Mai Kemble Illustrations

V for Veritas posted this.... ;)

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-08:00

Maurice Sendak teaches Stephen Colbert to write a children’s book (video)http://www.deathandtaxesmag.com/176536/maurice-sendak-teaches-stephen-colbert-to-write-a-childrens-book-video/

Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater... and other sketches

2012-01-29T20:42:00.000-08:00

So it's Sunday night. I managed to do my character sketches for Fadenrot as well as do some sketches of my own. These are a few for the Peter Pumpkin Eater poem... :) I kind of liked it to be a bit dark... so in case its hard to see in the bottom ones, she's actually sort of being kept prisoner. I wanted to put bars on the windows and the gate to be a bit intimidating...

I also did a little sketch of what I thought Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock Holmes might look like when she was younger... the boy was maybe a love interest? I didn't go very far with that idea... I did kind of think she must've been a bit mischievous? and perhaps had an interest in Mystery novels? ;)

I also did a little sketch with a girl and her Scottish terrier... My mother-in-law just put her Scottie down... and I couldn't help imagining a little girl with a matching bow on her dog...

Anyway, I hope that I can get a final version of the Peter Pumpkin Eater painted... but a little birdie told me that starting Monday I may be a bit over my head with work!

Once I get approval on my work for Fadenrot I can then show those sketches as well.

Well, the house is clean... the dogs are sleepy... Josh is typing away at his new script... what a day!!!

Personal Work as a Means to A Better Portfolio

2012-01-27T10:49:00.000-08:00

I have been inspired by a blog post by Amy June Bates (one of my most favorite illustrators!!!) to take up my big ol' book of collected Children's stories and just illustrate from these as a personal project. Updating my website with personal paintings I think adds flavor, adds fun, and definitely can help show off some skill! I can pretend I am "on assignment" to illustrate my favorite rhymes and stories... ;)
Meanwhile, my favorite client, Fadenrot, has contacted me to do some fairy tale based illustrations as well!
Fun!

Feeling Charmed

2012-01-09T11:36:00.000-08:00

Hello all~
I finally finished my last interior page for a book that I was working on during December! It was a crazy deadline and consisted of a week with no sleep and lots of painting, but in the end, it was totally worth it! From what it sounds like, there is promising interest for it in the UK and this is exciting! I am extremely grateful for the work and also am very hopeful for the book as well. Here is an interior I did...

Once I get more info and the okay, I will post more info! I believe it will be released in March!

All of this excitement meant that I also had NO time to do any housework.... so this weekend I had bags of laundry to haul around and I'm still not done... dishes, etc... I will hopefully get this all caught up soon. Josh also got a pretty bad cold this weekend so I had to help him out too.... Feverish and dizzy and totally congested, poor man.

:)
Cheers!

Merry Merry Merry!

2011-12-22T10:20:00.000-08:00

I have been working hard to bring to life a new children's book for a client... and will be working on it until up to Christmas Eve and then right back again once Christmas is over... but the work has been looking good! And my client is happy, which makes me happy as well!
Meanwhile, piles of other things pile up and in the back of my mind lingers many ideas of Christmas presents I have yet to buy (yikes!). But I am still feeling merry and blessed! I do miss my friends and family but I will see them all soon enough!

I wish everyone a Happy Christmas! ;)

The "Go-ahead"

2011-12-08T23:17:00.001-08:00

The "Go-ahead" is what I refer to as the "Ok to start painting" part of project... this makes me both excited and nervous. I managed to paint the first page of a book I am working on and have here a portion of the painting. So far, this has promised to be one of my most loved book projects. I think this girl is someone I am happy to help create. She is truly lovable... which I keep writing and cannot give more details!

;-/ Some day soon!

Anyway, I am tired... but I am waiting up a bit longer in case my client from overseas wants to give me a call for some quick feedback! Again, glad for the coming weekend... it means I can spend all my attention on the paintings!! Although Saturday is the Art Supply Warehouse Christmas Party... so maybe I will have to make some time for that event!

Some day I hope to have more time to do art... to do this full time instead. There are so many things that could be said about having to work a day job... while your love lies in wait... and you struggle with the "day to day" vs. moments of complete sadness/panic that you'll never truly see your dreams come true. Jeez, that was a downer.

Ok, on a positive note, love the work, glad for it, and enjoying!!

more because I can't help myself!

2011-12-02T22:41:00.001-08:00

I found more images of my images on the Fadenrot clothing site and had to post a couple more of my favorites... hee hee. Don't hate me. These are cute!

Fadenrot!- Xmas Merch!

2011-12-02T19:54:00.001-08:00

Here is a Christmas clothing illustration I recently did for Fadenrot! ;)

Have you already finished shopping for Christmas presents? How about an adorable outfit for the Holidays?

I also see that a new book I illustrated written by Alex J. Stokas, The Little Weaver (a Christmas Story) is now available on the web! ;)

Fun! Fun! Fun!
Been going crazy working on new character work and interiors for Lou Lou as well... she has gone through many transformations, but we have finally decided upon her look ♥

I have posted images before as well... but I am really enjoying working on this project so far... I wish so much I could tell you all about her and all the awesome things going on with her island and her adventures and how brave this little girl is... but that will have to wait!

Ok, a quick break... ice cream and Humphrey Bogart with the husband before a weekend of working, cleaning, and pug bathing!

;)

2011-11-21T08:46:00.001-08:00

So I got sick last week with vertigo (again) and am now finally 100%. I managed to paint my last illustration of the Rabbit and the Leprechaun, the cover image, and some character studies for another client! Not to mention give my whole apartment a sincere once-over... it has been slowly becoming more and more disgusting the more sick or busy I get! Ha.

But well, here are the character studies:

She looks a lot different now from when I first started her... :) But it was nice to get over being sick and clean and get some work done!

Especially before the Holidays!!!

It's raining at night, then sunny and crisp during the day! I love Fall in California!!!

Super Punch: Win a copy of Barbarians: A Handbook for Aspiring Savages

2011-11-03T11:20:00.000-07:00

Super Punch: Win a copy of Barbarians: A Handbook for Aspiring Savages

Josh's book is featured ;)

Kid Review for "Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten" :)

2011-10-13T12:19:00.000-07:00

Sun 2 Oct 2011
KID REVIEW: Brooke lifts up “Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten”
Posted by Pat under Book reviews No Comments Starting a new school year is always exciting and scary. And that’s doubly true for students venturing off to kindergarten for the first time.Author Catherine Urdahl takes on this topic in Polka-Dot Fixes Kindergarten (Charlesbridge, 2011). Dorothy, who’s better known as Polka-Dot, skips off to kindergarten ready to learn. But she brings a fix-it kit full of her grandfather’s favorite repair tools just in case.
At first, kindergarten doesn’t look like it will be very fun. Her name tag says, “Dorothy,” there are lots of rules to remember and there’s a girl named Liz who doesn’t appreciate Polka-Dot’s name or fashion sense. And, grandpa’s fix-it tools don’t seem to work as well at school as they do at home — at least initially.
Today’s guest reviewer has successfully navigated the waters of kindergarten and, therefore, is thoroughly qualified to comment on this book. So take it away, Brooke!
Our reviewer: Brooke
Age: 8
Things I like to do: Play with my friends and my sister.
This book was about: A girl named Polka-Dot going to kindergarten.
The best part was when: Liz and Polka-Dot made up.
I smiled when: Polka-Dot fixed Liz’s dress.
I was worried when: The boys saw Liz’s underpants.
I was surprised when: Liz’s dress split.
This book taught me: To always be nice.
Three words that best describe this book are: “Fix.” “Help.” “Friendship.”
My favorite line or phrase in this book is: When she said, “Let’s be friends.”
Other kids reading this book should watch for: Stripes and polka-dots.
You should read this book because: It is a good book.
Thanks, Brooke!

(from the Blog "Read, Write, Repeat" by Pat Zietlow Miller)- thanks for reviewing!!! :)

Shop Fadenrot! (my stuff is printed!)

2011-10-09T13:43:00.000-07:00

So I was perusing Fadenrot's website and see that they have new product with my images printed on them!! :) It's very flattering to see them printed and now I think I may have to buy this sweater...!!!
(NOTE: not all images are mine!)

Leprechauns are fun to paint! (especially with dainty shoes!)

2011-10-06T22:34:00.000-07:00

He had to have crazy red hair... :)

We've been having rain (which isn't really rain to me after living in Portland... more like very light showers) and then hot afternoons here in SoCal. However, this morning was crisp, sunny, with that nice cold Fall air... I was walking around in a T-shirt and ran into a couple all bundled up (even their dog) and realized that the Pacific NW was still in me somewhere. And I'm usually so cold?

Anyway, I'm pooped. Glad tomorrow is Friday although this weekend proves to be busy anyway with work.

This must be all I ever blog about... hmmm....

