PENCIL SWORD
I really enjoyed working on my first @monsters.go project! The assignment was to recreate 11-year-old Gracie’s beautiful illustration (left) in our own style (above). Much more challenging than it sounds, but still way fun!
I love serving clients, illustrating for galleries, and baking in strategy to each creative assignment whenever possible. But there’s just something about the childlike wonder of grabbing a pencil and a box of Crayolas to draw just for fun that’s so inspiring to me. The harmony between creative spontaneity and creative purpose is what the power of the “Pencil Sword” will always represent!
Like Gracie’s “Warrior Girl” and her gnarly Griffin, it’s time to take the adventure of creativity in its purest form all the way up — because that’s when the real magic happens.
Transcend The Skies
I’ve seen August Burns Red live countless times over the years, but this was the first time in my new home state of Oregon! So this self-initiated gig poster is in honor of an extra special show: “10 Years Of ‘Constellations’ World Tour”, commemorating ABR’s landmark metal record (which released that very day, a decade prior). They jammed the whole thing front to back and then some.
I revealed this poster on the day of this amazing show (tap here for artwork references and details on my Instagram story highlights), and I was over the moon to find likes from the band members themselves, and a comment from Jake Luhrs (lead vocalist for August Burns Red, and author of Mountains) underneath the artwork saying: “This is sick 👏🏻”. Such a fun project - would love to rip through another one!
Overcomer
Ever have an image come to your mind/heart that you just can’t shake until you share it? Same here. This iconography represents a lot of personal things at once, and it was fun to explore the concept with a fresh “less is more” look. Enjoy a free iPhone lock screen below, and 5x5” Giclee prints are available here. May they remind you that love will always overcome fear. You got this.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome...because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Homer The Paladin
Soldier of the White Hall. Born of the Aarakocra Birdfolk, they evoke fear and wonder. Slayer of demogorgons and boulder demons with his Divine Smite and Sun Blade. Hates spiders. Loves beer.
Since Homer is my first official D&D character creation, I had to draw him up :). Special thanks to DM @noblefolkdesign of “Dungeons & Designers” for running with my crazy ideas, and for working out an inspiring character sheet based off of ‘em.
Check out my guest appearance on the D&D pod and hear Homer in action on our episode here. Onward!
Above
This illustration is for my self-initiated “End Gun Violence” button pack (right). The hope is that it encourages a conversation about how we can change things for the better. Half of the proceeds will go directly to everytown.org - a noble organization that’s raging against this epidemic in the United States.
Riff Life
This miniseries goes out to the mighty Mr. James Hetfield, rhythm guitar and vocals for one of the best bands on the planet, Metallica. I’ve been inspired by this next-level creative since I was a kid, so this made for a fun and challenging project worth pursuing 🤘.
Above: The original set celebrating three decades of this Riff Master (1980’s / 1990’s / 2000’s). | 2019
Above: An additional set to honor the “…And Justice For All” era of the late 80’s, including an homage to the iconic music video for the song “One”. | 2021
A few 11x14” prints are available to snag in my shop! The best part — we’ll be supporting “All Within My Hands” together through this artwork, as half of the proceeds from every print will go to this awesome foundation.
“TOTALITY” - Inspired by the Lunar Eclipse of 2017 | “He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.” Colossians 1:17
“VISION” - Designed while creating “Light in the Wasteland”, inspired by “The Book of Eli”. 2017 | “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” Psalm 119:105
“APPRECIATION” - In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, 2018 | “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” Psalm 32:8
“EUCALYPTUS” - Created in response to the Australian bushfires of 2020. Tap here to help with relief. | “God made all sorts of wild animals…And God saw that it was good.” Genesis 1:25
“PROCLAMATION” - My loudest voice against racial injustice and police brutality. 2020 | “Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah 1:17
You can stay up to date by following @artbycollin on Instagram!
