Concept, Technique and Illustration

So this class may have only three projects, but they were intense. There was a lot of research and trial and error throughout each project. I think the children’s book illustration really shows my process and how I take each critique and pushing myself with each assignment. I loved the flow of this class and the projects. I defiantly feel like I am finding my style and place in the world of illustration because of this class. I feel like I have been given the push that I needed to surprise myself. We are getting there people!

Project 1: Advertisement- Climate Change

Subject Matter: Ocean Pollution

Project 2: Children’s Storybook Cover

Theme: Medieval Ireland Fae Mythology

Project 3: CD Cover Art

Subject: SkyDxddy

The Visual Elements of a Story

This class was one big assignment. It is basically all the steps that an illustrator makes to create a story for a book, game, movie, or what ever they are assigned to do. I decided to go ahead with choosing Alice in Wonderland for this project. Alice in Wonderland is my all-time favorite story. I have read it at least a dozen times. I thought for this project I would go for more of a fantasy horror theme. I wanted to dive deeper into the psychology of the tale. I wanted to include reasons for why Alice goes to Wonderland, why she has all these philosophical debates, and all the questions that arise about who she is and what she wants. I am leaning more towards childhood trauma and how she dissociates to Wonderland to feel safe. So there is going to be a lot of symbolism and mental health motifs. What do you guys think? Should I continue this project?

Entry 51: Oops

Hey Crew!

I feel like that puppy that got into trouble and is trying to be cute and innocent. Yeah, that is me. My bad. I don’t have any excuses. So, I think it is best to just dive right in to the update.

First semester is in the bag! You can see the work that I produced in my classes here. I am so thankful that I have chosen to go back to school. I feel myself improving everyday. Spring 2021 starts on February 8th. I am going to figure this balancing act sooner than later. Such is life.

I have a bunch of back logged art projects that I need to post to my IG. I am going to be rolling that stuff out this week, so be on the look out!

I discovered a new passion while making xmas gifts this year. I made candles for everyone and it was a big hit. I kind of want to get into candle making. I also want to figure out how to make my own essential oils for candle making and my aromatherapy. Maybe like a side hustle? Probably. Candle making is a lot of fun. From what I have been reading on making my own oils, that is going to be the real challenge. But luckily in this day and age, there is enough companies out there that mass produce the oils so I don’t have to feel pressured into mastering the craft right out the gate.

Nothing much else has happened. You’d think that I’d have stories oozing out my eye balls for you to explain my “lack of time”, but you’d be wrong… I tend to find myself falling down the endless black hole of TikTok and YouTube and books and laziness. Not sure how to beat my own procrastination and motivation. One step at a time I guess. I have two weeks until classes start, so I am hoping to get to a point where I have a surplus of projects and posts to be able to rely on so I don’t feel like I am slacking. If I can crank out 10+ handmade xmas gifts in a week, I and get a sizable hoard of ideas and projects done. Can you guys help keep me in check? Just a quick “how is work going?” or “get off TikTok!” or something would work. Thank you in advance!

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 50: The Final Pieces are Found!

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! Sorry I have been away for a while, my time management skills are the worst still. Things are still kind of rough, but I am trying to force myself to do more. I also get distracted super easily. Time will only tell if I can break this cycle of procrastination. Send help. Anyway, time to get back to the show!

The Final Zodiacs are Here!

Basic Facts about Taurus:

Birth Dates: April 20 – May 20
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus
Symbol: The Bull
These Signs are the true definition of home-bodies. They love to feel secure and in control. At the same time they are super laid back and chill.

When I think of bulls I think of meadows and grasslands. I was trying to push the atmospheric perspective with the flat-ish plains. It worked out better than I thought it would. Trying to figure out how to paint the blades of grass was the real challenged. I think the dry brush worked well with trying to be a little abstract. What do you think?

Basic Facts about Gemini:

Birth Dates: May 21- June 20
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury
Symbol: The Twins
Bird: Magpie
Geminis are very talkative. They love open communication. They are also very thoughtful and logical people.

What better to represent Air than with birds! Magpies were the logical choice for Gemini because their gift for gab. I really, really like the brush strokes of the feathers. I also seemed to forgot to record the beginning of the creation of the birds. I was so peeved. I wanted to show you the experimental process and how it all came together. I hate technology sometimes. But I had a lot of fun with this final piece of this series.

And that is the end of the Zodiac Series! It is kind of a bitter sweet moment. I have learned so much about video editing, falling back in love with acrylics, and connecting with you. I am extremely proud of all of these pieces. Which Sign is your favorite? As one door closes and other one opens. The next series is going to be a true test for me. Time to buckle down and hash things out! In my next post I will be updating you on school, my schedule, and general life happenings. Don’t forget to check out my Insta, I am hoping to be more regular about posting on there. Time to shake out the sand and get back to the Sea!