Our Netflix came in the mail today - lot's of Charlie Chaplin! Which should be interesting since we recently watched a slew of Buster Keaton (whom I like more). When I'll find the time to watch these, who knows... I still haven't caught up on Dr. Who!!! (ooh, that's so bad).

Pugs are snoozing... I think they are trying to tell me something... zzzzz....

More work!

2011-10-03T22:40:00.001-07:00

I've been sort of "binge" reading blogs and commenting lately... it seems I can't keep up!! On nights when I have a bit of time before bed after just posting something I can usually get a couple reads in... :) loving John Shelley's blog... as well as Amy June Bates!!! They have the best sketches ever!! It's hard to really call them sketches as they seem so well finished!

Anyway, I can't believe how LONG it took me to finish these three images!! I must have had this project on my plate for at least 2 and a half weeks!!! (Keep in mind these are not large). Although, this isn't the only thing I've been working on...

Actually, I've been pretty slammed and busy... but with these cleared off my plate, I can maybe get a ahead on the next one that's due Friday!!

Still waiting to see what will come of some other projects as well.

Got some time in to help my mom paint the master bedroom in her little townhome as well... she's happier now, which is nice... :) She's been wanting to get her home looking nicer... after a wave of animals she rescued to living with a toddler and a bundle of other people, her house was starting to fall apart some. It's on its way though! I pray I can help her out more and more!!

So on a different note, it's already October!!! I think we are expecting rain on Wednesday... and it's getting darker earlier and earlier. I'm looking forward to the smell of winter in the air.. but not so much the gloomy skies... I got kind of over that in Portland. :p However, that does mean that we are that much closer to Christmas!! ;)

Cheers to work!

;)

Fadenrot!

2011-09-22T20:58:00.001-07:00

More ideas for a project with Fadenrot... ;)

A Few of my favorite boards so far...

2011-09-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a self-published book along with other projects and these are a few of my favorite storyboards so far...
Of course, they are pending approval ;)

Fadenrot!

2011-09-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here is a new sketch I did for Fadenrot... "Miss Fadenrot"! Still in the works... :)
Anyway, things are going to get busy! I have storyboards due Friday, more sketches for Fadenrot, and soon a big book projects involving the little girl from previous posts!

:)

My mom had to put her kitty (a little siamese) Raffy put to sleep after having him for 13 years... This little guy was special. He slept next to me when I was sick, purring the whole time, and he came when he was called.
I will miss him!

On the other note, he is now in peace- he had cancer so he was withering away. RIP Raffy!

I do care quite a bit about animals and my pets... I always considered them as part of the family... mostly because they feel the same way! :)

I am grateful for all the gifts I have been given in life... so I will keep on going and smiling!

2011-09-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

Some character sketches for a current project...

Yes, Peter Rabbit was an influence here... :) I even thought a bit about Gnomes...
Tons of fun!

Finished interiors for another book as well as the cover images...

and now off to do more work for Fadenrot!

;)
Happy Labor Day!

Adendum:

HA, too much like Peter! Is what the client said... sigh.. I think the clothes definitely!
So it's back to the drawing board again!
:)

Transferring images....

2011-08-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hello~

Anyone know of a printer that can print onto watercolor paper and it won't bleed?

Here's a sketch I did...

Which I painted...

Which I like... but I feel like transferring the image makes me lose a lot of the original sketch that I liked more.

Or maybe a sure-fire method to transfer onto watercolor paper?

Any suggestions?

Revised Character Sketch

2011-08-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

I think I liked her more before... but I did have fun painting this :)

A Week of Work, work, and....work!

2011-08-18T21:49:00.000-07:00

Aside from pumping out purchase orders for our CRAZY Back-to-School Month at Art Supply Warehouse during the day, I have then been going home to work on another book project... which I'd love to post interiors of but have not yet had the ok! So far, a cover sketched, two interiors, and one spread done! I also did a dozen or so character sketches prior to this... I can't wait to be finished so I can post some images of this book!

Meanwhile, I just received an initial deposit to start working on another book for a Father-Daughter story. :) I finally get to paint some animals in this book! I'll have to ask if I can post images as they are completed.

Aside from this, I was approached to do a character study/sketch for a large book project as well... See below for my version of what I thought the character should look like:

I wish I could write a bit about the story as it is based on a true story! I wanted to cry drafting some of these images as it has a real tragedy involved with it as well... But it ends with hope!! :)

For those of you who are going or were thinking of attending, I am going to be going to the SCBWI Editor's Day in Fullerton on Sept 30-Oct 1st. :) I already have some new business cards and a brand new portfolio to put my printed images inside! Yikes! Its a bit pricey but I have not attended an SCBWI event in so long!!! I am pretty excited!!

Tomorrow I will be heading to my mother's house to babysit her three cats, two rats, five dogs (one pit bull, one shitzu, one dachsund-terrier mutt, and two teacup chihuahuas). I'm afraid... very afraid... :)

Wish me luck!

another design to die for....

2011-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

I swear Chad Beckerman kills me...

In case the previous post wasn't enough... check out his blog and then you will understand why he is simply awesome.

He goes through the design of a new book, Peter Nimble and his Fantastic Eyes!

Click here!

Interview with Chad Beckerman...

2011-08-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Check this interview on childrensillustrators.com with Abrams Creative Director extraordinare Chad Beckerman! Click here!

Uncovered Cover Art

2011-07-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

I received an email from Heidi Kellenberger regarding a new blog/wordpress site, Uncovered Cover Art!

I have decided to subscribe to this page- it's basically a site where people can submit their own versions of book-covers!

So far, the results are mouth-watering!

So... anyone want to follow/submit as well?

;)

(ex: Artwork by Heather Ross, Inspired by The Princess and the Pea)

A Few of My Favorite Things...

2011-07-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

These characters have always been so refreshingly alive to me and I've always loved them.

I am especially in love with Gigi and I think I have read Anne of Green Gables at least fifty times... I'm sure they are all recognizable?? except maybe Eliza Doolittle from My Fair Lady... I drew her when she was a flower girl and then when she's having to practice her vowels.

I might just have to paint one of these...

sketching...

2011-07-13T21:19:00.000-07:00

So the summer heats seems to have turned off my brain... (I really need that Mary Blair poster to arrive now!!!!)

However!

I managed to sketch a bit. In-between projects and late at night... :)

I kept thinking of flopping into chairs ... or looking out a window... or reading... blowing bubbles... playing with water.... (can't explain the turtle neck)... can you tell I've got Summer-itice?

Does this ever happen? Your brain is off... but you want to draw... you can get as far as sketching... but there isn't that crazy... "Oooh, want to paint that one!" feeling??? I really hate this.. haha...

Well, the weekend is around the corner... so who knows, right? ;)

And I DO still have some more birthday money to spend...

HMMMM....

Mary Blair!

2011-07-13T11:43:00.000-07:00

For those who don't know who Mary Blair is, click here and check her out!

I recently went to Disneyland and was able to view the Colors of Mary Blair Exhibit up-close!

Very impressive..

I was also able to use my B-day present giftcard to purchase a print of the Tomorrowland Mural concepts... :) It's the one on the bottom-right of this image below.

Isn't she wonderful?

I really think that with this hanging in my studio, I will feel truly inspired!

Back from New Mexico

2011-07-06T18:45:00.001-07:00

I just got back from a 4 day Family Reunion in Albuquerque, New Mexico... :) Of course, the morning after our 16-hour drive, I was hit with a vertigo spell due to Labyrinthitis... (inflamation of the inner ear that throws off your sense of balance). Luckily, my older sister is a nurse and she gave me some meclizine (like a kind of dramamine). Anyway, still a bit dizzy, but feeling ok.

The trip was to see my Grandpa who is not feeling great as of late... although he seemed in good spirits with everyone around him. I'm glad I got to see him as I don't often get to... sometimes years between visits to see our relatives. I'm always a bit stunned at how awesome my extended family is, too. :)

Well, being back at home is nice, too.

Here are some shots of our apartment and my relatively "new" workspace in Long Beach, not Portland. :)

I also was able to draw a bit. Here is a close-up of the sketch you can see on the desk.

I really should paint some new little paintings and get my submissions out for the summer! I uploaded some pictures... (you can see part of my calendar that I print every month and have scribbled in deadlines... this month hasn't filled up yet, but I'm hoping it will soon!).

Below is Josh on the computer with our two pugs napping in the summer heat... they just got baths... we turned off all the lights and have fans going to help keep their little bodies cool...♥♥♥

Interiors done!

2011-06-21T08:57:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished the interior pages... but the cover remains!

Painted this page last night...phew! I am tired!

Weee

2011-06-18T20:12:00.000-07:00

some doodles in-between setting up paintings... ;)

I've been looking at a lot of different artists and noticing that there is a loose-ness that I wish more for my finished pieces... and maybe more chances for other textures... color pencil? Crayon? More sketchy work?

Well, that will have to be explored.

Ok, back to work!

