tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8559738598549660942024-02-19T05:50:34.106-06:00Children's Book Illustrator and Author- Cassaundra DunbridgeA blog about my journey on illustrating, writing, and all the insanity in between. I began my journey as an aspiring author and found myself discovering a passion for illustrating for the children's book genre. I blog my art in progression, about the journey to my dream of traditional publishing, and more.Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-71538419428066848652016-05-18T08:57:00.000-05:002016-05-18T08:57:32.203-05:00crossing over into AcrylicsI have recently crossed over into another media that I love. The colors are so vibrant and beautiful. Acrylics are new to me, but quickly becoming a medium that I am drawn to. I love how it allows me to punch the color and layer for depth. Below is my newest piece that I have created. I recently submitted it into the scbwi illustration monthly for the prompt "borrow". It seems the ladybug has her heart set on the red one. How will bear feel about this? Like any good friend, Bear will gladly lend her the balloon the lady bug desires.<br />
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This piece will also be going up for auction at my children's school, Maumee Valley Country Day School. They will also be holding their auction online. It is a 16x20 stretched canvas piece. If you have a desire for this piece, please contact the Maumee Valley Country Day School Development Department for more information. Their phone number is 419-381-1313 for more information.<br />
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My acrylic adventure hasn't stopped there. I am working on another piece. This piece is still a "work in progress", but I am excited to see where it takes me. Here is a pic of where I am at this time with this piece. It is an acrylic version of my ant. Andy is telling his story. To be honest, I am actually creating this for me. It is my inspiration to never give up on Andy and his story.</div>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-46691359210945976562016-03-08T13:06:00.000-06:002016-03-08T13:06:26.807-06:00Well, moving along with my illustration and demonstrating cohesion in color palette and character. I really like what I am creating. Every time I try to cut back with a softer palette, I find myself picking up the paintbrush and using a color with yellow tones and cool bright blues. The winter dull drums are definitely weighing in. I need spring, so I paint with spring colors! Andy's journey is continuing. I need to finish up some details in the newest piece, but it is really coming along and should be finished soon.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOBgOJCfvLczz4yBTFz_eVaDDYZhwBDY-ijBbN5PzdNdD2KuEZLksbHweJ4qf_oFiAboB2ztr4hKTRhRcJYRbjLgdLQciUYLpnbczArLoYssFRR5qTBGvjEqzBoTy3_AK_hzEA2aRC9i_/s1600/12809530_909123289206770_2105333076981383925_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwOBgOJCfvLczz4yBTFz_eVaDDYZhwBDY-ijBbN5PzdNdD2KuEZLksbHweJ4qf_oFiAboB2ztr4hKTRhRcJYRbjLgdLQciUYLpnbczArLoYssFRR5qTBGvjEqzBoTy3_AK_hzEA2aRC9i_/s640/12809530_909123289206770_2105333076981383925_n.jpg" width="640" /></a>Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-60331772043868627462016-03-06T08:14:00.002-06:002016-03-06T08:14:18.871-06:00An artistic late bloomerThere are times where my confidence is rattled by that voice that tries to remind me that my pursuit is silly. It likes to state that the art I create isn't art. An artist creates on mediums with technique that far surpasses mine. What I create is nothing more that scribbles and doodles. More often than not, many family members don't acknowledge what I do as professional worthy. It is usually more of, "Oh, you can draw a bit, right?" Art can lead to the most negative of self talks. I think that may be the case because it is so weighted and valued by others' opinions. The truth of it is that I love what I create and my work grows with each page I illustrate. I do have a gift for taking criticism and applying it when called for to recreate a piece. Art is subjective. Not everyone will like what you do...and that is okay.<div>
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As an artistic late bloomer, I am really trying to catch up with those I am now aligning my work with. I listen to professional feedback and continue to apply it. Some of the wisest words I have received were from an artist named Ruth Sanderson. Google her work. Her art transcends generations. It has a renaissance feel with a modern day spin. Her stories are wonderful. I love them and so do my boys. It is easy to get lost in her art though. I remember hearing her talk at a conference. Some of her work would take 6 mos to complete one page. Art doesn't have to be rushed. She is a prime example of it. Receiving one of her books is similar to receiving an art gallery that fits in your hands. </div>
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A few years ago, she briefly looked over my portfolio. She wasn't impressed. I was not in the same genre. She told me to look at grass outside and asked, "Is it always green?" My palette consisted of mostly primary. Where was my depth? It was these words that I have pondered over in the last two years. Her words made me aware of backgrounds. Sure, grass is green; it is also yellow, blue, purple, grey, and more depending on lighting and the condition of the grass. I still paint my grass green, but in varieties of green. I add all the above colors to it and more. </div>
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Onto my latest piece that I am working on. It is a page from my Any the Ant story. He loses his way as he becomes lost in the beauty of his surroundings. He stops to smell the flowers. His Ant family continues to march on and away.</div>
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Below is the newest piece that I am working on. This piece conveys the cause of the crisis of the story. Will Andy be able to find his way?<br />
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-10285005129476235612016-02-29T10:49:00.001-06:002016-02-29T10:49:27.062-06:00Andy the Ant <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For several years now, a character has remained dear to my heart. He was the start of my crazy journey. He inspired me to write. He encouraged my boys to use their manners. He became a name in this house that was as common as Mickey Mouse to others. My book I wrote was laid out in a Photo album. My boys would sit down and study the pictures and read the words. He started out as a crayon drawing utilizing simplistic shapes that children could relate to. His journey was simple and to the point. This character evolved and grew as the years went by. His simple shapes began to grow a bit more complex in colors and character. Andy the Ant began to have little adventures as I created him into a tangible character. Sometimes the words of his story were more complex than the character himself. I think that was my problem. I had created a character who was simple, sweet, kind, and childlike. Unfortunately his story did not follow his character persona. After a few redo's and several hours, days, and months spent with those my ant is modeled after, I began to notice that his wordy adventures needed to become less "wordy" and more illustrated. The audience of Andy react according to their emotions. So does this character. His adventure is emotion driven. It is an emotion identified and verbalized in illustration. We see joy and regret. The journey he embarks on is is the cause of his wandering nature of enjoying the moment without regard to the task he was given. He loses his way as the ants march away. Andy is lost. Now what should he do?<br />
This is a preschool learning moment that all preschoolers can relate to. They have felt that feeling of "where's my parent". A story that ran almost 500 words when I first created it, I have now tasked myself with re creating it in less than 150 words.<br />
