MOVED TO TUMBLR

I am no longer using this blog.
You can now find me over here on tumblr for the time being
http://helloheath-art.tumblr.com/

i might return one day...who knows

2011 A Year in Reflection

2011 was really freaking hard, but towards the end a lot of drama in my life found resolution. I am hoping that 2012 will be a year of stability, so I can move forward :-)

Cons:

• Had to live in tiny ass apartment and since I was home a lot it got quite claustrophobic...
• Unemployment sucks...
• Couldn't afford to go to Jersey ... at all... really?? No, twice... but still not enough
• Stress causing my first panic attacks in years...
• Car was dead for half the year
• Couldn't afford shit for Christmas

So now lets end on a good note :-)

Pros:

• NEW JOB!
• NEW TOWN! - still getting used to it though
• New computer system that makes all my geeky friends drool with red hot jealousy
• Started my freelance company H&H Studios
• Had lots of visits from family and friends this year :-)
• Got to go on a cruise and satisfy my deep seeded casino craving
• Improved on my art more then somewhat :-)
• My brother form England visited!
• Staycation at Disney World, even though we had no money for anything

These were last years goals... lets see how I did

LAST YEARS RESOLUTIONS:

•  Lose 50 pounds FAIL (actually I did lose 15 but then that damn delicious cruise happened >.< now I'm back where I started)
  
• Get amazingly good at character design and animation OK
• Find the time and money to travel at least once to NJ WIN
• Save money to move to CA FAIL
• Get a job actually in my industry, and not settle for something just to pay the bills BIG WIN!
• Keep being awesome OK

Eh not too bad actually all things considered :-) And here are this years Resolutions.

RESOLUTIONS:

•  Lose 50 pounds (FOR REALS!)
• Get EVEN BETTER at character design and animation 
• Find the time and money to travel... somewhere
• Save money to move to CA
• Get some good animation projects done and start making a new reel
• Find my artistic niche, what i want to specialize in

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

AND THE WINNER IS...

nadox!!!!!

 Congratulations my dear!

Thank you all for entering, it was a real bloodbath this time! (Like how i worked in that halloweenish joke there?) I wish you could all win a prize, but alas there can be only one.

You can enter the next competition soon enough, some of your previous entries can carry over to the next giveaway, you just need to come back and comment again.

Thanks for playing and hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween Pendant Giveaway!

CELEBRATE THE SPOOKIEST HOLIDAY OF THE YEAR!

Skull Pendant Giveaway!

It's been a while since I did a giveaway, so here is your chance to win one of my new Halloween Themed Pendants!

CONTEST DATES: TODAY - October 31

HOW TO ENTER: Contestants enter by using one or more of the entry methods and leaving a comment saying they have done so with their email (so i can contact you if you win!). CONTESTANTS MUST LEAVE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY! AND PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL WITH EVERY ENTRY. If you leave all your entry notes in one comment it will only count as one entry. Contestants may not create new entry methods, if it's not on the list of entry methods then the entry is not valid. Winner is chosen randomly from all the entries, the more you enter the greater your chance to win! The winner will be contacted by email on Nov 1st and will have one week to claim their prize. If the winner fails to claim their prize then a new winner will be randomly selected out of the entries. This contest is an international contest.

ENTRY METHODS: (To enter the contest you must do at least one of the following, none in particular are required, the choice is yours!)

• Heart helloheath link
• Purchase from link
• Add helloheath to your circle link
• Follow this blog
• Follow me on twitter link
• Follow helloheath on FB  link
• Blog about this giveaway or my shop in general on your blog
• Tweet about this giveaway or my shop in general on your twitter (@helloheath) *up to 3 times count as entries

• Include my shop in a treasury link (extra entry if it makes it to FP!)

That's it! easy right? Now have fun and good luck! 

*the necklace the winner receives is not exactly the same as the one pictured, some variations may occur, the chain will be different. helloheath is no liable if the prize is lost or damaged in the mail. Prize will be shipped in standard first class, the winner may add extra insurances and protection to delivery if they choose.

UPDATES AND SUCH

Well, it has been a looong time since I posted here... and the interface has all change don me! This will take some getting used to. I was on vacation and knee deep in getting back on track with everything after my hiatus, so please excuse the mess!

I just wanted to stop by and update you guys on some things...

