In my 20s I worked with an extremely talented man named John. Even though our working together was many years ago we have stayed in touch. He is retired now but stays very busy with all kinds of projects including consistently working on new illustrations. Every time he shares a new drawing on his social media page I am overwhelmed by the beauty of it.

I had been thinking about it for years, and finally earlier this year asked him if he would teach me his illustration style process. He generously did.

Backing up a bit….. In college I concentrated in both graphic design and illustration. I enjoyed illustration the most, but to soon be seeking a full time career, graphic design was the wiser career to pursue. I graduated during a recession in an industry that is the first one to be ‘cut’, unfortunately. Additionally, employees considered for hire were required to have computer graphics knowledge and skills. In 1990 I did not have this. College training: by-hand. Corporate America: computer graphics. Insert Plan B & Plan C.

The first jobs after college were in related industries of printing (sheetfed) paper sales-promotion (several years) and then offset printing sales (many years) while I taught myself the various adobe software programs after-hours. My paper sales promotion & printing clients were predominantly graphic design firms & It worked well for me to partner with and serve them. I understood their passion and their project production requirements. They knew I would keep watch over their projects carefully with an artist’s eye, making sure they received beautiful finished work.

Even though it didn’t feel ideal initially, hindsight has brought me true gratitude for those initial employment diversions. I learned so much in those jobs and met some really great people, including my husband.

Anyway, going back to some old-school illustration this year has been a breath of fresh air! I realize how much I have missed it. It has been too long!

After doing several illustrations last winter and spring, I needed to put this type of project on hold, but I am now considering offering these types of projects as commission works.

If you are interested in my creating a piece of art for you similar to these, let me know thedashmatters@icloud.net. The general price for this work would run around $500+ for a 12 x 16 size (approximate size). I would only be able to fit one of these types of projects into my schedule per month, as they are quite time extensive to produce.

The photos of these illustrations are not professionally photographed, so the lighting is not perfect, but hopefully provide enough of a representation of the work.