While researching the subject of this assignment, I came across countless websites about how to beat carnival games. There really is nothing better than winning a giant stuffed panda filled with styrofoam pellets. Why is that? The guy that walks around carrying the big stuffed bear on his shoulders is really like the Master of The Universe for at least for a day. He beat the odds! The best thing I ever won at a carnival game happened in the 80’s. It was a mirror with a painted scene on it – some band logo I can’t exactly remember -probably Def Leppard or Toto. I wish I still had it.

Anyhoo, here’s a fun little assignment I did for Ben Purvis at Seattle Metropolitan about sexy phone apps:

I tried to make the illustration saucy in a vintage-burlesque way. You may recall that last summer I did a similar illustration about iPhone apps. I think this version is stronger, maybe because the apps really “pop” when silhouetted on a white background.

The photos were supplied by the client, which is always a treat. Here is the rough mock-up I was given. The Art Director, Claudia, encouraged me to have fun with it and had the clever idea to turn the arrows into more whimsical objects…which I did! (Great working with you, Claudia!)

NOTE: If you are awesome, you will have noticed that although Molly’s 1980’s photo is from the “16 Candles” poster, in the final piece I have replaced her outfit with one inspired by the pink lace masterpiece she rocked in “Pretty in Pink”. (But, minus the cut-out shoulders. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you lack the most basic 80’s knowledge. Please seek help.)

Here’s an interesting assignment I did for Seattle Metropolitan a few months back about Hilary Swank in the Amelia Earhart biopic. The fab Art Director, Benjamen Purvis wanted an image reminiscent of vintage aviation posters, such as the images below. Another request was to incorporate a photo of the real Amelia Earhart somewhere in the composition.

The inspiration:

In the end, the Art Director preferred a version with a less prominent frame which would work better with the “Mudroom” logo. Here’s the printed piece. The headline had a darker tone than I had anticipated.

As you may have noticed, my little blog has become nameless, cruelly stripped of it’s own identity. Here’s why: I decided to integrate the blog with my portfolio site, and having the name “Blog Fancy” right under my name seemed unnecessary. But oddly, I feel a little bad for eliminating the blog’s independent identity. It’s as if I had a dog named “Fido” and renamed him “Shane Harrison’s dog”. It seems wrong, doesnt it? Your feedback is requested: Does Mr. Blog need a name or not?

Here’s a recent illustration I did for The Wall Street Journal to accompany a quiz on environmental issues. Sort of a companion piece to another “green” illustration I did in November. I really like working with nature imagery, probably because I have so little contact with actual nature in this city. I will now take this opportunity to brag about the small plant that I have been able to keep alive for well over one year. Yeah, I did it and I’m proud.

(Cheers, Orlie!)

Here’s a recent illustration I did about football star Peyton Manning being low-profile and hard to spot in the city. In order to really stylize the football helmets in this image, I had to take a closer look at what they actually look like, since I don’t have a lot of experience watching football. Honestly, until this assignment, my football knowledge was limited to the Super Bowl Shuffle. Such a hot dance track.

In addition to the assignment, I was happy to learn that I would be a “Featured Contributor” in the issue, with a short bio and a headshot. Now, aren’t I special? In lieu of the usual photo, the magazine requested an illustrated self-portrait. I was happy to oblige, and took the opportunity to illustrate myself as a glamorous teenage rock star, and possibly an extra from the 1982 movie Starstruck.

If you haven’t seen Starstruck, it’s a new wave musical with serious early-eighties style. I highly recommend. I saw it at Film Forum as a kid, and it really made an impression on me. If you have neither the time nor the inclination to rent it, at least check out this awesome review of it on my new fave blog “House of Self-Indulgence” which hilariously reviews every cult film worth watching.

Here’s a couple of Starstruck stills, courtesy of House of Self-Indulgence. Enjoy…

I hope everyone’s having a great holiday season! The last few months have been a whirlwind — fun assignments and great new clients.

The above illustration is a recent piece I did for ForbesWoman about how to delegate holiday chores. The piece is a two-page spread and 11″ wide. It’s hard to see the detail on my blog since the piece is so horizontal, so CLICK HERE to view a larger version.

Looking forward to posting more fresh work in the new year!

(Thanks Again, Julia!)

The Wall Street Journal recently commissioned this illustration on eco-friendly technology. The collaged greenery in this piece reminds me of another illustration I did this year about the woman who invented Mother’s Day. I am really digging these assignments that include plants and flowers. Hope to do more now that Spring is almost within view…

Thanks again, Orlie