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

PSSST!! 👉👉👉 Zodiac Collection 👈👈👈 PSSST!!

Entry 44: Time for a New Look (Part 2)

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? 8 more days until classes start! I can’t believe it! Summer is coming to a close, autumn is just around the corner, and time keeps ticking. Time to take a breath and prepare for the future. Let’s do this!

Business Cards, Letterheads, and Resumes

So, after much thought, I have decided that I am not going to be changing my logo for a while. I couldn’t think of anything more simple and more straight forward for me. Maybe at some point down the road I’ll change it.

I keep thinking I need more detail or pazzaz in how everything looks. I am trying to go for a simplistic style so I have to remember less is more. The struggle is real. On top of that I can’t seem to figure out which typography to use for my branding. I need your help!

I find all my cool fonts on dafont.com. They are an open source site for unique fonts. I have been using them for years. But now I have found several different fonts that I like and I can’t decide on which one is the best! These first images you see are business cards. I kind of like the vertical layout. So the side where my logo is is the front, and the side with the stars is the back. Which one do you guys like best? Is there any information missing that you guys like to see on business cards? Which font do you like best?

After we figure out the typography, I’m going to change that on the letterhead and on my resume. How do you guys like the set up for everything else? Does it seem professional? Does it all tie in together? Or is it too much? Let me know what you guys think!

I think that wraps everything up for today. It is going to be a bit before the next update on the branding adventure. So I am game for any and all feedback from you guys! Don’t forget to come back Saturday for the next Zodiac Sign! These Signs are very dreamy and flow with their environment. Can you guess who is next? Remember to stay safe and to stay sane!

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 39: It’s a State of Mind

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys been doing? We are in the last two weeks of August already. I have no idea where the time is going. Someone go tell Father Time to slow his roll. Sweet, buttery, milk biscuits it feels like there is no time left. The struggle. I have a love/hate relationship with time. The worst invention in human history is the keeping record of time. Anyways, sorry for the negative thought train, lets get back to the show.

Mind Over Matter

You all know I am terrible at keeping a schedule. Luckily, because of corona, I have had no 9-5 and a lot of free time. But I am still struggling on procrastination and productivity. It is a curse that I have always had, because I convinced myself that I make better work when I have no time to play around with things. I can’t keep doing that. I can’t keep waiting til the last minute and barely get by. That is not a good work ethic. So, I have to change that mind set.

It takes 28 days to form a new habit. I can’t wish for things to change over night, and I know that. I have to convince myself that this is my new 9-5. I maybe at home and have a ton of distractions, but I have to change that. With school work coming and possible client work in the future, I can’t waste any time. I want my art career not an art hobby.

In other words, I have to really schedule my days out. I have to be consistent and stick to my schedule like super glue. I should probably get a planner that breaks things down to the way I want it. For my brain, I can’t rely on digital calendars and schedules. For some reason, I forget things way easier and never look for my schedule on my phone. There is something about handwriting and a physical book that makes everything click.

After getting a planner, I am going to seriously let my family and friends know that they can’t reach during the hours of X and Y. I have to treat this like a job now. I can’t just get up and go help do chores or go out and about whenever something comes up. Just cause I am home doesn’t mean I have time to do anything else. I have to be treated like I am away at a job and can’t leave just cause. Please respect that of me.

So it is going to be a mind over matter type of deal. It is going to be hard for just me, myself and I to get used to things, and I am going to need the people in my life to respect that. I am at work. I am doing my job. Things can wait. My new mantra is “I am at work, I will get to have fun after the day’s work”. I just have to train my brain into recognizing that. It takes 28 days to form a new habit. I can do this. This is my dream. This is what I want out of life. This is my career. This is what I love to do. I can do this.

Thank you for listening to my little rant. I am so glad you guys are here with me. You keep me going and plowing through. Thank you. Please stop by tomorrow for the next Fan-Art day. You are going to see what made me fall in love with the moon. See you all then! Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 38: Time to Leap into the Sea

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? So I made a new goal for myself to read at least 1 book per month. I want to make sure that I am taking some time to myself just to unwind. If you guys want to know what I am currently reading, check out Pirate Games. We can start a little book club. I think that would be too cute. But anyways, on with the show!

The Driven Capricorn

Basic facts about this Sign:

Birth dates: December 22 – January 19
Ruling Planet: Saturn
Element: Earth
Symbol: Sea Goat
These Signs are super driven, responsible, and practical. However, these Signs can be super insecure. So be kind to your Capricorns, sometimes they just need a little pep talk to remember how awesome they are.