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Andy the Ant is an illustrated driven story using limited text that will hold the attention of the newly emerging reader. The target age is 2-4 years/ preschool. It is a "read to me" story that a preschool teacher and parent will both enjoy reading aloud while allowing a child to create the story by what they see. This will offer visual and auditory learning by how it is used.. I love a great book that a child will take to a reading nook and become lost in its illustrations. It begs the question, "What do you see?" That is where you truly see the story emerge. Their eyes become big and alert at the thought of what could be. It isn't limiting. It is an open adventure full of color and imagination. That is where reading really begins. Later in life, we are able to create our own visual imagination that correlates with text of an engaging story. At this age, it is about illustration that lures them into the interest of the text. In kindergarten, the text and illustration become one. They, together, teach the skill of reading.<br />
Above are a couple pages I have put together. Below is another page sketched out and ready for paint. I am very partial to watercolor and find inspiration in vintage works of A.A. Milne and Beatrix Potter. My colors hold vibrancy as I am very fond of colors and have found my audience to be just as fond of them.<br />
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Be sure to follow me on Face book at Children's Book Illustrator, Author, and Blogger- Cassaundra Dunbridge. You can also use the link in the tabs at the top. It will take you right on over to that page. I post on that page regularly with updates and page progressions. I am also on twitter @CDunbridge and pinterest @cassaundragirl.<br />
Always aspiring and creating,<br />
CassaundraCassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-76058801026785793952016-01-11T09:09:00.003-06:002016-01-11T10:01:16.045-06:00the learning curve of illustrationTime has gone by and I have been quite a busy bee, but my job hunt hasn't been nearly as kind. I am still subbing at the school where my children attend, but it isn't a regular deal. The resumes continue to go out. Even in the lapse of ongoing employment, my artistic endeavors seem to keep me busy.<br />
I am exploring a new style of illustration. I am working with Thortful, an online greeting card company based in England. Please visit them and my gallery at Thortful.com if you are interested in my artwork for your thank you notes and more. They have offered guidance and advice to encourage my style to target that market. While working with them, I have created some new illustrations for the greeting card line. Below are an example of three pieces that I have created. These have been created in water color.<br />
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I think the hardest task was putting text to the art. My earlier pieces that I used from my portfolio</div>
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I am a children's book artist and author, That is where my head goes. Unfortunately, that doesn't sell cards. My task was to create a moment. That is where I continue to work at this time. I want to bring some more diversity to my art, too.I am trying out some new perspectives, characters, and interactions.<br />
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Here is another piece that I recently created using colored pencil. You may see a lot of dogs in my art. Well, I have two dogs; both shelter dogs. They are great models and inspiration for my artwork.</div>
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My artwork has also been used for a local rescue group's apparel line. I volunteer my time and artwork to help rescue and raise money for the dogs by creating apparel illustrations and media marketing materials. Below are some examples of my illustrative contributions. </div>
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Over the next couple days, I will be updating my portfolio to reflect the changes I have made to my art and the direction I am taking it. I am still a children's book illustrator and author working towards the goal of traditional publishing. Throughout my journey, I have had a super hero of sorts by my side. He was my copy editor and personal cheerleader. A little over a month ago he passed away. I still struggle with his passing and have a hard time conveying the pain I feel at the loss of his presence in my life and journey. Many had words to share, I could only create an illustration. Gerald Zepeda of EditGenesis.com has passed on and I truly miss him. Below is my tribute to him. He encouraged me to embrace my dream. He would edit for me on a moment's notice. I had always imagined that this road I traveled would include him . It did for a few years, but now I travel without him. Fare thee well, friend. Thank you for your support, friendship, exchange of words, and more. Every time I evaluate my grammar, sentence structures, use of tenses, love of the hated adverb, and my inept inability to write about myself and my accomplishments, I will remember you. What would Gerald say? What words of encouragement would he lend? </div>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-34208084281574774952015-10-26T13:12:00.000-05:002015-10-26T13:12:21.361-05:00New day, New illustration.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Something new is in the works. Does it say "birthday" to you? Birthdays are wonderful. Every kid I know plans all their life events around their birthday party. So, that is the inspiration for this piece. This is still the work in progress as some details are being added as I type! Yes, I am that talented and can use both hands simultaneously in all things art related! ;) So, hang on because ART is happening. </div>
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<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-77567106600583756932015-09-15T10:28:00.000-05:002015-09-15T12:24:33.439-05:00The "ThankYou" note vexation...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHilXJKTEAcXWQva5FFQYNSMLyFt9n8nNQKNWNJlyBtJp6CcPZXb7PG0VPkRJfHZWgjEvBpkX7DelJjJCtNLlG4M40bysbI8opMEj6WT4q3Zp_QShsXEVXHVfHBSXpIkg3tZRrGWTt9UMM/s1600/meerkattext.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHilXJKTEAcXWQva5FFQYNSMLyFt9n8nNQKNWNJlyBtJp6CcPZXb7PG0VPkRJfHZWgjEvBpkX7DelJjJCtNLlG4M40bysbI8opMEj6WT4q3Zp_QShsXEVXHVfHBSXpIkg3tZRrGWTt9UMM/s400/meerkattext.jpg" width="400" /></a>And so I begin, with coffee in hand, to compose the perfect "thank you" letter. My pen takes to the glossy white card and smooths that black ink onto its paper like a paintbrush to canvas. Each stroke begins to form a letter and finishes that stroke while emanating complex and contradicting emotions from that previous interview. All that anxiety and useless regret for the words conveyed begin to form an apology instead of gratitude. To the trash can it goes. Well, the last four cards have found their way to the trash in crumpled cardstock paper balls of exasperation. Uggh!<br />
Like so many of my sketches, I erase those self deprecating marks and lines from that previous letter and begin again. Finally, after a multitude of embarrassing and yet necessary edits, this has the makings of a slightly less embarrassing email. Why not a note card? Well, I may have used them all up in my multiple attempts to create a well written note of gratitude. Email was what I had left. That said, this "Thank you" note may be the winner.<br />
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Dear Interviewer,<br />
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me. (not too desperate, I hope?) I enjoyed the opportunity to converse with you and offer examples of my work in hopes that it would be compatible and compliment your marketing needs. Although my style leans towards the creative("leans"? My work screams "creative"), I believe that I could contribute the technical means you require if offered the resources to do so.<br />
Although our styles vary, our visual aesthetic marries well in use of color and photographic perspective. I believe I would be bring perspective and support to this position. My illustrative background has enabled me to be very receptive to constructive criticism and work well in small and large group settings. (If you read my blog entry about Illustrator day, then you know I can rebound and learn with the best of them)<br />
