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. 

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.

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition—Sunday at 8 p.m.

Get out the popcorn and the Kleenex box! Yes, “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” airs this Sunday, November 8th at 8 p.m. on ABC.

I doubt my work will cause any unnecessary weeping on the part of the lucky homeowners, but my sources tell me anything on this show can induce tears. In fact, a friend this week told me she and her family call EMHE "The Cry Show." I know what you're thinking, "Oh, goody—just the thing I need to start my work week."

I'm almost certain you can see video highlights (and maybe some stills) on the EMHE website the day after the broadcast. So, if you're busy blinking, taking a potty break, or...ahem...watching “The Amazing Race,” you can still check out my handy work in situ.

You can even buy the bumble bee mural for your own bedroom. No foolin’! Here's the link.

extreme secrecy no longer!

At long last, the broadcast date for that home makeover show featuring my artwork has been revealed! Tune into your local ABC station on the evening of Sunday, November 8th, at 8 PM EST. My contact tells me they spent more time in "my" room than the other kids' rooms...which probably means a few seconds, so watch carefully! I created a wall mural, and several smaller framed animal portraits for a one-year-old's nursery.

new work on the web

In addition to my fake fiction series, I’ve been working on a bunch of new, issue-driven editorial pieces which I’ve just posted to my website.

Speaking of fake fiction....

Has anyone out there been tossing around titles for your own great American novel? If so, send them to me, and I’ll illustrate a virtual book cover. (You are not required to have written a single word of said novel. ;>) The titles I’ve been working with these last few months are taken from various readings or conversations that have inspired me visually. It has been lots of fun for me—I hope that shows in the work.

And stay tuned....

I am told that in early November, the episode of a home makeover TV program featuring my work will be broadcast. Specifics to come in a future posting.