Saturday, June 30, 2007

HOME!

Hello all. I am back in Canada. Sigh. It's funny to say home because when I say 'back home' I mean NZ not canada. So everyone here is confused except me. So. Been home about 3 days in total and it's been a very long three days. Have the creative itch but haven't made anything yet. So hopefully next week, illustrations will be made, cards will be created and all of my creatives from NZ will arrive in the mail safe and sound. (HOPING!!)

Again. I am lame and have no work for anyone, but soon enough me and miss dishy will be up and running, so stay tuned.

xox Mishe.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Wacom minus one.

Well. I am definately missing my wacom at this point. I am drawing like mad right now but really miss the ease of digital illustration. I guess when I get another one, I will be drawing like a mad woman. Currently I am thinking about my book projects, and I have a couple of projects with another writer too, but I think I am going to venture out and paint that one. I miss painting a lot, even though I am rubbish at it, I still would like to paint some more.

So. Please be patient, I will post some rather fun work in a wee while... so check back later on! :)

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Fire! Napsack Bench!

I think my building was on fire, but I have returned and it seems to be ok. It even brought people together. And it brought a man and his napsack together as he was just sitting out front having one great conversation with it. I never tried to talk to my carry case... I may try in a more private environment. Not the front stoop of my building.

Love Nz.

In another note. There is another lad that seems to really work my hood. He's lovely, barefooted, and always having the best conversations with himself. I adore is salmon coloured Tee, and hope that he's going well today. Yesterday he was seen fighting a park bench. I am hoping he won.. but one has to wonder what the bench said first...

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Monster Put on Pants


Here's a monster caught in the act.

New Book.


So just drawing some stuff for my new book. Here's a small taste.

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Marshmellow Bliss xox


Everyone needs a day of bliss. Bliss is in the bottom of my Perk-Up Hot Chocolates, where the lovely lad puts a marshmellow in for me. It's always a lovely surprise.

Everyone needs Bliss.

Monday, June 4, 2007

Image in Header?

PS. Anyone know how to get their image in their header? I have tried several times and it never seems to upload. It takes about 9 hours on the loading page, but never ends up loading... And that makes me sad. .Any help?

Goddess.


Hey, here is another series I am working on, it's a goddess sort of horoscope series, I hadn't posted yet. Working on my new children's book at the moment. It's basically awesome. And no Mike, I won't tell you so you'll steal it, you'll just have to purchase it! hahaha.

M

Thursday, May 17, 2007

The Wiggles.

Ok, I'll agree their tunes are catchy, and their shows are pretty good, and if I did have children, they would definately be listening to The Wiggles instead of that crappy Barney guy. But, does it creep anyone out that the Wiggles guys are like, men in their 40s? That's like my dad starting up a group.

Anywho. I'm a little creeped out about it.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

RUBY GLOOM.


My newest love. RUBY GLOOM. She's got me written all over her. Swirlies, Lots of eyelashes, freckles, haunting gloomy stuff, and wonderful animation. I am so super in love. Plus, she's vector! Everybody loves vector!!

So, I've been making a bunch of cards, and illustrations, and I'm opening my Etsy and Cafepress stores this week, I'll let you know about my grand openings.

Anywho. I put some Flickr shots up if anyone wants to check it.

xox M.

PS Just to clarify, I didn't draw her! She's not mine! She is a TV show, check her out www.rubygloom.com

Wednesday, May 9, 2007

Back to the Future.

Allo! I'm finally home. Phew. It's been a long trip, but I had such a great time seeing my Ma and Pa again. I missed them heaps.
Be prepared for a super fine update.

In the words of Raoul, Peace out.

Thursday, May 3, 2007

sunshine lollipops and rainbows....

hey guys! it's perfectly sunny today. it's been raining basically the whole time I've been on the south island. Anywho. Back to the north island today. Hope everyone is good. Miss you heaps.
xox M.
(PS THREE, yes THREE new stories have been developed... I'm a machine.)

