Grafix Jam - John Rios

New Rock Girl Logo

Do you know someone who is beautiful and talented? Someone who is a shining star waiting to be discovered? Could that person use a job making 40 grand a year?  According to the wrif web site:

“We’re looking for one lucky woman to represent the RIFF! She’ll score a $40,000 salary, an on_air position at WRIF, and a full scholarship to Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Plus, She’ll attend WRIF VIP events and concerts.”

You can read more details at http://wrif.com/rockgirl2009

What does any of this have to do with me? I was lucky enough to be asked to create the logo for this now iconic Detroit area event. In the past I’ve worked with the marketing department to establish the brand to include design and layout of all advertising, billboards, vehicle graphics, an ad in STUFF magazine, etc. 

This is not just a beauty contest. The program I worked on, a couple of years ago, produced a gem of a person, the talented Taylor Robinson, who still works at WRIF.

Hope this post helps someone find their dream job. Good luck!

My original Rock Girl Design

Of course it’s a mud flap! We’re talkin Motor City!

Nikki Sixx myspace

I woke up this morning and as usual, checked my email, my myspace ad so on. I scrolled down my MS page and … whow.. What is this? Nikki Sixx is using my illustration of him and kat as his default icon for his myspace acct. (2-20-09)

Of course I’m a huge Motley, Sixx fan so needless to say, I’m so honored that he liked the art enough to use it in this way.

Thought I’d post image here, in case you dont myspace. if you scroll back 2 posts you can see a larger version of the art here.

Here is a link to his MS.  www.myspace.com/nikkisixx 

Martha Stewart Letter

As I write this, my friend Cheryl’s appearance on the Martha Stewart Show is less than two days away. When Cheryl was getting ready to go to N.Y.C. to film her segment with Martha, we talked it over and decided that it might be fun to give Martha one of my illustrations as a thank you gift  for having Cheryl on the show.

Setting at the drawing board, I tried to put myself in Martha’s shoes… what could I create an illustration of that she would just love. As luck would have it, Martha seems to be a great blogger. After reviewing her blog, it was only too apparent that I should create an illustration of her beloved Francesca and Sharkey. They are just adorable. I didn’t have much time to get it done so I worked late into the night, actually into the early morning to get it cranked out before Cheryl’s flight. It turned out to be well worth it as Martha liked the illustration enough to take the time to send me a nice letter of thanks.

Letter and illustration posted here. Click here to see more of my illustrations 

Francesca and Sharkey

Kat Von D and Nikki Sixx

The popularity of tattoos can most defiantly be, at least in part, attributed to Kat Von D. I personally don’t have a tattoo but I do love the art, creative process, attention to detail and craftsmanship that is demonstrated on her show, L.A. INK. Kat is just an amazing artist. Her portrait tatoos are just jaw dropping amazing.

I heard that Kat was coming to the Detroit area for a book signing so I felt compelled to go and meet her. As the date of the signing came closer, I became inspired to create an illustration of her and her significant other, Nikki Sixx from Motley Crue, with the plan of giving it to her when I met her.

Long story but, I heard where she was about 4 hours before the signing and thought I’d avoid the crowds to present her with the illustration. She seemed to love it. Said she couldn’t wait to show Nikki, and even gave me a big hug. The theme of the illustration is modern take on the old “American Gothic painting.” (you know, the painting with the farmer and his wife, pitch fork in hand) . My illustration features Nikki in Leather bib overalls and his signature series base in place of the pitch fork. Just tried to have fun with it.

I am posting pictures from the book signing and the illustration. If you get a chance, go meet her. She is super sweet and gracious with her time. Her book is packed with great photos and information.

        

Kat Von D

Kat signing art

(here kat is signing a small copy of my illustration.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re home this coming wednesday (February18th) check out my new friend Cheryl Robinson as she makes her television debut on the Martha Stewart Show.

I met Cheryl while drawing a caricature of her and her husband this December at a Christmas party. She kept my number and gave me a call a couple of weeks after the party to tell me about this project she was working on. The Crafty Buffet Oven is everything the name says it is and more. Crafty yes but, cleaver beyond words is more accurate. Cleaver enough to catch the eye of Martha Stewart and be invited to appear on her show to demo her creation with Martha. 

Cheryl asked me to help her develop her creation into a marketable brand. I designed logo, web site and collateral materials as well as illustrated the accompanying coloring book and other printed materails. As I understand it, Martha liked my coloring book so much she had Cheryl Autograph one to keep after there segment.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Crafty Buffet Oven, or want to  get one for yourself, go to www.thecraftybuffet.com

the crafty buffet oven

makeup

coloring book