Laura Spencer Illustration

IDOL WORSHIP - 2011 RCAD Senior Thesis Exhibition

2011-05-11T11:39:00.000-04:00

Hope you enjoy!
Until Next Time...
- Laura

Tattoo process

2011-02-06T01:18:00.000-05:00

So, I may not have photos of all my finished pieces, but I did save some of the stencils!

the pin up was a rib piece, Alan-a-Dale the start of a sleeve

mumm-ra (forearm), Apple 1984 (back of arm) Moose (calf), Crying Carrot (forearm)

Sleeve

chest piece

Enjoy!

Lost and Found

2011-02-03T23:11:00.000-05:00

Found some Belgium drawings in a sketchbook, thought I'd share.

They are on the backs of tea bag wrappers

Enjoy!

Skateboards? Greatboards!

2011-01-07T11:10:00.000-05:00

Hey all,

A somewhat sneak peak on a few skateboard designs in the works!
Each line drawing is to actual size (approx 32" x 8")

All based on the highly revered Ancient Egyptian mummification process, both spiritually and literally
reflecting the reverence, worship, and adorations skaters have towards their boards

Show me some love...
Hope you enjoy!

two thousand eleven

2011-01-01T18:56:00.000-05:00

Merry Xmas, Happy New Year, etc etc
For this year's gift-giving, I opted to make my loved ones business cards!
Here is just a few of the designs

Hope you enjoy!

Until Next Time...
-L

Senior Self Portrait

2010-11-29T23:42:00.000-05:00

This was pretty fun; I did the original drawing in graphite, then scanned and used my nifty new Intuos4 to apply some simple color. Let me know what you think!

Until next time...

Super Clinic

2010-11-27T20:05:00.000-05:00

Drum Clinic poster I just busted out, if you love drums come check it out!
Enjoy!

SuperLegend

2010-09-30T10:31:00.002-04:00

Just some bearded Fish-people battling a Great White...

Potential T-Shirt Design for band, Superlegend

(in-progress)

Enjoy!

-Laura

ILLEST OF ILL

2010-09-24T23:58:00.002-04:00

Man oh man its gonna be a good one this year!

THIS POSTER (along with 9 other amazing designs)

will be available for PRESALE @ the Illest Poster Show FUNdraiser this Saturday in Sarasota!!! (Email me for more details!)

Until next time...

I thought the iPad was dumb

2010-09-07T20:05:00.001-04:00

Until I got to play with one...

Enjoy!

-Laura

Post Script:

Love it

Live it

SuperLegend.

Here's to Billy Mays

2010-08-21T01:32:00.001-04:00

the smiling god of infomercials

-laura

St. Petersburg History Museum - Mural Designs

2010-08-12T17:48:00.003-04:00

entrance wall - mangrove

largest wall - slash pine, chickee hut, beach/mangrove scene

(in collaboration with Alex Shear)

cypress tree estuary wall

exit wall - Spanish invasion

Fun designs for a children's interactive exhibition on Native Americans in Florida

Enjoy!

Reminiscing...

2010-07-29T15:24:00.004-04:00

Some of these I've probably posted before, but there are some new ones sprinkled in.

All from Antwerpen

Enjoy!

sketchbook Dump

2010-06-22T18:24:00.004-04:00

hey, its been awhile....

More Belgian drawings, got some more to scan and post before you guys get to see the newness thats brewing up

Enjoy!

Last Figure class in Belgium

2010-05-20T14:57:00.006-04:00

My Belgium experience has come and gone.

I am now back in Florida, and enjoying every moment of being with friend and family, and getting back "normal"... whatever that really is...

Here are some last moments in my Figure class at Sint Lucas, with Inge Vandacasteele

I've got ALOT more updates where this came from so STAY TUNEDDDDD

I hate being hungry in the middle of the night...

2010-05-05T22:55:00.002-04:00

Just cause I'm in Portugal, doesn't mean I will neglect my adoring fans (all 4 of you out there in the universe)

Here are a few landscapes from a week or so ago back in Antwerp

I am hoping to get some drawing down while here in Porto, but my main focus is finishing my last 22 (now 21) cards left, so satisfy my Evaluation, which is in less than two weeks...

But, if the hands be willing, I must obey

For now,

Enjoy

-Laura

So much to do, so little time

2010-05-03T10:50:00.003-04:00

Hey all,

Some new cards to indulge your ocular nerves

I've still got so much work, and so much work to show you all

But as I've said before, time keeps running out, and it seems as though my work keeps on mounting, but it keeps me busy and out of trouble, so despite the stress I am (and have) enjoyed myself immensely.

I leave for Portugal tomorrow for a week, then I come back, have a few days, then my evaluation and then Homeward Bound...

Suit of Tempus (i.e. pentacles/diamonds)

Good ole' Indie Jones been a good inspiration for these cards

lemmie know what you think!

