Self Portrait

For all you secret admirers of the illusauri out there...here is a sketch of the handsome devil behind it all.

Also, I just started a BRAND NEW second blog, which chronicles the days where I do NOT have any commissions to work on...THE UTILISAURUS!!

Get in the holiday spirit with The Illusauri!

To all my friends...from the North Pole to The Illusauri studios in Brooklyn, NYC...SEASONS GREETINGS!

Runner's World

New illo for the great people at Runner's World magazine. It's accompanying their Q&A page where RW's nutrition expert answers runners’ most pressing questions. This is meant to illustrate the concept of dividing your wholesome carbohydrates and proteins into around 60% carbs (fruits and veggies) and 40% protein. They use the visual help of envisioning a clock, at 12:40, as an easy way of dividing your food properly. This is somewhat of a different piece...because of the food items. I like the apple slices the most.

tattoo portrait

My good friend from college has been asking me for over 2 years to draw him a tattoo. Since he never had an exact idea of what he wanted...I waited. I didn't want to do anything he'd regret. But recently, he asked me to do a portrait of his grandmother with a beach scene. I thought by doing the idea of framing the portrait in, it makes it seem like stained glass, which is a nice visual solution. With the pulled curtains and sunset over the ocean, it will really pull the piece together.



I did the ink outline, which he is getting this week, and will do the color for him when he needs it in a few weeks.

Let's hope it turns out looking great!

Adventures into negligence with, "The Couch Potato"

As we do every winter, us at The Sketch Motel are working on yet another snazzy promotional mailer, and this year, i think we totally knocked it out of the park! The idea is to create a police lineup of various super-villains, who's alter-ego's are either ourselves, or the character was last seen in our individuals "rooms" (ie: our portfolio pages). For as much of a work-a-holic that I am, I have to admit, that The Couch Potato, is quite similar to me...not necessarially the tighty-whites...but his love for the sitcoms.



Super-Villain Name: "The Couch Potato"
Secret Identity: Matthew Smith
Super Power:  The stunning ability to destroy all that enters his path with a slew of random information of sitcoms. He seems like a non-threatening villain to cross, but get near the clicker or his big gulp...and you're in a world of unnecessary taunts as well as an overload of sarcasm, which will stop anyone in their path.
Weakness:  Exercise, power outages, heart attacks
Description: No one knows the mystery of The Couch Potato's birth. Many believe he was formed through couch fibers, and cheese wiz, others believe he is a product of TV executives. Either way, the myth of the couch potato does not under-mind the sheer evil of this master of reruns.
Last known location:  http://www.sketchmotel.com/matthew

Philadelphia City Paper

I just completed quite an interesting illo, where I was asked by the good people at the Philadelphia City Paper, to illustrate another cover of the man with the moustache, John Oates. Oates, (better known from the duo Hall & Oates), I believe is a current "B list" celebrity of Philadelphia, since he sang the National Anthem at Game 5 of the World Series in Philadelphia. I feel this portrait turned out great, and has become quite a nice portfolio piece!

The Michael Jacobs Memorial Fund

I just completed a flier for The Michael Jacobs Memorial Fund, illustrating an upcoming fundraiser/benefit concert. I used to go to these small punk/hardcore shows all the time when I was in my teens...so it was a fun commission, considering I used to be one of the regular attendees.

IF- Pretend (The Boo Ghosts are Restless)

As a child of the 80's, it's very nostalgic when the old Nintendo is turned on, and we are brought back to the mindset and imagination that we experienced in the world that is Mario. A world full of pretend...which is a part of all of us who experienced it.



14x17" Marker, pen & ink
2008

The Illusauri & Obama

I have been brutally addicted to everything political/election for the past two years, and never, EVER thought this day would come! Throughout these past 20 months since Obama first announced his plans for the presidency, we have seen this spokesman for the American people grow tremendously...and if all goes well tomorrow, we will be given the privilege to see him and our country grow greatly over the next 8 years. It's taken McCain 40+ professional years to reach this point...it's time he take a breather, and let the new generation run this country.

