I have no gate key...Oh you mean this gate key.

Abe Lincoln Illustration Process

I always like seeing how people do their work. So here is a process I followed on a recent illustration project.

After drawing a bunch of thumbnail sketches I choose the layout I like best and rough it in at the basic size I want.  I am not too worried about fine details and textures and things yet.

As I refine the sketch I am looking at reference photos to make sure the details are accurate.

I refine the whole sketch until it is just about how I want it.

I do a series of value studies to get the lighting right for the mood and context of the illustration. For this one I really liked the middle study with the light coming from behind him in the fireplace.

Now I start to work into the sketch with some hash marks.  For me I like a more scribbled look and I get a little sloppy in places, and that's ok.

I continue working and really establish my value pattern based on my value study that I liked before. I am really focussed on the midtones and darks here with plans to come back in later to add in (or erase out) the lights and whites as needed.

I have come in and erased some areas and added a white pencil over the top to really make the light areas shine.

Paypal link to Buy my book.

Okay friends. Today I got a whole bunch of books. So this just got pretty real. If you would like to buy one, I have a couple of options for you.

The cost will be $15.

Option 1- Buy it from me in person. I will have a party at my house in Springville, Utah this coming Wednesday, August 5. We'll start at 7 pm and you are welcome to come by and buy a book and I'll be happy to sign it. Stay for a treat and celebrate with me.

I also have plans to travel in the next couple weeks to both Cedar City, Utah and Carson City, Nevada. I will set aside some time for a similar get together in both cities.

Option 2 - Send me a check in the mail and I will send you a book. Let me know if you would like it signed and to whom to make it out to. If you'd like this option shoot me a message and I will send you my address. Please add $2 for shipping.

Option 3 - Use Paypal and I'll ship the book to you. I have created a paypal link below. I've included a field for your address and any instructions for the signature. Just fill it out and click the buy now button to go to paypal.

Thank you for your interest and excitement. I hope you enjoy the book. I have had a lot of fun working on it. Thanks for the support.

To whom shall I sign it?

Shipping address

Talk Like A Pirate Day

Hey. It's International "Talk-Like-A-Pirate" Day!!  At work I've designed a few Pirate themed T-shirts. Here are some of my favorites.

Google Doodle... well kind of.

So I have a friend who works at Google. They had a company party tonight.  It was a Toga Party.  He needed some artwork done for it and asked if I could help him out.  I was excited to participate and had a blast working on this.  The idea was to make it look like any other Google Doodle but also have it specific to the Toga party with the theme of GOOGLE GODS.  Had a great time with it.

Randolph the Redneck Reindeer

I made this coloring book for my daughter for Christmas.  It was a bit of a rush job- started last night. Feel free to print out some coloring pages for yourself. Merry Christmas!

Rob Stikman™ : Chapter 1

The Adventures of Rob Stikman™: Chapter 1 from Jay Fontano on Vimeo.

A couple recent shirts from work.

JUNGLE BOOGIE

Some Shirts I've done at work.