Thanks for stopping by,

-Laura

Subject: 2010-11 Trustee Scholars

2010-04-30T14:50:00.005-04:00

Howdy out there in Interweb land!

I have some very exciting/epic/amazing/best news EVER to share with you guys today!

So go on, read!

The Trustee Scholars Program recognizes and rewards what is truly honored, valued and admired at Ringling School. Selection as a Trustee Scholar is the highest honor awarded at the Ringling School of Art and Design.
The award recognizes:

• Creative Talent
• Communication and Thinking Skills
• Contributions to the Department, School and/or Community (i.e. on-campus
leadership; good citizenship; participation in social organizations; ability to be
a department or student life mentor)

From the R.C.A.D. President;

It is with great pleasure and pride that I announce to you our 2010-2011 Trustee Scholars! Please join me in congratulating the award recipients listed below who were selected by our Board of Trustees in recognition of their exceptional talent and distinction of mind, their contributions to their disciplines during the sophomore and junior years and their leadership and citizenship.

Avner Geller, Computer Animation

Jason Letkiewicz, Digital Filmmaking

Jen Nugent, Fine Arts

Jeremy Griffith, Game Art & Design

Ben Clark, Graphic & Interactive Communication

Laura Spencer, Illustration

Sonika Fourie, Interior Design

Jay Van Dam, Photography and Digital Imaging

Ana Carmichael, Student Life

Congratulations to each and every recipient! I feel honored to be one amongst you!

An overview of the award:

And there you have it!

Just goes to show you guys that a bit of hardwork, passion and dedication can really pay off!

I am so incredibly honored and greatful!

Until Next Time,

-Laura

I'MA BE FAMOUS

2010-04-29T21:23:00.002-04:00

Laura Spencer - Illest of Ill 2009 (1) from icouldbeastarnow on Vimeo.

Laura Spencer - Illest of Ill 2009 (2) from icouldbeastarnow on Vimeo.

Hey all,

some time lapse videos for you guys. This was filmed last year for the Illest of Ill, but didn't make it t the show. My sister was awesome enough to take the footage I shot and make this potentness.

Two versions, one is the full uncut footage, the second all tricked out

Check them out, ENJOY

-Laura

Everything is winding down

2010-04-28T14:54:00.003-04:00

Its hard to believe I've been in Belgium this long. Its spring time, the weather is great. Everyone is out in the streets, smoking cigarettes, drinking beer and looking cool on cafe terraces.

3 more weeks and I'll be home.. anxious yet bummed that I have to leave so soon.

In this 3 weeks there will be:

epic blog updates
Portugal, the country.
quick errand in Amsterdam
James Ensor
fresh INK
eating, breathing, sleeping Tarot Cards (26 more to go)
making a booklet sample for said cards
beer to bring home, as well as chocolate and other goodies
Anthropology
feeling every last moment

but for now,

(since you all miss me so much)

3 self portraits to tide you over for the next 3 weeks,

Do work, son

-Laura

art machine

2010-04-24T05:25:00.004-04:00

Howdy Folks,

Drawings for you; landscape and figure.

A rather shameful fact; I haven't seriously painted in about 4 months. I did a small landscape the other day and I gotta say paintings getting a little bit rusty.

On the flip side, however, I'm completely obsessed with drawing, concentrating on line quality, sensitivity, and experimentation. I'm anxious to merge this new found drawing style with paintings...

interesting things lie ahead, so keep your peepers peeled

-L

New Cards

2010-04-21T19:18:00.004-04:00

New cards designs.

This is the Suit of Skills (Wands; Clubs) representing the element of Fire, its all about creativity, passion, craftsmanship, etc. A true "artists" suit, if you will. So I decided on antlers, horns and bones to convey this idea of passion, vitality, woodsiness.

I also changed the font to a crisp, clear Helvetica (its funny cause I wrote that in Arial) derivative, and adjusted the backgrounds to give the image better clarity and readability. More sophisticated, clean design is what I am aiming for, paired with vintage and a surrealism.

So, enjoy! I have an insane mountain of work to do, so maybe I'll make more frequent updates, being that I'll be staring at a computer screen for the next month, solid. Only 51 more cards to go... and a booklet with 81 small illustrations, and correlating text...

But I think Ringling's boot camp-like approach to Illustration has given me a strong work ethic that can save me in the trenches every time. And besides, AMERICA ALWAYS WINS. I gotta follow through, it is, but my destiny...

[Comments are always encouraged]

Till next time,

Livin' it up!

2010-04-17T01:33:00.006-04:00

Figure

Graphite and Colored Pencil

Figure Modeling w/ Eva Cardon

Verbonstraat (in progress)

Graphite

Ob. Draw w/ Sebastiaan Vandoninck

Wasserij

Marker

Ob. Draw w/ Sebastiaan Vandoninck

Antwerp in the evening

Ink and Tea

Ob. Draw w/ Sebastiaan V.

my midterm presentation

(L-R: artist statement and calendar packets, prototype tarot cards [heavy cardstock, full color, repro size], Laptop w/ slideshow of inspiration and references, notes, samples of my figure and observational drawings, sketchbooks, deck of cards [Phantasmagoric Tarot] as example)

I even dressed all lady like and professional, hard to believe I know..

