Gambling Memoirs
Client: Vegas Seven Magazine Art Director: Lauren Stewart
For this week’s Arts and Entertainment Reading section in Vegas Seven Magazine, I was asked to illustrate two contrasting stories about gambling in one spot. The article is entitled, “Of Girls and Gambling” in which “Two new female-penned memoirs show the spectrum of gambling, from addiction to ecstasy,” written by Richard Abowitz.
What Happens Here Doesn’t Stay Here Anymore…
Perhaps you have heard the ad campaign for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, “What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas?” It is only considered one of the most successful branding efforts in advertising history.
Vegas Seven Magazine Magazine asked me to illustrate their interesting article that asks the question, “What Happens When What Happens Here Doesn’t Stay Here Anymore?”
This illustration was very complex with so many figures and costumes, but c’mon—how often do you get to illustrate a pirate text messaging?
Bring it, 2010!
The Las Vegas Weekly advises “Let’s forget the epic suckage of 2009; here are 36 reasons you should give next year a chance…”
This is the first time I have gotten a chance to paint Barry Manilow–have to say, he and that nose made the job fun. Having a cover illustration is a very nice way to end the year.
Greg Hildebrandt
The Hildebrandt brothers were a huge influence on me growing up and I still enjoy seeing Greg’s work, (Robin Hood most recently.) When my wife pointed out to me that Greg Hildebrandt would be making an appearance at the Sahara West library in Las Vegas October 13th, I marked it on my calendar and was not disappointed. Greg discussed his adaptation of the comic strip Terry and the Pirates, his influences growing up as well as a wealth of other engrossing topics. His wife Jean (who also happens to be his Representative) was equally fascinating to talk to and learn from. Greg remains passionate and speaks with an enthusiasm as vivid as his illustrations.
Gubernatorial Scene at a Glance
This is a double page spread for The Las Vegas Weekly’s “Who Wants to be our Governor?” article in the October 1-7, 2009 issue. I had fun with this parody as I was asked to draw seven different faces, including Jim Gibbons and Oscar Goodman.
Obama’s trip to Nevada
Art Director: Ryan Olbrysh for Las Vegas Weekly
Apparently, President Obama declined a meeting with the Governor of Nevada (Jim Gibbons) during his trip to Las Vegas on May 26th. In response, the Las Vegas Weekly contacted me to illustrate this “snub” by contrasting his cozy relationship with Senator Harry Reid to his indifference to the seemingly powerless Governor.
Sex Tax
Art Director: Ryan Olbrysh for the Las Vegas Weekly
For the April 9–15, 2009 issue of the Las Vegas Weekly, I painted this illustration for an article titled “(Getting Dirty) Ask Not What Your State Can Do For You… Las Vegas Weekly proposes extending the $5 sex-act tax.”
It is an interesting and satirical spot illustrating a true story about the proposed bill that would tax prostitution at $5 per “session” in Nevada.
This illustration was demanding mostly because of the photo reference. As I rely on models for reference, it is never easy to request someone to pose nude— but it is even harder when you are asking someone to pose nude as a prostitute (or a patron!)
Thankfully, I know and rely on several very talented, generous and understanding models.
The Killers
- Art Direction: Ryan Olbrysh at the Las Vegas Weekly
Back in December of 2008, Ryan Olbrysh at the Las Vegas weekly requested an illustration for the review of the new Killers’ album (stipulating that they be illustrated to resemble the four main characters from the Wizard of Oz.)
Why Las Vegas won’t host a political convention anytime soon
- Art Director: Benjamen Purvis for the Las Vegas weekly
(Duh)
Lucky Sevens
Beth Schwarz for Luxury Las Vegas Magazine
Luxury Las Vegas magazine asked me to illustrate a full page image depicting the popularity of the date July 7th, 2007 (7-7-07) for weddings.
It must have been a popular image, because it was reprinted in the Review Journal!
Joel Nakamura
Joel Nakamura
Joel Nakamura came to Las Vegas for a Neoteny seminar on the 10th of March. He was here two years ago when I met him for the first time.
During his most recent visit, I painted his portrait and he was kind enough to sign it.
Neoteny is defined as “the retention of juvenile features in the adult animal.”
Las Vegas personalities
- Art Director: Beth Schwarz for Luxury Las Vegas Magazine
Luxury Las Vegas profiled four Las Vegas personalities and had me illustrate each one’s portrait.
Pictured are Governor Kenny Guinn, President of UNLV Carol Harter, Sheriff Bill Young, and Richard “Dick” Morgan dean of UNLV’s Boyd School of Law.
Meeting Shag!
Josh "SHAG" Agle
I went to First Friday on assignment on the 7th of October. While I was there I met Josh Agle. “better known as “SHAG!”
Josh is a commercial artist with an impressive list of clients. One of my favorite projects he designed was some work he did for Disneyland, be sure to check it out—especially at the Disneyland gallery in Anaheim the next time you happen to be at “the Happiest Place on Earth.”
Martha Stewart builds “Marthaville” in Las Vegas
Art Director: Benjamen Purvis for the Las Vegas Weekly
Apparently, Martha Stewart agreed to sell her name to a home construction corporation in Las Vegas—clearly in an effort to add some Martha style clout to their brand. This was my snarky take on what Martha might actually bring to a home building project.