49:00.000-07:00

Okay, so it's only been one year, but that's a good start. I want to do a tribute to my sweetie, my boyfriend, on our special day. He came into my life almost exactly a year ago, and everything has been wonderful since. Having originally hailed from Brazil, He exudes a warmth that I feel lucky to be the recipient of. He has taught me so much about life, living in a new city (the Big Apple, no less!), art, fashion, and the culture of Brazil. On top of being such a kind person with a good heart, he is undoubtedly talented and inspiring. Oh, and if I may so so, I think he's such a hottie too! Ha ha...or as you'd say in Portuguese, a "lindo Gato". But that is just the tip of the iceberg, because with him, I feel like I've found someone to really connect with, spiritually, intellectually, artistically, and humorously as well. I hope we get to celebrate many more great times together.

Here's a sampling of my gatinho's work. I am so proud to have a boyfriend with such talent and style. He has even given me pointers on my wardrobe, which I eagerly welcome! Hanging out with him is like hanging out with a sweet, fun-loving Project Runway star (yet much more demure). He has an excellent eye for design and I admire that. It's been nice to share artistic visions with another artist different from myself. I can rock the cartoons, and he really rocks the fashion creations. His elegance as a designer...and as a human being is effortless. Definitely not of the "put-on" variety.

I first met him at the Phoenix Bar in the East Village. As far as bars go, you can't really get less laid back and attitude free than that. That's what I love about the place. I might be wrong, but it has always seemed like the kind of place where real, pretension-free guys stop to grab a beer and catch up with friends. It's casual, a little bohemian, a little rough around the edges.

Anyway, I happened to be there with a friend one night when I caught a glimpse of him across the bar. We didn't talk that night, but the following week, we saw each other again. He approached me in the cutest way, and I got the sense that this guy was really sweet and really real. What can I say? After that and a date, we were glued at the hips. The cool thing is how natural it all felt and continues to feel. I normally don't like to gush online about my personal life, but darn it, this makes me wanna put up a banner. I promise I won't get all mushy on ya folks (is it too late for that?). I just thought I'd spend a few moments sharing what brings me a smile each day. And if you're reading this, I love ya babe. I can't wait to toast over dinner tonight!

A New Endeavor

2007-08-06T20:53:00.000-07:00

As an Illustrator, I get told what to draw a lot (duh). It's not usually what I would sit around sketching at home, so lately I've been experimenting with character creation. For some reason these two little guys keep showing up in my doodles! I always loved unicorns. I always loved robots. Maybe I'll do a little cartoon with them.

mooooorrre Kid's Show Art!

2007-08-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

It's fun creating art for kids. I find that I can be as colorful and whimsical as I want. Here's more backgrounds for the show...some as sketches and some as finals. Hope you enjoy.

During one episode, all the the puppets magically travel into one of the character's mouthes to watch a film on dental hygiene. Here's the "mouth theater" as a sketch and then as a final animated background.

Lastly, I think it's amusing when small, small buildings have impossibly LARGE floorplans. For instance, this floorplan above is for the Playhouse below!

The New Face of Horror

2007-07-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

This is brilliant...and hilarious! The power of editing, people.

Dating Disasters

2007-07-25T19:59:00.000-07:00

Illustrating topics for the dating set these days just keeps getting more colorful. And by "colorful", I mean silly, smutty, and immature. But I'm having fun with it. The following glut of illustrations are just some of the recent situations I've been reading about... enjoy!

I think this one explains itself. I think most people like groups of threes in decorating, but not on a date.

Ever notice how sometimes, on The Discovery Channel, the male peacock spends more time primping than pursuing? Then he gets all sad when he doesn't get any letters or email?

This guy seems to be having his cake and eating it too. Selfish, huh? Of course, the original correct figure of speech goes: "eat your cake and have it too", but all us modern people mess it up.

Most people are big believers that you can't catch a date online without posting a picture of yourself first. I had to illustrate this, so this is what I did. (I know, I know, but I just couldn't resist drawing cute little fishies!)

Sooooooo... which banana would you choose? I for one, go for quality over quantity, but that's just me. Let's see... "See No Evil, Hear No Evil, ...Taste No Evil?"

I'm not going to explain this one, but feel free to come up with your own interpretation.

Finally, have you ever had a shitty date? I have. They STINK.

The Smart Art of David DeGrand

2007-07-15T09:38:00.000-07:00

Sweating snowmen, tree people riddled with nails, dripping elephants, mishapen midgets, murdering madmen. These are reasons why I love the work of David DeGrand. If I was a gallery owner, I'd snatch up his art and display it on walls for all to see.

His imaginative doodles of "weirdos" are unending. I love going to his blog and taking a peek at his moleskin sketchbook pages, one after one. What ARE the strange implications of his images? Are these sweating and melting creatures suffering global warming paranoia as we are? Are these wooden, truncated plant people soft and maleable and easily punctured with "nails" from a cruel society? Do the grotesque, oozing faces reflect an outlook of fellow humans as afflicted with deformities and poor personal hygiene? We could ask these questions and more...but I'll spare you the pyschoanalysis.

On the surface, their humorous expressions and wacky proportions make me laugh. I don't even need much of a narrative, I get a kick out of creating scenarios for these characters. My hat's off to David DeGrand, and his sophisticated, twisted, and grotesque view of the world. His vision brings to mind Ivan Brunetti, another amazing comic artist with a definite voice and perspective for our modern times. They really keep ME drawing!

If you're craving a bit more of a narrative or full color pieces, be sure to take a looksy at his website. (Although, I believe he's updating it. But, that's more reason to come back.)

On top of his fabulous skills, David seems to be a COOL guy as well. Look at the personalized, original drawing he mailed to me...WITH STICKERS!!! (see below) Get your hands off mine and get your own! He even doodled on the envelope.

NYC Gay Pride 2007!

2007-07-01T20:13:00.000-07:00

This Pride post is a little late, but better late than never! Edson and I thoroughly enjoyed this year's Pride festivites, and I just wanted to throw a few images from our colorful experience up on the blog. I've attended many, many Pride celebrations in my life, but this was one of my first in New York, and it was great fun. The Parade was a complete blast, and it began with this gender-bending (hobo?) below. He really made our day.

And what Pride parade is complete without it's own larger-than-life rainbow flag, fluttering down the street like a giant roll of toilet paper, marking the city like a juvenille vandalizing their neighbor's yard? Fun times!

Who wouldn't love a weekend where grown men dress like their favorite baby dolls from childhood? This is what makes America great, I tell you. I'm dying to have tea party with these little sweethearts. Aren't they adorable?