Midterm Evaluation group discussion (translated to me by the lovely Mauranne [left]) with guest artist/evaluators, Serge Baeken and Josy Heirwegh

Each student had roughly 10 minutes to clearly express and pitch, so to speak, our progress on our Evolutie project. All of my teachers were present as well to give me feedback not only on my cards but my drawings and sketchbooks. It was a really great opportunity for practicing some professional skills, and really makes one think about what is being conveyed through the work, and how to verbalize intentions.

Yeah, I'm a terrible person, I never post.

Here are some drawings, etc. as of late.

I've been doing lots of work, and have lots to show off,

So much is going on and happening and changing, I will make one enormously large post filling you guys in

that or just look forward to my memoir, hah

anyways, new shit, I swear I'll post more

so stay tuned

Amsterdam

2010-03-10T03:30:00.010-05:00

my first train ride

I love the smell of drunk strangers in the morning

Rijks Museum

THE TORTURE MUSEUM

chilling on a boat

WW2 Homomonument

The Anne Frank House

There's Billy Mays!

What I've been up to lately

2010-02-26T11:39:00.004-05:00

So, I'm sure you all hate me know, cause I havent posted in AGES. So much has been happening I dont know where to begin, but I PROMISE there is a major post coming with lots of new pictures and anecdotes to tell the kids.

But in the meantime, here are some Tarot cards I made this week. A teacher from the Aalcto University in Helsinki, Finland (MY PEOPLE), Tarja Nieminen, came to Sint Lucas for workshop week. Our task was to make a card game, or use cards as a vehicle to express the concept of family (in the broadest sense of the word.)

These cards also tie in with my extensive semester-long project of Evolution. All of the suits and Major cards will reflect ideals and aspects of evolutionary design. From the mental, emotional, and spiritual evolution that everyone and everything goes through; to aspects of nature that are the epitome of perfection, by way of evolutionary design.

So here you have it, the first 10 cards of two suits

Intellect (i.e. Swords/Spades) represented by feathers and wings

Intuition (i.e. Cups/Hearts) represented by fish and fish scales.

I pulled a double all-nighter for these, so I hope you dig them

All digital collage work

Enjoy!

-Laura

Sketchbook Dump

2010-02-11T12:57:00.003-05:00

Howdy all!

Today marks my first month complete in Belgium. So much has gone on, I can hardly recap everything, so instead, I offer up the first installment of Belgian art for you; these are some recent sketches.

Enjoy!

-Laura

New Flyer

2010-02-01T08:47:00.002-05:00

Once again, ladies and gents;

A new flyer for those good 'ole boys from Shadows of the Statue

Should be a fantastic show, I'm sorry I'll be missing it

But then again.. I am in Belgium!

More work to come....

-Laura

Week #2 complete

2010-01-31T21:35:00.005-05:00

Sint Lucas

more Sint Lucas

Figure class with Inge Vandecasteele

the "chosen ones"

A few of my pieces up on the wall

(3 minute gestures)

another 3 minute gesture (mascara)

a really beautiful tree

koffie

Hey everyone,

SO much has happened since I last updated, its hard for me to recap everything; so heres some pictures. And, as always there are plenty PLENTY more to come

Enjoy!

-L

new AND improved

2010-01-27T03:40:00.002-05:00

Without the Shadows of the Statue logo,
Here is the finished design of "Tezcatlipoca" - The Smoking Mirror
I submitted it (among other things) To the Society of Illustrators.
Enjoy

Day 5, 6, 7, 9

2010-01-22T19:40:00.003-05:00

And on the 8th day, she rested...
But alas, no rest of the wicked
More pictures, and hopefully some art soon
I need to improve my lighting situation first...

Waiting outside class for Digital Ill to start

Inside Centraal Station (epic)

View from inside the Zoo (looking at Centraal Station)
Grote MarktDown Willem Lepel Straat

Koninklijk Museum Voor Schone Kunsten

Enjoy!

Day 4 - Sensory Overload

2010-01-17T16:37:00.017-05:00

Frank follows me Sunday morning market (mostly clothes, art and handicrafts)Engulfed by graffiti; a whole courtyard where all the walls were filled Narrow streetsA movie theatreThe Schelde River just a castle...hardly any snow leftBoats for Alex mmm tattoo shop Shredding a mean accordion soloMary of the Vines?Crossroads CafeStreet jammin'Yet more graffiti Condom ad, oolalaA shop window in passing For Dad (and a little self portrait in there too)No parking Yes, I am keeping warm.

