This illustration was done by Tim Tomkinson for the weekly active illustration blog Illustration Friday. I thought his design and craftsmanship was handled nicely. :)
I have been subscribed to Illustration Fridays before, but I never put the effort to get involved. That will change this week. It'll help me get involved with other illustrators, push my skills as a conceptual artist, and hopefully have some nice pieces for my portfolio. This week's subject is pattern. We'll see where it leads. :)
I usually go to ESPN's website to check on scores, news, etc., and when I got to the homepage today, saw this horrible green used for the Gatorade advertising. Having it against that red was not a wise move on their part. Bleh!
It's always interesting to find out an artist's inspirations on how he/she constructs his/her compositions. Whether in graphic design, illustration, animation, sequential art, etc. And quite frankly, I find it interesting of different artists who inspire me in how I draw my characters and design compositions:
1. Charles Schulz: He's the no. 1 reason I think as a cartoonist first. I have always enjoyed his strips as a kid, and enjoyed watching his projects come to life in animation as well. His strength in conceptual writing has been an inspiration in how I create my characters, and how they come to life in my head...and onto paper.
2. Paul Rodecker: Mostly I was self taught in drawing, seeing my frustrations with past drawing teachers never helped me progress. And I admit, when I took Paul for the first time, I thought I was going to get the same results as my past disappointments. Boy was I ever wrong. His passion for drawing, and for hard work, changed my look in life forever...that anyone can achieve something if they freakintry and push themselves!!! I always sought his artistic words of wisdoms, how he approached things, and how his challenges could help me. Not just as an artist, but as a person. Much respect!
3. Pixar: They're doing something in animation that no other studio has done in years: Produce awesome stories with phenomenal art, on a consistent basis! As an animation fanatic/enthusiast/director hopeful, that means a whole lot to me. Disney has slipped in the last few years, DreamWorks forgot what made them successful (as in respect and good graces), and we won't even talk about Warner Bros. as far as animation movies are concerned. Anyway, the hard work for pushing for a simple concept for both young and old to receive has been shown in all their movies. Not to mention, they continue to lead by example in the animation industry that "art challenges technology, technology inspires art" (quote by John Lasseter).
4. Dave Matthews Band: I discovered this group late a few years ago (maybe around 2003-04) when I finally watched them performed live. I was completely blown away by the diversity of this group (not just musical backgrounds, but as people) and that they continued to stay together. And while it was sad to see saxophonist LeRoi Moore pass away, it is still amazing to see that amount of hard work to become who they are today. They inspire me as a visual artist, but as a musician too (played drums for almost 10 years, but looking to switch to another instrument next year).
5. Persepolis: Marjane Satrapi's graphic novel turning into an animated feature blew my mind. It is this reason alone I give oath to black and white when I draw myself as a cartoon character. I never knew how difficult it could be to construct positive and negative shapes with just black and white alone. However, I love the challenges it brings me, every time I start to work in that direction. And quite honestly, I would do all my stuff in black and white...but I have to learn how to experiment with color at some point. I guess.
6. My Classmates: You guys inspire me in class when I view works on the blog, or seeing what you're working in class. It really keeps me in check, to bring the best I can, to never settle for crap, and to never be content. I hope I inspire you guys too.
I have plenty more inspirations in my life that I bring to my artwork. Hopefully, I'll have time to share those later on in the semester, or in the school year.