1) IMAGEINE FX - I dont think I got into the feature I submitted for, which is ok. The important thing is that I tried, I usually talk myself out of putting forth the effort. So I feel accomplished in that at least :-)

2) H&H Studios - Is going well! The busy season is about to hit which will be good for the biz. I am excited to see what happens!

3) Website Overhaul- www.helloheath.com is getting a little makeover soon, stay tuned.

4) HALLOWEEN! -I need suggestions on what kind of art you would like to see, and if I can find the time I will do something!

5) ARTIST SHOUTOUT! - Recently I was contacted by an artist that was commissioned by one of my clients to color some lineart I did. I wanted to share it here because it's so soft and pretty, and this artist could use some love!

Here are the colored versions by luckynesu
I love colabing with other artists! Check out luckynesu's gallery here

Book Review "Making Comics" by Scott McCloud

Making Comics
Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels
by: Scott McCloud 

My Boyfriend Tad Lambert insisted I read this book so I went ahead and took his advise... for once. Some of you may know that Tad is an aspiring comic artist, but I had no idea why this book would be of interest for someone like me. Well I'm glad I listened because this book turned out to be yet another great resource that I will probably use again and again!

This book may look intimidating at first... its BIG with lots of pages. I was frightened. But I was relieved when I opened the cover to find the book is written in a comic book format. Very easy to read and definitely supports the messages and lessons of the book.

"Making Comics" thoroughly peels back the layers of story telling, rhythm, formatting, flow, and style that exposes the heart of what comics are made of. These principles can also easily be applied to numerous other art forms such as story boarding, animation, illustration, and character design.

My favorite section of the book was when Scott explains how important body language is when making comics. He talks about how the use of body language can help bridge the gap of the readers senses, since sound is not available. What I found particularly interesting was the insight about what certain poses and gestures really mean, and how to utilize the correct ones to tell your story. He gives clear, detailed explanations of how these poses, gestures, and expressions send information to the reader and how our brains are preconditioned from birth to understand these "signals". There is even a helpful diagram of facial muscles that shows the anatomy behind basic expressions. This is a great chapter alone for anyone interested in animation or illustration.

Other principles from this book that cross over to other mediums are...

-How to set a scene in motion, what you need and don't need to tell the story effectively
-Character design tips
-Perspective tips
-How to communicate different "sensations" without the use of audible sound / words


Of course there is a ton of other information specific to comic artists such as...

-An overview of popular tools of the trade
-How to successfully construct a comic layout
-Some history about the comic book industry
-Comparison of digital tools versus traditional tools
-How to make text appealing
-How text and images interact within the panels

Overall I'd say this book exceeded my expectations. There were some points that I did not find quite as interesting as others, but I suppose that's because I do not classify myself as a comic artist. Though the book has given me some inspiration to try and start a comic... we will see.

And if you are a comic artist then you should definitely pick this up... You'll be glad you did!

Imagine FX Rising Stars Contest 1/5

ImagineFX Magazine is having a rising stars competition, where up and coming digital artists can submit art for a special feature in the magazine. Problem is, it's only open to participant 25 or younger, so this is the last year I can participate! So I am creating 5 new pieces to submit, and I thought it might be fun to track my progress here. I created these designs to show off my unique esthetic and style. I wanted to show variety and range, but also keep within a theme. I hope they like the work and that you guys enjoy the progress... WISH ME LUCK!

 Flute Faun Sketch

 In the Water Sketch

 Dragon Breeder Sketch

 Still Alive Sketch

 This isn't Real... FINISHED!

Book Reviews - Books for the Artist

ANIMATION

 

 "Your Career in Animation - How to Survive & Thrive"
by David B. Levy





ART THEORY

coming soon!

OTHER

"Making Comics- Story Telling Secrets of Comics, Manga, and Graphic Novels." by Scott McCloud

Book Review "Your Career In Animation" by David B. Levy

I am going to start posting short reviews about the books I am currently reading in relation to the art industry :-) This is the first one!

Your Career in Animation
How to Survive and Thrive
by: David B. Levy

If you are an aspiring animator, and you have this book lying around un-cracked, OPEN IT NOW! This book is an amazing resource to anyone who wants to break into the animation industry.

This book offers timeless advise on many important aspects of the industry, from how to work as a freelancer, appropriate studio conduct, how to get a job, how to pitch a show, the hierarchy of the studio, how to take in and improve from critique, and how to get involved in the animation community.

