tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-100200072024-03-06T00:36:09.079-05:00As the Crow FliesA sketchblog where the Winter Crow's creative fledglings go to test their wingsThe Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-77485701038793497042009-06-22T16:05:00.004-04:002009-06-22T16:30:05.380-04:00How Exactly Am I Funny?<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS5lEE_ezHsjjy2F2A0TCRYf1gY8nqDgfv4QE_U9U5HgYwJY-1JfGyfbFk7dgqTg6FLoSMVYdPPy662gX8d0Uo_gIIfy8QwPCbDhuQ5gewSzweMPZw1yOL2Mhbi-DLRFpxOcK-w/s1600-h/Dale_Mobsters.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtS5lEE_ezHsjjy2F2A0TCRYf1gY8nqDgfv4QE_U9U5HgYwJY-1JfGyfbFk7dgqTg6FLoSMVYdPPy662gX8d0Uo_gIIfy8QwPCbDhuQ5gewSzweMPZw1yOL2Mhbi-DLRFpxOcK-w/s400/Dale_Mobsters.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350247656281949250" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Funny "ha ha," or funny like a clown funny? For Dale, the character in this illustration for FIM Magazine, he's kinda both. More like a comedian and less like a clown, because clowns really aren't so funny. They qualify more as frightening. My sincerest apologies to any hilarious and adorable clowns out there, but you are few and far between.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This one was a LOT of fun to create. The humor article was about innovative ways to find a job in a tough economy, one of which was applying to be a mobster. As soon as I considered putting Dale in the worst job interview of his life with the Good Fellas, I just had to do it. Just please, for the love of Pete, don't call anybody a clown, Dale!</div></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-87901947831852545102009-06-12T11:01:00.003-04:002009-06-12T11:15:29.339-04:00Games for Type Geeks<div><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87DZWGmiJr7GvZ-F4ReK-8aZ3OsyWzhyphenhyphenzJzW6f0Rbpn51mJQztLQeY2HxKaytrb5Sl6jSUEY47gdQjf8WsrCLEvynwY_Vc-j1OCwkPO6vbq0qkUY_Dj6stCCj41qcPJaNkM5ug/s1600-h/Picture+1.png"></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87DZWGmiJr7GvZ-F4ReK-8aZ3OsyWzhyphenhyphenzJzW6f0Rbpn51mJQztLQeY2HxKaytrb5Sl6jSUEY47gdQjf8WsrCLEvynwY_Vc-j1OCwkPO6vbq0qkUY_Dj6stCCj41qcPJaNkM5ug/s1600-h/Picture+1.png" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ87DZWGmiJr7GvZ-F4ReK-8aZ3OsyWzhyphenhyphenzJzW6f0Rbpn51mJQztLQeY2HxKaytrb5Sl6jSUEY47gdQjf8WsrCLEvynwY_Vc-j1OCwkPO6vbq0qkUY_Dj6stCCj41qcPJaNkM5ug/s400/Picture+1.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346456819113114802" /></a><br />Here's a fun website for all you typography geeks out there (you know who you are). <a href="http://www.typehype.net/">Typehype.net</a> has a set of interactive games that in some way involve type. They include "Faceoff," which tests your ability to identify matching typefaces, "Serif," a Western-themed game where you shoot out the badly-kerned words, and "Type Invaders," where you defend Earth from poor punctuation.</div><div><br /></div><div>I can't claim that it improves your typographic abilities, but it certainly is a fun way to learn about it, and if your boss catches you playing it at work, you might be able to convince them that it's professional development and you're just beefing up on your design skills. :)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-55576941381205782272009-06-10T09:41:00.010-04:002009-06-10T10:20:58.581-04:00Two Cases of Unmistakable Identity<div><br /></div>Whew!<div><br /></div><div>I've been spending a lot of time in web-world these days, with some new and exciting projects to report. But, before I go into them, here are some items I've been working on lately:</div><div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhxSQhBBnM3iy1G6D8DfkoYtGx0u1MigYekfCB1Zkug14_SGEv6UqdKfE-kNSSxLD9VNbaqq4L8W5a3_8JNHY8E1z6-BykPTZYPPH6cly03_slzKVB8BxUyaQP0GjKBBZqKe84Q/s1600-h/NWClogo.