Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Last Chance To Win an RTD Print In 2009!

FREE art for your naked walls! This is your last chance to enter in 2009! Sign up for the RTD mailing list and be entered for the monthly drawing - a FREE, signed, 5"x7" art print of your choice. You'll also be entered for the grand prize - a full sized 16"x20" limited edition, signed and numbered print that will be given away at the end of the year. RTD will even pay for the postage too, so you've got nothing to lose. Sign up HERE.



You can see what prints are currently available HERE.

PREVIOUS WINNERS:

March : Ojay - Tiny Pimp

April : Juana - Gardener On Potato Island

May : Alissa - Poor Little Calamari, Elvina - Robot Pirate, Toby - Unlikely Lovers, and Ann - Tiny Pimp

June : Wendi - Unlikely Lovers, Daniel - A Beacon Of Hope, and Alex - Thirst

July : Giselle - Fly Fishing

August : Amandine - Steve Was Not Double-Jointed, Jeannie - Let the Horns Blow

September : Jennifer - Unlikely Lovers

October : Laura - Full Moon Tonight

November : Merrijoy - Waiting For a Believer


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Friday, December 18, 2009

Ho Ho Ho last minute holiday shoppers!



Come on out and see RTD this weekend at the Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Market. Plenty of great vendors and gift ideas to strap a bow on and throw under the tree!

DECEMBER 19th & 20th
11AM - 7PM

Brooklyn Lyceum + Cafe
227 4th Avenue BK, NY 11215
http://www.BrooklynLyceum.com
c 917.405.9909 w 718.857.4816


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Hurry...LAST DAY!



RTD art prints are great for wrapping up and tucking under the tree this holiday season. Hurry up and order though! Today is the DEADLINE for all orders to arrive by Dec 24th within the United States. Anything ordered after that may still make it on time, but can not be guaranteed. Happy Shopping!

RAWTOASTDESIGN STORE

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Happy Holidays from RAWTOASTDESIGN



WOW...what a year it's been! Just wanted to take a moment to send out my sincerest "Thank You" to everyone for being a part of this journey with me. It truly would not be possible to be where I am and doing what I do with out the incredible support and constant encouragement that I continue to receive from all of you.

It really is hard to believe that just a little over two years ago I was arriving in this big city. I set out from St. Charles, MO on a cold November afternoon waving goodbye to my amazing family and looking onward to the complete unknown that lay before me.

The drive was made all the way from MO to NYC in a little under a day and I arrived at my first sublet with a couple suitcases, computer dangling at my side...and not a clue as to what I was actually going to do now that I was here.

After a year of experimenting with and reigniting my love for illustration things finally began to take off. Illo gigs have been comin' in steadily this year, The Quirkles (science experiments for kids) children's book series continues to grow, and rent has finally become manageable :)

I worked and traveled to dozens of art/craft/handmade shows selling RTD prints to people from all over the world this past year and I can't even begin to count all of the incredible people that I've met along the way that have influenced me positively during this journey.

I'm looking forward to the adventures that lay within 2010, and sharing those experiences with all of you. Have a wonderful holiday season this year!

All great things to you...

Best,

Jesse Kuhn

Emperor, Lover, Picture Maker

The Republic of Rawtoastdesign
http://www.rawtoastdesign.com
http://rawtoastdesign.blogspot.com



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Monday, December 14, 2009

Tax Resource for Freelancers

I often get asked by other artists/freelancers about tax resources and if I have any recommendations for them. As RTD is compiling year end #'s and preparing to pay out good ol' Uncle Sam his final installment, it felt fitting to do a little link dropping too. RTD's go to resource for everything tax, and NYC tax related. MEDOWS CPA has been great during RTD's transition from St. Louis to New York City and is highly recommended to anyone currently searching for their own CPA. One thing that RTD has learned (the hard way) over the past couple years is that you really need to be preparing for this all year long...don't stress if you haven't though, give MEDOWS CPA a call and they'll help you get organized before it's too late.

MEDOWS CPA, PLLC - http://www.medowscpa.com is a New York City based boutique accounting firm whose core clientele are freelancers. They assist freelancers with tax prep services, accounting services, tax audit, entity formation, tax planning and other ad hoc services that they may need as the need arises. They work with both freelancers who are self-employed along with freelancers who have formed S-Corporations, C-Corporations, Single-Member LLCs and Multi Member LLCs. They are a full-year firm and can meet clients during working hours, nights and weekends.

