Happy 2013, for real!

Embarrisingly, I started my first post of the year by wishing everyone a 'Happy 2013!', in the subject header, and nothing in the post. Note to self, to not post anything on my iphone before going to bed. So here's the actual post…

Happy 2013 everyone! Wishing you, your business, family and friends happiness and health in 2013! To the thousands that checked out my site regularly in 2012, I want to thank you for all your support. I hope that you will continue to come back and see what I've been up to. If you're an art director, designer, photographer or illustrator, I look forward to possibly working with you in the near future! On a different note, when you work alone, it's extremely difficult to get around to updating the portfolio site. Which is why I'm just doing this now. I've just started to add a few projects from summer and fall of last year: 4 illustrations for the 100th GreyCup CFL Championship (commissioned by Bensimon Byrne), and photographs of Scion Canada magazine issue #3. Check it out below.

DON'T FORGET > that my Def Jam print is finally up on my InPrnt page for sale. Check it here >

ps: Would appreciate it so much, if you could spread the love by 'liking' my posts and or tweeting. :)

More work will be uploaded this week. See you back soon!

VIEW MORE CFL ARTWORK >

VIEW MORE SCION MAGAZINE ARTWORK >

Reel Asian Festival

Below is an illustration I drew around a photograph for the Reel Asian Film Festival in Toronto from last November. It was such an intense month with work, and sadly I could not go. 2013 will hopefully be the year, I am able to finish work early to not miss out on these events!

The illustration is a little 'Juno' in style, emphasized with a track & field theme that was carried throughout all the marketing material. The t-shirts were loads of fun to do. I'll try to grab a photo of that.

SAVE 15% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SALE on Prints!

SAVE 15% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SALE (until Sunday) on some of my giclee prints!

New 'Def Jam' print available today!

Go to InPrnt Store page>

Movember logos: Staachi & Staachi

Yes it's the time of the year when that ugly facial hair on men is allowed for one month we call Movember. I've donated in the past but this year I've decided I'm going to grow my mo. It's also the first time in my life, that I will be sporting it as well. I don't mind being laughed at, as it is for a great cause. I've joined my mates at Saatchi & Saatchi. Our team name, of course is 'Staachi & Staachi'! With a name like that the possibilities are endless, but it's best to keep it simple. 

So for the month of Movember, please help us raise a little money for raising awareness of men's health!

Make a donation today>

 

James Bond 007: Illustration for The Genteel 5

New illustration for The Genteel i just finished, published today! 

An Accessory for the Modern Man

by: Andrew Adebowale

The James Bond franchise is celebrating its 50th year with the release of Skyfall at the end of the year. To mark the occasion, a unique exhibition is being held at London's Barbican, showcasing the design and style of the world's most famous spy.

Read Article >

Really rough sketches...

Ok, this was definitely the most fun assignment EVER. If you really know me, you would know that I'm one of the world's biggest James Bond fans.

My first film was apparently 'From Russia With Love', which my dad made me watch on TV. I'll admit I wasn't a huge fan of Connery in the beginning. Dad was trying to explain to me why Connery was 'the man'. But like most kids, I quickly became a Roger Moore fan because of his humor, his ladies (he had more conquests), and gadgets with 'wow' factor (Lotus Esprit submarine). It wasn't until early high school, I rewatched 'Dr. No', and from that very first introduction of 007 lighting his cigarette at the casino table introducing himself, I became a fan. I thought, 'there is no one cooler than Connery's Bond'. 

I actually had to ask my dad, what my first 007 film was (I've rewatched them way too many times). It was was then, when he said something that shocked me. "I hope it doesn't take you as long as it did for me to graduate from 007.” I thought my dad, the one who introduced me to it, how could he have 'graduated' (move on) from it? And why was he telling me to move on from it?

 As a kid, I was obsessively into three things: James Bond, Petshop Boys, and New Order (in that order). At my age now (over 30), I'm still into those 3 things. Maybe not as obsessive, as I was back then. Also I still prefer 'those things' from that era or before. 

I am however, really looking forward to the next 007 movie Skyfall (directed by Sam Mendes). It just screams old school elements (Aston Martin DB5 again), combined with new school tech backdrops. The set design and cinematography look immaculate. Also filled with such a talented cast (Bardem, Fiennes, Dench, Finney), and directed by an A-list director: Sam Mendes. Trailer looks so great!

So as long as more James Bond movies get produced until the day I die, I don't think I'll ever stop watching them. I know I'm letting you down Dad, but I don't think I'll ever graduate from 007!

New Russell Simmons & Rick Rubin Illustration for Grantland

My sketches always start really crude. I usually don't bother with reference photos for portraits in the beginning.

A more polished rough. 

Finished this back in March (or April?), but was finally allowed to post this up. New illustration of Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin for Grantland. Lots of textures here with brushstrokes. Limited colour schemes are always fun. :)

Illustration for the Genteel 4

New illustration for The Genteel i just finished, published today! 

Haute or Not?

by: Chere Di Boscio 

Despite their astronomical price tags, haute couture creations are rarely profitable, and only a handful of women can afford to buy them anyway. So what's the point?

Read Article >

This assignment was definitely the most fun yet for sure. Being able to check out the Alexander McQueen show at the MET last year was such a huge inspiration for me creatively. I mean I've seen a lot of 'fashion' on tv and in books through highschool and at OCAD (was hardcore into Issey Miyake of course). But to see them in person...at the MET...after a 2.5 hour line up...really blew me away. Since then, my appreciation for craftsmanship has grown immensely. Currently I'm really digging the work of Katsuya Kamo. Check out his paper sculptures (hats and stuff) coupled with Lagerfeld's designs for Chanel's 2009 Couture show here.

Illustration for The Genteel 3

Another new illustration for The Genteel! Do you recognize any of the faces on the left hand side? Hopefully you do if you're in the fashion world.

Love doing this style. I suppose most of it comes rather easily as I work a lot in vector. Over the years I've become more and more obsessed with detail (I suppose it's natural since I spoil myself by zooming in 1200% a lot of the time). 

Digital Newsstands With Virtual Shopping Racks

by: Paul Aguirre Livingston 

As the digital world continues to become the new developed world, I find myself doing more with virtual assistance: maintaing some sort of "social life," consuming and creating content, and, well, general sundry tasks like, say, shopping.

Read Article >

Illustration for The Genteel 2

Also just finished this one with a new look and feel (for me) for the wonderful folks at The Genteel! This time around I got to get a little drawing time with Twiggy's face. (I need to definitely draw more of her.)

The article is not about her, but more about 'mature' models in the fashion world, and why '...ageing and fashion have - until now - been such odd bedfellows in the first place.'

A New Age in Fashion

by: Erin Ridley 

With the public smitten by more mature looks and the industry following suit, one wonders why ageing and fashion have - until now - been such odd bedfellows in the first place.

Read Article >

Illustration for The Genteel 1

Just finished a new illustration with a new look and feel (for me) for the wonderful folks at The Genteel! It's fun to get back to drawing more fashionable subjects.

If you haven't checked their site yet, definitely do if you love a good read. Oh and there will be more work by yours truly there of course. :)

The Importance of Being Fashionable

by: Erin Ridley 

Women think about fashion 91 times a day. For those who have "clothes on the brain," why is fashion so important to us. 

Read Article >