;)

Yours Truly- the Cavity Witch!!(character owned and created by Julie Sullivan©2011)

2011-06-15T23:41:00.001-07:00

Sleeeep!!!!

Ok...

well, here's another snippet!

So far...

2011-06-14T23:47:00.000-07:00

Here is a snippet of the poster I painted for Fadenrot...

I have still more paintings to work on for my client's book.... and the cover sketches!!!

Eep!

I am busy, busy!

I also turned 30 today!

Yay!

Month of madness...

2011-06-08T21:27:00.001-07:00

Soooo I am booked solid for the month!

This week I've been diving head-first into a book and this weekend, I'll be working on a poster for Fadenrot!

Lots and lots to do!!

The following weeks will be more pages for the book and hopefully other projects here and there from Fadenrot- my favorite client ever!!

But well, I really had fun painting this... what I am posting is only part of the picture... The main character and her pal on a typical day...before the plot thickens!!!

(I have to say the computer never quite captures watercolors... :( It's a little sad... I keep getting a bit of a neon quality to some colors... - any suggestions??)

Ahhh work... :)

2011-05-18T19:43:00.001-07:00

More sketches... these are for the book I am working on for a client... ;)

So far so good!

A Long Weekend...

2011-05-15T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well... this weekend has been full of work! Which is definitely a good thing.

Here are some paintings I worked on over the weekend as well as a logo I am designing...

This is the logo... It is for a camp group that teaches art to children. :0

These are more work for Fadenrot...

I still thinking working for this client has been like a dream!

I have to print out a manuscript I received over the weekend as well to see if I can get it all worked out... I like the first stages of working on a book... letting it kind of stew in my brain, let first impressions really set in, try and highlight instances I felt really stood out in the story, moments I can use to get emotional responses, etc. This book is by a self publisher, but I am not opposed to working for these clients.

I will post the work as I go! This project is due at the end of the month so it should be a bit grueling as far as schedule goes, but it should also be fun!

So, let's keep in touch!

God Bless!

Marriage and Work

2011-05-11T21:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I've been MIA, but with good reason!!

I recently got married, went on a weekend Honeymoon in Cambria, CA, and then have been busy painting on more projects!

Here is the image so far... it is still pending approval, but following will be the two snow queens I blogged about in earlier posts.

Josh and I were engaged for quite a long time... too long, to be honest, but we were trying desperately to save up for a wedding... and it seemed life wasn't going to allow us to ever keep enough of our money to do this! But we don't mind... we are happy! :) We had a family friend marry us in their backyard with just immediate family. Nothing fancy, nothing too formal. We are both religious, or at least we are now, and thus, the wedding was not really about anything except our commitment and so I wouldn't really have it any other way...

April has been nuts though, I must say!

As I write this, Josh is giggling to the Onion Radio News on his ITunes... pretty funny stuff. He's going back to Grad School soon enough as well so more change is on the horizon.

Well, onward and upward!

A Queen in progress...

2011-04-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello again!

I started out with my sketch... but after collaborating with my client, I have pushed the image... and I like it much more! Here is the original:

I am so pleased to work with this client (Fadenrot)... for one, as I've said before, the creative freedom is totally inspiring... but secondly, I am actually getting the kind of feedback that improves the image!! I love it! It reminds me of when I used to draw with my twin sister, Mei, and we'd push ideas around and just go crazy with new ideas... pushing images and having so much fun.

So anyway, I can't wait to get approval and begin painting!

I'm also looking forward to this weekend! Easter is around the corner!

(The top one is the last, and the bottom the first revised drawing.)

Sketches

2011-04-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

More work... more ideas in the making...

I think that sketching is the most fun...

I am in good spirits! Happy Spring everyone!

Easter is around the corner!

Chirply

2011-04-07T18:03:00.000-07:00

So Josh recently did a card design (click on the link to see his card) for a new awesome card design site called Chirply... :)

And of course, he finally got to feature our pugs!!

;)

been busy!

2011-04-04T20:34:00.000-07:00

Here is another piece I have finished for Fadenrot! I will be doing more work for this client of which I am happy to do!

The other night I went to Portfolios with Josh and Mei to meet up with our co-worker Rodney and we had a little drawing sessions. We talked about Star Wars and art and war and history... :o

I think we may end up doing this every month... I like meeting up to draw. Its nice to get out of the house once in a while, too. Josh and I used to walk all over downtown Long Beach when we were first dating, too, and because of this, both love Long Beach. So its nice to get out on the town once in a while.

Anyway, I will now get to other projects!

I got my copies of Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten (written by Catherine Urdahl) in the mail as well!!

Yay! Its always nice to have the hardback in your hands and to re-look at your artwork in print. Sweet!

They look awesome!! :)

More work

2011-03-31T23:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I am just having a blast working for Fadenrot! It's amazing when you get to work with someone with great ideas and also someone who gives you so much creative freedom!!!

I am however, totally exhausted, so I will make this short!!!

This is another image pending approval... more to come!

;)

Good night!!!

Some work in progress

2011-03-30T22:30:00.000-07:00

More work for Fadenrot... still pending approval!

I have two more to paint following these and more projects to come! I am super happy with this work!

♥ :)

The boy is reminiscent of earlier painting I did of a boy with a goldfish in a pond.

I painted these while Josh was editing a new BIPT podcast. It's actually pretty rad because I get a preview of the podcast before it's up. It's also funny because I get to hear all the "outtakes." Stutters, badwords, etc. HAHA. This week's topic sounds pretty interesting, too. I think so many illustrators have their own experiences and opinions when it comes to the "High Art World/Gallery Culture" vs "Commercial Artists" quote on quote. At least, I've had some experiences in college and just visiting different galleries. Anyway, it's interesting topic to listen people talk about.

Well, I better try and hit the hay as I still have 8 hours of day job tomorrow followed by more paintings!! :)

Which isn't a complaint!

Good night!

PS: thanks for all the comments everyone- I truly appreciate it!

;)

More work...;)

2011-03-23T21:41:00.000-07:00

I was working on my sketches for another job... :) Mostly having fun coming up with different ways to go with a theme... maritime boys and marine girls... I love it! I also love having the creative freedom to do these.

I also need to do some paintings for the CSLA posters... I used some images I already have, but I would like to do one using Polka-dot and Shelby, too.

Cheers!!
:)

Final Image... ♥

2011-03-19T09:54:00.000-07:00

So here is the final image for the job I just completed for Fadenrot- a small fashion label in Germany.

Please check 'em out!! ;)

I love watercolor...

2011-03-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

So this is a snippet of my illustration for a clothing designer... I am really hoping that this does lead to more projects because its been a blast working on this... She's really nice about having the artist be creative and there seems to be a narrative to a lot of her ideas. :)

Anyway, its the budding beginning of working with her so I hope all goes well.

On a different note, I've been keeping up with the news regarding Japan and praying for them all.

I plan on donating to the Red Cross just as soon as I receive my next paycheck.

Yay!

Josh is playing a computer game where he is a cactus man shooting people on a moving train - with a very silly western soundtrack. He is a green man with a red cape and black hat. It's very funny... Who came up with this idea? I want to shake their hand.

I guess he's been playing a round as little breaks between work. My breaks are usually only interrupted by my dogs needing to go out. If I manage to someday be freelance fulltime, I wonder what I should do as a break? What do you do? I have a feeling it would be mostly watching videos of Miyavi or the GazettE on YouTube. :P

I am going to try and remain positive and work hard! Ganbare!!! (Japanese for "Be strong!").

Trying to paint again...

2011-03-14T22:54:00.000-07:00

So this is a painting that I was working on in the midst of another project I posted about earlier...

It isn't finished, but I thought I'd post what I've been doing. I haven't been as productive as I should be... but I did do some tonight.

It was a bit hard to focus at painting to be honest. I've been feeling very aloof and sort of bummed out. But I have to jump back in and keep going!

Japan

2011-03-13T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sad news to see my mother's country in rubble and disarray. I am praying for Japan's quick recovery but know that it will not be quick. I will donate what I can to the Red Cross to help... but I wish I could fly over there and help right now.

This was a sudden frightening event... I am very affected by it. The homes I see smashed to pieces look like my aunt's and I see the pictures of people trying to "hold it together." I am glad that their leaders seem to be optimistic and sound proud of how calm people have been.

I think this year has really been a hard one.

I hope you are all safe.

Wow

2011-03-10T19:28:00.001-08:00

This is hilarious.... I sometimes get emails from Guru.com

The last post I saw for a job was this (I have edited out the name, etc):

"Budget: Under $250
Category: Illustration & Art
Description: Hello, 90 illustrations, same style as the attached samples, target group is 4 year old children, the illustrations should be fresh and cheerful. Its simple Illustration so my budget is Less than 1$ per illustration and time frame is within 1 week this is initial job and We have quite a few more illustrations, if I satisfy with your quality i'll give more illustration with good price in future. **** Please provide samples of your previous illustration work related to my project. Thanks"

Free Shipping!

