I SHOULD REALLY BE DRAWING

Sketchbook Stuff - Snake Plissken

2012-01-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

As some of you know, I'm a sucker for B-Movies...

So I was watching Escape from LA and realized how much of a bad-ass Snake Plissken was so out came the sketchbook and I went to work. I think it looks more like Snake Plissken then Curt Russel, but that's not nessisarily a bad thing. Thanks Netflix for helping me relive some beautiful trash.

-Gavin

First Post of 2012

2012-01-19T15:08:00.000-08:00

Hello Internet,

I hope everyone had a nice holiday season and a great new year. 2012 has gotten off to a nice start and I'm looking forward to being a little more attentive to the blog (my resolution this year is to post a little more frequently).

My first bit of art for you this year is actually a commission from last year. I know, it's not really from this year but it was a Christmas gift I wanted to wait until after he unwrapped it before uploading it. You can check out his blog for more details about it.

Let me know what you think.
More fun stuff to come
Cheers
-Gavin

On a side note; I am for an internet that supports freedom of expression and protects the rights of artists. SOPA and PIPA is not the way to do this.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

Hello Everyone

I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I have a little gift for those of you who are as big a fan of Game of Thrones as I am. Hope you enjoy it and enjoy your New
Year.

Have a safe one and see you next year.
Cheers
-Gavin

New Work and Upcoming Show - Part 2

2011-10-27T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone

First, some new work. I have combined one of my favorite reality TV shows (odd, because of my general dislike reality "shows") with one of my favorite Sci-Fi monsters. Why? why not.

Secondly, that last Speakeasy show was a blast, so I've decided to do another. You are welcome to come out and see my work. The last show had a good turnout considering it shared the evening with the first hockey game of the year and a provincial election; That said it is always nice to see even more people. I will have the short comic I created with Blain Waters, Mishaps in Time Travel, on display along with some prints and original work, so please do try and swing by.

Speakeasy Comic Book Show
Thursday November 3rd
Gladstone Hotel, Toronto
7pm-11pm
Pay what you can ($4 recommended)

Hope you can make it.
Cheers
-Gavin

New Work and Upcoming Show

2011-10-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends

I have some new work for you to check out. I was rethinking that last one I did and decided that it was not the direction I wanted to go with my work. So I got to work on some new ones and I have to say I'm much happier with the results. What do you think?

Secondly, I will be showing some of my new work at this years Speakeasy Illustration Show. It will be held at the Gladestone Hotel here in Toronto this Thursday October 6. It should be a great night and I will be exhibiting alongside a great group of artist so it is most certainly worth checking out if you are in the city. Hope to see you there

Cheers
-Gavin

Juvenile Riot

2011-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

Good Morning

So the rioting in London has given us some shocking news and imagery but one item seemed to grab my attention. I was reading an article about one altercation involving an 11 year old boy. Normally a child of that age would be a victim, a collateral casualty of the violence and crime. However this was not the case, the young boy was an active participant in the looting. Although the boy was only involved in the theft of a waste bin (odd enough thing to take) it was still shocking to see an 11 year old kid get swept up in the chaos. I felt like illustrating my take on this juxtaposition character and environment, let me know what you think of it.

Cheers
-Gavin

Website Redesign (and the blog too)

2011-07-30T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

You might have noticed a little change in how everything looks; I felt it was time for a makeover. This also applies to my website, so check it out and let me know what you think.

www.artbygavin,com

Cheers
-Gavin

New Work - Portrait of a Madman.

2011-04-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon.

Here is some new work, a portrait of the tyrannical dictator of the year, Moammar Gadhafi.Let me know what you think. He's a fun one to draw, all jowly with crazy hair flowing our from under his hat.
Cheers
-Gavin

Feathertale Review 7 Launch

2011-03-28T06:53:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!

This Wednesday is the launch of the Feathertale Review 7. This review is unique in two ways, this first is that this is the first comic issue of the review. The second is that this issue will be publishing the first collaborative project between my good friend Blain Watters and myself. Blain and I have been friends for a couple decades now and got our start creating stories by playing make-believe in the school yard. I'm very proud of what we created and hope you enjoy it.

Come on out to the launch this Wednesday night at the Gladestone. There will be live drawings by myself, Jeremy Kaposy and Rebecca Hitchens. The night will also include a variety of readings as well as some live music. Everything starts at 7pm, $5 at the door or free with the purchase of a book.

