From the Sketchbook! (I)

 Colored pencils, watercolors on multi-purpose paper, 8" x 4" 

Brand Logo - Kelp Monster (I)

I was commissioned to work up a logo for a company based in the Pacific Northwest, a small-scale open water fishing venture. The founders wanted a creature resembling Bigfoot that was made out of kelp leaves. They'd already used AI to create some designs, but wanted to hire an artist to finish the process. We went back and forth a few times, and I created the following illustrations. Here's the first pass:

And then the redo:

After the second image, they decided to go a different way with their logo, and they released me from my contract. It was amicable for sure, and I learned a lot in this process, which I'll detail below.

First, I created a professional timeline and contract for the project, which I was quite proud of. They were in no rush, so I gave myself plenty of time to work on each phase.

It turned out that I needed that time. As you can see, the graphics are pretty detailed, and making changes required a lot of time for all those lines. I realized that I typically work on two types of projects: graphic design and artwork to give as gifts. Graphic design is fairly easy to adjust, so once that initial concept finds its way to the page, the rest is actually kind of fun. And gifts are usually met with "Oh wow - thank you!" and we all move on.

I got the impression, early on, that the clients in this case wanted me to re-create their AI designs, just from the conversations we were having, which were largely via email. I'll say that I would have had no problem with this. The only real issue I have with AI is the environmental impact its had, and the almost total lack of regulations there. But AI is just another tool for artists to use or not. I enjoy creating with a more hands-on (albeit time-consuming) way, and since I'm usually creating things for myself, it's not an issue.

I tried to ask the clients about this in a phone conversation we had: "If I'd created the designs you made, without using AI, would you use those?" but they didn't understand the question. I probably should have just asked, "Would you like me to recreate your designs without AI?" which, again, would have been fine, and definitely would have saved us all a bunch of time.

After our conference call, I started adjusting the original design to create the second one, but about four hours in, I realized I really didn't understand what it was the client wanted, even though we'd emailed back and forth a few times, and even after our phone conference. Like I said, the process was so much more time-consuming than, say, a poster for a play. I really liked my first design; the initial sketches I'd submitted (drawn at the very last minute, I'm not even including them here) were awkward and low quality, but this first pass, I felt, was definitely up to my personal standards. 

I also think of myself as someone who communicates effectively, so finding myself in the middle of a redesign and feeling like I might be wasting hours of effort going in the wrong direction was really frustrating. I don't blame the clients at all. Throughout, they were encouraging and responsive, I just wasn't getting it, and even their final email was very kind. I'm actually very curious to see what their final logo will look like.

Folio Society Annual Illustration Contest Submission (I)

It's been a goal of mine to submit to Folio Society's annual illustration contest for years, and this year I finally did! 

The challenge was to design an image or the first chapter of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel Never Let Me Go. In it, a 'carer' is tending to a dying 'donor,' recounting stories from her early days at the legendary Hailsham Academy.

I collaborated with my wonderful frrrrrrrrr Jenny Grace, who did the beautiful collage within the central figure, all the amazing colors. We didn't make the shortlist, but it was a really good exercise in stepping out of my comfort zone.

Card Designs (I)

Literally every time I buy a card for someone I think, "Why are cards SO expensive? I could make cards!!" So I did. I thought of things I liked and ran with the first four that popped into my mind: birds, sharks, superheroes, and - of course - the ghosts of dead Victorian divers. 

Printed by Moo - always stunning, highly recommended! Coming to a mailbox near you soon!

Kickey! Chapter 7: New Show! (V)

Kickey's found a new show, and he's obsessed! This one might not hit quite as well if you haven't seen Heated Rivalry, and if you haven't, it's Pride Month, get into it! Happy Pride, all! Click the picture below to watch the latest Kickey!

Mobile Miles, Inc. (I)

This really won't ever not be cool. This client needed a new logo, based on a drawing his grandfather had made years before (see below). Thanks for the opportunity, Brattendon!

R is for Ray! (I)

Sometimes I make stuff for the kids in my life. Happy Birthday, Ray!

