View of the Studio!

I've been self employed for almost a month now. Things are going well but I've been feeling like a slacker since I haven't finished as much art as I thought but my studio is set up and I have two major pieces in the works -- more to come on those soon.

Here's the studio . . . ta da!


It's a wonderful space, I'm surrounded by books, one of my many obsessions, and get plenty of northern light.

Also, I've completed a small media study based on a photo of my friends Cat and Sarah. My main goal for this piece was to incorporate more on the original line work in the finished piece. I'm happy with some aspects of the experiment but want to continue playing around with the possibilities. We'll see what happens.

Medium Exercises

Hi everyone, Here's a quick look at some quick medium studies I've been doing. One of the major suggestions I received while in New York was to figure out a way to incorporate my sketchbook style with my final illustrations, so this is one of my first steps toward that. I'm trying to do at least one portrait a weekend, preferable in different mediums.
I'm really enjoying the return to working in watercolor, I haven't really created a major watercolor piece since high school. It's nice change from oils and I'm having fun playing with different papers and how they effect the paint.
More to come soon, I have an illustration project in the works so keep you eyes out for some thumbnails and value studies.

New York City

Hi everyone,
Here are some sketchbook pages from my trip to New York. I'm now back in Ann Arbor and reveling in many happy memories. Chris and I had a great time at the Society of Illustrators Gala and saw an incredible show of Bonnard's late interior paintings at the Met.
I was also fortunate enough to schedule a few portfolio reviews and received tons of very useful feedback and now have a good idea of my next steps on my path into illustration. Hope you guys like the new sketches. :)

The First Post (Cue Dramatic Music)

Hi everyone, welcome to my blog.

I am an aspiring illustrator who has recently turned in my three month notice at my nine to five job to dive into the freelance illustration world. Yes, I did say three month notice, my job includes numerous projects, some of which can extend over several months, so I felt that an advanced notice would be beneficial. I'm an associate concept artist at Root Learning in Sylvania, OH and help create large metaphorical visuals to educate employees of large corporations about their company's goals, processes, and general expectations.

Right now I'm scrambling to prepare for a one week stay in New York City to promote my art and soak up as much art and inspiration as possible. I'm working on updating my website and improving past illustrations. It's a challenge to balance this and my Root work, but I am doing my best.

This is going to be an interesting year of illustrations, transitions, and general craziness. I hope you all enjoy the ride. :)

Erika