Illustration machine!

I've thought about doing a time lapse of how I create one of these illustrations, but for more than one reason I haven't done so. Every time I explain to some interested party how I go about doing these illustrations, I always get the feeling that they assume the computer somehow "automatically" creates the color version, like scanning in my sketch and it then creates a masterpiece on it's own. My fellow vectorians out there are right now laughing hysterically, as am I. If only...
Here is the next illustration:

Hey, this isn't so bad!

On a P.S. type note, there is a "Hygiene Diamonds" logo on the poster by the receptionist, and the blonde could be my sister...

Entering the office

This next illustration is when the storyline takes a new route. Instead of the dark medieval themes, the illustrations now change to the reality of an actual dentist office. Little Sammy gets to see just how wrong his brother is. I threw the little known dental Caduceus symbol on the door just to add a little mystery, and even an inside bit of information for the reader. Having fun! I've really got to get these done! Over half-way there... Enjoy!

At the dentist's office door

Deadline looming...

My goal of the 1st of October is closely approaching and I don't want to have to rush the illustrations. At the same time, I have to juggle the other work I have, and the occasional trip to the skate park. Got this one done, Another great one, I think. I love the emotion I was able to illustrate, a lot going on. This is the last of the illustrations I wanted to get done for a sample "video" or pdf file, it's kind of the pivotal illustration of the story, where we get to see what Sammy's actual experience will be, no thanks to his older brother! I hope you enjoy it. I had to throw the skateboard in there, you know it!

 

And this is what happened then...

Next illustration done!

I am almost halfway there! My goal is still to have the illustrations done and the book laid out by October 1st. This will make the available date of Nov 1st possible! Of course there are some variables that are out of my control, but it will still be close! Thanks for looking. Enjoy the next series:

The scariest thing...

P.S. Don't forget to look for the hidden tooth, in all of these illustrations...

The work does not stop!

I just finished up the next illustration for "Sammy" and am posting it here. It's really shaping up good, I'm excited to keep it going. I do an occasional design/art element for a local radio station here in town, and over this last week as I was working with one of the owners he commented on how much potential this book has. He was able to see how the marketing plan at a bare minimum would be to market to dentist's offices, even just here in LV, which is a HUGE market would be a very successful plan. I love to hear that!
Sammy is also as current as it can be on Barnes & Noble with a nice cover illustration finally, pretty cool.
On another note, I was contacted by the Clark County Library representative about being in their book fair with other authors, publishers and writer's groups. Of course, I agreed and am planning on taking Adam London (author of Lucky the Rubber Ducky) with me to the event! We are allowed to sell our book to the public attending the event. Now how to get them there...
Here is my latest sketch and illustration:

I'd love to hear from anyone reading this, either from a comment in this forum or some other way! Thanks for taking time to follow all this.

Really busy week!

So, here's the scoop. It has been a really busy, crazy week! I've been working on 3-4 projects simultaneously all culminating on a deadline Friday. In addition to that work I've had the next illustration on my mind and finally finished it. I imagine that the next illustration will follow shortly, as I intend to dedicate some time to it today.
On a related note, we met with the author of "Lucky the Rubber Ducky" last night over dinner at Buca di Beppo's, and we are all anxious to go to a 2nd printing as soon as we can get our finances lined up. B&N still has them in stock, what we want is a 2nd printing so Adam, the author can continue to sell them at his gigs. He's currently at The Improv @ Harrah's here in Las Vegas. If you're in town, don't miss him, he's great and makes the show no matter who else is performing. He sells out of his books when doing the show, so it's time for us to get another round of books for him to sell.
Enough talk, here is the sketch and finished illustration to match, enjoy!

Let's Begin!

Sammy update!

Just finished pages 6-7 this morning! I'm so excited with how they turned out, very rich color palette. I figured I'd post the sketch again for reference, then the finished color version! Let me know what you think!

The waiting room of doom sketch

The finished waiting room of doom!

Sammy's cover decided!

The official cover of the book!

Wendy needed a cover image to begin promoting the book, so I took a few hours out of my crazy schedule right now and put this one together. I love it! I've already submitted the art and price change to B&N, oh yeah, it's available for pre-order on B&N! Get it while it's cheap!
Sammy's Dentist Dilemma
Due out in November now, had to push it back a month due to other scheduling conflicts. More to come...