Hope to see you there.
-Gavin

Methods and Madness - Carrots and Sticks

2011-02-12T13:53:00.000-08:00

*Methods and Madness is the portion of my blog that is dedicated to how I work and live as a Freelance Illustrator.*

Lets talk about motivation.

Like many self employed people you need to be self motivated, find that something that keeps you from crying in a beer and playing video games until your eyes bleed. Sometimes it can come in the form of a loved one providing you with kind words of encouragement, but they can only stroke your ego for so long. There is also the fear of starvation, but working under that whip is not always the healthiest environment. Sometimes we just need a little reward for meeting an important goal, and recently I met mine.

A few years back I made a promise to myself that once my freelance career hit a certain point I would reward myself with a little thing I've wanted for some time. About a week ago I made good on my promise and picked up a little, counter-top espresso maker. I must admit that it felt really nice to reward myself, even though it took some encouragement from my better half to spend the money. The reward wasn't bank-breaking, but when you work freelance you tend to track every single dollar.

I guess that brings me to my last point, the follow through. Make sure sure you eventually get that carrot on a stick or the the whole reward thing is moot. Planning for the future, saving, paying off debt and rent is all good but so is reinforcing your own moral. Don't bankrupt yourself either, it's just a reward and should mean more to you then its dollar value. Now my morning espresso reminds me of what I have accomplished and more importantly what I can accomplish if I can stay motivated.
That's how I do it, how about you?
Cheers
-Gavin

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Artbygavin.com

2010-12-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

Seasons Greetings Everyone

I just wanted to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes for the holiday season. This year my card was inspired by special someone who gave the world the gift of top secret government documents.
Here's hopping you have a happy and safe holiday.
Cheers
-Gavin

Post No Bills - A Celebration of the Film Poster

2010-09-08T13:08:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone

So my friends and I are doing another poster show this year and you are officially invited. Post No Bills - A Celebration of the Film Poster will be having it's main gallery night on Sunday September 12th 2010 (click the link for details). It will be an evening of great posters, exquisite popcorn appetizers and music from your favorite soundtracks.

Here is a sample of my poster for the show. It's my alternate take on a sci-fi classic that I couldn't resist bringing to life
Hope to see you at the show
Cheers
-Gavin

New Work

2010-07-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone

There is some new work in the portfolio section of my site. Go check it out.
www.artbygavin.com

Here is a sampleAnd please do let me know what you think either here or on my Facebook page.
Cheers
-Gavin

Fan Appreciation Expo This Weekend - Prints for Sale!

2010-06-03T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone

I'll be at the Fan Appreciation Expo in Toronto this weekend selling prints of my work. It will be at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in building hall G.

Here are some samples of what I'll have available (minus the watermarks of course). I will also have some buttons for sale to decorate your "European carry-all".
And remember, this work is also available for purchase on my website, artbygavin.com.
Hope to see you there.
Cheers
-Gavin

Site Update - New Work

2010-05-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang

Got some new work on the site and an update to the portfolio section. This one is about the beauty of micro-transactions. I also have a table at a ComiCon in Toronto this June, all the details will be in the next post.
Cheers
-Gavin

Illustration Friday Submission - "Rescue"

2010-04-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends

Here is an illustration I did for this week's Illustration Friday theme of "Rescue".
Hope you enjoyed it, feel free to comment.
Have a great Easter weekend
Cheers
-Gavin

Illustration Friday Submission - "Expired"

2010-03-25T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys

I decided to partake in this weeks Illustration Friday theme of "Expired". First, please enjoy the final. Many of you have probably experienced this horror once in your life.
Now for some process sketches for those who are interested. I started off with a different kind of approach but just wasn't feel'n it.Then I moved onto a more environment based composition and made some adjustments in Photoshop. Then I did an ink, scanned it and started to colour it.

Rough 1
Rough 2
Final
I wanted to try some new stuff (since that's what Illustration Friday is for) and I'm happy with the results.

Let me know what you think of the final
Cheers
-Gavin

Artbygavin Poster Shop Now Online!

2010-03-14T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogosphere

Just have a little announcement for you all...
Enjoy!
-Gavin

Done!

