Colin Meloy & Carson Ellis' Wildwood.

I just finished reading Colin Meloy & Carson Ellis' Wildwood. It is a fantastic story about a girl who travels into a forbidden forest with her friend to save her kidnapped baby brother. The heroine likes to ride bikes and draw birds. All images by Carson Ellis and found on Design Sponge (check out their review of the book), unless otherwise noted.

The book is filled with beautiful illustrations by Carson Ellis, from small drawings to full page color spreads. I highly recommend you check it out.

Badger with a Rickshaw.

A scene from Wildwood.

I just found out that there is a sequel, too. Next on the reading list. Image via Harper Collins Childrens.

Song: 

January Hymn - The Decemberists (The whole book reads like a Decemberists song.)

Zombies!

Recently I was commissioned to make an illustrated sign. My friend has made, and is selling, zombie face magnets and pins,  which come blank, and you can paint or decorate them any way you like. They are about an inch and a half tall, and are pretty gruesome, as zombies go. If you would like one, you can contact Chris. 

I had a lot of fun drawing the sign. Lately, I've become very interested in fonts, both drawing and designing them. I've been studying how different typefaces can create completely different moods, and despite the intrigue of graphic design, I still enjoy creating hand-drawn lettering. And drawing hands, as well.

Songs:

Don't Stop Me Now - Queen


Time Of The Season - The Zombies



I Just Died in Your Arms Tonight - Cutting Crew
(Watch on YouTube)

Font Salad.

Yesterday I attended an illustration event called Drink & Draw Chicago. I drew this font salad, full of lettuce letters (and colored the background afterwards).

Songs:

Vega-Tables - Brian Wilson

Tables & Chairs - Andrew Bird

Around the World In Eighty Days.

Illustration Month just ended. I drew a little bit from Jules' Verne's Around the World in 80 Days.

This is my favorite drawing from the series. Travel by elephant through India, when the rail line is closed for construction. Mr. Fogg is nothing if not resourceful.

Title Page Text.

Some Character Sketches.

In the beginning of the book, the whole world is caught up in his astronomical bet, and it's all that the papers and tabloids can talk about.

Songs & Videos:

Pink Sugar Elephants - Mates of State

World News - Local Natives

Race For the Prize - The Flaming Lips