tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51247244410201275712024-03-04T20:03:17.267-08:00Allan Burch IllustrationAllan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-42774559433422467582017-03-08T21:56:00.000-08:002017-03-08T22:10:22.392-08:00Of Hoops and Healing: Remembering, Retelling, Reliving for Bostonia Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnikNjO_L9qchQui4LROyrxKfw8DmKyzIGbV9zjK5tho1rGx0-SzHLmgxn3bHjVkA-wA9pTIa-5GJ3PEFSkTIo2mkocNFZGXEHYOl0ZN1Tp1GbBx77g_rJe2OLbKr9Ldi-q9P25deTyjy/s1600/01.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmYlpDuaitxIwwFJWsGorbgY_EKhr67eZWCnwGz3xBARYWC2NUGhuqJG7i_6JC3v13T2z0c8y8ivQU2ybIfkhLy0t5Wyw3VumJMExLC8zOyLL9ZCqNuvT6haDnfFVCd_HFmSviKmViFpC/s1600/02.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuLxAoGNXW1xxsLlM5o8YCtsToiFwqDN9E6H0IL5TvCBvwkXBUuIX1UkklNw6XNIvYYDkFXWAXvmgakF0Lhhj6wU7PECid4PHUzcsSpLsVQVmBm7Fg_R0XtVyQ90cyizY3MrpEdZ7_1hV/s1600/03.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEM6eXUxCpXoPnwaqU969GlfJW37lgGuY9PG04gI-YU1Dm8T-twsD1cVufzvE-drEYzx0RSaSNAB7TT9e25qqQWk8b3bfBnrC_y5nZ-tEgxkQz7T0owUPBhoIEqabytx4iFaWpiWIRj1J/s1600/04.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_-a4dDQ32PDPIh_G3lnoAUbFphrfrxXOYkvz3s3K3G7BjB27CQviTfeNDkHMfCq0ahYuQ8Zotn_sI_b5lQyJfqmgwQOHwYG9t81UoSVXrA4bRBXhhknGzZmWA86BcsNU0PxYr01ar55s/s1600/05.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjoes0vS_4T-vWg2Gbdy_RmBRhXVu1VujAf4kOKyM4A0L9U7YRsnPEr8p1pPGpA5omBmgP4TkpIdjk5rn0kouGqIUYfmwayjeDhz_fO5RGmClj1MDywmCMTZf_dkIWSELav5HylcQUF-O/s1600/06.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC9Fy20Vv02RDgxD6BbQBvH0ad7PYXeRjUt9V4rM32hM-rAyADj8DVqZfOT6PWbn7Ie5jzLMjQxkZ74nCZboK3ypl37mmmDlf93vidu-4OG6blBzABi1HNiVzF7xoUeKPo1yOi8TCJgDB/s1600/07.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<i>Bostonia</i> Magazine (Boston University's alumni magazine)<br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
Seven illustrations for an interactive on-line experience, depicting an eight-step meditation ritual, designed by teacher and author, Onaje Woodbine. The ritual takes the participant through a journey of major points in black history, using basketball as a metaphor. By the end, he or she makes a personal commitment to better the future in spite of their struggles.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
My client forwarded me a storyboard, to follow. So, the direction was pretty well-defined. <br />
<br />
The participant, symbolically, starts in Africa, traveling through slavery, Jim Crow laws, lynching, the underground railroad, the great migration, civil rights movement, and finishes at liberation. The intensity of the basketball game shifts as we travel this journey. The crowd echoes the mood by being joyful, riotous, mournful, or other appropriate emotion. Text and sound helps share the story and completes this unique interactive experience.<br />
<br />
The seven illustrations take place at Malcolm X Park basketball courts. The point-of-view is from the participant, as if she or he were on-court, playing. Lastly, the story should transition from day to night and back to day, mirroring the high and low emotions of these events. The first illustration would be repeated as the eighth liberation step, coming full circle.<br />
<br />
My first step was to start gathering reference.<br />
<br />
The main setting is the court, so, I hunt for the courts at Malcolm X Park, in Roxbury, Massachusetts. There is a unique blue and white paint pattern that distinguishes the court. It should, also, reflect the mix of its urban and natural setting. I decide to utilize the short concrete wall as a backstop design element, and as a separator of the court from the trees. It allows me to combine the urban and natural elements without having to get too complex or distract from the main story.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwmYIHe5goKYIrUvNOOqSNZ7nvBM2Ubi-Hy9rbJ7Es5RZ2jJoC5KS4Fht8hQvGmi01IGI8bdbm01aKNXexFe0234w0kpYBNwQY_jw8bfSg0KLoz0sy6-pOSaEgpQXo6F6r4D-DS-FqPDCD/s1600/IMG_4726.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HGfmhpvLUxpIZde5poLfMZPg9fqMsz_bF3aIXg-7zRw55Y94kgcStJ5li1trGw4HNVIyMscj9zInKqiawCbp_Ueut74BFszqVAGXYD0v0Qr6SJJm8Dlm1GXnFqNBENDG76hqsTKS5dYj/s1600/IMG_4732.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
Fortunately, I live near a park, with a basketball court. So, I dribbled on down the road and took plenty of photos to nail down my perspective and create a solid foundation for my illustrations. I included shots of me, in various positions, on the court, to further solidify my perspective, with the players and crowd.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XQ3pQj8TdjW1SKzOIygfZ-pEftvDMRXpTrJBgw8vaJP0Cy5Lm4u0iyumKr4WbYJNAHd1a-SSsl0GcKhikX5fGUJPyMQqWFjB1luZJ3oMFjEyywxKCg90mmBP_X2Z9W-S-SsHAuUJeS0_/s1600/_MG_0069-2.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9UDXnaC4FW0PHNsTRu36X2hPAmRZj4iOYi5AGIRArxLaU-SZ6UKuTm3AhHA1jrACN-tlwh1Ds3UsE2DozO1wckJmYEV23o-8sUPyK3PJQgEa3d-uvqCo_HZV8bSbs0ZdEDdChz_CrquLg/s1600/_MG_0202.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
The diffuse lighting, that day, was perfect, as it allowed me the greatest versatility, without having to deal with hard, directional shadows. <br />
<br />
The next major element are the players. So, I got into my faux-basketball garb and snapped myself in a variety of defensive stances. <br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hrXS8Av_75cv7POV_SkfvVnke8qBQn9Fjodum-6_7uCPnyZV7eqc1BJ4Y5Vl7k37Nyqss_NBoxg3IfbChff9O1njWCA_ejSEUvDeUEwaosue2K6E0bc-djNyAM2H_2qz5ljrKpGDUwVb/s1600/_MG_0274.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5kuKaD_Ai9_eZe0Lvu68TFhaoNf3HcGpYK_qZsL8SGBcfeziOYEmTJd6LbsolrfevAfhuq609s1xVTRYkr6_ZZkuB5XsFy7jksytDT5tQq_xIBsXJndDtmh4f9CzarDC9eqmO-1qkLEI/s1600/_MG_0290.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
Lastly, the crowd. Again, I threw myself in front of the camera, taking various postures and actions, relevant to the stories the crowds would tell. I'm always considering consistent lighting, as I take these reference photos.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRhy3T_cfAwmDUG8zd_wDhbR-c4ZjztsYj4qTEwaVPN7chHirdfQ-vYamTQoP0stoWrxCrKuNt_4XbwISuz7YIVM4U6QuUCE1rDILK3p5BCSu7O9cdjdf0Mcb4-5yX4ng-QgZgdYe_M3vB/s1600/_MG_0375.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCds7tH88BjbZDA4lz67yNxgHOjvwk1CdwuBT-oRCcMUxejJDm4SjUq30YG7__q711MMJSUywfVlgDlMbaL5Rbo6kTqzCGFQ8hTThekGrM0oyLLClJMKUGDFYJ5wIKDroozmpLYSOxvdN/s1600/_MG_0400.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOlaGW8Hs1UvyRZBxz19ADYEZHn7yI_EYFADf7fZ9G8MgjKvZm-Ib1JOTGUKL8yKNkDi-VRpFx7hZJnwVimEPGPQIs_pFLn-SNEdNhfjXo9pnA4Xg2O-2bPaVTMQVnn-C_FPF5BwKpfxv/s1600/_MG_0549.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Xgg7fMvdwC_2aYbjxQskB5Y2Mv4TMCENMw_93PAhTmqiGpLvMW8MU7F0mD5qGQVK1CKD6V3x60hdxwEhhQP2Im71UQvceo_0l8jirlYB2hvd2MGPrH4GY_1xeb3Z1aLvwMPVfSer7nHV/s1600/_MG_0694.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
Since the direction was pretty clearly defined, in my client’s storyboard, I just needed to flesh it out, including the tonal transition from day to night and back to day. I sent some initial sketches to ensure I was on the right track.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtyZCubqU1uMmR5iUbCb9Ph8YiP2J1jvNZ_mifD-3fsaUInUTI43zdsUVMxirVt2XiIylS09k6FLjIMjIb8u5Kk86erfoW9z-XqiW3KE-QDeKyvXCrpBiW1DNr4MoEkCuy8TRHnXwSfGll/s1600/001.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0B9-m8CjfOHkFLB7rZKY5c92rwkfg8r0zSX1ssUza03gGmASwB0EmfXLIDuPGVqGFmrA_Otivy3zGmxlg7Qgag9lDIT5UTw64sqBxmdLKjTcKf7ypxA5_hIWwv0KszXXLoKGmgzaACVKt/s1600/002.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSnRM_Tws5KM2srDbXn4SkVMaOy-q5sbi-dXb0cLJpkZQ8mXyaI-072tdrMWNKELI4IFDUyog2HmRESXdXG-HPSi53FW_LWtrZ5p-X46CBYNJSJzfBXaf_M_nudMc7bbFWAtA34mUabGp/s1600/003.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSG5lbDJkvWuhaDQNzIOzzIDP4_7e0UDpuJ33-egzk2-SDHSNB8tGxNonDJdNVhpVQHV47T9c0c8fn7VBZe00C0dvAt-Wi6-hWq1CFtjXUwUUTl7iO9Fd6jWBNREXAxlv9-_EtKgryJvew/s1600/004.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZ0HcyhsI_Lb5pdkBaVBPKhYC-w-ahFsTYVBGue-Tg0Ou2utbLF7getW-CxgwT0opOFqFdgmX8M1zOXfFHPMIjuN5ycAuS2Hp3vqKt1-uUvqpfg7YxLKeFUUIZjQQ-2SFtKniEGZFTbA4/s1600/005.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGzG08B8YxSSO5dnSR58fq8tdJWRwBDNrr6MM9PrnTjA9cT8GS_fK_QoyJA46l-wEpWm-fN4sXdlwg3qC9aFuNjQBYvXAgxSOW2vyt_EkuZMv1j6SqlfF2ubR3U0okDUFJ5snnJ3XL9cyg/s1600/006.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL7SWqueg43oXbFDpcmoSBS2TMiDjrJ0YbhFHZMT9VKmqpVEJgrq5IgKKh3N4zhMcKnAVZEgUfmFntA-bKgq-PlO1zqZJ6a5LxZTD5Ln0YHuU4o2wIauu8tR7ImxZlDTsOBoj3gBtCmCTf/s1600/007.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
<b>REVISIONS</b><br />
<br />
My client was on-board, with it, all. Just a few minor adjustments to a couple of players were requested. The next step would be to refine the crowds, who would be helping to tell the story, by what they were doing, in each panel. I, also, wanted to refine the players’ faces, replacing my “for-position-only” heads, from my initial sketches.<br />
<br />
I re-submitted the following, along with a color comp, to make sure our visions, aligned:<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2zvmiKXEBZXvlp2soyN41Gaf0AdwFUE-lvMPIvOEHFjHLfrWzgTPV2q8hU6RPTGY1ACZyszLQPgLwZm9bCGVEgw8RZGEfYYOMKQx74m7hsU5dwOFo0bg9iVunXQl6g7Eq7D-4MzbDnRd/s1600/01.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXAl_t9TGt24dtJUiYd6WdWdqsFN7LDk_K5UlbkEgZct_pEESYfnb2Kd1FdW1Z3Ty_odHRPPDdk3uNfG108d669k9_YM6LP7M3eMEnqQ-759a7DpRiT_3HGHXu443aJJB9F8kTT2mAnzC/s1600/02.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjuKNSD41EGRr0jHoz7vl4wFDviTc6dUtdyuLLd7pIjfLAOy6-GNsVEEOvv0VB1Z2ZkUbrjWXZET9gTMNUEb5_17s0B6CJRr1FKnvOVGw0sygkINgcvhhZ7R8XvKbZBrZY5FKMHsUWXHG/s1600/03.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisDniV8C9YMEhM_BAmaOcpJSLXFDqmfXzdwihvJ3DaMCcr5lymbkK8W1cLe0m6st2mpMiFQUrNhX6a56SrPR2hL5EHwE5TZZGAepd2X5yhB5uIw7mQJJFWABopoAFZ-et1kyjUjK_YvNhE/s1600/03_Colorc.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94Ka7z4k2itYaLtJ637ObcSRkK8Wqi11xX8l5d0cErYCcH9tb-XuqaoRuuZz9y6J5d4TjMg8hp9RohTklpga6tnQ3EtTcKtoVUde9B9cJRvjGJxBL8acrIcptHbhwLMdw5WU7RJ0pInAv/s1600/04.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7fws0rwH6L4rBooynaon9uUd92DIX08-NQxGbc5PGISrqdj_d63Vi7P6D_AeX4nPeLQj2yc8FJ-Iao5hlj6YoXW77QZrQccCiX4BOssbKt6YtUvgul9AKzfFwMfj67CwnyZDACpWajS9p/s1600/05.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9c9kVMwr5E2p1hJ9yFFCDqpWJU3b1H84ULrzb0Dlls0qshyphenhyphenbAADRf35BmAE5sR2zuw_FF4QowBDZgZm01a3GdIc0uUj1UDyBpMmCOnIAzSUrkJzcnz5iaOyLgwbnhyphenhyphenVhPBbiwGEnzKTl/s1600/06.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghe62UIhfOOCTekvc_kkG27mhnP2INhXUkrrRU2iA5jKMNTXzPfUW93qLkFcUxYIFI5IyXhd8myrqFvXXavPJvrSPvnF7DsxI_joHjpNwFRZypiX-1DxO7A3MNcijV8KRw9ZkSyI736Y80/s1600/07.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
All was approved. It was time to move, forward.<br />
<br />
The final interactive experience may be seen, <a href="http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/winter-spring17/onaje-woodbine-street-basketball" target="_new">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Click “Enter The Court,” and follow the instructions to move through all eight steps. Take a moment to, also, click “Read The Story.” It’s quite fascinating to learn the story behind this journey.<br />
<br />
My thanks to the folks at <i>Bostonia</i> for the opportunity to collaborate on this fantastic project.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnikNjO_L9qchQui4LROyrxKfw8DmKyzIGbV9zjK5tho1rGx0-SzHLmgxn3bHjVkA-wA9pTIa-5GJ3PEFSkTIo2mkocNFZGXEHYOl0ZN1Tp1GbBx77g_rJe2OLbKr9Ldi-q9P25deTyjy/s1600/01.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmYlpDuaitxIwwFJWsGorbgY_EKhr67eZWCnwGz3xBARYWC2NUGhuqJG7i_6JC3v13T2z0c8y8ivQU2ybIfkhLy0t5Wyw3VumJMExLC8zOyLL9ZCqNuvT6haDnfFVCd_HFmSviKmViFpC/s1600/02.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxuLxAoGNXW1xxsLlM5o8YCtsToiFwqDN9E6H0IL5TvCBvwkXBUuIX1UkklNw6XNIvYYDkFXWAXvmgakF0Lhhj6wU7PECid4PHUzcsSpLsVQVmBm7Fg_R0XtVyQ90cyizY3MrpEdZ7_1hV/s1600/03.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcEM6eXUxCpXoPnwaqU969GlfJW37lgGuY9PG04gI-YU1Dm8T-twsD1cVufzvE-drEYzx0RSaSNAB7TT9e25qqQWk8b3bfBnrC_y5nZ-tEgxkQz7T0owUPBhoIEqabytx4iFaWpiWIRj1J/s1600/04.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP_-a4dDQ32PDPIh_G3lnoAUbFphrfrxXOYkvz3s3K3G7BjB27CQviTfeNDkHMfCq0ahYuQ8Zotn_sI_b5lQyJfqmgwQOHwYG9t81UoSVXrA4bRBXhhknGzZmWA86BcsNU0PxYr01ar55s/s1600/05.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQjoes0vS_4T-vWg2Gbdy_RmBRhXVu1VujAf4kOKyM4A0L9U7YRsnPEr8p1pPGpA5omBmgP4TkpIdjk5rn0kouGqIUYfmwayjeDhz_fO5RGmClj1MDywmCMTZf_dkIWSELav5HylcQUF-O/s1600/06.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZC9Fy20Vv02RDgxD6BbQBvH0ad7PYXeRjUt9V4rM32hM-rAyADj8DVqZfOT6PWbn7Ie5jzLMjQxkZ74nCZboK3ypl37mmmDlf93vidu-4OG6blBzABi1HNiVzF7xoUeKPo1yOi8TCJgDB/s1600/07.jpg" width="400"/> </a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
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•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-15830651363734405972017-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:002017-01-01T17:32:54.354-08:00Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets for Old Spice<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVWFe2FDcQDNq-f7LWrky6lKowuYGYmjg7y9Ox2T-so9hIaPkejigMgZL884-P4Y_CP76MKhFYIDNuOq1w_RyDpq6PpUHQfqR_7CWCCsTNeMwUGc-nBFISkwZdbd6Xk5KWlxgusJhwyFW/s1600/OldSpice15Nov2015.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
Wieden + Kennedy for Old Spice<br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A retro illustration book cover for a dramatized recreation of an NFL game, featuring the Buffalo Bills vs the New York Jets.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Respecting NFL guidelines, the illustration must feature six, specific NFL players, all, roughly, the same size, so as not to highlight one over the other. Also, include a jet and buffalo, to symbolize the teams.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
Old Spice is a major sponsor of the NFL. As part of their sponsorship, they would be producing a dramatized, social media story of an NFL game. Our illustration, commissioned in 2015, would be the book cover to this story. As noted, six, specific players should be featured, plus a jet and buffalo.<br />
<br />
I was provided with some reference to show the montage, retro style they’d like to reflect. I started by gathering plenty of reference of the six players, requested. For the Jets: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Darrelle Revis, and Nick Mangold. For the Bills: Eric Wood, Mario Williams, and Sammy Watkins.<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
My thought process included playing with angles, perspective, overlap, and action. At this point, it was uncertain what color jerseys they would be wearing. So, I mocked in some placeholders. I provided several sketches, in various compositions.<br />
<br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV61f_rW_9HYRNY2WBXGnUe_v0A5Qg5a721WDMuORTBymYwK9t86E3akJvJ3pQdPFkradVFEj1Se2mAb1KmgAdKkPDbAsU-spy-agG5_xFQ3IkXagXAbgYfmO8vytN4zbfyEYhaXH68Onw/s1600/OldSpice_01.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZhfyIzrTIRItOBtcXyLi60Ae3deka-Fuuc5Ptg0-ACa_8GCTYFSlsFSNFZGueYWxlEM-31BNjEzBWoFz3mvVGbpA1x9Egv_T7sY2R4VT0TSc5csOxbUecCIax2YkZWyJyMBv2Z7fo2Fec/s1600/OldSpice_02.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMjWHgxMbXrzNs8VDpgSNOgFAGt7b76Gzp9OEsdh6ZYdPGfTRRZXd635sLoTVa2nRxSkDDGNJbo5uP3SrygqCL_YBmbUKLiDs2K8RIhZWocUZ1S7FVMHTbR5UTdZIgZpBOiFhKfdNSmMvn/s1600/OldSpice_03.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEh0DMhOeX5kOxMf4dxUwpKh-e7c8aIWyx-sbJwqIAK9fFvemuUxI-dG82aYfCk0MoHjXML8x43-WPF0TJ5fHbIqsakyXdL9Fc3ftU4d9YgxLge4OW8-CYg1BV_IXKbLmCV2yxBAO5FmYI/s1600/OldSpice_04.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkRL87-EIjuU6_khQ8CxShiIcKLthUNDVgEdFnf1drAOnqligWelYgAJ-onaXckwFMumxUBjTk9uzZiwLZjIrEnxNPIu92cx-qaXbZS5gSNQFmovkDtdt3iXzYyF1wkGREAGjpV-CbwJWe/s1600/OldSpice_05.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>REVISIONS</b><br />
<br />
After review, my client liked the direction, but had some suggestions. They sent a sketch that showed a more iconic treatment of the buffalo and jet. We, also, learned that the teams would be wearing their Nike Color Rush jerseys. These are special jerseys which bring a bold, uniform color, from head-to-toe<br />
<br />
I re-submitted the following color comp:<br />
<br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXaN5Vfm2cOBXENfNPFm8PalsxV-BQFKJ45UtdAyusm0npa4Yd2pIoDnq37Osv5SeG07uPzsDtrBfVLJtxBJNErgxnYHHSRnlctR5NPrWEW5xP847qtp3lQpMwLwGR7tvY5382QdI3ZKk/s1600/colorcorrected.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