I am looking to work with someone in a low drama, teamwork setting. (I wanted to say NO drama, but I do need to be realistic) My work with Early Learning and Nursing background have cultivated my ability to anticipate my co worker's needs and carry them out with high expectations. As referenced from my previous employers, I have a high work ethic and prefer to work with those who see possibilities and apply the work to achieve them with preemptive planning and time managed execution.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Cassaundra Dunbridge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO82KXifFEWi_R5HZctpy63AN-lFiNdKJnBLeDDkKlqitG0StOXVY7S-W4u1TswH0qfsiKq3d-YefhqADz9P_SfJT4JgVSa9qtsuFkZnhxweQvGdjYkplpaoz7Zl3LhtsnuZ2qXTHHNeT/s1600/andykitetext1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvO82KXifFEWi_R5HZctpy63AN-lFiNdKJnBLeDDkKlqitG0StOXVY7S-W4u1TswH0qfsiKq3d-YefhqADz9P_SfJT4JgVSa9qtsuFkZnhxweQvGdjYkplpaoz7Zl3LhtsnuZ2qXTHHNeT/s400/andykitetext1.jpg" width="273" /></a>It has only been within the recent years that I have identified myself as the "artistic" type. Unlike most artistic types, I enjoy and thrive on time lines, exceeding expectations, and critical thinking. Risk taking was never my forte', but I have come to embrace the possibilities that it affords. Of course, those risks apply to my art and not bungee jumping. The idea of the subjective is a vulnerable space allowing for judgement without the grounds of objective reasoning to support it. It is, therefore, opinion based and opinions can be had by anyone. No degree or professional background needed. The objective is to please the masses. My people pleasing personality plays well in this area.<br />
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Art Calls. Yes, the bullhorn sounds off with a reverberating tone heralding inspiration in forms of colors, shapes, and characters awaiting their creation in the form of a pencil sketch to paper. Soon, their existence will be unveiled as each paint stroke transforms their 2-D shape into a formed illustration full of hope and imagination. Yes, this will soon take place in my office of creativity and a brain full of endless visual inspiration. Artistic creation is about to unfold...And the coffee will begin to appear and disappear. These two go hand in hand as the warm brew of roasted coffee beans allows for relaxation and nostalgia. <br />
With this email out in the the wondrous and sometimes mystical land of the internet, I wait. Soon, I will send the follow up email. Yes, there will be coffee.<br />
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<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-34866544382675947852015-09-10T08:39:00.001-05:002015-09-10T10:17:04.978-05:00The stagnant abyss of the unchanged...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfwcXxPsdE6hKdlbPrRcMz3TJ4BoIdBdOSTuP5rTjPb5XpA-FkLqNhubh1FTEC5lRmaHhLtKCHwZilibyMSjUVhiaVzd4S2NxTlKwDmonBozieXK0hxUEAKE2tyqJldVUKQwm4dy5AcaG/s1600/blustery+day1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfwcXxPsdE6hKdlbPrRcMz3TJ4BoIdBdOSTuP5rTjPb5XpA-FkLqNhubh1FTEC5lRmaHhLtKCHwZilibyMSjUVhiaVzd4S2NxTlKwDmonBozieXK0hxUEAKE2tyqJldVUKQwm4dy5AcaG/s400/blustery+day1.jpg" width="400" /></a>Dramatic? Well, it might be. I awoke from a dream this morning and felt that unsettling tinge in my stomach take a hold of me. Was it the fear of the unknown and the ill aftertaste of regret lingering after an interview I had yesterday? Or was it just an internal cry for coffee? It may be safe to say that it is indeed a mixture of the two, or perhaps three. I love coffee and I am just terrible when my nerves get into a jumble. I make chatty Kathy look like she has laryngitis. Enthusiasm should really be my middle name. I have it in spades. My optimism for life can not be contained by common know how and the adventure it promises is just a bit much when verbalized in a squeaky, sensory stimulating tone that may makes your eardrums bleed unintentionally. One word for all of it: overcompensation. Yup. There it is. My interview was about me acting as if I am an overly eager 16 year old boy going out on his first date. My nerves were electrical. I was on fire! No, really...smoking so badly that the fire alarm should have rang and buzzed it's disorienting sound alerting immediate peril while giving my interviewer the perfect excuse needed to break free from this meeting and escape before she would be smoldered by the toxic neediness that my body language portrayed. Train wreck? Well, I could write a book on how NOT to interview. Perhaps I should illustrate it, too!<br />
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My illustrating career has been a little stagnant lately. My creativity is on point. I am constantly outsourcing resources and advice from those in the industry to create my best work. What I really need is more of a technical background. This job would have allowed that. Working within parameters and challenging me to focus on those parameters could push my work further. As I like to say, "onward and upward. Learn from it and move forward with that knowledge."<br />
Nerves really can destroy an impression. I spent my evening questioning myself on how or what I could bring to the job. What did I want from it? Why did I want this particular job? During that reflection period in between homework and the numerous requests for snack and dinner suggestions, I came to realize that the traits I would be able to contribute are not the technical, but the ability to obtain the technical background if provided the means to do so. So, perhaps enthusiasm isn't a wasted trait, but a trait that can be utilized and provides the promise of a happy team. A good team member identifies the deficits and provides support in those areas. In a way, this is indicative of the author/illustrator team. Often times, an author expects the illustrator to be their hand. Illustrating is its own story as writing is for the author. The two worlds come together producing a cohesive product while respecting each others' gifts that their individual work provides to the project. Perhaps I should write that book. I botched that interview pretty badly, but I was able to show my work and my potential.<br />
Back to the application rodeo I go with a smile and rebounding optimism after recovering from that interview gut punch of exemplifying the art of verbal failure . Art is subjective. Not everyone will like your work, but listening to the needs and wants of the industry encourage one's marketability.<br />
More coffee? Don't mind if I do!<br />
<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-66537600931798419532015-08-27T08:33:00.000-05:002015-08-27T08:33:43.391-05:00stepping out of my comfort zone.Change is difficult, but it is the catalyst that matures our perspective as an artist. Each piece I produce is a part of a mental challenge I engage myself in. I take a past critique and raise to the challenge of creating something to reflect the changes suggested. My color palette is changing. My lines are cleaner, too. I recently revised a sketch and added more character to the faces, interaction, and action. I love adding progressions to my page. So, here you go! This is from sketch to completion. It is on rather large paper and I need to have it scanned at a place that can handle that size. So, for now...I have scanned it with the action part of the illustration in the center. This was a fun piece and these characters are the muses that began my illustrating journey. It is a mixed media illustration. I love the gradient effect I gave the background. The light is well focused without being obvious.<br />
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I truly hope I will have the chance to share this story with children some day. I love creating. I like that it takes a minute to find that little ant. your eyes are focused on the conversation and worry of the two bugs.The ant becomes part of the scenery...but emerges as the character in conflict. Portfolio building is an ongoing process. A wise person once told me to NEVER stop creating. This is how you fine tune your art. Although he is not in Ohio and I am no longer in the South, his wise words still motivate me to make my work better, stronger, and to get out of my comfort zone. </div>
Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-45494766948189459402015-08-11T11:49:00.004-05:002015-08-11T11:50:56.346-05:00learning from the pastThis blog isn't only about my journey, it is an exploration into the art I create. I wanted to link one of my favorite entries into this post. It is a reflection of my experiences that have cultivated me into the artist I am today. When I create, I hear the critiques that once brought me to tears and have now given me the confidence to forge onward.<br />
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<a href="http://cdunbridge.blogspot.com/2014/04/illustrators-day-my-day-of-nail-biting.html">The day I will never forget and will always be grateful for.</a><br />
I am forever changed by this day. My art has as well. Funny. I wonder if those that inspired me will ever know to what extent. The tears came hard that day, but positive experiences hastily followed. My art has changed and grown through repetition and the ability to take criticism and grow with it. My successes that followed were because I listened and applied. Art is subjective. Although many claim there is one way, it is really about what applies to those who wish to look and bond with a piece. Illustrations are the catalyst for a story's success. Can we become lost in it enough to let our imagination do the rest? I hope so.<br />
Below is the piece that the art directors enjoyed most. It wasn't the piece itself, it was the style of which my flowers and leaves were drawn and painted. They stated that it was unusual and eye catching.<br />
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<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-84396415822993861412015-08-11T11:28:00.003-05:002015-08-11T11:28:36.267-05:00Sad Bear: part twoI finally finished this piece. He was a lot of fun to create. This little bear was created on 9x12 paper utilizing primarily watercolor with some pastel and pencil. I like the look of this bear and the shading choices in colors and lighting. He was inspired by my son's bear, Ethan Bear.<br />
What happened to the flower, little Bear? Perhaps the day was too warm and this flower is thirsty? Perhaps it is a lesson about how beauty is short lived and fades in time. isn't it wonderful how a single picture can tell a story. Well, onto the next project!<br />
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-10120704434983892682015-08-04T09:44:00.000-05:002015-08-04T09:44:08.519-05:00Two illustrations and more to come<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgzmNZiKA16YuGAueJ8WUZKO05X9xMCera8KnILzayqZd4C0jczuM48JHhogTuaD0s1KXwwfphGjkPF1TyYZ8qH6PBrq3l55ymDYEtl5SwUZnY0N4hCVSdDOkeRo3ALYnUKM9OXkJZaHV/s1600/harlyport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgzmNZiKA16YuGAueJ8WUZKO05X9xMCera8KnILzayqZd4C0jczuM48JHhogTuaD0s1KXwwfphGjkPF1TyYZ8qH6PBrq3l55ymDYEtl5SwUZnY0N4hCVSdDOkeRo3ALYnUKM9OXkJZaHV/s400/harlyport.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There is magic if you believe.</td></tr>
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There are stories that continue to play in my mind. Some begin with great potential that could invoke the imagination of the small reader. I write these little waves of inspirations on small pieces of paper. They clutter the corners of my art table as visual reminders that writing should occur soon. I have reworked my original Andy the Ant story again. It has been reworked through the years since it was first created 7 years ago. It started off as a story about etiquette and has transformed into a story of playtime and friends. I like where it is going. It has potential to be a series of stories with vibrant illustrations full of flowers, fantastical friends, curious insects, and nautical amphibians.<br />
Illustration began as an after thought to the main event, my manuscript. This journey has metamorphosed into the opposite. Illustration is the main event for me with writing as a second. I love the creations that I can bring to life. Art really does mimic reality. Illustration enhances the verbal experience and offers a catalyst of imagination that forbids limitations. Reading begins with the interpretation of illustration. Every blank canvas offers possibilities that are endless. Colors can blend or stand on their own to translate an emotion or invoke a memory. Presented here are two new pieces that I have finally finished scanning and editing. Each piece offers diversity and emotion. The story line is left to the mind's translation and what emotion it resonates with. For me, hope is endless and fruitful as it begs for new beginnings and friendly relationships with only eternity to limit the time it is given.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sparky Cat and Blue:Friendship<br /><br /></td></tr>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-69088170442469555682015-07-29T12:08:00.004-05:002015-07-29T12:09:12.400-05:00Sad bearI recently decided to draw a teddy bear. He was cute and adorable; the perfect teddy bear. Something needed to change. When looking through my portfolio, many of my pictures reflect my optimistic personality. Yes, I am one of those happy people who try to look for the best in others. I love to look for happiness and use colors that reflect joy. It often translates in my art. recognizing this, I decided to make a sad illustration<br />
My son was recently sad over a flower that had wilted from heat and the absence of water. Inspiration struck. I pulled out some 9x12 cold press and began to draw my sad teddy bear. A frown has many features to it. It isn't just about the mouth. The eyes really are the light of the soul. I began to bring his frown to his eyes and forehead. After that was done, the mouth just fell right into that sad place. It conveys the moment when beauty fades and you are left with a transformed flower. The petals begin to shed as the stem begins to droop. I am using gouache for this little guy. I have 4 shades of brown that I am blending to create the depth. This is another spot illustration. I am just starting to lay down base colors. I will continue to show the progression as I paint this piece.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad Bear</td></tr>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-73493005116000429432015-07-10T09:05:00.002-05:002015-07-10T09:05:34.660-05:00Creating a spot illustrationSo, I recently made a spot art piece for the rescue that I volunteer with. It is a great rescue that has already rescued and adopted close to 400 dogs half way through the year. Rescue work is hard. The pay out is the knowledge that your time and compassion may have just saved another life. Perhaps that life saved may have saved another life in the companion bond that dogs and people can have. It is a domino affect. This wonderful organization has recently spent $5,000 in the span of 3 days on 15 bottle fed puppies, a puppy with a severe intestinal stricture, an emergent eye surgery, and an emergent front leg amputation. As it is a non-profit organization, funds come from donors and grants. The fosters had to come together to figure out a way to increase funds to financially support these procedures and continue to support these dogs on the path to their permanent companion homes. Fundraising provides fun and and financial support. The group decided on a bowling night that would be fun for families and adults! I was asked to come up with a flyer for the bowling event. Like illustrating for stories, I had to convey the event and title through an illustration. <div>
I began with sketching, but my mind already had an idea on placement. I had to also take into consideration of where I would put the text. After I had the idea of it down, I took it to watercolor...because watercolor is my favorite medium!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I sent this to those in charge of the fundraiser to give them an idea of where I was headed. I let them know that text placement would probably change. I am an artist, it WILL change.</div>
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After I sent it, I quickly received word that this spot would work. The turnaround for the flyer needed to be quick. I had two days from the time I was asked. I thought the spot needed to be in watercolor. I couldn't make it easy and use a different medium. Nope...It needed to make a statement and Lucas County Pit Crew deserves my best work. So, it was time to start laying out some color.</div>
