Urban Farmstands

Urban Farmstands is based on an article in Pacific Horticulture Magazine winter 2018. Residents of Sacramento County are growing more produce in their backyards and bringing it out into the community.

     The above is another illustration in the series I am developing of rendered vegetables in a graphic context. This time I chose to outline the vegetables, integrating them with the environment. 

     Check out the new poll on the side bar and tell me what your favorite vegetable is!

Regaining Momentum, Reenergizing, Reinvigorating

These are a continuation of the spot illustrations I posted last week. 

     Ever since the Illustrators of the Future workshop I feel massively energized for creating art and pursuing freelancing. I'm juggling a lot of projects between homework and clients. As well as polishing old pieces to use for self-promotion.

     I'm also re-evaluating my art business as a whole, in the context of what I'm learning from professionals in the industry and learning about business. For example, I'm very deep into the philosophy of Michael Porter, author of business books Competitive Strategy and Competitive Advantage.

     As I continue learning however, I still believe in the need to push forward with conviction. That is why recently I made the commitment to register Adar Illustration as an LLC in New Jersey. A big step that I never undertook in the past. I also purchased tickets to attend GenCon in August, a major destination for tabletop gaming enthusiasts...and illustrators. Furthermore I purchased a subscription to Yodelist, a resource for promoting illustration to art buyers. All of these steps are driving up my enthusiasm for creating, knowing I'm working towards serving clients specifically, as opposed to ambling aimlessly creating art.

     That said, experimentation is an important part of refueling creative juices and it is one reason I enjoy this blog so much. I seek to maintain it as a place where I feel comfortable posting work that is fun to create, regardless of intent. Sometimes the work is more intentional, sometimes less. Also, at least for the time being, I plan to keep this blog specifically, food-centered.

     So that is some of what's happening in the world of Adar Illustration this week 😊✌✋

Organic Food, Mechanical Tech

     Here are two food spot illustrations I recently designed. The concept is making food the focal point with hand painting and reducing an appliance to stylized graphic lines. This expresses the organic nature of food versus the mechanical nature of technology.

     A piece of news I'm happy to share is moving my website to Squarespace. It also has a new url: Adar-illustration.com

     One of the writers from the Writers and Illustrators of the Future workshop I attended, Jonathan Ficke, is currently writing a series of posts about each piece of art from the contest this year. Check out his blog, jonficke.com 

The Mayo Mogul

     Firstly, I am back from Illustrators of the Future this week which was a superb experience. I'll recall the memories of it fondly for a long time. 

     This week's art that I'm showing is based on an article called The Mayo Mogul. It's about a company called Hampton Creek a.k.a. "Just." It produces alternative, plant-based food products. Below is the vector art drawing prior to color.

     I really enjoy this style as a creative outlet to explore something away from the very realistic, painterly work I do in other contexts.

Illustrators of the Future and Maite Franchi

     A use of illustration that I am very interested in is editorial. This mainly refers to magazines. This outlet features many unique styles and opportunities for illustrating food. Take Maite Franchi for example. She is a French illustrator. The above image for Shop Magazine exemplifies the strong themes of design and food throughout her portfolio. Below are more examples of her work. All info is from: maitefranchi.com  

     Here is an interview with Maite on 99 Percent Lifestyle

Maite Franchi for The Huffington Post 2016

Maite Franchi for Easy Jet Magazine 2015

     As for me I am in Los Angeles this week for Illustrators of the Future. This is a contest I submitted imaginative realism illustration to in 2017 and was accepted as a finalist. Now I get to participate in the week long workshop and attend a Hollywood awards ceremony. That is when the grand prize winner is announced. Frankly I would love to win! Who wouldn't!? But whatever happens I'm happy with myself for making it this far. Plus I get to meet some other very talented illustrators and professionals. No doubt I can learn a lot from these people.