Unselfies for The Ivy Group, building portraits.

When I first launched TheUnselfieProject campaign on Kickstarter, I was not quite sure what to expect. Would enough people even be interested in the project for it to reach the funding goal and even happen? After the first 3 days of the campaign, it was apparent that with 20 something days left it WOULD definitely be happening.  There were a ton of people signing up and I would soon have my hands and schedule full of Unselfie goodness. Most backers ordered a one piece Unselfie but there were actually many backers and businesses who ordered package deals.

The first of the businesses to come up in TheUnselfieProject queue is The Ivy Group a full service marketing and advertising agency based out of Charlottesville, VA. Chris Fitzgerald, Creative Production Manager of The Ivy Group sent me photos of the whole office and this is the result! I love love the way that they turned out.

The Ivy Group

When I work on a multi-order job, it is important for me to keep the look cohesive. I have found that making an "assembly line" of sorts helps to keep things like line quality and color (or, in this case value)  synonymous. It's step by step, and it's kind of like "building" a portrait as opposed to drawing one. I created these 10 portraits doing every step at the same time. My first step is always to ink every face with the basic black outline. Then I usually go in and lay down the base skin color, then the dark shadows of the face and work back to the light highlights. After that I do the hair and clothing and finally go back into the final ink an add depth and weight to the outline where it's needed. Every artist works differently but this is what works for me.

Thankfully, my new mac and the latest Photoshop allow me to to have tons of files open at once, without crashing the system which makes a HUGE difference when working this way. I look forward to posting the next business (already being INKED!) soon. Until then, keep checking out TheUnselfieProject gallery as it grows!

Cheers!

Michele

The Washington Business Journal and Tommy Kane's Unselfie!

Woo! It's been a busy week and there's lots to announce! Here are a few of the cool things that I've been working on: I just had the opportunity to work with the great people at The Washington Business Journal to create a cover story illustration of Eagle Bank CEO, Ron Paul. It is for July 11th issue of The Washington Business Journal.

Illustration of Ron Paul, CEO of Eagle Bank.

I am also honored to have been able to draw Creative Director, Illustrator and Author triple threat, Tommy Kane, for The Unselfie Project! I've been a fan of Tommy's art and blog for years. It's really awesome have been able to draw him as well as to see him using his Unselfie on social media, It makes me very proud! I love the "Draw Tommy Kane" section of his blog. Many artists have drawn him and there's lots of good stuff. Check it out when you get a chance!

Tommy Kane's Unselfie

Am I tired of it yet?

"So are you tired of it yet?"

I have actually had people ask me that question about drawing and The Unselfie Project. I don't get offended by questions like it though because I know that it is sometimes hard for people to understand. Why would I want to work the long hours, sometimes on super short deadlines?

I've always had this urge to draw things. I've wanted to be an illustrator since before I knew what that word was. Some of my earliest memories include drawing on a chalkboard that was on the wall in my room (as well as the wall - sorry mom) when I was a wee tadpole. There was always a great feeling of satisfaction that came with drawing something that I thought was awesome - whether it really was or not- and then showing it off. I've tried to explain this passion that I feel for drawing to people as a fire that I feel inside my chest.  I can actually physically feel it. It's something that needs to come out. I can't NOT draw. I know that I probably sound like a crazy person saying it. But it's true.

I like the challenge of creating a drawing. Visually telling a story or getting a likeness to look like the person it's supposed to be - it's all a challenge.  Opening up an email with a new photo to make into an Unselfie, getting a call from a new client about an assignment; it's like opening up a present. No matter how many times I do it, it's always different. I never know whats coming my way. It keeps me on my toes. It never gets boring.

I'm extremely lucky and eternally grateful to be able to turn that passion, that fire within into a living. I really love what I do. And  I am happy.

So the answer is "No".

I am not tired of it.  :)

Michael Nutter Illustration for Philadelphia Magazine

Philadelphia Magazine recently approached me to create an illustration of mayor, Michael Nutter for the July issue. The article, written by Patrick Kerkstra, discusses Nutter's clean government track record and questions whether or not it will hold up after his departure from office. Special thanks to Jamie Leary for the Art direction.

Enjoy!

Don't talk to the person next to you.

We've all experienced it. That moment when you are sitting on the subway or maybe the train, bus or plane and someone sits next to you. Do you play it nice? Do you look up from your book or whatever electronic device that is occupying your attention, smile a quick hello and dart your eyes back before that person encroaching on your personal space can engage you in conversation?

Or do you take the more rude route, avoid them all together, assume that your earbuds and lack of eye contact are preventative warning flags waving at them not to talk to you?

Either way, what happens if the person who sits down insists on talking to you?

Then what?

The commute.