Inktober, Week 2+

This is mostly a comedy-inspired week (with the exception of wolf boy from last week). In case you can't tell (due to to my lack of experience when doing portraiture of real people), the comedians I've done are: Noel Fielding, Mike Birbiglia, Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement, Demetri Martin, Louis C.K., Jim Gaffigan, and Dave Chappelle.

 

Artwork © 2014 Jeremy Owen 

 -J

Inktober: Week 1

This year I'm finally partaking in Inktober, an initiative started by one of my longest running inspirations, Mr. Jake Parker. Inktober, in a nutshell, is a challenge based on a simple premise: do one drawing, in ink, every day during the month of October. There are literally thousands of Inktober pieces across the internet. I'll give tumblr's hashtag as a start.

Day 1: Mr Pickles and Oilcan, my two favorite characters from The Boxtrolls (which I thoroughly enjoyed)

Day 2: Strongman, part of a short series inspired by AHS: Freak Show, leading to the premiere

Day 3: Pinhead

Day 4: Giant

Day 5: Contortionist

Day 6: Conjoined Duo

Day 7: Multiple

Artwork © 2014 Jeremy Owen

Time's been a thief again, and it's been another long stretch since I've posted anything on here. Let's hope that changes.

- J

Wizarding Wednesday #2: The Dursleys

Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley Dursley.

Characters © J.K. Rowling

© 2014 Jeremy Owen

Wizarding Wednesdays #1: Hagrid

There's a tumblr that I stumbled upon last year through artists that I follow. It's called Wizarding Wednesdays, and it's blog devoted to Harry Potter fan art. The admin post a character from the series once a week, and the community, in turn, draws the character according to how they imagined them while reading the books. It's a fun exercise for me to keep current with my art, and I've done every single one up to the week of this post.

I've basically glommed-on to Tumblr, using it to find inspiration and post current art, but I'm going to try to do better about updating this blog as well. I know many of you that read this are my personal friends and family, and I want everyone that's interested in my work to be able to keep up with what I've been doing lately, however contrarily it may have appeared as of late.

This one, for those of you how can't immediately recognize the characters, is primarily of Rubeus Hagrid, the abundantly kind half-human/half giant gamekeeper at Hogwarts (with an eleven-year-old Harry thrown in for size comparison).

Character © J.K. Rowling

Artwork © 2014 Jeremy Owen

- J

This Machine Surrounds Hate and Forces It to Surrender

In honor of Pete Seeger’s passing, I wanted to do a little tribute piece. Pete was one of the reasons I wanted to pick up the banjo, and his voice (both for environmental and philosophical understanding) has always been an inspiration. I’ll miss you, Pete.

Artwork © 2014 Jeremy Owen

-J

A Mother to Us All

This was my entry to Threadless' 'Next Big Tee' challenge, for which the prize was 10K. I didn't end up winning (and this didn't end up printing), but after it was all finished, I can honestly say I was very proud with the result.

In case you hadn't already guessed, this is a design showcasing Mother Nature, with all her seasons and splendor, elements and eloquence. If something of mine was going to print for the challenge, I wanted it to be something that I appreciate and fear; something that I care very much for and want to see flourish.

© 2013 Jeremy Owen

- J

Devotion

One year ago today I took my girlfriend to go see Beach House. We’re weren't officially together then, but that concert was one of the defining moments leading up to our relationship. Beach House is her favorite and is one of my favorites also. The show was incredible, and they even played her favorite song, Heart of Chambers.
For a surprise Christmas present (which also included: an encouragement book found at Goodwill, a Threadless thermal, dvds for Black Swan and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (some of her favorite films), a mix-tape, and, of course, detailed instructions on how to open the gift (which was wrapped in an enormous box), I made her this unofficial concert poster for the concert we went to. The logo is an homage to the font from Beach House’s first album cover (as I love the font so much).

I wanted this to be something that very few people knew about for a while (as it was intended mainly for her enjoyment), but, after a year, I figured it was time to share (though I did ask her first).
Lastly, thank you Beach House for pumping out the quality jams that ultimately drew us closer together. We'll be at your next Seattle show. You can count on it.

Artwork © 2012 Jeremy Owen

-J

We've Got You Now!

This is my entry to the Aqua TV Show Show challenge on Threadless. Even though I haven't seen every episode, the characters, though simple in nature, are instantly recognizable. It's always a great opportunity to put one's own stylistic spin on pop-culture characters, and this one was no different. The time-frame for this one was a little under a week from sketch to final product, and I'm fairly content with the result.