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0px 0px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOhxSQhBBnM3iy1G6D8DfkoYtGx0u1MigYekfCB1Zkug14_SGEv6UqdKfE-kNSSxLD9VNbaqq4L8W5a3_8JNHY8E1z6-BykPTZYPPH6cly03_slzKVB8BxUyaQP0GjKBBZqKe84Q/s320/NWClogo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345694702558392226" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Northwoods Coaching Logo</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Northwoods Coaching incorporates mindfulness, meditation, and other Eastern practices into its life coaching services. The owner, Frank Gladu, is a real pleasure to work with, and I would recommend him to anyone. He has a quiet cool and a broad, beaming smile, and I imagine his clients will benefit greatly from his advice. Northwoods Coaching is only one among many ventures for him, and I'm currently working on another logo and some visual aids for him.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbepI6TZDgxZTFcSRO4AWWH3BMKuhq7SIkoE8-GHYnM2TCxMhoomxAxW5N_bmpXwSrVz1zk8BYwE-BcOk6KLQTyGLzUi_mIJBmvfjVUWAfz5xsxroGNzomxFyS2lGneuS6woxh_Q/s1600-h/WMS_bizcard.gif"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbepI6TZDgxZTFcSRO4AWWH3BMKuhq7SIkoE8-GHYnM2TCxMhoomxAxW5N_bmpXwSrVz1zk8BYwE-BcOk6KLQTyGLzUi_mIJBmvfjVUWAfz5xsxroGNzomxFyS2lGneuS6woxh_Q/s320/WMS_bizcard.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345698060038720274" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Wentworth Motorsports Business Card</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I've worked with Wentworth Motorsports for several years now - in fact, since 1979! </div><div><br /></div><div>Full disclosure, the owner is my brother, Alex, who created his business out of a garage once he graduated, and I'm perpetually amazed by his technical and business skills. He's the kind of guy who used to dissect radios and put them back together at 8 years old. Stellar. And I owe him big time for all the help he's given me on repairing my beat-up autos over the years. His shop is constantly busy, and the crazy thing is, he's never advertised. His entire business is built on word-of-mouth, which is a real testament to the quality of his work.</div><div><br /></div><div>Aside from being family, I really believe in the work he does. As far as combustion-engine autos go, he is pretty sustainable. Many of his parts are refurbished or salvaged from other cars, and instead of continuing the throw-away trend of buying a new car when the old one wears out, he does his best to resurrect even the most crippled cars and keep them from heading to the scrap heap. He treats his customers with the utmost respect, and bends over backwards to make sure they're happy with the work. Socially-conscious as well.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------------------------------------------------------------------------------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So, that's some of the print work I've had lately. As far as web work goes, I have two great projects right now. One is a website for a sustainable furniture craftsman, and the other is a redesigned website for Aryaloka Buddhist Center. And, I continue to assist <a href="http://www.freebuddhistaudio.com/">freebuddhistaudio.com</a> with their work online. More on all this at a later point! Be well!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-40522482366487541472009-05-19T11:13:00.004-04:002009-05-19T11:30:20.506-04:00Bovine Bonanza!<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscmnaGnhWw1xzm7hh8nt9skMCsTtfFj-MawTxg9MpXsDrCkrWUB9lWULzpvddMXaKhiknoEyduhOMKWUgmQXwTwnx5LQTdsTkysk2dmX2r9X0Ppb_1bHj_a8Q9LbVRvrJJareFQ/s1600-h/cowposes.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgscmnaGnhWw1xzm7hh8nt9skMCsTtfFj-MawTxg9MpXsDrCkrWUB9lWULzpvddMXaKhiknoEyduhOMKWUgmQXwTwnx5LQTdsTkysk2dmX2r9X0Ppb_1bHj_a8Q9LbVRvrJJareFQ/s400/cowposes.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337553793682085618" /></a><br /><div>More cows! Here are some of the new ones I've been working on for the Rutland Herald. She's beginning to develop a personality. The more I work on her, the more excited I get to see what she does next. She's a lady of many moooods. </div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, I know, the cow puns are endlessly funny. Good thing I have a lot of them...