With a separation of the buffalo and jet, as well as a bit more graphic look to the buffalo, we were approved to move, forward.<br />
<br />
<a> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVWFe2FDcQDNq-f7LWrky6lKowuYGYmjg7y9Ox2T-so9hIaPkejigMgZL884-P4Y_CP76MKhFYIDNuOq1w_RyDpq6PpUHQfqR_7CWCCsTNeMwUGc-nBFISkwZdbd6Xk5KWlxgusJhwyFW/s1600/OldSpice15Nov2015.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My thanks to the folks at Wieden + Kennedy and Old Spice for the opportunity to collaborate on this fun project.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-59666193515465563172016-10-19T14:41:00.000-07:002016-10-20T11:37:53.425-07:00Kendra<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnhyphenhyphenf5wf10g3gzlLb6CCQHM2gyGWEx71jbYZenP1FVOjCEIWNvi2kqV15JDhvg_iFhdfVc6dQwTn2LEA3sX5Hk4k0hOxPVgF5qernHaEFHWHsBtKjdqDbPn-ktd2yptPCAgJ54154kxA5/s640/AllanBurchKendra.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
Create a thick, rich, painterly portfolio piece.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Create a multi-layered, beautiful illustration filled with immediacy and dimensionality, while also working as a flat abstraction.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
I dabble in photography. A nice byproduct of this is I have an abundance of source material when I want to play, a bit, with the paint.<br />
<br />
One such photo session was with one of my favorite collaborators, Kendra Scott. We tend to create magical images, together. This particular session was a metamorphosis-themed concept, transitioning — visually and metaphorically — from a beautiful facade to raw vulnerability. You can see and read about this beautiful and emotional session, <a href="http://abartistry.blogspot.com/2015/01/metamorph-conversation-with-kendra-part.html" target="_new">HERE</a> and <a href="http://abartistry.blogspot.com/2015/01/metamorph-conversation-with-kendra-part_26.html" target="_new">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
One of my favorite images, from our experience, was this simple, yet elegant, back shot. The sensual forms and shapes would provide lots of opportunity to juxtapose bold strokes and textures, and see what might pan out, in a painting.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLobCiiYUw7ylwo-urSsDdO_to6nnNEqCYFoEZc6O5MVYNkC6apazrKmIpP8ZAbCry99tIwO9WYuUulFYKhQhW8dFg3nlNuPgxrR_GVqzaLB-pIq9mdaPk38CotFb36VSRCmYL6jNAm4d/s640/AllanBurchKendrapic.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Using the paint in a sculptural way, I strove for economy of mark-making — a few marks to define the dimension of a shoulder blade or a mass of hair.<br />
<br />
Red is one of my favorite colors to exploit, in a piece of art. It’s an automatic call-to-arms, visually, and emotionally. It lets the subconscious know there is a bundle of emotion, residing, within. <br />
<br />
What better way to exploit red, than with green, its complement?<br />
<br />
The photo has a much more subdued background, which works, for the photograph. But, for my illustration, there needed to be more for the eye to touch and experience. I decided it needed to remain a non-descript background, but still be filled with detail and depth, to add that richness and energy I was looking for. Layers of lines, shapes, dots, and negative space, all trigger the mind, in different ways, while still harmonizing within that single background space. The green colors are just subdued, enough, to not overpower the main statement of the red. That’s important for color balance.<br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
To further enhance a sense of beautiful, painterly mark-making that also happens to create a recognizable series of forms, a ragged black border seemed to be the perfect final touch. In addition to creating a frame, the border intersects and blends into the figure, separating the picture into three shapes (negative space to the left and right of the figure, and the figure, itself). In doing these things, the frame starts to trick the eye into choosing between a 3-dimensional form or a flattened abstraction. The mind is always trying to make choices as it attempts to make sense of the world.<br />
<br />
This complex journey into a piece of art is what makes an eye want to come back and investigate. The question of what is real vs what is illusion is one of the most important questions art can pose to a viewer. It is just one aspect of art that makes it such an important part of the human experience.<br />
<br />
My thanks to the amazing, Kendra, for creating beautiful images, with me, and helping to make this artwork, possible.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnhyphenhyphenf5wf10g3gzlLb6CCQHM2gyGWEx71jbYZenP1FVOjCEIWNvi2kqV15JDhvg_iFhdfVc6dQwTn2LEA3sX5Hk4k0hOxPVgF5qernHaEFHWHsBtKjdqDbPn-ktd2yptPCAgJ54154kxA5/s640/AllanBurchKendra.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-36057253749857140102016-07-10T01:29:00.000-07:002016-07-10T01:29:08.370-07:00Serena Williams<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLbtonI_2qQvesp6vn17YIZFnSvqCVi07nv2OC5QSC05TTF2ReVPS8RMIb4UGtK9BfClKMin46KQB_BDIVDtUjelnkcE-wRgBXrUi_YTT-0tgFN99PDbjt4OJos-ns2jx1imIjfxeUeMT/s800/serenafinish.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A portfolio piece, featuring professional tennis champion, Serena Williams, to showcase my sports illustrations.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Create a rich, colorful, action-packed (and flattering) illustration of the dominant Ms. Williams, in the heat of an on-court point, while telling the story of her strength, focus, and beauty.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
Sports illustration is a favorite genre, of mine. My style and vision seems to mesh with the energy of sports. So, I decided to create a series of sports portraits, to showcase my latest stylings, in the genre.<br />
<br />
First up is tennis superstar, Serena Williams. As I write, she just captured her 22nd major singles title, at Wimbledon 2016. This win ties her for most women’s singles titles, in the open era. If you don’t follow tennis, all you need to know is, she is, arguably, the greatest women’s tennis player, of all time.<br />
<br />
My goals, heading into this illustration, were to capture bold color, texture, and motion. I wanted to give your retinas a feast.<br />
<br />
As I gathered reference of Serena, in action, I was reminded how odd and contorted our faces can be, during the heat of a sporting event. That can look interesting and truthful, in a photograph. And, while I’m all for truth, I wanted to do so with a face that stated “focus” and “beauty” along with "intensity." Those snarling mugs don’t hold up so well, illustratively; for me, anyway.<br />
<br />
As any connoisseur of Serena knows, she is a style icon, on and off the court. I chose a colorful US Open outfit, for her. The palpable energy and vibrant color of the US Open, held in New York City, encapsulates the energetic and color-rich vibe of my vision. So, I chose to sample my color palette of blues and reds from this one-of-a-kind sensory experience of a tennis tournament.<br />
<br />
Since I was after movement, I decided on a moment, during the rally, as opposed to the serve or a moment, after the action. This would provide me nice shapes and angles, as well as a good vantage point for her face, and the sense of immediacy I was looking for.<br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
After crafting a pose and composing it to the page, I dug out the paint. With bold strokes, I gave myself plenty of texture to work with. This stage is like creating a skeleton for the refinements, to come. I’m, almost, sculpting the shapes of the body, to, hopefully, capture the flow of her shape and movement. I’m also looking for a few “happy accidents.”<br />
<br />
Here’s a sneak peek into my underpainting process…<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yKdbsddPnzbyHFCLlxqa3RmGw1b9zexUcXI6hXd2WPea4SOFTf6HdZfTlt0xCzmNz1MrefqxFMWCl_T_0_hpjySzBB50tfhSRpZOknm9sTYAern6JMFqc-nyQdR8Pa1JrmnOoN5BnBnO/s800/serena1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnZUKDsPJQT3Vvk7yLzOt0hU-ePKIZxIrqBmMD1oDZyMg0zx6nDtIsCDElpPufd4NTS3xi25Dwbb0snZ0JgmPChFuCzmH_pYlGrWK_jU0t_ip0XNCpNFByBOV5GH5zYvDrVpDL85jCEbf/s800/serena2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPynCS1orX2cx7fCedcw_KVS6MU-G0bYwSFaWliRQXxUInf-aPp8Dl3qff2pubDoTSuZrJUy1q_yYUbI6ca7CoI1jG2XhSaEwN-CNkKCQ5YCHbjDRnt8dOk9dUvKbDEFgZVGbhiqD4IRo1/s800/serena3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6bp0iat7pyVsiXfdmE1o904WwErRYWHn18qJoB6FNxv3hwWF7iGDzoU08-J5lyHU1pc3uGzFBbhrIC2ksdQ8DyZI7017MozfO0b3DTabRxmdjHRgoXQlrOOv61fqMnOtuBJANPyyQg4mE/s800/serenaunderpainting.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
At this point, it goes into Photoshop, where I close my eyes and hope for the best. Actually, I go back and forth between tidying it up and layering and enhancing its texture.<br />
<br />
For my color palette, the blues and reds were leaning toward a triad color scheme. So, I incorporated some yellow-green, as the third color. A triad color scheme is one in which three colors are equally-spaced, on the color wheel. As such, it becomes harmonious, and, it tends to please the eye.<br />
<br />
I hadn’t, originally, planned on using type, but, upon completion, I felt the urge to give it a whirl. The no-nonsense sans serif “SERENA” embodies strength, while the delicate “Williams” script embodies class, refinement, and artistry — just as she does.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLbtonI_2qQvesp6vn17YIZFnSvqCVi07nv2OC5QSC05TTF2ReVPS8RMIb4UGtK9BfClKMin46KQB_BDIVDtUjelnkcE-wRgBXrUi_YTT-0tgFN99PDbjt4OJos-ns2jx1imIjfxeUeMT/s800/serenafinish.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-52756111386055189362016-05-30T19:42:00.000-07:002016-05-30T19:42:33.636-07:00Dean Martin Katz for Denver Law Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xLrYAx2-gwVe8vwqkxZRYpN-alTsFpH8KCGfKtmYOFLOa0bb40geNt4LdN0d6JCr7Z1pZ2dRhr4ilLA0Bu07gFnwYtnpoJ1vjSNVl5h7rWrpYUfEPs-lTy2BQDs1qRqgzP2h1wK1jQ0E/s800/UDenverCoverWS2016.jpg"width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.law.du.edu/" target="_new">University of Denver Sturm College of Law</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A cover illustration to honor Martin Katz, the beloved dean of the University of Denver’s law school, who is stepping down from his position.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Tell the story of Martin Katz – his deanship at the University of Denver, his interest in aviation, and his status as a highly-regarded figure, at the school and among the nation-wide law school community.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
I participated in a conference call, with my art director as well as the assistant dean of Sturm College of Law, to discuss what they wished to portray for this cover illustration, honoring Dean Martin Katz, and thanking him for his time of positive service, to the school and its students.<br />
<br />
Among his achievements, Dean Katz instituted a strategic plan, focusing on experiential learning, which helped bridge the community, academia, and the law profession. The success of his vision helped rocket the school up 22 places in the <i>US News and World Report</i> rankings of best law schools. At his peak, Dean Katz was listed as the 4th most influential person in legal education, according to <i>The National Jurist</i>, a premier publication devoted to law school news, trends, and rankings.<br />
<br />
Symbolism would be an important instrument in the story of this illustration.<br />
<br />
Among his avocations, Dean Katz performs search and rescue missions for the Civil Air Patrol. His interest in aviation will serve as a tool to bridge the personal story of Martin Katz with that of Dean Katz, the educator. His eye is always on the horizon, whether in flight or in educational vision. Aviation should, naturally, play a role in the illustration. <br />
<br />
In addition to aviation, the natural surrounds, of Denver – namely, the Rocky Mountains – would seem to be beautiful visual tools, to consider, as I set forth with preliminary sketches.<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
I started with Mr. Katz in a stately pose, with the viewer looking up, giving him a larger-than-life, heroic presence. A natural starting point was to depict him with rolled-up sleeves, looking like he is ready to get to work. After some experimentation, and photo shoots, of myself, in various poses, I felt this pose would communicate the story and fill the space, best. <br />
<br />
A colorful sunset sky seemed like, not only a beautiful addition, to the scene, but, also, a symbol of the sun setting on his time, as dean.<br />
<br />
The other devices I chose were the school, itself (interior and exterior), the Rocky Mountains, and the campus bridge, as a symbol of his bridge-building reputation.<br />
<br />
A Cessna airplane, toward the horizon, is also prevalent. <br />
<br />
I provided 5 options.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGn7YZaK5frK4xAPQf9xkkrsgc9XFHegSs9RNFXZ5p8mtL8ckpJhqH0RWH1DHtdTyh7hMT77DqflYDCTE-y8D1WM2OPgTOZ2NFSyaCCxOMBXc7USeTjJtscm8WCSvllBIbWb7pbHPunVu/s800/01.jpg"width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsY1jcm5mfykkWFhmprHEqKON07tD-xBQlBeZSpXpdeAh5jit08ygVqBzQKc75lgGRzqZgh_Akk6pJPtvmx0vfjLl2tT-E8WRfFACVBrBGi1nmr_IbsIto3kPakQJfkAgK3cD5Tbw-l83H/s800/02.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQIh19pScnJsN1mtAytHuGTKjZ202vmpiRigTfFKuJDmzgQT8ZTQbQOEvKerAXAyDD5KEO_CTbRIFblN1AG5VthIphTUb9JBpfeflz_hNbUxEDIwvgiRIYdRc3zIhubL2nOPpXTVTHzTGB/s800/03.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0cZyqtXC2i22e3y8AqTxKiAL8etgRjJJ3ByxM_yz2LMavpFK45EJ0eLPTC8Z8mjmKVaeW38TjvU-GmZxZ7Sf8sdPLHP1ablDySiKI_k6F6EPgaUexQJHAXxixjOFJeA51PCnzpFzqYB7-/s800/04.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDM__AXfdwArcLWoDe_ogBGXj2MPJAQ9xdq-wAPulaROYGbtlufxplT5bVrP9Yu7IISg6XFWnAkdMKbndF9abRQUfy9LBQpsJTS6TtfWvytq5slHMdPF2_UBdZ8NMxdJdq_Y8fQUlHB9cz/s800/05.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>REVISIONS</b><br />
<br />
After review, my client liked number 2 and 4, but with some requests. <br />
<br />
1. A less-menacing sky, on both.<br />
2. Lighten the landscape on #4.<br />
<br />
I re-submitted the following:<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNCKiFWNZZnxOp8NNZdad4KjjFEXZBvervA2C8iutVJGpwwBqhDWjarPTpEvyH52DTbIhFJqkPVBJVWLeaVk2yoB-R5yFW3ecGqmpMEzda9-J5XKkIo3sU4NO6nZE5v8l0emCtDbhn0vJW/s800/02B.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOSFvFGf8pbCCR6Bas91hzeeeljrR40naxzG3OTHSvxD9lw3Wx8mPPo4oGYyFWam5T0WE6VEqImNolml3iR6wKgRjNfpFKQ55gC8WPvg0R_jYP68xA2HrENb31IDH7S9ZkaGu9LFGm8hh/s800/04B.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
My client chose sketch #2, with the sky revision. <br />
<br />
The magazine cover was a success and very well-received, by Mr. Katz, which is the icing on the cake.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_xLrYAx2-gwVe8vwqkxZRYpN-alTsFpH8KCGfKtmYOFLOa0bb40geNt4LdN0d6JCr7Z1pZ2dRhr4ilLA0Bu07gFnwYtnpoJ1vjSNVl5h7rWrpYUfEPs-lTy2BQDs1qRqgzP2h1wK1jQ0E/s800/UDenverCoverWS2016.jpg"width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
My thanks to the folks at <i>Denver Law</i> Magazine for the opportunity to honor Dean Martin Katz.<br />
<br />
<final art><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-62937059705554276362016-04-17T19:02:00.000-07:002016-04-17T19:02:48.078-07:00Prince Hall for American Legacy Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP3NlvH_pn_ccUUxLjoqzOUK6tIyYCOE3TkKs6r_yos-YYWcUgF_BvIquWU0V8qENTpTaEAQKCD8u8nfZ64bTe5qojMBW2TPdb2WabeiC9X2iPZ0OSC2X_QWpzt2Rr10HyMLGE5YgnFkl/s800-Ic42/princehall.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<i>American Legacy</i> Magazine<br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A full-page illustration for a feature article on Prince Hall, who, in 1784, was one of the founding members of the first African-American Freemasonry order. <br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Create a beautiful, accurate, historical portrait of Mr. Hall, with the stateliness of “one of the first black organizers, in American history,” according to the feature article. <br />
<br />
On the eve of the Revolutionary War, Prince Hall, and fourteen free black men, risked their lives, and their freedom, by taking a boat to the enemy’s fort, at the entrance to the Boson Harbor, in an attempt to join Freemasonry. After being rejected by colonial Freemasonry, these men, determined to join, were accepted by the Grand Lodge of Ireland, Lodge No. 441, on March 6, 1775. After the British evacuated Boston, the African-American Masons were left without a lodge. The departing Irish soldiers gave these Masons a permit to meet as African Lodge No. 1. However, without a lodge, this permit provided limited provisions. A petition for lodge was sent to the Lodge of England. In 1784, the petition was granted, and African Lodge No. 459 was founded — the first African-American fraternal order, with Prince Hall as its leader.<br />
