Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

I just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Thanksgiving. I wrote the following article for the Spirit Newspapers with the help of several great Fishtowners who help me appreciate the neighborhood and life in general.

http://reach.inm.com/Viewer/index.asp?fileName=232/SPIRIT-101124.pdf&key=x323332603230303731313039313431323432602D313339303038383738

It's easy to get sidetracked and look at all the bad in life. So it's nice to be reminded that the things of real value cost nothing. Thanks.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Cancer Gremlin...The Evolution of a Character

Recently, Marvin Bowe, Senior VP and Creative Director for the Navicor Group, contacted me with a really fun illustration gig. I was assigned to draw a little gremlinie-type monster to represent a certain kind of cancer that many doctors and patients overlook and forget to ask about. The character would have been used in ad materials for a medicine to treat that type of cancer.

The art team on the job liked some frog-like creatures I once drew in a Meathaus comic. They also gave me some very specific criteria and e-mailed over some microscopic photos of colorful cancer cells. The concept reminded me of the ads for Mucinex and even the Crest's Cavity Creeps and Raid's Bugs from past ad campaigns like that. They wanted a quirky character, but in a way, he needed to be sympathetic. Because we were trying to remind doctors not to forget to ask about him. Here were my initial pencil sketches:


They really liked Sketch A. It most resembled the characters that initially attracted the art directors to my work. I also liked the characters with less human proportions. The art team also asked me to make the character more mischievous and less sad. I took "neglected" to heart when doing these first drafts, but they wanted a character with a more "Tasmanian Devil" or "Gremlin" attitude. I was glad to hear that, because those guys are way more fun to draw. They also asked me to lose props like the signs. And since they liked the body shape on character B as well, they asked me to "Jabba the Hutt" him up a bit and add some horns.

So here are the final two drafts I came up with:
Unfortunately, the actual concept was not used by the pharmaceutical company. However, it was a great job. It was fun and Navicor treated me really well. Also, I got to vilify cancer (which I hate). All in all, it's been my favorite freelance gig this year.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sketches of Fishtown books - price reduced...


Gearing up for the holiday season. I am looking to unload the remaining Sketches of Fishtown books I have. If anyone wants to get some books for a gift or stocking stuffer, let me know. I am selling them for $3.00 apiece. I am selling each set (a copy of volumes I and II together) for $5.00.

If you're in Fishtown, they have them for sale at the Spirit Newspaper offices at Gaul & Susquehanna.

Or if you'd like to purchase one from me, I can draw a little sketch in the back and personalize it. I take paypal or you can e-mail me to discuss payment and shipping/delivery/pickup: phillytoon@yahoo.com

Thursday, November 4, 2010

World's Fair Art Show at Shadow's Space in Kensignton - November Through December

Below are my submissions for the World's Fair Art Show. I took old whisky bottles, boiled them, peeled the labels, and made my own old-tymie labels. I did my best to make them somewhat reminiscent of old times, but still have my own personal touch. Each bottle is named after or in some way connected to someone or something in my life. Some are inspired my things domestic (like Newton's Snake Oil named after my Joannie). And some are inspired by wanderlust (like the Hobo Fuel). And then some are inspired by people and places I've known internationally (like Victor Vovc, a brilliant Moldovan doctor who I used to work with). All labels were drawn and colored by hand on sticker paper. The photos don't really do them justice. There is attention to detail that can only be observed properly if you're close enough to fog them with your breath. So come on out tomorrow to the Fair!

World’s Fair Art Exhibition, 1st Stop: Shadow’s Space Gallery 1248 Front Street Philadelphia, PA November through December Opening Reception Friday, November 5th, 2010 from 6pm to 10pm (After Party downstairs @ Kung Fu Necktie)