VOTE FOR IT HERE

Characters © Adult Swim

Artwork © 2013 Jeremy Owen

-J

Eternal Lightning, Infinite Thunder

This is my entry for the The Mighty Thor contest on Threadless. Even though I'm not particularly familiar with any of the Thor mythology (either historical or in the comics world), I've still always been struck by the powerful silhouette and majestic nature of The God of Thunder, and I wanted to portray that with this piece. Even though you can't see his face (or some of his more distinguishable features), I wanted to make it easy to identify who it is just from his powerful stance and choice tool.

I'm getting faster at laying down vast amounts of details in my work (as well as pushing toward a slightly more impressionistic flair with my style), and I'm quite content with how this one turned out. Hopefully I can discipline myself to churn out work a bit faster and in higher doses. Here's to hoping!

Thor © Marvel

Artwork © 2013 Jeremy Owen

-J

Terror From Within

This was one that I finished a while ago, for The Flaming Lips Contest on Threadless. Although The Lips are one of my favorites (and the fact that I didn't win), this one pushed my boundaries (in terms of both stylistic flair and concept). I'm not used to drawing nude women (or posting the nude women I draw), but the contest asked for a design based around the newest Flaming Lips album, entitled 'The Terror'. Consequently, I decided to combine my fear of women (which was extremely prevalent in my life growing up but has since relinquished), the fear of falling behind technologically (as doing so (in the art world especially) can cause drawbacks in not only execution but also in motivation and growth), and the fear of the unknown (symbolized by the monstrous shapes emerging from the blob).

© 2013 Jeremy Owen

- J

Just Another Regular Day

Regular Show is one of the best and most creative cartoons to hit the small screen in a long time. It is absurd, strange, and, ultimately, hilarious, drawing on 80's sensibilities and style flair (along with the hair-brained imagination of J.G. Quintel) to create something very unique. It's one of the shows that inspires me to create new and wacky things, and I've seen every episode (so far) (and can't wait for the DVD release in June).

I found out the Threadless was doing a sponsored contest for the show, and I went completely bananas. Here was an opportunity for me to pay homage to something that I admire and love. And, although I went through many stages of 'I can't do this', this piece is what eventually formed. It's in my own style (for I didn't want to copy the look of the show TOO closely (I expected most entries would)), and I'm sure that'll knock me in terms of chances of being printed. Still, I'm happy with it; it is an homage after all.

I like when the swirly, purple-y space from the title card is featured in episodes of the show (such as More Time, Do Me a Solid, More Smarter), and I wanted to incorporate that into my piece. And, whether or not this prints, I'm proud of it; not only is it subject matter that I love: it's also the first piece I've done solely with my Wacom Tablet (no scanned paper drawing). With the good feeling behind this one, I'm sure I'll be able to get a hold on the Wacom soon. In the meantime, enjoy.

VOTE FOR IT HERE!!!!

Characters © J.G. Quintel

Artwork © 2013 Jeremy Owen

-J

LUNCH

For THREADWARS: ROUND III: WHAT'S INSIDE

© 2013 Jeremy Owen

451

This one is for Threadwars IV: Round II: Classic Literature (as I was fortunate enough to make it to the next round). This piece is based on one of my favorite books, Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's sci-fi classic about a dystopic future where books are outlawed and the ones who harbor them (and the knowledge they hold) are hunted as fugitives.

Artwork © 2013 Jeremy Owen

“Do you understand now

why books are hated and feared?

Because they reveal the pores

on the face of life.

The comfortable people want only

the faces of the full moon,

wax, faces without pores,

hairless, expressionless.” 

- Ray Bradbury

~J

Love First Yourself

I have been body conscious my whole life, and have suffered with the resulting repercussions. It's never fun being uncomfortable in your own skin, so I wanted to highlight the issue of body-love with this one. It takes a lot of courage to love yourself, despite what everyone considers 'normal' or 'acceptable', and I admit: I'm not quite there yet. But I'm learning (thanks to some amazing people in my life), and for me, that's a huge step. I know this design won't solve the problem of body-image consciousness, but if it can change at least one person's outlook of themselves, I'll be overjoyed, because, whether you think so or not, you are beautiful.

VOTE FOR IT HERE

© 2013 Jeremy Owen

Love you.