2011-03-09T09:29:00.000-08:00

(this is not my own image but an image of an art print)

Society6 is doing Free Shipping on their mini & small art prints!

Pretty cool... ;)

Stars and Coins

2011-03-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

I have a new project that I am working on... which I don't know if I should post yet... but I wanted to post some drawings I did. It involves a very poor but giving little girl who is then rewarded for her charitable actions.

Its very sweet.

I am also busy working on an idea for a poster for a campaign to save Libraries in schools...

The sale (which ends this months) for my original paintings seems to be going alright although I wish I could sell more! :) New images to come though!

Facebook & This Weekend

2011-02-27T21:39:00.000-08:00

I created a Facebook page for just my illustration work...(please find me and we can be friends, if you would want to). I am still sort of figuring it out since I have a personal Facebook page as well and would like to keep these separate.

Well, anyway, to sum up this weekend, I am SORE and TIRED. :) I did end up going to help my friend paint her house which was fun... despite the sore muscles and the tired body. It was really hard to get up this morning and this afternoon I reeeaaally wanted to take a nap. But it was good to see her and her new puppy, Bean. He was an adorable little red-dappled mini dachshund. CK and Dozer were also happy to meet him and run around in their rather large backyard. I remembered a number of years ago helping my mom do some work on her house and how exhausting it was. After a while you just want it done and yet it never really feels finished.

I also managed to upload more images on Etsy, sell three more paintings, and go through my copy of this year's CWIM some more in hopes that I can contact more Art Directors. I also submit bids on guru every once in a while and there were a few projects that I hope I get.

So while I am done and tired this weekend, I now feel like I can paint some more and create more images. I have some ideas and a really cool brush I am falling in love with.. ♥

Hope all is well.

Now to return to Fresh Air. :)

Design By Humans Artist of the Week!

2011-02-26T10:37:00.000-08:00

Josh is the DesignByHumans Featured Artist of the Week!

Isn't that cool?

Its a Mad Month

2011-02-25T20:20:00.001-08:00

I hope I can keep up this month!

Aside from TAXES (ugh) and all the new changes to the site and adding a couple venues to buy my Art, and blogging... this month has proved to be a bit of a B*tch... har har.

It's raining outside and will probably be drizzling tomorrow as well which puts a bit of a damper on plans to help a friend paint the inside of her new house. I think its usually best to paint when its sunny and warm... but I suppose we really don't have time to postpone anyway. I am excited for her and her man as they have been super patient about getting this place all spruced up to live in. Lucky me its only 15 minutes from my home and she's my best bud.

On the work front at ASW things are going nutty as our store has grown and is now booming. I think we are all needing some help now although we are all equally excited for the store. I can't wait for things to settle down again and see all our hard work pay-off... hopefully it will be in time for our big Three-Day Sale Arty Gras! Hee hee. :)

Lately I've been coming home and sitting in front of my computer and my desk between taking breaks and watching episodes of Bored To Death with Josh... I will have to wake up early to try and make up some time that I will be missing when I go help my friend... I still have to try and send out more promos and email potential clients!

Eek!!

I am genuinely exhausted and yet happy to do all the work.

How are you all?

I sure wish we could talk sometimes.

New Mini Art Prints & Etsy (finally!)

2011-02-25T09:10:00.000-08:00

Society 6 has added two new sizes to their line of Art Prints- Minis!! I'm very glad as I think I'm instantly attracted to tiny things (I don't know why, but they always look more "cute" and "precious" ???).

I also have opened an Etsy site to sell my originals as well...

here is my shop.

Big Blow Out Sale until end of March!

2011-02-23T21:27:00.000-08:00

I am selling original work for $100 flat (smaller pieces for $50). Anything on my website (save for a few that have already sold or some interior pages for my books- a few are set aside for people already).

If any interest you, please shoot me an email asap.

So far these are sold:

1. girl falling through the puddle

2. the boy reading a book eating an apple

3. the girl in the library in the green dress

4. the girl in the sky with the parasol

5. Lisa Nguyen in London

6. two faeries with the squirrel

7. the Peter Pan themed painting

8. Nightsweeper interiors

9. I'm so Not Wearing a Dress interiors are spoken for..

I am also doing commissions for $200 flat for this month... (of course, this is subject to change if the painting is super detailed or large).

So! Let me know if you are interested.

On a previous note, BIPT seems to be making a nice comeback! The Twitter scene has been going nuts with the #illoparty at the end of tweets... it's really nice. I'm glad because it means to me that BIPT is genuinely kicking butt and keeping illustrators happy. I listened to the episode and was laughing that Kevin kept the part where I cut in...(oops!).

I'm also trying to set up a Facebook page for just my illustration work- under Mai Kemble Illustrations... seems like a great way to keep in touch and really keep the buzz going!

I wish that the internet wasn't so hazy when it came to ...well, is anyone out there??? Are we all really connecting??? I read so many blogs and try to comment when I can... but ultimately, we don't all really know each other. But it's still so nice to read these blogs and hear about life and other artists and their experiences... for instance, John Shelley is just ... well, he's a sweet heart from what I read... and another example is Paige Keiser and Cassia Thomas... to say even just a few words... oh, and of course, Mishaps and Misadventures (Chad Beckerman- Abrams awesome book designer)... or Cinnamon Rabbit (Julia Denos)... I don't know... I just really love reading these blogs.

I am a nerd is what it comes down to... but I go to my Day Job and I LOVE my Art Supply Warehouse... I seriously LOVE my job... (YaY, ASW!!!) and I come home and I love Josh and we work together and struggle to do art and live and we have our pugs... and there's this weird juggle of the internet world and all that we do in this virtual place and then the day-to-day... its like being far apart... and not far at all? Knowing people...and not knowing people??? Its so bizarre. Josh and I are super proud of the few friends we have... that we talk to almost every day and hang out with and who truly know us and all we go through... and then there's the other world... where we are trying... almost to get through some crazy maze... where you hear people on the other side of the wall and you're talking but you can't ever meet...

???

does that make sense??

but I love both worlds. Hard to really explain... and I feel like I am not the best writer and often times my posts are sort of vague and not very well thought out.

Oh well...

Anyway, I will go back to it all again.

Keep in touch however we all can.

Makes me want to watch You've Got Mail. hee hee.

Big Illustration Party Episode 45!

2011-02-20T19:52:00.001-08:00

As promised, it looks like the new episode of BIPT is finally up! Check out their new site! I actually was in the room while they were recording... pretty cool. :)

For anyone who doesn't know, my fiance and his co-host/fellow cartoonist/freelance illustrator Kevin Cross, are the two guys giving tips and advice, personal experience, and a lot of humor to what it's reeeeeaaally like freelancing on this Podcast. They talk about their work-week and answer questions from listeners. It's pretty fun to listen to because they also add some funny jokes and have a really unique way of looking at freelance that's kind of "punk rock" and "in your face." Meaning, they don't sugar-coat it... which I think, is why people loved the show so much. I'm not where they are as far as making my living solely on freelance, but living with Josh I get the sense that it truly is a love-hate kind of job. In any case, listening to the show can be pretty inspiring and also just a nice way to know "you're not alone." :)

I also know that there are a number of other shows that talk about similar subjects but I think -aside from the fact that Josh co-hosts- BIPT is unique because I think they are the most candid. So check 'em out and judge for yourself if you like. :) It's all in good fun.

On another sort of related note, Josh and I have been listening to The Adventures of Philip Marlowe on ITunes. We are fans of these stories and just the character himself. When you can't find a lot of time to read, listening to stories is almost as great. The sound effects and voice acting is just so awesome... I love it! :)

I'm sure we'll have to find more like it when we've heard them all... I wonder if they have any Twilight Zones like this... hee hee.

Ok, I'd better try to paint something.

♥

Sketches and Art Prints!

2011-02-19T21:42:00.000-08:00

I finally added a Shop section to my site... it's also linked on my blog under Society6. I have most of the images from my portfolio now in different size prints that you can purchase on the site. :) I also created a little poster image for Mai Kemble Illustrations. Thanks for any support! ;)

I also wanted to post some new sketches I worked on the other night. I met up with my sister and some of our co-workers from ASW and drew over at a local coffee shop called Sipology. Its a really lovely coffee shop that overlooks downtown Long Beach- it is a two story building! Our co-worker Rodney Sellars as well as friend Chris Kawagiwa have their artwork up in the gallerie there as well. We all ended up drawing and chatting over coffee... I drew some ideas involving Victorian shoes and tea sets!

Meanwhile, Josh and Kevin Cross have re-kindled their love for podcasting and plan to re-launch the ever-wonderful podcast, Big Illustration Party Time! YAY! They re-vamped their old blog into a site and have posted some pictures and will be posting a new episode soon! It's really great that they got back in-touch... I'm sure we've all missed the BIPT♥.