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I like to use my prisma watercolor pencils when I am flirting with color. It helps me get an idea and adds an undertone of texture in some place. On the puppy, well that is all gouache and brush. An illustrator once told me to never just use one color. Blend and combine. The puppy required the use of different shades of brown, peach, and white. </div>
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The clock was ticking, but I wasn't ready to go to bed. The muse was strong and I had a deadline. I needed to have this spot done by morning so I could work on the flyer. I finally came to a stopping point. More texture, low lights, and high lights were needed, but the main color was laid down. The hardest part of the job was done. I really liked what I was seeing. It was at this point that I had to put down the brush and say "good night".<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I awoke, grabbed my coffee, and went down to my office and began to get the details done. Below is the final product of the spot art. It makes me smile. If I smile, then I know it will convey the same. I am my own worst critic. Isn't that little puppy cute? The spacing looks good, too. It works, right? SO, DONE!!!! Well, no. No, I am definitely NOT done. Time to take it to the computer. Flyer needs to be done and formatted. Time to get the 5 w's and the how of the fundraiser and format it to look easy to read and fun to be a part of. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUGTumUOZHP5QT5yjCNgklkoSiApvXUmVn2jW4afCuiYTa5D4Mq1AyratiCvhzgbthtcNuQU3HN1AFjfTMxzKC6PR51xm_ipHECWrPQpDjmig2oWnH1PJ-fDG2NQJqo5Bkh6giRB0591J/s1600/pinsforpups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUGTumUOZHP5QT5yjCNgklkoSiApvXUmVn2jW4afCuiYTa5D4Mq1AyratiCvhzgbthtcNuQU3HN1AFjfTMxzKC6PR51xm_ipHECWrPQpDjmig2oWnH1PJ-fDG2NQJqo5Bkh6giRB0591J/s400/pinsforpups.jpg" width="320" /></a>Back to work! No slacking!!! DEADLINE!!!!! Did I mention that I like to be early? Early means that any changes have time to be made. BACK TO WORK! and...more coffee. Coffee helps! Text placement was next. A font can really make or break it, too. I love this font. It reads "I am fun". After I had the text done and layers combined, it was time to move to the big stuff.</div>
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So, several hours and 4 cups of coffee later, the flyer and banner were completed . If you are in the Toledo area, come join us. We have some steep medical bills to pay for and would love to get to know you all. There will be a raffle and Lucas County Pit Crew merchandise available for purchase. The evening promises to be fun and I will tweet/ FB the event that night. Come join in the fun and help be a part of something wonderful. For more information about this rescue organization, please visit their website, <span style="color: blue;">www.LucasCountyPitCrew.com</span></div>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-34128104498564767622015-06-17T13:55:00.002-05:002015-06-17T14:11:44.310-05:00The Sprite of my heart...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFduJRurNo6yR4Lq7jPlGKbL_iPMSIU4eqdP3xisqO88U9-sZb2Fzg-sRpa3aPr_uih5lb47OaO1JFpckeINq1p7m0xtVY08uTt8hxUf870Z5Tjol6TR10bcWpfHvLJK5Y4eJUvoZb1tmZ/s1600/img030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFduJRurNo6yR4Lq7jPlGKbL_iPMSIU4eqdP3xisqO88U9-sZb2Fzg-sRpa3aPr_uih5lb47OaO1JFpckeINq1p7m0xtVY08uTt8hxUf870Z5Tjol6TR10bcWpfHvLJK5Y4eJUvoZb1tmZ/s320/img030.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkziHG3mqYEg0xMXzNW0DtyoqzHwLvtBhtwPhTslQaogAWB_PeFmVm0hSWjnEj8NR8F_ivVOgDQtS_kxJ9wOhJnXmbVGTSCZ4ZWNdhyphenhyphen0-lc0Pq54MCbf4GtUzs8hwTlvryd_qqS0PdQH-/s1600/img031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkziHG3mqYEg0xMXzNW0DtyoqzHwLvtBhtwPhTslQaogAWB_PeFmVm0hSWjnEj8NR8F_ivVOgDQtS_kxJ9wOhJnXmbVGTSCZ4ZWNdhyphenhyphen0-lc0Pq54MCbf4GtUzs8hwTlvryd_qqS0PdQH-/s320/img031.jpg" width="320" /></a>This little guy has been a constant in my illustrating adventures. After a small hiatus of creating and illustrating, he has inspired me to continue to create in the realms of ponds, forests, and meadows. Although this sprite resembles the leaves of his home, he has his sprite glow that reminds us all how special and magical he really is. I decided to utilize coloring pencils in creating this illustration. The end result is a mixed media illustration. I have a few tools that I like to use to make my end results pop. Colored pencils allow me to practice my blending technique and achieve the whimsy that this illustration needed. After scanning in an illustration, the colors need to be tweaked digitally to mimic the original. I utilized a small amount of light adjustment to achieve that affect. Here is my sketch to color. <br />
I have a feeling you shall see more of him in the near future. Let's see what kind of adventure we shall send this little sprite on :) Below is the final product of my little sprite as we catch him in the leaves surrounding a single blooming flower.<br />
A sprite would be hard to see in a park or forest as he seems to camouflage with his surroundings. His soft glow mimics that of a firefly glowing in the warm meadows of the southern summer sunset. It is a soft glow. The nurturing light of this forest sprite heals the broken earth beneath his wings. His soft yellow light is one of a kind. This sprite has never seen another that resembles the reflection he sees in the waters of the bordering pond. From the flowers of the bordering pond, he came into this world sheltered by its mothering and protective pinkish-yellow petals. Not another flower of its kind bloomed in his life time until now. Maybe he is not alone. Another Sprite has been born to the forest. Can they, together, heal the broken soil of their mother, Earth? The flower has bloomed, but where is the sprite friend he has expected to see within those sheltering petals?<br />
Let us see where our story will go. Where will the art take us? Will our lands be healed or will the earth wither away into a brown and lifeless decay?<br />
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-47160172568064158052015-06-05T10:11:00.003-05:002015-06-05T10:11:36.578-05:00Creating and Coffee<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Creating:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Character development begins within my head. I go outside into my garden and let my imagination drift into a realm of open possibilities. What else can reside within the green vines and purple flowers that flourish in the shade of the pink magnolia tree? Does it have a story? What conflicts would the character have to overcome? Finally, would my children love the character? Utilizing the landscape provided by mother nature, I will sketch what my mind's eye envisions. This is how I created my sweet sprite character. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My illustration of him creates his voice through his body language. It directly relates to his character and the kind of journey he will have. Once I create the illustration, I can create a dialogue to accompany the story. I must admit, though. My illustrations drive the story. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is a game I like to play with the preschoolers. I like to ask them "what do you see?". They create their interpretation of the story based on the illustrations before them. It is a great game that pushes my art forward. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is the latest that I started working on today. This piece will be in pencil. So, what do you see? I will post the finished product when I am finished. Is there a story here? Is it a narrative piece? When I was sketching this, I imagined text on the side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Coffee:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, coffee. Oh, how I love coffee. It is by my side as I draw. It is a big part of my creative process. I have a routine. There must be a warm drink at my side as I plot my artwork and write the text. Coffee is aid to my inspiration. Tea is substituted at times. It is that warm drink in my hands that helps inspire the words and engage my creativity. I think I am due for my second cup. Cheers, friends. Have a cup of coffee with me!</span>Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-91194436328972161242015-06-04T15:47:00.001-05:002015-06-04T15:47:44.867-05:00Working with the ages of 3-5 has really opened my eyes to what children are looking for in their books and illustration. They want a story. They appreciate the use of color. Life is a mystery and its occupants are stories waiting to be read. On e of the students in preschool shared a story with me about a faceless woman. Her face was on a cookie that had ran away from the bakery. This story had adventure. It had a plot. Fear not. The faceless woman found the face-bearing cookie by using her sense of smell to find the runaway cookie. She kissed the cookie and her face re appeared. the world was a happy place full of faces, cookie scents, and bakeries for as long as the eye could see.<br />
