Michaela + Justin

It really is the most wonderful time of the year! I was so thrilled but nervous to do MY FIRST commission mostly because I don't have a lot of experience illustrating men, especially in this style I'm going for. I’ve asked her if she wanted to go a more realistic approach but she said: "No I like your style." So touched, I decided to go for it.

I'm so grateful for this challenge because it definitely made me a better designer because of it. I looked up male references from some of my favorite artists like Shag and even cartoons I've grown up with like The Powerpuff Girls. Finally, almost giving up I went back to my original photo reference of the couple, combined everything I’ve learned from those art references and Viola! I finally nailed the character! It seems so simple but it’s been a while since I’ve brushed off the old pen tool.

Special thanks goes out to my dear friend Michaela for believing in me!