Valentine

2011-02-15T21:12:00.000-08:00

Well most people around me have been saying they don't like Valentines Day... but I love it. And I don't mean that it's a day I expect romance and flowers and crazy dinners but I do think its lovely that people set aside a day to celebrate their loved one. How many days in the year do we set aside time to think about that? Or to just tell them how you feel? I hear too often people saying "they don't need a day" or a "special day" to say these things...but I also know too well that most people don't say it enough! :) So why not?

Besides, we hear so many sad stories that it is nice to hear "Happy whatever Day!" as often as we can.

Makes me happy to think about...

I think that even if there isn't a lover to spend the day with, maybe the point can really be about remembering Love. Maybe it isn't about what you're missing, but what you have already? Or maybe what you had? A time to reflect, to muse over, or to smile a bit and laugh at yourself...

In any case, I am glad that I do have Josh and my family and friends. Despite some overwhelming losses this year I also am glad to set aside a special day for Love.

Sorry to be so cheesey but I just watched Sabrina and it makes me think about Audrey Hepburn and how lovely she was... and about Josh... how young she was! And how childish her crush was at the beginning of the movie! Do you remember your first crush? I am so happy to remember all the crazy childish and funny ways we were and how happy we still are!

I also wish that we still made movies like this... Josh and I agreed that Billy Wilder was amazing. And we love these movies more than any other kind. For some reason we always have. I feel like the stories weren't over the top or needing crazy special effects... just real people and situations.. and wit and a sense of humor mixed with real meaning.

Although I admit I am a bit excited to about the new Red Riding Hood!

Anyway I had better get to bed.

Polka-Dot Saves Kindergarten!

2011-02-10T20:55:00.000-08:00

Well, as I was busy trying to set up a banner with all my titles, I saw that Barnes & Noble had images of my latest book with Charlesbridge!

Polka-dot Saves Kindergarten by Catherine Urdahl!

I was very excited to see that... I wonder if that means a copy for me is in the mail???

I also would like to announce that I *may* be attending the Children's Book Week (May 2nd to 8th) this year at The Children's Book World store in Los Angeles, CA.

I definitely look forward to this event! What a great idea? A Whole Week to celebrate and basque in Children's Books!

Josh is sitting next to me as I type this looking at pictures he has saved on his computer... There are some of my nephew dressed up as Naruto when he was four. So cute!

And also some of our old pug, Holden. :) We thought we had lost all of those when Josh had his bag stolen and it had his external hard drive in it...

We were searching for some nice pictures to use as a profile pic on my website... but we are finding more silly photos than "nice" ones... I doubt anyone knows but I have a habit of sticking my tongue out in pics...

(At our friend, Chris Kawagiwa's art show this year...)

(Josh's sister, Lavender, and her husband, Nick- who shares my sense of humor)

(Josh's sister, Fawn, and me at Disneyland..)

... but I suppose you gotta have a sense of humor, eh?

More painting to come!

And soon... prints to buy!!!

Obviously...

2011-02-09T23:26:00.000-08:00

(Josh & I on the "It's A Small World" ride at Disneyland a few months ago).

Well, obviously I have changed my blog... but I've also redone my website...

It isn't perfect... and there are definitely more things I want to do with it, but I decided to go ahead and publish what I had finished.

Like I posted before, I want to make it possible to sell prints, postcards, and also provide some downloadable things for teachers and parents related to my published books.

But!

I am not quite there yet!

That's the next step.

In the meanwhile, I hope that everyone likes the new changes... it's been a long time coming.

On a totally different note, I got my Valentine's Day gift all set up to give to Josh!! He'll be away this weekend on a Threadless outing up in Solvang, CA. I guess they do some wine-tasting... ;) I encouraged him to go with his BFF because I do not drink alcohol at all.

Hopefully he'll come back happily relaxed with funny tales!

Right now he's pulling consecutive all-nighters week after week... he's been slammed with work!! Which is nice, but it sure does get you a bit sleep-deprived!

Speaking of sleep... zzzZZZZZZ

A Late Night Brings Good Beginnings?

2011-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

I was up until 1-2am last night working on the *new* website... and it's looking very promising!
I am also going to set up something with Society6 to sell prints of my work as well.

I don't know if anyone is aware, but I also have a ton of originals from books that I would be willing to sell, too! :)
Although, I have promised some already...

It's really nice to get the ball rolling and feel that creative juice flow!
It is also a real benefit to have a designer/illustrator you can turn to and ask for advice- thank you, Josh!
:)

Everyone have their Valentines' Day gifts picked out?? I am thinking of creating some downloadable card images for Holidays as well!
;)

See you soon!

A Good Day

2011-02-08T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have mailed out my promo cards today. After work is more work with re-vamping my website... a total re-make! Hee hee.
Looking forward to that!

The benefit show for Lisa Nguyen (Leader of the Pack) was a success!! Looks like everyone raised more than $1200... :) I hope that my piece was purchased... but I still don't know. It was held at our college campus, CSULB, and there were more than 100 people there, easy. All the artwork was very moving and so different. The music was also just perfect for Lisa and made me smile.

In any case, it was a good night.

Anyway, I've got to get to work, but maybe I'll try and post some process pics soon.
:)
Please take care of yourself...

For Lisa

2011-02-02T22:53:00.000-08:00

This is a painting for Lisa Nguyen!

She had been wanting to live in London for a very long time so I decided to put her there in the painting.

I will post a picture of her, too.

Miss you girl.

Dustless Baby Powder by BabyMagic

2011-02-01T20:59:00.000-08:00

Part of the illustraton I did for BabyMagic© is up on their website...

which is exciting because I hope that the larger part of the image is soon up as well.

That job was really cute... I had some pretty neat sketches (if I may say so myself) before creating the final artwork. I can post a few here... but the product itself is actually really amazing too! Click on the title of this post for a link to the website if you are interested.

I've seen videos that show an artist's technique when painting/drawing but not a whole lot that document the start to finish of an actual hired job. I suppose there is a lot of secrecy to some work when in the preliminary stages... I know with children's books you can't necessarily show anything until the book is actually released. Seeing these sketches makes me wish I had documented it... I still have a folder full of all my notes and thumbnails... my color roughs and scans.... I have these for almost every book I've done as well. It's kind of fun to keep and look through once in a while. :)

Almost as fun as the actual book!

Pink!

2011-01-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

I can't wait for spring to come... and I live in California!

I've been feeling bad for the East Coast and their winter storms... :(

But the sun's been out and staying out longer lately which I am totally grateful for... the weather in Portland really affected me badly when I lived there I think. I never thought it would, but particularly November's "Gray Days."

But I drew some in a pink Prismacolor Pencil in hopes that it will encourage some Spring feelings of warmth and new life! .... I like to sketch in colored pencils... :) Especially Prismacolor because of the waxy thickness.

This weekend will be filled with postcards and promotions! I only have to purchase my postcard stamps and then I will be mailing out my "calling card."

This weekend I will also be going to a birthday party as well as painting for a possible entry in an art show in honor of a friend... It will be involving vespas, polka-dot tights, and pugs in... London!!

I put some links on my website that are related to some of the books I've done. I'm So Not Wearing A Dress has a scene where the main character Shelby is making mudpies with her friend, Nate... so I thought to put a link for people to make "mud-like" desserts! Yum!

They also make keychain-size Converse that can be used as a project... Shelby likes to write her name on her "super speedy" sneakers! Seemed like a fun idea.

I recently did some line-work for the characters in an upcoming title for use as paper-puppets... so once that book comes out, I can upload a file that can be downloaded for that as well.

Which reminds me, I was pretty thrilled to see a couple copies of I'm So Not Wearing A Dress at my local Borders. :)

On a totally different note, the previous post is a lovely story... seriously... listen to it! It will make you glad... :)

Ok, back to work!

(Pugs are snoozing away on their little bed we have set up in our studio. I think its almost bed time?)

Finding Emilie... by Radiolab (click here to visit Radiolab.org)

2011-01-27T21:32:00.001-08:00

So I am listening to one of the most touching stories I ever heard...

"In this segment, we take an emotional left turn to a story of a very different kind of lost and found. We begin with a college student, Alan Lundgard, who fell in love with a fellow art student, Emilie Gossiaux. Emilie's mom, Susan Gossiaux, describes her daughter, and the terrible phone call she recieved from Alan nine months after he became Emilie's boyfriend. Together, Susan and Alan tell Jad and Robert about the devastating fork in the road that left Emilie lost in a netherworld, and how Alan found her again."

It's very amazing to me that he didn't give up and ended up saving her life.

Pug Shakers!

2011-01-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Josh & I came across these pug shakers and had to buy them!

Aren't they sweet?

Apparently there are whole bunch of different types... if you google them and look at the images there are devil/angel, peppers, black and white...etc etc.

Very cute.

They really made my day!

We had gone to Venice Beach to eat lunch with his family for our Brother-in-Law's Birthday and then ended up going further up to 3rd Street Promenade and hanging around there.