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As adults, we write a story that we are confident a child will like, but do we think like the child? An art director once critiques my work by telling me that it was too bright. I should consider a darker palette. Truth be told, I tested this out in the class of 3-4 year olds. The results were....COLORS! Art is very subjective and trends change like the winds, but I will continue to try and push the envelope with what I can illustrate. </div>
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When visiting the conferences, they continue to state in repetition-"know your books". I can honestly say that I have been very immersed into the books that have inspired me. Reading to a class of little ones daily really helps you to see what captures their attention. What is your favorite children's book out on the market at this time?</div>
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I really love "Stuck" by Oliver Jeffers. It offers a scenario that turns into an adventure. It has a great end, too. The illustrations are lovely and juvenille. They are a different style than what I offer, but I love it!<br />
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-14926775453263883992015-04-10T12:23:00.001-05:002015-04-10T12:23:15.968-05:00Creating...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is good for the soul. The advantage to immersing yourself in a preschool setting is the opportunity to see the world through their preschool eyes. The preschool class that I occasionally sub for is putting together a tree for the wall, I created this illustration to allow their blooming spring tree to have some wonder to it. I typically sketch and work it out before taking it to watercolor. This piece was just taken to watercolor. I was inspired and did not expect it to be portfolio worthy, but I still would like to share it with you. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRytuELK0kTy2xS3S04MG4mOMxw6TZO2rwN87js8zJ4qY5N2OF9mrC_LJliN6areFqYULcGWS8-7_9fIDsI0a4U__onrz2frVUkBaV9_jihsn5hK8qGqBjV9VtEp_9wWZiUrTyZxbf4YB/s1600/sprite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRytuELK0kTy2xS3S04MG4mOMxw6TZO2rwN87js8zJ4qY5N2OF9mrC_LJliN6areFqYULcGWS8-7_9fIDsI0a4U__onrz2frVUkBaV9_jihsn5hK8qGqBjV9VtEp_9wWZiUrTyZxbf4YB/s1600/sprite1.jpg" height="512" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-67494509770259562432015-03-10T08:26:00.000-05:002015-03-10T08:26:26.217-05:00a little of this, a little of that...<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">"Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">—</span><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_twain" style="border: 0px; color: #c16419; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Mark Twain</a> </em><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiSXCtJLvsMDRePYXLnFXdbd3VQmFfbfZS3mpP1C4iiHVjOctUtZHlp_mx2fDHV6ma6Zq7Nyfd_RK55Dagkdn8BX18wBfRP2-9cv6jbAFv3zyFF7JGfu08tKqLFX66MIRThpumW8GPNFr/s1600/1fbbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtiSXCtJLvsMDRePYXLnFXdbd3VQmFfbfZS3mpP1C4iiHVjOctUtZHlp_mx2fDHV6ma6Zq7Nyfd_RK55Dagkdn8BX18wBfRP2-9cv6jbAFv3zyFF7JGfu08tKqLFX66MIRThpumW8GPNFr/s1600/1fbbanner.jpg" height="236" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcQokpeBCdSYhC6YXZpcrhwxThEYZwhd1a7hSF-kwEFmFzeLeLYgGcJSESnRuKomK8OSXQcKOUpc1g75sTEoMBkXMp8izzH4LL0KFEIChHXjeORy38S_8zr0eTGcZRxvDhA6RSDD_4nl-/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcQokpeBCdSYhC6YXZpcrhwxThEYZwhd1a7hSF-kwEFmFzeLeLYgGcJSESnRuKomK8OSXQcKOUpc1g75sTEoMBkXMp8izzH4LL0KFEIChHXjeORy38S_8zr0eTGcZRxvDhA6RSDD_4nl-/s1600/photo.JPG" height="200" width="149" /></a>The adventures of illustrating mainly begin with muses that are in my life. Can you guess what some of my muses are? My portfolio pieces all have a piece of me with them. Andy is a story that I shared with my boys as the grew up. I created illustrations for that little story and my boys still look at the photo album book that I made. I took my basic pen and crayon drawing and expanded my artistic ventures into the realms of watercolor, pastel, color pencil, and some digital art. As I began to emerge myself into my art, I began outsourcing tools to make my work stronger. Conferences and portfolio reviews accelerated that process of understanding illustrating and creation concepts in the children's book genre.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5CfnlbkayKY9aE4IbgA09ziCrLRSABzGWFTB_DvM4ktUwUvf7LqGuSo5AWbvQiwpnmRMzGVsM7iz-_rqKrDxBBVzxbkfS9bzFg5wxBg7RbgdKIX1YzjVqOYDtajVcVkCZ7S3DkBgyQ2x/s1600/Andypart1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5CfnlbkayKY9aE4IbgA09ziCrLRSABzGWFTB_DvM4ktUwUvf7LqGuSo5AWbvQiwpnmRMzGVsM7iz-_rqKrDxBBVzxbkfS9bzFg5wxBg7RbgdKIX1YzjVqOYDtajVcVkCZ7S3DkBgyQ2x/s1600/Andypart1-1.jpg" height="158" width="200" /></a></div>
Andy soon developed into a more complex character, requiring more complex style art. Andy became my catalyst. He was the driving force for me to hold on to my dream of illustrating and progress forward. After attending my first portfolio review, I received some advice and a specific critique about my work. conference.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE9es2mZh79xe2fWet7ytvK_NizckJko0vXaSv_S6jsHsPcwtFm4zo1kp1ei6myQBs57EuWg1fswIq3Mls1lUUbG99ij35hzDGReS3pCAWr3x9mBkK1lLR2R0vDQBD1eP84H9GQyELB4c/s1600/Andycloud1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE9es2mZh79xe2fWet7ytvK_NizckJko0vXaSv_S6jsHsPcwtFm4zo1kp1ei6myQBs57EuWg1fswIq3Mls1lUUbG99ij35hzDGReS3pCAWr3x9mBkK1lLR2R0vDQBD1eP84H9GQyELB4c/s1600/Andycloud1.jpg" height="320" width="221" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XqzHCfQkD9RWV0WEgCjzwvdtS2gUHCIFnc_nrobyFl55T4xbL9xMWggrKL3Xn9T93Rn1qr3nCknBNnDX_jtYSWQiOiwkDb3Gzwb72kNpbUYN234gobPtG-QCKCEK-JTPc-oQuZHR39Ai/s1600/andykitetext1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9XqzHCfQkD9RWV0WEgCjzwvdtS2gUHCIFnc_nrobyFl55T4xbL9xMWggrKL3Xn9T93Rn1qr3nCknBNnDX_jtYSWQiOiwkDb3Gzwb72kNpbUYN234gobPtG-QCKCEK-JTPc-oQuZHR39Ai/s1600/andykitetext1.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a> That critiqued inspired me to push myself harder. I then created this piece.It still required more complexity. It needed...larger paper! The piece to the right was the result of critique and work. The story was more pronounced in this page.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyh02R91XqW-GqgXeHKWvhdi1taFS2zB35f5O9yhyphenhyphenYox6cZUMUPDR9KezIo22ay8k60G_vlFsrjkTY60WRjqOuqhqRM5gK-PyG6tsk75RUu6MSHfzOId1mMl0rBprbMcTfFg85YsbaWbe/s1600/img007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXyh02R91XqW-GqgXeHKWvhdi1taFS2zB35f5O9yhyphenhyphenYox6cZUMUPDR9KezIo22ay8k60G_vlFsrjkTY60WRjqOuqhqRM5gK-PyG6tsk75RUu6MSHfzOId1mMl0rBprbMcTfFg85YsbaWbe/s1600/img007.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmUrOHu3Hxkx0RvzXHuK76PMcuyniVVy-BgiQxE0eBSEVQkiWp7LNgnETH3RNBNv-x6Sy4-t5Kovvr4xCMmlAj-vmWd3SNG55VK-8No_cfdwI7NfPoEwuUcknOuBN9i8JT-qnpYjd8Auu/s1600/sparky+vs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdmUrOHu3Hxkx0RvzXHuK76PMcuyniVVy-BgiQxE0eBSEVQkiWp7LNgnETH3RNBNv-x6Sy4-t5Kovvr4xCMmlAj-vmWd3SNG55VK-8No_cfdwI7NfPoEwuUcknOuBN9i8JT-qnpYjd8Auu/s1600/sparky+vs1.jpg" height="248" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZYJuPaOatFNbzjvnmhEwGaWd_8wNrcwbZFZNz74A5UPT9q3xtopVDDIHH94zUCpXt2HSswjQau0DVJTE5lzpOjQqn4DlZWAn2MMFYDd7vFrbB5xSxmBJiRvjaI0Zt6ymED1wxRWM_PH9/s1600/sprite+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZYJuPaOatFNbzjvnmhEwGaWd_8wNrcwbZFZNz74A5UPT9q3xtopVDDIHH94zUCpXt2HSswjQau0DVJTE5lzpOjQqn4DlZWAn2MMFYDd7vFrbB5xSxmBJiRvjaI0Zt6ymED1wxRWM_PH9/s1600/sprite+c.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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I truly love utilizing bright, primary colors in my work. When meeting with artistic directors, they have not been so keen on my color choices, but commend my ability to make them work together. Color calms my spirit and continues to spark interest in my little audience. In the above pics, you can see my choice of color and how I us it to bring a jovial feel to my work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEe5gi3QEtye6YzmytSVTymQPPeX9W6A6NwQ3KSuccDFHrQbrOZZVjoahs3fu0ixk4XfVIsTJyiborzp13Erj6EdVXe4WQj8FNqBPNTWuDKnstUM8NC7gTrvdRAqKIrQ4UpQkiBoG0KMW/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmEe5gi3QEtye6YzmytSVTymQPPeX9W6A6NwQ3KSuccDFHrQbrOZZVjoahs3fu0ixk4XfVIsTJyiborzp13Erj6EdVXe4WQj8FNqBPNTWuDKnstUM8NC7gTrvdRAqKIrQ4UpQkiBoG0KMW/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;">My boys are so supportive of my artistic abilities. They are the super brothers. I have been in the works of creating a Super Brothers Adventure story As you can see, no stronger friendship will ever be more than what they have at home. I am a lucky mom.</span><br />
