Here is the final artwork that appeared on the cover of the Winter/Spring issue of “Collaborating For Success.” This is always a fun project for me to work on, and I look forward to each publication. For this piece, I really pushed the limited palette.

A couple shots of the cover.

Inside spread.

Books

This year I illustrated children’s books for the very first time.  While both of these books are yet to be published, I can tell you that they both were splendid projects. I can say that I certainly bit off more than I could chew. Putting a book together is a daunting task, and certainly takes more time than I ever thought it would. Every time I pick up a children’s book I have more respect for the time, talent, and dedication that went into making it a success. Sitting down, and imagining a book, is most compelling. As I begin my 3rd book, I am filled with joy as I imagine the characters, scenes, and epic stories. I can’t wait to show you more!

Editorials

National Geographic contacted me this past year to work on a project with them. I can’t wait to show you more of the project, as it becomes public. I can say that the folks at National Geographic know what they are doing, thus making the experience concise and pleasant.

Education

Another first for me was working in the education field. Snap Learning, a subdivision of  Sullivan Learning Systems has been a brilliant client for me this past year. Repeat work is always nice, and working with Justin has been a breeze.  Educational projects offer new and exciting things to draw. Abe Lincoln to Egyptians certainly keep me entertained.

Snap Learning: Connor Plays Soccer

Lost Lake: SNAP Learning

The Constitution – Snap Learning

Abe Lincoln – Snap Learning

More from Snap Learning is coming down the pipeline.

Prints

This year was the first major year for prints sales. The Yellow Umbrella, a local shop here in Bemidji, has been very kind to carry my prints.  The summer months were certainly the best for sales. Christina and I even participated in a local indie craft show.  Another indie art and craft supporter in the Fargo area is Unglued. They had a Christmas Market over the holiday season that did very well.  This coming spring I hope to be a part of their craft fair.

Commissions

Adventure Family Portraits was idea that I came up with this year to capture families in a fun new way. LeTexier Family Portrait and the Hensel Family Portrait

I engaged in other random commissions such as this Porcupine Commission.

Personal Projects

Personal projects are certainly my favorite, as I get to work on what I enjoy the most. My philosophy is to fill my portfolio with work that I love, and in turn will attract the kind of projects I will enjoy.  Interesting enough, the majority of new clients this year referenced personal projects in my portfolio that they really liked.

Peter Pan Some projects really get left in the dust as client work takes priority. Peter Pan, was that kind of project. I simply couldn’t finish it, due to my project load. One day in October, I decided to just finish the project and have some prints made.

Happy Christmas Cards were really fun.

Comfort Before The Sacrifice is a good example of a personal project that not only sold well as a print, but interested potential clients

Conference

This year is a big year because it marks my first professional conference. The Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators hosts one of its annual conferences in Los Angeles. Read about my experience in my SCBWI Conference post.

Mentorship

I have been working with two mentees this year. It has been a privilege to teach them what I know about art and the illustration career. I have not done much teaching so this has been a welcomed stretch.

Gallery

Scissorhands 20th Exhibit at Gallery Nucleus was my first gallery show since my time at University.

My Goals for 2012

First and foremost in my 2012 goals is to illustrate my first graphic novel. My mind has been consumed by mythical parables that simply need telling. Last year I did not devote enough to these projects, and this year simply must be different.  With the advent of the graphic novel, I will also be showing at a local gallery.  Along with personal projects, I hope to continue this amazing career in illustration.  Over and over I am reminded how amazing it is to be paid to draw. I love drawing, and people pay me to do it.  What a great deal.  I thank my family, friends, fans, and of course, my Lord, for the support in 2011. Cheers to another great year.

I am very excited to announce that my Happy Christmas Cards Collection is now available for purchase from my shop. I have had simply a brilliant time creating them and I think they turned out very well. There were of course, many issues with non cooperative elves that were quickly soothed with sugar and candy corns.

Note. My Facebook followers were given a coupon code to be redeemed at my shop this Holiday Season. Head over to my Facebook page to find out the coupon code.

Honestly, I think my love of elves probably stemmed from watching the stop motion version of Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer during the Christmas Season. Their silly little hats and quick motion made me fall in love immediately. In fact, I think I need to make my own version of that wonderful dentist.

Here is my drawing of the elves making toys.  Once again, I had in mind the Christmas Card Series in regards to the format and lack of background.

This piece came together is a slightly different way than my usual technique.  Rather then initial thumbnails, I combined various sketches of elves making toys. I scanned my favorite ideas, and made composition in Photoshop.

The final watercolor/digital

Here was the initial sketch to get the pose and expression right.

Elves certainly bake many cookies over the Holiday season. I mean, who wouldn’t want a sugar cookie made by an elf. No one reading my blog, that’s for sure! To those I just alienated, oatmeal raisin cookies are also amazing.

Coming next is toy making!