Final Portfolio

Here is my final portfolio. The process of picking pieces was difficult but I am confident with the choices I have made. I definitely think this is some quality work. I am proud of each illustration.

Piece #1 - Life and Death

For the life and death assignment I wanted to do something different, something unique. I wanted an interesting concept that would get attention. I thought of Michael Jackson and the stages of his life. I pictured the young Michael Jackson and then the older, creepy alien-like Michael Jackson and how he was so much different that in his youth he was "dead." I thought a airbrush stencil look would fit and I really like how it turned out. It is also the only piece in my portfolio that is not watercolor. It shows I can work in other areas.

Piece #2 - Extra Illustration/Bruce Springsteen Rolling Stone Article

I chose to do an extra piece for my portfolio and I am really happy with the outcome. I feel like this is my best piece. It is a culmination of all the work I have done finding and honing my technique. It is deliberate with an unintentional feel. I really like the colors used too.

Piece #3 - State Postcard Illustration

Here is another piece where I wanted a "deliberately un-deliberate" watercolor portrait. This is the home state postcard assignment and its also my most recent. I am really happy with how it turned out. It has a nice quality to it where it doesn't look overworked. I was confident throughout the whole process as well and I think it shows my confidence in my own style.

Piece #4 - Memory Portrait

The fourth piece is a memory portrait of my dad. think the simplicity of his face and skin is effective and the contrast between the bright color in the background is my favorite part.

Piece #5 - Self Portrait

This is my second favorite piece and I feel like it was the first piece where I cam comfortable with a style all my own. I like the color and I think the background is interesting. I enjoy using color shapes as value. I have learned from this piece to not overwork anything. I also think this style is deliberately quick and representational. I am not interested in making it 100% photo realistic but creating a style where you can balance realism with representation is what make s a successful illustration, especially in watercolor.

Piece #6 - Osama Bin Laden Portrait Excerise

The Osama was from the multiple watercolor illustration. I did 10 of them and the quantity created this cool illustration. It has a nice quality to it and looks quick but realistic/tight. I also went all out on color and chose ones you would not see in a realistic Osama. This was my highest rated piece on my midterm portfolio and I can see why. It is visual appealing and shows how the spontaneity of watercolor can be really effective and cool.

Piece #7 - Article Illustration

This piece was one of the last pieces I did and it shows my growth in style. It is confident and deliberate without the intentional aspect showing through. I really liked the tractor in the back, the simplicity of it and how it is suggestive.

Piece #8 - Reflections on Lincoln Illustration

I think this is one of my strongest pieces. I wasn't afraid to let the color as as shape do the work like most of the others. Besides the color and form I feel my concept was the strongest. I wanted something modern, unique and interesting and not just a portrait. I wanted to grab peoples attention and I think I succeeded. I am very happy with this piece.

There is my final portfolio! It has been a great semester of Illustration. I have learned so much and have enjoyed every second of it. It has been my favorite class by far. I really hope my skills continue to grow so I can make illustrating a part of my career. I I feel like I have come a long way since the first wash and line assignment we did. I developed a style and have gotten comfortable with a media. I think my work is very high quality, and I am confident in every piece. Thanks to Rusty for the help with technique, style, and everything else.