So a picture overload for all you guys; don't expect it all the time though, haha. Today was a day of wandering. I set out on my own to explore the city. No map to guide my way; I merely took pictures and walked until I stumbled back to my front porch. It was really wonderful to be on my own, going where I wanted to and soaking everything up. Tomorrow is my first day of classes. Digital Illustration with Lode Coen. We are doing some brainstorming and mind mapping to get the ball rolling on our Evolution dossier. I'm very excited!
Enjoy!
-Laura

Arrival, etc.

2010-01-15T14:13:00.010-05:00

The flights were long and tiresome, but I am finally here. I arrived bright and early at 7:30, (about 1:30 am Florida time) and had a full day of unpacking and a bit of exploring. Frank Somers, the head of international relations and a long list of other titles and duties, form Sint Lucas picked us up from the airport and showed us great hospitality. He lives in an old church from the 15th century which he is slowly renovating. Our apartment building (Danielle
Slaughter of Ringling Fine Arts, and Yours Truly) is very cool. We each have our own rooms, and there are communal water closets, showers, and kitchens on the 1st and 4th floor. There are about 12 other students living in the same building, from different colleges in the area. Everyone is keen on introducing themselves to us and are very helpful and kind. Everyone speaks a bit of English as well so there's really no problems communicating.

So day 2, its about midnight here and though I napped earlier, I'll probably hit the sack early. Early? I'm not entirely sure, jet lag plays many tricks on the mind...

Everything is old and beautiful. The building across the street from me is from 1650. Some building have denotations on the side of them proclaiming the date they were built. Everyone renovates and preserves their history. Its hard to wrap my head around walking the same cobblestones as Jan Van Eyck and other incredible masters.
Even the jail is a renovated old old building (which happens to be only around the corner from me... I can see it from my window in fact... but not to worry the last jail break was 15 years ago, and by the looks of the exterior, with its solid brick walls and high brick and mortar wall, all donned with thickly barred windows and electric wire I should be fine. And I'm fairly certain I can hear anyone climbing up the 80 steps to my room. Yes, thats 4 flights of stairs (but somehow I live on the 3rd floor?)

Its chilly, but I'm keeping bundled. For the most part, its just a matter of getting used to it. The sun came out yesterday but made its appearance known only for an hour or so, then swiftly disappeared and hasn't been heard from since. Its still beautiful and grand and awe inspiring.

School is very interesting. Sint Lucas is on the same "campus" as a secondary (high school) art magnet program, so its interesting to see younger students working along side us. It feels very much like Gibbs, not very rich, tables made out of horses and plywood, but there are macs in every classroom (with the French "azec" keyboard as opposed to our "qwerty" so I'll be using my laptop extensively). I am so anxious to start classes and see how this trip influences my work as an artist. I am a 15-20 minute walk from campus. Streets are slightly confusing, so mapquest has become a near and dear friend.
My teachers are all very friendly and helpful and eager to start our international collaboration.

My first assignment is a semester-long very open ended dossier about Evolution. My schedule consists of classes Monday-Wednesday, leaving Thursday and Friday to work on my other independent study courses as well as free time to paint, visit museums and explore. I have two Illustration classes, regular Illustration and Digital Ill, both of which are dealing with the same topic of Evolution. In Illustration, its a large class in which there are 3 teachers, Pleun Vos, Anne Kurris, and Luk Duflou. I met Meneer Luk Duflou and Meneer Lode Coen, my Digital Illustration teacher (who I get along with famously). My other classes are a nude drawing class with Ingre Vandecasteele on Tuesdays followed by a Drawing/Sketching class with Sebastiaan Vandoninck, in which we go out on locations and do observational drawings I also got a chance to see Tilde Van Uytven, we will meet for lunch sometime this week, she said she would show me the cheap places!

Everyone is impressed with my bit of dutch, though currently I can only declare who and what I am and who and what someone else does, where they live, etc. But I keep practicing and learning, and listening. Getting used to pronunciations and reading lots of signs and shop names.

My room is small, but nice. I have a bed, a sink, some shelving, a small wardobe, and old boarded up fire place, a heater (which gets mighty warm), a desk and chair, and a nice comfy chair as well, which is wonderful for curling up and reading. Meneer Frank Somers (head of international relations at Sint Lucas) has been wonderful. He's the one that purchased our beds and linens (all IKEA, which I found terribly amusing) and has taken us around town a bit. He lives about a block away in an old church he is renovating. Its breathtaking. He took us to dinner at a place called Popoff the other night, and I had some Irish stew with lamb, and quite possibly the best cup of coffee and lemon meringue pie of my LIFE. Oh god it was tart and delicious and thick yet fluffy meringue... mmmmm.

So as you can see, I am alive, well, and thoroughly enjoying myself. No bouts of homesickness yet, I think I'll do just fine.