MEDOWS CPA, PLLC is managed by Jonathan Medows, CPA. Jonathan is a licensed New York CPA and is also licensed in Maryland (and application pending in New Jersey). Jonathan received his BS and MBA from the Stern School of Business of New York University. He has been featured in the New York Post, BusinessWeek and Web CPA along with other publications.

Also be sure to check out MEDOWS CPA, PLLC Business & Tax Blog too for regular posts about tax advice - http://blog.medowscpa.com



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Thursday, December 10, 2009

RAWTOASTDESIGN at Beaner Bar!



RAWTOASTDESIGN currently has work on display at the Beaner Bar in Brooklyn. Please come rub elbows with RTD, stare at stuff with your eyeballs, and talk about things with your mouth tomorrow evening from 5-8pm at the Beaner. RTD will have a limited amount of 5x7 and 8x10 prints available for sale. If you have specific print requests, please shoot an email over to info {at} rawtoastdesign {dot} com to ensure that they will be on hand and available to you. Lookin' forward to seein' all you lovely NYC humans there!

Beaner Bar Artists' Reception
December 11th, 2009
5-8pm

447 Graham Avenue (5 blocks north from the L stop)
Brooklyn, NY 11211



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

November Print Winner Announced



Congratulations to Merrijoy from Bowie, MD. A signed 5x7 of WAITING FOR A BELIEVER is gettin' all wrapped up by my team of holiday elves and yard gnomes. All of the current prints available can be eyeballed here. Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned for the December winner and the annual Grand Prize winner who will receive a large 16"x20" print of their choice!

PLEASE NOTE: Dec 17th is the DEADLINE for all print orders to arrive by Dec 24th. Anything ordered after that may still make it on time, but can not be guaranteed. RAWTOASTDESIGN STORE

Happy Holidays!

Jesse / RAWTOASTDESIGN

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Details on how to enter for a chance to get yours below...

Wanna win some FREE art for you walls? Sign up for the RTD mailing list and be entered that month for a FREE, signed, 5"x7" art print of your choice. You'll also be entered for the grand prize - a full sized 16"x20" limited edition, signed and numbered print that will be given away at the end of the year. I'll even pay for the postage too, so you've got nothing to lose. Sign up HERE.



You can see what prints are currently available HERE.

PREVIOUS WINNERS:

March : Ojay - Tiny Pimp

April : Juana - Gardener On Potato Island

May : Alissa - Poor Little Calamari, Elvina - Robot Pirate, Toby - Unlikely Lovers, and Ann - Tiny Pimp

June : Wendi - Unlikely Lovers, Daniel - A Beacon Of Hope, and Alex - Thirst

July : Giselle - Fly Fishing

August : Amandine - Steve Was Not Double-Jointed, Jeannie - Let the Horns Blow

September : Jennifer - Unlikely Lovers

October : Laura - Full Moon Tonight


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Johns Hopkins University Illustrations





Spot illos for Johns Hopkins Alumni Magazine. The story was about three alumni who were recipients of Johns Hopkins scholarships, and what they're doing now. One is working with women and infant health/childbirth issues in Latin America with a main concern on making her current hospital "mother and baby-friendly". The second was about an alum who was a Rhodes scholar and went on to serve on active duty in Afghanistan. The third was about an alum who works with Catholic Relief Services in Ethiopia, focusing on empowering people in developing nations with food aid, and working on food/farming security issues.


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Gifts for a Naked Wall



Woohoo! RTD has been featured as a part of the "Holiday Gift Giving Guide" over at artists&fleas. Nothing says I Love You this holiday season like a delicately hand-wrapped Meathead tucked snugly under the Christmas tree.



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

2009 Year In Review: STL Mag



Illustration done for the St. Louis Magazine December 2009 issue. It was for a year in review article that didn't have a very long list of "great" news to highlight (job losses, political scandals, downtown turnaround, recessionary real estate, changes in crime, etc.). I liked the theme, "just keeping afloat," since it seemed to be a common goal for many businesses/people nationally in 2009.

This month marks my one year anniversary with St. Louis Magazine too :) Big thanks to Kevin and Danny for all the opportunities to illustrate for the magazine this year. Thanks to everyone else over there too for producing a great mag and continuing to commission and support illustrators through 2009!


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Monday, November 23, 2009

Holiday Help Wanted :)

ho hO HO! The Holiday season is certainly here and papa commerce is right around the corner. RTD's art prints have several holiday craft/art markets that they will be participating in. I'm extending the invitation to one or two lucky folks to be part of team RTD this holiday season. It's no golden ticket to the chocolate factory, but you will be helping me find homes for all these happy little RTD prints over the next few weeks.

The dates would be November 28th & 29th, and the first two weekends of December, the 5th & 6th and the 12th & 13th. You will be working at my artist & fleas location in Williamsburg (1 block from the Bedford L stop) and it would be from 11:30-7:30 each day. I'm currently working on booking other shows, so I could have some other days available as well.

So if your dream of fighting crime or becoming a super hero hasn't quite panned out yet and you are looking for some temporary (paid) work to get you through the holidays, shoot an email to - info (at) rawtoastdesign (dot) com << (the "at" and the "dot" are for outwitting those pesky spam robots, if it outwits you, then you probably need not apply). Give a little background info on yourself, why you like RTD, and why you like being happy and selling stuff at the same time. Links to your FB pages, websites, etc are all welcome along with any other interesting facts about yourself too. All applications need to be in by noon, Thursday the 26th (gobble gobble). Early application is encouraged as I will give this to the 1st person I feel would make a great fit. If only five of the six dates will work for you, some flexibility could be possible, so please still drop me an email and let me know your "unique" situation. (xmas bonus to anyone who can do all six though :)

Looking forward to adding a new member to the RTD family!

Best,

Jesse / RAWTOASTDESIGN




Thursday, November 19, 2009

October Print Winner Announced



Congratulations to Laura from Bronx, NY. A signed 5x7 of Full Moon Tonight is makin' it's postal journey uptown and over the river. All of the current prints available can be eyeballed here. Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned for the November winner!

Best,

Jesse / RAWTOASTDESIGN


Details on how to enter for a chance to get yours below...

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Wanna win some FREE art for you walls? Sign up for the RTD mailing list and be entered that month for a FREE, signed, 5"x7" art print of your choice. You'll also be entered for the grand prize - a full sized 16"x20" limited edition, signed and numbered print that will be given away at the end of the year. I'll even pay for the postage too, so you've got nothing to lose. Sign up HERE.



You can see what prints are currently available HERE.

PREVIOUS WINNERS:

March : Ojay - Tiny Pimp

April : Juana - Gardener On Potato Island

May : Alissa - Poor Little Calamari, Elvina - Robot Pirate, Toby - Unlikely Lovers, and Ann - Tiny Pimp

June : Wendi - Unlikely Lovers, Daniel - A Beacon Of Hope, and Alex - Thirst

July : Giselle - Fly Fishing

August : Amandine - Steve Was Not Double-Jointed, Jeannie - Let the Horns Blow

September: Jennifer - Unlikely Lovers



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Time Out NY



Time Out NY's sneaky street reporters cornered me a couple weeks ago while I was doing an errand run. Check out page 1 & 2 in this weeks mag or you can catch it online too: http://newyork.timeout.com/articles/public-eye/80431/jesse-kuhn-public-eye


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Monday, November 16, 2009

City of Skies



Robbie from City of Skies, (whom I ran into in the Twitter universe) contacted me a little while back about posting some of my work on their site. If you haven't been to their site definitely take some time and browse around, lot's of great creative featured on it. Check out the RTD feature here:
http://cityofskies.com/2009/10/15/rawtoastdesign/

Thanks Robbie & City of Skies!


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Friday, November 13, 2009

University of New Hampshire



A recent spot illo for the U of NH alumni mag. It was for an article about a woman’s pledge to lower her family’s carbon footprint which eventually led to the formation and creation of the New England Carbon Challenge – a regional, science-based, non-profit organization dedicated to finding and promoting individual solutions to global warming.

RTD illustration portfolio



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

BUST Holiday Craftacular



Wohooo! Just got my official BUST Holiday Craftacular vendor acceptance letter :) It's been a solid day!

RTD went to the BUST Spring Craftacular earlier this year as an attendee, and was deliciously impressed by the way the BUST crew throws down for these events. Don't miss this one, it's definitely worth your human time!

DECEMBER 6th
10AM - 7:30PM

Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street, NYC

...from BUST.com
The annual BUST Holiday Craftacular is back again! Following the huge success of the BUST London Summer Craftacular, BUST Magazine brings you the Holiday Craftacular yet again! It’s an all day shopping and music extravaganza featuring the nation's hottest DIY talent. Over 200 crafty vendors, DJ's, tasty treats, and much more. Listen to the best tunes as you browse handmade wares, from jewelry and essential holiday accessories to home décor and cards. Goodie bags for the first 500 attendees, amazing raffle prizes and more! Admission: $2

Independently owned and operated, BUST Magazine has been a leader in the crafting movement since 1993. Now in its 16th year, BUST continues to support and influence the handmade revolution though constant editorial coverage, sponsorships, and events such as the BUST Craftacular. Always on the cutting-edge, BUST is a revered and trusted authority in the DIY and crafting community.