They re-did the mall that was at the end of the street and re-designed the entire building/stores, etc. Now there is a beautiful view of the ocean from the top with a fireplace and lounge area next to a very large eatery and courtyard. Nice... ;>

Anyway, back at the ranch I am now seeing that for the first time in a while, waking up at noon can be kind of freaky when you realize half the day is gone!! But the sun is out and there is always something to do.

So, find something small that can make you smile and go out there!

A New Year a Little Late...

2011-01-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

The new year started with a bang and I had a slow start... so nevertheless, here I am.

I only have on hand a file of a little pattern I did...

but I did make a few minor changes to my website.

I can't wait for the book to be released so I can put up some interior pages and the storyboards I did.

Maybe even a video on my process??? hee hee.

Today is a mixture of sunlight and trajedy but I hope to keep my chin up.

And while things were a bit hard at first with some personal things going on, I plan on going forward with things with a new appreciation for life and people.

Let's all be a little more nice than we might usually be?

And maybe a bit more pleasant to strangers?

We have to share this space for as long as we can...

make the most of it!

Boxcar Artshow

2010-11-16T15:51:00.000-08:00

So I am promoting my threadless design which only has 2 days left to score/vote.
And!
working on a couple 6x6 paintings for an artshow here at Art Supply Warehouse's gallery space Catalyst.
The show is on Dec. 4th.... :)
I will have to post images when I have more to show.
So far, the pencils for at least three are finished.

:)

I am also trying to plan a wedding... its insane... I thought I had my date picked out, but my Pappi is in China and my sister is in Utah... and my Grandpa and Grandma are in New Mexico!

:<

So, trying to work dates in with them all in mind... my nieces and nephews all have school too.

Sigh.

But I think this is where we will have it:

The Harbor View Clubhouse in Huntington Beach...

???

Up for scoring- Hitch cock & my shirt

2010-11-11T20:09:00.000-08:00

This is exciting!
My shirt is up for scoring for the next week.
I wonder whether people will like it... If you like this, and you want to vote you can click on the title of this blog for a link or click below.

Here is a link:

Thanks for your time!

I am also in the midst of trying to plan a wedding (finally!) and will be checking out some places this weekend.

OH! and also going to enter some 6x6 paintings at our store's Artspace called Catalyst. :)

More on that later (it's not 'til the end of November or beginning of February)!! I better get brainstorming on ideas.

So far: ideas of hippos, bicycles, monkeys, top hats!

hmmm...

ALSO,

Josh's super fun shirt design:

just click here even just to giggle a bit... although I hope you vote!

;)

cheers, have a good night!!

Threadless Shirt Design by Yours Truly ;)

2010-11-08T22:26:00.001-08:00

I made my first submission to Threadless! :)
It was created using watercolor... but I had a lot of fun trying to think of something that is still ME and would be a great shirt.
Let me know what you think? Thanks!

Josh has been submitting to this site for a long time and he loves it. He has been constantly telling me to give it a go... They have a new simulated process printing that I guess is able to capture more painterly designs so I thought the time must be right.

I now have to turn around and help promote my mom and sister's Etsy dolls! ;) ( see previous post).

Iki-Iki Dolls

2010-11-07T20:51:00.000-08:00

Well, my sister and my mom finally got their Etsy site up and running! They handmade a ton of soft, plush, adorable sock dolls...

They are simply adorable and hard to resist!!!

Here is one of my favorites:

Please feel free to check them out!

a promise

2010-11-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Well, I did promise to post this painting when I was finished and here it is!

I also finally updated my website with some images from the children's books and my rep did the same. I also managed to visit some sites I haven't in a while ...such as Flickr... I also made a DeviantArt account. Surprisingly, this site seems to get a LOT of traffic.... the only thing is that it is much more fast-paced than I am used to ... and almost impossible to navigate! :/ but I do hope that it will encourage more interaction somehow.

Anyway, how was Halloween? Me? Well, Friday we dressed as zombies at work... which was fun. :) We wore torn up clothes and fake blood and took photos.

Then, Saturday, Josh and I drove up to the Antelope Valley with my twin, Mei, to his mum's annual Hallow's Eve Party. We carved pumpkins, had a costume contest, and ate chili! It was a blast. I felt bad for Mei because she had a cold, but I think on the whole, it was lots of fun. Awesome costumes, too. Josh's sister dressed as Elizabeth Bennett, but Lizzie fighting Zombies-style Elizabeth Bennett. (there is a whole book series about Lizzie and her family fighting zombies). See picture. I've never read the book... but her costume was perfect!

His mum was a rooster. She was so adorable... hehehehe....

Sunday, the actual Halloween Day, we went with my sisters to take Keegan (my 6 year old nephew) to Trick-Or-Treat. :) It was awesome. He met his friend and the two of them (both dressed as Ninjas) ran from house to house screaming "Trick or Treat!" "Charge!" "Happy Halloween!!" and also "I got more candy than you!"

(All of this is reminding me that I need to go to the dentist... I had my wisdom teeth out last year and I was supposed to follow that by having some cavaties filled... crap. I never remember at the right time....)

Anyway, Halloween is over... the week is about half-way over, I have a paycheck coming to me this week from my Day Job and I finished my painting and can move on to the next.

:D YAY!

I better go to bed...

I admit I already have another idea stewing... and I think I need to read 10,000 Leagues Under the Sea because Around the World in 80 Days is one of my favorite novels...and I've never read it.... I am so random... but forgive me... I am a bit tired. :) You know, I am glad to be back in California... I truly am. I think Portland is beautiful... but I am glad to be back with people I know and know me. I love the sunshine. I love the city of Long Beach. I love seeing my family and friends more than once a year. Its almost been a year since I got sick last November...and there was a lot of upheave in my life. I feel like it is slowly becoming the past.

I am so glad to be with Josh, too. He has been a huge comfort.

Anyway, Christmas is around the corner (although I don't suggest we forget Thanksgiving!! YUM)... then New Year. I hope that January brings more work!

Well, goodnight everyone!

thanks for reading ;)

Finally...

2010-10-26T10:13:00.001-07:00

I have begun a new painting last night... after having it sitting on my desk for a number of days.
I took a couple of pictures on my cellphone of the work in progress... thought it might be interesting. The first picture here shows the painting with some liquid frisket and an underpainting or wash of red and purples to get the light and dark areas mapped out.

I fill in the background colors (in general washes)...

Then I build up the detail in the background some more...

Last, I keep working in more detail and remove the frisket to put color into the characters.

Still not done, but I will post it when I am finished.
:)

Busy Beaver Buttons

2010-10-05T16:54:00.000-07:00

My sister's button for Busy Beaver is featured on their blog!

Check it out!

Finish!

2010-08-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

I mailed all the original paintings off to Charlesbridge... I am so relieved and happy to be done!

I am still waiting to hear back on a different project and about to start a new one... but this weekend will all be about moving!

So in the meanwhile, here is some art for the book... the title and all of the details are still not to be announced, but at least I can give you some eye candy! Muahahaha!

I am brain-dead at the moment... wish I had something more prolific or ... just funny to write but I really don't. I just wanted to brag that I was done!

I told my mom and asked her for a high-five and she said "Oh, that's nice!" but... well, my fam's always been pretty low-key... It's like pulling teeth for an "Awesome!" with even one exclamation-mark. Har har. But I did get the high-five. Hehehehe.

Thus, the online bragging!
Well goodnight... onto the next.
And I hope all is well with you. And I give you all high-fives and Awesomes!!!!!! with many exclamation marks.
;)

A good night.

2010-08-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I can't say what this is for, nor is it the entire image, but this is a snippet of a project I wrapped up tonight and am in the process of emailing to my client.

I am really happy with it... as this is the second version of the final. :) I usually don't really paint like this... so it was difficult getting it to feel right for the project.

I adore clients who can tell you very bluntly and straight-forward what they like and don't like, what works and what doesn't, while still retaining a professional attitude and positive words...
I know that I am spoiled so far in that everyone I have worked with thus far has been this and also been interesting, fun, unique... I am very happy... but I've heard some things from Josh that aren't such a nice picture of freelance... but let's not go that way.

I am happy to say that I like this project.

I am going to be spending the weekend making my interior pages for a book finalized before sending those off as well... I can't wait!!!!

Wow, finishing up projects, moving back into an apartment with Josh, etc etc... love love love!
I always think it's nice to be able to report good news.
Hope all is well with you, too....

A New Home...

2010-08-24T18:42:00.000-07:00

We will be picking up the keys to our new apartment on the 28th! A two bedroom in a safe, pretty area of Long Beach, CA for a super low price! We are excited! And we think our management are a couple of dears! I love nice people... especially when they are so sweet on animals. :)

After a crazy day of calling and driving and weeping... and sweating!!! we were very, very, very relieved to have landed such a deal. Not to mention, in ONE day!! We were pretty lucky with that! I know that this tends to take quite a bit longer... but we were very, very determined to make the most of the time that we were able to look because of our busy schedules... so I am glad that it didn't take too long.

