illustrations for investing blog

ibisbill · #1 05-07-2012, 11:41 AM

Hi, Everybody!

This is the first thread I've started on the Illustration Forum.

These are some illustrations that I've done for a blog which I am in the process of creating: http://machoinvesting.blogspot.com/

This blog is a spoof on the investing world.

C&C always welcome. I won't even flinch if somebody posts the ultimate negative criticism: "Why are you trying to illustrate this blog? It works better without illustrations."

Many thanks for your help.

LittleBear · #2 06-07-2012, 10:34 PM

I think the expression of the first one best conveys a "spoof on the investing world". A kind of sarcastic smile. The last one is nice for the color, but the smile is too ... sincere.

And kudos for creating your own illustrations for your blog. Too often blogs rip off artist's work that they find on the web because they think it should be "free" and that the artist should be grateful for the "exposure". *sigh*

ibisbill · #3 06-12-2012, 10:36 AM

Hi, LittleBear,

Thank you for your very astute comments. Drawing this character is still a WIP for me, and, you're right, the last illustration is a bit weak.

BTW, I took a look at the scientific illustrations on your website. Extremely impressive! I encourage everybody to take a look.

Thanks again!

LittleBear · #4 06-12-2012, 11:15 PM

Thank you! I know nothing of investing so I can't comment on your blog, I'm afraid. But I look forward to seeing more of your drawings!

**birdhs** · #5 06-13-2012, 01:14 AM

i don't know anything 'bout investing either, can barely pay the bills, nothing left over...

Don't know why you chose those hats and that bowtie, but in my mind I feel it works. It has a bit of an oddity to it, perfect for illustrations.

No time to look at the blog now, but will later when i have more time.

Thanx 4 posting these, Greg

ibisbill · #6 06-15-2012, 11:24 AM

Hi, Greg,

Many thanks for your kind words. Hope I can live up to all these compliments!

Please check out the blog when you get a few minutes. I think you'll enjoy it.

AntonioBernal · #7 06-16-2012, 03:53 AM

Hi ibisbill,

I like the style you are going for your illustrations, and agree with the comments above, I think you got a good facial expression in the first illustration. I'm really bad at drawing faces and expressions myself (that's why I avoid doing it as much as I can!) so I think you are doing a very nice job and they enhance the overall look of your blog. Looking forward to seeing more of them.

I visited your blog and enjoyed your entries. They are funny, yet sarcastic and critical, a very good read, I hope it goes well!

Antonio

ibisbill · #8 06-18-2012, 10:44 AM

Hi, Antonio,

I really appreciate your comments and your support. Thank you very much!

One book that I've found extremely useful (and literally eye-opening) is the "Artist's Guide to Facial Expressions" by Gary Faigin. Faigin teaches you things like, for example, how to draw the slant of an eye-brow so that it conveys either (1) anger, or (2) fear, or (3) boredom.

It is mind-boggling how sensitive our eyes are to facial expressions. For example, you can add tiny little shadows under the cheeks, and -- like magic --- your character looks happier (because cheeks tend to puff out when the person is smiling). It really is almost magical.

Thanks very much again!

AntonioBernal · #9 06-23-2012, 05:58 AM

Hey ibisbill, thanks for the book recommendation, I will definitely check it out, as facial expressions is on my list of things to learn properly. And you nailed your comments about how easy, and at the same time who difficult is to get an expression right (or wrong). Just a small line changed and you can go from one mood to another...also just bad proportions can a face look stiff, not natural...it is almost magical indeed

How's your blog doing? I went to visit it but didn't see any new entries. Did you do any new illustrations for it?

Antonio

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