"Your Career in Animation" covers so many great subjects that every new animator wonders about at some point. It will help you assess your options and provide realistic expectations for your future. It's also full of valuable resources, like information on active animation communities, and recommended reading depending on what department of animation you are interested in.

It's an easy read and is definitely written from an artistic, yet practical point of view. David's words will reassure and excite you about your career, but at the same time prepare you for the inevitable pitfalls every animator will experience.

He also talks a lot about the kind of perspective you will need to keep improving your work. Practical tips and practices artists can adopt that will make them more efficient artists and improve their work.

I don't want to give everything away, but just read the book! If you're like me, you will want to leap from your seat and begin a project right away. It's one of those books you can read over and over again and probably should. Although this book doesn't specifically give any instruction on HOW TO ANIMATE, it WILL prepare you for "Your Career in Animation".

I simply adore this book.

I Made A Lightbox! A Review

Yes ladies and gentlemen, I decided to build my own lightbox to improve the photography of my etsy products.

RAW PHOTOGRAPHY BEFORE LIGHTBOX

 

RAW PHOTOGRAPHY WITH LIGHTBOX

As you can see, the lightbox allowed me to take much brighter and clearer photos. The new photos are much easier to edit and end up much clearer :-) And I achieved a new level of crafty satisfaction after completing it.

I started a thread on Etsy.com i hopes that someone might be able to refer me to a good already made model. Unfortunately, most of the affordable ones had mixed reviews and I did not want to spend the money on something that might fail me. Plus they are not readily available in stores, (cant test them out before buying) so I would likely have to order one and hope that its not useless when it arrives.

Then someone suggested that I make my own. I was really opposed to the idea at first, but eventually I realized it was the only way to make sure I got something that worked without spending lots of money.

Plus I already had some of the materials I needed, including the lights. So I followed THIS TUTORIAL and had good results. 

The only word of caution I have to others who want to build their own is this, IT COST ABOUT AS MUCH TO BUILD MY OWN as it did to buy one of the cheaper models on ebay. And I already had some of the materials needed. However, I did buy some of the materials in duplicate because I am a terrible cutter and I wanted to have extra materials on hand.

Does that mean you shouldn't make your own? Not necessarily, I did get the result I wanted and can now make larger light boxes if I need to. It all depends on what works for you. If your patient and bargain hunt, I am sure you can get the materials needed cheaper then I did.

But if you hate building things like this then you wont spend much more if you just buy a cheap ready made version.

Hope you enjoyed this little adventure :-)

-h

New Logos

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been really busy lately getting used to my new computer system and working. I'll have an update on that soon enough, don't worry :-)

In the meantime please enjoy these logos I created for my company, H&H Studios

More Info

And for my boyfriend Tad Lambert...

More Info

Click on the links for more information on my DA page.

Enjoy!

Sorry for the Inactivity... arg

CURRENT - BACK ONLINE!
Ok so I got my computer back up and running by replacing the harddrive and just reinstalling everything. Its nice to take windows 7 for a spin as well. So I am back in the saddle! NO MORE LAPTOP YIPPI! But I do want to thank the lovely for letting me use it in the meantime. Thanks everyone for your well wishes and for your support!
So yeah since I have been offline for a while ill be posting discount commission slots to make up for my time away. If you are interested keep your eyes peeled for the update!

SEE COMMISSION POST HERE

A FEW DAYS AGO...
ARG!!!!
So there is a damn good reason for my inactivity lately...
About 2 weeks ago I went away for a funeral. While I was there I decided to stay a little onger to spend some extra time with family since it's been almost a year since my last visit. When I got home I discovered that either my hard drive and or my mother board is fried... so no computer.
Thankfully all my work is backed up on external hard drives, but i am very nerous that my life's work servives on ONE backup ATM. I'm able to use Tad's laptop in the meantime but its very difficult because I was so comfortable on my own machine.
I purchased a new super computer a few months ago and it's not ready yet.. neadless to say I'm a mess!!!
So my page will be a lil slow until things get sorted out, Im taking my computer to some techs tomorrow to see if the problem can be fixed. WISH ME LUCK!
-h

New Fencer Girl!

Hey Guys! Here is the 2nd girl in the fencer series.