<br />
Today, the nationwide branch of African-American Freemasonry is named Prince Hall Freemasonry, in his honor.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
The direction would be a head and shoulders portrait with the Masonic symbol, behind. My task, now, would be to gather reference, showing what the man may have looked like. There is a bit of leeway, when it comes to historical figures, for whom no good reference exists. No one is around to dispute. I also needed to be sure and gather historically-accurate clothing and hair styles. This includes general Revolutionary-era attire and powdered wigs. <br />
<br />
The Freemasonry symbol is the square and compass. As with many aspects of Freemasonry, these items are rooted in symbolism. There are no concrete, consistent meanings, behind them, however, they are, often, to be reflective of lessons in conduct. The square is to remind members to square their actions and the compass is to remind members of their bounds with all of mankind. The letter, “G,” is often found, in the center of the logo. It is generally believed to represent God.<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
I provided 4 options, in various configurations.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid6CAstf2_9ZRLTYgxB2wDyPB2-3MK_ZgIAnTmTpBH8G0z7kFFbr2Xkyf8u42LqDYp6BvejZQqdjCLVRLYYvL-1BQ8hR5KZsaJIfp1JKwQYmyNpEcHv5VSZYFJfE_dwtQOWqyC8yBhkIle/s800-Ic42/fulla.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJivrw91IZC0HhwAVdKe_Eq6GwL_4jPi7KRGfP2RxxyrWQ54GE2qS7SbdlVdEJ0LC5HzDlWP3nxOhTz412JsneVQ94i_yEZjybSh1JRJBDz_LcxncFS6OuYs1HSqCmq9cPEe4BdLcp4qf2/s800-Ic42/fullb.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XVxUhp2VORdssyaUGHr1yIMD1auInr472hoIYmJJYJMhlcC2SOf_dv5dRpQmW_1JA3QYGyyb3m1nSHm1oM_pOBeibRBxp431yWp7LHqJXrJXK041PsPc_KzeTXyirQGI8THyYOdgaTZD/s800-Ic42/fullc.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtscGq4cDROLpyyBifKC6xfSXk5oXnrWopp2nKtgyqp89rEkg1qqlImtSLLbxTdjfQde7ZnO4sWLyz43JyeS_fO8WQ3yVChtje6wYTVjDTM9nKvhMpjfIthJ0aV36OcU7Fto_vmZ2ylbe3/s800-Ic42/fulld.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
My client chose sketch #3. <br />
<br />
My sketches are based on other sketchy artistic renderings. So, a photo shoot was in order. Matthew was my subject and a combination of a nondescript sweater and a Revolutionary War-era costume from the costume shop, was our wardrobe.<br />
<br />
This is the photo composite reference I used for the final art...<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRz4L0ydwhAz0A5zitnEpgo_Ots5Bkyv5_ksPyL_VZDJXf0ag4E-48nnDTUBVwXLd4HXiBOXeeTSW4BMeBfX9C-xgeksmwnVva5R5SN3i2RtQSNSjqD6Ii8HMhLDim46UtDU1ZMt57zZmB/s800-Ic42/fullpg.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
Acrylic paint with Photoshop is my medium, of choice, for color work.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, the illustration did not see publication, as the magazine, unexpectedly, went through some restructuring. However, Prince Hall is still a popular figure and the illustration has taken on a life of its own, since its creation:<br />
<br />
• It was accepted to Illustration West 50 annual and exhibition, in 2012, sponsored by the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. <br />
<br />
• As mentioned, there are not many depictions of Mr. Hall, and those that exist are not very detailed. As a result, it caught the eye of the leader of a California Freemasonry Lodge who licensed it as part of Prince Hall Day, at their Lodge. <br />
<br />
• It will also be seen at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, in Bloomington, MN, as part of an educational exhibit.<br />
<br />
My thanks to the folks at <i>American Legacy</i> Magazine for the opportunity to learn more about Prince Hall and to bring him to life, in this way.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkP3NlvH_pn_ccUUxLjoqzOUK6tIyYCOE3TkKs6r_yos-YYWcUgF_BvIquWU0V8qENTpTaEAQKCD8u8nfZ64bTe5qojMBW2TPdb2WabeiC9X2iPZ0OSC2X_QWpzt2Rr10HyMLGE5YgnFkl/s800-Ic42/princehall.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-65739061577922973322016-04-03T12:01:00.000-07:002016-04-03T12:01:03.937-07:00Frederick T. Gates For the University of Chicago<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm5rpKqOEryV9eqDewb_02kq5lbApjVI5Q3CzpSQvTVnvv3HrkiEV6fuLJ8ktNrsnpWmTbBVOa-s1g8SwzSHT_k_io-24xANO0lWlloYVZA5-nxwYwONI8jrWdMI52A9jRn_3SZlp83-1/s800-Ic42/gatescolor.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
The University of Chicago<br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A black and white illustration of Frederick T. Gates for an annual academic service award. Mr. Gates (1853–1929) served on the school’s board, for many years. He was also a close advisor to John D. Rockefeller, Sr., who founded the school. <br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Create a portrait of Mr. Gates, while also telling the story of his academic roots with the school, for this, aforementioned, academic award.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
After a discussion, with my art director, about the direction the portrait should take, we decided on Mr. Gates against the backdrop of the University. They wanted to include a background of some sort, instead of, simply, a silhouetted portrait. <br />
<br />
Along with images of Mr. Gates, I rounded up reference of the school, thinking about iconic buildings, interior vs exterior, as well as angular vs squared views. I wanted to try a variety of options to achieve the best composition.<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
I provided 5 options, including a basic, nondescript background, in order to cover all bases.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimciTh0ohWrawg1pTielkAh5Fev_5qF9bHgN1DSx2lKx3ncp6pZfeeRu14WlDbDFgxPnX1QQclUY9PgfA1ARrkO1_vSrntjflgWXaS1ksT2Z3jsa3OkGAXC583mGuIm8P9d7gYmBimHgl0/s800-Ic42/gates1.jpg" width="400"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHYZN2h0viCKIrDtjRW7EWbJtLNUqQnAzeJFP64QPQdODFos7M55AY6k9vRMG3m_27mt3r_lBIxvcBvXw_kuE5oxyPb9PQulKz-sk0iXS7vAMmD5P0lrcikH2CITi9e9fV4lDfihjmS4yM/s800-Ic42/gates2.jpg" width="400"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTa8LznhTXNS3Xx6EmKx4dYLVhF0kn3kJN0cQoLmHtFr7GRgk23pegW34Rn4lVpHb-xyuh2YsGTyAW9i3d-wteLY7wXcPxizrUp6JglOJ-MIzROOvBGaBA0AD4pWOnwkaCa6MxTz29una/s800-Ic42/gates3.jpg" width="400"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLAEC-t9TCTQduN6jSHPKc-Wio6fyGL5m5bK-umZTuZQnWlXbioOzUM9111AwYAAr2Eq2HqBc3ZXjWNaX139Mllp0v7nZV3lfZDtntb5lz6y7PQvcRNxK_A8zPA9NqM4fohdsHZU88HY6p/s800-Ic42/gates4.jpg" width="400"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmUDRjwiRDLt-E24pDi7gR9ZmgVQGO1TW0QdEAFfCUDphQY7b2UqzFD1463-_1-EcC9tXbBlWbtYCRgiz7V_hcTLTJyBjE0H7h7q-2kpft6D2-zL8Sui243nrTpBcWT9KVamgxEKWB2Vc/s800-Ic42/gates5.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
My client chose sketch #4. <br />
<br />
The hard work and major decision-making is done, in the sketch phase. All that’s left is execution. <br />
<br />
Charcoal on paper, with a hint of Photoshop, is the recipe, here.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCJkKpWhEuj2YmREx6iS0_EcfbIzgqEa_nJLGqEQKCfog_Vcv2Y7_Ttzwx-QhNmSvYd6SVVxmXPMTebMPuP1gkvCH8l0kDfe0BDqznoTizT2rSSuPcs8mnispnKl7CzFgDZlE8S2cQOpX/s800-Ic42/gatesbw.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
Once and a while, I like to re-visit illustrations, after they’ve been published. This was one such case. Because of its historical nature, I decided to try a monotone color treatment, for an extra visual punch and an added layer of historical feel. I think the color fits, nicely.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to the University of Chicago, for the opportunity to work with you on this fantastic project.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPm5rpKqOEryV9eqDewb_02kq5lbApjVI5Q3CzpSQvTVnvv3HrkiEV6fuLJ8ktNrsnpWmTbBVOa-s1g8SwzSHT_k_io-24xANO0lWlloYVZA5-nxwYwONI8jrWdMI52A9jRn_3SZlp83-1/s800-Ic42/gatescolor.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-35069421982754146422015-07-16T15:15:00.000-07:002015-07-16T15:15:41.744-07:00Arthur J Simms, for Eyerus Visual Communication Studio and The Arthur J<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe99PD2oXBkoKKJfix1EsnbxcNbYzDD_rBFJhoHs83wmszHAly-TpuBK8hTuLJDaFOLcG5AMYDvdyiBEtN0zBKlLvqdqPZIvCm9p2j9JlwKaxrfulFRu4KuaFTlkIlHYZe6lWH-Zl4f4S/s720-Ic42/arthurj.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://eyerus.com" target="_new">Eyerus Visual Communication Studio</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheArthurJ" target="_new">The Arthur J steakhouse</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A portrait of Arthur J. Simms, patriarch and pioneer of the Simms’ Restaurant Group — the family venture behind some of Southern California’s hottest eateries — for their newest Manhattan Beach steakhouse, The Arthur J.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Create a portrait reflecting the colorful character of Mr. Simms, while illustrating a timeless piece of art with Mid-century Modern styling, to reflect the vibe, color, and decor of this brand new restaurant.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
Arthur J. Simms was quoted in his obituary as “wanting to leave no tread on the tires by the time I’m done.” His colorful fashion style reflected his flamboyant personal style. According to those who knew him, Mr. Simms' tires were threadbare upon his passing, in 2000. The Arthur J is a celebration and homage to the man. Decked out in Mid-century Modern colors, shapes, and spaces, the restaurant takes patrons back to the time when Mr. Simms was at his most powerful, and gives diners an experience as delicious as their meal.<br />
<br />
I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Eyerus Visual Communication Studio on several occasions. It’s always been a fun and rewarding experience. Being part of Eyerus’ branding of this important South Beach steakhouse would be no exception.<br />
<br />
My first step was to review the reference provided me, about Arthur J, his story, and the restaurant Eyerus was helping to brand. The portrait would hang in a very visible position, greeting visitors, upon entering. It should complement the warm colors of the decor, and blend with the bold styling of the 1950s-60s Modern design, gracing the restaurant’s interior. Equally important, the portrait should reflect Arthur Simms’ style and personality.<br />
<br />
He was no stranger to vibrant fashion. But, we also want something that people can look at, every day, and still capture the essence of his atypical style. His signature pink jacket was my choice, because it provides a sense of presence with vibrance. A yellow sweater and pants complements the pink, as well as the decor, and reflects his warm personality.<br />
<br />
For the art's visual style, I took some cues from the art and design of the period, often perusing the wonderful collection of Mid-century Modern art found at <a href="http://blog.wanken.com/7406/a-week-of-mid-century-design/" target="_new">Shelby White's blog</a>. I wanted to keep the strokes graphic and somewhat simplified, while maintaining the general illustration style my client expects from me.<br />
<br />
<b>SURPRISE!!</b><br />
<br />
The luxurious three week deadline? It has been tweaked a bit. It’s now three days. Can we make it happen? Of course we can!<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
My client wanted something standing, head and torso. As I tend to do, I utilized the services of myself, as test model, to work out the best poses.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsV6dHcnmxDy4gDjKLqgsBe747vsvjO4fK3qMhVQo3KTMHeWc0yDgkBqI8sCFbz4JLYYRV26Qx9WtCnUyoMv3_iBMwDFIM5FoZ0FvM57PKkp3QDL8PLZG0v5gHY9dZSkNM_6MZV9X69CBt/s750-Ic42/_MG_0010.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq8BnA-g8qyT8IshJRhfwI_jdJhwvbV-BNzrBGkPoNnxmtVSKFVryRVOwkXT0LVY_Ugr6um9_Bds0L16ABXF6f3Jf5D2BaQGaJIAfQaZzxvOqRFDYSQbLmCqOWPNi65lDYCekSz8NbeT8M/s750-Ic42/_MG_0011.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY2h76uFDsiRyRPvVDakmZblVJJEm0FZNdMVB2cE0ZKJICNoorkRrdV4rhrVOTeOSfHWCyee7aaZrEbxbsHqWh7xgIum-fbTga-z9fmyWtF3ZIOMAXtBu3dzjfxAd6hcsL2eh8g50GDF4/s750-Ic42/pic1.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9OhE4GOfQYoVPPQh_egjTi968ILExRVxH-9-C-ih48VpmGVhzi56XgLBM1nVUOWCTCHjvk0AXFVyjiut1QGR9E-IShM9_eYbqQAN3Y32BIFdJocFxnyUF7p7mJVQA9Q2M2SaLZ5ZoE5D/s750-Ic42/pic2.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<br />
I always like to cover the gamut and provide several options for my client. These were the preliminary sketches...<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ECuDQoG449C9bctcC_Hbk8UQ_6ZlyOfKW6OFDcqA-yCyfwwBPFECnaXNCh3fpQ5ZvMtVGkX2Xnex1iQpAEwuLZs3oJp-4TcbFblEAsj5Mkf6DEUzTcP2EqmkcpAGsakO0YDAEgmzTy-M/s750-Ic42/01.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzdEziS-3kEzTjdhzQEB6dEa7L9m_DDoSjKYxk3frcVA3IgEYFEfCDy4j2saWawNamjKiQs-uJ8-afWjXLk2K9thqx5dppvdfKTXw-Zf43JcAyT6BfNT14iUzjiswqgLqvCltLSwrGHEPq/s750-Ic42/02.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG3kLZgag4INzJlzV-WzX1OpaWA0ynK-_DSmbc2hcl9gAELLxm0h_n-diUkElBOU3BTeYyHOMOw4WMWlVULuQ37abO23IXEcKXyDOZVZMHaAUkg_WM_neOxjg6HHouC1sF5pDrdLmOMNVt/s750-Ic42/03.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieZxw1tRTvnRLgxDI4UenWK-c-WwPjpmoKKmGHJgbO1it0NJy88AWCZrrr_iLCYgDjbB6aPRxhuoKB0YVaIMhIs4TG7ggnYlhyphenhyphenmLesB1uFU6euXph6hpvIIqX81-0_GgIi3W_Jgsp7S1dV/s750-Ic42/04.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifL5kQv3QHqe7Bgy_vLIVZpSTa2WLAkqS0fdyIw-2MuyHTQHhc3YPD0pOafn8Xbd4uhyphenhyphenNfEgiJSkjtbw-3K9GQLpIL7sgfao3mzqIMRCVC1Q76O4N_3juVVSXEhmUEgc5Ttv10NmdA3vGj/s750-Ic42/05.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<br />
Since color is so important to this piece, I knew it would be helpful to include a color comp. This helps minimize any surprises, for the client, with the final art<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4kmUJCh4UvqfcR2sF3e9cdcboMg_XWOvUngAMAVZ7hdcNF4-5AxZKZzDnrd49WrO7NAOrqqzTPz2TN95AwLU6nX7W2zdJrDTSDxDELJvDhxG43WQLNPJzuQHvqSZ2E-K48yAd1dNYipo/s750-Ic42/color.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
My client chose sketch #1. <br />
<br />
Shifting into high gear, it’s time to race forward and show our new deadline whose boss. West coast client vs midwest illustrator = two hours extra, for me, before they get into the office. This is important for wringing every last second out of my workflow.<br />
<br />
Deadline day comes. A jpeg version is sent for final approval. Everything is a-okay! Time to upload the high-res file. One day, high-res file transfer will be instantaneous, but, on this day, it still took what seemed like forever. There I sat, confirmation email composed, ticking down every last byte, my cursor on the “send” button. Will the power go out with one byte left? Will my system corrupt, spontaneously? All possibilities, you know? But, not today! Upon full transfer, I click “send,” and the talented folks at Eyerus complete the framing and presentation of this portrait in time for the eagerly-awaited opening.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to Eyerus Visual Communication Studio, for the opportunity to work with you on this fantastic project.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe99PD2oXBkoKKJfix1EsnbxcNbYzDD_rBFJhoHs83wmszHAly-TpuBK8hTuLJDaFOLcG5AMYDvdyiBEtN0zBKlLvqdqPZIvCm9p2j9JlwKaxrfulFRu4KuaFTlkIlHYZe6lWH-Zl4f4S/s720-Ic42/arthurj.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-56533212584304972622015-04-05T13:23:00.000-07:002015-04-13T20:56:55.728-07:00Brian Grazer for Hemispheres Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYZJMrZKrk6fe_KSwWhEhtBKaByca40RmssIYSc1Q5IinSOugDMWPnTS0O0gmrbbMN-Nc3_3cUh2MXK3-ae3bh6ELIMsBavRRr-Qs5YBgYNWNMHZtCH2lTxldZXL7ufbT7tEbZ70upW3l/w500-h663-no/grazer.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<i>Hemispheres Magazine</i>/Ink Global<br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A full-page illustration of Hollywood super producer, Brian Grazer, for a Q & A feature about his new book, <i>A Curious Mind</i>. It is a book chronicling the conversations Mr. Grazer has had with some of the best and brightest minds on the planet, and what he has learned about the power of curiosity.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Reflect Brian Grazer’s distinctive style and personality, while communicating the theme of the article, which is his conversations with amazing people.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