Lost At E Minor

My good friend, the amazing illustrator D E Cooper wrote a sweet, little paragraph about my work on the Australian website/blog Lost At E Minor. If you feel like enlightening your internet surfing, click below, and check it out!

Lost At E Minor

GO Phils!

ugh...my beloved bo sox are finito...but the Phillies have a good place in my heart as well. Here is a sketchbook piece, along with a random illo, that I felt were fitting...



since the Phils are trying to bring in their first World Series victory since 1980...hence the snazzy sideburns, and old school uniform.

Lotsa Stuff

Wow, I haven't posted anything in weeks! Been very busy, so I guess it's a good reason to have missed a few posts. Just finished a stint with Curious Pictures in correlation with Walt Disney Productions on some character designs for a new children's TV show, which I must keep the info under my breath...but, it was quite a thrill! Also did another illo for AirTran Airlines on-flight magazine GO, along with new illustrations below for 2 Magazine in Canada, and Louisville Magazine.


2 Magazine

Louisville Magazine

IF- Memories

Good ol' memories of my younger visits to the brutal concert venues...


DRUM! Magazine 2008

Sorry for the recent lack of posts. Been working on some long term personal projects such as a comic strip, which I just recently sent out to various syndicates...here's hoping. Also did a stint with Curious Pictures, working on character designs for a new TV show on PLAYHOUSE Disney channel. Code of confidentiality at the moment, but trust me...they're looking great.

AirTran Airlines: GO Magazine

New Illustration for AirTran Airlines on flight publication, GO Magazine. It's illustrating the review on the new executive software iDashboard, giving bosses the opportunity to view all company progress in real time.

DRUM! Magazine (blood, loogies, vomit & punchlines)

Here are some new spot illos and a full page I did for DRUM! Magazine's feature on "nightmare gigs". I had to illustrate various testimonials of some of the worst stories as told by the drummers themselves. Totally fun!

The Weekly Dig

New cover illustration I just finished for Boston's the Weekly Dig. It's an illo for their summer issue, where they wanted me to show fun, summer, childish WATER games. I don't know if Super Soakers are still as popular as they were when I was a kid? They can't be forgotten!

**The Cover PDF has a lighter sky, which I actually think works better."





The open top right is for the Weekly Dig header. I was told that I could have the top left occupied where the character will go over part of the header, with the "dig" area open on the right. One of my favorite reasons for doing cover illustrations are because of the art directors creative layouts, incorporating my work into the entire page so well.

Alright WEEKLY DIG, I'm ready for a Red Sox illustration.

What a Write-Up!

Awesome article about me and my work in the new issue of Fuel Magazine, based out of Toronto. Check it out!

Time Out Chicago

Here is a new piece I did for the great folks at Time Out Chicago. It is an illo that goes along with the reviewed spa in Chicago that introduced the idea of receiving a 15 min nap after your massage; (hence the sheep). This was a super rushed job, and I only had a few hours with it...but I'm still very pleased.

Marker, Acrylic, Pen & Ink

ALSO, tomorrow is the opening of my new show in Philadelphia. See below for the gallery statement and info.

"Here we are again, almost midway through the year. We have an
exceptional show this time around with new artist Rich Kelly and
returning guest Matthew Smith...along with our residents Lisa Graf &
Rob Cortez. So grab a glass and put on some weird clothes and we'll
stand around and act cool, at the next art opening at the
Chapterhouse! Wine and cheese, beans and beats. festivities begin
Friday the 9th at 7pm."

chapterhouse cafe & gallery
620 s 9th st.
215-238-2626

Something Different

Here is a different approach to my style, that I tried about a year ago. The piece is showing the evolution of primitive species, varieties, etc., showing an only slight evolution from early antecedent types to the Homo Sapiens that roam the streets today.

Marker, Paper, Paint, Pen & Ink ©2007

The Chapterhouse Gallery: Global Warming

Here is another preview of my upcoming show at the Chapterhouse Gallery in Philadelphia (May 9th - June 30th). It's my attempt at showing the effects of our failing attempt at maintaining the environment...still it's great to see more ecological and environmental goals in todays current lifestyles. 14 x 17" Marker, ink, & acrylic

PRINTS FOR SALE!!

