Santa Baby.

Recently, I was given the amazing task of designing a beer label for one NoDa Brewing Company's delicious creations.  The mere fact that I was presented with this opportunity was such a exciting thing.  Like my skate board designs, I was able to combine two interests into one project.  I have been a fan of NoDa brews since my dear college friend, Matt Virgil, presented me with my very first sip of Coco Loco (2012 GABF Silver Medal Winner).  Matt's family started this brewing company a little over a year ago and in that short time it has grown immensely, now being the only craft beer available at the Panther Stadium.  I couldn't be more excited for them!

I got to design the new Christmas brew called Santa Baby.  This delectable beverage is a medley of coriander, orange peel, ginger, and cloves.  It is exclusively available in their tap room, so get over there and grab a cold one! 

*Check out this design at:

NoDa Brewing Company

2229 North Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28205

WHY WE DRAW.

Ever wonder why we draw?  The Gatewood Gallery is taking on this question with a new exhibition.  This open call for work is entitled "Why We Draw: An Exploration of Drawing", and will run from October 29th to November 7th.  Of course, you can be sure to see my submission there!

Why I drew:

My piece is entitled "The State of Tate".  This is a visual representation of the movement and signage on Tate Street in Greensboro, NC.  The darker and thicker lines demonstrate the busier areas whether that be from bicycle, car, or foot traffic.  There are some remnants of signage, but most are nonrepresentational as you would only see them in passing.  These would be fragmented without intentional focus.  

"The State of Tate"

A Golden Event.

Greetings! As promised, here are some pictures from the art exhibit opening last Friday.  There was a wonderful turnout and of course some great work to see.  Thanks to all my wonderful friends who showed up for the opening and Golden Spiral, who I will hopefully be working with again very soon!

"Mrs."

"Mr."

Hamming it up like I do.

Check out 'A Headstrong Engagement' for more info on this two pieces!

A Headstrong Engagement.

Friday? More like Fright-Day! Tonight is the opening for Golden Spiral's first annual, horror-themed art exhibit, and couldn't be more excited.  With the subject being that of a frightful sort, I decided to make linoleum block prints focusing on a newly married, headless couple.  These prints were to mimic wedding photos of a forgotten era while keeping true the medium.  I wanted to create a story that made these creepy images also endearing in a way.  Thanks to the kooky mom, I have always had a love and fascination for Halloween as well as scary stories.  I was so ecstatic to get the opportunity to be a part of this show, so come check it out!  They are entitled "Mrs." and "Mr." and they will be on display tonight through November. Pictures of the framed work soon!

"Mrs."

"Mr."

The Sketchbook Project.

Never heard of The Sketchbook Project? Well, let me fill you in!

Every January, hundreds and hundreds of personalized sketchbooks show up on the doorstep of Brooklyn Art Library.  These hand-drawn, glued-together, water-media worn pieces of artistic gold are poured over and sorted through by the minions of the Art House Co-op.  Then these books are sent on another journey like a traveling circus visiting cities all over the nation.  Cities like Chicago and San Francisco will get the chance to check out the ever changing library of sketchbooks.

That being said, I am so excited to be involved in this project!  As an avid sketchbooking fiend, I can't wait to send my book on its way after its filled to the brim.  The last day to be a part of the 2013 Sketchbook Project is Oct. 31st, so giddy up kiddos!

Dark Side.

Hi there! I've been so busy with One Day Apparel stuff that I haven't had a free moment to post in a while.  Oh so sorry!  I recently sprained my ankle at an ultimate tournament, which has forced me to slow down and take some time to breathe, think, and of course draw.  This October, I am looking forward to some sweet upcoming opportunities to show and submit my work.  I've got some paintings in the works for Golden Spiral's horror theme art exhibit on the 26th and UNCG's art and lit magazine, The Corraddi.  An exciting month of beautiful fall weather to look forward too!  So, here's a digital drawing to hold you until I get some in progress-painting pictures up.

Grand Canyon Sketchbook Pg. 1

Hey all! I've been so busy with One Day Apparel stuff that I haven't had time to do some scanning.   So, I decided that it would be great to share some drawings from my backpacking trip through the Grand Canyon this summer.  I dedicated a whole sketchbook to help capture moments from this once in a lifetime opportunity.  I hope you enjoy the first batch of scribblings!

5am sitting on a rock on the shore of the Colorado River.  

Our Hance Creek campsite.

One Day Dreaming.

Attention everyone! There is a new apparel company in town that puts a new meaning to wearing your heart on your sleeve.  A short sleeve to be precise.  One Day Apparel has developed some awesome T's that are all about showing support for Cancer patients and the research for a cure.  Currently 20% of the cost goes to cancer research, but with a little help we can get this movement really going and increase that percentage to 75%.  This is something near and dear to me, and I so excited to be joining the One Day Apparel team!  Whether it is purchasing a T-shirt, subscribing to their website, or following them on Facebook, any support is welcome!  Like most heartfelt projects, the story is just as important as the mission.   So make sure you check out the courageous and touching spark of one woman that started this soon to be wildfire here.

Basically, you'll be lookin' good and doin' good at the same time. Win win!

{drawing of their iconic bird}

Be a part of the movement!

Why Can't Everyday Be Caturday?