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-87039693567849839822009-05-13T08:47:00.004-04:002009-05-13T08:56:56.817-04:00A quoi ca sert l'amour<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aDOiWOlltzI&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aDOiWOlltzI&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div><br /><br />I discovered this excellent french animation over the weekend, and thought you all might enjoy it too. The style is exceedingly simple, with no dialogue at all, but shows how much emotion and story can be conveyed with very few lines. It's about the foibles of the human heart. :)<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-21795149180303035442009-05-06T07:38:00.011-04:002009-05-06T08:19:44.935-04:00COW Unleashed!<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghiigVKog2oo4GTHP9_fk5eL8ld9Xa4ZX6g9jEZqq7CLv_3GQaqz3aMVJtYUkvfar_Dkdvbo5hhr098e6vj_a9hphFvAp_hgu9C3FE-upOdz9_6yi36Jw-uAC6IGuNQ68T6y3Nw/s1600-h/Cow_armchair.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgghiigVKog2oo4GTHP9_fk5eL8ld9Xa4ZX6g9jEZqq7CLv_3GQaqz3aMVJtYUkvfar_Dkdvbo5hhr098e6vj_a9hphFvAp_hgu9C3FE-upOdz9_6yi36Jw-uAC6IGuNQ68T6y3Nw/s400/Cow_armchair.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332678824124242738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xiMDVPeCq_WGBYP6IWu7I3TVUtiUD2sG9IZABd3g9DWs5mkWQXrEoho6ePoaiz0qF749X6BziC2Y_jgUnicbEtq3Rh9UpiWn8Zpfp4mkl0skyYUINA9PuK_faWm-D4JuwEEGmw/s1600-h/COW_on_the_street.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xiMDVPeCq_WGBYP6IWu7I3TVUtiUD2sG9IZABd3g9DWs5mkWQXrEoho6ePoaiz0qF749X6BziC2Y_jgUnicbEtq3Rh9UpiWn8Zpfp4mkl0skyYUINA9PuK_faWm-D4JuwEEGmw/s400/COW_on_the_street.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332678716797493202" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><embed src="http://802live.vermonttoday.com/Media/FlashPlayers/mediaplayer.swf" width="400" height="300" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="file=http://802live.vermonttoday.com/VideoPlaylist.aspx?id=95492&height=300&width=400&lightcolor=0x335500&linktarget=_blank&bufferlength=4"></embed><br /></div><div><br /><br /></div><div>It's quite an experience to see something you create take on a life of its own once it's off the drawing board. Sort of like watching one of your children grow up. And, I'm so glad it's happening with the cow mascot created for the Rutland Herald, which I wrote about previously <a href="http://wintercrow.blogspot.com/2009/03/cow-de-classified.html">here</a>.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The <a href="http://www.vtcow.com/">website</a> that they are using to promote their classifieds has gone live, and Rob, the project manager I've been working with, tells me that everyone has gone COW wild! They're doing an excellent job, making up t-shirts, bumper stickers, and they even have a cow suit on hand to do roadside promotion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Above are some pictures and video of their mascot doing her thing. My favorite is the pic of the guy with the cell phone who can't believe he's seeing a cow sitting in an armchair!</div><div><br /></div><div>You can also follow the cow on <a href="http://twitter.com/">Twitter</a>! Just look for the name <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">vtcow</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-45155607214052593582009-05-04T15:59:00.003-04:002009-05-04T16:21:56.906-04:00An Abstract on Some Beautiful Abstraction<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF4eJamAjVzyK0LuPSDO9_wa2BhbTvApFU2yn-BjVLzm9iYd_nTdqwi8-dhymdHwBiONmuyPCo-M3yADgiAHsbY1ovxe5Do-pjeQDKyTFZzBTt9hjxl7ldbDnfOrmPrYufH0IMw/s1600-h/SylveaJohnson_poster.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 263px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihF4eJamAjVzyK0LuPSDO9_wa2BhbTvApFU2yn-BjVLzm9iYd_nTdqwi8-dhymdHwBiONmuyPCo-M3yADgiAHsbY1ovxe5Do-pjeQDKyTFZzBTt9hjxl7ldbDnfOrmPrYufH0IMw/s400/SylveaJohnson_poster.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332066470957321202" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>What, ho!? Two blogs in one day? Impossible! To what do I owe this unusual event?<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To my un-contained excitement about my latest project, I say.