2010 SKETCHBOOK

I finally got around to scanning and putting together the 2010 Sketchbook section of my website this week! Almost forgot to do it, I've been so slammed between working and planning my wedding. Only four months until I never think of napkin patterns again people!!! You have no idea what that means to me.

Maybe I'm not posting enough sketches on this "sketch blog," because most of this stuff never ended up here until now. I'm posting little snippets and thumbnails like these more frequently on my twitter account if you'd like to keep up with that.

Enjoy all 18 pages of my 2010 Sketchbook at josholland.com

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

When I was asked to participate in "The American Dream" group show at D-Structure (opening tonight), I was happy to take on this challenging theme. Most people see the American dream as the promise of potential economic prosperity; a rags-to-riches success story in the making. But as my vocation might suggest, I'm not particularly interested in wealth. So what about "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?" I think this iconic declaration comes much closer to capturing the true American dream, the simple freedom to pursue our own personal beliefs, kinks, indulgences, and obsessions. This important freedom to fly in the face of conventional wisdom, religious opinion, and social restraint is what I think America is all about, so that's how I chose to depict it.

The Pursuit of Happiness

acrylic and coffee on wood panel

ART THAT FEEDS

Just finished this poster design for Conscious Alliance, a non-profit organization that collaborates with musicians and artists to help impoverished communities through food donations. I was very happy to be able to do a few charity pieces this year, and would like to encourage everyone else out there to donate a bit of your time, money, or expertise this holiday season. Our current recession has left charitable donations largely down, and many more people in need than ever before. Think about it.

As for the art, I'm super happy with the results. I've been meaning to incorporate more type into my artwork, and I think concert posters is a good avenue for me to explore in the future. But for now, back to the grindstone!

HAIR STUDIES

Just keeping my hand warm, drawing some hair from reference, catching up on MMA podcasts. Why, what do you do on a Wednesday night? ..... Oh. That is much cooler.

GIRLY PIECE

Did you ever know that I'm really sensitive? Well it's true. I often read poetry while weeping uncontrollably, and I watch movies like Bride Wars by candle light. Yeah, I'm always doing stuff like that.

Really, I've just been looking at a lot of photography lately, and wanted to do a finished piece using some fashion inspired imagery. Damn you Shannon and your Top Model marathons.

GIRLY PROMO

Just wrapped this drawing up, I'm pretty happy with it. Time for some polish...

FASHION ILLUSTRATION

Here's something I wrapped up recently, it's a logo/illustration for a startup clothing company. I'll link to them as soon as they get their new site up.

SKETCH#015

Another one from the sushi place.

SKETCH#006

I'm starting on a logo tonight for a startup clothing company, so I'm drawing out of Shannon's magazines to get in the fashion mindset. Anyone have any recommendations for some horrible booty house music? That might help too.