Here we have one of the many obligatory floats filled with beautiful man-candy. Do you think they're modeling Delta's new pilot/steward uniforms? I need to trade in my Sky-miles...

And I just love this guy...he's so super-jazzed to be there. I don't know how these guys on stilts do it.

This made me want to cry. It reminded me of MY two Moms. I miss my Mom and her girlfriend and wished they could have marched with me.

Okay, now this guy's got absolutely no inhibitions whatsoever. I'm not sure what he was going for, but you gotta' give him credit for going after it fearlessly. I just hope he used sunscreen.

Here's our friend, Luz, posing as well. Love those voodoo death-skulls in the headdress. Did this dude dance out of some sort of Amazonian witch-doctor tribe? It's so "Indiana Jones and the Temple of doom".

After the parade, we were exhausted, and I was sun-burnt, so we stopped by one of our favorite West Village cafes for drinks and dinner. Our buddy Armando, and Jay and his boyfriend joined us to relax. It was the perfect end to a great day. I love these guys!

That lecherous ferret was really there.

2007-06-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Recently, I attended the fabulous Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School. It was GREAT. It's the most playful and theatrical life-drawing session I've ever sat through. I highly recommend going if you want to spice up your sex...er...I mean artistic life. Besides, it's always fun to draw naked people.

I even won something! Every Dr. Sketchy's session has opportunities for the artists to compete for prizes. For example, not only were we asked to depict the model pictured in the drawing above...BUT...we also had to creatively incorporate a "lecherous ferret" into the tableaux. They blasted Duran Duran and the cheesecake farmgirl model struck various naughty poses as we sketched. Once it was over, various drawings were selected for a group vote. I came in first and won a cd! Despite being a big homo, I think I managed to make the little lass rather fetching, no? (But I think I drew her head too small for her body.)

More fun stuff is coming up this weekend too. Saturday, I can't decide between the Coney Island Mermaid Parade or the 2007 MoCCA Art Festival at the Puck Building. Both look interesting and fun. On Sunday, I'm looking forward to gawking at NYCs gay pride parade, which can always be counted on for a spectacle. I'd love to sketch it too. Maybe a float will pass by with beefy musclemen dancing with a lecherous ferret. One can only hope.

Well, you see, it's like this...

2007-06-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

...I know it's been almost an entire month since I last posted. But pleeeeeeeease, come on back, folks,...

...all three of you!

It's time for me to get back in gear, if not for you, then for myself. I've been enjoying a sunny vacation at the beach and a week-long film festival in the city, so that's my absentee excuse. For all of you who care, New York just wrapped up it's 2007 gay/lesbian film festival, and it was great. I saw several delightful films and some saucy, sassy shorts. Rupaul's Starrbooty kicked off the fest, and believe me, it kicked the door off the hinges with its world debut. Completely irreverent humor, hooker fashions, and "undercover" drag queens desperately battle for the audience's attention in this brand new career vehicle for Ru. Hey, I for one, hope he's back to stay in the limelight. He was a beacon of hope in the 90's for little lost boys everywhere who liked to dress in their mother's delicates (not me!).

And for the hundredth time I'm bringing up soulMAID which premiered this past Saturday night as the 10:00 late-night camp flick. I was simultaneously excited/neurotic as my animated segment played across the huge movie screen for all to see and scrutinize. But, I think it went over well. There was much laughter from the audience. I guess that's a good sign (unless they were laughing because they thought it was bad).

Another major perk of the festival was meeting Todd Stephens, director of Another Gay Movie. He was such a cool guy, very laid back, and super easy to talk to. I even mustered up the cajones to slip him my business card, blurting out that I would LOVE to do any sort of animation for one of his films. To my surprise, he lit up and explained that the sequel, Another Gay Move: Gays Gone Wild, would, indeed, have some animation in it. I just love NY.

So the next day, he emailed me and mentioned that I should attend the script reading of the sequel on Tuesday. I went...and boy, it was fantastically fun to get a sneak peek into the development of the material. Rupaul and Lady Bunny, along with the cast of the first film, were all there reading their lines. It was really interesting to see all of this in the early stages. I met with the producer afterwards and mentioned my interest in being a part of the animation, and he and Todd seemed open to the possibility. Todd liked the work on my site! Now, I'm not getting my hopes too high, but I SURE WOULD LOVE TO WORK ON THIS. I guess time will tell...

If you're reading all this and you have no idea what I'm talking about, check out the trailer for Another Gay Movie below. It's sort of a queer version of "American Pie".

soulMaid debut in New York

2007-05-19T22:55:00.000-07:00

soulMaid, the independent film my friend Jeff Maccubbin helped create is playing in NEW FEST 2007 (New York's Gay & Lesbian film festival)! Come check it out. I created a short animated segment for one of the chapters of the film, so I can't wait to see my drawings on the big screen. I hope they look good that BIG...

The official screening of soulMaid is on Saturday, June 9th at 10:30pm. Tickets are $13.

Here's a synopsis:
"Almost tailor-made for our new NewFest LateNight series, this campy comedy features an off-the-wall plot, cute boys running around in their underwear, and a unique production style – different directors each completed an individual chapter. In soulMaid, we meet Moses, a cute, sweet young gay man who makes money by cleaning apartments in his underwear. When he experiences an apparent religious vision while having a seizure, he finds himself preparing for the bizarre second coming of an entity named Glintentica. Can his roommate, Ruth, and the man of his dreams, David, bring Moses back to reality? Or will Moses convert them instead?"

Preview my animated segment here.

To find out more information about the festival, visit NEW FEST 2007.

See you at the movies!

You don't look anything like your profile!

2007-05-19T22:03:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll admit it. In the past I've tried online dating. Although, I found that the people you meet don't always resemble how they were advertised. Has this ever happened to you? Was your experience anything like my illustration?

Thank goodness I'm in a relationship now!

In other news, the recent death of a well known reverend is causing Teletubbies everywhere to breathe a sigh of relief.

Read more about this kind, compassionate, churchgoing fellow here.

More Puppet Show Backgrounds

2007-05-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

This season the puppets venture to a bunch of new places: a creepy attic, an orchard, the dentist's office, and even inside the mouth of one of the puppets! These were fun to create. Mary Blair definitely influenced that orchard background.

In Context

2007-05-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

As a friend pointed out, it's always easier to judge an illustration when you see it in context, so I'm posting the illustration below as it ran in print. I think the designer did a nice job of matching the text with the art. Usually, they disappoint me. I hope to do more editorial assignments!

