Keep the Harmony

This image came to me while I was sitting at my table during the Long Beach Comic Con in September of 2016.  I was initially trying to keep busy during the lulls, and decided I wanted to do some inspirational quotes, but combine them with illustration work.  The first image that came to mind was a recent phrase that resonated with me, from an episode of Rebecca Sugar, and Cartoon Network's 'Steven Universe'.

In the episode "Giant Woman" (s1 ,ep12),  the main protagonist Steven is set to go on a mission with the bickering gems Amethyst, and Pearl.  Their leader (or matriarch), Garnet, tells Steven as he sets out, to "keep the harmony", in her traditional cryptic tone.  During the quest, Pearl and Amethyst continue to quarrel eventually putting Steven in danger.  They're are finally able to overcome their conflict, and are able to merge, creating a new fusion gem called Opal.  Opal is then able to save Steven and they complete the mission.  Garnet's message is then realized, that in order to merge into Opal, both Pearl, and Amethyst must work together, in unison, to maintain the form of Opal, putting aside their differences.

The concept was pretty straight forward from inception, in which the words 'Keep the Harmony', would be centered, and 'ribbons' would transfer from gem to gem that surround the lettering depicting each of the four main heroes from 'Steven Universe' fusions.  A lot of research, and color matching went into to the design, because I wanted to remain true to the source material.  I did want to include more than just the main characters (Steven, Pearl, Amethyst, and Garnet), but I ran out of room, and I wanted to finish the illustration in time for my next convention (Comikaze).

The image is also available on my etsy store as a print.

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

This illustration (originally created in 2016), was created specifically for a gallery show at Creature Features in Burbank, California for their tribute show:  'It's the Great Pumpkin Art Show, Charlie Brown!'  The show was celebrating the animated classic's 50th Anniversary.

I can't remember if the concept I had was this design from the get go, but basically, it's inception involved some sketching, and of course inspiration from John Carpenter's original film poster for 'Halloween' (here).

I eventually decided on using Linus' profile, and his security blanket to supplement the pumpkin and knife that grace Carpenter's original poster.  I however still had to fill the space next to Linus' blanket in order to complete the balance of the illustration.  After several sketches I decided on using the icon silhouette of Snoopy as the Great Pumpkin in the pumpkin patch.

In order to complete the piece I had to plenty of research on what font to use for the poster.  I wanted it to look more like the original poster I was parodying, so I opted to use a font closer to the original.  Since the original font used for the 'Halloween' poster had a very expensive license, I had to hand build my font in Illustrator. The next challenge was what to substitute for the original posters tag, luckily I was able to come up with a phrase that was similar enough in length and wording with 'He Will Rise Again!'  After that, I managed to find a convincing font (Movie Letter), to use for the official credits, which I had access to from owning the movie (It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown).

The image was very well received, and even sold at the gallery.  The new owner was even gracious enough to tag me on Instagram!

If interested in purchasing this image, a print is available on my etsy store.

Sand Witch

This particular illustrated pun isn't quite as creative as some of the others, however I did want to start doing more 'series', and less randomly generated puns (that are mostly food related).  The concept behind this one was to be part of a 'Halloween' themed set.  I have other ideas, and concepts, but this was the only one that was fully realized.  I had the work completed in time for Comikaze 2017 in Los Angeles, which is always the last weekend in October.  I was hoping to have more themed puns ready in time, but alas, next time.
It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

The image is also available at my etsy store as a print.

Flash Drive

This pun based illustration came to me during Wondercon 2017, I was actually commissioned by a patron to create something, and I had this idea kicking around in my head as part of a series (much like the Star Wars one), of heroes from different franchises, punified!

I managed to finish the illustration in time for Comikaze of that same year in Los Angeles.  I had to do a bit of research beforehand, because I wanted to remain true to the character of 'The Flash".  The most challenging part of the illustration was how to convey he was moving quickly, but through some quick photoshop manipulation, that was accomplished. I have seen other versions of this particular mash up, but I prefer my take on it. 
It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

The image is also available at my etsy store as a print.

Princess Layer Cake

I made this pun based illustration as a companion to my Han Solo Cup, and as part of a series that I would like to continue of parody based Star Wars characters.  If memory serves me right, I believe I started to develop this particular piece sometime during Comikaze 2016.

Similar to the Han piece I wanted to make sure I did some research on the correct outfit, and any other characteristics to properly pun-ify Princess Leia into 'Princess Layer Cake'.  I played a bit with the color initially before finally deciding on 'chocolate' as her flavor, it just offered more contrast, and made more sense in the end.  I finalized the image sometime in 2017, right before Wondercon of that same year.  I attempted to have the image placed on bags, but ran into copyright issues with vendors who were unwilling to overlook the obvious Parody Laws that protect imagery.  I did however have the image made into both prints, and buttons to sell that year.
It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

The image is also available at my etsy store as a print, or a button.

