You can't beat a good bit of doodling!

© Martin Blaney 2011

Sometimes I just doodle with random results.

I think this guy has some potential for something - don't know what yet.

If I develop him further I'll be sure to post it.

I like him - let me know what you think.

Work in Progress: Dinosaur Alphabet Poster

Dinosaur Alphabet © Martin Blaney 2011

One of the sketches for my ongoing original illustrated and designed product - a dinosaur alphabet poster.

Children love dinosaurs and so does this illustrator. I can't imagine anything more perfectly suited to me than drawing prehistoric reptiles for a couple of months.

The dinosaurs will make learning the alphabet fun for the kids.

It will feature a range of prehistoric beasts from the gigantic to the tiny.

Dinosaur Alphabet © Martin Blaney 2011

And I like to think it's the natural follow up to my Animal Alphabet poster.

Wow - I love this Google animated thingy

Today's Google is celebrating a dancer called Martha Graham and is by a guy called Ryan Woodward.

I think it's a beautiful thing.

Here it is on YouTube if you've missed it on Google.

http://youtu.be/m6dab7jIr_s

Animal Alphabet Poster also available as a PDF on CD

Animal Alphabet © Martin Blaney 2011

I've put an A3 version of the Animal Alphabet poster for sale on Ebay as a PDF.

It can be printed as many times as you like at both A3 or A4.

Here's an earlier post about the A2 version of the poster http://martinblaney.blogspot.com/2011/04/animal-alphabet-how-to-learn-alphabet.html

If you're interested you can find it here http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170639548755&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

Animal Alphabet © Martin Blaney 2011

Work in Progress: Original Comissioned Caricature

Caricature © Martin Blaney 2011

A nice caricature can really brighten up and add a sense of fun to all kinds of places from company receptions to staff rooms to caravans to the downstairs loo.

And I really can't wait to see the completed colour version of this caricature.

The client asked for something with her parents enjoying their favourite past times, fishing and computering(?), while on holiday with their pets.

I love the overall composition and the look of these characters.

Any and all feedback is welcomed.

How This Illustrator Relaxes

Piggles the Flying Ace Original Painting © Martin Blaney 2011

I have no idea if this is true of all illustrators, but after a "hard" weeks work designing caricatures, characters and illustrations I find myself relaxing by designing caricatures, characters and illustrations.

The only difference being I'm using acrylics instead of pencils and a 6x6 inches chunky Loxley gold canvas instead of a sketchbook and computer.

I've never been much of a fan of painting and paint brushes but I really enjoy creating these.

I've always found pencils a lot more reassuring than brushes not to mention accurate but there's a freedom in producing these which I'm finding refreshing.

It appears to be satisfying a creative need I didn't realise I had.

I'd love to know if this is common among illustrators or creative people in general.

Piggles the Flying Ace Model and Painting © Martin Blaney 2011

 All artwork © Martin Blaney 2011

Caricatures - Billy from sketch to personalised mug and t-shirt

Billy Artwork © Martin Blaney 2009-2011

The story of Billy is a long one stretching back to a distant time or at least the late 1970's/early 1980's.

Over here in England we have a sport called football or soccer as it's referred  to in some places.

One of this particular client's favourite players was a guy called Billy Ashcroft - he played for Wrexham and Middlesbrough in England before moving to Holland.

He was a flame haired behemoth of a man who played both in defence and attack although rarely at the same time. To some he's a minor figure in the sport, but to a small group of fans he's a legend.

Billy artwork © Martin Blaney 2009-2011

The client saw the sketch for a caricature above and asked if I would be able to apply it to a mug or t-shirt. I was only too happy to oblige.

Billy Mug Artwork © Martin Blaney 2009-2011

Above is the design for the mug in the photo at the top of this article (unfortunately the colours didn't photograph very well) and the t-shirt is below.

Artwork © Martin Blaney 2009-2011

Much as I love the whole process of creating an original drawing from sketch to finished artwork there's something about seeing it on an actual product that really excites me.

I hope you like the drawings and all feedback is welcomed.

My New Website Has Arrived

Piggles the Flying Ace © Martin Blaney 2011

The new martinblaney.com site has arrived.

In all honesty I had only just finished the last one, but it had taken so long in development its whole purpose had changed from a purely web portfolio to something a bit more commercial.

With that in mind the old site began to feel clunky and over cluttered - a bit like a spare room which just kept gathering more and more stuff.

What I've hopefully achieved with this one is something which looks more professional and presents something a little more streamlined.

Fingers crossed separating the work into character design, caricatures, illustration, comics and cartoons will make it easier for visitors to find their way around the new pad.

As I produce more and more alphabet posters I hope to add a dedicated shop to it in the future.

It also has Piggles the Flying Ace on the front page who is fast becoming my mascot.

You can view the whole site here www.martinblaney.com

Any comments are welcomed.