Kickey! Season 2! (V)

Kickey's got some things in the works - stay tuned! A very special thanks to Virginia Bell for going above and beyond in this one, a scene from one of my all-time favorite movies. Click the pic to watch, subscribe, and share!

Hasselblad Adventures (P)

My dad gave me his old Hasselblad camera, I take it out from time to time. Recently I tried to get some shots of the clouds after a rainstorm. I was a little late, but it was a good exercise nonetheless.

New Poster Site!

I know, you're all like, "Where else can I get OwlHenry merch??" So I made an Inprnt site, selling posters, stickers, and cards. Click the pic below to check it out, and as always please feel free to suggest designs you'd like me to add! Weeeeeee!!

Gnome on Cat (I)

I've been drawing for fun a lot more recently, thanks to the illustration course I'm taking, and it's been really good for me to reconnect with the pleasure of just drawing, not for a project or a deadline, but just to try some things. I often use Draw or Die Co's daily prompts, and yesterday's was 'draw a gnome riding a cat (or a dog).' Done!

May the Fourth! (I)

I haven't done May the 4th in a bit! Here's another one!

Icon Project (I)

I'm taking an illustration course with Mike Lowery, illustrator extraordinaire - I'm having a great time! He's a great teacher, I highly recommend literally anything involving this guy. Our first big project was a series of icons. My initial venture was the 'sea creatures' set, but then I challenged myself to do another - the 'horror movie' icons - this time as fast I could go. It was a great challenge for me - I like both!

Order Up! Poster Design (I/GD)

Birthday Bird (P)

5" x 7", watercolor, colored pencils on watercolor paper.

Ricklock (I)

One of my favorite people had a birthday this month, and to celebrate our 30+ year friendship, I made this drawring of me hugging him, just so he'd have a visual reminder that I think he's the greatest. Back in the day, we bonded over the X-Men, so I drew us as mutants - can you guess which ones?

Seussical - Starring David! (I)

David's season started up with Seussical the Musical! Click here for previous posts I made for this lil star. 

Night Bloom (GD)

I made this for my DJ friend, Keelolo78Music on Twitch. What a delight she is. Happy Birthday, Kee!!

Death Comes Closest on Tuesdays (W)

Another day, another contest. This one's genre was Suspense, and it had to involve a "wounded soldier" and a "sewing needle." Enjoy the full story here.

"Death Comes Closest on Tuesdays"

    Matty’s severed head was singing softly. It was their favorite:        

    

    Night and day...you are the one...

    An old song from America, a fantasy country now, so far away it might as well have been in orbit. She’d been dreaming of his death, as she always did now. In the drifting moment where she rose into waking, she sang along with him: 

    Only you beneath the moon, and under the sun...

Happy Lunar New Year 2026! (Fire Horse)

Happy Year of the Horse, friends. This is my fourth year of doing this - see other years below. I was inspired this year to do a 'fire horse' variation. Gong hei fat choy!

Happy VD! (P)

Kickey's taking a small break, but he'll be back soon!

More Horse. Keep Going. (GD)

 

Hyenas (P)

I painted this 3' x 3' canvas a few years ago, oil on canvas. It's a ball of hyenas. You're welcome.

Wall Cat (GD)

A sticker design for a friend. That cat is not a cat, stop calling Engineering.

My Best Of 2025 List!

Hey, here's some of the best stuff I watched or read last year:

BEST MOVIE I WATCHED: The History of Sound

    I also recommend Frankenstein (2025), Queer, Saturday Night, Friendship, Dog Day Afternoon, Sinners, Mountainhead, Twinless, and The End.

BEST TV SHOW I WATCHED: Dying For Sex

    I also recommend Alien: Earth, Heated Rivalry, The Lowdown, The Chair Company, IT: Welcome to Derry, I Love LA, Adolescence, The Studio, Overcompensating, Fisk, Foundation, and Étoile.

BEST BOOK I READ: Playground, by Richard Powers

    I also recommend Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, James by Percival Everett, I Have No Mouth & I Must Scream by Harlan Ellison, and The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo.

BEST HORROR MOVIE I WATCHED: Bring Her Back

    I also recommend Bugonia, The Substance, Strange Darling, The Vourdalak, Cuckoo, The Monkey, and Weapons.