And compare it to the design that I came up with:

I mean, look at that, they stole our code, MY DESIGN, MY PORTFOLIO, lol, everything! And how did we find this, Valerie was googling for our name to see what would come up, and because they had stolen our code, that website shows up. It's just ridiculous. The only thing that can really be done is just us calling it out. Even if it doesn't immediately affect us - I mean, I have no idea where these people are, but looks like their not aiming for an English-speaking market - I want to point out how guilty and shameful they should feel for STEALING someone else's work and calling it their own. What a bunch of lame, lazy hacks - and not only are they so obviously untalented and uncreative that they had to go so far as to steal my sh!t - they couldn't even do it right. I mean that is one hack-job of a site.

So here's my new piece, which I creatively call Gelato Gang!

I'm very happy about how it turned out! I think it really capturs my style and creative vision. Yay!

Then a couple months after, my last round of sketches was approved, lol! So I got to take it to final and I really liked the outcome. I think there are some things I'd do differently with the layout and text, but they were very specific about their idea, what they visually required - such as the eagle flying the banner with those exact words, and the sign post and the box, the teen and young boy in the very front with their backs to the audience and the open book ... in fact they were very specific about every little detail, lol. It was a different process for me.

I really liked the outcome and hope that I get the opportunity to work on more projects like this one. It was challenging in that the client had a very specific vision, and I had to be able to let go what I might typically do and be more open to what the client was looking for. And even though at first I was reluctant, I learned to let go a little, and the result was pretty good! Uh, not that I want every client to boss me around like that :winkwink:! I should remember to ask for a poster - as they are 20"x30" posters that I guess will be hung up at schools. Yay!

I did the some concept work for their main characters, Sam and Sofia, who will be guides for the children as they learn about other cultures. They're about 10 years old, but of course have to look cool and appeal to that agre group so essentially should look a little more "mature" than your average 10 year old. They travel around on a "magical" scooter, which has a "magical" little GPS type device. I continue on as the illustrator for Little Passports, as Sam and Sofia need to be illustrated in different poses and costumes according to their global adventures! I love this project and really think that it is a great product and am really proud of how the illustrations have turned out. In some ways, I really feel that the illustrations help to make it an attractive learning tool and really personable as well as fun and "cool" for kids, so I am glad to play such a big role.

Introducing Sam and Sofia!

Here's Sam and Sofia on their Scooter!

Like I was saying, I get to draw Sam and Sofia in different poses and in different "costumes" that reference the cultures they are visiting, here is one I did for their trip to Japan!

This one was a lot of fun, particularly because of how fond I am for the Japanese culture, but also because their outfits were really fun to draw. I had initially sketched sam with a sheathed katana, but they decided that it may seem "violent," so it was omitted. I liked it better with the katana ;P

Anyway, the auditions were separated into two runways, one in the style of BHC where you got your doggie all "blinged" out, and the other runway was in the style of Bolt. You could walk both runways, but we just walked Bolt. I dressed Duke up in his preppy, striped polo shirt. Really, his Daddy prolly should have walked him because he is better at getting Duke to concentrate on doing tricks. But I'd say he had a really good walk down the runway, he wasn't scared at all, and he wasn't barking or going crazy!

Here's Duke doing his "sit" trick - lol, so sad, he has so many other tricks to show, and what did I have him do, sit. I was going to have him dance around and bark and stuff, but I felt kinda pressed for time.

And here he is just walking down the runway, he's such a cutie!

I've got some other fun projects I'll be working on, so I'll have more stuff to upload to the blog soon! I also need to work on my new Directory of Illustration ad - always makes me nervous!

It was a pretty cute assignment, the illo is basically depicting this girl who is totally annnnoyed at this boy that is paying way too much attention to her! Lol~ I looove these assignments - they're always so much fun!

I'm excited to get more illos done, I've got some for Bop I should upload at some point, they always have really fun assignments tooo! ^_^ Cheers!

Here's the birthday illustration I did for Maru and Friends. I love the work I do with this company, I just think they have a really great idea and product with the beautiful dolls and storybook; and I can't wait to start the next book!

I've got some other new illos I'd love to upload, but I'll do that a little later and in a separate post! Cheers for now!!!

Now often you'll find a lot of similar jewelry pieces using the same technique or "charms," such as that whole "two swallows on your neck" deal or the ever popular "nest" necklace with beads for eggs. Which, I do like them! But soooo many to choose from, they all begin to look alike, and I would just assume, "Hey, I'm just gonna make my own then, since everyone else is doing it." But, haha, I don't the time - I have so many hobbies as it is, I would feel lucky if I got the chance to take up jewelry making. After thoroughly rummaging through many of the similar jewelry offerings, I did come across one artisan I really liked, whose pieces where consistent and had a subtle style that was uniquely "her."

She goes by lizix26 on Etsy, and I just love how delicate and sweet her pieces look. They have a quality about them, and where others look "tried," "rushed," and "overlabored," hers look effortless. And though I imagine it is not "easy" to do, her pieces seem to look as if the design, the technique and process come naturally.

This is probably one of my favorites of hers:

Though I think all her designs are quite lovely! And she's got great prices, we all need a helping-hand in this economy! So go on, help yourselves to something sweet that fits your budget and support a small business! Check it out here