I was very excited to receive this assignment, having admired <i>Hemisphere Magazine</i>’s stellar use of illustration, over the years. I was extra-excited after learning more about the nature of the article. <br />
<br />
Brian Grazer is a partner, and co-founder, with Ron Howard, at Imagine Entertainment. Doing a Google search on Mr. Grazer will turn up the biggest names in show business. One day, he decided to seek periodic discussions with extraordinary people, all for the purpose of learning about them and their world. Over the years, these people have included, Steve Jobs, Andy Warhol, Carl Sagan, and Barack Obama, among many others. These conversations have fueled many of his creative projects, and, in the process, taught him about the hidden power of curiosity. In his new book, <i>A Curious Mind</i>, he shares insight to these conversations and what we can all gain by living a curious life.<br />
<br />
Tracy Toscano, Art Director with <i>Hemispheres Magazine</i>, sent me a draft of the article, to help me get a feel for the tone and content. When doing a portrait, I like to get a clear grasp on my subject, in order to best portray him or her with authenticity. <br />
<br />
My first step was gathering photos and searching YouTube for interviews, to hear him speak and observe his mannerisms. I learned that Mr. Grazer is not often shown, wearing a tie. He is also a creative, free spirit, with a great sense of humor. His trademark spiky hair is not only part of his memorable style, it helps to filter out people who can’t see beyond it. It’s a big part of his persona, and should be a significant part of the illustration.<br />
<br />
One of the many projects with Brian Grazer’s name attached, is, <i>A Beautiful Mind</i>, for which he won the 2002 Academy Award for Best Picture. Because his book's title is influenced by this movie's moniker, I took an evening to see what else I could learn about him, from this film, as part of my research. <br />
<br />
I took away some visual cues that I utilized in my sketches...<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
My client wanted something, generally, head and shoulders. They also wanted to enhance the spiky hair aspect. In addition, they wanted to explore the possible superhero vantage point, to reflect his stature in his industry and the wisdom he has gained in his discussions.<br />
<br />
I always like to cover the gamut and provide several options for my client. These were the preliminary sketches...<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxPagYFHg4Xb3BidNdyVhoie31MECa3I8L-iE6yAczXO7f2mlkkO-0SNnViFZjE7t7FO7wypX14SpVy_3lR50MCQAQlpndcNmxcLVa7eOSET9-5hxO_G1Lz4EFPsdhBRAv5MMPd6uXTq5/s661/grazer1.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouZSCSfc9nOrTKBLdpwyYnC44Ha-3cu_G-5LOB-jGll1WxkNzipPAXWvElo0WW8dc75Bi2U4WhKufc4MvKbsQxnzj8cNLccpEHZm8e26QvyofoGY9Qrw80RFiK9buCoz7JZA6U61myt0J/s661/grazer2.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lWWTeEHLPW2nQndgZIF480sbBQEKmRZ3Lo6M1qk2PZhnB3IIqKe7N2k9PlAR4AZy16OgjdeUl_3HvxDyFsm5MdxB7oBo-EG_6q4zUkccIUZDUzrjyqHpo5w9HjHhVBaJRxhgX7Oh6aYH/s661/grazer3.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryXs4jCeaSsdMhfQNy7Ie4-6SZd1gL-SyS-en1YbuwM4s08ddb2UI4xQMgyXugJ9lvHVpawEx7nhe3F0pAwcd8bwAwPxjp2g_ZTle0Z7MaPkAi7sbKkO4e-llHHcE23MH-xLgqadDwXi1/s661/grazer4.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5VrphNSrEvwdCW6pn15dlITS8swYYNB6bmn_9y3U1ttDD4jPMAbVYW4Irls-rPR8jiGRFyGwzx_o98Bl-q-nSV5N8SLDW6ciHeZPFi4L0TT8JYF3_iJyMNcMCYS4sV9oJM1GAWMW0CO5h/s661/grazer5.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<br />
Light is magic. In this instance, I like how it draws attention to his hair and adds a graphic element. It’s a device I use for several of our sketch options. In case you are wondering, sketch #5 includes photos and writing superimposed in the sky, reflecting the many stories he gathered in his conversations. This visual device also loosely mirrors one used in <i>A Beautiful Mind</i>.<br />
<br />
To help attain the right pose and light, I used myself as a model, as I often tend to do.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqpTf0QgnPAvHSukJzbNqBVxsakzM0zx4pr4R7aBvV1E2mxtIaD70jKFs6PWH_XGojRtkTQZKkMTWgT6iNo49zM_iso6hPEVwNWmohi91-9OvkHgP3zmenFDX6lYEZ-Kd8srXB4URXDb0/s750/meref1.jpg" width="175"></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsYmcxHEPEB0eOeqwIzutXl_eRSBRtabTf5BOl1thwVnH4-DTNpgZ6BlAt0QfmSKzYZBHJhkp4XpnAy1wPJk8O1WuVQDKklSzD88LkIPT_sVlPuYHzH1VkbQOfb1n9eFAe9WC8eeEJAeY/s750/meref2.jpg" width="175"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
My client chose sketch #3 — the smiling, conversational pose. They also wanted to be sure there was plenty of warmth, in the scene. I proceeded, making sure the lighting would provide ample opportunity to inject warm tones into the illustration.<br />
<br />
I utilize a mixed-media approach, combining acrylic painting and Photoshop. It’s a technique that allows me to maintain a traditional, painterly look, while giving me unlimited control over every part of an illustration — color, tone, texture, and content — in a way that traditional painting cannot. Each aspect is manipulated, independently, and allows me incredible versatility, should a change be required, in either a client request or in my artistic vision. Several years, ago, a change would necessitate laborious re-painting. Today, it is a much more streamlined, exact approach.<br />
<br />
Here is the <a href="http://www.ink-live.com/emagazines/hemispheres-united-airlines/1878/april-2015/#74" target="_blank"><i>Hemispheres</i> article about Brian Grazer and his new book</a>. It is well worth a read.<br />
<br />
Many thanks to my representative, <a href="http://www.rhynerepresents.com/illustrators/allan_burch.html" target="_blank"> Paulette Rhyne</a>, and to <i>Hemispheres Magazine</i> and Ink Global, for the opportunity to work with you on this wonderful assignment.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYZJMrZKrk6fe_KSwWhEhtBKaByca40RmssIYSc1Q5IinSOugDMWPnTS0O0gmrbbMN-Nc3_3cUh2MXK3-ae3bh6ELIMsBavRRr-Qs5YBgYNWNMHZtCH2lTxldZXL7ufbT7tEbZ70upW3l/w500-h663-no/grazer.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-48550269723647409202013-12-22T13:04:00.000-08:002013-12-22T13:04:33.231-08:00Pope Francis Book Cover for Loyola Press<a><img src="http://www.allanburch.com/blog/2013/pope/allanburch_illustration_pope.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
Loyola Press<br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A cover illustration of the first Jesuit pope for the book, <i>Pope Francis</i>, by Chris Lowney.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
Create a thoughtful depiction of a pensive and confident leader, in Pope Francis, reflecting a man whose uniquely humble life choices have prepared him for the role of 21st century leader of Catholicism -- a personal story that earned him <i>TIME</i> Magazine's "Person of the Year."<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
I am very happy to announce my partnership with Paulette Rhyne of <a href="http://www.rhynerepresents.com/" target="_blank">Rhyne Represents</a>, who is now my worldwide illustration representative. I am pleased to be part of her team of talented artists.<br />
<br />
Loyola Press contacted us about this assignment, based on a charcoal portrait in my portfolio. They loved the painterly style and the subject's pensive expression. They felt this would be the perfect look for their upcoming book on Pope Francis.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="http://www.allanburch.com/blog/2013/pope/allanburch_illustration_degas.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
My client forwarded me some reference of the pope. In conjunction with my own research, I gathered enough to give me confidence in creating a pensive likeness that fit into an interesting composition and the constraints of the cover design.<br />
<br />
One of the keys to the portfolio image they like is the sense of Rembrandt light, which is a lighting pattern, made popular by Dutch painter, Rembrandt, who used it in many of his portraits. It is characterized by half the subject's face in light and half in shadow, except for an upside down triangle of light under the eye on the shadow side. It is created when the shadow of the nose connects with the shadow of the cheek. It is a good go-to lighting pattern in painting and photography, because it usually creates pleasing and flattering results for the subject, and an interesting visual for the artist.<br />
<br />
I used my knowledge of the facial structure and my practice in photography to fake in a bit more pronounced Rembrandt lighting on our papal subject for two preliminary sketch options.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="http://www.allanburch.com/blog/2013/pope/allanburch_illustration_popesketch1.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="http://www.allanburch.com/blog/2013/pope/allanburch_illustration_popesketch.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
Another good go-to look is the "head turn." It gives the viewer a feeling of connection with the subject, because he or she appears to be turning to give their full attention to us, the viewer.<br />
<br />
The head turn version was my art director's choice. Off to the final charcoal on paper art, I proceeded.<br />
<br />
Here is the final cover, which you can <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0829440089/?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=ur2&me=&seller=&tag=chrislowneyco-20" target="_blank">purchase</a> for your own.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="http://www.allanburch.com/blog/2013/pope/allanburch_illustration_popecover.jpg" width="400"></a><br />
<br />
Thank you to my rep, Paulette, and the kind folks at Loyola Press for a wonderful assignment.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-45532835092430341042013-08-04T13:41:00.000-07:002013-08-04T13:41:49.226-07:00August: National Aviation Day -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NrmNAJXgKSxBW1pyv9GSCMrZQpOsOhuRv0XjDB3fjL32YWMki4h8m_FzBCNPbh19AKfoabtQoFwkF9nq4TTmpU5ogsAQHiY7EesZIWTQ06n8wLm-x8DRT8yn6QcdpBajiQdBNZnNp21m/s800/aug.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENTS</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_blank">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE: AUGUST</b><br />
<br />
August's featured holiday is National Aviation Day. National Aviation Day is celebrated on August 19 -- designated as the anniversary of Orville Wright's birthday, and an occasion to celebrate the creation and advancement of aviation. A Titanic-esque aviation snafu is no match for The Capts, as they celebrate their day by raising a glass to the high life.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
The Capts took part in a photo shoot to aid in my visual reference. As you can see, they had no trouble getting straight into character, complete with trophy pup. You'll also notice Graham (on the left) using his foot to deny some poor sap entrance to their private raft. <br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghUtI8p8jtP-k5Gl6wgKW1UdPsecaHglvRBT3Q-uwQ1XxCrMywhyyrBp3jXpDFWWeuJO6Kzu4v08n-mcuWos9PckbCmK9r7LZ8X7j2EpZ3NyYCVUTxuu81h5DVvKr12H-Oya95K7XGJJvY/s800/captspic.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
With these images and direction from my art director, it is time to marry concept and vision.<br />
<br />
<b>THE PROBLEMS TO SOLVE</b><br />
<br />
- Tell a complex, visually rich story of of a Titanic nature with a sense of order and humor<br />
- Cramming the scene with sight gags and pop culture references that complement the humorous story<br />
- Bring a sense of over-the-top tropical ease to The Capts which aptly contrasts the fervent panic they are oblivious to all around them<br />
<br />
For my initial sketch, I started from a low vantage point, giving the guys the majority of the story and power<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRpyhO6GyPyPsSLwZ468FPAK01bhH2Udiq9T2YL7y2eP-j0te8-wL9oknxcoDbuVzgJTT5DxSpOXUamAnqlYBEfDavMUfP0kgmA_pUEwlcdSiQWiav9xCjUlHHVYFiZUOWt_7ZJbpdI_sF/s800/aug%2520sketch.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
We needed to give more importance to the interesting story happening, behind them. So, The Capts shrunk in prominence and the frantic passengers filled the water<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWx8-OcjTVAg9Zi8_Rpz-xNRw5mk2ZYhsKNBelno55goehg-ci-4Hr6oywnzLpdR1tRQNtRI9qSaqv9mzllEJgEA5-YRqVmYd95QfTCBiE3tGBEDCH0AB6jYAf_FEBm3Tfre1EVbzngt8/s800/aug%2520sketch2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Approved! Now to have some fun detailing the stories happening with the passengers struggling to distance themselves from the wreckage. A photo shoot allowed me to explore these folks. I asked Melodie and Ricky to take it over-the-top, which yielded some very humorous results.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDEY-dh0bcPQwEv80x4rDhUkrr3DFJbgY6P11Rlx8ebGwm63Ndz4F3zqUz2anMHGMvK9MUDRzBO-K_J7NnbffaHLyk2e0wtDZtMpzNsPImgPWEoSe0_EgvWTAElcJTvdHTx-e9auS4g8LF/s800/mel2.jpg" width="195" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm1oHMRF4A6Go3vzKVO8LeEx8WMfbC9GMn4_weXHxR6BdU710bSy1HprMdfFer1DYwLIvQopYhMEnR_by116bFjtVBR5b-ohS293Ah_AMWvVV83n9FgiOdI-Wo3V5o8qRkjowFAAADJbVD/s800/mel3.jpg" width="195" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj562RiDhy05DhO0LqtCJD9GQG9K-MJc8viBVy1EQzJBWb_Xkd48523csmw79YYSksJyRO5joTsB8rBNRZRfM8KKExDUr-fXgoh9OEePMQjjqCVtTLQi7RZIl0k9aQ60N9jKdR47cwFTsPD/s800/mel5.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
With the help of Matthew, my art director, we fleshed out quite a few interesting stories for those who take the time to feast upon the scene. They include a Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio <i>Titanic</i> reenactment, a few scenes from the 1970 disaster movie, <i>Airport</i> (look for a cigar-chomping George Kennedy), plenty of every-man-and-woman-for-themselves battles, a few nuns and sharks, for good measure, and Otto and his lovely inflatable companion, from 1980's, <i>Airplane</i>, calmly rowing away with a wink and a smile.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_SVduh7J5QwwWAFgXPbzhokiqvZvg_miSywxtY6Z9m0CWZNm3FOY0eisc8jHnam3cCU9beee8sdRGMTaZgQNaAU__MNpHKA61J82Ijzlrn3LLWWFa3K6w6wVqCyj4yoH-dIcR5wTPlIQ/s800/augdetail1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1JlAheuZHlfH4dQsSiL9TlOU49n7d-dzgrZnDQLunhUcO0WJ1PZLZN2D3KlIZZym37NmfQC-l5XqfyncI8xr3gUNJbo1aL2DMYchCiuah7frFpxBUDnLBdwfD3b9FBmjqBDKrxBAjemG/s800/augdetail2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkOB9YWRq4tc_EOsxqIKO270i14x0D3xEL16YVUn2QytfGWRHpHJg8HgHp-I4O64WWUs2kRnBAT-WsO-YBuZTu4v-Uos_uMW7l5o_zUxXoYOxkHzGb6e0bclunElCh_wDgFfDv_XkcwWQ9/s800/augdetail3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE SECRET 'STACHE</b><br />
<br />
Each month of this calendar features Graham rocking a different mustache, integral to each story. This month, he is sporting what I affectionately call, "the Isaac." The name refers to the grinning, epically-'stached bartender from the 1977-1986 television show, <i>Love Boat</i>, memorably portrayed by Ted Lange.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV_ah2lnoeIZA2sdIreN1Zkq1iocSlpoKfuhm6_H8PM4wxmTAc1dsHoMOtGXG0ER7vmOdA7n7Yaaw8F4oVCIWQPYef7uEh9j9P8geczcDMP6kcE3kpoolr0uoo1pk6qWG2SIQ1HvwsHMEy/s800/isaak.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0NrmNAJXgKSxBW1pyv9GSCMrZQpOsOhuRv0XjDB3fjL32YWMki4h8m_FzBCNPbh19AKfoabtQoFwkF9nq4TTmpU5ogsAQHiY7EesZIWTQ06n8wLm-x8DRT8yn6QcdpBajiQdBNZnNp21m/s800/aug.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br />
<br />
You may still be able to secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-74638715109059396272013-02-17T18:53:00.000-08:002013-02-17T18:53:26.409-08:00Nancy M. Schlichting for HealthLeaders Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaX_TOGzrMuJqWKYemhPp0xSmxDt7AaXja2nhQSmRAIbJXltPvpICPJ8LpCMNGGTKUhCAJ0fWo1nQCfJekMbDZiNbeAF2SaXOEy5w1en_VIhL0N1EN_dhbgAsXFkBB8LKwhjWBMLxrfLM/s800/Healthleaders.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/magazine/issue-12/volume-15" target="_blank"><i><i>HealthLeaders</i> Magazine</i></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A cover story illustration on <i>HealthLeaders</i>' 20 honorees for 2012, selected for their efforts to make health care better. Their cover features Nancy M. Schlichting, Henry Ford Health System CEO and Detroit Regional Chamber's chairman of the year.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
I need to tell the story of Ms. Schlichting's influential position in the health care industry, and with the Henry Ford Health System, while portraying her in a flattering way and conforming to the cover layout. <br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