I cant wait to get all 5 of them completed! I am really looking forward to arranging them on my wall in some kind of awesome design :-)

View it on Deviant Art here

Purchase prints on Etsy here

Also, here is a tattoo design I recently finished for a client. My first attempt at "Art Nouvoue" What do you think? I loved the idea so I went a little bit overboard with the design but I am very happy with how it came out :-)

View it on Deviant Art here

 Well thats all the update I have for you today! Im going to try very hard to keep up to date with this from now on. You can also start in touch with helloheath and the upcoming H&H Studios on my facebook fan page here

Until next time!
-h

Fencer Sketches

Working on completing my fencer girl series of 5.

It might take a while because I have a lot of client work to finish in the midst of it 0_0

Here is the original fencer girl

View it here on DA or available for purchase on etsy

Here are the new girls

So far I am knee deep in coloring the one facing forward.

These are gonna all look really awesome all framed up and standing side by side :-)

EEE! SO EXCITE!

Which one do you want to see completed first?

Art for a Good Cause :-)

Recently I had the opportunity to commission the great Viet-My Bui to create some custom art for me. The added bonus? The profits from this particular lot of commissions were going to aid Japan!

I asked her to do a Bust of Ling, I would have loved to give more but this was the most I could contribute right now.

Here is the result!

I love her interpretation of my character. I cant wait till I have the time to work on the story again, I have been talking about the story with Tad and trying to iron it down so that I can attempt to make a comic of it. I haven't done comics in a long time so... prey for me :-)

Well, thats all for now, I have lots of new artwork since my last update on my Deviant account you can check out.

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!

-h

AND THE WINNER IS....

CONGRATULATIONS TO WINDOW FOG!!!

 

You have won the prize of a 8x10 print from helloheath and flower pin by Kimart!

Thanks everyone for participating! If you weren't lucky this time don't fret! A new giveaway will be announced soon enough!
heath-love-& happiness
-h

Etsy Mashup GIVEAWAY! helloheath + KimArt!

ENTRY METHODS: (To enter the contest you must do at least one of the following, none in particular are required, the choice is yours!)

• Heart helloheath or kimart link link
• Purchase from link or link
• Add helloheath or kimart to your circle link link
• Follow this blog or kims blog link
• Follow helloheath or kimart on twitter link link
• Follow helloheath or KimArt on FB  link link
• Blog about this giveaway or our shops in general on your blog
• Tweet about this giveaway or our shops in general on your twitter (@helloheath) *up to 3 times count as entries

• Include helloheath or kimart in a treasury link link(extra entry if it makes it to FP!)

That's it! easy right? Now have fun and good luck! 

*the prizes the winner receives is may not be exactly the same as the one pictured, some variations may occur. helloheath and kimart are not liable if the prize is lost or damaged in the mail. Prize will be shipped in standard first class, the winner may add extra insurances and protection to delivery if they choose.

En Guard - The First Fencer

 

I am really getting into the vintage vibe lately :-)

I saw some old photographs on "American Pickers" that really inspired me! Lovely ladies posing with fencing swords...

This is my little inspiration I took from them. I really like how it came out, i think I captured the vintage feel i was after while still keeping the "cartoony" "pinup" style i wanted.

Please enjoy! i think i may turn this into a series...

Prints Available Here

I'll definitely be making more of these :-) id like to have 3 total. Sorry I didn't have time for a progress video, but I will try on the next girls :-)

-h

2 DAY PRINT BOGO!

I really want to double my sales from last month, so I am holding a special BOGO sale in my shop! Buy any 8x10 or larger print and get a FREE MATCHING 5X7 Print! Keep it for yourself or gift it to someone special! Mention "TWEET" when you buy. Bogo ends tomorrow night!
HURRY B4 THE SALE IS OVER! ETSY SHOP

*Excludes Sale Items

Bioshock Little Sister Head Turn-Around Animation

I am working on some Bioshock fan art, I know it's not my usual type of work but for some reason the art in that game really inspires me. Not to mention that the story is pretty compelling.

This week for our little animation club I challenged myself to do a head turn-around. (I'm not calling it a head turn because the characters neck doesn't actually turn like a life like movement, its literally a spinning head)

I decided to use a little sister as my model, and here is the result.

Please try not to get sea sick! LOL. Not bad for not animating for a while huh? Its only 8 frames and was output from Photoshop, but I plan to add more in-betweens and make it smoother at a later date. Enjoy!