Monday, April 30, 2007

TRAVELTHON

Hey everybody. I'm travelling the south island so obviously, in my back pack I didn't bring a scanner. I did however bring my sketch book, so expect new work posted when I return home in a few weeks. Since no one cares for my old blog anymore, I am just going to update this one for now, until my stupid website starts to work. (augh. the bain of my existense) Travels are going, came up with another children's book idea, but... not quite in the making yet. Everyone make sure that you check out Crystal Driedger's stuff (and buy it), and my good friend Mike Boldt. That kid basically taught me how to draw. (Well. Not really, but he honed my skills.) Plus. I'd just like to shout out to my other half, who has decided to move to Vancouver. You're rad. I'm sad. But I hope you an Joshie find the ultimate success out there. Check out www.thelemontree.com for her work. I shall visit them frequently for nights of debauchery, pizza hut in your new hallway and Josh doing the robot for us at 4am.(Sigh. I miss that......) I shall also continue to yell inappropriately in old lady fabric stores, talk about sex in Michael's and will go to Halo and tell the mini sluts that they ruined it for us. Because we are 30 and have the right to tell them where to go. Crystal will need to upgrade her sweetiness to crazy,loud, fun time ladiness during your absence. I will ruin her "lovely" persona, and greg will probably divorce her and me too.

I've seen some really incredible artwork in the last while, there is a fantastic printmaker that i need everyone to check out, unfortunately I left his details in auckland so I'll give him a shout when I get back. Saw seals instead of my favs (penguins) today, but that's alright. I am banking on Dunedin for those. If not. I shall move away from New Zealand and never return. Well. I can no longer officially afford this post. Miss you guys, cheers, xox m.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

what's that you say?

people need to comment on my site more. because, my site is lonely. and I'm lonely. so people should tell me I draw good.

hahahhahaha.

Ahem. Reintroducing.. Me.



"What's that? Oh Hi! Yes it is me with brown hair" (That's the play I was re-enacting in my wee montage here.)

well well. we all know how I love to change my hair drastically. I tried to talk my new hair dresser into drastic brown, like nelly furtado brown (it makes blue eyes pop), but she wanted to be more subtle. So anywho, here it is, reintroducing me. I've had brown hair before, and my own best friend didn't even recognize me, so when I went into work today, nobody recognized me either. It's me!

No work lately. Well, I drew this bee for a client, but it never got used so.. here's a lovely bee.

Oh ps. I leave for the south island soon, so I'll see you all in a month or so!! xoxo. m

Sunday, April 15, 2007

There's new law in town.


Sorry, one last posting tonight. This is my latest character, he's Sheriff Chappy. He's got a moostache and he rarely backs down from a fight. He doesn't like to hang out with my other dudes, he feels they are beneathe - THE LAW. So. He mostly struts around my apartment making people and plants feel inadequate. He will be on sale soon, with a few other dudes.
Plus he comes with a sheriff's badge, wearable to the purchaser. (Hopefully someone who is about 5 years old. But, any 28 year old guy could pull it off too.)

Yee haw. (It says on the back of his pants.)

Bulls + Rams



Ok, so digging through my computer, I finally found these scans. I remember ending up not liking the photoshop colours I did on the bull, so I'll have to go back. I still have quite a few of these characters to scan in.

But. It's 2am and I am getting tired so, I'll leave you all in suspense.

Monster Mash.





well. I have this idea for another children's book. haha, actually I have several ideas stewing away, but this is the first of the many sketches to come. I'm sort of behind on the whole posting, scanning lately. Since teaching photoshop, I am trying to warm up to it. I still really love Illustrator, and can't really seem to part ways with the lovely lass. I am experimenting in photoshop, but.. I'm not really liking the results.

I'm doing a few freelance jobs at the mo, so that's alright. Except for the fact that I have yet to obtain a full time job, and am about to embark on a wee tour of the islands with my old's. SO... where will that money come from... ?? Santa Money Claus?

Anywho. so here are my sketches... wee. I like them. Although, I always seem to sketch in ballpoint pen, and just love the results of them. When I try to colour them, I get hugely disappointed. I've coloured a few of these, I'll up load them later.

Well, I hope everyone had a lovely weekend, I went to see a friend's band, Tahuna Breaks on Saturday, and they weren't fab, they were SUPER FAB. It's true. We had a good boogie down, and some fantastically expensive sangria. Oh and I got hit on by some old guy. One thing I have noticed in NZ compared to Canada, boys don't feel you up as you walk around in bars. I like that. It's respectful, and way less dirty. Why are Canadian boys such horn dogs? Anyone remember the Thunderdome? I used to have to walk with my back alongside the walls so the bikers wouldn't feel me up.

mm... sorry this children's book story blog morphed into feel ups. You know me. I love a good feel up. Ask Carmen.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Lefthanded Vampire Sherriff*


So I've been having arm problems lately. I was in a car accident a few years ago, and sometimes my old war injury seems to act up. So, Anywhoodle. I've starting training my lefthand to illustrate. I mean, I can write with both hands, why can't I illustrate with both hands. So here' s my lefthanded illustration.

