Toad | Synthetic Elegance

It’s my (blog’s) Birthday!

I start with a quick sketch, then I try to ink it and make it more detailed.

My tools!

The image is scanned and tweaked in PS.

I add layers of color and highlights\shadows (I use Wacom Bamboo tablet).

Some grunge and more color… ta-da! A Toad is born!

So last year in August my boyfriend convinced me to start this blog as a creative outlet. What has happened since? The blog moved to a self hosted WordPress powered site, I opened Toad’s spin off Tumblr style blog, I have gotten a new dslr and have been working to improve my photography skills. More importantly then anything- this blog has made me realize I have a passion for illustration which made me decide to act on it and pursue my dream.

It is usually very hard for me to stick with something for very long, but I can honestly say it’s worth it. I am enjoying this blog and am not planning to stop.

As a birthday treat I have decided to show my process in creating an illustration. I’m not saying my process is perfect or that I’m the best artist in the world but I’m working with what I know and enjoy to share whatever knowledge I have.

Hope you guys like it!

Tagged art, Illustration, Toad

Aug 30 2012 | art, illustration, Toad, Uncategorized

2 Comments

Toad is Handsome- Digital Print on Swimwear

Photos- We are Handsome, Toad illustration by me.

I sure hope all of you are having a great summer. I know I am. I remember how I felt cheated when I found out that you don’t get a luxurious 2 month long summer break after you are done with you student life. These digitally printed bathing suits remind me of summer vacations including whole days on the beach, colorful beverages and times when everything was simpler yet more complicated.

Toad was awesome enough to model one of the bathing suits by We Are Handsome, featuring a digital print of a beautiful vista.

Tagged bathing suits, summer, swimwear, we are handsome

Aug 17 2012 | art, illustration, Toad, Trendspotting

2 Comments

Rainbow Dash

Illustrations are by me. Jeremy Scott photo from MilkMade.com.

This past week, which has been complete hell for me since I didn’t (and still don’t) have my own computer, Toad- the queen diva himself- pointed me onto a cool trend that has been creeping out from under a gigantic rock called “the 80′s” for the past few seasons. This trend was brought to our attention recently again by Bonnie Strange’s brand “The Shit” during their Berlin fashion week show. Toad immediately got this cool outfit straight off the runway. I mean, why choose one color when you can have them all? Also, why not wear a shirt that describes your inner most essence?

The look on the right is by Jeremy Scott. I couldn’t resist the unicorn since I am now way too old to be collecting little ponies, might as well wear them. Right? Right.

I just love it when Toad stops by and takes some time off his busy schedule to model outfits for me. He has his own blog that you should check out.