Now that I have a job, and not a lot of free time I’ve decided on making a few designs, and getting them printed in short runs.

Below are this years batch, and once they come in, I will make a post with photos of the finished product.

They aren’t anything too spectacular, I was trying to go for something simple with a retro feel to them.

These images were all done in Photoshop with a modified gouache brush based on this one by Drew Green.

Below are some of the drawings that I’ve done and felt were worthy to be posted here.

Also, I am going to start keeping up with this blog regularly and I already have a some ideas as to regular themed blog posts. Such ideas include:

• Weekly or monthly postings of art and design projects
• Tutorials, tips and tricks
  • Custom Munny figures
• Product reviews
• Inspiration posts, where I post pictures and links to artists and designers who’s work inspires me

I’d also like to try running a contest or two to keep things fresh and exciting here.  Nothing too major though, probably just some trivia, a web scavenger hunt or something like that.

Keep your eyes peeled!

Here are a few of my favorite art supplies that I use most often.

I have linked these products to their pages at dickblick.com. Other great shops that I frequent at includeUtrecht and Jerry’s Artarama. Prices may vary between retailers so shop around. Also check to see if any of these retailers are in your area!

I’ll occasionally edit this post to add other great supplies as I find them.

Paper:
Moleskine Sketchbooks:
I love the Moleskine sketchbooks because they have a nice sleek apperance and are highly portable. They are great for pen and ink work, colored pencil and pencil. You can get these at most book stores as well as art stores.

I also use a variety of other sketchpads and watercolor paper packets. My favorite brands areStrathmore for watercolor paper, and Canson for sketch/ drawing paper.

Pens & Brushes:
Pentel Pocket Brush Pen:
This is a Japanese pen. It, unlike most brush pens, features real nylon bristles that don’t dull or fray. It has a nice ink flow and for the most part is waterproof. One of the things I like most about this, is that the ink is refillable.

Faber-Castell PITT artist pens:
The Faber-Castell PITT pens come in a variety of sizes and colors. I like to use the black superfine one. It has a nice line thickness and feel, and lays down a nice dark line of India ink. These come in a variety of sets, as well as open stock at most art stores.

Niji Waterbrush:
One of the best paint brushes I have used for watercolor. The handle is hollow so you can fill it with water that way you don’t have to lug around a jar of water to rinse your brush in. It’s great for travel sketch kits, or even in place of other brushes.

Royal Aqualon Brushes:
These are simple round brushes. They feature a clear handle with a wedge at the end for scratching or mixing paint. They are fairly inexpensive (I got another set of 13 brushes for $20) and are great for watercolor and acrylic paints.  The brushes last a long time as well. I have some that are close to 8 years old.

I can’t find a link for these. Generally art and craft stores like AC Moore stock them.

Colored Pencils & Markers:
Prismacolor Colored Pencils:
Hands down, the best colored pencils around. Nice thick lead that is blendable and can be used with a wide variety of other products. These come in sets of various amounts, as well as an open stock.

Copic Sketch Markers:
Copics are a little more expensive than Prismacolor or other art/ design markers, but they do seem to last longer and don’t dry out as fast . The Copic Sketch markers have a broad chisel tip as well as a soft brush end that doesn’t dull. One cool thing about these markers is that they are refillable and you can replace the tips.

Paints:
Windsor & Newton Cottman Watercolor Pans:
I bout a set of 24 full pans of these paints a while ago and love them. The colors are nice and vibrant, and are nicely transparent.

Acrylic Paints:
I use a variety of brands of acrylic paints for my paintings and custom toys. I use artist grade brands like Liquitex and Golden as well as the cheaper ($3 per bottle) craft acrylics like Plaidand Folk Art (available at Michael’s, AC Moore and Jo Anne Fabrics).

Erasers & Etc:
Magic Rub Peel-Off Eraser Pencil.
This is a great eraser for erasing in small areas, adding detail to pencil renderings, and as a general eraser.

Title image is ©Jonca found via Flickr. Original image can be seen here.  The image has been modified by me and I do not claim any rites to it.