The Nerve of this Empty Pen!

I have done many small cartoons/illustrations for print before, but never have I been given  a full two page spread to illustrate, until recently. I can tell I like a project when my mind begins working on different ideas as soon as I am given "the lowdown" on the it. This was absolutely the case. Its been a long time I had worked on a full comic, and I was ready for it. 

This story, written by Jess Bergman, tells the tale of Harriet Cole. Harriet was a maid/washwoman in the late 1800's who donated her body to science. Dr. Rufus Weaver was, using her donated corpse, able to accurately separate her nervous system from the rest of her, for the first time ever. Back then it was a scientific miracle. These days, it is still on display, but is mostly seen as a creepy thing in a case. 

I had been avoiding comics, mostly because I was unsure of my ability to really do one justice. Reading: no problem, even writing: no problem, but illustrating....ehhhh. After this, Im ready for more. I have already begun another. 

A small portion of the comic was separated (much like her nervous system...ehhh folks?)  for the cover.

These are the first and second sketches made for the comic. The first was just me ramblings during the initial meeting with the writer. using those, I was able to craft a more solid idea of what the comic would be. Some things were changed, but this (like all in the sketching process) were vital to solidifying MY nerves in making this comic. Fun too.

And to the Winner...

Some folks reaction to a host of design is pure horror. Not me. Recently I was given the reigns of the logo and materials for CityPaper's Reader's Choice Awards. The plan was to flood the businesses involved with materials including table tents, cards for shopping bags, print and web ads, window decals and web banners (all seen below). I had fun putting all these things together (even though most of the printing/cutting/laminating were done in-house, to save more than $4,000), and always look forward to tackling full projects.

(the ad-tags made for participating clients, plus finalists and winners)

Seasonal Werewolf!

The new spring is here, and with it mega-stankin'-ass trees. In certain (most) areas, the trees and flowers bloom, bringing with them a rich, sweet bouquet. Philly, however, supports trees whose scent is closer to semen or vomit (according to the masses). Hence this intelligent couple's reactions. I had previously made a seasonal banner (of the below illustration's ilk) displaying a similar situation. The folks round these parts simply didn't get enough.

This is the most recent seasonal web banner from the paint pit. The last one I made was a bit too gross for the powers that be, so back to the drawing pad I went. I will say, I DO need more practice with robots and machines, etc.

NEW NEW NEW!

BRAND NEW STORE ITEMS!!!

While your on here, check out some fresh new produce over at my Society6 store! Each new piece comes printed on Tshirts, Iphone cases, hoodies, throw pillows and more!!!

Brand Newness!

Here I present a few recent illustrations. Above is a photo of some writer... I don't often receive requests for classic portraits, but I jump at the chance to do so. This was made to top a weekly article, and I certainly enjoyed drawing it. Simple, steady lines man, simple steady lines. 

These are two news illustrations, the like I haven't had many chances to do lately. The first focuses on a  building protest at Philly's own Suzanne Roberts Theater. I had the chance to see Bill Irwin perform there a few years back, which was awesome. Nice theater, too. 

The second was for a story about property taxes in all Philly Neighborhoods. 

More entries in the long tradition of simple badges for new columns. The top two are for a column called "amuse bouche", which is still difficult to say with a straight face. The bottom two, were made the accompany the Hemingway portrait above. 

That's all folks.