It's been forever since I posted. We have now moved back to the states and are in the process of looking for all kinds of little things (like a home, a job, and all that nonsense.)

Here is another illustration from the story book I have been working on. The setting was completely borrowed from "Mineral De Pozos," a half-deserted mining town in central Mexico that we were able to wander around in and visit and feel deep affection for.

 

Two sketches created on our very short NY trip.





Two Fashionable challenges.

The first is a "draw this" (Louis Vuitton) challenge.



The second one was a very quick sketch that was centered around the idea of a shredded sweater that was very structured at the cuffs and hem. I always struggle with how dark to make blacks that they read as blacks but still light enough to see detail.




And finally Claviger keeps rolling along. Below is the title page for the final Chapter. Click on it to go to the page, and then "next" for the first five page of Chapter 8 if you are so inclined.

Preview image. I've been working away on a storybook series throughout my time in Mexico.
I cannot say too much about it as I am still working on pitching to some publishers.
But I will mention that it is set in the West and this takes place towards the end of the first book.
I am loving being back in the states. It is exciting to see all of my friends that I have missed so,
and I am looking forward to the ones I have yet to see. I am going to have to do one of those
"things I am thankful for" posts soon.

We did find a new place to live, though it will not be available until mid October,
so until then we are bunking with JB's parents. I cannot even tell you how much
I am looking forward to not living out of a suitcase.




(for AFC Shoes challenge) and I wonder why I trip if I get up in the middle of the night.

There have been many new Claviger pages since my last mention of it.
Here was a panel from yesterday. Click on it to see the full page.




We finally started watching True Blood a few days ago.
The opening sets up the style and  feel so well.

We attained many great memories and experiences, but I am thankful to be back in the Bay Area. Is that the real secret of traveling? Making you enjoy your home more…maybe. But eating international food is certainly up there.

Some last sketches below:


A bridge over a freshwater stream that spilled into the ocean. This was on the other side of town that the heat restricted us from visiting too often. We would sometimes make the trek for an English bookstore  there (that also offered, food, coffee, massage, apartment rentals. waxing, and more).

While eating food near hear, a local tried to sell us an adorable puppy for $30. I was very tempted...mainly to secure the dog a happier life than she would have in the hands of someone one who wanted to sell her for thirty bucks.

            Alas, we were renting and could not have a new puppy live with us while learning to not eat furniture and potty train. I hope she found a home though, she was the tiniest ball of fluff (smaller than Byron if you could imagine). I could not stop thinking of her for the next few days.



A bucket of beer and a beach chair in front of Los Picos

Picos was a hotel that was a short walk up the beach and offered well-priced food and drink. I think we may have gone in the Ocean after this. I know we played Badminton until the rackets broke (which wasn’t all that long). We did grow hesitant to jump in the Ocean, as we saw so much sea life including a man stung by a manta ray, and JB’s dad bitten by a water snake.

Here's another sketch of our typical morning in Bucerias ( I took a bunch of photo reference so these will continue even thought we have left)


Here is a concept sketch for a storybook I have been working on. I thought I would post it as I have had a hard time getting to “A fashionable challenge” projects with all the moving and such. This fit nicely though, no? I may add one of the finished pieces next week.



I had all of these other links to share but this is already pretty extensive so I will add those next time, if they don't feel to old then.

It has been a bit since my last post. This is due mostly to my time in Mexico coming to an end. I have been finishing work on a storybook, as well as packing and doing the last rounds at local places. It has been 14 months here (not on the coast but in the country of Mexico) and it is crazy that it is coming to an end but I am excited for the next part of our adventure. Meaning finding a place to live, work, and having a social life again. Oh yeah, and all the clothes that are made in wearable size.

A quick note relating to nothing except this blog. Do any of you know how to modify the LJ appearance? I messed around for a bit and could make nothing of it. Really I would just like to add a header or background. I am considering returning to blogspot as it was so much easier to customize. Anyhow, now some other stuff.

Pages 7 and 8 of our "day in the life" Mexico sketchbook thing:





I should mention that Claviger will be one of many excellent comics appearing at the 'Monsters of Webcomics" exhibit in the San Francisco Cartoon Art Museum. Click the banner for more info.




Also, I wanted to share the cover of Vogue Australia's (50th anniversary) September issue. It came out a few weeks back, but like I said I have been slow. It features  four illustrations of Cate Blanchett  by David Downton.






