Health Care Reform Magazine Cover

This was a big step for me. I've been wanted to incorporate textures and drawing into my illustration in a more prominent way, and this is the first time I've been able to mix them all together. It was challenging for me, but I loved the process and can't wait to continue along this road. All the elements are on separate layers in Photoshop, so Janna the super wonderful designer at Minnesota Medicine Magazine will be able to use them for spot illustrations throughout the publication. The arms of Uncle Sam and Minnesota make a respectable handshake when used without the rest of the illustration.

Dancing Doggies and Looming Deadlines

This was not a good weekend! First of all, we had a huge storm and the power went out. Suzi (she looks just like this little dancing doggie) and I were in the dark from Friday at dinnertime until Sunday noon. This meant that I had no computer, and couldn't work on my illustration assignment, since much of it is computer-generated, and it was due on Monday.

When the electricity was restored on Sunday, I hopped to work, sketching and scanning away. Suzi came in to see me, and whenever she comes into my office and puts her paws on my lap, I know she has something on her mind. Food, a walk, Frisbee, etc. Well, this time she lead me to my bedroom to show me that she had rummaged through my purse and found 3 Dark Chocolate Hersheys tidbits. (doesn't everybody carry chocolate in their purse?) She had carefully peeled away the tin foil, and consumed the chocolate. I wasn't too concerned, but I decided to call the emergency vet anyway. Good thing I did, they told me that the little amount she had consumed was poisonous to a dog her size, and that I should bring her right in because they needed to induce vomiting. So off we went. I'm thinking, is there anything else that can go wrong this weekend? She was shaking like a leaf because she hates to ride in the car and I was shaking because I was afraid I was going to lose her!

She's fine now. Whew! And I finished my job that night. We are dancing in celebration!

Preliminary designs

A new assignment for Minnesota Medicine Magazine, folks is in the works, yay! Only this time, it is a cover for a supplement that will go out next month with the magazine. The supplement's theme is health care reform, with the general focus on Minnesota leading the nation in working with the federal government to examine changes in the health care system.

I submitted these two sketches, one being a collage treatment, and the other a more painterly approach. The art director selected the magnifying glass sketch. Here's something I learned - I drew the wrong icon for the medical industry. Initially, I looked it up for reference in various websites, and most of the reference sites got it wrong! The two snakes entwined around the staff (which as you can see is what I drew) is called the "caduceus", whereas what I should have drawn is the "asclepius", the single snake entwined around a staff. Caduceus is the symbol of Hermes, the ancient Roman messenger of commerce, and Aclepius was a Greek god who whose specialty was his healing powers. So you can see how these descriptions can make quite a different impression in regard to the medical profession! The snake shedding its skin symbolizes renewal and vigor, the aim of medicine. Now aren't you glad you learned something new today?

50's Fashionista - Entertaining

Illustration Friday - "Paisley"

When I read the theme for this week's entry for Illustration Friday, this image that I created several years ago immediately came to mind!

Little Cowboy

Today would have been my brother's 59th birthday. We spent so many years together, from the time this photo was taken, it's hard to believe that I can't call him up and wish him Happy Birthday. You're in our hearts and thoughts, Paulie, on this your special day and every other.

Bad Hair Day

I just can't do a thing with it. It has rained every day for the last week, and my hair turns into a frizzy icky mop, no matter what I do. My hair stylist's solution to any problem is, "more product". MY solution is to move to a humid-free climate, wherever that may be.

Book logos

I was putting away files and ran across a class assignment that was so much fun - a logo that had to be created for a fictitious book store, done in both a color version and black/white. This reminds me - summer is a great time to curl up with a good book!