So as you can tell, I was playing around with camera angles while filming. Do you think it is too much or not enough? I am still new to filming and I thank you bearing with me as I figure it all out. Anyway, Capricorns are represented by Sea-Goats… Why and how does that make any sense? Even though they are an Earth element, I knew I had to have the sea in the piece some where. And then I remember goats can be found climbing cliff faces and BAM idea! This is the first time that my cliffs actually look like cliffs and all I can say is: Art is Magical. What do you think of the overall piece?

Did you see where I put the hidden Sign? //sneaky-sneaky//

Can you guys believe we are over the halfway point for the Zodiacs!? Holy cow! Our next Sign is a spontaneous barrel of water. HAHAHA… I crack myself up! Don’t forget to check out my IG for updates on the Arteza Awards project and for tomorrow’s Comic Sunday. See you Monday when we discuss mind over matter and what that means as an artist. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 33: Sagittarius the Optimist

Hey Crew!

Welcome back! How are you guys doing? Have you been liking all the new content this week? Things are really starting to heat up around here. 29 more days until classes start! I’m super excited to get back to school. I have always been that strange kid that loves school. I think it is mostly about the structure and the social interactions that is appealing to me. I am lucky that my graduate schooling is online, but there are major concerns going on about reopening schools around the nation. Do what is best for the health of you and your family. Contact your government officials and tell them your concerns. And if they don’t listen the first time, basically blow up their phones. Call, write, email, text, protest, do what you can to get their attention. Don’t let them blackmail your schools and community with withholding money because all they want is the adults to go back to work. You and your family’s health is your #1 priority. Don’t listen to the lies. You can get your education anytime and in a bunch of different ways, but you can’t bring the dead back to life. Stay strong. That concludes today’s rant, now back to the art!

Sagittarius the Optimist

Basic Facts:

Birth Dates: November 22 – December 21
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter
Symbol: Centaur
This Sign is the poster child of optimism. They can also be very blunt and straight to the point. They can turn any sort of negative event into a positive on. Plus they always seem to be the funny one in the friend group.

When you think of fire what do you think of? Campfire, arson, fireworks, candles, fireplaces, or etc? I could not come up with a composition that was compatible with the rest of the Series. Then when I was taking my pupper out for potty time, I figured it out. Fireflies. (Or Lightning Bugs if you are from the South and Midwest.) I thought it would be a cute little funny. The Magic of Art helped with making it look like they are actually glowing. But in the final piece I added of highlights in Photoshop to make them pop a little bit more. I also love how much Jupiter takes up the canvas. I wanted to make sure to emphasize the size of Jupiter compare to the other Signs. What do you guys think?

So we are half way done with the Zodiac Series! The next Sign is a goat mermaid…? How that makes sense, I still don’t know. Come back tomorrow for a Special Announcement! Sundays are going to be fun days! Make sure you also remember to take a self care day. The summer is coming to a close and things are going to get more chaotic. Remember you can’t control the world, but you can control YOUR world. Kick out the toxic things in your life. Choose a day out of the week just to vibe and do you. It is the little things that go a long way. Remember to stay safe and to stay sane.

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

Entry 30: August Update

Hey Crew!

Happy Monday? Can Mondays be happy? Or does that defy the laws of the universe? Squirrel. Anyways, how are you guys doing? For those who are in the USA with me, are you registered to vote? Please register, as a nation we can not have another 4 freaking years of this BS. And that ends my political rant. Thank you for your time.

What is coming in August?

So classes are starting in exactly a month from today. That means there is a lot of stuff to do and it is crunch time. Are you ready? No time to think, just time to go go.

	Daily Doodle	Art + Personal Talk	Main Series/Project	Fan Art	Personal/ Random Projects	Comic	BLM
Sunday	🌙	–	–	–	–	🌙	–
Monday	🌙	🌙	–	–	–	–	–
Tueday	🌙	–	–	🌙	–	–	–
Wednesday	🌙	–	–	–	🌙	–	–
Thursday	🌙	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class
Friday	🌙	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class	Work/Class	🌙
Saturday	🌙	–	🌙	–	–	–	–

Weekly Schedule (Subject to Change)

Daily Doodles:

Doodles posted on the Home and Pirate Games pages. Also will be posted on Instagram. Don’t forget to join the fun with #CaptainsDailyDoodles .

Art + Personal Talk:

It is going to be like every Monday we have done for a while. I will be talking about new things that will be added to the Shop, some art history, how school is going, about my art styles and skills, or anything that I think I should share with you guys. I’ll also use Mondays for any special announcements that is going to happen later in the week.

Main Series/Projects:

Right now Saturdays are for the Zodiac Series. I have many more series planned for the future. So stay tuned!

Fan-Art:

There is going to be a solo post tomorrow to explain about this category. Get ready for the shinanagines.