</div><div><br /></div><div>I promised you all a look-see at the art show poster I was working on, so here it is, earlier than expected. I really enjoyed working on this piece, particularly because I enjoy the artist's work so much. I'm not usually one for abstraction, but there's something about <a href="http://www.artbreak.com/sylvea">Sylvea Johnson's</a> paintings that really speak to me. Her use of color and symbolism are fantastic - it's almost like graffiti, but not as harsh - so much more flowing and beautiful. I still haven't quite placed it, and that in itself is interesting to me.</div><div><br /></div><div>I encourage everyone to try to make it to the opening of "Dreams and Reflections"on May 15th from 6:30-8 p.m. at <a href="http://www.aryaloka.org/">Aryaloka Buddhist Center</a>. Should be a fun time, and you'll get to see some great work in person. If you'd like to learn more about the artist, here's a <a href="http://www.artbreak.com/sylvea">link to her profile</a> on Artbreak.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-27407942328159857482009-05-04T12:29:00.004-04:002009-05-04T12:51:25.833-04:00Creating Cool Campers<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbvD_CA8zH05jeTtsJBLIzubvN4-R2NuYZ5J9f69eeDfzDcLmy0cHTsZwKyz3l-_rUytm6VFHIfUmZo74itq_U4k8kIZABK1cdjBLEx36dVIYtHBXKnL02AJwOcdV2OzKRII_SA/s1600-h/RexTshirt_UnwindRewind.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibbvD_CA8zH05jeTtsJBLIzubvN4-R2NuYZ5J9f69eeDfzDcLmy0cHTsZwKyz3l-_rUytm6VFHIfUmZo74itq_U4k8kIZABK1cdjBLEx36dVIYtHBXKnL02AJwOcdV2OzKRII_SA/s400/RexTshirt_UnwindRewind.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332011596225338994" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div>I've worked with the Newmarket Recreation Center on their program materials for a long time now - even before I left art school - so once again this year I helped them create their summer camp t-shirt, shown above. The program's mascot is a reptile named Rex. He's a real party animal and he gets to go on some truly grand adventures. He's been a time traveller, a ballet dancer, a magician, an amusement park connoisseur, and a pro-sports player, among many other things. For a cartoon iguana, he gets around.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This year the theme was "Unwind and Rewind in Summer '09." The kids have had a rough year and will be in school extra long (I think they get out almost in July!), so they'll need some time to unwind. Then they'll have a blast IN the past playing games with retro themes from the 50s to the 00s. Originally, the idea was music-related, but needed to be simplified and altered because they're not allowed to have electronic devices at camp. It would be a bummer if Rex could jam to his tunes and they couldn't.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm working today on a set of marketing materials for an upcoming art exhibit, and I really like how they're coming out, so keep your eyes peeled - I'll post them next time so you can see them too...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-66930242124417238342009-04-14T21:43:00.004-04:002009-04-14T22:32:56.689-04:00Hallway Cuisine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DvTtIRs9bz4/SeU-Dk0w5UI/AAAAAAAAADY/5-gwfW8UAnQ/s1600-h/ClosingBell_LastLaugh.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span><img style="text-decoration: underline;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px; " src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DvTtIRs9bz4/SeU-Dk0w5UI/AAAAAAAAADY/5-gwfW8UAnQ/s400/ClosingBell_LastLaugh.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324730365580993858" /></a><br /><div>Been VERY busy here at Winter Crow Studio working on websites, summer camp t-shirt designs, and creating new cartoon cows, among many other great projects for great people. Looking forward to taking a bit of a breath at some point, but I'm happy to have work coming in that I enjoy doing. The big news around here is that we'll be having a baby in November, and I'll be trying my hand at stay-at-home Dad status, which I will thoroughly enjoy. But, needless to say, the more I can fit in before the Thanksgiving turkey is done, the better. And by turkey, I mean baby.