Friday, December 31, 2010

Lightbringer

Happy New Year everyone!!!
It's been an interesting year for me. I drink coffee now! I sorta figured out how to do my taxes! I did some fanart for the first time since jr. high! New jobs, new friends, new places (and a new imac!) It's been a lot of fun, and I want to thank every person that has made it that way-- my family & Sam, my buddies here and across the internet, my art directors, my students, and everyone in between.

(P.S. Twitter was a fun new discovery this year and a nice way to talk with great illustrators. I'll probably be doing a twitter print giveaway in January...my twitter account @kalidraws will be dispensing updates a little later on!)

Anyway, I figured I'd cap off my blog posts for the year with the last horoscope illustration I did before starting my current Amtrak project...
Saggitarius! The archer, a storyteller who brings light and laughter into "the darkest time of the year."

The first sketch was a dud, so I tried a more modern style for the second sketch which I liked better. Ultimately my lovely AD Anthony Arias decided on the 3rd sketch, but with the request that it get slightly more sexy. (which in my mind equated to less waifishness & extra body armor for tough love)




Looking back, I think I spent most of the year in my own "safe zone" and I'd like to gather up more new experiences next year. Art-wise, location-wise, everything! Woo woo!
Best wishes dear readers, and I hope you all have a safe and happy 2011!

7 comments:

ed said...

Cool piece, Kali. I like the details in the dress, and the boots. One thing I would note is the arm that's drawing the bow, it seems like you could have used some reference there. I imagine its a tough angle to draw.
it seems like you had a really great year, and I look forward to seeing where you work goes in 2011! Happy new year.

Kristin Ciesemier said...

You may not be a Sagitarius but you always bring light wherever you go. I love being your mom.
I hope the new year bring joy, health, peace, prosperity and more learning adventures!

Kali Ciesemier said...

Haha, thanks Mom, I love you too. :)

Eamonn-- you're totally right! That arm was such a pain & I had to finish it up real quick. I vow to do better next year! >:D Happy New Years to you too my friend-- let us know if you're ever up in Maryland, we'd love to see you again!

Cons Oroza said...

Duuude, I love your designs. The ones who hired you must be so happy *_*

Alexis Barattin said...

so solid! i love all the sketches as well.. you know they're great because they're just as beautiful in greyscale!

melissa gardner said...

Do you do prefer to work by hand? Or do you use a tablet? I'm still trying to decide whether it's worth getting a tablet or not...

Kali Ciesemier said...

Thanks guys!
Melissa-- I started out working by hand, switched to coloring w/ the computer, and then when I left school I started drawing entirely on the computer, it just became easier & more enjoyable for me. If you like drawing/coloring on the computer (or plan on doing it a lot), it's definitely worth getting a tablet. It makes everything MUCH easier. It's really up to your own personal taste though (there are plenty of illustrators that draw/color traditionally).