2010-02-15T16:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Internet

My new poster is finished. It was inspired by this book I have that is full of great Sci-fi, Fantasy and Horror art from the mid to late 20th century. I'm a big fan of the late, great Dan O'bannon and 70's Sci-fi design so I thought I use a bit of ti and add some modern rendering. Let me know what you think.Cheers
-Gavin

New Poster on the Way!

2010-02-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone

Just wanted to tease you with a nibble from my new poster. Should be done soon.

Cheers
-Gavin

Robots and the Start of a New Year

2010-01-22T09:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone

Hope you all had a great holiday season. Mine was really fun but was also very busy. I must say that it is nice to get back to some drawing. I've been working on a new illustration for Feathertale that I'll show you more for once it going to print (here's a hint, its the next cover).

In the mean time, Here are some doodles I did on the train over the holidays. I might do some more with this, maybe in time for my table at the ComiCon.

Cheers
-Gavin

Season's Greetings From Gavin McCarthy and Artbygavin.com

2009-12-18T06:17:00.000-08:00

Hey Internet, Happy Holidays!

Just wanted to wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
Cheers
-Gavin

Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes

2009-11-06T16:37:00.000-08:00

Good Evening Internet

So I have finished my contribution to the Post No Bills rock poster show. I present to you Figrin D'an and the Model Nodes!

However, before I show you the final I would like to show you some of my process. I started with a character study as you may have seen in m previous post. I will forgo putting it up a second time as you can just scroll to see it again.

The first major thing after my character studies and research (I used Wookipedia extensively) is the rough layout. This gives me a good start point for the composition and lets me see what is working and what isn't.

After that I pencil out the final on some good paper and start inking. I use Strathmore paper (100lb) with Winsor and Newton black india ink drawn with a Hunt's 512 nib and a NO2 sable brush.

After this I scan the ink drawing (usually in parts given the size of my scanner) and set up my file for colouring. Each digital painting session is different and I usually use whatever methods and brush presets best suit the mood of the image. This piece required the use of textures to give a nice "worn souvenir" look. After that the image is finished and ready for some prepress tweaks and then off to the client/printer.

And that's about it. I am always happy to answer any questions about how I do things. In all honesty most of my recent tricks were learned through blog posts and artists who were nice enough to indulge my "how's you do that?" moments.

Have a nice weekend and don't forget, if you are in Toronto on Sunday November 15th be sure to stop by Leslie Jones, 1182 Queen Street East, for an evening of art for sale with live performances by Jerry Leger and the Situation, Wade Benson, and Mr Rodger.

Hope to see you there
Cheers
-Gavin

Figrin Dan Sketch

2009-10-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Internets

I did a sketch of one of my favorite Star Wars characters. I am playing with a Colour version that I will post later this week. This is for a secret project so Shhh... (this will just be between us)Cheers
-Gavin

Space Rangers and The Red Ring of Death

2009-10-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

Hey all

So I have been working on some new illustrations, couple posters and some side projects. Also, my Xbox died last week (RROD for those in the know) so I have been getting some extra drawing time and bonus walks for the dog. I have a few meeting this week and I will let you know how they go, might be some interesting work coming up.

Here is a sketch that I might make into a full painting.
Cheers
-Gavin

Site Update, New Illustrations and Desktop Wallpaper

2009-09-16T11:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang
Site update, link below.

Enjoy!
-Gavin

Show Finished... Need sleep.

2009-09-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

Hello all

So the Speakeasy's Illustration show was awesome. Thanks to everyone who came out, it was great to meet so many people while surrounded by such a great selection of work. Here are some photos of my display for those or you who missed it.

As for the main attraction, here is a sample of the poster (it will be going on the site this week).

I'm off for some much needed r&r.
Cheers
-Gavin

Speakeasy's Show This Thursday - New Work!

2009-08-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Hello All

So I'm going to be in the Speakeasy Illustration Show this Thursday and you should come see me and my new work. I will have one of my largest pieces in recent history on display (6 sq-feet of inking). Any of you who played video games in a laundromat will appreciate it even more.