~J

Rethink Violence

This is for the first round of Threadwars VI. The theme for Round 1 was Violence, but, after an extended period of time trying to come up with a concept, I realized that I don't dwell on subjects like violence often, at least not as a theme for something I'm working on. In accordance, I chose to highlight anti-violence instead (which the administrators of the contest said would work just as well). It's not as refined as I'd like (it was completed in a week (and in an even shorter period of time since I didn't have ample opportunity to work on it throughout said week)), but sometimes it's nice to crunch for a deadline. It puts emphasis not only on focus but also on the importance of subject matter (the difference between what is necessary and what is icing). Essentially, this one doesn't have an over-abundance of icing, but I think the cake, although partially faked, isn't half bad.

© 2013 Jeremy Owen

I love you all.

~ J

Writer's Block

This is a collaboration with soloyo on Threadless. He came to me with this idea at the 2011 Threadless Meetup after a keynote presentation highlighting 'creative block'. We tried to go for a broader range of subject matter (as is apparent from the process blog here). Nothing worked until we decided to settle on writer's block, which is something that Nestor (soloyo) struggles with often, being a writer and all. Once we had a firm direction, everything fell into place, minus my drive to finally finish it (again, 2011). Subject matter in mind, I think this of all pieces was not one to rush. Still...sorry for the wait, Nestor.

VOTE FOR IT HERE

Concept © 2011 Nestor Gomez

Artwork © 2013 Jeremy Owen

Sky Castle

This is a remake of another artist's design. It's part of the Remake Community Challenge, which is exactly what it sounds like. This is one that I wanted to do a few years ago, but I'm glad I held off. My style is constantly maturing/changing, and I feel that, if I had decided to try to accomplish this piece, I may not have been able to do it justice. I'm still not sure if I did, but, personally, I'm happy with how it turned out. The original, a piece conceived by the immensely talented Julia Sonmi Heglund, can be found below. Happy new year. Here's to a much more regular posting schedule.

VOTE FOR IT HERE

Concept © Julia Sonmi Heglund

Artwork © 2013 Jeremy Owen

Original:

~J

There's a Spider in the Bathroom

Barely coming in under the submission-deadline wire, here is my entry for the Threadless + Spider-Man  design contest. I haven't really been inspired to do anything for Threadless in a while: they've redesigned their site (and it still needs A LOT of ironing out), the submission forms have changed, etc. I'm not sure why those events put me off submitting (and it's not all that: I just haven't come up with any worthwhile tee ideas lately), but I'm going to try to start subbing again.
The focus of the contest was to create a design inspired by Spidey doing battle with his foes. And, since I was fairly certain that 90% of the submissions would be battle-scenes, I tried to go in a smarter direction. For, as any seasoned general will tell you, going into battle without having observed the enemy (their strengths, weaknesses, and motive) is a grave mistake.
I wanted to utilize the prominence of photography in the Spider-Man universe, and a makeshift darkroom set up in the bathroom seemed like a worth starting point. The rest evolved from there. Mind you the inspiration and execution behind this one all took place in a little over a week, so there are certain things I would prefer to perfect or redo if I had more time, but, as I seem to do often, I put it off until the last minute. Still, my Spider-Sense is quite content with the final product.

Final Product:

Close-up of Villians:

Characters © Marvel Comics

Artwork © 2012 Jeremy Owen

~J

Hip Princess

Another Adventure Time fan-art piece: this one is of Bubblegum as a hipster waiting to get into a show (probably for some bands you've probably never heard of...probably). Funnily enough, I spent more time on this piece than I did on the other AT pieces I've done, and it received less of a response on Tumblr. Either I strayed too far from the actual look and feel of the show...or it proves that less really is more (although, if you think about it, those two reasons are essentially one in the same).

There were many different color schemes/lighting effects I tried for this one, and I settled on this look for a particular reason. I went to see Beach House with a good friend recently, and, while waiting outside for the show, in the chill, October weather, there was this warm light cast by the last rays of sun, illuminating us and everything around with a yellowish sheen. It was a beautiful way for the day to end and a wonderful opening for what, truly, was the best show I've been to in my life so far. So, even though the performance of this piece wasn't as awesome as I wanted it to be for the effort I put into it, it does hold that sense of accomplishment at recreating part of an endearing life experience, for whatever it's worth to you folks.

Character © Pendelton Ward

Artwork © 2012 Jeremy Owen

~J

The Boy Who Lived

The Lightning Struck Child. He Who Was Chosen. Harry.

Character © J. K. Rowling

© 2012 Jeremy Owen

~J