Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Tales From an Illustrator: Creepy Cuteness

So yeah, creepy cuteness things. The last few weeks I had a few drawings that were a bit more on the...creepy side.

Yes. creepy. Well at least my interpretation of it. You see, it started with the weekly giveaways for the Self Exam Doodles fan page on Facebook (which are currently on hold for me & Claire as we need to focus on other doodle adventures). Each winner would get a few themes to choose from and I had two drawings which had a darker theme. The first one: Vampires. Oh do enlarge the pictures for better quality and for the details!

I see you...yes. I do.

I love the branch with moon! Then I got another request for something more out of my comfort zone...zombies! You see, for me it is quite challenging to draw something that is more on the creepy side, as well you know, my illustrations are more on the happy side. The color palette is different and you have to capture a different vibe in the image. But it's an adventure to explore how I can stay true to my illustration style while capturing creepiness & gloominess. So I created a Zombie Warrior Princess with two guardians. What do you guys think?

Who says that zombies can't be pretty ;)?

I decided to go for a mysterious and creepy look. I know that the general image of zombies involves brainzz and limbs in odd directions. Oh and ugly faces and blood everywhere. I did started out sketching little characters rearing towards this as you can see below. Well attempting too. I am not sure if I can draw in a true creepy way haha. However I can give it my own twist.

Random doodles. 
Who says zombies can't run? I've a feeling they walk that slow on purpose to suddenly break out in a run just to scare the crap out of us even more...

Then I got the awesome opportunity to do a fun collaboration with the lovely writer, Ms. Janene Murphy. She is the author of the really cool blog 'Moms are from Mars'. Yes. Moms are from Mars. I was shocked when I found out about this, but then again it made sense. Hehe. She had some things to say regarding Noah's ark. Of course, you all know Noah's Ark. With all the cute animals, it makes a perfect design for a nursery or kids room. What a lot of people tend to forget is that this story has a more gloomy side to it as well.

Floating around...

This is just a sneak peek. To see the full illustration I did for Janene's post and to read it, you'll have to teleport to Mars. Wear your seat belts please.
The ones who haven't seen it yet, I'm curious what you guys think of it. It was very fun and a challenge for me to do and I like how it turned out. Plus, Janene is one cool lady and writer! Do visit her blog when you get the chance.

I'm planning to do more gloomy type of illustrations. It keeps things interesting (hopefully also for you guys!) and I'm curious to see how my creepy cute illustrations will evolve over time. In the end it doesn't mean that you will try to achieve the exact same mood one expects when they hear the word zombies or vampires. Everyone has a general image of these things. For me what makes it interesting is, how you can switch it up so you don't travel the cliche route, but that it stays interesting. That's the challenge for me ^_^.

If you have missed the Flower Girl Sale post...you're just a click away Flowery Goodness.

Ciao!

PS.: I'll reply to the comments of my previous post later today.DONE ^_^

37 comments:

  1. you have the ability to make creepy things look too cute... :P

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  2. I love the triple-boobed Vampira.

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  3. TJ-the zombie picture is fabulous-a classic. I absolutely love it. And vampire lady is more sexy-creepy than cute, but I'll say no more on that subject.

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  4. The first picture reminds me of Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

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  5. Hubba hubba! Both of them are gorgeous! I'd contemplate being one of the undead if I could be certain I'd look like that. ;)

    And thanks for the kind words. You're such a sweetie! I LOVED working with you. You've got such talent and creativity.

    You make creepy cool!

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  6. Wow! Creepy meets cute-overload with a dash of sexy. I like. :)

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  7. I love the first one!
    I agree with timeshift. It's cute+sexy. :D

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  8. The zombie could use some rot. Maybe some exposed brains (BRAINS!!!!) and some stink lines?

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  9. @ Justine: hahaha! I don’t think I can escape it and draw super creepy stuff hehe ^_^

    @ Libdrone: Triple-boobed Vampire! Hahha! I every time I read this I have to laugh. Too funny :D. Thanks for strolling by!

    @ NP: Thanks so much for your kind words Marty!! Maybe I have two categories, sexy-creepy and creepy-cute? Haha. Till next time!

    @ Zobop Republic: I googled her and she does resemble her! I didn’t even know about Elvira. Only my vampire doesn’t have the big hair hehe :D

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  10. @ Janene: Ciao & Thanks so much :D. I would join you if I could say for certain we would look like that hahah! You’re most welcome & I mean every word! People should go over to your blog asap!! Creepy-cool could be a new category :D

    @TT: Hahah! I like the way you said that :D. Thanks so much!!

