Sunday, April 29, 2007

Illustration Friday • Remember


I haven't done illustration friday in so long, but I came upon the new topic, and I felt I had a piece that was quite suitable. I did this piece based on the imagination, and to always remember what makes you creative and happy in life. What inspires you? I did this piece during a period of stressful commissions, and I had to remember why I got into this business...to be creative, happy, and remember that I draw for a living.

Friday, April 27, 2007

Seattle Business Monthly No. 3



This is my third piece for Seattle Business Monthly in 2007. It's based on Seattle's lack of assistance to tourists. Hence the Pike Place Market, and the fish in the face. I've got a busy week coming up with sketches for a Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists cover, and a piece for The Utne Reader. Love to be busy.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Mister Kite!



Skateboard I just finished for the, "SK8 Or Die" group show at the Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta, opening May 12th, 2007. (yes, I was watching south park on my computer when I took these pictures.)

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Something new!






Here is some new work I've done in the past week and a half. Two pieces for Fusion Magazine, Honolulu Magazine, and the Charleston City Paper. The Charleston City piece involved me using three animal characters, so the three seen here aren't necessarily my exact design, but apparently they adore the piece, so thats good enough for me. About to start my third piece for Seattle Business Monthly...I'm ready for another rush of clients!

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Interview!!

I just did an interview for ourartsite.
check it out.

www.ourartsite.com

Friday, March 16, 2007

for the kids...



Just finished this piece for the truth, (www.thetruth.com) "see through the smoke, don't be manipulated", ad campaign. It's targeted towards young adults about smoking. I'm really happy with how this piece turned out...they gave me a ton of freedom with it. 11.25"x9.15" Marker, construction paper, and a hint of paint

Thursday, March 08, 2007

Sweet...tearsheets!!



Just got the two issues of Seattle Business Monthly in the mail. Just some blah scans I did quickly...but you get the picture. February and March 2007 issues.

Monday, March 05, 2007

New Comic Sketches!





I had some much needed free time the past few days, so I was able to keep going with the comic commission. Here are new sketches for page 3, 4, & 5.

Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Comic...(the very beginning at least)


I'm currently in the beginning stages of a comic collaboration with Frank Reynoso, art director of The Indypendant, whom I do work for sometimes. It's an 8 page mini comic, with a delightfully savage tale about a young 6 year old named Rosie. I won't get into the story, simply for the sense of surprise when its finished. I'm taking a more minimal approach to the color, maybe a bold color, with light french greys for a little contrast. This is the drawing for the first page, minus the text...which is pretty limited throughout the story. I'm incredibly excited with this project, and I hope I can deliver something really nice.

Monday, January 29, 2007


Tear sheet from the Seattle Magazine I did 2 months ago. Seems like it takes forever sometimes, when you make a piece a month in advance. I turned out nice though. 4 more to go...come on mr. mailman!

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Seattle Business Monthly



New piece for Seattle Business Monthly March issue. It's based on an article about bosses withholding unemployment insurance from their recently terminated employees. 4x5" Marker

Sunday, January 21, 2007

When the illusauri destroyed Philadelphia!

These are a few pictures of my opening a few Friday's ago on January 12th at the Chapterhouse Gallery in Philadelphia. My camera, (the ghetto thing) was eating up the batteries like it was nobody's business, so I was able to sneak in a few before it shut off. I wanted to get pictures of all the work hanging, of guests, and whatnot, but what can you do. The show is still going to be up until March 1st, so if you ever are in Philly, stop on by and check em out.


Sorry they're not close up. There are scans of the pieces throughout the blog, so you can see em there.


Same picture practically, but a little better. Part of a mobile by Rob Cortez can be seen at the top.


Here is my lovely girlfriend Katie in mid conversation with The Dauphin piece in the background.


These are pieces by fellow artist Julie West (www.juliewest.com). Her work, as many people say looks like mine, which is somewhat true, but there are lots of differences as well. I just became aware of Julie through the show, so it was defiantly shocking to see stuff that is quite similar, but the technique is different, along with many other things, so we're both still doing our own thing. She's lives in London, so I wasn't able to meet her, but boy...She makes some amazing work!



Eleanor Grosh (www.pushmepullyoudesign.com) was also showing, but my camera died before I could take any snapshots. These are some of the many prints she was selling at the show. Gorgeous images...I hope to get a few for my studio someday!

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

St. Louis Magazine




New piece for St. Louis Magazine! It's based on an article about the laziness of young corporate employees, how they spend their day texting and whatnot. This is simply showing climbing the corporate ladder to success. 8.5 x 11" Marker

Tuesday, January 02, 2007



New piece for Seattle Business Monthly about new companies creating websites, but applying too many things will bells and whistles leaving the public confused, or unable to understand exactly what the business is.


Here's the invitation for my show in Philadelphia! Everyone is invited to view, and to the opening. Come, we'll meet, chat, and have a good art loving time!

The Illusauri- Matthew Smith
620 S. 9th St. Philadelphia, penna.
Friday, January 12th 2007
7:00pm-10:00pm
(Running til the end of February)

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Hooligans


This took me a while to get online since i was really lazy scanning it. It'll be seen in the Chapterhouse show, starting January 12th, 2007. Pen & Ink

Monday, December 18, 2006

Libertarians: Chronogram Magazine


A new piece for Chronogram Magazine, based on a lengthy article about the Libertarian Party. This is meant to show the thoughts of liberals and conservatives, and how their ideas differ and relate to one another. Focusing highly on immigration laws, gay rights, pharmaceutical pricing, gun laws, and so forth. 10 x 13" Marker

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Monday, December 04, 2006

In Progress, "The Resurrection"


New piece in progress. A continuation of the death piece...the resurrection. The last piece was telling the story of a young boy who finds friends with the birds that surround him. "The Death" simply shows the mourning he and his fellow birds show as they discover one of their own lying motionless. This new piece, is meant to show the moving on with life, but never forgetting who makes an impact on you in your life.

The Death


Recent finish for the show. 13x9" Marker, Pencil, Paper

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

In Progress...


In Progress...sketch for new piece for Chapterhouse show. Mourning the death of a friend. Finished toilet paper piece...I'll scan and post it soon.