Your naughty, naughty computer

2007-05-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

I'm creating some illustrations that deal with online betrayal. Do you have any related stories to share with me for inspiration?

Are YOU a blurker? Practice blogenfreude? a blognonymous reader? Everyone with a blog knows these people exist. Will my real readers please stand up, please stand up? I dare ya... just to say hi.

Adding it all up

2007-04-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

My ongoing wrestle with the art of illustration continues, folks. I'm constantly trying to hone in on a more complete and consistant style for myself. I want my work to exude 100% Justin: 50% style and 50% substance. BOTH are important. I've seen plenty of work that falls on either end of that spectrum. Hopefully, I'm landing somewhere in the middle.

Lately, I've been dedicating myself to three major endeavors: the kid's TV show, the Betty Boop project, and various illustrations for the gay weekly.

Breaking it all down, I probably spend my time and energy on the various endeavors as follows:
70% kid's TV show
20% Betty Boop project
10% gay weekly illustrations

This seems like a good breakdown, but I find myself wanting to merge the parts into a whole. You see, each slice of the pie fulfills a different need. The kid's show fulfills my quest to do something instructive and inspiring for others, the Betty Boop project fulfills my desire to do something more conceptual and artsy, and the gay weekly illustrations... well... I suppose they fulfill a need to service a community. The plan, my friends, is to eventually merge all of these goals into one focused concentration!

Until then, I decided to post a whole slew of illustrations I've done recently for the gay weekly. While I don't know if I consider these my best pieces, I think most of them do their job while still remaining true to me. The tricky thing about these assignments is that they accompany a column that usually focuses on sex and sexuality (it gets old after a while). While drawing dirty pictures is fun, I find that it doesn't lead to much income as an artist, so I've had to be subtle and delicate with the issues conveyed in these assignments. Hopefully, the following drawings illustrate their point without being too tasteless!

Can you guess what this one is about?

How about this one? That face on the screen looks predatory, yes?

Pull up a chair, because they'll probably get sillier and more suggestive as we go...

This one's gotta' be obvious.

I wonder what kind of personal accessory this one's about?

Are you feeling like a virgin or a whore today? Or both?

Don't you hate size comparisons?

Need I say a word?

Alright, time to clean up.

How to catch a bunny

2007-04-11T14:57:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a Happy Easter! This blog is becoming heavy on pictures and short on words. It's not because I haven't had thoughts to share... I just can't seem to find the time to write them down!

Oh yeah...the puppets

2007-03-30T14:12:00.000-07:00

As much as I hate it, this season I have to create more foreground "walls" to conceal the puppeteers on the kids' show. Last season we used very few of these, and it was nice to work free of constraints. But it seems these "walls" and "shelves" come in handy when you're doing anything with characters that have no legs! Last season, their lower bodies were cut off by the bottom edge of the screen, and it really limited us to keeping all the action along the bottom edge. With tiered walls and shelves, we can utilize more of the screen with our puppet acting! Above is one of the first redesigned rooms for this season. I just can't help going overboard with all the little details! I'm really diggin' how the robot and "Super Squirrel" on the shelf turned out. I wish I had a playroom like this...

(Click on the image if you'd like to enlarge it.)

Mary Had a Little Plan

2007-03-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

Here's more of my designs from the kid's show! I think Mary, here, looks a liiiiiiiiiiiiittle bit mischievious. This was a quickie cover for a prop of a children's book. We're discouraged from using written words on the props, so I had to illustrate that it was the story of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" without writing out the title.

And speaking of Marys, I've been looking at a lot of background art by the unsung, ingenious Mary Blair. She was a BRILLIANT color stylist and background designer who worked with Disney.

Stylistically related to Mary Blair, Kirsten Ulve had an exhibit here in the city that I saw the other day. It's amazing stuff, and I'm contemplating dropping some dough and buying a piece. We'll see. Check out her art because she's a true modern day Mary Blair!

Seeing that I'm surrounded by so much talent here in New York, I gotta' step up my work. I'm determined to make this season of the show much better than the last. Here's some background sketches from the episodes to come...where the characters visit an orchard, the dentist, and even the prehistoric era!

Happy Birthday Mimi!

2007-03-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

I want to wish a very special birthday to my grandmother, Mimi, who turns 80 today!

I hope you have a wonderful day, because you are the most wonderful grandmother in the whole world.

You have always been so sweet, kind, generous, thoughtful, warm, and loving.

I've always loved your stories, sense of humor, and playfulness when we would play boardgames.

I think everyone aspires to turn 80 and be as beautiful, elegant, gracious, worldly and wise as you are.

You've given me your love, your time, your drawing experience, and you've even given me asthma medication when I was in need. That's the kind of grandmother you are, you know just what to say and do at all the right times and I appreciate it all. I always think about you and how you would bake cookies and cakes for me, Philip, and Patrick. I think about you and miss you when I see certain things...and this last photo reminds me of you. It will always be a reminder of how you would wait for us at the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park as we rode the rides. Afterwards, when we'd meet up with you by this calliope, we were greeted by the sounds of these little cherubs and angels playing music in the background. It's something I associate with you, because whimsy and happiness surrounds all that you do. I love you and hope you have a great day!

Dragons on Parade

2007-02-27T20:49:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday I stepped out my front door only to be greeting by the sound of distant drums getting louder and louder. The beat got faster and faster...and louder and louder. Baracades lined the sidewalks and kept the growing mass of people crowded along the edge of the streets.

Before I knew it, colorful, swirling creatures rounded the corner and slowly made their way up the street, getting larger and larger, all the while zig-zagging in ceremonial patterns. Their undulating tails twitched and danced, and their large heads bobbed up and down, bowing and then freezing into various expressions as they gazed out at their audience.

Their eyes were lined with scales, fur, and ornamentation, all in various shocks of vibrant colors. Their nostrils jutted out above large, gaping mouths that snapped open and closed as they moved.

Children and adults danced around them, wearing masks and waving fans that corresponded to the rhythm of the dragons.

Every step was filled with excitement and delight, and all the creatures and participants crept past me as I stared from the sidewalk.

Just when I thought the last dragon had passed, another would emerge from the swarm of dancers and surprise me as it whisked past my face.

As I gazed at the oncoming waves of people, I caught sight of a great golden dragon snaking its way towards me.

Its jaw was fixed in an eternal grin as it weaved back and forth, in between amazed onlookers.

At one point, I could literally reach out and touch its golden scales as they flashed and flickered by.

I watched it elegantly slither past, gliding over the spectators and dancers' heads.

