Remembering a forgotten love...

Today I was inspired to search through my old portfolio cases and dig out some of my art pieces. Various sketches, paintings and prints jumped at me from hidden corners and I was suddenly reminded of something that seems I'd long forgotten. Sure, I've done a few fine art pieces here and there but nothing with the kind of dedication that I've had before. I would sit and create and lose hours of time for no other reason than just to do.

Having pulled out these treasures and knocked the dust from them, I decided it was time they made their debut, for some it will be a second showing. I look forward to sharing these pieces with you, opening up a long closed part of myself. ~Enjoy

Subject: The Sleeping Indian (A print made from a photograph taken when I was at summer camp at age 13); Medium: Blue India Ink

Subject: Yellow Lab Puppy (Made from a photograph that I took in Aspen); Medium: Scratchboard

Subject: Woman's Portrait (drawn from my imagination); Medium: Pencil

Subject: Taken from an original photo I took during High School Photography Class (The photograph was entered into a local art show taking 2nd place) This image reflects the beginning of my love for taking candid photos. Medium: Pencil

Subject: Wizard (The man's face and beard were taken from a photograph of a scottsman from a local scottish/irish festival with some additional fictional details); Medium: Pencil

Subject: Victoria's Secret Model (this is much better in person, the photo of the original didn't come out well, this piece was also featured in a local art show during college); Medium: Pencil

Subject: I believe that the subject for this was taken from an anatomy book I was referencing. Medium: Conte Crayon & Chalk

Subject: I believe the idea for this was taken from a magazine ad for lubriderm lotion; Medium: Watercolor

Subject: A Wizard from Magic the Gathering Calendar I had lying around, the smaller of the two was my practice canvas; Medum: Oils

Subject: From the depths of my imagination (This was done while I was studying private art lessons) Medium: India Ink & Watercolor

Subject: Photograph from a book of Italy (I fell in love with the depth of the buildings and the umbrellas); Medium: Watercolor

A Brand We Know & LOVE

I wanted to make a quick post regarding a project that has been in process for quite some time. I've been working with The Black Cup Coffee Roaster and The Black Cup to create a new look for the coffee and update the look of the stand. While this project took a lot longer than I would like to admit, I feel very happy with the ultimate outcome of the designs that were produced.

Since the roasting company was the first on the priority list, I'm sure all of the 'regulars' have seen the new logo and labels. If you haven't ordered a new bag in a while or are a Black Cup Coffee virgin, make sure you log-on to The Black Cup Coffee Roaster site to check out this incredible coffee for yourself. I personally recommend the BIG SKY BLEND! (please excuse my little marketing bit....I am in advertising after all!)

Without further delay (or marketing content...LOL!) here are they are:

And because it's always nice to see how these ideas came to be here are some samples of where it all started.

A New Look...

It's been a work in progress for many years. Now that I'm starting to get comfortable in my design style, I'm finding new creativity in the dusty caverns of my imagination. It would be interesting to pull up some of my original designs from when Phenix Marketing, LLC first took flight in 2003, to see how as I've grown as an individual how my style, and eye have changed.

Of all my clients, I find it most difficult to design for myself. Why is that I wonder? Is it because I hold higher standards for my own creative results? Or is it simply a matter of being "too close to the subject"? Whatever the reason, I've been working on the newest revision to the Phenix Marketing website and I'd like to open it up for some feedback.

First...here is the site how it appears now:

Below is the new site proof I've put together:

Here are my thoughts: At first glance it seems like a creative place. One where you come to get new ideas, to refresh your look or to start anew. I like the color, it reminds me of spring, it's bright but not overly so and it gives the appearance of being open and airy. It has good design elements without being too complicated.

NOTES: A few notes to answer some questions that I'm sure are going to arise...the COFFEE MUG - is going to be a category header for our built in blog system, where we will post news, information, articles, links, etc. The STICKY NOTES on the right will be used as sort of an 'advertisement area' for specials or promotions that we want to draw specific attention to. There are several different graphics in my library that I'll be using to update that section.

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In addition to working on a new website template I've been working to get our printing business started. It's not a new service that we offer...as it's been something that we've offered our clients for a while, we just thought it was time that we advertise it. 

Well, so to get started I've been working on a few sample business cards to use when talking to new prospective clients, send out in media kits, etc. Each of the business cards are printed on a different type of paper and since it's always better to feel the difference for yourself, we thought everyone else would agree. So, without further delay, here they are:

 

Alpenglow steals the spotlight

After nearly two weeks of work I have started to make a lot of progress with the new logo created for Alpenglow Lighting Design. I've been using this as an example of progress because, to me, this has been the perfect project. Starting with a small piece, a simple idea and turning it into an entire business presentation.

We'll start with the final logo:

Then we have the business cards:

.....and the website template:

By far this has been the most fun I've had working on a project in quite a while. I've really had to expand my creative mind to come up with new ideas, step outside of the box to get the look that I was going for. It just provides me with a real feeling of success.

A work in progress

So after spending all day working on art for someone else, I thought it would be nice to do something for myself. I still need some practice with my hand/eye coordination so I've been some of my favorite fantasy art as a good place to start. Below is a piece from one of my all time favorite fantasy artists, Luis Royo.


I started this piece last night and will take time to complete a little more each day as I can. It's taking me a while to get used to which tools and brushes do what and how to adjust them to get the effect I want. Art, other than work, has been a hobby I've been slacking on doing in my life. As much as I enjoy it, it's not something that I've ever spent a ton of time developing.

Anyway, I'll try to post every couple of days or so to show some progress on this piece. That is one of the things I enjoy the most...is seeing how a simple drawing or concept comes to completion.