Remington (Character Backstory)

Posted on 2 August, 2013 by Hannah

You might be wondering about this character. Course you might not be. Could just be my imagination, but then I’m very curious and tend to assume others are as well.

Remington is definitely my all time favorite character to draw. I have to say it that way since I get on new kicks/favorites from time to time, but given enough stress or a not great drawing day and you’d probably see this guy pop up in my sketch book.

I didn’t intentionally name him after a gun company. Basically all my drawings name themselves, sounds kooky, but let’s just say a name seems to “lend itself” to each character.

But when he popped out onto the page one day, with a cheesy grin and big eyes it was an instant draw. Course my funny side insisted on turning a messed up version of Remington into his brothers — Smith and Wesson. (Or if you don’t want those names — With and Swesson.)

I come from a long family of punsters and this is what we do.

Nutsy and Trigger by Disney

Now for the record I’m not talking about guns here, just the little characters I love to create. Somehow I always picture Remington as being slightly like Nutzy from the old cartoon Robin Hood. Which is probably why he brings a big smile to my face!

The only problem I have with him is anytime I try to draw him face on he never turns out right.

Any tips on how to draw things from the front so they look good? Love to hear ‘em!

Don't be shellfish...

Quote – 7/26/13

Posted on 26 July, 2013 by Hannah

Don't be shellfish...

6 Color Design Challenge – Cupcake

Posted on 19 July, 2013 by Hannah

Design-Seeds is such a great place of color inspiration.

Sometimes I’m surprised by the combinations, but seeing the images has helped me with seeing color ideas/possibilities. It’s also opened up my willingness to play around.

When I saw this cupcake I thought of a neat challenge (plus a fun way to relax after creating a bunch of images). Try and recreate the item but, here’s the twist:

Only using the colors she pulled out.

Halfway through I thought it wouldn’t work, but in the end I think it turned out cute. I would have chosen darker colors personally, but it was a fun exercise!

What do you think: brighter colors or no black lines?

Don't be shellfish...

Missing the Obvious

Posted on 12 July, 2013 by Hannah

by Charles Schultz

I thought I would be a writer. One of those that had imaginary friends and stayed up, typing, by the moon.

Yeah, that’s not me.

First I’m too talkative to last, and frankly my attention to a new idea doesn’t last 72,000 words. Usually.

But I thought my love of pen and paper was limited to writing LONG fiction books, until it hit me out of the blue — you can do other things with pen and paper!

It was so obvious I still want to hit myself.

But I didn’t really think about what I could do that until I made my Mom a Christmas present. It turned out so well that I thought, “Maybe I could do illustration.”

So my first book is coming out October 2013. And still can’t believe it, (I’m starting with self-publishing) but hopefully it will be a springboard to great things!

Who knows? After listening to this great interview with Lilla Rogers I realized that illustration is really just the tip of the iceberg. I never realized how many ares you could get into.

This will be the place will be part portfolio and part discovery. As I discover what works and doesn’t for me I hope you’ll do me the favor of telling me what you like, love, or aren’t crazy about that I create.

Don't be shellfish...