<div><br /></div><div>Above is an illustration (just finished) for the latest installment of Dale Irvin's humor column. This one asks the question, "Why waste all the food left over after room service when a veritable buffet can be had simply by perusing the hotel hallways?" Don't know if my stomach is steel enough for this idea, but it does make for a fun drawing. My favorite part is the "Do Not Disturb" sign. Whatever's going on in there, I'm sure they won't be happy to hear munching outside their door. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can see previous illustrations for this column <a href="http://wintercrow.blogspot.com/2008/12/prediction.html">here</a> and on <a href="http://www.wintercrowstudio.com/illustration/index.html">my website</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-58747762723149022352009-03-23T12:33:00.006-04:002009-03-23T12:45:18.705-04:00Cow De Classified<div>Here's a look at some work I've been doing recently with the Rutland Herald, a newspaper in Vermont. They are promoting their classified section and needed a mascot, so we created this fun and mischievous cartoon cow. She'll be moo-ving on to star in numerous udderly fantastic promotions in the future.</div><div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJVGkxUPTYz4xOKDbrPe3tPR5z_FQ5YIVC8WUYufSzn9oYZBA8y3i77kCQMwggsB6PnJnaWzqWBSK2nDx43L_06g4aqoilx2lA75rLXbQz1Vngem8AqrR-XkLwt3wuR-vQaTqAQ/s1600-h/COWads.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 380px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJVGkxUPTYz4xOKDbrPe3tPR5z_FQ5YIVC8WUYufSzn9oYZBA8y3i77kCQMwggsB6PnJnaWzqWBSK2nDx43L_06g4aqoilx2lA75rLXbQz1Vngem8AqrR-XkLwt3wuR-vQaTqAQ/s400/COWads.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316423279788452674" /></a><br />This project also gave me a chance to work on animated gifs, which are always fun, and got me in the mood to try my hand at some more animation. Hmmm....<br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-62171146457656562532009-03-21T20:06:00.004-04:002009-03-22T16:58:21.916-04:00Peter and the Wolf the Way it Should Be<div><br /></div>My clearest musical memory as a young child is listening to Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf" on the record player. The rich melodies, vivid storyline, and perfect characterizations instilled in me a love of classical music that continues to this day. I can remember listening to the melody, reading along in the liner notes, unfolding Peter's small and somehow familiar world in my imagination. Having the chance to share this piece with my daughter, and understanding it better as an adult, has given me an immense appreciation for how special it is. Certain passages still make my heart leap.<div><br /></div><div>Therefore, I'm overjoyed beyond words to have come across Suzie Templeton's stop-motion film recreation of this tale. Many others must feel the same; it won the 2008 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film. It deserves every bit of praise that it receives. The puppetry and scenery are stunning. Where some might have oversimplified a story that has so many levels of meaning, she has managed to add to it with the depth of the characters and her interpretation of events. </div><div><br /></div><div>Doesn't hurt that the bird is portrayed by a flight-challenged crow either. :)</div><div><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/od03kxDBnq4&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/od03kxDBnq4&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/czk_WDdhwGc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/czk_WDdhwGc&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Lf-Cwru_N64&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Lf-Cwru_N64&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWzu0pIy388&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VWzu0pIy388&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-40594466626056061782009-03-13T09:35:00.008-04:002009-03-13T09:59:24.866-04:00Ways to Have Fun Drawing with Your Kids<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyE88oRReUYwkOi41mEUwvuiRbKoN3phjWOdR8be8saSAmwSLlDt_HOswNkkCz3PgrOx4qO_zMJDzR6bkYMwRhe6DOv9zb6NbpENNQQQM7yZKLuRSya1YJ6d0LFpo4x6kn125rQ/s1600-h/bunnysketchsmall.