I was provided a few head shots of Ms. Schlichting, but I needed to give her a standing stance of strength that fit the cover layout. The wonderful Melodie is one of my go-to models for such purposes. After a trip to the thrift store for a business outfit, we conducted our shoot, exploring a variety of poses, giving me lots of material to play with.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41OdRxDcarM_FVP4S0YFvnAL4oF-GyGrwHZixeWAQESYQrNvYLJVVWAeMcQmBgBUEaE4IqYeOYAxxLgOlXF1tLczPSbz4rPgH5suBYVE4YMR1xcb-Yvlp9pG-nh8Js_h8TeiGrlSMNTEj/s800/_MG_6434.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-Ok6XZNnaZbMV2OnDEj3Tbj0RqKvSQ06q17JLzJaVt8TKhEQvWWhUZqHD0n-WMr1GMxAdvbUmX3oE1UcUJexp2FXjnSLaWxlLzd65KMgap4jxJJJy2jfLbY6LFWPBWIvhwGqI7662Kk4/s800/_MG_6449.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYGPsydu4wihx2LSKsVGNsiHBrvxv5834dUavixoJzDLc16O6Kg1B97QhUz6_I_Q2GyiqwVIxevQqGGD274Qg0nENsWqBh5-xvJgXhGnR7EM7h7UTjSPxocjRkyntGqykqqu8yIIjHkAJ/s800/_MG_6453.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
We knew she would need to stay on the left and the Henry Ford Health System building would be in the background. The decisions would involve the size of the building and exact pose.<br />
<br />
I narrowed it down to the two poses I felt flattered and strengthened her, best, and two unique building views.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBuBKO_W1_bCCTIowniP1cJhWO9sjP91tl6yAjhbIDv-HSc83PYOGQyf1WWyJ0q_Brd_fIlZFP9189tuOWb_OymBecASW4Fcybsg_tXr1mG8nX6-e0QpuxIXLQfTTMEdA_OpMf2PqiPp0/s800/1.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrAuAz-Al8f57RrNnoBNHfmDjzfykJgjnHII8dxJmLUGj0jc1-tPzB9wEjjrRmCqFApTn1BbevBcVI_-hXw7enjyEL3f7a4XN5w_Pl6AthkPyduEzd7B34rf8aGlVNxqeV4dFMW_tQ5Hf/s800/3.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgljjOXEPyj7vzYMjBVVe0QxPhP_h7yi7bTORmGJ9WTHHtxwfHA486D_pMKjcmsTlKZG86J01HsgqtdRkOZMYj5CINh6dK0AJKlcKPo2xTbO6xOCbHwhT7PNmjLU6tw7b3K0AUm3tlgh0d5/s800/2.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyVouZQd9nI_pEZWc0BkpBPganIxYHgMnAPyPditILpkT_x8gJY9iLbe5ND0pHgeF16ut2HMGk2mDh5PbIhonR8VnDm_bbg2LRo1NCJCX-MHEBO6oCL2feyZO5hLAr01fHal19TwzamJq/s800/4.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
The last sketch was approved with the caveat to alter her size to fill the page with her torso. A nice warm color palette rounds out the scene.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the great folks at <a href="http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/magazine.cfm" target="_blank"><i>HealthLeaders</i> Magazine</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-75141536914050398602013-02-03T10:47:00.000-08:002013-02-17T18:06:30.401-08:00John Bogle for Research Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BuCHqW6FNLFr3ph6wRgC_Iso3-yIhBdmVvFVT_EKVhDdUO2S1pD3jjNJsLReawRENXHZO6ofiEOKD_GZ24RN7gX2YUhHqqn7sf_5FWWw2nknwkhxxS4vzzDP5YGwEgOCuTcYrWMtpxHO/s800/bogle.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENT</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.advisorone.com/Research-Magazine/" target="_blank"><i>Research Magazine</i></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A cover story illustration on John Bogle and his thoughts on ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds -- an investment fund that holds a basket of assets, like an index fund, but trades like a stock on an exchange). <br />
<br />
John Bogle is author of the bestselling book, <i>Common Sense on Mutual Funds: New Imperatives for the Intelligent Investor</i>. He is also founder and retired CEO of American investment company, The Vanguard Group. <i>TIME</i> Magazine named him one of the "world's 100 most powerful and influential people" in 2004. <br />
<br />
Mr. Bogle had been a skeptic of ETFs, but had recently softened his stance. <i>Research Magazine</i> asked me to create a portrait of him for their cover.<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE</b><br />
<br />
This was a fairly straightforward portrait assignment, but I still needed to tell the story of his influential stature in the financial industry while conforming to the cover layout. <br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
I scoured the internet for reference images of Mr. Bogle, including YouTube, which is the second largest search engine on the internet. The nice thing about YouTube, is I can get a sense of how he walks, sits, and stands. He will be 84 in May 2013, so he has a posture that is unique to him and certainly to those that know him. However, to project a sense of strength, I chose to give him a taller, longer posture than he is typically seen with.<br />
<br />
<b>PRELIMINARY SKETCHES</b><br />
<br />
I kept the composition to head and shoulders and head and torso to best fill the frame with a bold eye-catching image. I've found, in general, that a strong, eye-catching portrait can be best achieved when the face fills 1/2 to 1/3 of the frame.<br />
<br />
I like to solve most of my visual problems at the sketch stage, so I took the opportunity to use myself as a model for the body, taking photographic reference to help figure out my compositions.<br />
<br />
I used a tip from portrait photography by using strong, masculine poses to tell the story of his strength and stature in his industry. The solid, balanced angles of his body and firm, thoughtful placement of his hands gives the viewer a visual cue to think strength over weakness.<br />
<br />
I chose an array of subtle stories for his line of work, mainly utilizing the background, and providing just enough flavor to let the viewer know he is a financial person.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSm_GRyORbkBhRzohBM4i9Q6qnChJvOGBK4LOqorXfiK2fLndIOsgmwP1vs63TfJOsHSBt4rTIbWHUHwbPm5n9qRpGqOVkqrmU5wXNuozGAq0p3HZK2L7hGIfrmArLyujLEMorTubtrDza/s800/1.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2HqfcGnhyphenhyphen0CJPmijEOG2yvOwTw9F48DFfKV-pujTa_0QQSem_qiAvQHX9G_EAe0zkPPRjduCSgQWw7kRWEBz7WC4Xe7Mzi_xuLPaX1H8BTrfjfsOvS9mIA5FXwGpd4HuLXTSOOqnw1hpd/s800/3.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMk6qgMfX9fS9SSsx6X5Rf4T5DROQ4qkUvHApyl2M4tbEuW0ZH8DbMxjuspdJb0GuCp2m8kYLxu-uhKX0sAFZ0HSvIi3WxVN8TopP9qqFfwFO7HToJZoS_ij3-LrJtgsPgRGw3grxlczDR/s800/4.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKJxAYj1wCTg4TEGLigRQoSjIaZB3cdsyEbbpy5h2aRYpbG21HpuSUl4gHXNeQnNOrz8i_YqMG2QDunaHQX7mPaJ-FtT6uhJQasr7Ayb8pFrdFdTn9G9zN16etBcUERKIMkGVKJFu2WnX/s800/5.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs6mSRl_qlXzWOeY4prTxuzeeRucI9P3oaMWxLg9iZBjOBeHYOCV98ufcf_bqTMbXGlAO_Q7b2Su74_JlSI8FfmAZa4Ytzq56Rv6b3N9VYwmtD1swXk5MMloYzp-wXbIrMg-LIjz9J4X-/s800/6.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCv_MTUTiKoCTRs3b4zB2OJRSjwcYgHRZPkE2BktjsLokDUPaI4Risl6x_gYb1gCsyXj9yrWxU2EGjrVTTZgdHyZwV-mobvG0g6UUaBz4oZfag5MWnj3vFfgPvqZkkEASRc0qJpY2xvrHI/s800/7.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFkL8sdaI_TDkRBHmrveYB6VJ_IIKyYVFBG97A-46cDPE6HpTNdn3seZ8vjM-_abRJpBlHrZV1ej5PP2rNx3UIisA08aiRIqVW2wFNrqWe1Y30Y9vK6EZBzW0uFB_VdABVXDkLqlWY-zx/s800/2.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
The last sketch was approved with the caveat to make his head a bit smaller in relation to his body. The blurred out stock ticker in the background provides some nice dynamic angles and a splash of color. My research showed he is very often seen with a blue shirt and red tie, which happened to work nicely with my color palette.<br />
<br />
Thanks to the great folks at <a href="http://www.advisorone.com/Research-Magazine/" target="_blank">Research Magazine</a>.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-30054908036746976312012-07-28T18:22:00.000-07:002013-02-17T18:07:09.658-08:00July: Bastille Day -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-55irIv2h0skpOtXJNPSn7c-1b-Q9pptIo4jsNbKQAJSfShc-xRc5tyowmHnqg-eGqbotrGn1iLTxh3FzcQ-51BuDjrE8QU_3zDL_zHAFZ_BOrrHMwMp_5jXk48r0umviHt5Zyej78kpt/s800/July15Nov11RGBE.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENTS</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_blank">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE: JULY</b><br />
<br />
July's featured holiday is Bastille Day. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14, and commemorates the storming of the Bastille in 1789 -- the start of the French Revolution and a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression. When told the French people were starving while the royalty were languishing in comfort, Marie Antoinette allegedly said, "Let them eat cake!" These words figure prominently in July's art, as the guys play the parts of French royalty, gluttonously indulging on a gold-studded Chippendale table, while the peasants rise in rage, from behind, deciding they've had enough.<br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
The Capts took part in a photo shoot. They cover the bases from regal and proper to gluttonous and over-the-top.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSNPZehSR1uyHQd7CoetrUz-44Akuopy26kUzIXMXBFlPVQEYDH9Pgh-ikYSjZMj1obG3zhGcStyqWeIDJI87RVk2gCQGQfTUACpnaH-x_7SD2OX20PB4nFlXlLMXn3ouKoqEPYN4g2ZS/s400/julygrahamDGD_1747.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo34buliMOP6FxLGTMS0cuE9ivKm9fR8VDy3dhuE1qfDyeQAjqnWyQP_sh-nH3XlueIT7p0wy3L9Hq0VjVo6c-R7IA0dCeyfRBxDrTs5L7IFJoSSZmmrfYF_VrdiL9aboq-_rqohOTaYQ5/s400/julygrahamDGD_1751.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9Ad6YaSgiyAiuuKPimGhyDqe_cr_jJE5A_2gO6tLTYXQqHDHaCgRCQPOfDvTybr7IMVZ6JduaRy6ZVHgli0AGnFxnG0pn6sp-ShyXre01PTi8Wv_2RmWeaAcHF2xbbuc9adcosHwLIDs/s640/julystoneDGD_1759.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jVKPOUIoBgOUPITY7VE9C8JJVgYPLtebd1bMb6FytoZ7FyElfTPDuAfPC0ByRUtXHSST4ZgGzEATKRXKpT6tLYGaOYFC1ZSKSeDg5mxaixuiZeo8yk4RG9B_QjtLbexGWw2V8Zh256gq/s400/julystoneDGD_1811.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
With these images and direction from my art director, it is time to marry concept and vision.<br />
<br />
<b>THE PROBLEMS TO SOLVE</b><br />
<br />
- Tell a horizontal story in a square format (a long table needs to have its longness aptly shown)<br />
- How to bring a French landscape into the picture that screams "French!"<br />
- How to bring integrity to French Revolution period clothing.<br />
- How to depict desserts that are unmistakably decadent and truly fit for a king (or kings).<br />
<br />
For my initial sketches, I started with the first visual problem -- portraying the scene in a square format. I started by showing an angle shot, attempting to use perspective to relay the longness of the table, while filling the frame with the guys, and telling the remainder of the story happening in the distance.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho8S9V1WeYgWPLvN8jHlnIE40t6Nv4owUDNNLnrGB6l2B474B-sw2Hq87_kmYGSrUevx5k8T8HZqj3NrbTqHb_4DXYAPYK-xUzFVoAGCSjRGTU3i_eGSqaJtlUHFScq-LaVKLocrshwbfb/s800/July11psketch.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrQFIgD1sZBtp98imw0c48YhLZZdiVq6Vf4ToR6r4juGOKk9ouIOYqQqS_DcqjcNHj_odsiQ_aHSS-Fg7ksM-Uoqvi_f8KCKwQbV0JmjRqzn-k-kG7cY72ppqDqsQtGa3zhAoE2tnBp9p/s800/July2psketch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipdzRxCouKdgctcAnEcQdrMEeULT7N9Lb_7aFNztStBObzDRw5Xp1cLjQgCobhK0do0HfSaj2Wo1oTS7eu7PoTh2bZV2FA5hiUUEPFo56ODChm-WswnpIka0y0nak8voC_zXme-WHL-qdC/s800/July3Apsketch.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMa6z-S5NNKfJljXTef-_fSyujwYTcyAFKoedYxVAurF8gVex_uSWjL52pljcfzC_9Fl2Y1tt-Nzr_qRpEkSv6QACXP3bbLK7tByCGoljcuQs4Rp_sbgzocQnjBOqpeycPHekFx8kb4XRh/s800/July7psketch.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
The sketches worked okay, but didn't fulfill the objective of showing the table as the guys envisioned. So, I turned the "camera" to show the table and desserts in all their glory, bringing more prominence to the uprising happening across the landscape in the distance. <br />
<br />
In order to keep some diagonals in the scene (remember, diagonals are generally more interesting that static vertical and horizontal lines), I played up the flow of the landscape and its hills, leading their lines down to The Capts.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHS03a0g5BbpOhmwLXBvtQx8JklE6d6AbXOd1WWPWcxAYkRkeCFCgLo8jyJB7JPQzGGe9Q7t6ujislcy0RALKDRfWsU8it6a_AsQewWc1yxekDuRumSKsIo5yJFlBpA8F3tbAVmJHyBn7Y/s800/Julyfsketch.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Approved! This solves the challenge of telling a horizontal story in a square format.<br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
Now to solve the rest of those visual challenges.<br />
<br />
Remember, reference is key. Don't skimp or make up stuff. There is a plethora of information to aid us illustrators on the web. And, for those specific needs, set up your own photo shoot. That's exactly what I did, recruiting Melodie and Ricky to don my rented French period attire. Costume shops and theater companies are filled with knowledgeable folks who love to help on the subject of period clothing.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzTBxyoCMMVFSy6EeJ-rxNt-OW8VUpCJo-BpujROakc4KljKFvfEhLIsfu3MYUsyDfwi7LM8hZL475wZskTwunkJ5FftNDuZzyl25uExEXxL-1zziUuvutPRP0elBUtPiDscy9CJ4t6BK/s640/julypicsboth_AMG_0992.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFtYr-oO9NW2ryYWGo7v27OYD528VbATEZI8bV_6bO_vItnyR_Pt4QOE3PN3xdrMGRHxn3MMb-wUNqPkmhYWZ4TZvd46CQ6EgYcs93th6ZZJFB1CJaH4D2RrNE0hJx9WCv_IQCqeBo0sap/s640/julypicsboth_MG_1040.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukSwhg_DOZBw8TV1m-Jr0GRatHN5uXIec3wn14VlSPnp_tiRZH9JK4OelXEI82a0eMBsbtA-ylZj4xAZcXAsLQK25XSfz47G4bUuJS9pOmLep4XwruRu4d_o9cLx6UC8TNK9sbRoLH3hz/s400/julypicsricky_AMG_1091.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2gMR-S_AI5lF1tRYmRGBSdt4b0nyeqUPY_gx5c4PR_NLdnXzrJu6h7Dm35232kMcYsfaXUDhJlJ417Didj47QZxOVGV91NcRbVjcbUYhPG8Xtmmfe2rdDsZzIGm1mHlZIAn8cUS8u0P0N/s400/julypicsricky3_AMG_1423.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-qRr8Be6VYpXjYa42Ym-fyRijRedkavthG2mBkdDCOtSjg03fS7gwy3CPYghBkbcgwcP1vwdMpCCz-2HjDc9myoa44NSA-ZWpc2LX2YMh4-xEhZIVNuFO0ZLx3iVWsF1j7u2DwdjZu0E_/s400/julypicsricky4_AMG_1355.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIePNYp-hSkNUnsO0L13m37O3duegRPvdbcpe2c8kHBzWyek23JyCssWqiBq9DcjzkKcD_hzDxqb7f6OXZSOadUkkD68pNrOGUaT5kbkRCzCsMotyvHD6Qsr_nwxopLMN-UtZnrk8VzTx9/s400/julypicsmel1_MG_1517.jpg" width="175" /></a></td><br />
<br />
I also enlisted myself. Notice my yellow notepad with scene notes and my early sketches for inspiration, as I get into character.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfJoxvfCNOcYduHK9Dpcd2otVxecszcbqPErh3gyn3rNwjWdslFp4GpaWPR8p93vefGHLmEYuyLPk16KQmDRvsWi3h6OXrtIrY2cEs7VBn4pUC2jEMkcMznBd3q4Fp_cEkAneFYvhBqvI/s400/julypicsme1_MG_3819.jpg" width="175" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfoCiqHKyTcR6Az7OkaHN8Q3SHiwxAOVWmGb3tICILlYIuTC4iKKc3tKiSzV3svRGJrUSrhu2uBf_tByCkfsjFTlhkMprymSYWQFBbOKoWBz8CfUukhsICJBe0CSHKXEJab2GM5gAunGr/s400/julypicsme2_MG_3825.jpg" width="175" /></a><br />
<br />
How about those other challenges...<br />
<br />
<b>The French scene that screams, "French!"</b> Through diligent research, I found rolling hills and pastoral colors from French countryside that screamed, if not hollered, "French!" to me. Problem solved.<br />
<br />
<b>How to depict desserts that are unmistakably decadent and truly fit for a king (or kings).</b> The basic cupcake just won't do. We need concoctions that are as much an architectural feat as they are an indulgent feast. To the web I go to scour for ideas. Like any composition, this table of food is its own diorama. It needs a pleasing flow with large focal point "stars" and smaller supporting characters. It's a character of its own.<br />
<br />
<b>THE SECRET 'STACHE</b><br />
<br />
Each month of this calendar features Graham rocking a different mustache, integral to each story. This month, he is sporting "the French curl" (third image, below).<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolBHsrJ0wYR1Dn-OunPNlEp0Kl-9DY7oj7QedxOIIAoWcYGOPwLTaF6U2wYpUsOIapIpMA1OHdolEuxly8pRXUR9FN-j8rSMnDG58R2JKAYZuSTrQyIsaje2T_zCSyAjxgxYhx1UaB3V7/s800/July15Nov11RGBEdetail3.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7NzArA2zoXgvW7ZcxJhaGd92EXsUyBGcCrENU_mL9wOjLX8J6Mu_xdXWabscg8svTFMV8wNMSkMWAeAwU22pILjopD3IPmJC9frqPbQVF32Vth_3CsL6DvqmrmXKE-16u9Q4u8GDn5LgN/s800/July15Nov11RGBEdetail2.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR_Ni_KM04StAWqM_x_f5ye_vn-Ir-GxJ5IIpV4qgI_FgkwIIpnyf5TNW9VoK5FWt83t3-LBVVi2HFdHU7eDt5r50SpDQeBjshpCGLAARnRo5WxI26CpIsdTYEH59bdxOsLTPkBe_XCosw/s800/July15Nov11RGBEdetail1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-55irIv2h0skpOtXJNPSn7c-1b-Q9pptIo4jsNbKQAJSfShc-xRc5tyowmHnqg-eGqbotrGn1iLTxh3FzcQ-51BuDjrE8QU_3zDL_zHAFZ_BOrrHMwMp_5jXk48r0umviHt5Zyej78kpt/s800/July15Nov11RGBE.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br />
<br />