Next, a smaller–yet longer, serpentine dragon raced past, as if it was the child of the giant golden dragon. Its "trainer" was leading it through the ceremony with a brighly colored ball of bait.

Once the dragons had swept by, a formation of beautiful Chinese maidens twirled paper lanterns and sang in their wake.

Following all that elegance and pomp and pageantry was a large, cartoonish, red pig. Its unblinking eyes and bloated, Verizon-sponsored belly announced the new year: year of the pig! (Corporate pig?)

Suddenly, multicolored confetti exploded into the air everywhere around me, falling from above and fluttering to the ground.

I stared at it on the sidewalk, temporarily stunned by all the various shades of color my eyes were just exposed to.

Looking around at the decorations hanging along the streets in the aftermath of the parade, I couldn't help but think to myself, "what a beautiful, lucky day."

I think a magical shisa is surely looking out for me. I hope one is looking out for you, too.

Happy Chinese New year!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T14:19:00.002-08:00

Make sure your heart is in good hands today...

Truth & Lies

2007-02-13T20:39:00.000-08:00

"Truth is beautiful, without doubt; but so are lies."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."
-Mark Twain

“I love you, and because I love you, I would sooner have you hate me for telling you the truth than adore me for telling you lies.”
-Pietro Aretino

With that said, do you like my drawing?

Creative JUICE!

2007-02-06T12:49:00.000-08:00

I'm back in the studio, working on season 2 of the kid's show. Today, the prop department needed a graphic label for a generic juicebox for the puppets to hold. I threw this design together, and was pleasantly surprised with the result. It's meant to be folded to wrap around the prop. I'm really diggin' the colors! I love it when spontaneous designs turn out the way I want. Why is it the best stuff comes when we're not trying too hard? I am continually mystified by this phenomenon. The moment I STRESS about a drawing is the moment it usually goes downhill...

...now I'm thirsty!

Fey

2007-02-01T21:19:00.000-08:00

This is probably the gayest thing i've ever drawn...maybe.

But I like how this little drawing came out. It's sweet, but a little creepy, too...I think.

It's a character that's been floating around in my head for a while and I've been meaning to give birth to him through pen and paper. Of course, no little fey boy should be without a trusty unicorn friend. Maybe I'll write a little story about him and send him on an adventure.

Mechanical Music

2007-01-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

I just finished this drawing/painting for a pair of architect friends who asked for an original piece. It's a belated Christmas gift, and I spent many contemplative moments making all the little visual decisions that went into it. I really hope they like it. It was a tricky commision, because you never know exactly what will tickle someone's fancy when it comes to art they'll hang in their home. I think I'm happy with it at this point, even if it is a little busy! Many of the elements are actual architectural diagrams that I cut out, doodled on, and then glued to a large sheet of watercolor paper. I think it has a silly, musical sort of feel to it. It was fun to do. (Click on the image to enlarge it.)

When I work, I usually listen to music, and sometimes that music inspires the art. Here's several recent albums that really got my creative juices flowing. I tend to gravitate towards unusual, otherworldly, and upbeat music when I create. It allows my mind to unhinge from life's daily minutiae.

These albums are all unabashed, electronic pop, and really interesting pop at that. I'm fascinated by how some modern musicians can squeeze warmth and emotions out of synthesizers. Check them out if you get a chance, they've been getting me through these long, cold, gray months here in New York.

"The Future Crayon" by Broadcast

"So This is Goodbye" by Junior Boys

"Freezepop Forever" by Freezepop (who incidentally, are playing in Williamsburg on January 26 at Galapagos!)

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to my Baby!

2007-01-05T11:20:00.000-08:00

"Happy Birthday, babe! I hope your special day was wonderful and undiminished by recent, neighboring holidays. We've been dating since last Summer, and you continue to surprise me with unending sweetness and kindness. I'm a lucky, lucky guy. I feel blessed to have met you."

I never would've guessed I'd snag such a cute, Brazilian gatinho! Here's to a great ending to 2006, and to a hopeful, prosperous 2007!

Here's more Christmas party images.

Also, I'd like to wish a special Happy New Year shout to my good friends, Stephen and Frances, who have begun their own PittsBlog.

Thank you for spending the holidays with me, since I was unable to fly South to see my family this year. If you're reading this, Mom, I missed you and hope to see you all soon! I'm so glad I got to see you at Thanksgiving. below is a shot from the farm. I owe a special, special thank you to my grandparents, Mimi and J.B., for helping me preservere throught the Fall despite my allergy problems, by lending me asthma medication. I love you.

When fantasy and politcs collide

2006-12-29T09:19:00.000-08:00

I did this illustration recently for an article that included several jokes to inspire holiday cheer. One of the jokes was about George Bush choosing between different rooms in Hell, and the other joke involved a gay genie. I hope my illustration sums up the content while adding a new twist in the form of a political cartoon. What do you think? Does it make sense? Does it stand on it's own?

I Hope you're spending time with friends during this week between Christmas and New Year's. This is the time for merriment and good cheer!

That's the spirit!

2006-12-25T23:43:00.000-08:00

This truck was driving through Chinatown blaring Christmas music, forcefully spreading holiday cheer to all.

These Asian carolers were spotted near the truck singing all the Christmas standards: "Jingle Bells", etc.

I particularly enjoyed their accents on the "fa la la la la's".

I don't know about you, but the sight of a plush Frosty and Santa crucified on the back of a black SUV really makes my Christmas.

Okay, that's all for now...I've been too busy visiting with friends, opening presents, and stuffing my face with gingerbread men to post more. Plus, this season's shopping has really wiped me out! Whew, thank goodness it's over!

I hope you're all having a great holiday...

Hot

2006-12-18T15:13:00.000-08:00

He's hot...

A Christmas card

2006-12-14T23:31:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd post one of my 2006 Christmas card designs, just to get ya'll in the mood.

The inside reads: "Merry Thin-ness!"

That's right, Santa's lost that weight, and he's looking fabulous. Did you hear the news? He divorced Mrs. Claus and is planning an appearance at the Golden Globes. Word on the street is that he's been seen partying with the newly single Britney Spears at various trendy nightclubs in LA. It's also alleged that he's filling out paperwork with two or three African nations in order to adopt!

I didn't post the other card designs because they were deemed too risque by the North Pole Elvish Board of Censors...

RED

2006-12-06T20:45:00.000-08:00

hula seventy and her visual love affair with all things red has inspired me yet again.

Over at selfportraitchallenge, they announced this month's theme was the color RED. Seems fitting, considering Christmas is right around the corner. But beyond that, I think red is MY new favorite color. It used to be blue for it's calming quality, then I switched to green to match my eyes, but now...I dig red.