SO without further adieu, here are some pictures

Begjinenstraat

Across from my apartment (1650)Begijnenstraat 62Other side of Begjinenstraat

My room

My viewMy bed

My Illustration Classroom

As always, plenty PLENTY more to come,
Though I do feel like a tourist with a bullseye painted on my back when walking around taking pictures of everything. I'm learning to be more inconspicuous...
Enjoy!
-Laura

Smoking Mirror

2009-12-12T17:31:00.007-05:00

Here's a little digital ditty for you guys
New t-shirt design for Shadows of the Statue.
Its based on Tezcatlipoca, or the "Smoking Mirror", an Aztec diety known for murking people, and generously accepting human sacrifices. Metal, no?
(oh, and sorry for the bleached out color, the jpeg format kind of compressed everything a bit)

They've got some new music up and a couple new shows they're selling tickets for! COME OUT AND SUPPORT!
If you need tickets, feel free to contact me

only 34 days left until I'm in Belgium...
More to post soon!
-Laura

Inky Treats

2009-12-02T13:36:00.004-05:00

Here's a few new things,

Designed by Gwen, scribed by Yours Truly

And those Bearded Wonders are at it again, Shadows of the Statue has some new music up,
actively writing songs, pursuing shows, aaand new graphic design! Some new shwag/merch/goodies are coming your way. This will be a design printed on the side of a beer coozie!

Enjoy!
(and remember a helping hand shall never be passed over, I'm trying to go to Belgium people, every little bit helps!)

Antwerpen, Belguim

2009-11-19T13:42:00.005-05:00

A huge opportunity has presented itself; As some of you Ringling kids know, last year the Sint Lucas School in Antwerp, Belgium and Ringling College of Art and Design performed the very first exchange program, swapping teachers for 3 weeks, sending my painting teacher Ms. Robin Cody over to Europe and giving us an opportunity to study with a Belgium teacher, Tilda Van Utvin. It was an incredible experience, giving a slight taste of cultural diversity.

WELL... to make a rather long story short, this year Ringling and Sint Lucas have decided to open up the exchange to students, swapping two students from each school for the Spring 2010 semester. Submitting portfolios and going through the interview process, I was fortunate enough to be "the chosen one" from the Illustration Dept, making me one of the first students in Ringling history to travel to Belgium, acting as an Ambassador for the school, as well as the U.S.

Meaning, that this will be my new home for the next 5 months (starting in January). This is a huge opportunity and I am excited beyond all good sense! So expect lots of updates as this semester closes and new horizons appear on the other side of the world, for Yours Truly.

(Now here's the catch... its gonna cost ALOT of money to get over there, and unfortunately, since the program started on such a short notice, there hasn't been any funds allocated to the program, so my tuition to Ringling will cover those of Sint Lucas, however I will have to pay my way there, rent for those 5 months as well as food, supplies and stocking up on warm clothing, apparently its rather chilly, especially for my thin, Floridian blood!)
So with all that being said, I will GLADLY take donations, sell work, take on commissions and tattoo, anything to save up enough to go! Any takers?

I will continually update on my ventures, giving you guys information about the school, city, and the work I'm producing... so STAY TUNEDDD
-Laura

side note: NONE of these photos are mine, just ripped from Google Images, so thanks to whoever for the photos, all the copyrights still belong to you, i was just borrowing them for a second!

studies

2009-11-19T13:20:00.002-05:00

Some value/color studies for my next illustration, done digitally! The Finals will be acrylic, however.

Stay tuned, I've got a big big announcement to make!
Until then...
-laura

I should really be more on top of this...

2009-11-16T12:31:00.003-05:00

I know, I know, I'm slacking, but its been busy busy times. Big things are happening for this small potato, so stay tuned for some ink-age, new ills, studies and finals... as well as some big announcements!

But now you know, I'm still alive, still kicking, still being the little overachiever that I am...
So in the mean time, feast your eyes on these little ditties, and keep in touch!
-Laura

long time, no posts

2009-10-05T10:55:00.006-04:00

Hey hey hey everybody! So, shame on me for not posting more often, but times are rough, and I'm busting butt to get my school work under control, as well as prepping for the annual Illest of Ill show at Ringling (which I'm incredibly excited for, as should you be! come down to SRQ Friday, October 9th and see the best of the best of Ringling's Illustration dept. strutting their stuff).

Anywho, here's a little tasty for your peepers; its Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman on his march through Atlanta. Scatchboard 11" x 17" ish... it was also made into t shirts for the most metal band you've never heard of (until right now...) Shadows of the Statue check them out, they're pretty awesome, and hopefully you think my drawing is too!

Until next time (which I promise will be soon)
-Laura

I inked...

2009-07-08T16:21:00.004-04:00

I was all set with my ink cup all filled, #5 Round Liner in place, foot pedal below me, all the disinfectants and sterilized products i could need, and lo-and-behold, I gave myself my first tattoo. 15 minutes later, a few wonky little stars were permanently imbedded in my skin; HOORAY!

Just something small to start out with, get a feel for the real deal... Not to bad eh?
Plenty, plenty more to come...