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I have also illustrated a design for a shirt that is quite popular among the dog community in Toledo. It was such an honor to create this shirt and see so many wearing it. I have also created another design for a special pet fund that helps rehabilitate and provide medical care to puppies who are special needs. The foundation is called Jovie Strong. I am very proud of the work I have provided and look forward to continuing work with them on this project as their illustrator. Their mission is a good one. If you are interested in learning more about it, please visit the website www.lucascountypitcrew.org</div>
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I found this to be a flattering request, but there was also a challenge in bringing the vision of the rescue to my art. In the end, I created an illustration that was gender unspecific and resonated peace and nostalgia to the wearer. It was a fun journey creating this piece. I am so excited to see it worn and loved by many.<br />
The illustration was first created as a sketch.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc_RcYs3FYxy7ccp-vpdjsV1Q9k01CHYWS6AYPZgDkPXZGgBQT9j2r8F83VD4yYlEJ-pioa_AH-rpewZQxCiGVXtszpCDru8jgiFSkFlS5xOmfaLspaSQ7wO4LgfdCr7QhiMTx4G_04AR/s1600/sleeps+with+watermark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlc_RcYs3FYxy7ccp-vpdjsV1Q9k01CHYWS6AYPZgDkPXZGgBQT9j2r8F83VD4yYlEJ-pioa_AH-rpewZQxCiGVXtszpCDru8jgiFSkFlS5xOmfaLspaSQ7wO4LgfdCr7QhiMTx4G_04AR/s1600/sleeps+with+watermark.jpg" height="154" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">rough sketch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TMRkvcHjeNMi616M9W92_NBfTqGa6lCONbsTmJY65-Vi-0pUnpr6OOgOtW7qxbREv_-M8gjUo5Iqq52XJLa7IgY1eB6qSll-SHzu4cpU4NfKoSRIspVd7FHyMf5CRT3UdRjz3TDbjlSj/s1600/img015cd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4TMRkvcHjeNMi616M9W92_NBfTqGa6lCONbsTmJY65-Vi-0pUnpr6OOgOtW7qxbREv_-M8gjUo5Iqq52XJLa7IgY1eB6qSll-SHzu4cpU4NfKoSRIspVd7FHyMf5CRT3UdRjz3TDbjlSj/s1600/img015cd.jpg" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After watercolor</td></tr>
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Once the sketch was approved, I took it to water color using black to create shading and definition of the piece.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr9k5jlBG6d0eYq0nXp290UuxYCgrHWyPn97thWrwzWaCd9tCeO_fVpkuaMSXArnn0EtFgJ5W058CWG_bs9HQiooLsxvDqq2Q5NmQN3xmyjZr3FSYF6QSbYKa9zovmtUapKklfi8jt5me/s1600/swpbvs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzr9k5jlBG6d0eYq0nXp290UuxYCgrHWyPn97thWrwzWaCd9tCeO_fVpkuaMSXArnn0EtFgJ5W058CWG_bs9HQiooLsxvDqq2Q5NmQN3xmyjZr3FSYF6QSbYKa9zovmtUapKklfi8jt5me/s1600/swpbvs6.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digital file submitted to the t shirt company</td></tr>
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Once that was finished and approved, I added the digital text of logo and business name.<br />
There were 4 different versions. It is funny how a font can change the illustration's overall feel. Finding the right font is just as important. Adding text to a piece is an art form in itself. It makes the statement. This was a great learning experience for me. I hope to create more for this organization that I hold so dear to my heart.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYwyu4a1p_7hhNR_BeDr3UpXJAYmqSwxiRJfPbIZ3ZhWEo8do2016tM09so6FgD5i1FVBJUZCAINRpJwH5Bm9eZ8lkHxljk7SJ7InYeYCrELuHekWg94C-5pld5Ze4dmWN6aQ_hyphenhyphenFEg_h/s1600/sleepswithPB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYwyu4a1p_7hhNR_BeDr3UpXJAYmqSwxiRJfPbIZ3ZhWEo8do2016tM09so6FgD5i1FVBJUZCAINRpJwH5Bm9eZ8lkHxljk7SJ7InYeYCrELuHekWg94C-5pld5Ze4dmWN6aQ_hyphenhyphenFEg_h/s1600/sleepswithPB.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final product</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6SSK9iYh10WISx0YIG7tUVWZJhEu0PGxO_5VSTHHdwKS1zQbb5eKDG-146kixffO_4u7v10M483US4WXwpATl0StbBRzVY6vJJv-s7wLhhsA7XAhlXn1gmXIbRMeAd1psxPljWcRAhHA/s1600/sleeps+with+pits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6SSK9iYh10WISx0YIG7tUVWZJhEu0PGxO_5VSTHHdwKS1zQbb5eKDG-146kixffO_4u7v10M483US4WXwpATl0StbBRzVY6vJJv-s7wLhhsA7XAhlXn1gmXIbRMeAd1psxPljWcRAhHA/s1600/sleeps+with+pits.jpg" height="140" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd draft</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1st draft</td></tr>
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This was my first attempt. It was cute, but not the right message that they wanted to use. The second draft was too feminine, but getting closer to the idea. I used the 2nd as an opportunity to try my watercolor style that I envisioned for the piece before taking it to the approved illustration. It is definitely note card worthy. This was a great experience. :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eh_Uvu3xJdtv0oMYz2iD_2zymOQSFlObTYTE3g3C2MAHxyJFZhMwQsaAJTRhgHEmRZjw2UUcj7C4z79pxV22Pq7QhAHZ4oEJ9fbmDD2RPmMDs5gyh0eHc0tsqnEc9eQIybq330Vfcmtc/s1600/blackandwhiteport.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5eh_Uvu3xJdtv0oMYz2iD_2zymOQSFlObTYTE3g3C2MAHxyJFZhMwQsaAJTRhgHEmRZjw2UUcj7C4z79pxV22Pq7QhAHZ4oEJ9fbmDD2RPmMDs5gyh0eHc0tsqnEc9eQIybq330Vfcmtc/s1600/blackandwhiteport.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2nd draft with black watercolor</td></tr>
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If you would like to purchase a t-shirt, donations of 25 dollars and 3 dollars shipping can be made to Lucas County Pit Crew via paypal/ donation link. Please state color and size in the comment section. If your shipping address is different than your billing, please state that as well. Please post a picture of yourself wearing this shirt and I will add it to my blog and FB page!</div>
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Link below:</div>
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http://lucascountypitcrew.com/Pit_bull_dog_adoption_D5HM.php</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv83dAvIubnWmnnAk-VpmnGa_3pmGX7Tw5-vdWmwtuTkQ0hEfqzcFJKoch36gw4D3Z5mnHma9Vuk8czVXtcBCRSRsigflZdGpQfVkHc8i9RTgKghZjdWAzHCGU_QTaIftPHneV316UGdlS/s1600/waffles1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv83dAvIubnWmnnAk-VpmnGa_3pmGX7Tw5-vdWmwtuTkQ0hEfqzcFJKoch36gw4D3Z5mnHma9Vuk8czVXtcBCRSRsigflZdGpQfVkHc8i9RTgKghZjdWAzHCGU_QTaIftPHneV316UGdlS/s1600/waffles1.jpg" height="400" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And, this is my sweet puppy that was rescued by Lucas County Pit Crew. Thank you for saving this little girl's life and sending her to my family. Your work is amazing and we are so proud and grateful to help in your journey to make a difference.</td></tr>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-18216739134768058442014-11-24T10:09:00.003-06:002014-11-24T10:18:18.562-06:00A little Winter digital art...It is that time of year when the weather changes and the cold comes breezing in. Living in Ohio has already brought a bit of shock to my system as the windchill plummeted into the negatives...brrrrrr<br />