Also, here is another new illustration of mine, let me know what you think.
It's titled "Koopa Troopa Trouble"

Well, back to it.
Hope too see you Thursday
Cheers
-Gavin

Birthday

2009-08-08T12:36:00.001-07:00

It's my Birthday

That is all
-Gavin

Vacation Week - Update

2009-08-05T06:25:00.000-07:00

Hey Friends

So Lindsay and I are on a little vacation this week. We decided to take some time off to recharge since we are both independent contractors and often forget to take time off for ourselves. This week we are relaxing and checking our some things in the city that we often neglect because "we live in the city and it'll be there tomorrow". However, anyone who calls it a "stay-cation" will loose 20 friendship points because it a dumb word for dumb people. Here is what we have done thus far...

Saturday - Dinner with Jamie, Matt and Emily
Sunday - Watched some "meh" sci-fi and had dinner at Dizzy's Gastro Pub with Ian and Dalia.
Monday - Picnic at Sherwood Park with Ziggy (our dog) and saw The Decemberists with Jer.
Tuesday - Went the the AGO, coffee and danish at a cafe and dinner in Chinatown.
Today - Coffee with Jess-Z and maybe others.
Tomorrow - has yet to come.

I will post again later this week. My Birthday is on Saturday so I'll let you know how it goes.
And now a sketch of an ugly alien...

Cheers
-Gavin

Really?!?... REALLY!

2009-07-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hey Gang

So I have been having some trouble hunting down my income tax return over the last couple months. I found out today that some jerk-faced cheat stole it and cashed it on my behalf. I am surprised that in a world that requires me to have computer chip verification for a burger and fries still harbors such actions as walking into a Money Mart with some other person's government issued check and walking out WITH THEIR BLOODY MONEY!

So I drew a picture to make me feel better. This is the type of person I currently imagine is enjoying my money. Halfway through it I started to feel sympathy for the poor bastard, maybe he was once a proud man who has lost his way. Perhaps he was once wealthy and is ashamed of what he must now resort to just to buy food. A tragic story of loss and the sacrifice of ethics and morals in exchange for ones own survival...or maybe he's just some asshole with my money.
-Gavin

Kingston Trip Sketches

2009-07-26T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hey All

So here are some quick sketches from my trip to Kingston last week.

My stuff (left) and the person across from me (right)

The cover of my current reading at the time
(left; A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. Amazing read)
And an extrapolation of the scenery (right)

The laziest cafe attendant ever, and I use to work at a Starbucks with Leon (aka Shuffles)
(3min on the phone with her back to a costumer... tisk tisk lady)

So yeah, The trip went well considering the circumstances and my time back has been good. I have been able to get some crap in order and my desk all clean and ready to go. I've been sketching some Sci-fi stuff as of late and will post some samples soon. I also just started a little project with Rubicon and it looks like it could provide some fun additions to the portfolio.

Also, I just joined up with Taxi Design portfolios. I will upload a post if there are any changes to the profile.

Until next time
Cheers
-Gavin

Book Launch!

2009-07-14T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone

Sorry for dropping off the face of the earth this last month but I been having some very Charlie Brown weeks lately. Good news is that I just finished a nice little job and will be getting back to some portfolio work.

Also...

I just noticed that a book I did for Rubicon Publishing back in February is now up on Oxford University Press' website.

You can see some samples on my site in the children's book section of the portfolio.

I am heading to Kingston for a few days to see my folks. Expect some more frequent posts on my return.

Cheers
-Gavin

Sketches

2009-06-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

Some sketches of faces that don't look like me.
-Gavin

True Stories

2009-06-02T08:05:00.001-07:00

I really couldn't have made this up.
-Gavin

Up made me tear up a little... but in a manly way

2009-05-31T08:33:00.000-07:00

So Lindsay and I saw Up last night and I have to say that it pulled on my heart strings with the force of a thousand Iron Giants. I have to say that I am starting to dig this digital 3D stuff and Pixar really did a nice job with it. Monsters VS Aliens was fun but it was a little gimmicky at times; but given their 50 cult film inspiration it was totally forgivable. The use of the 3D in Up was very subtle for the most part and it was used more for providing a sense of depth and spacial volume then thoes "pow, in yo face" moments. This should help the film's enjoyment on DVD without the feeling of "is something is missing?".

So yeah, go see it in theaters. It was a real treat for the eyes and brain. Maybe if Wolverine was in 3D and had talking dogs... one can only dream.

-Gavin

New Blog

2009-05-30T15:13:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would start a new blog. Expect some sketches and random brain-junk.

Till then
-Gavin