I think it's awesome.

Sunday, April 1, 2007

life lesson learned.

I seem to be saying that a lot lately. I seem to be learning heaps lately.
You go through experiences and you learn. You probably learn the hard way, and get stung. I have been stung. Many many times it seems. But. It's a learning curve and hopefully I don't make the same mistakes twice. Designers, illustrators, artists, and anyone else in the world, can be abused. People think they can use you, walk all over you. We need to stand up for ourselves, believe in ourselves, believe in our talents and believe that we aren't just a bunch of monkeys. You gotta fight for your right....etc... So. That's my big thing at the mo really. Just, covering all the bases, making sure that just because people want my work, it doesn't mean they get "mates rates", it doesn't mean I can be taken advantage of, and it doesn't mean I am going to let myself be abused in that manner. It is unprofessional, on both parts.

So. "Buck up" as I tell myself. Get solid contracts that support my rights as an artist. Otherwise, there are some dodgies out there that will take you for everything you're worth. (and maybe more for some people.)

M.

Vance Stole my Youth and my Playstation.

A quote by one of my favorite people on earth. I'm not saying Vance stole my youth, but I am saying that in my "late twenties" (which I offically turned last year) I have realized that the internet and television has really damaged my creativity.
I wouldn't even say damaged so much has made my brain completely lazy. I'm trying brand the hardest client. Me. Oye. What the heck do I want? I dunno. No idea.

So. Let's get back to it! Pencils, pens, matrix's and not beginning every design on the computer! Hoorah!!

Tuesday, March 27, 2007

Copyright Michelle McBride 2007

Hey, we're all aware this page is Copyrighted so any artwork appearing here is MINE peoples. I have heard rumours of people tracing some of my work. That's a big fat no no. Got it?

New Friends.


We love to play playstation! Although, we can't afford a new Playstation 3!

(So, I've just made my wee squid today. So my two little monsters have been hanging out, getting to know eachother and chatting at why my Squidee only has one shoe and why my Polka Dot Monster is brandishing a large head wound covered by a crown. {I don't know how to sew that hole shut, so it's pretty hideous}. {I also need to point out that when I teach at school my technical term for "{}" these brackets are called French Brackets because I am not sure what they are called, but they look fancy and french to me.} The Squid only has one shoe because my arm has been really sore these past few days and it just got too painful to work on.)


I'm makin some wee note cards, I've doodled these as of late, and I thought they were funny and cute, and I could send them to my mum for her birthday instead of a cheesy card. (Or crude. I'm a wee bit crude.)

I was able to teach a class with industry people yesterday (I was a busy bee yesterday) It was really nice actually. Carm always tells me I need more real world experience, as I have only really worked for one design company. So it was lovely to talk to people about their jobs and work and ra ra ra just to get different perspective. One guy actually mocked me because I forgot to turn something to outlines, so when it went to print it got all wonky. haha.. (he didn't offensively mock me. but he questioned my actions. My rubtle was that I innocently forgot.)

Anywhoodle. It was lovely to meet new people and talk about design and such. I liked it. And I was lucky enough to learn even MORE about illustrator. Wee!! So, if you need help- I can help!!

The stock portfolio will be in full swing again tomorrow. I am still wanting to make a few greeting cards, I'm still making some wee little sewn characters (to be posted above) but I am really wanting to get my website up and getting some more illustrations done.

As of today I have been approved for about 35 Amercian Visa's. Apparently America wants me. They want me bad.

STAY TUNED.

Unknown Author

I read this on blog.illustrationcastle.com. Good times.

“Every day, there are more and more CL posts seeking “artists” for everything from auto graphics to comic books to corporate logo designs. More people are finding themselves in need of some form of illustrative service.

But what they’re NOT doing, unfortunately, is realizing how rare someone with these particular talents can be.

To those who are “seeking artists”, let me ask you; How many people do you know, personally, with the talent and skill to perform the services you need? A dozen? Five? One? …none?

More than likely, you don’t know any. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be posting on craigslist to find them.