I staged a little scene of favorite red things above. There I am, smiling like some sort of evil, impish Christmas elf, gazing at the camera from my pile of accumulated red knick-knacks. (I think I need separate rooms for knick-knacks of every different color.)

But lets go back to Red. It's so vibrant! So urgent! So fiesty and fun! Firetrucks! Fireworks! Flamenco dancers!

Red means STOP!
Red means danger!
Red means emergency!

Did you know:
The eye is most sensitive to the color red.
Women can differentiate more shades of red than men.
Red light has a wavelength range of roughly 625–760 nm. Frequencies lower than this are called infrared, or below red and cannot be seen by human eyes, although some infrared frequencies can be felt as heat.

Is there any wonder why I love it so? What living, flesh and blood creature wouldn't respond to red?

The Dating Game

2006-12-03T16:26:00.000-08:00

I'll let you guess what this illustration is about.

I like how silly it turned out, despite the subject matter.

Lost in Transition

2006-11-22T09:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is already here, and this year I'm thankful that my recent transition from the upper west side to the lower east side went relatively smoothly. I've been in my new apartment for almost a month so far and I'm finally beginning to feel settled. However, once I step foot outside the apartment, I find myself entering an exotic new world...one that includes lots of dead animals strewn about and hanging from things and lots of signage in a foreign language I don't understand.

Check out some of the pics, even though some of them came out a little blurry and poorly composed (I'm still adjusting to my new digital camera). I thought I'd give my friends and family a peek into my world, since they're always asking. (Click on the images to enlarge them.)

As strange as it is some days, living in Chinatown is very convenient because it borders on so many other cool neighborhoods. It's amazing to me how mere blocks can mark the difference between living in "regular Manhattan" verses living in a "virtual China". It's true about Little Italy as well. It lies just a few blocks west of my apartment, and it's lined with dozens of Italian restaurants and shops. Although, it looks like Chinatown is rapidly devouring it!

As you can see, Chinatown is lined with dozens of restaurants, shops, and markets of it's own. In particular, it's hard to escape the sight and smell of raw fish and other various seafood. As you enter Chinatown, written English disappears, and Chinese (and Japanese?) characters take over every window, sign, package, and marquee. It basically feels like another country.

Nestled off the main drive is my block, with my apartment entrance (pictured above). Above the door is a funny little sign advertising our neighborhood shoe store "Girls Love Shoes". Talk about lost in translation...

Inside our apartment, you'd never know that my roommate and I were nestled within a community that speaks mostly Chinese. The layout is similar to our old apartment, although the living room space is slightly smaller. But that's okay, because the bedrooms are BIGGER, which makes a HUGE difference in New York. We tried to merge our style sensibilities in the common areas, and I think it's worked well. For example, I think Jimmy's letter/number wall art goes quite well with my retro couch.

Here's another view of the living room, this time looking toward the bedrooms (that's my room through the door).

Check it out...I managed to cram every square inch of every surface with all of my "inspirational" knick-knacks and toys. I tried to downsize when I moved to New York, but what can I say, I gotta' have my STUFF!

Finally, here's my work space, where all the freelance magic (or shall I say procrastinating?) happens. Note: every square foot of this wall houses a different piece of art. I gotta' have my "inspiration-wall".

Now come visit!

soulMAID

2006-11-13T08:41:00.000-08:00

I recently finished a project for my friend, Jeff Maccubbin. He asked me to animate a short story within the independent film he was working on. It's called "soulMAID", and it's a joint effort between four different filmmakers telling one story. My animated segment will appear within the third chapter of the film, directed by Dan Mohr.

This was a lot of fun to make! Dan provided me with a bizarre little tale that needed a look and feel that would set it apart from the rest of the film, yet provide a back story for several main characters. Originally, the segment was told using filmed slide projection graphics, but the directors felt it needed to be animated instead.

That's when Jeff recommended me to Dan. Jeff showed him my website and Dan agreed that my style would fit the bizarre and campy tone of the film. It's a truly wacky tale of love, lust, destiny, and...sponges.

One article summed it up as, "a comedy about a gay house cleaner's attempt to save the world from a vengeful goddess."

I worked on the project during a brief break between freelance gigs, so it was a tight turn-around. Dan created the musical score and one of the main characters in the film narrates the story. I tried my best to stylize the art in such a way that limited animation would suffice, since I am not a traditional cel animator. I think the final product came together pretty well, considering time and bugetary limitations.

I'd love to hear what you think.
You can see the finished animation here:
The Clean Demon

Check out the soulMAID movie trailer here:
SplitPillow

Here's a write-up on the film:
ReelChicago.com

Random Noise Bursts

2006-11-06T20:22:00.001-08:00

Once again, the eloquent hulaseventy, wife of the visionary Ward-O-Matic, has inspired me to complete another meme post...I hope you can make some sense of it...and feel free to complete your own soundtrack meme if the inspiration/boredom hits you.

If your life were a soundtrack, what would the music be?

Here's how it works:
1. open your library (iTunes, winamp, media player, iPod)
2. put it on shuffle
3. press play
4. for every question, type the song that's playing
5. new question-- press the next button
6. don't lie and try to pretend you're cool

opening credits:
"You Spin Me Round" Dead or Alive
(seems fitting enough)

waking up:
"What do You do with a Drunken Sailor " from a VERY GAY, cabaret music compilation from the 50's called "He's a Queen"
(this is hilarious...there's even a line that goes, "do what you will with a drunken sailor early in the mornnnniiiiiiiinnnnng" - I promise this is what came up!)

first day at school:
"2 Wicky" Hooverphonic
(yeeeaaaah...fuuunk-ay)

falling in love:
"C'est La Mort" Stereo Total
(I'm starting to realize that my itunes music might be a bit too weird and obscure for this meme...but oh well. This little ditty is cheerful and happy, so I guess it's good falling-in-love music. Although, I believe "Mort" means "death" or "the dead" in French...I think)

breaking up:
"Aéro Dynamik" Kraftwerk
(breaking up can be as cold and chilly as how a Kraftwerk song SOUNDS. Those harsh Germans!)