Metalllll

2009-07-05T13:25:00.002-04:00

So I've been all giddy with Graphic Design lately, so here's a little tasty for you all.
The band is Shadows of the Statue, and they are pretty effing metal. Their myspace kind of looks, well, not so much, but hey I know nothing of HTML, I designed a background for it, and know how I want the layout done, I just need someone to do it. (So if you're out there, hit me up! We could use the help, and will compensate for your troubles!)

So that's about it for now, I've been working on some paintings, but nothing I'm ready to release to the world wide web. But nevertheless, stay tuned... I feel an epic post coming up in the near future!

Until next time...

Its been a time or two...

2009-07-02T10:06:00.003-04:00

So here is a little post for you guys. Its summertime, so I've been taking it as an opportunity to recuperate a bit from school. Ive done some work here and there, but for the most part just taking it easy.

We've lost a close friend of the family, Billy Mays Jr. As some of you guys may know, the hit Discovery show Pitchmen is filmed right here in Tampa; my sister and cousin, and frankly, most of my family has worked for Sullivan Productions in some way or another.In fact, my artwork has been hanging in the office for this whole season of the show. All this meaning that we have all, at some point, have had a run in with the famed Mr. Mays and the rest of the crew. My thoughts are with his family and close loved-ones. It was so sudden and abrupt, a deeply sad moment for everyone nation-wide. He will always be remembered as a beacon of hope and a smiling face that could brighten anyone's late-night hours. He will be greatly missed.

On a lighter note, I recently got an amazing pro quality tattoo kit, so stay tuned for some mad crazy ink-age!

And here's a piece of graphic design for your optical nerves to salivate over; Enjoy!

Graphic Design Tasties

2009-05-19T13:16:00.002-04:00

This is a poster for a hypothetical show at the MOMA, entitled "The Visual Voice - Masters of Poster Design" Its completely designed out of text.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So, I've been in L.A. for the past 5 days, and its been pretty amazing. Seen some art, and been incredibly inspired; so stay tuned for some sketchbook goodies as well as tons of pictures, from our swanky hotel, to canyons, downtown dirties, and tar pit fossils.

Until next time...

Long Summer Days

2009-05-09T17:53:00.003-04:00

Hi all,

Summer is doing wonders to soothe these old bones... but its high time I get my nose to the grindstone and get back to work. Here's some work from my Figure II class this past semester.

Stay tuned for more posts, new work, and exciting new adventures!
Until next time...

-Laura

A healthy heaping portion

2009-05-05T22:44:00.005-04:00

Of a little Graphic Design for you guys! School is finally out for summer, but I dont plan on slowing down the pace much. I'm anxious to finally be free of academia and pusuing work of personal interest, as well as hopefully making some money with freelancing jobs. (If you're interested, I'm seeking!)

Here's my final for Intro to Graphic Design. The project was to make or renovate an existing magazine. I'm sure we all know of the terrible graphics on tattoo magazines, always so visually cluttering, articles holding no interest, and most of all people with really terrible work, just lots and lots of it. I wanted to make a magazine that was host to the "Fine Art of Tattooing", as it were. Showcasing professional artist that tattoo, tattoo artists that paint, excellent work in which the artist was given freedom to do what they do best. Articles about tattoo culture. But most of all, to give this slick a clean, almost fashion mag-eqsue feel. So hope you enjoy, never hesitate to leave a comment or some feedback!

CREDIT WHERE CREDITS DUE:
The cover shot of Yours Truly was shot by a dear from William Everett Photography, as was the first Table of Contents Image
The second picture on T.O.C. is my dear dear friend and sibling, Miss Marlee and her lovely little boy Joel Higgins
The third image was taken by me, as is of my sister Carla's back, done by our fabulous tattoo artist, Andrea Buley. The last picture is of my back and was taken in my bathroom by Marlee.
The Artist profile page, and I hope she doesn't mind too much, were all ripped from my friend Sam Mancino, who is an amazing artist and an amazing tattoo artist, and I felt very deserving of being hosted in a tattoo magazine, though hypothetical this one may be....
And lastly, the image for the full page spread is once again Miss Marlee and Joel and photographed by myself.

Until next time...
-laura

Everyone loves a little T & A...

2009-04-09T23:25:00.002-04:00

This is a sneak peek of my latest Graphic Design project...

T & A (Trull and Associates) Custom Drums, "Show us your wood".
Run by Dave Trull and his two sons, Chris and Eric, through the mother company,
The Trull Gallery

Each drum is handcrafted and painted with the company logo
This is the Stave Series, featuring 13" x 7" snare, Maple and Oak.

I've still got a few finishing details to add to the drum itself, as well as designing a pair of drumsticks, packaging, and advertising poster, so stay tuned for some more visual goodies...

Addendum

2009-04-09T23:16:00.005-04:00

BY THE WAYYY... you see that lovely piece down there of the Grouper with a Pirate ship on its back? Well I was fortunate enough to have it accepted into the Society of Illustrators! Its simply the greatest honor and achievement thus far in my illustration career (next to getting into Best of Ringling.) But my work will be published in the Illustration annual, for all to see.