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqyE88oRReUYwkOi41mEUwvuiRbKoN3phjWOdR8be8saSAmwSLlDt_HOswNkkCz3PgrOx4qO_zMJDzR6bkYMwRhe6DOv9zb6NbpENNQQQM7yZKLuRSya1YJ6d0LFpo4x6kn125rQ/s400/bunnysketchsmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312665667321498738" /></a><br /><div>I came across a fantastic blog today called <a href="http://tinyartdirector.blogspot.com/">Tiny Art Director</a>. The blog author has written a picture book of the same name filled with illustrations done in a collaborative effort with his 3-year-old daughter, who was apparently a cute, but harsh, art critic. </div><div><br /></div><div>The blog shows examples of the finished pieces and sketches along with the 'tiny art critic's' comments, which are incredibly funny. Many of the illustrations didn't make the cut in her eyes, and she minced no words in saying so. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think most artists have some sort of creative give and take with their kids. I know of very few professions that allow you to share what you do so fully with your children and, especially if you're an illustrator, children have an innate appreciation for Mom or Dad's ability to pump out dinosaur drawings. You get this great opportunity to put a face on their dreams and fantasies. And, in turn, they teach you ways of looking at things that expand your own creativity. Most of us grow up too fast - watching and listening to your kids is a much-needed reminder of those days when the world was your playground.</div><div><br /></div><div>In our family, one of our favorite pastimes while going on long car trips is to make up funny stories and sketch them out. I've included one of the results above, involving my daughter's stuffed rabbit (who has taken on gargantuan proportions and likes standing in front of moving vehicles) and a dinosaur with a soft spot for Dunkin Donuts coffee.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-28328684090315942282009-02-16T07:48:00.002-05:002009-02-16T07:50:17.096-05:00Carson Ellis<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p><br /></p><p><object height="350" width="425"><param value="http://youtube.com/v/nLQfgag-uqs" name="movie"><embed height="350" width="425" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://youtube.com/v/nLQfgag-uqs"></embed></object></p><p><br /></p><p>This is a great video clip on illustrator Carson Ellis. Her signature style and big break came out of doing album covers for The Decemberists. Beautiful pieces and a fun interview.<br /><br />Also a good example of how many illustrators end up taking the roundabout path to their creative destinations, but learn a lot about themselves by doing so.</p></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-55593439246679251612009-02-04T17:10:00.004-05:002009-02-04T17:24:31.469-05:00Postcard Promotion<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_J0dLAX22K6nV46meF4VqEP50sqxYETh9gkrvInQ4O9RJzwDL4igAIZFWhOVnINdN0R6etNF3p6hg8IvogVUmVSwtC4yLvvGZ57COo6XxnkIEa5C6DrKUpircHS4GELRf1AJXw/s1600-h/Postcard2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 260px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5_J0dLAX22K6nV46meF4VqEP50sqxYETh9gkrvInQ4O9RJzwDL4igAIZFWhOVnINdN0R6etNF3p6hg8IvogVUmVSwtC4yLvvGZ57COo6XxnkIEa5C6DrKUpircHS4GELRf1AJXw/s400/Postcard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299070655929016946" /></a>Hey everyone!<div><br /></div><div>Sorry for the slight hiatus on blogging. It's been an active month or so, gearing up to send out promotions for 2009 and make contact with some new clients. Very exciting stuff! My latest promo card is an opportunity to send out valentines to lots and lots of fine people. Here's a preview...</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, be sure to check out some of the new additions to my <a href="http://www.wintercrowstudio.com">online portfolio</a>!