You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br />
<br />
Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-15927102894812829512012-06-11T19:44:00.000-07:002012-06-11T20:28:31.142-07:00June: Gay Pride Day -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqBpjNupJoyaosKwFnBr451MKN0sWa11AewwdHgH6H0VpFXb3vQUW6JaqQ8qNarfvGfdVuuEqqpwAix-5XS_dpAobXCqUi3qgx8_QpuHz2v-fpIJKUM5HPbExg8ETGByJRiaGjE-dms_u/s800/JuneRGBE700.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE CLIENTS</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_blank">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE: JUNE</b><br />
<br />
June's featured holiday is Gay Pride Day. There is actually no set day to celebrate this holiday. June is reserved as the month of recognition, and cities can decide when to host their own festivities. The guys wanted to represent this holiday via a mash-up between a stereotypical gay pride parade and the iconic <i>Spirit of '76</i> painting, by Archibald MacNeal Willard. StoneRokk and Graham would be the leaders, playing the fife and drum, respectively.<br />
<br />
<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMPtAiBeJ3sE1tSeXkMISbcqcXLT82IoT21ZfZxJvCN33LdcNQxXJMzLsZZK2whPd98dBIgCMp-N-E6LIWCwnavaNK7hq96YRs4wI_HdOv2wYIvrtdCYgRc_lBgKWSZdTN5i84BByg3MuD/s800/spirit-of-1776_500.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>GETTING STARTED</b><br />
<br />
The Capts took part in a photo shoot, staying pretty faithful to the poses from Willard's famous painting. The intent was to be very much over-the-top, so, one alteration I would need to make to the guys, in order to have them properly fit in with the crowd and tell their story, is to increase their buffness levels, in the final art. More on that, later.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_hHkix81VtjG1AOd0SA1tuoFbq35M-3wWHbPKz3zWL9GzkaTjos7dlaP7_8jRShxS1fBB10x4LPiXZmo_E9wkDSCa74eNNTqT8pXo3D8v3V-zV59iqqVF4bh8Ts7lsiPzC-wklYXrKkg/s800/guys500.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Like May, before this, the potential for storytelling is huge, here. The rainbow colors and free-for-all personal expression of the crowd invites a very animated approach to telling this particular story. I had permission to essentially go nuts.<br />
<br />
My reference gathering included the basics, such as 1776 period clothing, the fife and drum, rainbow flag, and fireworks. But, the real interest comes from the details. I scoured the web for reference of gay pride parades, looking for the most ridiculous scenes I could find. I scoured the web for ridiculous scenes that were not part of a gay pride parade, but could inspire the folks in our parade.<br />
<br />
Using the composition from <i>Spirit of '76</i> as a basis, I created this winding, pyramidal scene<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI076kWByD5fPgmqPg3AjETvceKrLdX4Q6hiyjImcA6zHUdtRiJArp0J14K_WFB7rVOWaXfK3ibI0_TiHmOsJmJhjlz2g7GQ9oGb7o4fWIaetsUo2fFp6u7Ho6l0P41nXhXp3TYzCZkXty/s800/Junprelimsketch500.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Upon review, I received specifics on what Stone and Graham wished to be wearing. Stone (the fife player) wanted the revolutionary coat, speedos, and combat boots, untied and folded down (to show he was a lover, not a fighter, to quote Matt, my art director).<br />
<br />
Graham (the drummer) wished to be wearing a leather vest, cutoff jean shorts, and cowboy boots.<br />
<br />
Okay, you got all that? Good, because it's time to take the next step.<br />
<br />
<b>THE FINAL ART</b><br />
<br />
I needed to book a buffed-up model, as body doubles for the guys. That's not such an easy task, as it turns out. My Craig's List ad got flagged and deleted, multiple times. And, for some reason, those who responded to the ad fell silent upon hearing further details of the project. Who knew seeking a buff male model to pose for a gay pride parade photo shoot would cause such a controversy? Bummer.<br />
<br />
But, thankfully, I secured Rashaud, via Model Mayhem.com. He was absolutely perfect, and knocked it out of the park for us, not only as our main characters, but also as some of the other expressive folks mingling about. I extend many thanks to Rashaud for his excellent work.<br />
<br />
In another happy twist of fate, the theater company from which I rented many outfits for this calendar project happened to have a leopard-lined leather vest used for productions of <i>The Rocky Horror Picture Show</i>. Perfect!<br />
<br />
How about some leopard-print cowboy boots to match? And, a bedazzled drum strap? Perfect!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMGjlYKUeHibmQwE6X6Efjwj3101ti6Q6Oxs7cZjoQ_FZu7s9PkHpmjHzceo5t9x3DcSnjWxnZkEtdg91OKz0xIhcSNdUfBgzAMGmSGaR-SIN0Qcs7ablgIjR4i5oMRCIMar2GGhaPoQZ/s800/Junfinalsketch500.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>THE SECRET 'STACHE</b><br />
<br />
Mustache research was an integral part of this project, since Graham was to be rockin' a unique mustache to punctuate each story. I've amassed quite a compilation of crumb-catchers. What's the secret to deciding on the right mustache for the scene? We had two alternatives, as I saw it.<br />
<br />
1. Go for the silliest looking 'stache.<br />
<br />
2. Go for a 'stache that relates their story to a similar popular culture story.<br />
<br />
I opted for the latter, because there is an extra element of thought behind this option. It further adds another layer of interest for the viewer to decipher, and echoes the peppering of popular culture reference to just about every illustration in this calendar.<br />
<br />
Graham is rockin' the "Freddy Mercury" 'stache, in this scene.<br />
<br />
For fun, here are some of the inspired 'staches I deliberated about, throughout this project.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_UEPTTqAu0Y4c4klSQRr9SJTCqS-z27OG-jWRas7hb54deINKBtwr4ULa0KZ1Uq97PLxFjddBDJugQPygWJzfuulRSTw8DE_255tug6ZV4-0vZZErS0p0xc2WclxGyDyQbZa9g9Lov6t/s800/koolaid400.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAK-Yre1JOkJcSyBZDI4WRHXtvCinxV0A_wg0DV-aNJCiABssehv-TaPNvFkt0wckY7f8jrj2iv0buhy-eWXo_-_YALA7kd_2IbwcVP3Q6c_7f98PKOCNorkbd7skORS6IuA8am1D-IxdC/s800/time500.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<a href=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJuwtVVGIO-gq-Ri99dFwThDoH4W1p7GanHxfpY-ah6YXMJA5WyTmUbPDpr4pJjBd7GvVb6E4nMjSlhyphenhyphenmEeEaQpRqcaQcDhgIdsXiFAtWGUfYG35vr_5iZiwAQ9gOPna4fTzqZABPGtWqL/s800/mustaches_loveboat385.jpg" width="190" /></a><a href=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3qHF5X1xbXq5vz2yyPkaiWuop_-ClypnTfu2FhiZoR9hZYBjsM-7DHS6cg7PymLQPpCWW0jiZfgA5ssRz9crubN6Q8x6e5agI-tje3ql1McaWbmoVdKhxE98TzoSqxTfHhkROe9_8tR-/s800/gabe_kaplan195.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<a href=""><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxguhTjhpnzV_iH0BOVEj-58Tl9a2EWko03OFnvE9FVrXo8HPc-2_eWPOaCqidmTSkNQW3_q3z1zMulQPuqiMP2rDBs9HjWKgOGCLBbIaJkbu5YhawEtJdvAWgvS1TF4y3_D9W6iW8Cnk8/s800/buford_t_justice275.jpg" width="190" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeagUSlpqr1WTw1mn4XFFohLMS2av86TJOo5h2WKnpwfRKdLVn4rnihfpIUHwDwvB3XGhqNO7XALLONOL3NCshDJyYYzbUoX2i6e40GNpLvJ0R0tEqvGajZBuWD2vGKH6TSrz4_MuJF3k/s800/john-oates-250.jpg" width="190" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>WHAT CONTROVERSY?</b><br />
<br />
There is no controversy, that I'm aware of. But, my sources tell me this image has been one of the more talked-about, among the calendar illustrations. When I showed early concepts to someone, not directly involved with the project, their reaction was immediately laughter, followed by a cautionary warning that some might find the scene offensive. I don't know if anyone has found it offensive, but I do know that person's reaction was a positive reflection on the strength of the concept, devised by the guys. A thoughtful concept that provokes discussion can only be a good thing, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
Besides, who can take anything seriously that involves a ball-gagged, leather-clad pooch?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6IL-M0aR5eo9djfS0D8pfAxQM3WEzaRz7iuTWlCjAHx8b-_-1psnCIhVK0FXcB4MYvn55gpijUptj2M-gv7DD09Q02EZoiwND5q5k5LJI3-jUSM2CRHeClWwP4wBEVUDnpuhIpyLUAkH/s800/dog.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5124724441020127571"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyqBpjNupJoyaosKwFnBr451MKN0sWa11AewwdHgH6H0VpFXb3vQUW6JaqQ8qNarfvGfdVuuEqqpwAix-5XS_dpAobXCqUi3qgx8_QpuHz2v-fpIJKUM5HPbExg8ETGByJRiaGjE-dms_u/s800/JuneRGBE700.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br />
<br />
You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br />
<br />
Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />
•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />
•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />
•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-38213503347847480612012-06-09T20:15:00.001-07:002012-06-09T20:38:31.518-07:00May: Kentucky Derby Day -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zVuHTKruhvz7Rfv8T8Ta49XnIy-6CxtReDbpuDy0ALht1UQ6z_cIdIhARCC2JwmaEZ9hyphenhyphenzcXpQXq_L2INAfIrex4Jl_6N1vBoVCUt4KEhHwEc_C7teKsBYEB_g_Mud4fmMceRl4BQOcW/s1600/MayRGBE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1zVuHTKruhvz7Rfv8T8Ta49XnIy-6CxtReDbpuDy0ALht1UQ6z_cIdIhARCC2JwmaEZ9hyphenhyphenzcXpQXq_L2INAfIrex4Jl_6N1vBoVCUt4KEhHwEc_C7teKsBYEB_g_Mud4fmMceRl4BQOcW/s1600/MayRGBE.jpg" /></a></div>
<b>THE CLIENTS</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_blank">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a><br />
<br />
<b>THE ASSIGNMENT</b><br />
<br />
A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_blank">The Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br />
<br />
<b>THE CHALLENGE: MAY</b><br />
<br />
May's featured holiday is Derby Day. In an homage to 1985's James Bond entry, <i>A View to a Kill </i>(starring Roger Moore, as Bond, Christopher Walken as villain, Max Zorin, and Grace Jones, as slinky red-caped villainess, May Day), the guys are posed as the team behind the Kentucky Derby winner. With restrained jubilation (as if they've been there, before), the guys bask in adulation in the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs.<br />
<br />
<b>THE PROCESS</b><br />
<br />
The Capts took part in a photo shoot, exploring different expressions and postures as the winning owner and jockey -- from subtle to over-the-top -- with their victorious horse. Their vision was very much with a nod to the Derby scenes in <i>A View to a Kill</i>. Graham (the owner) is Max Zorin. The Zorin Industries blimp flies, overhead, as a further punctuation to the scene.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxsMi19M-ej6BbiJtmdRVeHSTOqISBXfLsZxNYE_OlVhkfLxZAA7x-mUvKFWDhrI4dvrAn_U2FD8CFxJHvbjUu6YkObo0tgz6gQXjUzENvtHbO5r6ksNmg9lsglzsEEPokSTCMBugzMdk/s1600/DGD_1911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxsMi19M-ej6BbiJtmdRVeHSTOqISBXfLsZxNYE_OlVhkfLxZAA7x-mUvKFWDhrI4dvrAn_U2FD8CFxJHvbjUu6YkObo0tgz6gQXjUzENvtHbO5r6ksNmg9lsglzsEEPokSTCMBugzMdk/s1600/DGD_1911.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL5ByOe51_iQPZiS_Qh8HoWlhdkKx2oRdjNB_eRtiEGyJXPLFbUOJS9QXZG1VzbBTANFx8OBvFEIwwlXNxaZkRuUtqmGn2jHXm15oERyLOO8TJA3Eht4b1IRBp6YW4dUXCaQ69dJ9SK5T/s1600/DGD_1830.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL5ByOe51_iQPZiS_Qh8HoWlhdkKx2oRdjNB_eRtiEGyJXPLFbUOJS9QXZG1VzbBTANFx8OBvFEIwwlXNxaZkRuUtqmGn2jHXm15oERyLOO8TJA3Eht4b1IRBp6YW4dUXCaQ69dJ9SK5T/s1600/DGD_1830.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCaTSn4yZWkKqDj6CJ4ny4ArRq6Az9NvIGMZGq18brNLw3NzdZZaLjjUNC7oxxD8vT25i5B0xX6ByVtkqnG9WUuKvlL8LkK5wXkAjHKqOhLGmin97T8jbHZOn6rCzmq2TnzomMfLiMV8l/s1600/DGD_1870.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCaTSn4yZWkKqDj6CJ4ny4ArRq6Az9NvIGMZGq18brNLw3NzdZZaLjjUNC7oxxD8vT25i5B0xX6ByVtkqnG9WUuKvlL8LkK5wXkAjHKqOhLGmin97T8jbHZOn6rCzmq2TnzomMfLiMV8l/s1600/DGD_1870.jpg" /></a></div>
The potential for storytelling is huge, here, from the extravagant
hats and attire of race-goers, to the flamboyancy of the jockey's
outfit, to the magnetic draw of the crowd, calling us to hide characters
within.<br />
<br />
How should I lay the foundation?<br />
<br />
My reference gathering began with figuring out what the Winner's Circle
really looks like. We want to lend integrity to the
scene.<br />
<br />
A perspective view, rather than a straight-on view, brings another level
of interest and allows me to build space and depth. A low vantage point
retains a sense of power which runs constant, throughout the calendar,
and echoes the Blaxploitation posters we're using as inspiration.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9NN50OBfJAs5rvaWJJfz7EUTyOml1EU6fqxvb0UVfQ2caBvayEzJ56FBt9tO_S0fTurl40fuXchhLZkw9EDm1bSLRudz_7AY0HfkmbL06xORNy1c4GIJRlKuXU6YFkQy70km30sJyqtc/s1600/may1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu9NN50OBfJAs5rvaWJJfz7EUTyOml1EU6fqxvb0UVfQ2caBvayEzJ56FBt9tO_S0fTurl40fuXchhLZkw9EDm1bSLRudz_7AY0HfkmbL06xORNy1c4GIJRlKuXU6YFkQy70km30sJyqtc/s1600/may1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
<b>HOW TO START?</b><br />
<br />
My direction was approved and the favored poses were chosen. Now, it's time to fill in the blanks with reference -- including details such as the exact attire of Max Zorin (Which lapel does the flower go on?), the exact layout of the Winner's Circle at Churchill Downs (including the design of the flag atop the building), and the best jockey outfit to create for StoneRokk.<br />
<br />
For the latter, I scoured the web, looking at contemporary outfits, vintage outfits, and all manner of jockey-inspired fashion from around the world. I decided on bold, geometric shapes -- a familiar constant, and favorite amongst the jockey community -- and used complementary colors for maximum attention. As a final flourish, I added a faux shoulder dressing to designate StoneRokk's royal position among jockey-kind.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXUetouvwO0E48jVO44raP5HOgSLvAxnnI80I624ZHPCDabrOf6lVFOUQbWYqcPAqsPrsyfmC1Yj_VdSo2acg7ojkM1hhknId7VAKV1_iDsx-Up6c84N1F-QB-P1ny6DyC62aE1xgAPjV/s1600/may5C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfXUetouvwO0E48jVO44raP5HOgSLvAxnnI80I624ZHPCDabrOf6lVFOUQbWYqcPAqsPrsyfmC1Yj_VdSo2acg7ojkM1hhknId7VAKV1_iDsx-Up6c84N1F-QB-P1ny6DyC62aE1xgAPjV/s1600/may5C.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />
Then, to my lovely models, Melodie and Ricky, to give me their best exuberant race-goer.<br />
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<pics>As promised, observant viewers will see dignitaries in the crowd, including Max Zorin, himself, as well as his pal, May Day. If you are very observant, you may even see Mr. Kentucky (Fried Chicken), Colonel Sanders, who is also the model for Graham's May 'stache.</pics><br />
<pics><pics></pics></pics><br />
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<pics><pics><pic>Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br />
<br />
You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br />
<br />
Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span></pic></pics></pics>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-41561173502133061192012-06-08T21:36:00.000-07:002012-06-08T22:01:23.054-07:002012 Illustration Conference Rhode Show<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLzjCIgx5MnvHIrGeBOFWWyPMmJ_Dl5CJGBBnTkdXvytGLtGvBIeaewkZ5PAFKvCO8iAxhaMHe1FI1YXwl6MkN7HxHj8EIEVqLJ2tl9akcpGypEOdgrRJNshy4e8N5lP1Ll_pHTizsGn8/s1600/ICON7+RS_postcard_FRONT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLzjCIgx5MnvHIrGeBOFWWyPMmJ_Dl5CJGBBnTkdXvytGLtGvBIeaewkZ5PAFKvCO8iAxhaMHe1FI1YXwl6MkN7HxHj8EIEVqLJ2tl9akcpGypEOdgrRJNshy4e8N5lP1Ll_pHTizsGn8/s640/ICON7+RS_postcard_FRONT.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
Image, above, copyright: Chris Buzelli + Jessica Hische.<br />
<br />
Hello, out there!<br />
<br />
If you are in the Providence, RI area on Friday, June 15, 2012, be sure to stop by and see me at the Rhode Show, as part of the Illustration Conference. Here are the details:<br />
<br />
<b>When:</b> Friday, June 15th, 6:30 - 10:00pm<br />
<b>Where:</b> Renaissance Hotel <br />
Symphony Ballroom <br />
5 Avenue of the Arts<br />
Providence RI, 02903<br />
<br />
What is the Rhode Show?<br />
<br />
It will be a gathering of over 60 artists from across the country in a portfolio showcase and marketplace event. If you are looking for an illustrator for your next project, this is the place to be. If you are looking for cool illustrated products to buy, directly from the artist, this is the place to be.
I'll have some lovely pieces to look at, including the Captains of Industry calendar, featured on this blog, some handsome cards to take with you, and some limited edition 8.5" x 11" prints to purchase.