I really want to take some pictures of the place to show it off! A before and after.... ;)

I am now going to sign off and get busy on re-vamping my project for a client that didn't quite hit the mark... so happy painting (or whatever it is you love to do!) and I hope to have pictures soon... hee hee hee.

a long day

2010-08-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Well, Josh and I spent all day (from about 8 am to 5 pm) looking for apartments... Once the week begins, I will then commence the revisions!! Hehe... I heard back on some fixes on the interior pages... I also have another project in the works that I must also get to a client.

However, I am crossing my fingers on a VERY promising apartment.

So, wish us luck!

Miss you guys...

Back to the drawing board ASAP.

Can't wait to show images~!

boo!

2010-08-16T17:51:00.000-07:00

Well, this is what I am currently working on... although it doesn't quite look like this and I've blurred the title on purpose...

I keep thinking how no one ever really realizes how much work is actually put into things... I'm sure. Even the pen that we use to jot down a note someone designed, promoted, created, and distributed... it's crazy! But I'm sure as people pick up books, they forget that there are a million hours and hands that go into it even being there to hold. :) Kind of amazing, eh?

Well, I am one of those pairs of hands and I am busy painting away!
I really can't wait to be finished, one for my poor publisher's sake(who is waiting very patiently), and also so I can get going on the next thing that is also pending at the moment... eek!

I also have a slew of personal paintings I'd like to do along with developing them into some promotional material...
then there's the apartment thing.

I think I repeat myself... a lot. Sheesh.

:)

My sister Mei has been hand-sewing these little dolls, too! And may just end up selling them. So next time, I'll have to photo them and put them up.

Bleeeeehhhhhh.... ok! Enough, time to work... :D

feeling low...

2010-08-15T17:10:00.000-07:00

I am listening to the music for Twilight/New Moon (which is actually really good if you don't like the books/movies)... and I put this song on repeat... it isn't live but I guess it can kind of put to light how I've been feeling.

It doesn't matter what time of day this song makes me think of EVERYTHING and that's not always good. However, I am kind of an eternal optimist and therefore am undaunted by even the most depressing of moods... I will move along and think that no matter what happens, no regrets, right?

This is Iron and Wine singing flightless bird/american mouth Live.

Sneak Peek

2010-08-08T18:42:00.000-07:00

Well, here is a sneak peek at one of the interior pages for a children's book I've been working on for Charlesbridge. I just sent a PDF of the book for approval... very nerve-wrecking. Have you ever been staring at something for so long, all you can see is blurry??? Well, that's sort of how I feel. I don't really think I'll relax until I see the actual printed book, too.
There is still the cover in the works and I am sure there are other little elements as well as revisions!
:)
Still, it's always nice to reach this point!
I had my first two hours off in a long time this morning while the pages were being scanned... HAHA.

Now I am waiting on approval on a couple projects and also the hunt for the apartment should now commence!!
Keeping busy... can't wait to have our apartment set up... I have lots of updating to do!!!!
:)

Happy Sunday peeps!

Bad Hare Day

2010-08-06T14:44:00.000-07:00

Bad Hare Day

Josh's latest T-shirt design is up for voting!!!
:) This is so adorable...

Just a little something...

2010-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am blogging about my fiance's shirt design which is up for voting on threadless.com...

He had a couple other designs up for vote as well if you visit his site but I thought this design was especially worthy of everyone's time... There's also a pretty impressive process video....

Anyway, I'm really proud of all the work he's been doing... so check it out!

If you like what you see, maybe cast a vote!

If not, kindly move along... :)

But regardless, I like the message of this piece... it's actually a nice concept. So hopefully it will brighten your day as it did mine.

Now, back to work... :)

Busy Beaver Buttons!!

2010-08-02T12:26:00.000-07:00

My sister's button was selected as one of the Featured button's for the "Souveneir" designs!!

Click here to view~!
Or the title of this blog to simply see the designs that were selected... her's is "LaLaLand".... ;)

oh my..!

2010-07-24T14:42:00.000-07:00

Well, quick post...

I am buried up to "here" in work!!

I am excited to see though upon a quick, quick, quick online peruse that lots of happenings are happening and lots of good work is being published!!!! ARGH! I need to work...

I plan on re-vamping the site with my new info and updating images and the sort once I climb out of my desk... yes, climb out. Actually, not desk, coffee table.

Thank you Josh for being able to laugh with me about how insane illustrators are and how we are glad to be insane!

Oh if only I could post all the work I've been doing but that would require more time as well!!

But I am working on my fifth picture book at the same time as my first editorial piece for some awesome new baby product!

Meanwhile, I am also feeling that sick itch to improve and push my artwork which is really hard to feel when you're in the middle of something that can't suddenly look totally different...

hehe.

Creativity can hit at the most awkward times...

Next month should be filled with a lot of apartment hunting and then hopefully moving!

and..

more work!

Someday, I will post!!!!

Miss you all so very much!

my fiance is rad...

2010-07-12T21:13:00.000-07:00

So Josh has ten designs to be published in this here booky....

Isn't he rad?

To be released in August!!!

oh, and a more recent piece of work:

"Elvio Esposito contacted me to be one of 6 hand picked designers to design a comic book/ t-shirt that would promote their "Stop and Think" AIDS awareness campaign in collaboration with Italian League for the Fight Against AIDS (LILA).

"- Josh Kemble's blog under news: www.joshkemble.com

You can view a hi-res image by visiting his flickr:

www.flickr.com/photos/joshkemble

Just some music...

2010-07-11T21:14:00.000-07:00

I've been listening to Miyavi's album Victory Road to the King of Neo Visual Rock on repeat while working on my book... I just find his lyrics to be really uplifting. My twin and I were lucky enough to see him live at the Grove of Anaheim the day before our Birthday last month and ever since then, I can't get that night out of my head. It's really rare for a Japanese rock star like Miyavi to tour America and the great thing about that is you get to see him up close!! If we had seen him in a different country or Japan, the chances of seeing him as close as we were are so close to impossible.

Anyway, I worked all weekend... but wanted to share this little snippet of what I consider a great musician.

It probably is a little weird if you can't understand the language but I guess if you like it you'll look it up! HAH.

I know other artists that listen to certain bands while they work and I've posted before about The GazettE... I guess it's a cultural difference but I find it hard to chat about these Japanese bands because not a lot of people know of them.

I gotta finish more pages... but cheers!

... and just to give an idea of how talented he is... here he is just "messing around" on his guitar (and YES, Miyavi is a MAN. hehehehe...)

Aww a present!

2010-07-07T22:59:00.000-07:00

I got home from my day job and there was a package from Downtown Bookworks! My copies of one of my latest books, I'm So Not Wearing A Dress! by Julie Merberg... :)
To pre-order click here.

I know I haven't posted in quite a while, but it's the usual reason... I am too busy! In fact, I am desperate to post about these books in the mail before I have to crash... I have been going to work and then immediately working on my newest title... which I cannot post about just yet... but the deadline is approaching much too fast!! :)

I just sent some cover revisions and I hope they go-over well.... I really love this character and wish I could put up some pictures!!

Another reason is that I have finally installed a wireless router here at my Mom's house (which I am temporarily residing at until Josh and I move into our own place) so I can use my laptop to access the internet. Mei tends to use the computer quite a bit at night... and I am usually painting so I've been slacking off on posting or even reading posts... I cry a little inside thinking of all the goodies I've been missing out on....

Here I am rambling more and feeling bad that I am up here rambling instead of either 1. eating, 2. sleeping 3. working. the only things I should be allowed to do at the moment.

On that note, I will be back someday... don't forget me, as I have not forgotten you, fellow blogsmen!

I cannot express how nice it was to get these books while working on another... it's like a little pick me up and it reminds you why you love this and how giving up every free second to work is worth it and having your nieces and nephews see the book reminds you of all the little faces that will hopefully read and see your work... it is worth it... and I do love it. :>
So! with renewed passion for such a wonderful awesome job that I have, I hope to produce more crazy good art for this awesome book! I am too tired to write well so I am sorry...

hahaha, man, I'm tired.
Ok, good night...

PS: my pugs are already snoring...

weird

2010-05-16T14:18:00.000-07:00

So ever just googled yourself? Well, I did... and strange enough this little website showed up with a bunch of little thumbnails of my art and a fake signature above them... the strange thing is, the contact doesn't work.
So whoever thought to make me a secondary website, I think that's weird.

Anyway, I made a link from the title of this blog.

I don't know who or why this is out there, but I do hope that however it happened, at least they put my name up.

frickin' weird.

feeling a bit MIA?

2010-05-14T18:11:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't posted anything in forever and I am actually staying late at Art Supply to make up hours (I had to drop my mom off at LAX and had to take an extended lunch).
Meanwhile I am waiting to hear back from Charlesbridge on some re-works I did for a title to be released in 2010... If I had my the files here, I could try to upload some of the sketches...

Anyway, I hope that everyone is well...??