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-39929638194586340872008-12-23T08:26:00.007-05:002008-12-23T08:49:05.847-05:00Prediction<div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DvTtIRs9bz4/SVDrx-7U5cI/AAAAAAAAABw/MrkXzhLM5m4/s1600-h/ClosingBell_Ouija_final_OL.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_DvTtIRs9bz4/SVDrx-7U5cI/AAAAAAAAABw/MrkXzhLM5m4/s400/ClosingBell_Ouija_final_OL.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282981606843540930" /></a><div>I recently finished up a new spot illustration for FIM Magazine. I've been lucky enough to become the go-to illustrator on Dale Irvin's humor article, which appears every issue, and it's always a blast figuring out how to work his caricature into each piece. <br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This month Dale made predictions about the state of the insurance conference planning industry for 2009. My original thought was to have him portrayed as a fortune-teller, looking into the dark recesses of an 8-Ball for his visions of the future. The editors informed me, however, that they had previously depicted him as a fortune-teller, so that was out. Instead, we decided to go with a Ouija board without Dale in the illustration. </div><div><br /></div><div>The real fun for me came when I was researching the look of Ouija boards for the illustration and realized that I could still put Dale into the piece by putting his face in the corners of the board with a retro-spooky crosshatching look. And, I think the piece turned out great. I love that moment as an artist when things start out looking a bit run-of-the-mill, then suddenly you get a new idea that send tingles up your spine and makes you chuckle to yourself while doing it. Almost always the sign of the right direction to head in...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-49068131748754922452008-12-11T10:19:00.005-05:002008-12-11T10:30:48.110-05:00Spotlight on Winter Crow Studio<div><br /></div>The new <a href="http://www.wintercrowstudio.com">Winter Crow website</a> has been reviewed!<div><br /></div><div>John Shore wrote a very nice piece about it for the Portsmouth Herald's Spotlight entertainment section. The website earned a 16 on John's scorecard, which includes design, navigation, content, and cool factor. Many thanks to you, Mr. Shore!</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out his article <a href="http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20081211-ENTERTAIN-812110317">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-86286977618977402572008-12-02T11:46:00.006-05:002008-12-02T11:57:06.165-05:00Balloon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcU9hNr3FCKvdW-ZadcolaS7CzfxUtAJC8oCyUvpwlEfXxiHx45dPHicuIE3yznXRpd5OIYHjaxd1qlS-rBHpOfTUXP6cY47SJQHjVN2fC3CZShYdaxPv_o4tv4A-804fiDaLjw/s1600-h/IF_Balloon_web.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 311px; height: 328px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcU9hNr3FCKvdW-ZadcolaS7CzfxUtAJC8oCyUvpwlEfXxiHx45dPHicuIE3yznXRpd5OIYHjaxd1qlS-rBHpOfTUXP6cY47SJQHjVN2fC3CZShYdaxPv_o4tv4A-804fiDaLjw/s400/IF_Balloon_web.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5275237561712397298" /></a><br />Today I decided to try my hand at creating an illustration for a weekly participatory illustration forum called <a href="http://www.illustrationfriday.com/">Illustration Friday</a>. It's always seemed like a fun thing to do. They give you a one-word topic each week, and your task is to create an illustration around that word, taking it on any tangent you deem fit.<div><br /></div><div>This week's word was "BALLOON." I imagine that perhaps balloons, when they go to balloon-world carnivals, feel the need to buy their children inflatable people...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-392332122154820072008-11-29T10:55:00.006-05:002008-11-29T11:29:08.177-05:00Textile Artist Exhibit<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPvjV5G_y7Qnug-qXCLb5Pv6Ma-OmtWy6sJCtlEMR_k59Ysg1ufluToaXViJgH0sXVLBK8df3ReDg7IyIOH6FBJDQUVKgTFauVUxBi1IAVNZ2eMDWf13WDqT9MXBQ65_7CFIHeQ/s1600-h/BetsyBenjaminSterling_poster.