Brian Taylor Illustration

February Birthdays

2012-02-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

MICHAEL JORDAN: Feb. 17, 1963

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: Feb. 12, 1809

RIHANNA : Feb. 20, 1988

KURT COBAIN: Feb. 20, 1967

JOHN TRAVOLTA: Feb. 18, 1954

John Stott for February 2012 Christianity Today

2012-01-30T09:37:00.002-05:00

Portrait for the CT Review section of Christianity Today.

Walter Mosley for The Washington Post

2012-01-24T09:19:00.001-05:00

I was asked to illustrate a portrait of crime novel writer Walter Mosley for the cover of The Washington Post Sunday Style section (January 22, 2012 edition.) His latest novel was set in modern day New York City, so an alley way or NYC landscape was the obvious choice to be a backdrop for the portrait.

I thought blue would be the perfect color palette, so didn’t give any other color options. We almost went with one of the roughs where Mosley was holding a revolver himself but at the last second decided against it. I did get to illustrate the revolver to be put in the text as an accent image.

Thanks to Allie for the assignment!

Job Relocation Obstacles for Workforce Management

2012-01-17T08:05:00.002-05:00

Illustration for Workforce Managment's newsletter on how companies are tightening up their relocation programs.

Full Page for the February 2012 Issue of Stocks & Commodities

2012-01-17T08:04:00.001-05:00

Illo Confidential!!!

2012-01-13T13:31:00.002-05:00

Well what started out as a private group on Facebook where we could piss and moan about stuff has now turned into a fullblown illustrative collective and blog. We're still tweaking things on the website but please bookmark, like and follow us at:

http://www.illoconfidential.com

http://www.facebook.com/illoconfidential

http://www.twitter.com/illocon

The 20 artists of Illo Confidential: Brett Affrunti • Kelsey Dake • Alex Fine • Daniel Fishel • Michael Freiheit • Chris Gash • Daniel Hertzberg • Thomas James • Joel Kimmel • Patrick McQuade • Keith Negley • Jacqui Oakley • Noah Pfarr • Thomas Pitilli • Peter Ryan • Ryan Snook • Jon Sperry • Brian Taylor • Kyle T. Webster • Daniel Zalkus

January Birthdays

2012-01-03T08:04:00.004-05:00

WAYNE GRETZKY: Jan. 26, 1961
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.: Jan. 15, 1929
JANUARY JONES: Jan. 5, 1978
DAVID BOWIE: Jan. 8, 1947
OPRAH WINFREY: Jan. 29, 1954
RICHARD NIXON: Jan. 9, 1913

Iggy Pop!

2011-12-29T21:10:00.002-05:00

Bruce Springsteen

2011-12-27T07:54:00.002-05:00

Heard 'Born to Run' like 10 times in 2 weeks. Took that as a sign to draw him. If you'd like to buy a print of this piece, please check out my print site.

Seattle Met for January 2012

2011-12-27T07:48:00.001-05:00

Here's my regular column for the Perfect Party column. This was a fun one. View the column online here.

Nasvhille Scene Cover Illustration and Type

2011-12-27T07:45:00.003-05:00

Illustrated last weeks cover for the Nashville Scene.

Illustration Process

2011-12-20T14:52:00.005-05:00

I'm always interested in seeing other illustrator's process, but realized I've never really done a process post. Anyway thought I'd share my process for a recent illustration.

2012 Postcards

2011-12-20T09:51:00.001-05:00

Labeling and stamping my 2012 postcards right now. If you'd like to be added to my mailing list, please shoot me an email BTillustration@verizon.net

Kim Jong il

2011-12-19T08:10:00.002-05:00

Breaking Bad - Walter White

2011-12-15T08:36:00.002-05:00

Been hooked on Breaking Bad. Not caught up yet, almost done with season 3...

Celeb Portraits for January 2012 Family Circle

2011-12-12T12:39:00.003-05:00

Be on the lookout for these illustrations in the latest issue of Family Circle. Thanks to Lisa for this. Celebs: Melanie Griffith, Drew Barrymore, Rumer Willis, Angelina Jolie, Freddie Prinze Jr. and Ben Stiller.

I did a similar thing for them earlier this year as well: celebrity paper dolls.