I should however, say that part of the reason I have been M.I.A. is because the end of last month, I drove up to Portland, Oregon with Mei to move Josh down to CA. So that took about a week or so....
During the trip Mei's car broke down twice and we've been dealing with things like that since... so I am a bit behind on my blog.
:)

I also haven't been able to read any posts recently either...
bummer.... I love to read up and see all the work-in-progress posts.

I am at least happy to say that seeing Josh was just grand. I hope we find an apartment soon so we can post some pictures!
Anyway, take care world!

deadline deadline deadline

2010-04-10T10:47:00.001-07:00

Well, of course, everyone is posting cool posts and I have no time to read them!!!
I checked my email and ended up scrolling through some blogs I follow only to wish I had a couple hours to catch up!!
However, I must paint!!!!
Sorry there isn't anything interesting to post up here but once I am done with this title, I am on to the next!!
The end of the month is also the only time to move Josh down to CA so I will be pretty busy...
hope all is well with you?
:)

Examined Life of an Illustrator

2010-03-28T13:17:00.000-07:00

So Josh, my fiance, announced just yesterday a solo podcast he has decided to start... I haven't heard it yet, as I cannot download to this computer, but plan to listen once I am at my work computer.

So, for those of you that are interested in checking it out, feel free to check the Blog (I'm sure there's a link there to download) by clicking on this post title.
I also went ahead and added a link on my link list.

YAY for Josh!
Sorry about BIPT but I guess that can happen sometimes.
Hope you all like what you hear and keep coming back!

2010-03-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

I forgot...

check out this cute littl' Easter wind-up toy my mom got me.

Chevelle and children's books...

2010-03-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

I don't know why but I find that listening to Chevelle while I paint helps me keep pace with things... if I paint sometimes I find myself sitting there spacing out.... heh...
Right now I am in the middle of trying to get through a couple pages that sort of look similar which will leave me with a couple more complicated pages... sometimes grouping these together helps me feel like I am closer to being done! HAHA... ah, I love to trick myself.
And then of course, once I am done, I think... "now what? I wanna do more!"

I think maybe there's a bit of a sicko in all of us, isn't there?

This band makes me think of .. weird imagery and gets the creative juices flowing though. I think that the anger and frustration and sense of urgency in the music makes me sort of dive into painting. Even though I prefer to paint happy images... :)

Sometimes I forget how much I love music... how much I love painting. It's weird... I had a long span of time where I could not stand listening to anything while I worked. I also had a long span of time where I would play a movie in the background on repeat... (my two favorites to play were the Burbs and Father of the Bride). I would still do that except that I am sharing space in my sister's room at the moment and can only access her computer once in a while and both of those movies are VHS... (hehe, that's right! good ol' VHS!!!)

Anyway, love Chevelle... miss the ol' punk days and all the crazy teen angsty feelings... aw... how cute.

Which reminds me of Keegan (like everything does)... as soon as he could walk he would make a little one-man/baby mosh pit in our living room while he listened to Cursive... now what is more cute than that? Did I tell you he can do nun chaku ("nunchucks") now?

Ok, enough procrastinating... must go paint.

2010-03-25T18:10:00.000-07:00

So I have a plan in the works to get my fiance and my stuff down from Portland toward the end of April! that's exciting for me... I miss him a lot.

meanwhile... I of course, need to try and really kick some butt on these illustrations and finish up one of the books!! Yikes!

I listened to Beck's Seachange at work today and remembered one of the first dates that Josh and I went on... back when we lived in Long Beach... it was one of the times I remember that I knew he was the one for me... we were sharing his I-pod, sitting on the metro on our way up to LA to window shop. Well, that was the first time I heard Seachange. Funny, that an album based on someone's heartache made me feel totally at peace with the world... I felt like the person next to me and the music and the scenery passing by in the window were like those moments when everything feels pretty darn good. That was a good day :)

I drew this little sketch a while ago... but forgot to post it. I was watching the Mummy one of the days that I was still feeling pretty ill and trying to sort of get back into the swing of feeling normal and drawing... but I always liked the costume in that movie- as cheesey as it was and possibly, totally inaccurate??? I don't know??? I really love the Mummy movies. ;) Anyway, I also think about one of my favorite novels The Hero and the Crown
(or) The Blue Sword (both written by the ever-wonderful Robin McKinley)... but I imagine a little baby girl princess of ancient Damaar and sort of drew this with those stories in mind as well.

I know that there are people who are sort of ... drawn toward the desert and those that are drawn to the ocean... etc etc... I guess that's how I feel about Japan. I will have to see when I visit again if it is as strong of a feeling as I remember. Does that happen to everyone? I've often wondered...whether "home" is something that you find in another person or in a place or in yourself?? Or maybe it's all those things... I know that I feel at home in different ways with different people and different places. I suppose I'm lucky. I guess it might be for all the places and people I always feel so out-of-place.... :P

Anyone else jealous of all the rad children's clothing at Target right now? I sometimes peruse through there to get ideas for what to draw on my characters and also because I have nephews and nieces... My mom dragged out a box full of old dresses we wore when we were little girls- all hand sewn by my cousin!! She is SUPER talented and when I finally get a camera or am near a camera, I promise to photograph them all before she gives them to my nieces... these were ... the kind of thing you find and just oooh and aaaahhh over the detail and the pattern and the pleates and the buttons ... it's very, very, very hard to not want to keep them all so I can just pull them out and hug them every so often.... but they deserve to have them. :)

(to think I hated wearing dresses when I was a pre-teen/teenager... now all I want are boots and dresses... wish I had more).

Anyway!!!
enough about me...
hope you are all doing fantastic!

Penguin & Fish

2010-03-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

I saw this the other day...
apparently I was featured on this blog!

:)

Click on the title of this post for the link!!

Thank you!!!

2010-03-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

I just scanned and pieced together a PDF of some revised pages as well as some ideas for a book jacket... but I also managed to scan a very simple painting I did while waiting to use the computer... I hadn't painted anything of my own in so long I thought, what the hey?
Although I really don't have the time...

Here is my moment of guilt...

I will also post a couple of things that show I have been working a lot, too!

:)

Anyway, I am tired!!!! It feels like a good tired, though... like the kind you get after you work out.
And now... I will go to sleep!

Fascination

2010-03-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

So today was "80s" themed day at ASW (http://www.artsupplywarehouse.com/) and my twin and I decided to participate... she dressed as Robert Smith and I dressed as Siouxie. We will have to take a picture and post one later... unless they have one up on the ASW Facebook page (??? Mark our general manager did take one).

Meanwhile, I got a lot of stares from customers as almost NO ONE on the floor dressed up.... bummer. My old co-worker, Jason, in Oregon would have been sad, too... he was the only Office manager that would get into the Halloween costumes (well, him and Sasha :* ) Anyway, I eventually had to get out of the two belts, bracelet, and crazy eye make-up...

But I pulled a bunch of stuff from the top stock (backstock) which involves a ladder three times my size and heavy boxes heaved down by twiggy girl... needless to say my back hurts and now I am wondering how our bodies work!!

I was talking it over and all of us were pretty amazed at how our bodies function and are held together and the crazy design of it all... thus the title of this post: fascination... and maybe a little ode to the Cure's Fascination Street ;) for the 80s theme!

ok, look at this pug:

2010-03-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

Feeling a bit prickly? Feeling a bit snuggly? Can't decide?

I am listening to the fan in the window pumping out hot air and sucking in cool air... and remembering a funny realization that I made when I came back to California.
The sky is different by the ocean. It may sound strange, but I never realized this until I came back after a year in beautiful Oregon and looked up... to see something so wide and wonderful in the sky I had been staring at since I was a baby. It is totally different... you can almost TELL that a few miles and boom! there has to be an ocean in that direction!

Anyway, the heat also reminded me how HOT it is here... yikes! I don't deal too well in heat. I also don't really like showing skin (??? maybe it's related to the shyness) so this makes it worse. HAHA. I used to walk around in white undershirt/tank-tops and "shants" (like pirate pants) when I was 17 and didn't care if a shoulder strap or two was hanging out... now... not at all. Why? I don't know.

So today was St. Patrick's Day! Keegan has tacked to the kitchen pantry door a 12" Leprechaun which he colored-- the head is held to the body by a tack so it can move... and he said:
"Mai, Mai, you know, today, when we were in uh, class, Mrs.T said... for us to uh, pick up our papers, and there under it was a gold coin!!"
"WOW! Can I see it?"
"Yea, it's right there. It's because it's St. Patrick Day. And I got pinched."
"Why? You were wearing green?"
"Yea but they had these other shirts so I changed to that and I got pinched."
Anyway, I saw The Gold Coin and it is very shiny. I'm very jealous... I wish my money was that shiny. Well, at least my ATM card is gold. Oooh fancy...
So I'm sure all the people up in the Northwest are enjoying their green beer!
Well, back to work. This coming weekend will be more painting and storyboard revisions!