Frankieland

My Characters

2010-06-07T11:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the characters who hang out at the Hive:

BG Paintings

2010-06-07T11:26:00.001-07:00

Here are some BG Paintings for a show that I am working on.

A Swingin' Place

2010-05-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

This is a real swingin place....stay tuned for who hangs out here!

Tall Enough

2010-05-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here are some images from a picture book that I am working on with text by Mary McAveney called Tall Enough. It's about a little boy's wish to be...you guessed it, tall enough- to do things the older and bigger people can do.

Safety Smart

2010-05-13T11:06:00.000-07:00

In belated honor of Earth Day, I thought I would post some images from Timon and Pumbaa Safety Smart: Goin' Green! In this DVD, the characters interact with a clipboard that features this artwork.

Thankful for Mad Men!

2009-11-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

My wife and I have been addicted to Mad Men and watched the whole third season over the Thanksgiving Weekend. The show inspired me to create this illustration. I wish I could work for Sterling Cooper!!!!! Don't you?

Character Design-Space Dogs

2009-11-24T09:51:00.000-08:00

Here is another character design. The project was called Space Dogs, it was an outer space battle between cats and dogs that mirrored the battle of the sexes. Trust me, it was funny.

Anyway, I was commisioned to create some characters. This is the leader of the dogs, Capt. Rex.

His design was influenced by Rin Tin Tin and William Shatner.

Character Design-Scooters and Dogs

2009-11-24T09:29:00.000-08:00

The great thing about freelancing is you get to work on a variety of projects. Here, the client is Scooter Store and the assignment is to make the lady using the chair appear to be full of life...a cute lady in her golden years...but not Mrs Claus. It was pretty challenging.She also needed a little dog....but nothing too precious.

For the Birds

2009-08-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some designs I did for my first CG project.

I needed to create a Tropical Treehouse:

The directors liked elements from each of these

Here is the end result. When I have a shot of the final model I will try and post that as well.

Frank M B.C....Before Computers!

2009-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

Before I worked as a digital illustrator, I was a budding development artist who painted in

gouache.These are some images that I worked on for Eric and Sue Goldberg. They were pitching an idea for The Frog Prince as an animated film. It got shelved, but it is kind of funny that the original pitch reminded me of Shrek because it lampooned Disney films....Disney making fun of Disney. Anyway, it all took place in Venice! Che Bella!!!! I loved working on this project and I have sat on this work for a long time but figured it's okay to show these because now Disney is releasing the Princess and the Frog and it's an entirely different version.

This was a piece that was a spin on the Eyvind Earle storybook opening for Sleeping Beauty:

In the pitch the Frog Prince goes to a masquerade and script called for all of the characters to walk a red carpet like a Hollwood premiere.

I channeled my inner Bob Mackie when I designed these.

Here we have the Italian Stallion

A fantastic flamingo

A cute little seahorse

And a beautiful unicorn

Little Princesses

2009-05-11T13:26:00.000-07:00

About four years ago I was hired to develop a project about the Disney Princesses as little girls.Based on the extremely popular line of toddler dolls, the straight to DVD was supposed to teach little girls social behaviors using the princesses at an age they could relate to instead of aspire to. I have to say that this idea struck fear into the hearts of creative execs but after each pitch the idea would get a great response. Unfortunately just as the show was nearing a greenlight there was a huge management change at Disney and the project was shut down. Here are some images that I created for the show based on story panels by the fantastic Carolyn Gair.

Think it Ink It

2009-05-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

These illustrations are from a book that was published by Think It Ink It Publishing. The story is told in pictures so that you can use your imagination to write your own story.It is a really fun idea. For more information go to www.thinkitinkitpublishing.com

Adventures in Outer Space

2009-05-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some bg's that I painted in Flash for a new pilot. Can't really tell you much more than that except it takes place in outer space.Stay Tuned Space Cadets!!!!!

Take a Bite

2009-05-05T15:47:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to start updating the blog, it's been a while.

Who says you can't get anything for a penny?

2008-08-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

These illustrations are from a book called "Is Your Straight Man Gay Enough?" It was published by Chronicle Books during the whole "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" phenomenon. This was also a book that had been illustrated but the publisher didn't think it was as funny as it could have been. I had illustrated two books for Chronicle at that point, so someone suggested me for the job. I am really glad they picked me to do this. The text is really funny and made for some hilarious illos. There are a lot of inside jokes in these illos as well...note the Mickey Mouse sheets!

OH and if you are interested in getting a copy of this book, you can get yourself one on Amazon...FOR A PENNY!

Life's A Luau

2008-07-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

This is Surf Kitty who is the coolest cat around. She is sort of like a feline Gidget. The character was created for a show that was supposed to be an updated version of old beach movies. Scott Kraft and Nadine Van der Velde created the story and came to me to develop the visuals.

I have always thought this was a really fun idea and cool characters so maybe one day Surf Kitty will ride the airwaves.

It's Not a Small World After All......

2008-07-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I had the opportunity to create a mural based on Mary Blair's artwork for It's A Small World. The mural was supposed to be displayed in 150 children's hospitals worldwide. I created a color version and a line work version that the kids could color. Sadly after the murals were completed (and approved) the amount of detail was considered to much for children to paint and were not used.

I AM a Movie Star!

2008-07-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

These are some illos from a book called "I'm a Movie Star." It is a dress up kit and storybook that includes the sunglasses, necklace and feather boa that the character is wearing. Walter Foster published the book and it's available on Amazon, just in case you know an aspiring starlet, like my dog Jolene.

Prince Charming or "Toad"-ally Alarming?

2008-07-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

These illos are from a book by Peter Pauper Press . The book was originally completed by another illustrator but right before it was to go to print the publisher decided that the illos needed to be funnier. They hired me to reimagine the book and make it funnier....and because of their deadline I only had three weeks to do so. I guess the laugh was on me.

Welcome to Frankieland!!!!

2008-07-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone and welcome to Frankieland. I thought it was time to join all of you out there in the blogosphere so here I am. I will be posting some of my past illustrations in a short while so check back soon.