More prints added to the illusauri store! Along with the "goddess of springtime" print, are "The Beatles" and "Robin Hood" prints. For the online store and more info, check it out here
Go on...pretty those walls up.

Los Angeles CityBeat

Here is a new cover illustration I just completed with the wonderful people at the Los Angeles CityBeat. It's an illustration based on the cover story, discussing the growing epidemic of homeless children, throughout the country, but geographically focused on the ruins of Skid Row. Thousands of children are living in these traumatic situations, working through their extremely difficult day to day lives, along with surviving the struggles of attending elementary and middle school. The "No Child Left Behind" campaign is shown to still leaving these kids with close to no assistance, leaving them to fend for themselves...hence the idea of these kids, "missing the boat".

The Illusauri vs. Philadelphia; Round 2

Here is a preview of a new piece for my upcoming show at the Chapterhouse Gallery in Philadelphia, (opening Friday, May 9th). I based it on the horoscope piece I recently did for RIVET Magazine. I wanted to create my interpretation of a "goddess of springtime".

PRINTS OF THIS PIECE ARE AVAILABLE HERE! - http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10332930
8 x 9 inches
High-Quality digital print
Matte finish
Signed
Edition of 10
$20

Happy Birthday to my sister.

A birthday card I made for my sister. I thought I would post it, in regards to the fact that I really enjoy how it turned out, and hey...a portfolio piece is a portfolio piece.

Inside Text: "Yelling happy birthday from 214.25 miles away."

*Trying to build up a card greeting portfolio. I'd love to get into that market! Here are some other birthday cards I've done in the past months.



Halloween style birthday card. I forgot what I wrote on the interior, but I really like this character.

Illustration Friday - Heavy

This heavy guy, with a heavy snore, needs some heavy coffee, and then some more.

Time to knock some socks off!

The BRAND SPANKIN NEW matthewsmithillustration.com is up and running after a much needed update. Go, explore, be stunned, enjoy.

St. Louis Magazine

New Illustration I did for the fine people at St. Louis Magazine. It's a full page illo for the featured article discussing the positive impact Wal Mart coming into this Norman Rockwell-ish town. I think I got a little carried away with this one.

From this day on you are Beatles with an A.

Personal piece I did for a friend. We both share a lifelong "membership" to beatlemania, so it was a nice opportunity to approach a project I've always wanted to do. It's goes, George (1968), Paul (1963), Ringo (1965) and John (1967).

When The Illusauri dominated television!

The Doctor Strange piece I did for The "Under The Influence: A tribute to Stan Lee" show at Gallery 1988 in LA was lighting up the background during the on air interview with Jensen, curator of the show on the channel G4, (you know...the channel all about video games and stuff). Just got the news that it sold...so it's time for a celebration.

RIVET Magazine

Illustration I did for the upcoming issue of RIVET Magazine's horoscope section.

The Hartford Courant

I just completed this SUPER fun illo for The Hartford Courant, which goes with a story about DNA research in mutt dogs to determine their true breed. I tried something a little more creative with this idea, in showing the "mutt" observing various family portraits, showing the different types of dogs, such as the poodle with the rich socialite, the civil warish guy, and so forth. This is definitely one of my favorite pieces that I've done lately.

Spread The Love

I was commissioned by Buzz Marketing Group for a campaign with zedge.net. It's a social networking site that provides users with free content for their mobile phones. They asked me to illustrate valentines e-cards and such, completely open in concept...just along the lines of love day. It gave me a chance to have fun with some topics.

Time Out Chicago

I just completed a rather large commission from TIme Out Chicago, illustrating five reasons why people don't go to the gym. Quite a fun and unique assignment. I really got to get creative with these!

"I'm a couch potato"

"I've got no time"

"I've got no money"

"I hate gyms, they're uncool"

"Working out is boring"