prom:
"How About the Boys?" Arling & Cameron
(haha...fitting)

life's okay:
"Yeah" LCD Soundsystem
(this seems right on)

mental breakdown:
"Sunshowers" M.I.A.
(I guess having a mental breakdown sounds like a Sri Lanka-raised electro-reggae-funk rapper)

driving:
"Take Me With U" Prince and the Revolution
(I'd go on a road trip with Prince, sure)

flashback:
"Money" Human League
(haha...I don't like what this implies. I guess there's no money in my FUTURE)

getting back together:
"The Love Cats" Tricky
(well, Tricky's one sexy guy, so this seems perfect)

wedding:
"Love Action (I Believe in Love)" Human League
(The Human League AGAIN? I guess I have a certain nerdy, new wave quality to my life. Appropriate title, don't you think?)

birth of child:
"Flicking Your Switch" Ladytron
(Ladytron's neo-electro-sound seems ALL WRONG for an environment involving the birth of any living creature)

final battle:
"Window Display" Enon
(Hey...here we go...Enon's guitars have enough angst for a fight scene! Although, I can't imagine a fight scene taking place in a window display. That definitely seems pretty queer)

death scene:
"Diy" Robots In Disguise
(a song titled "Do it yourself" for a death scene...hmmmmm...yikes)

funeral song:
"Emotions & Photons" Freezepop
(this band's happy-poppy-bubbly sound would be so silly for a funeral...but y'know, I like it!)

end credits:
"Why You Wanna Treat Me so Bad?" Prince
(ha...perfect. That'll be the final, closing question!)

So, in conclusion, I see now that my itunes music library doesn't know a thing about DJ-ing a soundtrack for my life, unless of course, my life IS best comunicated through an absurdist, DADA-like film score, where irony plays a big part in the retelling of my life story.

What's scarier than a politician?

2006-10-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Halloween, everyone?

I did this drawing recently for the New York Press, and it reminded me of what scares me more than anything (especially around voting time): extremist, right-wing, religious fundamentalists. Add Republican to the description, and I'm running for cover. And these folks really get scary when they get a hold of a little power. The current state of the nation frightens me. The only thing offering relief is the growing disapproval of Bush. Sure, I've always hated him, my friends have always hated him, and many many other New Yorkers hate him...but what about outside of New York and the big cities? It's so easy to forget that there are still so many Americans out there who are rallying behind that man. It's unbelievable!

Anyone willing to alter the Constitution forever in favor of prejudice should be STOPPED.

If you are still on the fence about gay marriage, then I recommend a really informative documentary to help you make your decision:
Tying the Knot

Alright, now that I got that out of my system, I thought it would be cool to post the "before" and "after" of my recent illustration assignment. It's about politicians using the internet as their podium, if you will. I did the black and white sketch first, and really loved the energy of the scratchy pencil lines, so I was going to use it as is with color. However, the art director opted to soften the image a bit, which I can understand. I suppose my early version is a bit "fire and brimstone" whereas the art director wanted "enthusiastic". I guess I'm happy with the final result, but it could've had so much more impact and emotion!

As queer as queer can be

2006-10-26T23:21:00.000-07:00

Inbetween working on various freelance jobs, I've been doing little illustrations for an advice column in a gay weekly. Here's a recent chunk of all the cartoony hunks...

There's a topic for everyone!

STDs:

tops and bottoms:

cleanliness:

risky behavior:

and...excessive sweating:

Wouldn't Mamma be proud!

Another reason why I love my Mom

2006-10-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

My Mom's going to be on TV in South Carolina promoting Gay and Lesbian rights! She and other P-Flag (Parents and Friends of Lesbians And Gays) members are opposing Bush's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. (I hope you are, too.)

Watch her by clicking on the link below:

South Carolina Equality Coalition

This November, initiatives banning same-sex marriages are expected to be on the ballot in Idaho, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. In 2004, 13 states approved initiatives prohibiting gay marriage or civil unions, with 11 states casting votes on Election Day.

One of my favorite pieces of animation

2006-10-12T01:44:00.000-07:00

"All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and when they catch you, they will kill you... but first they must catch you."

- from the beginning of the film, Watership Down

When I read Watership Down as a child I was deeply moved, but I was especially taken by this animated introduction to the movie version of the story. Stylistically, it stands in stark contrast to the rest of the (traditionally animated) film, with the exception of a few lyrical moments scattered throughout that exhibit the same stylistic flourishes.

I still get goosebumps watching this as an adult, and it reinforces in my mind the profound messages that can be relayed through simple, pared down, conceptual animation. I believe it was inspired by the UPA animation style of the fifties and sixties, and I'm not sure if we'll ever see animation as simple yet so profound again. It also reminds me of the Hubley family's animated works, which also have a deceptively simple looking visual style. However, there is nothing simple about the design and themes within this animation.

Thematically, it cuts so deep on so many ethereal levels that you can flip to nearly any page in a history book and see a parallel. Its Native American motifs, Inuit forms, and African stylings suggest the abuse, eradication, or attempted genocide of several more innocent societies that populate Earth.

It's even relatable to Art Speigelman's Maus series of graphic novels, which depict the Jews of WWII as vulnerable mice in a world of Nazi predators.

I also can't resist giving El-ahrairah (the rabbit prince) a homosexual slant, comparing him to how our culture has treated gays in the past and present. It comforts me, because in this animated myth, Frith blesses El-ahrairah with his own tools and tricks for survival, proving that all the world's creatures have a place on this Earth.

And now for a little break...

2006-10-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

All this work on Betty Boop makes me tired. I worry that all this work is putting circles under my eyes. Click on the link below to see what products I'm considering to aid the situation. (Haha...not really, but click on it, you'll be glad you did...)

Reversa

Working hard for the money

2006-09-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

Something smells moldy in here...

My blog has fallen into decay recently. I apologize. I've been so bad, I haven't found enough time to write (i.e. post self indulgent illustration samples). But, how's this for an excuse...I've been too busy with work! Since I've been working so hard, I've also needed to PLAY hard as well! That's why my blog has been neglected. a month ago I dove head first into the freelance lifestyle, and now I'm getting too much work! (Which is a more desirable problem to have) but I'm having to learn to PRIORITIZE and manage my time. I'm also learning how to say "no" to undesirable projects, which is hard, because usually the crappy (advertising) jobs pay more than the FUN (indie) jobs. This is my dilemma. Sooner or later, I hope to get to the point where I'm only taking the cool jobs. In the meantime, check out my reel on my website, and hire me to make something snazzy.

Justin Winslow

I might continue my break from my blog for a while...I have a new apartment to hunt for, since they're making my current building into a hotel (and I'm afraid the hotel will be nicer). Got any leads?

A Bawdy Joke!

2006-08-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Four Catholic ladies are having coffee together. The first one tells her friends, "My son is a Priest. When he walks into a room, everyone says, 'father'."

The second one chirps up, "My son is a Bishop. Whenever he walks into a room, everyone says 'Your Grace'."