Stop by and say, "Hello!". I'd love to meet you and discuss what I can do for you.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-5351068332585179832012-05-10T19:55:00.000-07:002012-05-10T20:00:21.467-07:00April: Tax Day -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRycEWgPL0ZnVq-cotQjSAtqyVjykFH1f1dw2U6Le9O7r2kS0Yjveg08P9iAId9MwwFIolEaN33YgcF8kvcPwex01CPlfNjV4O_XViieuOlUb1Bw3jvOEP-ri_wLhyphenhyphen4XmV22fyUpCuPlR/s800/aprilart.jpg" width="400" /><b> </b><br />
<b>THE CLIENTS</b><br />
<b> </b>
<br />
<a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />THE ASSIGNMENT</span> <br />
<br />
A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">THE CHALLENGE: APRIL</span><br />
<br />
April's featured holiday is Tax Day. The guys wanted to express the less-than-positive feelings many people have about this time of year, as our hard-earned money flies out the window. That would equate to surrounding the IRS building with what appear to be explosives, and preparing to engage them with a classic plunger-style detonator. But, please notice, the plunger has not been depressed. The guys want to maintain plausible deniability about the whole thing.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">THE PROCESS</span><br />
<br />
The Capts took part in a photo shoot, yielding some pretty hilarious results, exploring the concept of two cat-burglers, with vintage influence and exaggerated expressions.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP85tHgNSHjPeUPWTq_F3mQjHEHaWfRMcJy-rTrZ9CjTpDTDySBj208gHp7rR4FRtpCrcKoOOT1o2VBPju7FoIL_olmTZ50hssIEbULlu8v8TKhYbC_-7RdBBAjsKvW-8dHg56mnri0PcA/s800/aprpic.jpg" width="400" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1dpGbwrqhzZun9FBPIfFon2eTRRen_J2DovqJHFoXCoMhTnSiUc63kbVV4BdC3r-uDdrre_ltwL4muUAsb38s2TiafjxTw-8Yb10U26PWJkci2XoGdhCD8zA4do7QpkDi5VruZozmcQQP/s800/aprpic2.jpg" width="400" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ97G6A9T0U5_hw3UZL3GAs7CpsvzoP5pfgql5UYTk7wWzN-9zy_lxFmOloEcM34NwHwrinTvn5F6wJ53dn0ssdulHhVga8LLxyKt2fiE2LB4aYrGkf3_9ylmKmIqophSOeeT305xbIAC/s800/aprpic3.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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My first order of business was to find suitable reference of the official IRS building, in Washington D.C. Otherwise, it's just some building. Along with the guys, the building is a major part of the visual story, not only in concept, but also physical size. I need to have an idea of what it looks like, so I can plan my compositional options.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JngW-_gcFp3ug3H8jHYqXWyxs9qPjKvD-rLuN1vG-UzSRfZqH-1KEbvrnc10GgHygkZtEL2E2DAlsIwHQavOAqf8UY2oLRSfOhr1_GGNvqnhkmqbHdWer30M3qua2HedlsXmhhwAQL1a/s800/apr1.jpg" width="400" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqym76LsjlnmioUd2Mgbli7sFpKDh5trRo-OXuWafvW_W7fZXJy1tLSVpdzOWJjTOe9GKB1UHMO1g0UFAtmLXANyc0UMQpkeA_zYNGDWSE87ocnxVSliv-83OmjE4cyRx2l7jaXFoLMRHY/s800/apr2.jpg" width="400" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2thHLXkpHsv39PwGcpEsAePfiiLwyNrKR116pu6xQQg8QRqF0ErOhZKcbexwqtIcXmPj1RsE0xRPdO54TztKC4PMj0WTWJn5pnrUmV5lWu-17QKpu7phdaQnx8q2YCI8YGUNBZ1kY9_ue/s800/apr3.jpg" width="400" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-xgYCk0I-5u1hG4gN1cZ4TPwrd0FPomQ_Acvt9Lvq3NeUypb7wGMA8TCYJon8pc3Vb-EsQ5yC1VIz2w2dHR4-h38CWEy5aNYw71YcHJ3V90Y5h1a2IYDjbQTvW1A7xGpKqGIodwVCpTf/s800/apr4.jpg" width="400" />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvOnIC-ewejy-e4Eck3TcZRp_4W_F0QF4errse33fSP0IDosYHOs3isVhN6yWFV6bNbREnGwI2hrYFxnbFNDIyDAzG4CHj_PgKIL8myGZWQymwmAVBsKDB4hz96q9z6MBDthWxmT_4emwi/s800/apr5.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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I thought the strong low perspective would be a good solution. It allows me to cleanly include the building, without cropping, tell the story about the explosives and flying moneybags, give the guys a position of strength as we look up at them, and echo the stylings of the '70s Blaxploitation movie posters we are using as inspiration.<br />
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After basic sketch approval, it came time to flesh out the details and explosive choices.<br />
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After setting the stage with recognizable missiles and planting the idea in viewers' minds that no good is afoot, my goal is to get a little ridiculous with the kinds of things the guys may or may not have brought to the scene.<br />
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Among the additions, you may find a catch-all, unidentified suspicious package, behind the sign; a shoe bomb, comprised of a tennis shoe stuffed with dynamite -- perhaps, Acme brand; old-school bowling ball-shaped bombs, plucked from the hands of Adam West, maybe; and a DIY suicide vest, strapped to a department store mannequin. Someone may have even taken the time to string explosive line through every window of the government building, somehow evading any raised eyebrows from security folk.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgiH6dzU_Z2qeT6CdouAbLh-l8WPZIYhuHc-GG9QbpCpito4xbwaUeQbHxLPu-JhI7tucufTdBnoIzqzfM_nygeah4g9WEpqggN1cxs5YijZtamnRDympNNeAqOWYJxISXfO2aLRAedAV/s800/aprilbw.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">HOW TO START?</span><br />
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The final sketch is approved. So, let's get started on the final art. In a departure from our mustache for every occasion, it was decided to eliminate Graham's facial hair. Since he is ski mask-clad, a 'stache would hide his identity too much. For the record, I am depicting him in the comp, above, rockin' a "G. Gordon Liddy."<br />
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I had my model, Ricky, help me fill in the blanks of anything I felt needed supplemental reference. In this case, it came in the way of gloved hands in the correct positions. Hands are always super-important in any visual composition, because they are so complex and expressive. I thought it best to take the extra time to get them right. I'll spare you, my gentle reader, the plethora of reference I accumulated of an extended third digit, in gloves.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLH2fZgV2-iw9IeB8XI5Vx1qGb4wfzYbtMvidVUZ6UwV2o99fBbIBGKiKqcphsWgNtwusAVoOrMmlYwr0R4dA7LGrjdIQPt92yABu0cDmanEYPCEi4fvYhZi2sj26pObsVKm5eHcPuwYuQ/s800/aprilgloves.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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You'll see how angles and perspective help tell the story, here, leading the eye around the scene and back to the guys. Angles are generally more interesting than static verticals or horizontals. When in doubt, work the angles.<br />
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A triad color scheme is a good go-to place to start. It's a natural balance, simple enough to deal with when time is of the essence, and complex enough to be interesting. Violet, orange, and green are my choices, here.<br />
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Here's the final color art, again.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtRycEWgPL0ZnVq-cotQjSAtqyVjykFH1f1dw2U6Le9O7r2kS0Yjveg08P9iAId9MwwFIolEaN33YgcF8kvcPwex01CPlfNjV4O_XViieuOlUb1Bw3jvOEP-ri_wLhyphenhyphen4XmV22fyUpCuPlR/s800/aprilart.jpg" width="400" />
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Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br />
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You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br />
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Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 100%; font-style: italic;">Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.<br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-77513921293345613502012-03-25T11:36:00.013-07:002012-03-25T19:30:40.870-07:00March: Ian Ziering's Birthday -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tYqrWz6VvAkOkDUeI569_ftd-RlkB2A-eeA7X7UuAtmg89oAnm07Dy3tOGjuIDS4iFCZQ-NDbMFNmzev_AZUutMcqIi67fZ-xWYKCiuJJThhiDE4lWbmJOM76LVK0ok6ER14WmQMkenp/s800/marcapt.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE CLIENTS</span> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br /><a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />THE ASSIGNMENT</span> <br /><br />A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE CHALLENGE: MARCH</span><br /><br />March's featured holiday is Ian Ziering's birthday. Mr. Ziering was born on March 30, 1964. You will remember him as Steve Sanders in the original <span style="font-style:italic;">Beverly Hills 90210</span>. So, how do The Capts celebrate this day through illustration? Mash it up with gangsta rap, another cultural benchmark of the '90s. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE PROCESS</span><br /><br />The Capts took part in a photo shoot, exploring their inner-gangsta. The original thought was to live the thug life with Beverly Hills attire, but that was quickly abandoned for full-fledged thug.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhApD7hluQ2iR7L_wRXV3WN8mY5_GDfpkMVQSSszXnJ-azq9eDN99ofTC6EGPqq-b2oVn0hM_BuehjXd3x2oRl1ywYvW1A3jfBSD7SiBu2peDkgKKby0bzAQ8RzC97SOyH3Cc69KN2V_S_F/s800/marcapt1.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Not being an aficionado in <span style="font-style:italic;">Beverly Hills 90210</span> lore, I gave myself a crash course on its workings -- the characters, The Peach Pit hangout spot, and Steve Sanders' black '89 Corvette, among them. The black 'Vette would be the logical intermediary between the <span style="font-style:italic;">90210</span> world and the N.W.A. world (N.W.A. are one of the most influential artists of the gangsta rap genre), so the guys should be posed against it.<br /><br />Here are a couple of composition secrets: when there is high volume and finite time involved, one must rely on certain successful rules-of-thumb and apply them, throughout. If I don't follow this system, I'm left to re-invent the wheel with each illustration, which is not the most effective use of my time when deadlines loom. In addition, this mode of thought adds another sense of consistency to my brand, which not only reinforces it, but eliminates surprises for the client. <br /><br />Throughout this calendar, I built my compositions using pyramids and perspective. Can you see them in the following sketches?<br /><br />Why pyramids? Because, angles are more interesting than static horizontals and verticals.<br /><br />Why perspective? Because, perspective is like an angle in the third dimension. Perspective adds depth, visual complexity, and interest.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7h8mY6bIFfr7mBVclcn-fHNJMTKtWD0TXy3XOQgfRRZ6aZY-bpSRzUSm8ce3W8M7mSw7mFWFHWBb77EBnKctYvFV-hRSeXdUj3KGVTHdUwTEGGR_doV-K8Tf14v26DnJeB59Pm5zNBEEa/s800/mar1.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnf8I236zt7XNmxIvH_g9QpdsolWtPxLyhgsjWyLcfJn9bAO29Y85OjP1f3Q2Qdvu8pqws8L71BSsqHngNNfx-OomwPuKEAVL9Pei2TqJlqint-OfEQvBdvkUB1O-_ir6PhyphenhyphenYaFGLMn8r/s800/mar2.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7EHwjN30fo9ggHnUAmzXnE9dIq4AnJGJDUhHRqCjEnDBmhEsFiVpKJ5Pd49pfaCQ-TgemJIaHeZHRTQOTpRGqbeOm_eisk11TwnfL52ByLqdpXJVSptOTMPVenu_CDe-XCDh1d7jenJJ/s800/mar3.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HOW TO START?</span><br /><br />The middle rear-view 'Vette sketch was approved, with a few modifications. So, let's get started on the final art.<br /><br />The Catps had a definite look in mind for their gangsta attire, from the Eazy E Locs, right down to their Nike Cortez shoes. I did extensive research on it all, acquired appropriate clothing props, and put it together with a supplemental photo shoot, with my fantastic models Ricky and Melodie. My goal was make sure I had the best working photo reference I could put together, so there was no guessing going into the final.<br /><br />I'm pretty proud of my homemade UZI and Glock 9mm, smartly modeled in pseudo-gangsta stylings, by Ricky.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipNRY_6GUpWm2K4SH9NOAO-_XK1sS6O3Cmhz0U2sgoqXzpUOyD5g4r_eNvi4n7vvulGbOm3FoxSCW-Fswr-UVABce1223HPlBYS3I0pzvUWDIZLs2QhG9BdMTrcffOWfjW4rTSbloa5gjO/s800/marglock.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiKKrru1U6pM5q6oUlNE5X24hEBQezGmS7FmMgKfsEcWXqMzgTnD_mjeanvIYPkJM8UrcbzHtBKHECuWaGa4oDx2-8FVUf6F01LhFPjUopwjhjRDv3ScEe2kcA9Olekh2Npt-rut-76PZ/s800/maruzi.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Melodie and Ricky also gave me a few <span style="font-style:italic;">90210</span>-style reference shots, in period-attire, with extra emphasis on the tussling.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOKixrxpRdKUkErQZFevEXYlnXESrwaOVIX1IrSNVWV9EO1ZgW2oCNKhovltgb-GwkTiz3yGX3Pb9-30CMYHFcn7uZw4nVrGTFLRauev72w69Te5BAIAx4SaQr4zYbLqdzsIsEHrInOeMB/s800/marpush.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimzG2ZkdUV98wgG5VSG5f2NZhrqjejfmskz3yKXErXZWzlw_1vBMjT_EDW9pYKaJ8nH1a2J1uE5l3vwG6ENlFPZ2gEDAr2PDWvxaRaWZBHGRFI8U-EwkRu4zzJGEgeeiIPrnp7017_RZ5_/s800/marslap.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsZ5KaXkvEfu2D1t9i4-mEXryJByaEpb7nPzx7M9vId26rgQ0GIz9XZnciST6rOgfZk6n4Y0LIirymNZD8y9Q7J_GGe3bFrLnsjyD1Glbv_4xwAmnG6Ti7_cjqYdo2P-xmL9Juck676KZ/s800/markick.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />We swapped my original Beverly Hills street sign with the more iconic sign, and we dropped in some of the characters in the background, including Mr. Sanders, himself. To top it off, why not add a final homage in the form of a logo?<br /><br />In each month, Graham is rockin' a different mustache, integral towards telling the story for that month. Here, Graham is, naturally, rockin' the "Eazy E" 'stache.<br /><br />Here's my final black and white comp.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1tF4PP-IF5nRw9YXSShXAvvxBx7Bp_mDejbr20Wr7uaBIphmN4SjHbu7Lefisb2bTCor3Ancdi_qpEJUoDBlsBPptLLpcQ1rYQELddzw3JZkFSzH5WkrrYAkMV9STJEGr88Z5LtTR2vNa/s800/marbw.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Here's the final color art, again.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tYqrWz6VvAkOkDUeI569_ftd-RlkB2A-eeA7X7UuAtmg89oAnm07Dy3tOGjuIDS4iFCZQ-NDbMFNmzev_AZUutMcqIi67fZ-xWYKCiuJJThhiDE4lWbmJOM76LVK0ok6ER14WmQMkenp/s800/marcapt.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br /><br />You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br /><br />Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span>Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.</span><br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-2058145622440051302012-02-18T14:41:00.000-08:002012-02-18T15:16:10.048-08:00President's Day -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UFnNVHVL42q6jDcJqlHq0CkH9PHrg5_NUX44UEibiAwB1bOpoVy_bLHn-yMy4Iom7nC88_AbbgrolPqDY06mztDwZ95h0oiguTisym9HlKRmXFi4zBSmXwlRt3UEWGTH1oAmuGEE2QQg/s800/febcapt.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE CLIENTS</span> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br /><a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />THE ASSIGNMENT</span> <br /><br />A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE CHALLENGE: FEBRUARY</span><br /><br />February's featured holiday is President's Day. The idea, here, is The Capts, chiseled atop Mt. Rushmore with our other immortalized presidents. But, the additional twist is that it is to be depicted in the style of a cheesy 1950s postcard one might have found at any gas station -- in this instance, likely any South Dakota fuel stop.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE PROCESS</span><br /><br />The Capts took part in a photo shoot, exploring all sorts of expressions, from the not-so-presidential to the presidential. My first sketches depicted that range, with presidential winning out.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5sk3mrooz1ZD6Dil-rc-cOQQ13Dh37p1FlG3DrzV70rrbGJ1lEhNZP9XQj4SKZMvIsVVllQgxQyRVEg83iwtxIyxKPfDdg9tUIjMWqRAw0v84sWXNK11B3Uk7rFWfk7bWy1WmtG_GSmpv/s800/febcapt3.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguI9w-GFJ2qgha5xxFlUOstGSce8OjxBJHJmO8QsFwQOxMZhcuOWZiL4szIQEdDoignwDP5acXX8QHpKip6LTdpVQdH70LZq7eNto963howiEb9Sgv-qR0Wa-hV0BNd4qjyEGBYNTKtqMf/s800/febcapt4.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />My research included studying all manner of these '50s postcards -- what colors and shapes are prevalent, what typefaces are used, and how do they use touristy imagery to tell their stories?<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjq2lXU7nFDh7xu9vDICINjzeX9uq1rcZlprEoSZchFW3Jj2Vo-pcChgijIQ-3e4cAaK_ea1hfNJeYyCKEbDmNfgvmhqZ23MPQ94OeVpd6uRX20f4nYjeEYrLaN2o5ywJeUY45WS49z8T/s800/febcaptpc2.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzC5Ofl9gTwRcVkB0FJWhU7UNFZwFF35fYaRuCj1ZIPgzwV_4zgAbni8eU0xHxrinRLoKk-hU4l6jUJmpJkIRJAevEQD59t2_LUlKAgGlhObUmYF3U8rkFdLnAKp7CBO6CrVR9GbjXy25D/s800/febcaptpc3.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDORHGCtHKK24DhWKt6IxVsfgnnWDF17tPU7kgaUnKQmabC7vPmbhws67PX1vAhBjHOzndEuEgKajRX25YtrY0swHI6Aumpi1yCD8txi6tN9UjeIwMCShWCz4VnbYglHLynFp5kt5eXPSS/s800/febcaptpc1.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />My other challenge was to create an appealing illustration that captures the essence of an inherently ugly design. It also means adding a few subtle savory extras that makes a viewer want to come back for seconds.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HOW TO START?</span><br /><br />The guys on the mountain is obviously the main story, so I needed to make sure to construct them in such a way that looked like they belonged, without question, stoney and all. As per our theme of a different 'stache for every story, Graham is seen rockin' the Chester A. Arthur, here on the mount. <br /><br />The graphic treatment below the faces is pretty dominant, too. A wavy font motion seems to be a recurring theme on these postcards. It happened to work with this composition, so I embraced it. <br /><br />The interior text images should be typically touristy and add to the scene, without distracting from the faces. What better choices than a landscape, bison, and the ever-popular fireworks? I matched a couple of fonts for "Greetings from" and "Mount Rushmore," and off I went.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4W7PCTo4J77LuTVZvnghNSSXWYDp4ttcqxGMmDdLw7i9h4W5YtqHVz_gUG3aNelm6b5asimXiQ8EoAmqrXy4XY1I6UxohXlOAclgIMxZm-F4RriEL567TLkZ-Kg1Hkq0hUqm8lWOlyoa/s800/febcapt2.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Color is always very important. Here, it's not only important for creating a strong design, but also for cooking up an appropriate retro-chic flavor. I spent time experimenting with a striping color combo that looks last century yet beautifully-ugly, while also complementing the overall palette. Slightly-saturated earth tones seemed to do the trick. I couldn't forget to make decisions about the widths of the stripes to further create interest and elevate the composition.