My Morning Jacket illustration

2011-12-09T09:22:00.003-05:00

Portfolio piece I did of My Morning Jacket.

Winthrop Rockefeller for Arkanasas Life

2011-12-01T09:42:00.002-05:00

Illustration for the December 2011 issue of Arkansas Life magazine.

Tori Amos for Washington Post Express Weekend Cover

2011-12-01T07:36:00.002-05:00

Had fun with this Tori Amos portrait. Thanks to Adam for the assignment!

Perfect Party Column for December 2011 Seattle Met

2011-11-28T10:51:00.001-05:00

Latest illustration for Seattle Met. View it online here.

Washington Post Outlook - Obama, Romney & Healthcare

2011-11-20T16:23:00.004-05:00

Here's some work for the 11/20/11 Washington Post. Thanks to Kristin.

Here's a piece I did earlier in the year for the Washington Post of Rumsfeld.

Obi-Wan!

2011-11-17T10:18:00.003-05:00

Obi-Wan for a self-promo series for 2012.

As far as paying work, will have some new things to show in the next few weeks — 2 Washington Post illustrations, 1 Washington Post Express illustration, a bunch of portraits for Family Cirlce, 2 full page illos for Arkansas Life and my new Seattle Met Column illo. May the force be with you!

Self Promo Work for 2012

2011-10-31T13:32:00.001-04:00

Working on a self-promo series for 2012. Here's a few of the portraits I've been working on.

Perfect Party Column for November Seattle Met

2011-10-31T13:18:00.002-04:00

Latest illustration for the the Perfect Party illustration. We lost Kathy Griffin in between sketch to final stage. As I'm posting this entry for the November issue, I'm also delivering final art for the December Perfect Party.

I really enjoy doing regular columns. I've had the pleasure of working on a few in the past — editor's column in Games for Windows magazine and a department for UFC magazine being the more memorable ones.

Illustration for Workforce Management / Workforce.com

2011-10-28T12:41:00.001-04:00

Video Interviewing for Workforce Management

2011-10-19T13:08:00.002-04:00

Illustration for Workforce Management about the pros/cons of video conferencing.

Michael Jordan!

2011-10-17T15:23:00.001-04:00

Working on a series of self-promo illustrations for next year. Here is just one of about 10 portraits I was working on over the weekend.

Steve Jobs for the Chronicle of Higher Education

2011-10-13T08:20:00.001-04:00

Painted portrait of Steve Jobs for the Chronicle of Higher Education / The Chronicle Review. Thanks Ellen!

Steve Jobs Tribute

2011-10-10T12:11:00.002-04:00

Columnist Portrait for the Seattle Weekly / Reverb

2011-10-10T12:09:00.003-04:00

Another music columnist mug for the Seattle Weekly's Reverb. Thanks Boo!

Sister Wives Illustration for Christianity Today

2011-10-04T14:51:00.003-04:00

Little spot painting for the October issue 2011 of Christianity Today. It's a portrait of the family of the polygamist reality show 'Sister Wives.'

NYC Trip!

2011-10-04T14:09:00.001-04:00

Going to be in NY for a few days this week. Have some good appointments setup and also checking out the Society of Illustrators Rolling Stone show. Haven't been in a long time...

Workforce Management Illustration

2011-09-28T10:08:00.001-04:00

Illustration I recently did for Workforce Management.

The Perfect Party Illo for October 2011 Seattle Met

2011-09-28T09:51:00.006-04:00

Latest illustration for Seattle Met. Most notable portraits this month are John McEnroe, Frances Bean & Jeff Bezos. Check out the online version here. Switched to a more refined, finished linework than my previous sketchy Perfect Party portraits. Thanks as always to André and Chris!

R.E.M. Has Broken Up...

2011-09-21T13:40:00.000-04:00

...and here is an illo I did of them.

Data Theft

2011-09-19T12:47:00.002-04:00

I worked up a final illustration based on some rejected sketches. Was fond of this idea although I feel like it's been done before...

Bear vs. Bull Stocks & Commodities Cover Illo

2011-09-14T09:25:00.001-04:00

Cover illustration for the October 2011 issue of Stock & Commodities. Art director wanted the traditional bear vs. bull illustration. Had fun doing my version.

