Portrait:

Happy New Year!

2018 is here, Dear Reader!

Best instagram posts of 2017

Last year I took the leap from occasional creator to running my own business as a professional illustrator, graphic designer and writer – something that took a lot of courage, hard work and determination. 

There’s been bumps in the road causing delays in setting everything up, but I’m still on track.

My next steps are advertising myself more, catching up on both personal and professional projects so that I have a clear schedule ahead of me – and most importantly: improving my daily routine both personally and professionally.

All while balancing life as a father and partner, and going back to my part time day job after more than half a year as a stay-at-home dad.

I start the new year with clear goals in mind and a path staked out for turning my business into my primary means of support.

2017 was full of challenges, learning, and new acquaintances and connections. I bought a new apartment with the love of my life and together we built a home for our little family, something which allowed me to finally set up a professional creative work space (no more drawing at the dining room table!) and sort through all of my art supplies. 


I’ve connected with some amazing people, both privately and in my business, and they have been a big help and inspiration for me as I move forward with my goals.
2018 will also see the release of Lady Phantom – the vigilante comic book I’m doing with writer Julie K. Taylor – after nearly two years of preparation and hard work.

What did you accomplish in 2017 and what challenges do you anticipate in 2018?

Portrait: Veronica Ballestrini

This month’s portrait is unusual – instead of drawing and writing about someone who have had a big effect on my life and art I have chosen someone who just recently appeared in my life. The portrait was made with soft sketching crayons and is the first ‘two toned’ portrait I’ve attempted – as such, it was a bit difficult to get the detail I would have wanted, but I’m still pleased with the end result.

There are several reasons why I chose Veronica Ballestrini for today’s portrait: First of all, because she is such a talented singer and song writer – second, because the story of her career is inspiring – last, but definitely not least, because today is her 23rd birthday!

So, Happy Birthday Veronica!

VeronicaBallestriniVeronica’s career started with cover song on MySpace when she was thirteen, and two years later she won 1st place at the USA World Showcase in Las Vegas. Eight years ago today, on her fifteenth birthday, her parents surprised her with a trip to Nashville to pursue her dream. In 2009 she published her first album, What I’m All About. Since then she has continued to work on her music, touring and writing songs, and earlier this year she released her second album, Flipside.

Her name appeared briefly on my radar years ago, but it wasn’t until she started following me on twitter that I got my eyes and ears on her music. Since then I have returned to her songs over and over, and several of them have taken place among my absolute favorites. I’m not going to add more praise than that – if you haven’t heard her music I suggest you go and have a listen.

Oh, and Veronica? You still owe me that Skype-call 😉


You can find Veronica on Twitter, Facebook, and here on WordPress

Sketch of the Week

This weeks ‘sketch’ is also a finished portrait, destined for other purposes. This image is the basis for my entry to Sarah Michelle Gellar‘s Twitter contest:

 

BaseSMG

You can see the final result on my twitter – today is the last day for entry into the contest, so keep your fingers crossed!

Also, here is the finished version of last week’s sketch: my entry for the Lindsey Stirling Tour Poster competition. Voting has started, and if you like it feel free to throw me a vote. I’m up against some great artists, so my chances are slim – but you never know…