I want to say a quick thanks to all of my friends and family who have provided me with endless love and support through all my trials and tribulations, I love you all so very much!

Society of Illustrators

Until next time...

just keep swimming, just keep swimming...

2009-03-03T22:52:00.001-05:00

Trying to keep my head above water a bit. This is a pen and ink piece I did for my Ill Media class last semester. Enjoy!

Its business, oh its business time

2009-02-24T14:06:00.002-05:00

Change is in the air, and its high time a start to remodel myself.

My latest assignment in Intro to Graphic Design was to create our Corporate Identity, and so these are my revamped business cards. I made a letterhead and envelope design as well.

So these will be coming soon to yor local coffee shop and gallery, enjoy!

doodlest of the doodle doo

2009-01-28T17:34:00.000-05:00

Some epic metal/buddhist crayon art

Scooptastic sketching action

2009-01-26T16:11:00.000-05:00

So the other day, Jerry Greenfield came and chilled at St. Armand's Ben and Jerry's! That's right ladies and gents, THE Jerry of the infamous ice cream company came and scooped it up with all us employees! He was a such a cool dude, I had to do a sketch for him. I gave him the original, and got him to autograph one for the shop. A great time was had by all. Enjoi!

Epic week of finals

2008-12-11T18:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a little ditty I busted out last night for my Illustration final. Let your eyes spend some Quality Time and enjoy

a little editorial satire for you

2008-12-03T17:22:00.000-05:00

A preliminary drawing for a oil rub technique in my media class. Kim Jong Il dressed as Sir Bonaparte with some 'nukes. Enjoy!

landscapes

2008-11-20T09:02:00.000-05:00

Here's a little sample of whats been going down in the 'dirty. Things are looking good lately, I've got my work hanging in the offices of Sullivan Productions in Tampa, where there is a reality t.v. show being filmed! My work will be infiltrating your boob tube on the Discovery channel, starting in March. The show is called Pitch Men, all about the life and times of those who work so hard, to bring late night lurkers some luscious infomercial entertainment. I'll keep you guys posted! There also is a kids book in the works, so lots of new things going on, I'll try to update more.

I love you all!

more sketchbook delights

2008-10-29T18:10:00.000-04:00

Howdy folks, been super busy lately. Had some car troubles earlier this week, but all is fixed and well. I've got some great opportunities coming my way, in the world of commissions, so keep your peepers peeled for some more interesting work!

until next time...

Branded for life

2008-10-14T17:55:00.000-04:00

2008-10-14T17:49:00.001-04:00

Sketchbook Morsels

2008-10-14T17:15:00.000-04:00

Howdy faithful viewers, I still remain camera-less, so no major works to show you, however here's some tasty sketchbook delights freshly scanned for your viewing pleasure. Though I've been running on little sleep and much mountain dew, school is great, life is grand. No complaints on this end :]

f.y.i. 20th birthday in 1 week!!!

Some unfortunate news

2008-09-05T21:20:00.000-04:00

I have recently become camera-less, so posts will more than likely be rather minimal for the time being, but hang in tight folks, technology cant hold back my creative wrath!

But in the meantime, anyone want to contribute to the Laura-is-a-poor-college-student-and-needs money-for-a-new-camera/art supplies/groceries and gas fund? Its a small, but hopefully growing organization, made possible by the contributions from valued viewers like you!!

Until next time...

it's business time

2008-08-21T00:40:00.000-04:00

So, this summer has been swell, but the swellings gone down, and now its time to get down to the nitty gritty.
I'm ready and rearing for the up and coming school year, as well as truly starting to get my name and my work out anywhere and everywhere I possibly can.
So now I'm back, from a long summer long hiatus, with lots of new work and updates to tantalize and titillate your orbital sockets.

This latest update are some business card ideas that I could use some advice and/or opinions on. Tell me what you think!

A long overdue update

2008-08-05T12:12:00.000-04:00

The Long Whiskered
1' x 3'
Acrylics

Currently on Display at:
Ben & Jerry's
375A St. Armand's Circle, Sarasota, FL

more posts coming at you, stay tuned

Happy Birthday Ali!

2008-07-02T22:00:00.000-04:00

This was a top secret commission of Hunter S. Thompson my dear friend C-Troll and I plotted for our friend Ali's birthday. Chris was the brains behind it all, I was merely the brush. It turned out pretty well if I do say so myself, and it was received well by the birthday girl. So a Happy Birthday Ali, I hope you dig on it as much as I dug painting it.

(See, I told you guys I would start posting again... stay tuned for more juiciness)

Hiatus

2008-07-02T01:55:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the massive lack of updates as of late, I've been taking quite the hiatus since school let out. I have some sketchbook shots that I'll put up soon, as well as some paintings, a commission or two in the works. But for now, I'll leave you all with some pictures I made while on a mini road trip to St. Augustine with my dear friend Colleen. We ventured oh so far north to enjoy the lustrous sounds of a little ole band called Modest Mouse, who were slightly less than, with a 5 minute wait for an encore. These are the best of the best photos, so enjoy!

a trip through the way back machine...