2012 Repub Illo

2011-09-13T12:18:00.002-04:00

Just another portfolio piece.

Gaddafi Illustration

2011-09-07T17:24:00.001-04:00

Just working on some portfolio pieces and did this one last weekend.

Painting for the Chronicle of Higher Education / The Chronicle Review

2011-09-07T12:33:00.001-04:00

Adweek Illustration Tearsheet

2011-09-06T12:19:00.000-04:00

Series of GOP Candidates for the Boston Globe

2011-09-02T10:42:00.002-04:00

Red Hot Chili Peppers Record Review Illo for Las Vegas Weekly

2011-09-01T09:11:00.001-04:00

Had fun with this one!

Columnist Portraits for Seattle Weekly's Reverb Monthly

2011-08-31T14:03:00.002-04:00

Illustrations of columnists: Duff McKagan, David Stoez, John Roderick & "Indie Anna Jones"

These were fun. Thanks to Boo for this!

Mitt Romney for the Boston Globe

2011-08-29T08:27:00.002-04:00

Latest in my GOP illustrations for the OpEd section of the Boston Globe.

Seattle Met Perfect Party Illustration for September

2011-08-29T08:10:00.005-04:00

Latest illo for Seattle Met. Here is the story online.

Painting for Chronicle.com

2011-08-26T09:05:00.002-04:00

Continuing my regular illustrations for the Advice/Column section of Chronicle.com

Jon Huntsman for the Boston Globe

2011-08-25T12:30:00.002-04:00

Adweek spot illo

2011-08-22T10:50:00.003-04:00

Here's a small spot I did for Adweek last week. Thanks Ron!

Michele Bachmann for Boston Globe

2011-08-16T08:59:00.002-04:00

This is the last in the GOP articles I've been illustrating for the Globe. Did Rick Perry and Tim Pawlenty previous (and a currently unpublished Mitt Romney.) Thanks to Heather!

Happy Birthday Madonna & Steve Carell!

2011-08-16T08:49:00.001-04:00

Public Enemy!

2011-08-15T13:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Birthday Hulk Hogan!

2011-08-11T10:25:00.002-04:00

Employee Date Theft for Workforce Management

2011-08-11T10:07:00.002-04:00

Tim Pawlenty for Boston Globe OpEd

2011-08-05T11:45:00.001-04:00

Happy 50th, POTUS

2011-08-04T09:43:00.001-04:00

Lollapalooza 1991 Revisited for Time Out Chicago

2011-08-03T13:39:00.004-04:00

Illustration for this week's Time Out Chicago. Perry Farrell was being interviewed relived some of his favorite Lollapalooza moments, which I was asked to illustrate. Two of which were lifting weights with Henry Rollins and hanging out with Ice-T (and his band Body Count.)

During my initial sketches, I included Perry in the scenes. The art director mentioned there would be a big photo of Perry, we wouldn't need Perry in them. Not a problem, it ended up making these stronger pieces in the long run.

This was my first commissioned pieces where I started playing with texture more in the finals. Also playing with the contrast a bit more. I've already done 6 commissioned pieces with this new textured feel and pretty happy with them all (and the ADs as well.)

I guess it's not that much different than my previous work but always a little scary when you're tweaking your style.

Rick Perry for Boston Globe OpEd

2011-08-02T09:08:00.005-04:00

Illustration of potential 2012 GOP nominee Rick Perry for the 7/29/11 Boston Globe. This is the first in a series of 3 GOP nominees I'll be illustrating for the Globe. Currently working on Tim Pawlenty. Thanks to Heather as always!

Facebook Fan Page

2011-08-01T10:35:00.004-04:00

CLICK HERE TO LIKE MY FACEBOOK FAN PAGE!

August's Seattle Met Perfect Party Illustration

2011-08-01T08:57:00.003-04:00

Latest illustration in my regular 'Perfect Party' column for the August issue of Seattle Met. Included an early version before we switched out people.

Link to the online article.

Out of the Jungle Illustration

2011-07-27T14:40:00.003-04:00

Illustration for the children's magazine Guide. Thanks to Brandon for assignment. Nice to illustrate something that involves a little more storytelling than usual.

Been busy past couple days with work for Time Out Chicago, The Boston Globe, Chronicle of Higher Education and Workforce Management.

