Self Portrait

It has been a LONG time since I've done a self portrait. I think the last one I did was the very first post on this blog, back in 2012. Did this one real quick and loose, and decided to leave it that way. Sometimes refining things can ruin a feeling.

Inspiration Board

Some of my favorite blog posts by artists I follow are those which showcase their inspirations. This post is for viewers interested in my creative roots. Here's a handful of real nostalgic images from films and television shows that helped shape my imagination:

I was always really into the weirder, darker Disney and Don Bluth animated films as a kid. I also grew up loving Looney Tunes, especially those under Chuck Jones' direction. Chuck always had a more visually interesting atmosphere in his stuff, like better frame composition or something. Dragon Ball Z heavily influenced the character designs I'd draw throughout grade school, with the ridiculously epic action hero thing and the edgy, geometric linework in anatomy and costumes.

This board focuses only on cartoons, since my art most closely relates to my cartoon influences in medium and in aesthetic. But generally I've always pulled inspiration from all kinds of stuff; I love classic muscle cars, I was unhealthily obsessed with the 1933 King Kong film as a kid, I collect 90's video games, Star Wars has always been hugely influential in everything I create, I'm a regular at the local comic store...all kinds of stuff.

Cheers!

- Jordan

Another Portrait

The coworker that commissioned me to do illustrations of her family members a few weeks ago commissioned me to illustrate her today! Sharing the rough layout sketch and the refined line drawing in addition to the final piece.

Train Dude

I rarely look at someone and think "oh, I should draw that person", but I saw this dude on the CTA the other day and had to draw him. I don't know what it is-- just thought he looked super cool, like a character from a 90's cartoon or something.

Creature Design

Cat Zord

Messin' around with giant robots again.

Magician

Watched "An Honest Liar" recently and, although it was mostly about debunking "magic", I was inspired to draw this.

Tried a different sketching approach with this one.

A Collection of Linework From 2015

I've already posted all of these drawings, but going into the new year I wanted to reflect a little on where I'm at.

Here's a collection of linework that, for me, wraps up a year of style-searching and figuring out what art I like to make, rather than worrying about other people's opinions. I've received mixed reviews on these drawings, but I've truly enjoyed doing all of these and I think this style really purely visually translates my goofy ideas. I'm excited to see how the style evolves throughout next year!

So here's to 2016 being another year of self fulfilling artwork.

Cheers!

Jordan

Guardian