We have had snow on the ground, ice cycles hanging from the gutters, and there are Christmas trees all lit up in neighbors windows. I am a bit of a traditionalist and keep thanksgiving decor up until after thanksgiving before Christmas goes into full swing. That doesn't mean I won't share illustrations of snow related things. here are illustrations that I created using my Wacom last year. The first two were my first and second tries at exploring this new type of illustration. My third illustration was after I had some experience under my belt. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9s33RHHLfoIplXSBrZesz5BRUeyvyhbUCYqbzGBZc7JNn3NZn8XRdR_ZuGMrAtUDpoaA1g2Tj-KJ1FPyWhISzSO3h2M5Vr8YZ_FkQeTFbvV62pZADtIG6QTLu1ONTtRgQxOMyNjqxRku/s1600/second+try.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE9s33RHHLfoIplXSBrZesz5BRUeyvyhbUCYqbzGBZc7JNn3NZn8XRdR_ZuGMrAtUDpoaA1g2Tj-KJ1FPyWhISzSO3h2M5Vr8YZ_FkQeTFbvV62pZADtIG6QTLu1ONTtRgQxOMyNjqxRku/s1600/second+try.jpg" height="312" width="400" /></a></div>
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Digital is a bit different my water color, but does offer the ability to really utilize textures. The old fashioned water color is my favorite type of medium. It holds true to my vision of children's illustration. Digital does allow that feel with some more updated techniques and layering. Happy Winter to all my friends.<br />
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-82847984806008596092014-10-31T08:54:00.003-05:002014-10-31T09:01:27.571-05:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy Halloween to all my friends! It is a wonderful holiday full of imagination and smiles. Who will you be this Halloween? I am going to put on my Dorothy Gale dress complete with my toto basket purse and have some fun with 20 plus little ones. One of the teachers is dressing up as the Halloween Kid. We read this book once a week in the classroom. The kids are eagerly awaiting the arrival of him this afternoon. It is such an honor to read to little ones. I get it now. I can really see what they see. As adults, we miss the details. These are the little things that illustrate the story without words. A color can dictate the feeling and mood of the story. The illustrations that are chock full of detailed illustration tend to over stimulate the kiddos. Bright colors hold their attention more. The opportunity to work with my target audience has made me a better illustrator/ author.<br />
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Below, you will see the final sketch that was approved for the sweatshirt design. I am working on finalizing it in pen and paint before I add the digital enhancements. It is quiet adorable. I am so excited for this opportunity to give back.<br />
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Most importantly, happy Halloween from my boys, the Dunbridge brothers, a.k.a Super Brothers Detective Agency!</div>
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<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-36393307696630232972014-10-16T11:59:00.000-05:002014-10-18T14:30:49.816-05:00sketch sketching away...So the day goes. Then the week travels at uncertain speed. before you know it, a month has come and gone. Where are you? You are still trying to find the motivation to get the laundry done. Yeah, that is about right. I have committed to working on a project with the lovely Alicia Sprinkle and I have also accepted a spot illustration project for a sweatshirt. My first project is about storyboarding. The second is about sketching. I guess I can't forget about the third project. I am going to be giving my first illustrator talk in Toledo soon. I am excited to announce that my target audience will be the audience.<br />
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The current project that I am trying to have ready by Saturday is a sketch that is below. This wonderful organization has requested some more to the piece, so that is my next step before I finalize it. Here is the work in progress:<br />
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I will keep posting as the work continues. I can't wait to show you all the sweatshirt when it is finished!</div>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-22624473628647940642014-09-22T10:56:00.001-05:002014-09-24T09:59:38.503-05:00Fall is here!!!That time has come for me to make some note cards and send them off to some art directors and agents I have met during my journey. My art has come far and I continue to grow as an illustrator from the wise words of mentors and those who have become successful in the field. Below is the sketch and progression of the illustration that I am working on. I am painting it in gouache. When Ms. Ruth Sanderson (author and illustrator of Cinderella and other retelling of fairy tales) critiqued my work, she told me to explore shades of colors. Well, she wasn't quite that gentle, but that was the meaning of it. I am really trying to integrate her wise words into my illustrations. I remember opening her books and appreciating the art of it. It is easy to get lost in a visual fairy tale. Below is the illustration that I am creating to send off in a note card. Please let me know what you think. Halloween allows us to be whomever we want for a night. Who do you think you will be on the last night of October?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJp57ztbWVKSvx2hmI3JsSHxovfnzs6NtwaOIwuIxAtj3fefr20YmFBPU3O5bOc_HbTrkf4H6znBQKJTGoTi34ePOQGdCnbGt1pUQmQjFLyoaTlfXr9IZsIprvU0l2ZTrp-ePJ31hPkYX/s1600/hallowmouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjJp57ztbWVKSvx2hmI3JsSHxovfnzs6NtwaOIwuIxAtj3fefr20YmFBPU3O5bOc_HbTrkf4H6znBQKJTGoTi34ePOQGdCnbGt1pUQmQjFLyoaTlfXr9IZsIprvU0l2ZTrp-ePJ31hPkYX/s1600/hallowmouse.jpg" height="313" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sketching </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo87hwY3MPySWHIzVa8su2n9PySdozIMon3u0RS7cuTOdvDeYptGUhhQGZra96bxd65sDY3YAvjfSI5O2HHF6_PN3-z7XAcuUUWgXtUBgr4KKVF9G0JkJEhmR7z-hE8vq_X-WtXqCtmuO/s1600/wipimg008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo87hwY3MPySWHIzVa8su2n9PySdozIMon3u0RS7cuTOdvDeYptGUhhQGZra96bxd65sDY3YAvjfSI5O2HHF6_PN3-z7XAcuUUWgXtUBgr4KKVF9G0JkJEhmR7z-hE8vq_X-WtXqCtmuO/s1600/wipimg008.jpg" height="348" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am beginning to add color and layers. I love palette paper for this and the hues of good quality gouache are wonderful!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I am incorporating some light to more finished areas and beginning some of the background. Leaves were something that was noticed at my last conference. I am making sure to add that touch again. It helps identify my work and style.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will still need to add a few edits, but here is the close to done illustration! I call it "Punkinmouse"</td></tr>
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Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-855973859854966094.post-51546272980365952092014-09-05T11:32:00.001-05:002014-09-05T11:32:24.705-05:00Huffington post live!So, I was contacted by an assistant producer inquiring if I could be a part of their interview of Ben Mezrich. He has crossed over into multiple genres book writing and if I could be a guest. Well, it happened to be at 3pm...right when I am wrangling in 20 some kids with another co-worker. I didn't want to miss the opportunity, so they offered me to send in a video question. Actually, they requested 4 and were going to pick one out of that 4. The interview link is below. It is a step toward the dream for sure. Thank you to Huffington Post Live for reaching out to me. I had a small window of time to get the videos to them. <br />
<a href="http://huff.lv/WwIhmz" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://huff.lv/WwIhmz</a><br />
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It is always wonderful to see those who have made it and know what inspires them. Imagination is the the common thread that links us together. Even non fiction requires imagination to translate words into images within our minds.<br />
Imagination is the greatest gift we can possess. It is a catalyst for life and the adventures we seek.<br />
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<br />Cassaundra Dunbridge, Children's Book Illustrator and Authorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12337665509932608653noreply@blogger.com0