Amy Winehouse

2011-07-25T09:02:00.002-04:00

Not a surprise but still sad. A piece from a few years ago.

More Playing with Texture

2011-07-21T10:53:00.000-04:00

Still playing with texture....

Playing Around With Texture

2011-07-15T10:03:00.003-04:00

I've been sick of my flat colors for a while. I've played around, tried to dodge and burn in Photoshop a little bit. Thought I'd experiment with things a little more drastically this time.

What you you guys think? Much of a difference? Better or worse? The same?

Today is Brock Lesnar's Birthday...

2011-07-12T10:59:00.000-04:00

...and here is a illo I did of him.

Nixon, Apple & Muhammad Ali - Work in Progress

2011-07-11T10:27:00.004-04:00

Working on an illustration for a possible promotion in 2012. Here are just the initial lineart before I bring in to Illustrator. Thought I'd illustrate some historic events for each month and start sending them out in 2012. Not sure how I'm going to send them. (12 postcard mailings in a year can be a bit pricey.) So I might combine months for 4 postcards or something.

I don't have a ton of confidence I'll finish up all 12 months but we'll just take this one month at a time. (I think I'm already bored with the concept as I post this.)

Looks like I'll be doing some portrait work for GQ Brazil....

Illo for July 2011 Issue of Government Executive

2011-07-07T08:45:00.002-04:00

Boston Globe Illustration for July 1st, 2011

2011-07-05T12:02:00.003-04:00

A fun piece for the OpEd section of the Boston Globe. I really like how this one turned out. You can tell by my roughs I was infatuated with that huge donut.

I did another BG OpEd illustration a few weeks ago but it hasn't printed yet (Romney portrait). Will show that one when it's out. Thanks Heather!

Happy Fourth of July!!

2011-07-01T08:49:00.001-04:00

Seattle Met's 'Perfect Party'

2011-06-30T13:18:00.002-04:00

I started working on a regular column for Seattle Met. My 'The Perfect Party' illustration is in the current July 2011 issue. The AD really liked the looseness of my roughs, so I kept that feel for the final. (We had a last minute switcharoo with the sushi chef). Thanks André!

Currently working on the August 'Perfect Party' as well as a few pieces for the Boston Globe and a feature illo for Guide mag and spot for Government Executive.

My Artistic Influences

2011-06-21T12:09:00.003-04:00

I don't pretend to have studied the great masters of the art world. I've always been influenced with what was around me at the time.

I thought I'd document those influences visually just for fun.

I spent way too much time drawing Snoopy then Garfield then looking at all the great art in Mad. Then on to drawing comics books by looking at Art Adams, Mike Mignola, Todd McFarlane (and yes, Rob Liefeld!) Just being honest here. I drew way too many X-Force characters as a youth!

Then on to studying Joe Sorren and Phil Burke when I started painting in college.

My illustration style started with just painting and then went full circle, coming back around to a line art comic book inspired style.

Full Page Painting for Christianity Today

2011-06-20T14:14:00.004-04:00

Portrait of orthodox priest Kallistos Ware for July issue of Christianity Today.

Have done similar portraits over the years for CT. Always a pleasure to work with Gary.

Current Promo Mailer

2011-06-10T10:42:00.003-04:00

Been sending this out for the past few weeks. Let me know if you'd like to get one. I went with a gloss finish this time. I usually go with a matte. I like the matte better but the gloss protects the card better.

Conan O'Brien Art on Conan's Site

2011-06-09T15:09:00.003-04:00

Had my Conan O'Brien art from a few weeks ago featured on his site.

Baby Names for Workforce Management

2011-06-09T10:52:00.004-04:00

I did a full page illustration (and designed it as well) for the June issue of Workforce Management. The AD wanted the complete page illustrated, text and all. Surprisingly, I didn't have to make any corrections after submitting the final art. (I triple-checked everything to make sure I didn't misspell anything.) Thanks Diana!

And now I check off 'babies in grownup clothes' off my 'things I've never illustrated' list.

Old 'Raging Bull' Illustration (from 2006)

2011-06-08T07:37:00.003-04:00

An old 'Raging Bull' illustration, circa 2006.

