SKETCH CARDS 4 (5x5)

Anyone who knows me, knows that I rarely if ever work traditionally anymore, but occasionally I make exceptions. In this case, that exception was Hero Complex Gallery’s ‘Sketch Cards 4’. The theme from the gallery was simple enough, and asked that we focus on pop culture related content.

 

          'Spider-Man', 5"x 5" Sketch Card

The gallery provided me the cards along with all the packing materials to return them, of course that was after I requested them (my bad). This would naturally put me behind schedule, as the cards arrived a few days later, and I was juggling multiple projects plus an upcoming convention.  With no shortage of work I had plenty to do while waiting for the cards to arrive. I received several of the standard 2.5” x 3.5” cards, and some of the larger 5” x 5”. I was immediately intimidated by the smaller cards so I put those away as I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to ever use them. I do like to work small, but I think the possibility of making a mistake weighed on me…not sure. I gathered the larger cards and began sketching some ideas on my iPad. For each image I provided a scene along with the character I chose.  I also selected the content with extreme personal prejudice, as these are still some of my favorite television characters. I felt that I was only doing fan service with the Spider-Man piece, the rest were all passion-projects for me.

 

'Milhouse Wigs-Out', 5" x 5" Sketch Card

Thankfully the sketches I did earlier helped me figure out most of the structure ahead of time, and I was able to quickly produce the images using tonal markers in lieu of color. I would have liked to use color but due to time constraints, it just wasn’t feasible. The cards were due on the 31^st of December, and I somehow managed to get them out to the gallery on Christmas Eve (in a very empty Post Office), which was cutting it close. A theme of this month and several projects.

 

'Ralph Wiggum's Big Day', 5" x 5" Sketch Card

This was my first time working on sketch cards, and I enjoyed it overall.  Even if I didn’t follow directions. Apparently, if I would have read the email detailing the show, I would have known that the standard cards were for the show, not the 5” x 5” cards. Those were for  ‘5” x 5” Fridays’, a feature the gallery was looking to highlight. I was deeply embarrassed, and the gallery was very gracious about it. Thankfully I would have another opportunity, as the cards came with an insert detailing the next show which in August of 2022.

 

'Zim fails to remember Phase 2', 5" x 5" Sketch Card

I started these sketch cards sometime in the middle of December 2021, and completed them on December 24^th, 2021, spending varying amounts of time on each illustration. Overall, I’d say each card took me anywhere between two, to three hours, with perhaps one or more taking me a bit longer (like that damned leprechaun on Ralph’s shoulder). The cards were due on December 31^st, 2021, with the show opening on February 26^th, 2021. All the sketch cards measure in at 5” x 5”, and are all one of a kind, exclusively available at Hero Complex Gallery. Please check the gallery’s website for availability, and any other remaining works related to the show including mine.

 

'Taco Tuesday's with G.I.R.', 5" x 5" Sketch Card

For more information, or to see a catalog of my other work, please visit my online store here. You can also find me on various social media platforms below doing a multitude of other artistic things that include hand lettering, and the occasional sculpting, crafting or painting. 

UPDATE: Much to my surprise, most of the cards sold rather quickly, so you’ll simply have to bask in their glory here virtually.

Website: www.michaelstiles.com

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