And this is not really a surprise.

In this country, there are almost twice as many neurosurgeons as there are professional illustrators. There are eleven times as many certified mechanics. There are SEVENTY times as many people in the IT field.

So, given that they are less rare, and therefore less in demand, would it make sense to ask your mechanic to work on your car for free? Would you look him in the eye, with a straight face, and tell him that his compensation would be the ability to have his work shown to others as you drive down the street?

Would you offer a neurosurgeon the “opportunity” to add your name to his resume as payment for removing that pesky tumor? (Maybe you could offer him “a few bucks” for “materials”. What a deal!)

Would you be able to seriously even CONSIDER offering your web hosting service the chance to have people see their work, by viewing your website, as their payment for hosting you?

If you answered “yes” to ANY of the above, you’re obviously insane. If you answered “no”, then kudos to you for living in the real world.

But then tell me… why would you think it is okay to live out the same, delusional, ridiculous fantasy when seeking someone whose abilities are even less in supply than these folks?

Graphic artists, illustrators, painters, etc., are skilled tradesmen. As such, to consider them as, or deal with them as, anything less than professionals fully deserving of your respect is both insulting and a bad reflection on you as a sane, reasonable person. In short, it makes you look like a twit.

A few things you need to know;

1. It is not a “great opportunity” for an artist to have his work seen on your car/’zine/website/bedroom wall, etc. It IS a “great opportunity” for YOU to have their work there.

2. It is not clever to seek a “student” or “beginner” in an attempt to get work for free. It’s ignorant and insulting. They may be “students”, but that does not mean they don’t deserve to be paid for their hard work. You were a “student” once, too. Would you have taken that job at McDonalds with no pay, because you were learning essential job skills for the real world? Yes, your proposition it JUST as stupid.

3. The chance to have their name on something that is going to be seen by other people, whether it’s one or one million, is NOT a valid enticement. Neither is the right to add that work to their “portfolio”. They get to do those things ANYWAY, after being paid as they should. It’s not compensation. It’s their right, and it’s a given.

4. Stop thinking that you’re giving them some great chance to work. Once they skip over your silly ad, as they should, the next ad is usually for someone who lives in the real world, and as such, will pay them. There are far more jobs needing these skills than there are people who possess these skills.

5. Students DO need “experience”. But they do NOT need to get it by giving their work away. In fact, this does not even offer them the experience they need. Anyone who will not/can not pay them is obviously the type of person or business they should be ashamed to have on their resume anyway. Do you think professional contractors list the “experience” they got while nailing down a loose step at their grandmother’s house when they were seventeen?

If you your company or gig was worth listing as desired experience, it would be able to pay for the services it received. The only experience they will get doing free work for you is a lesson learned in what kinds of scrubs they should not lower themselves to deal with.

6. (This one is FOR the artists out there, please pay attention.) Some will ask you to “submit work for consideration”. They may even be posing as some sort of “contest”. These are almost always scams. They will take the work submitted by many artists seeking to win the “contest”, or be “chosen” for the gig, and find what they like most. They will then usually have someone who works for them, or someone who works incredibly cheap because they have no originality or talent of their own, reproduce that same work, or even just make slight modifications to it, and claim it as their own. You will NOT be paid, you will NOT win the contest. The only people who win, here, are the underhanded folks who run these ads. This is speculative, or “spec”, work. It’s risky at best, and a complete scam at worst. I urge you to avoid it, completely. For more information on this subject, please visit www.no-spec.com.

So to artists/designers/illustrators looking for work, do everyone a favor, ESPECIALLY yourselves, and avoid people who do not intend to pay you. Whether they are “spec” gigs, or just some guy who wants a free mural on his living room walls. They need you. You do NOT need them.

And for those who are looking for someone to do work for free… please wake up and join the real world. The only thing you’re accomplishing is to insult those with the skills you need. Get a clue.” – Annonymous / Unknown

Friday, March 23, 2007


well, these are closer, but I forgot to put the suitcase in on the flight attendent, so I have to do that. And darken my colors a lot more. I am a sucker for subtle colors. But, I'm having fun. Although, I am having fun but poorer than poor... stink. That's ok. I hope to get some work coming soon. (Hoping.) And I hope this stock illustration comes together soon.

Other then that, just watching a british movie, and it's super duper funny.

I'd try to be funny here, but I'm tired, hot, and sleepy. So. I promise tomorrow, to be funny alrightee?