Sundae Driver

This idea came to me quite easily and quickly, while I was sitting at the convention table during Wondercon 2016.  I was trying to come up with more ideas for pun related illustrations, and this one jumped out at me.  Living in a metropolitan area with quite possibly the worst traffic in the United States, driving has been, and always will be, the bane of my existence.  While there are many terms and phrases associated with motorists, the one that I find the most humorous, is that of the "Sunday driver".  I decided I could use this term and with a simple homophone, 'Sundae Driver' was born...besides...who doesn't like ice cream, or sundaes for that matter?

The execution simply involved me taking the concept a fleshing it out a bit more, and deciding a color palette that would accentuate the initial sketch.  I selection a traditional color scheme, and went with strawberry, chocolate, and vanilla.  I got a weird 'Washington Crossing the Delaware' vibe from the sketch, and made the whipped cream into a sort of powdered wig for the banana. I topped the image with a 'wild' cherry who is just along for the ride.  I also attempted to give each rider a different expression or personality to offer something to the narrative of the illustration.
It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

The image is also available at my etsy store as a Print or Tote Bag.

Pesto Chango

This pun-based illustration came to me when I was trying to come up with more ideas for illustrations, that, and my unhealthy love of pesto...  I initially started the sketch, and fleshed out the illustration previous to Wondercon in 2016, in an attempt to include it in with the original series I was making exclusively for the show.  I wasn't able to finish it in time, but did end up completing it after the event, and included it in my next convention (which I believe was the Long Beach Comic Con).

The development of this image started first with the phrase 'presto chango', a common term used by magicians.  I thought about the nature of the phrase, and how pesto is literally the altering or merging of several ingredients to create another (simply divine) substance.  How is this done?  With a blender.  It basically wrote itself at that point.  I included all the ingredients, along with a nifty old-timey magicians costume for the blender. I like this particular ensemble, due in part to my ability to give each participant a different expression or personality. It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

The image is available on my etsy store for purchase here:
Pesto Chango

High Five

This particular pun was inspired by a particular piece of artwork done by the talented Kimber Grobman, who designed a similar pose with a Pilgrim and Native American giving each other a leaping high five for a Thanksgiving project.  I fell in love with the energy from the pose and decided I could utilize it for a work. 
I originally drew this pair as part of 'Inktober 2015' which can be seen here and it ended up being a finished illustration for Wondercon 2016, which I used for my annoucement, and then utilized for a price sheet at future conventions.  It wasn't until a later date I ended up making them available for purchase.

While the image itself was made separate from others, I did use the same color scheme from Caff-Fiend for the coffee cup character.  The pun here is that both characters house caffeinated beverages that offer a 'high', and they are in essence also giving each other a 'high-five'.  This easily became one of my favorites from the series.  It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

The image is available for purchase at my etsy store here as a print or on a tote bag:
High Five
High Five (Tote Bag)

Smartie Pants

I originally conceived the idea for this pun illustration back during 'Inktober 2015', when I was trying to come up with some ideas for ink-based art I could do quickly to fill the quota for the event.  Smartie has evolved a bit since her initial creation which can be seen here in all her glory.
When I began making more illustrations in the series, I thought it would great to include her.

The pun is pretty straightforward with this one.  I have a smartie, reading her favorite book..."Hairy Potter".  I gave her a set of oversized glasses, and an aloof expression, as she is incredibly engrossed in her book.  It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

It was originally sold exclusively at Wondercon that year, but is also available on my etsy store here:
Smartie Pants
Smartie Pants (Tote Bag)

Her favorite literary hero is also available by himself on my etsy store here:
Hairy Potter (Pin)

Hard Core

This pun-based illustration was first conceptualized around the same time as the first set of original 'Dementibles' (or 'Just for Pun', which I like better), but I didn't finish it in time for Wondercon that year (2016).  I decided for the 2017 show to complete a couple more because the designs were so well recieved.

The idea for this image came pretty easily.  It was basically a play on several social stereotypes, but I wanted to represent the concepts in the most pun-able ways possible.  I dressed the apple in a traditional do-rag, old english tattoo, and gave him a nifty set of kicks, in addition to some more common survival accessories.  It is entirely digital, made in Illustrator, Painter, and Photoshop.

It was originally sold exclusively at Wondercon that year, but is also available on my etsy store here:
Hard Core

The Rules of Halloween

The concept for this particular series of illustrated typography designs first came to me sometime in 2014.  I was initially planning on participating in Creature Features annual "October Shadows" group show (which showcases talented works dedicated to the spirit of all things Halloween), I figured it would be a great opportunity to do a work inspired by my favorite Halloween film, 'Trick r' Treat'.

In the 2007 film, written and directed by Michael Dougherty, there are four stories which each center around a particular 'rule', that if broken, come with consequences, that are handed out mercilessly by the spirit of Halloween.

The designs themselves went through tireless modifications, reformatting, and more.  It took me around 2 years to finally complete the designs and execute them to my satisfaction.  The concept was to create an illustration from each rule, incorporating the words into a visual design to physically represent it's meaning. Initially I wanted each design to be more of a calligram, but ultimately decided to take a different approach with each design.

To purchase this image, please visit my etsy store here:
Rule #1
Rule #2
Rule #3
Rule #4