<br /><br />What about the clouds? Not just any cloud formation will do. It needs to be a cumulus formation. <br /><br />Why?<br /><br />The cumulus clouds have more shapes for viewers to sink their teeth into. Plus, they interact with the faces in a more interesting way, echo the bold shapes of the mountain, and create more definitive leading lines which guide the viewer through the composition.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE DETAILS</span><br /><br />To further the idea that this is a retro postcard, why not add a ribbed paper texture that appears as if it's chipping away? And, that's just what I did.<br /><br />Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br /><br />You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br /><br />Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span>Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.</span><br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-34038169989505847782012-01-18T17:54:00.000-08:002012-01-18T18:49:45.753-08:00A Sodom and Gomorrah New Year! -- The Captains of Industry Calendar<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiW8MKw2-2pcndNseHTE8qdSJm55KoaHlbbC0Zf-ur2pdPDQiL7kaopJ49XdDqYue_baWMno79LJRFeh_cX_WPb8vZrZGmRAdOKdGSsPUyalJn_-FUgfJhjFP6jw63lYk3Zng2pjvKveQO/s800/jancal.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE CLIENTS</span> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus + Visual Communications Studio</a><br /><a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />THE ASSIGNMENT</span> <br /><br />A calendar, illustrated in the style of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters. Each month will focus on an extremely esoteric holiday (or a popular holiday handled in an extremely esoteric way), all staring The Captains of Industry.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">Captains of Industry</a> are: Graham Funke and StoneRokk, two innovative and eclectic DJs known for their creativity, sense of humor, and opinionated worldviews. You may find them working high-profile corporate and celebrity events around the country, or at their Las Vegas residencies at the Palms Casino Resort. They are "Your favorite DJ's favorite DJs."™<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE CHALLENGE: JANUARY</span><br /><br />January's featured holiday is New Year's Day. In the style of The Captains, this can be no ordinary Rockin' New Year. This must be epic. It must be biblical. Its debauchery must cause the cursed to want to return to the nefarious bosom of Beelzebub just for the safe haven. Amidst the wrath of the Almightly and ensuing eternal chaos, The Captains emerge from the charred rubble, Baby New Year in-tow.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE PROCESS</span><br /><br />Prior to the sketch phase, The Captains took part in a photo shoot, wearing approximate clothing and staging various poses appropriate to each month's scene, as they envisioned it. The resulting images allowed us to pick and choose from a variety of angles and expressions to create the best illustration. The photos made for quite entertaining viewing, too.<br /><br />Here they are, preparing to rock in the new year with faux toddler (aka -- paint roller).<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrb4Vr5PVSvQudLCVyrkXeMKJMdyP56QEIWZ-yXEsZrsvb_pBpaBtjAfLv1FioupQzGb5H82ZbIWJOg-k2PR52uLYx4frn8GDRanQXH-0DkNj9dKhjsOn2vPR4yQVyAmbO1b2oYrMyZa_/s800/nye2.jpg" width="300" /></a><br /><br />Also prior to the sketch phase, I did extensive research on '70s Blaxploitation movie posters, to be sure I understood their pulp magazine-like color palettes, dramatic compositional stylings, and in-your-face narrative approach. Favorite inspiration included: <span style="font-style:italic;">Superfly</span>, <span style="font-style:italic;">Shaft's Big Score!</span>, and <span style="font-style:italic;">Coffy</span>.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcun0PqqYiBJ1ZAH3oU4Y8IQ7rOPjojTBTi_Yhgsg8yMLYF8Yifjj8HVHUcFjbZFP08uwBcvvoOeVREXpu90t_1ETE2uE_DgIlxvP4vcCbX0sxpGwjWGEd10bH7kLndgtRZrDHeQfKfAFz/s800/177.Super.Fly.jpg" width="195" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwBYT6eZpGy5ebuw6Ji_ekjn7elkG0AM6_RjB5kZqjD8n8KZzSP1g9VLOiOopbDNMjGxKSW-ZNDvFx1A_cUBKKkxuVzTNrrngHVR6H04byo1EoQbfLwOwfHmY5Zx__1PMwBKR8TzPkvOo/s800/shaft.jpg" width="195" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX5mHKZLUsz5TEpFNWB_y9bAPcl6-Ii_I1sbmtYPAbJk_HrYVmBHwazMvyPpJM6g0Lk8T1LCJDhqYP5LZFr_g06lSQEbEhSOL7nW2e93E8rA1bUSTpA1G7jj8XQidUCPXhyf2xd1Em1Wuq/s800/coffy.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">HOW TO START?</span><br /><br />An epic New Year's Eve party requires plenty of debauchery. So, naturally, I spent time researching debauchery. The trick is to present it in a way that is not gratuitous and uninteresting, but witty, engaging, and allows one's mind to create a final punch line. Engaging the viewer's mind adds another layer of interest, as well as adds real and perceived complexity to a scene. <br /><br />Part of the look of '70s Blaxploitation movie posters is in the perspective. I decided to use a lower viewpoint, here, to make the scene seem larger and more imposing. The lower angle also adds a sense of heroism to The Captains, emerging in front.<br /><br />Before launching into the final art, I staged a photo shoot to give me information for the passed-out partiers. A reminder to illustrators out there: don't skimp on your reference! Your college professors weren't joking. Make it easy on yourself in the long run.<br /><br />My fantastic models (and me) all had fun pretending to be passed out and completely out of commission New Year's revelers. The resulting images gave me plenty of options to create a middleground of spent humanity. Here's one of my faves. His identity has been hidden to avoid incrimination.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkNDZz5-YsWnGOqSPM9qaOGrZc0Lptp6FUKE8Ar1OrVOtF8pqs9ubYpheQbIVls58CT7W9gA4-AfDVB6IP302OHWJHbLoYn7LrtrCrjcOiH3uTEY9qzlKtFwF4_kyE0veLNABFLl7sO8u/s800/partyref.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to create a visual flow around the guys, subtly pointing the eye back to Baby New Year, kicking and screaming its way into 2012. The blazen cave entrance is a good place to start. If you get lost, there are plenty of visual helpers to point you in the right direction. Take a look around and you'll be either entertained or offended. Either way is perfectly okay.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">THE DETAILS</span><br /><br />I had, probably, too much fun coming up with debaucherous detail, strewn throughout. I'd still be adding things, today, if I could. Although, it's one thing to have a mountain of ideas and a creative concept, it's totally another to execute them in a way that tells the story and doesn't waste a millimeter of space -- meaning every item should be composed in a pleasing way which both leads the eye and successfully helps tell the story. <br /><br />The largest items, like The Captains and the high-contrast cave opening, are very prominent, and among the most important components of the illustration. Like a theatrical play, they set the stage. Using details to both lead the eye and allow some visual rest, I created subtle breaks in implied lines where I wanted the eye to gravitate. For example, the "road sign" breaks the edge of the composition on the left, drawing the eye into it and its goings-on, as well as helping to lead the viewer through the complex composition. The pointy party hat on the supine partier on the far right also breaks the edge of the composition and directs the eye back up to StoneRokk, whose bottle directs the eye back down through the scene.<br /><br />Use your skills of perception and see how many details you can find in the illustration. Drop me a line and I'll point out some hidden gems.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_qUJrHlXZduYoEcA1s-AFuUFf1VEYGH004eq0fhIkBDB4k3IOkBQTicoyzsXFrGED2XZvEZwbUhXZvgw24c5amRUhRontiuLHVP94UBdJJczaDjf3ksiviMscN7TtugTJDQ9SkSQc33H/s800/jandetail.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />To put a punctuation mark on the holiday, Graham is rockin' a mustache (and accompanying sideburns) I affectionately call, "The Ron Jeremy." Each month features a 'stache integral to the story.<br /><br />Thanks, again, to the amazing team at <a href="http://www.eyerus.com/" target="_new">Eyerus</a> for allowing me the opportunity to be involved, for their direction, and for fostering an environment for creativity that any illustrator would cherish. Thanks, too, to <a href="http://www.thecaptainsofindustry.com/" target="_new">The Captains of Industry</a> for conceiving such a wonderfully-inspired collection of ideas for the world to devour, as well as for their very generous write-up about the project and their kind words toward me. See it, <a href="http://blog.thecaptainsofindustry.com/general-education/allan-burch/" target="_new">here</a>.<br /><br />You may secure your own calendar at <a href="http://www.shopbenchmark.com/thecaptainsofindustry" target="_new">The Capts Online Haberdashery</a>.<br /><br />Over the coming weeks, I will show and tell the stories behind each month's art. Stay tuned. Tell your friends. You won't be disappointed!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span>Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.</span><br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-72381710868119490572011-11-20T12:32:00.000-08:002011-11-20T12:47:41.781-08:00Country Doctor<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lWdzJ_7qd09L8FB-o8p3hDeabWLUGg_JT20w5COiVl9FwBFOnhXODc9KXg4x-VhISJlcb_EdadrXlCFSH1oeNGjQvlGd1m2WseqPGNbtjgwsp8gV3lDOGyIEWDP-dBFABKIymQ7mfhQ9/s800/CountryDoc.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The assignment:</span><br /><br />Create an illustration to reflect the compassionate relationship between doctor and patient for a book of short stories about country doctors.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The challenge:</span><br /><br />In order to capture a compassionate, intimate scene, I felt it important to create a close sense of space -- using the bedside and curtain partition, as well bringing the viewer outside looking in through the room door. All this helps create context. A warm, lovely light helps to add emotion and a sense of intimacy.<br /><br />It was also important not to make it about specific people, which is what can happen when faces and eyes are involved. Through viewing angles and use of light, I attempted to make the faces a lesser area of focus.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The process:</span><br /><br />My mother and father just happened to be visiting at about the time this assignment was given. I asked if they would be the subjects. They graciously agreed. We then proceeded to do a photo shoot at their hotel room.<br /><br />It was about 2 hours of some of the silliest doctor-patient conversation one would ever hear -- certain to cause heads to roll at the AMA. But, I captured some terrific poses.<br /><br />From this, I crafted several sketches.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_BjQXaMzkD2r4UozN3R6p5a4jP_-CHtppIQbiYNstsozehyphenhyphenJQ9o3lsZXK5ng8_kSDlmiUkgiI1YGOLlRPBGewzHO5fSVw_cJs7Ej_tqEzhLjKvWLPBGFimCpjMjqQ-d3o6u_FaOeDqu2/s800/Doc3.jpg" height="196" width="250" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGDU8Q1qQXZsFnvMGUiCz6UvQCTcGgiRPLV0qxDHDV823SfnW0tbdTmTYR5TTLoCPoMr33rhzmvFepPsZyBmPVux_iO8EEkZizRu4ase3tRhyGLCHmtyHsgSe6A_qj9cQhyeL-7A99rbo/s800/Doc5.jpg" height="310" width="250" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNtImNWwGUMB2p-a_NcP0PHC0VuQ5PWeP4yq8uBGuc1jpqkQdzmP_j8-cFr10KYypkrYwQur1uqHQni5BleOmxc4S01DH42JKJ9CdQIqvSsiAzoy6abvKJXh1ItfpFbZFlB75VpWI-HN0o/s800/Doc4.jpg" height="346" width="250" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKeLVi4qL0m9tBSCX9g3p26d5dZl3kgBI6RAVvtJA_VS0RvJC6lvJJRJjLJUaEJFjrZSaz0AwqAxDHdVS08Fo95xdTKZqeq3-ei3iAEyG2YEGmamgTgRW7ZGismF2Vu1Y_cAIebegl5PT4/s800/Doc1.jpg" height="347" width="250" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmzUubHxW4c2cfltMUIFJH74MeJ-VPsn7DJpUSGKoD9zkPcJukLBgl85IJHtcv0fEGLjESmzuahXnxgO6skxswezelsveWGN6VjBzPZwGZn1I6oSzSxcxseLOQUL7lVo33v1qFOODsa2a/s800/Doc7.jpg" height="288" width="250" /></a><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tuI9LKi9dRIRv9SXEJfiUo1sgSD4JNDL7NDJOA2dkvfG_uuxDbG8VJoSSRSWYTDm1xyWvwkd9zokgshUw7p3Wono7b6HDci3_Plo20lkDgjJgvSz1TTmKi8G7gg77jiCe4vi-00lJbny/s800/Doc6.jpg" height="327" width="250" /></a><br /><br />The last entry was the chosen candidate for the final.<br /><br />It was a pleasure, not only to be involved with the project, but to also be able to immortalize my parents in this way. To me, every nuance reveals the compassionate relationship they share -- here, as doctor and patient.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span>Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.</span><br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-34204830278925234152011-07-23T16:40:00.000-07:002011-07-24T19:08:45.231-07:00Amy Winehouse<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMKCy_dpBozM6lj5s7rN5QDTy89Q5ofbgINIcd2fPXiev5d7lMFdoTHOC17gxRMmoUVWQYqtaB53YWvujqbymF_jfuvWfDQnroPxjlMQmZWUyiSCG7etGXxZXxFWNDUhTAvZh1hvtIwTM/s800/Amy2011.jpg" width="400" /></a>If you haven't heard, Amy Winehouse passed away.<br /><br />I am a huge fan of her work. She injected the type of emotion into her music that I aspire to with my own art. After you read this post, look for a particular video of her singing "To Know Him is to Love Him," live in the studio. It was a heartbreaker on July 22. She was found dead on July 23rd.<br /><br />Much like my Lady Gaga piece, seen elsewhere on this blog, I wanted to paint her as an individual, like anyone you might see on the street. Someone you, the viewer can relate to, rather than a celebrity who lives on another plane of reality from you and me.<br /><br />There are the hallmarks, present, that make her Amy, such as the dramatic eye treatment, tattoos, monroe, and mane of hair, but it's also just a beautiful human face, not far removed from you or someone you know.<br /><br />I felt black and white was an appropriate palette, for its starkness and the way it forces one to consider the forms and marks without the added variable of color.<br /><br />Plus, her style was very noir, dark, and moody. I thought black and white would reflect this, nicely.<br /><br />A portrait of Amy wouldn't be complete without alluding to her troubled ways. I chose to do this through a sense of raw energy as well as fragility within the brush strokes.<br /><br />A distant look in her eye rounds out the story.<br /><br />RIP, Amy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;"><span>Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.</span><br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-61597062752890517682011-07-13T19:56:00.000-07:002011-07-13T20:03:00.001-07:00Bert Degheri for USD Magazine<a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoh9gkA7YbVhjRGe6Ktu7xXI4P_v08PmNVOYW1g2Fm24-Ilg_DTWJdlX2vD_prS-nG3ADnD4gCXke2nQSqJNH_SO-Oapc9KwTpWzEI7yvTKDmW4HBwKmfEoVWWzRIWLzrqelEQeUSSaTH0/s800/degheri.jpg" width="400" /></a>Bert Degheri -- a 1961 alumni of what is now the University of San Diego, a significant donor to the school, and the subject of the "Giving Back" feature of a recent issue of <span style="font-style:italic;">USD Magazine</span>, for which I was fortunate to illustrate.<br /><br />My challenge with this illustration was to keep the color palette more natural, rather than use the pumped up reds and oranges that tend to permeate my pieces. By the same token, I wanted to give the eye something extra to feast on, so I let the radiant warm undertones just peek through between select seams in the composition.<br /><br />The University of San Diego is a long-time terrific client, for whom I'm always honored to work.<br /><br />So how are things going, out there? Well, I hope.<br /><br />How are things with me, you ask?<br /><br />Things are good, thanks!<br /><br />Where in the heck have I been, you ask?<br /><br />Thanks for asking! I've been illustrating, as usual; creating all sorts of creative work for lots of terrific clients, to which I'm always grateful.<br /><br />I've also discovered photography, and it's gotten under my skin. I'm enjoying the challenge of learning and applying my visual sensibilities to this new (to me) medium.<br /><br />My illustration work derives a touch of influence from fashion photography, so it was only natural that my efforts at photography take on those same influences.<br /><br />Here's a recent effort featuring the lovely Melodie, my frequent collaborator.<br /><br /><a><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnYOzF583AN023aHP8FhfArftQl7wVpte5DPk1cQ8zYdKCyC9bbLoFrhSrVijYt0Xc6ThFbGJzos2e4K5tEV3I3E8vH8P6v4TEO3nrzvTpmBa6J1h51Rjf8DRh_foni9hPByQkzch-Jas/s800/melgilmore1.jpg" width="400" /></a><br /><br />So, between my many attempts at visual creation, and trying to learn with rabid fervor, I'm afraid my blog has suffered undue neglect.<br /><br />Thanks, again, to everyone who has checked in and supported this blog and my work. I haven't forgotten about you!<br /><br />Thanks, as always, for taking some of your time to check us out! Stay tuned...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;"><span>Allan Burch is an award-winning illustrator and portrait artist, providing solutions for editorial, book, advertising, and institutional projects.</span><br />•<a href="http://www.allanburch.com/" target="_new">View more of his work»</a><br />•<a href="http://visitor.constantcontact.com/email.jsp?p=oi&m=1102157697727" target="_new">Sign-up for his newsletter»</a><br />•<a href="http://allanburch.etsy.com/" target="_new">Purchase prints»</a></span>Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5124724441020127571.post-52580645548688910352011-07-13T14:35:00.000-07:002011-07-13T14:40:55.893-07:00Long Time No PostWell, hello there.<br /><br />I hope everyone out there is doing well. <br /><br />I wanted to make a quick post to let you know I'm still around and making art at a feverish pace. In fact, as you've no doubt noticed, I've had difficulty keeping my blog posts current.<br /><br />Thanks for your patience and your continued support of this blog. I'll have some new work to show you, soon! Stay tuned...Allan Burchhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10735197997044931862noreply@blogger.com1