2008-05-09T14:42:00.000-04:00

Rose's Belfast Jar 16" x 20"
Oils

Carla's Window 18" x 24"
Oils

A few paintings from first semester. New work coming soon, I promise.

the human figure

2008-05-06T03:33:00.000-04:00

Have you hugged a cephalopod today?

2008-05-05T12:54:00.000-04:00

self portrait of the day

2008-05-04T18:32:00.000-04:00

some speed painting love

2008-05-03T02:04:00.000-04:00

Assessment painting for observational color.
About an hour and a half, almost two hours.
Acrylic 9"x12"

cup of tea

2008-05-02T14:33:00.000-04:00

haven't started working on anything since summer started (got out of class on the 29th) so heres some more work from this past semester. Cup illustration for intro. Same process as the sheep painting. Enjoy

landscape painting of the day

2008-05-01T16:10:00.000-04:00

little bit wonky on the perspective
Oils 16" x 20"
palette knife

If you can guess the building on campus, I'll give you a cookie

owls!

2008-04-30T17:57:00.000-04:00

just a few sketchbook shots, I really dig owls, if you couldn't tell

Have Ewe Any Wool?

2008-04-30T03:12:00.000-04:00

Much apologies for lack of posts lately, been super busy. Finally finished with my first year at Ringling. This was my final illustration for Intro (previously posted value sketch). Best in the class. Enjoy!

I'll be making up for lack of posts with loads of new art, and new posts contantly.
Stay tuned.

righteous sketchbook action

2008-04-25T22:08:00.000-04:00

Today was pretty amazing, if I do say so. Had my second to last into to ill class with golden-boy Brandes, then had some gnarly sketchbook-age and a great cup of tea at Pastry Art downtown Srq, then went to the Senior Illustration Exhibition on campus. SO RAD! I collected so many postcards and business cards, and salivated over all the work. I cant wait to be there one day, i will be there one day. So all in all, a very inspiring and creative day.

Sketch above is a little ditty of my roommate Alex Shear

Till next time....

figures

2008-04-23T19:16:00.000-04:00

Had my last figure class of my Freshman year today, sad to see it go, but am looking forward to what next year has in store for me. These are two portraits from earlier in the semester of Carl. enjoy

sketchbook part deux

2008-04-20T15:46:00.000-04:00

a little zombie action for you. The zombie duel is a rough sketch for a soon-to-be painting, just for fun.
sorry the pictures are terrible

sketchbook madness

2008-04-20T01:38:00.000-04:00

brandes's scooter

mama spencer

'nuff said

doodly-doo doo

buggie wuggs

been super busy, so here's a little sketchbook love for you guys.

have you any wool?

2008-04-18T05:20:00.000-04:00

Latest and greatest illustration. Based on Baba Black Sheep. Tight sketch stage, next we paint. Pardon the terribly uneven lighting.

just a still life

2008-04-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

that is all

the teeny tiny woman

2008-04-16T00:45:00.000-04:00

with giant orbs in the basement. One of my first illustrations at Ringling. Graphite

Best of CORE 2008

2008-04-15T00:12:00.000-04:00

In observational color we did a colored light assignment, learning about the way adding colored light affects the surface areas of any subject/object. Pretty groovy stuff. These two little ditties got into the Best of CORE 2008, showcasing the best works from the freshman (2011) class.

Gnarly Sketchbook Action

2008-04-14T10:02:00.000-04:00

Here's a few shots of me and my little cousin Evan. He's going to be an artist someday, and go to Ringling, just like me (we talked, he's got plans). Enjoy! Photos courtesy Arwen Saxon

landscapes

2008-04-13T00:25:00.000-04:00

are rad. I've got a couple others in the works. This one is from Observational Color this semester, with good ole' Schwartz.

A few paintings...

2008-04-12T01:54:00.000-04:00

From first semester. The owls are acrylic, the self portrait is oils, and theres a picture of me on Halloween working on the owls on my sister's porch.
enjoi!

Fun with Printmaking!

2008-04-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

So here's some work from first semester, Printmaking 1 with Farber. We started with monotypes and monoprints, then moved to etchings, then woodblock/lino cuts. Enjoy! (by the way, over the next fews days, I'll be making tons of posts to catch you guys up on all that I've been doing)

Post Script:// sorry the photos are kind of crappy, I took them in a hurry, and had horrible lighting, i need some photo friends, haha.

A New Beginning

2008-04-09T11:49:00.000-04:00

Well here goes nothing. Seeing as how this is my very first blog and my very first posting, why not get all the old stuff out of the way, to make room for the new.
All work is from my high school concentration. New work coming soon.