Drug Facts

This sketch is for an article titled "Dealing with Parents" for a drug facts booklet. It's my second "stab at the chicken" as they say (or do they?) for a contest under Maple Leaf Publishing. I'm working on the "dad" in the picture a bit more as he isn't as cleverly sylized as the "mom". However, the real trick will be to ensure bright, nauseating colors which are sure to print clear as a bell on newsprint. Until another day!

Passport to Tunisia

Here's a little taste of a b&w line drawing series I'm currently working on for the Royal Alberta Museum of Alberta. For all of you teachers out there interested in renting an "Edu" Kit about Tunisia (a country in Northern Africa) contact me and I'll give you some more information on how to rent this educational/fun set.

And a little site note to those of you who, like myself, feed off of the creative writings of J.K.Rowling: you shall not be disapointed. This installment is packed with adventure and will have you at the edge of your seat biting your nails. At moments you'll weep while others will have you laughing and rolling on the floor. I'm not afraid to admit that I am already on my second read of the book... WOW! There are some great surprises in the end of the book.

Moon Farmer

Coinscidentally I blogged about this piece a couple of days ago and now it fits nicely with the ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY topic: Moon.



This is what I wrote:

I've decided to make cards for the farmers market (in august) of paintings I have done that recieved lots of laughter during the artwalk. One such design is the "moon farmer" which I completed in college for an acrylics techniques class. As it will be given a new home this week (tomorrow!) I have done a good scan of it to post here. Good bye little farmer!

Sunburnt, Fabulous but certainly NOT a professional driver...

My first day at the artwalk was much hotter than anticipated. I was ready for wind and rain but the heat seemed to go right through my umbrella onto what I now like to call my tomato face. Other than the sun, however, the day was amazing. People came from all around to visit and stopped by for a chat (thanks everyone!) and I met a wonderful group of artists living in the city (once again making me feel sure you can make a living doing what you love to do). My friend came and bought a group of us fruit smoothies which hit the spot like you'd never believe while another came and bought up a stack of cards... and retrieved some needed change for me.

The artwalk is so far about discovering the true bond of friendship and generosity among artists. We are not shy it seems to lend one another a hand or to tell our trade secrets to each other. With over 200 artists competing for business I could never feel more than the exact opposite about the experience. I am enriched by this experience already.

But the sad news is I didn't prebook a ticket to harry potter and so had to drive my sisters standard back to my house. Stalling, cursing and wondering which pedal was which (the clutch is on which side?) I'm just hoping I didn't give the poor little car a one way ticket to the garage...

Thanks everyone for coming to the artwalk thus far to visit! (I'll remember to bring my camera tomorrow so I can post pictures).

Melt your little heart

I first watched this video on fellow illustrator Jared Chapman's blog. Couldn't resist posting it myself!

SOLD!

I am currently bouncing off the walls with the excitement of my life! My very first original painting sale happened today, four days shy of the artwalk (well besides the paintings that were sold at Doctors and Derrieres for charity). I couldn't be happier. Really! A client of mine asked to see what I had for sale so I invited him (and his family) to my studio to take at look at the display I was creating for this years Whyte Ave artwalk. I almost cried when they left my house (with pure happiness). My little paintings could not have found a better home. Truly.

Here are the paintings (Spring Lady will still be available to view only at the artwalk if you'd like to see her before she goes to live at my clients home). :)

YAHOOOOOO!!!!!

-Crystal

Anette Heiberg

Illustrator Anette Heiberg is a person who greatly interests me. Her painted children's illustrations reflect an innocent and happy world chalked full of brilliant colored children and animals. They are exactly the type of paintings that will make even the biggest sourpuss smile. She lives and works in Norway and has a growing number of clients from the United States which proves that you can be an illustrator from anywhere in the globe as long as you work hard enough to develop your skills and business relationships. Her website is fantasticly easy to navigate and this morning I just discovered in the "about me" section under studio the most amazing sketchbook/journal in the world! I'm wriggling with jealousy.

Here's the interview:

1. What is your current favorite piece from your portfolio?

- I love the acrylic paiting I made of a girl climbing a tree. I love the colors and I like the look of the girl and the cows. The fun thing about this illustration is that it's based on my childhood. I used to climb my grandmother's trees all the time, so I guess I feel at home in this piece. (Shown Above)

2. What defines your unique style?

- I think my background in graphic design helps me in my illustration work. I also learned a lot by experimenting and trying different techniques when I went to art school. My happy and (sometimes) wacky characters is a result of my personality.

3. What is your ultimate dream client/contract?

- I would like to get my own picture books published. It would be great to hold a book in my hand and know that I have made the whole thing - both text and illustrations.

4. Your favorite medium? I noticed you use both watercolor & acrylics & digital!

- I love working in watercolors, but I really like the painterly feel I get from the acrylics, so I'll have to say that acrylics is my favorite at the moment.

5. Do you feel the need to move to the US or is having an agent something that remedies that?

- It would be easier for me if I lived in the US, because it's very hard to work as an illustrator here in Norway. I like living here though, so moving is not an option. I'm happy that I have the opportunity to work with foreign clients through my art rep, Maggie Byer-Sprinzeles.

6. One strange childhood memory.

- I used to pet the bees because they looked so soft. Fortunately I never got stung.

7. One amazing childhood dream that you accomplished.

- I've been drawing all my life, and I'm proud to have followed my dream and made a living out of my hobby. I thought it was pretty amazing that I got to illustrate a book last year. That makes me feel that I'm moving towards my goals.

8. Last question: One amazing childhood dream to still achieve.

- To get my own picture books published. I have always loved books.


Thanks so much Anette!

*image used with permission of the author, copyright anette heiberg all rights reserved. please do not use without permission. thanks*

Illosaurus.com

I've come across a rather interesting site for illustrators tonight. It's chalked full of ratings of different online portfolio sites, sourcebooks, mailing lists, printers, a list of links for pricing and other guidelines and of course is a great place to make friends/contacts with other illustrators from all around the globe. Not to mention it has a really great logo... what a beautiful font! Reminds me of something the Veer team would be able to put together.

Update on the website

Just a little note that I've updated my shopping section on my website in preparation of the Artwalk. I've made a pegboard carry around backdrop for my table (fits in my car) and have started getting some originals framed and/or matted for the show. I'm so excited!