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPvjV5G_y7Qnug-qXCLb5Pv6Ma-OmtWy6sJCtlEMR_k59Ysg1ufluToaXViJgH0sXVLBK8df3ReDg7IyIOH6FBJDQUVKgTFauVUxBi1IAVNZ2eMDWf13WDqT9MXBQ65_7CFIHeQ/s400/BetsyBenjaminSterling_poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5274109613781724210" /></a>I just recently finished a poster (right) for the first of a series of art showings at <a href="http://www.aryaloka.org/">Aryaloka Buddhist Center</a> in Newmarket.<div><br /></div><div>This month the featured artist is Betsy Sterling Benjamin, a textile artist and teacher at the Massachusetts College of Art whose exhibitions have been shown internationally, including in Asia, Europe, Central America and the U.S. Her work is also part of the permanent collection at the Peabody-Essex Museum.</div><div><br /></div><div>She spent many years in Kyoto, Japan, training in the creation of kimonos, and her work blends her experiences living in the Japanese culture with her experiences with other cultures aroud the world. She uses "hot wax and liquid dyes on thirsty cloth" to create her gorgeous works of art on silk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out her website <a href="http://www.betsysterlingbenjamin.com/">here</a>, or even better, come visit her exhibit. Opening reception is on December 12th from 6-9 p.m., and her work will be on view from December 12th through December 31 (Mon - Fri 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tues, Wed. & Thurs nights from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.).</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">p.s. - For all you artists of all stripes out there, Aryaloka is taking submissions for future exhibits & performances. You can contact them at art@aryaloka.org.</span><br /><br /></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10020007.post-52712570940859296062008-11-25T15:03:00.004-05:002008-11-25T15:34:43.231-05:00To Begin...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DvTtIRs9bz4/SSxf4SWZXaI/AAAAAAAAABA/X8ZuX7JFSuw/s1600-h/GranolaBar.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_DvTtIRs9bz4/SSxf4SWZXaI/AAAAAAAAABA/X8ZuX7JFSuw/s400/GranolaBar.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5272694684347096482" /></a>Hello everyone, and welcome to my new sketchblog!<div><br /></div><div>To introduce myself, my name is Eric Wentworth and I am the artistic engine behind Winter Crow Studio. I'm an illustrator and a graphic designer working mostly (at the moment) with magazines and other editorial outlets, though my work has appeared in commercial venues as well, and I am open to just about anything as long as it involves creating, creating, creating. <br /><div><br /></div><div>There have been quite a few changes at Winter Crow Studio over the last year, including a new, <a href="http://www.wintercrowstudio.com/">completely revamped website</a>, and this blog is an exciting part of those changes. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share my work with you as it happens, as well as allow you to see some sketches that might never make it out of my sketchbook. I'm hoping to offer you all something from my experiences as a freelancer that will have true value, so I may share a story now and again. I'm always open to comments and critique, so please feel free to share your thoughts.</div><div><br /></div><div>To start with, I've posted a picture of how I generally use my talents when I'm NOT working...</div><div>My daughter was irritated with the crunchy granola bars I was packing in her lunch, because she wrote that she HATED them (emphatically) in a note. Strangely enough, the next morning, one of the crunchy granola bars developed limbs, eyes and a real creepy smile and waited downstairs to see my daughter at breakfast. If you look real close, you can see that the granola bar is asking her why she doesn't like him, while holding her note. </div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who think that's mean, I promise it got a big laugh from her the next morning. She's cool like that.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>The Winter Crowhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08949960027953105957noreply@blogger.com4