The Metropolitan Pavilion is located at 125 West 18th Street in NYC, not far from the 1 train at 18th street, or the F, V trains at 23rd street. BUST Magazine’s Holiday Craftacular will take place from 10:00 AM – 7:30PM on December 6th. Your entry ticket also gives you a shot at winning a BUST-load of booty in the Craftacular Raffle!


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Market



RTD will be at this years Brooklyn Lyceum Holiday Market. So come on out and buy grandma somethin' real nice all of you last minute shoppers!

DECEMBER 19th & 20th
11AM - 7PM

Brooklyn Lyceum + Cafe
227 4th Avenue  BK, NY  11215
http://www.BrooklynLyceum.com
c  917.405.9909    w  718.857.4816


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Monday, November 2, 2009

Editorial Illustration - St. Louis Magazine



This illo accompanied a short article in the October issue titled "Crossings" by Frank Kovarik. The piece explores his emotional connection to the City and the City-County line rift that has developed over the years. He looks forward to the day that the balance of power and the distribution of resources could shift enough that the County and City will patch things up and reunite.

RTD illustration portfolio



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Friday, October 30, 2009

Halloween 2008



Ohhh, how I wish every Halloween could be celebrated PFLA DIY style in undisclosed abandoned buildings throughout NYC. Last years was a real treat, thanks to my good friends Karen(PressJunk) & Jake for putting it all together and everyone who helped fill the space. Enjoy...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Editorial Illustrations - Talk of the Town - 417 Magazine

More from the monthly spot for the Talk of the Town section in 417 Magazine.


August: Painting Hollywood
A local woman’s kid-friendly, non-toxic nail polish (Piggy Paint) gig had her brushing elbows with some Hollywood folks. This article covered one trip out to California, where she painted tiny fingernails at Tori Spelling’s daughter’s birthday party.


September: Top of the Heap
This was covering a local Doubletree Hotel that was chosen among the top 1 percent of hotels in the world in 2009 by Expedia Insiders’ Select. I was told they leave some seriously delicious chocolate chip cookies for their guests which may have influenced the vote.


October: Enlightenment
This was covering a local university who was installing a green friendly solar-powered residence hall.


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Editorial Illustration - St. Louis Magazine: Fall Arts Guide



Illustration done for the Fall Arts Guide in the September issue of St. Louis Magazine.


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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

September Illustration Art Print Winner Announced



Congratulations to Jennifer (sassypackrat) from Homewood, IL. A signed 5x7 of Unlikely Lovers is on its way from NYC through the snail mail system. All of the current prints available can be eyeballed here. Thanks to everyone who participated and stay tuned for the October winner!

Best,

RTD


Details on how to enter for a chance to get yours below...

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Wanna win some FREE art for you walls? Sign up for the RTD mailing list and be entered that month for a FREE, signed, 5"x7" art print of your choice. You'll also be entered for the grand prize - a full sized 16"x20" limited edition, signed and numbered print that will be given away at the end of the year. I'll even pay for the postage too, so you've got nothing to lose. Sign up HERE.



You can see what prints are currently available HERE.

PREVIOUS WINNERS:

March : Ojay - Tiny Pimp

April : Juana - Gardener On Potato Island

May : Alissa - Poor Little Calamari, Elvina - Robot Pirate, Toby - Unlikely Lovers, and Ann - Tiny Pimp

June : Wendi - Unlikely Lovers, Daniel - A Beacon Of Hope, and Alex - Thirst

July : Giselle - Fly Fishing

August : Amandine - Steve Was Not Double-Jointed, Jeannie - Let the Horns Blow



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check out all of my editorial freelance illustration at http://www.rawtoastdesign.com/

http://sketch.odopod.com/


seriously addicting...go try it out for yourself: http://sketch.odopod.com/

Friday, October 16, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are : VICE



The Draw Your Own Wild Things hosted by VICE - link

Friday, October 9, 2009

Time Out NY Magazine




Here's the illo that was done for this weeks issue of Time Out NY in the Own This City section. This particular story covers Open House NY, which is a city-wide event that opens the doors of private buildings, institutions, etc. that are usually closed to the public.