Hey all! While in the process of moving, I haven't had internet thus a lull in posts.  Oh so sorry my dears! After doing some searching on Craigslist for art-related work, I found a woman interested in semi-realistic drawings of cats for a book she is working on.  With my roommate's cat, Chester, as my side-kick, I decided to take up the challenge.  It was definitely a good experience combining life drawing with exploring my tablet and what it can do.  Here we have little Mr. Chester as he goes about his day.

Logo my Eggo.

Here is a logo I have been toying around with for the Kitsune Long Board Company that I paint for.  Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox.  In Japanese folklore, the fox is normally a very wise and crafty nine-tailed being.  Its a pretty cool poster child if you ask me.  After looking through some of their logos, I decided I would throw my two cents in.  I wanted to take a more simple look at it.  Something that would be easy to print on shirts and make stickers out of.  So heres what I've got kids.

Also, check out the sealed and ready to ride version of my Zombify board here.

Chain Mail Part II.

Here is the latest of my ever growing postcard collection! We have cards from Canada, Netherlands, Belarus, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Taiwan, and scattered places throughout the US. Special thanks to my mail savvy friends and postcrossing!

Face it, Tiger.

 Today is Tiger Friday!  Messed around on my tablet today and had those big striped felines on the brain! Voila!

Heroes are Fairly Easy to Find.

Another wonderful year at the Heroes Convention! With comic books everywhere, artists to chat with, costumed individuals, free swag, and this year catching a glimpse of the legendary Stan Lee, how could you go wrong?  I got to visit with artists like Skottie Young, Mike Mignola, Earl Norem, Stuart Immonen, and Ed McGuinness.  Just being surrounded by fellow comic enthusiasts is a wonderful feeling.  Whether its the creators, klingons, the miticulous collectors, or the family dressed like the Avengers, we all share the love of stories and how those stories come to life through art. Over the past few years, a new branch of the convention has popped up.  This branch is deemed Indie Island, which encompasses unconventional alternative stories and new blossoming artists.  This also invites a completely new group of attendees that may not be interested in super heroes or big names like Marvel, DC, Vertigo, and Image comics.  In this oasis, I found warm, friendly, and talented artists such as Drew Weing, David Mack, Joey Weiser, Ariela Kristantina, Lee Bretschneider, Justin Peterson, Tara Abbamondi, Emily Erdman, Falynn Koch, and Tait Howard.  Some of these indie artists created tiny hand-made books of their drawings that, to me, just feel like the most precious pieces of inspiration.  Monsters, spirit animals, fearful faces, and Amish boys in another dimension can be easy found anywhere on this Island.  I was excited to find that a good chunk of these bright young minds went to SCAD, where I hope to end up.  All and all it was great weekend that made me reflect on being a young child at this convention; wide eyed and filled with wonder over characters like Batman athe X-Men.  Today, my experience is very different.  As a young artist, I get the chance to meet some of my role models as well as new artists blazing their own trails like me.  Cheers Heroes Con! or should I say... Excelsior!

from left to right

Joanne Spataro[freelance writer], this delightful gal got to interview Stan Lee!, my older brother, Fitz, dressed as Storm Trooper on vaca, and little ol me on the end!

Stan Lee, some Storm Troopers, and Ed McGuinness with my younger bro, Jack.

So much swag.

Check out Joanne's awesome article here!

Zine and Heard.

Ah yes, The Coraddi! UNC-Greensboro's student-run magazine filled with both art and lit gems alike.  Although it is normally a Fall/Spring installation, they are accepting submissions for a summer zine.  The theme is 'Sketchbook/Journal' with 2 grayscale scans per person.  I was so excited to get involved because I am really big into sketchbooking and I always have one on me.  So, I went through my pile of on-going sketchbooks and submitted these puppies! The first is from my little Grand Canyon sketchbook and the second from my beloved moleskin. Hope you enjoy!

Board out of my Mind.

From digital drawing to longboard, this zombie punk has finally come into his own.  I finished this speed board today for one the team riders over at Kitsune Long Board Company.  With leather jackets and human buffet on the brain, this guy can't be beat.  Here are pics and detail shots of the final work.  If anyone is curious, I only used oil-based paint pens on this one.  They couldn't be easier to use.  Don't forget to kick, push, and coast as far away from these undead walkabouts as you can!

Chain Mail

Thanks to my worldly best friend, Alexa.  About a month ago, I learned about this awesome world wide project called 'Postcrossing.'  The gist is that after you sign up you send a postcard to a random person in the world and you receive a postcard from someone else and so on and so forth.  If you just love that feeling you get when there is a surprise in the mail just for you, then this is the ticket.  I've sent postcards all over [UK, Russia, Belarus, Netherlands, Finland, etc.], and received a handful of really sweet cards. In your profile, you can say what kind of cards you would like to receive and what you would like written on them.  A Belgian couple retiring in France sent me a pastry recipe, a sweet girl from Taiwan sent me some music suggestions, and another girl just wanted to vent.  Its been great so far. So glad I started it!  Heres a link if you're interested! http://www.postcrossing.com/

Zombify.

Playing around with the ol wacom tablet today, I found myself drawn to a bit of an undead theme.  Hopefully this little doodle will develop into a sweet board design!

Board Meeting

About to start work on some long board designs! Over the past year, I've painted a few long boards for a local brand (Kitsune Long Board Company).  Ever since my first pair of Vans, I've loved everything about boarding culture, whether that be surf or skate.  To combine my love of long boarding and art making is just a dream.  Here are some of my past designs:

'A B-Boy and his Boombox'

'Robo-D-Stroy'