Fight the Flu!

Of course the flu and H1N1 Swine Flu is on everyone's mind this fall. I just read yesterday that an H1N1 vaccine was just approved by the FDA. Media are reporting today that H1N1 vaccinations could begin as early as October 1st. Health Departments across the world are making sure everyone is as informed as possible on flu prevention and vaccination programs. My local Health Department put together this very helpful Web site with specific information targeting any group you may feel connected to. I designed and drew the round category buttons on the left side of the home page. I'm so proud to know my graphics are part of communicating something of global importance. Take a look and help us all Fight the Flu!

Illustration Friday- wrapped

The princess wrapped her arms around her kitty cat, but it wasn't clear who had saved who.

New cover

Here is one of the latest things I've been working on at the City for the Park Board. I came up with this updated cover design and template for a quarterly catalog of everything offered by the Springfield/Greene County Parks system for the Fall 2009. I did some ads for them recently using a similar style to this masthead so thought I'd do a little rebranding of the Park advertising. They love it so far. We'll see how far we can take it.

See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me…Sell Me

Illustration Friday-Tango

This illustration was for a regional lifestyle magazine for an article about an after hours secret ballroom dancing club. The art director said she wanted it more sexy than the first sketch I showed so I steamed it up with half-closed shades and a style taken from old pulp fiction romance novels. Thanks to AD Tiffany Barton for this exciting addition to my portfolio.

T-shirt store open for business

I have a few items available for purchase on my brand new markAmontgomeryZazzle site! This site is so fly because you can customize the shirt/trucker hat style, color and size to fit your beautiful body. What a great service! I will update you when I add designs – I have a couple awesome ones in the works. Thanks for visiting, friend!

Norman Rockwell inspiration

One of my favorite stories my dad read to me growing up was Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Living in Missouri and visiting the family farm in the northern parts made an instant connection for me. But what stands out in my head when I think about Twain's masterpiece are the illustrations showcasing key scenes in the story. I later found out that the art was done by Norman Rockwell and I've been hooked (along with the rest of the country) ever since. I enjoy Rockwell for his humor and storytelling. The viewer can put together a whole story from a single image without needing a caption. What makes these so memorable is the background work and composition Rockwell did before the finished piece. To really appreciate the details and composition, check out several posts I ran across on Today's Inspiration. My work couldn't be picked apart so cleanly I'm sure. Much Illustration today is pretty simple, quick and to the point. Probably not stuff you would want on your wall, but back in the 40's, they took a lot of pride in their painterly efforts. I'll bet the computer had something to do with the change.