Later.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Eat This!


Well here is my second installment, it's a bakery. It's still not done, I have to add in the goodies and cakes and stuff, but I like where this one is going too. I think my last piece will be a giraffe. I likey giraffes.

Surprisingly, I am using the Pen tool more and more lately. I'm shying away from the pencil and brush. Mostly because I am working so much with a mouse for work that I am kind of getting back into old habits I guess. The pen tool is easier to work with, with a mouse. I am amazed at people who can illustrate with a mouse. It takes me ten times longer.

I'm teaching a lot of illustrator lately, which is good because I love it. It's the greatest program I know. However, I have an advanced class during the week that's a little unnerving. I have lots of studying to do in the next day or so.

Anywho. I'll keep posting.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Wear These!



We-ll, I finally got to a hardware store and sorted my stuff out. I can finally post these and sell them and people around the world can love them. I haven't been to the beach in a really long time :(, but next time I go, I will find more of these babies.
Anywho. Yay Done!

Take Off!


Well Hi Y'all.
I'm still working on my horoscope series, with a few new ideas going along with. And some sewing along with. And I am loving every minute of it. I also get a lot more time off in the next few weeks as I only have a few classes at the mo. Although, they keep giving me more day by day, which is good!! Because I am so very berry poor, and I need a hair cut. A special shout to my lovely brother that gave me free cash the other day. He is the best brother in the world. Nobody can top him.( and I'd say that even without the cash you know.)

Anywho. Right now I am working on a Stock Portfolio. no no, I am not going into the Stock Market. Hell, I dunno what that is even. But I am making a Stock IMAGERY portfolio. I am hoping that this one pays off, I know some people say it's not the best way to go, but I think that it will get my name out in the world and hopefully people will buy my stuff and love me as much as I love my favorite artists.

Here's one of my first images, I have five that I am working on at the mo. This is the only one that I have worked on in illustrator. My colors may be off as my wee little computer is hard to work on and the LCD screen always seems to throw me for a loop. I miss my computer at home with it's gigantic monitor and sluggish qualities. haha.. well, not the sluggishness. But I do miss a moniter (spelling? monitor?) larger than 14 inches.

As for posting and working on my own stuff, it's really been on the side lines lately, just with work (Teaching) and all my extra side jobs. Phew. Busy.

Well. I'll keep you posted, I am having a Pantone dilemma this week and it's causing hair loss, so this will probably be it for my posts for awhile.. although, I have to get my work to this stock company soon so my evenings will be full of illustrator funness and calls to my mum and dad. Or "Bev" as I have lovingly renamed them. You know, the whole "Bennifer" craze.

Alright. Over and out. Oh, PS it's Terry's birthday. So wish him birthday goodness.

M.

Monday, February 26, 2007

Goat a Scope


Well, here's the first in the series. I drew him first and I really found the style and liked it right away. They get funnier. I really like the Bull. He's wearing a tweed suit and is late for a meeting. I'm teaching a lot of photoshop things lately, so I have branched off and am using photoshop, which is really rare for me since I mainly only strictly use illustrator. But everybody needs a change I am sure.

Alightee.... Gotta get sewin today.

xox

Makin Stuff.


Doodle. I am busy. SO BUSY. I'm teaching at a Design College at the mo, and trying to get my illustration going as well as doing some accessories. I like to make stuff... or I need to satisfy the creative urge a lot. Right now I am working on a set of Horoscopes. I have three sets in the making. One is Greek Goddesses (inspired by my 'House of Goddess' neighbours.) The next is my fav, Animals wearing suits and so forth. I like them a lot. My third is 'HorrorScopes' and that is a bunch of monsters and such. So. I'm having fun. Teaching has really inspired me to get it together and really get my work out there. So in order to pay rent and eat crackers, I must get my stuff out there.

How to describe my stuff? oye. I dunno. I'll start posting within the week. I vary in styles constantly, for my old job, I used to have to vary so much, it was just a habit to get into. I like that I have many styles. I make sure they are all really successful for the final pieces.

Anywho. Check back for more work. Later!

Saturday, January 27, 2007

New new

So here is my first post on this new blog. My old blog is.. well old and I want a new one. so, this one will include my Miss Dishy work as well as some artworks and other poos that I do. So keep posted, I'll fix it up shortly, I'm just super busy right now!!