The third Catholic lady says smugly, "My son is a Cardinal. When he walks into a room, everyone says 'Your Eminence'."

The fourth Catholic lady sips her coffee in silence. The first three ladies all ask, “Well...?"

She replies, "My son is a 6' 2", hard-bodied stripper. When he walks into a room, everyone says, "Oh, my God…”

Ba-doom badda badda, Ba!

Faith

2006-08-25T12:59:00.000-07:00

I always liked George Michael, from the boytoy days of Wham! all the way through his self-reflective, mature solo career, so it's sort of disappointing to hear that he got caught having sex in a public toilet again...and apparently, he was also caught with drugs recently as well. It's so disturbing to see someone with talent start to spiral out of control. Hopefully, he'll catch himself before falling too far.

Loneliness

2006-08-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Here's an illustration I did for an article about lonely gay men. In our youth-obsessed culture, sometimes older gay gentlemen feel ostracized, and even some younger people feel alienated from time to time if they're having difficulty socially, or with dating. I hope this silly little illustration captures the sadness of the situation, despite all its cartooniness.

Andrea and her Memes

2006-08-17T09:07:00.001-07:00

Lately, all this blog's focused on is "illustration, illustration, illustration", so I thought I'd throw a few words out there unrelated to my art-making. I stumbled across another one of hula seventy's great meme challenges, loved her responses, and just couldn't resist. It seemed a lot easier than just randomly pontificating about my life right now...

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 18, find line 4. Write down what it says:

"Freedom from ressentiment, enlightenment over ressentiment – who knows the extent to which I ultimately owe thanks to my protracted sickness for this too!". – from "Why I am so Wise" by Friedrich Nietzsche (why not?)

2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can...what do you touch first?

I can't totally stretch out my left arm without it hitting the cd shelves that live RIGHT NEXT to my computer in my small, cramped bedroom.

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?

I stayed up until 4am this morning watching Project Runway (season 2, disc 3). Since I don't have cable, I'm behind on my Project Runway viewing, but once a new disc arrives, I immediately tie off my arm, search for a vein, and inject – then it's hours of PURE Project Runway bliss. It's one of the most creatively challenging shows I've seen in long time. I CAN"T wait until season 3 comes out.

4. WITHOUT LOOKING, what time is it?

12:30 p.m.

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?

12:59 pm

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?

Peaches' new album (I guess I really like it) blarring over the sound of my LOUD, temperamental, grumpy, window unit air-conditioner

7. When did you last step outside?

yesterday. I reclined on a rock in Central Park for what seemed like a heavenly eternity with a handsome Brazilian man. I can't wait to see him again!

8. What are you wearing?

a old Stereolab t-shirt, comfy khaki pants, and flip flops

9. When did you last laugh?

a year ago, when...(just kidding). Actually, I laughed really hard last night when Michael Corrs (Project Runway) described a contestant's menswear jacket as looking like a Golden Girls frock tied with a sash around the middle. The contestant was mortified.

10. Seen anything weird lately?

I saw two birds yesterday in Central Park flirt and land strangely close to where I was sitting. It was like Snow White...I swear if I had held out my arm, they would have perched themselves on my finger and sang me a song. Later, I saw an elderly chinese woman with ONE, single, three-inch, white hair growing from her chin. Also, the Brazilian told me about an instance where he saw a drunk man fall on the subway rails. The drunk man touched the third rail and was immediately electrocuted. I couldn't help but wonder what that was like to witness.

11. What did you dream last night?

sadly, I don't remember.

12. What's on the walls of the room you're in?

various art and illustrations I've done. There's a painting I did from high school, and stuff I did less than a year ago. There's also several art-toys perched on cubes mounted on the wall.

14. What do you think of this survey?

fun! I just wish I had remembered my dreams from last night.

15. What's the last film you saw?

Little Miss Sunshine, which I only saw because my Brazilian's Brazilian Film Festival film was sold-out. I thought it would be another cloying, Hollywood feel-good product, but I actually really enjoyed it. It was really funny, and the beauty pageant at the end was a real eye-opener. I also saw The Descent recently, which I also really enjoyed. A movie hasn't made me whimper/yelp/jump/squirm in my seat in a long time.

16. If you became a multi-millionaire overnight, what would you buy first?

A large penthouse-style loft apartment in a grand old building by Central Park, or possibly an entire brownstone house in soho or the west village. I'd also be tempted to buy/create my own production company. All this would be followed by me parceling out gifts and checks to my Mom, Dad, brothers (and possibly close friends).

17. Tell me something about you that I don't know.

I have a slightly larger than pea-sized bump on my head beneath my hair. I worried about it years ago, but several doctors convinced me it is nothing but a harmless calcium deposit. They say these things can run in families.

18. If you could change one thing about the world, what would you change?

I immediatley thought: I'd make sure the Bush administration hadn't entered office, but, after more thought, I'd also take a go at eliminating that damn war that keeps eating up people in the middle east. I also played with the idea of turning Bush, Mel Gibson, and other public haters into African American, Jewish, gay women, just to see how their views would change.

19. Do you like to dance?

Yeah. There's something so primitive and satisfying about it.

20. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?

Holly maybe? Portia? Cloe? Zoey?

21. Boy?

I think Jared sounds cool. Joey sounds fun, and Troy sounds regal.

22. Would you ever consider living abroad?

certainly!

The Latest Craze

2006-08-08T23:16:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHHHHHH!!! EEEEEE!!! OOOOMMMMIGODDDDDD!!! (read like a crazed, screaming, teenage Beatles fan)

I found a new group I totally dig. The Pipettes! I'd just about turn straight for them, they're that dreamy.

After listening to the new Peaches album all month (and loving it), I needed a break from the tough, bad-ass act. (don't we all sometimes?) It was then that I chanced upon the Pipettes. They're a girl group from the UK, who sound like they've been brought to the future from the sunny, wholesome, 60's girl-group era.

Don't let their retro stylings fool you though – I think they should be considered post-retro. They're more spunky and individually unique than those smiling "fem-bot-esque" do-wop singers from the past.

Fun with Clips

2006-08-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

I've been spending the last few months learning how to use Dreamweaver, and I think I finally got the "attach movie" coding figured out. It was actually a lot easier than I thought. No big deal really, I was just too lazy to look it up! In any case, check out the movie here of my broadcast/animation reel. It's a mix of different tv spots and show intros I've art directed/worked on/slaved over during the last six years working at Primal Screen. (Hopefully, it will work!)

Click here to see my broadcast design reel!