Personal/ Random Projects:

This day is for small side projects that I am working on in the background that have nothing to do with the Main Series. So think of the Tokidoki Project or updating my Self Branding. I’ll also use this day to tell/show you guys about school assignments starting in September.

Comic:

The long and awaited day has arrived! Sundays are going to be Comic Days. Can you figure out which project I am referring to? DUN-DUN-DUN!!!

BLM:

Head on over to my Instagram and find out what happens on #BlackoutFridays . I promise you won’t regret it.

If I want to become the best artist/freelancer/creative I can be, I have to get serious about things. I have to flip the switch from thinking this is a fun hobby that I only am dreaming to some how become successful, to treating this as a full time job. I can’t rely on wishes and hopes to get to the position that I want to be in, I have to put the petal to the metal. I am obviously going to be working on projects and research for different topics and such every day, but at some point I want to be able to manage my time so well that I can rely on Thursday and Friday for editing, planning, getting ahead and the little things that take time away from creating. We shall get there! I know once school starts a monkey wrench is going to be thrown in the works, but I should be able to account for that if I play my cards right.

I hope you guys are ready. Things are definitely going to heating up from here on. Don’t forget tomorrow we are going to talking more in depth about fan-art. Our adventures on the Artist Seas are just beginning!

Until next time,

Suzanna 🌙

Entry 29: Scorpio the Mysterious

Hey Crew!

Sorry that this post is a little late. All this week I have been preoccupied with my sick cat. But luckily the vets have patched him up and he is on the road to recovery. How have you guys been? Are you just as surprised as me that it is already August? One more month until classes start. Oh boy. Things are starting to get real now. Is there anything that you guys are looking forward to in August and/or September?

Scorpios Have Come to Town

Basic Facts about Scorpios

Birth Dates: October 23 – November 22
Element: Water
Ruling Planets: Mars & Pluto
Symbol: Scorpion
Scorpios feel the most and deeply. They are calm and cool by nature. They are unstoppable go getters.

To see more of the Zodiacs check out my YouTube channel 🙂

We are coming full circle with the elements for the Signs. It took me a while to come up with a plan to incorporate water again and not have it look like Cancer. I was also very nervous to do I bird eye view of the reflective surface of water with water ripples. But it came out WAY better than I thought it would have! I also love how Mars and Pluto came out. What do you guys think? I hope you guys enjoyed watching how this piece came together. Did you also catch where I put the hidden scorpion? I’m so sneaky. Tehehe.

So that wraps up this Sign. Things are going to be looking a little different from now on. Be sure to come back on Monday to see what is up. Are you ready to rock ‘n’ roll? It is going to be an epic adventure. See you then!

Until next time,

Suzanna🌙

S.E. Illustrator

Captain's Log: Adventures on the Artist's Seas

artist

Concept, Technique and Illustration

Project 1: Advertisement- Climate Change

Subject Matter: Ocean Pollution

Project 2: Children’s Storybook Cover

Theme: Medieval Ireland Fae Mythology

Project 3: CD Cover Art

Subject: SkyDxddy

The Visual Elements of a Story

Entry 51: Oops

Entry 50: The Final Pieces are Found!

The Final Zodiacs are Here!

Entry 44: Time for a New Look (Part 2)

Hey Crew!

Business Cards, Letterheads, and Resumes

Entry 39: It’s a State of Mind

Hey Crew!

Mind Over Matter

Entry 38: Time to Leap into the Sea

Hey Crew!

The Driven Capricorn

Entry 33: Sagittarius the Optimist

Hey Crew!

Sagittarius the Optimist

Entry 30: August Update

Hey Crew!

What is coming in August?

Daily Doodles:

Art + Personal Talk:

Main Series/Projects:

Fan-Art:

Personal/ Random Projects:

Comic:

BLM:

Entry 29: Scorpio the Mysterious

Hey Crew!

Scorpios Have Come to Town

Project 1: Advertisement- Climate Change

Subject Matter: Ocean Pollution

Project 2: Children’s Storybook Cover

Theme: Medieval Ireland Fae Mythology

Project 3: CD Cover Art

Subject: SkyDxddy

Join the Crew:

Join the Crew:

Join the Crew:

The Final Zodiacs are Here!

Join the Crew:

Hey Crew!

Business Cards, Letterheads, and Resumes

Join the Crew:

Hey Crew!

Mind Over Matter

Join the Crew:

Hey Crew!

The Driven Capricorn

Join the Crew:

Hey Crew!

Sagittarius the Optimist

Join the Crew:

Hey Crew!

What is coming in August?

Daily Doodles:

Art + Personal Talk:

Main Series/Projects:

Fan-Art:

Personal/ Random Projects:

Comic:

BLM:

Join the Crew:

Hey Crew!

Scorpios Have Come to Town

Join the Crew: