new developments in "getting myself out there"

I just realized today that this time next month, I will be DAYS away from school being over - that freaks me out to no end! So this afternoon, I tackled a few things on my to-do list: changing the text on my logo, figuring out the images I will be using for my business cards/promo postcards and buying my web domain. I don't have anything on it yet, but my new official website can be found here. You can also check out my new logo in the column over to the right of this post (I made the text more legible). As for my card ideas, I think I'm going to go with my logo but in different color variations as seen here...















I'm really glad that I'm getting this stuff out of the way instead of saving it for the very last minute. The amount of work I have to get done between now and April 27 is slowly widdling down.

mentorship!!!

Another requirement for graduation at my school is that seniors (I'm not sure if it's all departments or just illustration students) have to complete a student/artist mentorship project. I really dragged my feet getting this together since I had a few complications involving my portfolio review last semester. I wasn't sure who I was going to get in contact with and I had been searching high and low for an artist who grabbed my interest the most. I have NO clue how I stumbled upon John Schwegel but I LOVE his work! Here are some of the images from his portfolio that swayed my decision to get in touch with him...

"Maggie"

"Sea Turtle"

"Swamp Snack"


"Brainfreeze"

I love everything about this guy's art - subject matter, the way he draws eyes, his line work, the way he handles color (his light, "sherberty" color palettes really caught my eye). Luckily, John answered my request for the project right away and I am SO excited that he agreed to let me work with him. Since I love drawing myself so much I thought it would be cool to mimic his style and do a self portrait for the main gallery piece I have to submit for the senior show. I definitely want to sample some of the colors he uses in corel and incorporate some other elements that he uses. With my work, it's really simplistic and graphic but I don't think it gets my point across (yet). I like how he can work in a cartoony style but still incorporate little details to give the pieces character (like the little spots he did on the Sea Turtle's head). I've worked out a rough sketch so far and I'm getting mixed feelings about it from some people...


Personally, I like it and I'm excited to hear some of the ideas/input John has for this piece. Hopefully I'll have an update on my progress sometime next week. At least I have one overdue project started and out of the way. What to start next...

back into the swing of things

Today was my first day back from spring break. I have to say I think I may have gotten a little too comfortable because I completely forgot about upcoming projects due for the week. I managed to squeak this one out for tomorrow. We had to create an illustration for a promotional travel coffee mug with a "beach books" theme.


It's somewhat crude, but I kind of like it - let's hope Charlie will think the same. I've been up since way early this morning packing up my car and heading back to Lancaster from Pittsburgh so a (semi) good night's rest is in order. Goodnight!