Just go to the section titled "motion".

Happy Pills

2006-08-04T23:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a week since I last posted. But I have lots of excuses:

a. I wrapped up the LAST backgrounds for the LAST episode of the kid's show I've been freelancing for...

b. ...therefore, I'm back on the street, busy looking for work.

c. However, that didn't seem to last too long, because I got thrown onto a stressful job designing and creating an animated promo for MTV earlier this week...and it's DUE on Monday!!! (There's goes my weekend!) I'm both excited and stressed working for MTV. It's so cool to do work for that network, but at the same time, their deadlines are RIDICULOUS!

d. I also did this little illo, above, for an article on antidepressants and their side-effects (specifically in the bedroom).

e. So see? I've been busy, and besides, it's TOO DAMN HOT to sit at my computer for any length of time, expending energy to lift my fingers and type. That burns calories, thus heating up my body a few extra degrees, thus making me sweaty and crazy.

As soon as I stop sweating from just sitting stationary in one place, I'll resume my normal cheeriness.

Oh by the way, thanks to all you guys that came out to the "Shady Characters" show! It was a great turn-out! It made my Summer!

"Shady Characters" Opening Reception

2006-07-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!
It's Friday...and tonight from 6 to 9 is the "Shady Characters" art opening! I've got three pieces in the show (including the one above), so come on out!!! Below is all the info:

The exhibit is displayed at the "Live With Animals" gallery at 210 Kent Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. 11211 (Entrance on Metropolitan).

In addition to fantastic art they've also signed up a few really great djs to play your favorite rock, punk & metal jams! "Shady Characters" will feature rotating sets by Miss Chip, Damien Rod Steez, and Walletboy!!! Also... there will be an after party at Savalas 285 Bedford Ave. (between South1st & Grand)

The show is titled "Shady Characters" & will pretty much be just an explosion of incredible character design! Shady Characters are everywhere in every city & suburb. Whether it be the nutjob on the subway, or that weirdo guy w/ the front-butt at the office, shady characters always manage to find their way in to our every day lives. "Shady Characters" is simply a tribute to all of the creepers and tweakers, outcasts and outlaws, and freaks and geeks, we encounter daily. As much as they creep us out, they equally fascinate us... but don't make eye contact... you don't want to stare!

Warning Signs

2006-07-23T23:42:00.000-07:00

An illustration about relationship road hazards for gay gentlemen. I've never seen a construction worker like that...but hey, it could happen, right? I have, however, weathered the other dangers, with a mixture of success and failure.

Shady Characters

2006-07-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, I got three drawings accepted into my first New York art show! The painting above, titled "Masks", is one of the three pieces. I created this in Atlanta before moving here, but my new friend, Jason, thinks this piece is ALL New York. I guess he would know. He's been here 10 (12?) years. Once a Parson's fashion student, he's now head designer for 2xist Men's Underwear! Not bad for someone who's just over thirty – he's completely living the Project Runway lifestyle! Not only that, but he's a super nice guy, too. It must be interesting designing Men's underwear for a living...maybe I can convince him to buy this piece!

Getting back to the topic at hand, check out the official event info. The show is titled "Shady Characters", and you can read more about it here: Good Deal. The curator, Jared Deal, was gracious enough to allow me to submit work, which he added to the exhibit! Several big names in the animation industry from NY, LA, and Toronto are included in the show, so come on out and show your support! The opening reception is Friday, July 28th, from 6 to 9 pm at the "Live with Animals" gallery in Williamsburg. Hope to see ya there!

Bad kitty!

2006-07-18T11:39:00.000-07:00

Hey people, I put up yet another illustration. Geez...this is becoming less and less a traditional "blog", and more of a digital bulletin board for my drawings. Too many illustration assignments, too little time to write anything!

In any case, this was another NYPress assignment, and I tried to have fun with it. Overall, I think it came out a bit too stereotypically "stock-illustration-esque", but I guess it works. The article was about reading the news, and how newer forms of technology are driving newspapers and other print-media out of existence. It's sad but true. Hopefully, there are enough people out there who still like to curl up with a weekly paper on a Sunday afternoon, to keep it from going out of fashion.

Also, I added a whole bunch more illustrations from the kid's show to my website. I'd love opinions on the site navigation...and does anyone know how to upload movies to a webpage? I'm trying to upload my reel and a few short animations...

Click here!

Doormat

2006-07-14T07:56:00.000-07:00

Here's an illo I did for an article about bad boyfriends. Have you ever been treated like a doormat before? Ever date someone who liked to walk in the door and immediately wipe their feet on you? Ever fall for someone who treated you like dirt stuck to the bottom of their shoe? Ever been infatuated with someone who slowly sucked you into a world of lies and delusion? Or who just ignored you?

I have once. My first-ever boyfriend was pretty lousy. Luckily, the relationship didn't last long, because I was in high school and he was in college, and eventually he had to return to Indiana for his Sophomore year. I like to think I got my first disasterous relationship over pretty quickly.

The key is not to repeat it, and luckily, I learned quickly the first time it happened. I wised up and learned how to avoid the "bad boyfriend". Thankfully, I feel I can say most of my boyfriends since then have been pretty good guys.

You know what they say:
"You have to lie down to be walked on."

The Great Yokai War and "Super-snore"

2006-07-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

I saw Superman over the weekend, and it was a bit of a let down after all the hype. Thankfully, Kevin Spacey and Parker Posey (as the villians) kept it somewhat enjoyable. Brandon Routh definitely wasn't to blame, because his performance was eerily spot-on. I guess the trouble for me lies with Kate Bosworth. Her overly serious, joyless Lois Lane fell flat for me. Not to mention my suspension of disbelief was shattered everytime I saw her flung around a plane/beaten by henchmen/knocked unconscious by metal doors, only to emerge bruise-free, and looking as if she just starred in a Revlon commercial. By hey, that's Hollywood!

On the other hand, the most fun I've had at the movies recently was when I went to see "The Great Yokai War". Check out the still (above) from the film! Doesn't that look like fun??? The hilarious part is, it's a kid's movie, yet it was the weirdest, most twisted thing I've seen all year.

Here's a blurb about it, just to pique your interest:
"The flick kicks off in true family film fashion with a nightmare vision of a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, a slinky female demoness (played by Chiaki Kuriyama of KILL BILL VOL. 1 and BATTLE ROYALE) in a short skirt and wielding a whip, and then the birth of a goo-covered, flayed, screeching cow fetus who prophesizes the apocalypse. It's a miracle kids in Japan can sleep at all."

Here, read some more:
The Great Yokai War