The idea was a through-the-keyhole, Alice in Wonderland type of landscape including several of the open house elements within it...Woolworth Building, Grand Masonic Lodge, The Lilac Dances, and the famous little Tom Otterness characters from the 14th St subway all running throughout it.

Check it out on page 35 if you get a copy or you can read the Own This City section here on their website too - http://newyork.timeout.com

Big "thanks" to Allison over at TONY too for bringing me in on this :)


RTD illustration portfolio

Thursday, October 8, 2009

August Print Winners Announced

Congratulations to Amandine she is now an official owner of a Steve Was Not Double-Jointed print. Also to Jeannie who chose a Let the Horns Blow print. RTD was a month behind on this one which is why two winners were chosen (we're taxed one winner per month that we're late on the draw here at The Republic of RTD). September winner TBA very soon!

Details on how to enter for a chance to get yours below...

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Wanna win some FREE art for you walls? Sign up for the RTD mailing list and be entered that month for a FREE, signed, 5"x7" art print of your choice. You'll also be entered for the grand prize - a full sized 16"x20" limited edition, signed and numbered print that will be given away at the end of the year. I'll even pay for the postage too, so you've got nothing to lose. Sign up HERE.



You can see what prints are currently available HERE.

PREVIOUS WINNERS:

March : Ojay - Tiny Pimp

April : Juana - Gardener On Potato Island

May : Alissa - Poor Little Calamari, Elvina - Robot Pirate, Toby - Unlikely Lovers, and Ann - Tiny Pimp

June : Wendi - Unlikely Lovers, Daniel - A Beacon Of Hope, and Alex - Thirst

July : Giselle - Fly Fishing

August : Amandine - Steve Was Not Double-Jointed, Jeannie - Let the Horns Blow



Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Creative Quarterly No. 17 Winners


Client: Time Out Chicago | Limited Edition Prints


Client: Utne Reader | Limited Edition Prints


Client: 417 Magazine


Client: Utne Reader

Got some nice news from the folks over at Creative Quarterly earlier this month. Four of my illustrations will be featured for issue 17! Two in the mag and two on the web. Big thanks to Mike at Time Out Chicago, Stephanie at Utne Reader, and Cassie at 417 Magazine for being such great art directors and giving me the opportunity to do these assignments.


Thursday, September 17, 2009

CHILDE poster



Gig poster done for CHILDE...they threw out the phrase "soundtrack to the atom bomb" during the initial brief and this image was what cropped up out of the ol' noggin. Fun guys and solid music, check em out live too if you get the chance - CHILDE.


Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Nashville Scene



A damaged little girl and the fight over a million-dollar lawsuit. Illo done for the cover of the July 22 Nashville Scene issue. The full story can be read hear - LINK


Wednesday, September 9, 2009

St. Louis Magazine - August



Illustration done for the August issue of St. Louis Magazine. The article was on couples and computers and how facebook changes face time with our significant others. The full article can be read here: LINK


Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Renegade Craft Fair Chicago: update



Yes, folks. The Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago is nearly here! Just found out that the brass and reed ensemble Black Bear Combo will be playing both days. PBR, Schlitz, Rogue and our good friends from Time Out Chicago are all sponsors as well. Don't miss out on this fine opportunity to come treat yourself to some great design, dance, and drink from some of RTDs personal aluminum favorites and artists. Looking forward to seeing all of our friends in Chicago! RTD will be set up at space 266 near Hermitage Ave and Division St.

Full details of all the great stuff goin' down can be found over at renegadecraft.com.


Saturday, September 5, 2009

Live, Nude Local Government - Utne Reader



This illo was done for the Sept/Oct Utne Reader issue. The article's focus was on Obama’s demands for transparency and accountability within the halls of state and local government. Where elected officials and bureaucrats are scrambling to provide spending data to the federal website recovery.gov. This allows all spending numbers to be viewed online by the public, already resulting in the identification of several inefficiencies that have helped put tax dollars to better use. Read the full article here - LINK

Always a pleasure working with Steph over at Utne!


Thursday, September 3, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are - Featurette With Maurice

Where the Wild Things Are Maurice Sendak Featurette


Man, I can't wait to finally see this when it comes out. New youTubage found via Blonderobot and Cakehead.

New full length HD trailer below too!

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE trailer in HD



Monday, August 24, 2009

Time Out New York Kids - August issue





A few new illos done for a recent Time Out NY Kids feature on tips for getting your kid organized and back to school. Full article can be seen on the TONY Kids website here - LINK.