    @ V: Thanks so much V :D! I just replied to your other comment and on your blog! Sorry that I’m a bit late. Ciao Xx

    @ Mike: Hmm you’re right. I shall see what I can do about the exposed brains I like the word brainzzzz makes it more zombie-ish. Stink lines? I shall keep it in mind for my next zombie heheh. I can’t promise it though ;)

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  11. TJ, these are indeed creepy. You set a great mood in these pieces. I especially love the little bride of frankenstein sketch. You should do a finished one! Hope you are well. Cheers!

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  12. They're great, and they're certainly more dark and moody than usual. Creepy I don't know, but I'll wait for your next posts. Can't wait to get creeped out!

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  13. You make the creepy look so cuddly : )

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  14. Hehe. This would be like me trying to write a sad rhyme. :) That being said... I really like the first one. It reminds me of the mom from the Adams Family TV show. :)

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  15. ooooohhhhh i love love love this post! im kinda obsessed with creepy and dark and goth things :D hahah

    the first drawing is absolutely gorgeous, yes my fave! what is she drinking??? blood???? can i have some???

    :D

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  16. so sorry i havent been around.
    blog-hacking problem :(

    hope youve been well dearest Pretty TJ.

    xoxo

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  17. there are mysterious and not creepy, I especially like the first one. Great work. xoxo

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  18. Hi TJ -

    I love your artwork very much. You know, for the colorful zombie woman all scarred with 2 monsters protecting her by the branched moon ... she's still cute, hahaha! Nicely Done. :)

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  19. TJ,
    Not so creepy!!!!
    I love love your illustrations
    xoxo
    Jessica

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  20. Very nice drawings.
    I could go out with the first one... mmm

    A

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  21. You are really talented TJ. Loved all of them. They look really cute despite being straight from a horror movie. :)))

    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/05/pressed-flowers.html

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  22. I love you drawings...I am jealous ..I wish I could draw like that..can you draw the picture in my head? As always...XOOXO

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  23. Awesome creepy cute things. I'd like some of them in my home.

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  24. They are very cute these creepy little fellows! Love it!

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  25. If those illustrations were supposed to be creepy - I don't mind being creepy at all. Loved this post!

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  26. Creepy can be good! Nice, colorful variety!

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  27. This was my first time visiting, I enjoyed looking at your drawings. The creepiest I think is the one with the unicorn!
    ~peace

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  28. I really like your paintings, they're amazing! xx

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  29. :) Some of your work is humorous to me. Like the first work of yours on the vampire. Liked it!

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  30. Hi hon,

    I actually came to your blog to thank you for the wonderful comments you left at Jessica Brant's finding one's way page on my story living this side of hell.

    I wanted to thank you and let you know I have left a comment on the story telling you all how much your comments and support have meant. I hope you'll get a chance to reAD it. :) Anyways, I'm working on a blog post I've dedicated to the wonderful people like you who commented with such empowering, kind words. I will be sharing your link on the post. :)

    By the way, I love your blog! I'm so glad I visited! You have some of the most beautiful art drawings. So well done!
    Thank you so much!
    -Kendra

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  31. TJ, I love that creepy cuteness! Did I catch a glimpse of Frankenstein's sweetheart in your sketches???

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  32. these are gorgeous! love your work TJ! can't wait to post the interview!!xxx
    Susanna

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  33. Ciaooooo Everyone!! Thanks so much for your comments and stopping by! I wish I had a bit more time to comment to you individually, but alas! I need to dash in a few minutes! I appreciate every single one your comments! Xoxoxo!

    @ Justin: Thank so much! I shall definitely create a finished Bride of Frankenstein! I’ll keep you posted!! Hope you had fun at your Comic Day!

    @ Wiccan Witch: Ciaooooo Pretty Mita!! Yes. She’s drinking blood! I shall send some your way ^_^. I looove your profile picture. Just gorgeous! Don’t worry at all about not commenting! I hope the problem is solved now! I shall stroll around in a bit! Xxx

    @Bongo: If you tell me what the picture is, maybe I can draw it for you ^_^. Hope you’re well Xoxoxo!

    @Kendra: Heeey Kendra! What a lovely surprise to see you here. I’m honored! I’ve read your comment on Jessica’s blog and I’m so happy that everyone could support you through words. It’s the least we can do for you and I’m super glad it helped :D. I shall definitely keep an eye out on your post! Thanks again for strolling by. You’re very sweet as I know you had a LOT of comments on your post! Xoxoxo

    @ Judie: Aaah yes :D You’ve spotted this correctly!! Xoxo!

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  34. Like the vampire. She's cool!

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  35. @ Dan: Oooh I totally missed your comment! Sorry :(. Thanks so much for strolling by though!!!

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