sva illustration as visual essay: “we tell stories”

Fresh off the dvd press is the new MFA Illustration as Visual Essay promotional video from the School of Visual Arts. Directed by Department Chair Marshall Arisman, “We Tell Stories” features several of the program’s past alumni. I am very proud to be among this illustrious (ha!) group which includes Nathan Fox, Yuko Shimizu, and Sam Weber.

I was also asked to design the new packaging, showcasing a gorgeous cover image by Steven Tabbutt, class of 2006. 

connecticut college magazine

Back in March, fellow Connecticut College alumna Arielle Shipper interviewed me for a profile in the current issue of CC Magazine. We met in the lobby of the Algonquin Hotel over tea (my suggestion, of course—very old school), while I reminisced about my experience at Conn and beyond. 

I’m not sure why there is no complete version of the magazine available online, but a few of the highlights are quotes from Marshall Arisman, chair of the MFA Illustration Department at the School of Visual Arts (my other alma mater), and one of my clients. 

“Among her assets,” Arisman says, “Anna is a born leader...My admiration for her is that she did this at a time when many people would worry about...where this would go. It's a success story.”

I'm still blushing...

mocca art festival 2010 - one more thing...

Need a dose of reanimation? Searching for new ways to enliven your daily routine? This could be the answer to all your anthropomorphizing needs! With a pair of handmade “Gazers” you can bring all the inanimate objects in your home to life! Available at the MoCCA Art Festival (table #G13).

MoCCA Arts Festival

Saturday, April 10th and Sunday, April 11th, 11 AM—6 PM

69th Regiment Armory at Lexington and 26th St.

handmade folios

A few months ago, one of my former teachers at SVA asked me if I knew anyone who could make some custom-sized folios for a series of prints. Before I knew it, I heard myself say, “Sure, I can do that.” I wasn’t certain what I was getting myself into, other than a guaranteed few days of work away from my computer. The end products turned out well enough that I’m posting photos here. There really is no substitute for good old fashioned handmade stuff.

world headquarters

Happy New Year!
For those of you who haven't seen it, here is a view of my studio. If it looks a little like a photo of a dollhouse, that's for good reason. This morning, I learned how to make images look “miniaturized” in PhotoShop.
If you'd like to try it yourself, here's the tutorial.
Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2010!

the artist at work

I've been doing a bunch of quick little wash drawings lately. I think this little guy will become part of a narrative somehow.

In other news: stay tuned for the launch of my Etsy store—that wondrous portal for all things handmade. There you'll be able to purchase original etchings, silkscreens, watercolors and other stuff from the comfort of your own desk. Hopefully, if the proper cyber handshakes take place this week, I'll have it up by the weekend.

mtv woodie awards animation

Ever heard of the MTV Woodie Awards? Well, I hadn't until about a week ago when my lighting-designer-guru friend Christopher Landy of Vibrant Design called me. He wanted an animation of some figures to project along a 48' balcony for the awards show at Roseland Ballroom in New York, behind nominated band Matt and Kim while they perform their song "Lessons Learned."

So I spent the better part of last week on it. (See below, where you can watch a beginning clip.) If you want to see Matt and Kim's nominated video and hear their terrific song, check it out here on YouTube.

There were definitely some lessons learned on my part technically, but over all it was really fun. I can't wait to see what Chris and his crew do with it—they're going to add lots of color and other effects.

The show will be broadcast on December 4th—more details to come in a later posting.

world headquarters