In other news, did everyone notice the new Burberry girl is Hermione? They are trying really hard to make her look sophisticated. They needn't bother though, really. We all know how classy she is.

  


There have been two Claviger pages since I last posted and will probably be two or so more before I post again.
You can find them all here: http://girlamatic.com/claviger/

I swore that I would definitely set up a chictopia account before I leave Mexico. I am running out of time! So JB and I had some fun with the camera yesterday and we'll probably both be posting more sooner or later. These were in the backyard of the place we are vacating.



(Dress: One Star, Tie: Ralph Lauren, Flannel: Abercrombie and Fitch)

Have I posted a song by the ever-charming Bishop Allen yet? This is from their new record which I do not adore as much as their previous (The Broken String) but it is still pretty sweet.

"The Artist" For a fashionable challenge. I tried to draw lots of muted colors as most of my art buddies (myself included) always wear mostly black or grey. Unintentiionally I think I may have drawn myself. Hello new icon.




And here is page 5 and 6 of a "day in Bucerias".








In fun news the Girl-A-Matic relaunches today at 5 PM with a new look, layout and new features. We are all very excited about it.

A new Claviger page, with art by JB goes up today. Check it out (wait until 5:00 if you wanna see the new site). Click panel for link.



When we last saw our friend Megan she lent us copy of the Cloud Cult record. I am digging it. Here is a song.

 

Week 75 of Fashionable Challenge: Little Black Dress.
That's right: pockets and a 50's silhouette! You want it.



And, of course, A Claviger page went up last Friday. This one was toned by Julie Behn. Woh!
Click for link.

 

Our daily lives have been pretty consistent since moving to the Mexican Coast. So I thought it would be fun to draw a typical day in my sketchbook. Here are the first two pages.
 

Still behind on fashion challenges, the one below is for "love." Totally inspire by the Dior Couture show.

A new Claviger page went up last Friday. Click the panel to go to the page.



This week I have been really digging the "Dark was the NIght" compilation that just came out. Lots of great stuff on it, and it is for charity. Here is a song performed by Ben Gibbard and Fiest from said comp. (there were no video, but the song plays...)

 

It's been pretty hot and muggy here in between the daily rain storms. Much time is spent on the lounge chairs reading and swimming. This is a view of our condo from there.

I plan on doing a few of these to catch up on missed 'fashionable challenges.' (From left: Spring Fling, Sunday Brunch, Red.)

And today a Claviger Page went up. Drunk Chloe!

I have been nearing obsession with the Hazards of Love., the new Decemberists rock-opera, fairy tale, concept album, thing. It's hard to find a you tube video with good sound quality but I guess this one will do.




Really  close to making fan art obsessed.

 

They sell these tins for cigarettes in Mexico. Aren't they pretty? You can then purchase tiny little packs to refill.
It almost makes me want to start smoking (not really).

And to follow up on the crab post below, this happens about once every other day now.
 

And here is a concept sketch of the dress Chloe wears in this week's Claviger.


Speaking of which, three Claviger pages have come and gone since I last posted.

The first one, which I call getting ready for prom.
Can be found clicking on this panel:


It is followed by the "sexy villain entering the good guys home turf to advance the plot along" page.

And today's page. Which is the waiting outside of the ball page. (click panel for page)



I fear this scene is bordering on cliche' but the story is winding down and the two leads haven't spent nearly enough time together. So I kind of have to force them to do so. You may notice I ended up going with a white version of the dress from the concepts. Chloe seems to be in darks *so* much I thought I would put her in paler colors for this one scene.



I've been reading Mrs. Dalloway this week. A book I always meant to get too, but totally purchased for the cover. We can judge books by their covers if we design books for a living right? Slow going at first, but I got hooked around page 20 or so.

 

Two Claviger pages have been posted since my last blog, for shame.
The first one explains the genderless ness if the Avalon fairies. (click panel for page).


Never a fan of imposed gender boundaries, I thought I would be thematic and post some of my other favorite gender rebels.


Fashion Designer Phillipe Blonde
 

Warhol Superstar, Candy Darling

 


Le Tigre's JD Samson




Comedian Murray Hill
 

Social Network extraordinaire, Izzy HIlton
 


And of course: