So every time I look out the window, there he is, just staring at me through the cracks of his blinds as if I’m the one that’s been doing something wrong by watching him all day. Like I don’t have the right, or even the responsibility, to want to keep an eye on my neighbours – to know what they’re doing all day, in their houses, with their shades drawn closed.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

Never yield to popular opinion. Go against the grain. Go against the flow. Forge your own path. Fight your own fight. Be an individual. Be your own boss. Make your own destiny. Make your own rules. Think outside the box. Etc.

And here’s a closeup detail from this week’s inspirational/motivational idiomatic illustration:

I don’t usually work in this manner, but for this illustration I worked in a colorized line art style. I first created a tight black and white sketch and then recolored the linework and painted in the background colors digitally.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

Hot of the presses and just in time to meet people. I’ve just received my business cards from Design Your Own Cards (they don’t get a hyperlink because this isn’t a promo piece). The concept behind this business card design was to create a modern version of the classic traditional business card. This is to tie my branding to the new direction my work is taking – a digital version of traditional illustration.  I went with Design Your Own Cards because they were one of the few affordable companies that was willing to do a three color print. This, intentionally wasn’t done with full color digital printing like most people are using lately. This is old fashioned, raised ink printing on grey linen card stock. It has a rich tactile quality, as well as a durability that is lost with the modern digitally printed cards.

The one drawback of going with a traditional printing process verses a digital one is the unavailability (or rather economic unviability) of small print runs. I have a lot of business cards now; It’s time to get out and meet a lot of people.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

I’ve done two interpretations of the theme ‘Capable’ this week. The first was that we are capable of anything if we think positively. The second truism, and the concept behind this illustration is that although we are capable of anything, sometimes we need a helping hand. This version isn’t as overtly optimistic as the other one, but I think it still contains a positive message about support, and an optimistic look to the future.
On a side note to the painting, that’s two pieces started and completed this week and it’s only Tuesday. They both have pretty different style approaches, feel free to leave an opinion in the comments of either post as too which of the two you prefer. (you can see the other illustration here)

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration

The theme word of the week is ‘Capable’. In an personally uncharacteristic turn towards the optimistic, my interpretation of the topic, and the concept behind this painting, is that the secret behind being capable of anything is to think positively. On the technical side of this positively positive illustration, I’ve tried a new way of laying down paint and I’m pretty happy with the results. Though the composition of this illustration is very designed and graphic, I’m trying out the same technique right now on another piece which has a much more elaborate composition and background to see if it will work there too. That painting isn’t far enough along yet to know how it will turn out, but I will have the finished work up later this week and you’ll be ale to decide for yourselves.

**Update** Here’s the other illustration I’ve done for this topic, same color pallet, but aside from that, a pretty different approach. Feel free to leave in comments as to which version you prefer and why. Thanks.

all images ©jeff szuc Jeff Szuc illustration