Waiting on a few illustrations to be published before I can post them. Finished up a full page for Workforce Management, quarter page for Government Executive, portraits for Seattle Met and full page portrait painting for Christianity Today.

My First Illustration Assignment + Other Early Work

2011-06-02T10:10:00.003-04:00

Thought I'd post a few early tearsheets. I have a ton more but these are some of my early favorites.

The top left illustration of the 2 punks was my first paid 'official' illustration assignment. It was for the January 2000 Baltimore magazine and I remember the day pretty well. Now this was before everyone and their mother had a cellphone and I was working at my old design studio (we were in the midst of preparing for Y2K!). So I'd call home every so often to see if any art directors had left me a message for work. It was a Friday and I got a message!! I had sent her this sad little promotional postcard that I printed off my inkjet at home.

I called the AD and talked about the assignment. She had a pretty good idea of what she wanted, so it was just me pretty much executing it. I told her I'd get roughs to her on Monday, but in actuality I painted the assignment that weekend, because I was so excited. She like the rough with a few minor additions on Monday, so the painting only needed a minor tweak. I actually mailed the AD artwork for them to scan, which was still pretty common at that time. I think I bought about 20 copies of that issue.

The Binge drinking piece was for the Chicago Tribune and was almost killed. The AD had to convince them to use the artwork, because it sort of scared them. At that time, I was getting a lot of dark stories, suicides, etc. It actually ended up running on the cover as well. This was within a year of the Baltimore piece and was my biggest client at the time.

Next one is a piece for the Baltimore City Paper. Like this one.

The last piece was my first commission in my digital/lineart style. I had been doing regular painted covers for Alibi and approached the AD with new digital samples.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Dark Secrets

2011-05-24T12:48:00.003-04:00

I did this piece pretty quickly for fun. Not 100% keen on the likeness...

Conan!

2011-05-19T14:07:00.004-04:00

I'm a little late to the Conan art party, but I drew this back when his new show premiered. Hadn't touched it again until today when I did a quick color job He doesn't even have his beard anymore! Better late than never...

Halo 2 Redesign!

2011-05-18T09:23:00.003-04:00

Did this for a cool blog called: http://palette-swap.blogspot.com/

The Halo illo was actually commissioned by Games For Windows magazine a few years ago before they folded.

Tron Trader for Stocks & Commodities

2011-05-17T13:31:00.002-04:00

Half page illustration for June 2011 issue of Stocks & Commodities.

Recent Paintings for Chronicle of Higher Education

2011-05-16T10:50:00.003-04:00

Two recent paintings. The themes included 'why being the dumbest person in the room is a good thing' and 'the inner workings of tenure.'

My Mug on Boston Globe's G Living Cover

2011-05-11T15:25:00.004-04:00

My little self portrait mug has made the rounds in print recently. First it was included on the cover for Las Vegas Weekly, then in the contributor's section for Arkansas Life and now on the cover of Boston Globe's 'G Living' cover. Thanks to Martin for including me in the fun.

Celebs in Their Underwear! - Family Circle Illustrations

2011-05-06T20:39:00.009-04:00

On newsstands now are my illustrations for the June 2011 issue of Family Circle. This one was a lot of fun and came out really cool in the layout. Illustrated Brad Pitt, Amy Adams, Steve Carrell, Madonna and George Clooney for a 'Before They Were Famous' paper dolls section.

So on the way out of the grocery store or on the newsstands check out page 16.

Los Angeles Times Book Review Tearsheet

2011-05-05T15:57:00.002-04:00

Tearsheet for 2 portraits I did for LA Times Book Review. Original post is here.

Dave Grohl Experiment

2011-04-29T13:53:00.003-04:00

Playing around with a style similar to the David Bowie piece I did. This one isn't nearly as successful as the Bowie piece but figured I'd post anyway. It's Dave Grohl, so that's cool.

Goodbye Michael Scott (That's What She Said)

2011-04-28T07:44:00.001-04:00

Here's to Steve Carell as Michael Scott on 'The Office.'

>>>>>>>>>>>

Michael Gary Scott
Born: March 15, 1965, in Scranton, Pa.

Forte: Salesmanship

Not his forte: Managing people

Resume: Salesman, co-manager, manager, regional co-manager, regional manager of the Scranton branch of Dunder Mifflin Inc. paper and printer distribution company; owner, Michael Scott Paper Company (defunct)

Nickname: World's Best Boss

Catchphrase: "That's what she said!"

Alter-egos: Ping, Agent Michael Scarn, Prison Mike, Michael Klump, Blind Guy McSqueezy, Mikanos, Caleb Crawdad "I do declare," Date Mike, Rapper Mike, Santa Bond and Reginald Poofter

Personal info: Engaged to Holly Flax, human resources representative

Source: Chicago.com and theoffice.wikia.com

Two Portraits for the LA Times Book Review

2011-04-27T10:13:00.002-04:00

Illustrations for last Sunday's edition of the Los Angeles Book Review.

They were for the review of "Trillin on Texas" by Calvin Trillin and "Dreams and Schemes: My Decade of Fun in the Sun" by Steve Lopez. Portraits were of each author. Thanks to Judy!

Los Angeles Times Book Review Illustrations This Sunday

2011-04-22T18:25:00.002-04:00

Be on the look out for 2 illustrations I did for the LA Times Book Review this Sunday (4/24/11).

Will post the finals on Monday.

Harp & Eagle CD cover

2011-04-21T07:49:00.002-04:00

Here's a fun mock cover I did for a friend's band, that is just starting to form, Harp & Eagle.

Working on a few projects that I'll be able to show soon: 2 portraits for the Los Angeles Times Book Review, Family Circle illustrations, a Stock & Commodities half page and a full page for Christianity Today.

Kyle Grooms & My Daughter the Comedian

2011-04-14T13:54:00.003-04:00

This was some art I did for a great comedian, Kyle Grooms. I actually got in contact with him after my 8-year old daughter & I stole some of his material for a talent show my daughter was performing in.

I sent him this link of my daughter doing her stand-up routine (not bad for her first time!). We stole two bits about glasses and waterparks. He thought it was great and I offered to do a little something for him.

Follow @BTillustration on Twitter!

2011-04-13T13:41:00.003-04:00

Follow my Twitter! Wiping the dust off my 'ole Twitter account and becoming a bit more active over there. Feel free to follow.

My Original Illustration Style: Oil Paint

2011-04-11T10:25:00.003-04:00

This is some examples of my traditional illustration painting style. This similar to the type of work I first promoted when starting to illustrate over 10 years ago. While the digital stuff came a little later and eventually took over as my main style, this was my bread-and-butter when first starting out. I was influenced heavily by Phil Burke (which is probably pretty evident.) Looking through RollingStone and seeing his work is the reason I wanted to illustrate.

This is oil paint on board. No Photoshop for the most part, other than to scan.

I still paint for a few regular clients but found the digital work gave me a bit of a more mainstream appeal and attracted newer clients. I plan to start promoting the paint style again more heavily in the future as the trend towards traditional-looking art comes back.

Latest Paintings for Chronicle.com

2011-04-11T10:10:00.004-04:00

Here is a batch of new art done for Chronicle.com over the past few weeks. Thanks to Scott as always.

George Clooney

2011-04-05T13:09:00.003-04:00

An 'outtake' from a series of fun illustrations I did for the June issue of Family Circle. Can't reveal the finals yet but I did get to draw a lot of celebs in their underwear...

BT Magazine - Premiere Issue!

2011-04-05T09:41:00.007-04:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More artwork

I worked on an illustration promo that I thought came out pretty cool. I got about 150 of these printed up and currently sending them out to select Art Directors.

Wolverine / Havok Cover Tribute

2011-03-30T11:01:00.003-04:00

My latest contribution to Coveredblog.blogspot.com.

My other contribution is here (Batman)

National Lampoon's Vacation Tribute

2011-03-29T12:21:00.002-04:00

My tribute to Clark Griswold and 'National Lampoon's Vacation.'

UFC Featherweight Mark Hominick

2011-03-28T14:08:00.001-04:00

Unpublished illustration for UFC Magazine.

Jon Jones UFC Light Heavyweight Champion

2011-03-20T22:36:00.003-04:00

Looks like my illustrated prediction for UFC 128 Jon Jones vs. Shogun Rua came true. I think he will hang to the title for a while and have a Anderson Silva type run...