CUSTOM CD COVER ILLUSTRATION

Please click on the image below to view a larger version:

I was asked to create a visual illustration of a lovers keepsake. The illustration was to imply a long romantic history of the couple while demonstrating a musical overtone. The book was almost double in hight and had to be chopped down. The photo was a full color photo that I inserted into a polaroid frame and then edited into the leather straps that were a part of the original book. The sheet music was added with a grunge layer and added layer effects. To get the feel of a hand written title on the photo I used a hand written font and then a layer effect to give the illusion of a water based marker. A shadow layer was added to give the final illusion that the photo was actually sitting behind the leather straps. To view more from this project please go to: http://www.enteravalon.com/joshandkeren/

Oh yes, and the final art was inserted into a script in photo shop that created the CD Jewel case from scratch and inserted the art directly into the case.

MAGAZINE COVER ILLUSTRATION - BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

I was recently commissioned to create the Billboard cover illustration for World Peace One. The client requested that it convey both their web presence and the feeling of a global initiative. In addition it needed to be clean yet hip and bold yet savvy. Click on the image below for a larger look.




Check out their website at: www.worldpeaceone.com

LOGO ILLUSTRATION - H.A.V.U.O.R.

I was recently commissioned to create a logo illustration for H.A.V.U.O.R - HEROES AND VILLAINS UNDER ONE ROOF. After fleshing out an initial concept which included asking the client key questions about the company and any important philosophy and symbolism that would come into play, I submitted the following artwork for their approval. I would enjoy your feed back as well as will the client and I will keep you posted as the logo and the concept evolve to the finished project.

HOW 2.O - EXTRACTING .rar ARCHIVED FILES

Hey All,

I searched the UnRarX site - http://www.unrarx.com/support.html - and the internet in vain for the step by step on how to extract .rar files using UnRarX - specifically for MAC. Since I couldn't find it all in one place, I have decided to post my successful attempt here and hope that it will help others.

1. Download and install UnRarX.
2. Open UnRarX.
3. Drag and drop .rar file into the UnRarX window
4. Depending on the size of the file you may find the following types of files: .nfo, .r00, .r01, .r02, .rar, .sfv, .txt
5. Drag and drop the new .rar file into the UnRarX window
6. This may take a while but the following files will appear: .bin, .cue
7. Open the .cue file (on my OSX it opened Toast Titanium - otherwise it may open up your disk burning software)
8. I dragged the .bin file into toast as well, but after understanding the process, it might not be necessary.
9. Burn disc.
10. Once disc is burned, eject it then put it back into your computer.
11. Open the disc and presto, your files should be available for normal filing, copying, emailing, what ever your heart desires - legally!

I hope this helps.

~Jon Fish

LOGO ILLUSTRATION: SAMPLES AND RESOURCES

I find it very satisfying to sit down with a new client who is looking for a symbol to represent their entire operation and designing from scratch a unique identifier in which they can call their standard - their corporate entity.

Below are just a few samples of Logo Illustrations that I have designed over the years. Please click on the logos to take a closer look. Be sure to check out my tips and resource links below the illustrations:


IMPORTANT
Good Logo Illustrations are about three key things:

1. Does it make the client happy.
   
2. Is it easy to read in black and white and small size.
3. Does it tell the core concept about the clients business.

It is not always easy to get the last two when the first one is so important. Especially when we are taught that the customer is the boss and the customer is always right. So it becomes your job to not only design a good logo, but to effectively educate the client - tactfully - in effective logo design.

RESOURCES
Here are some great online resources for helping you design great logo illustrations:

• How To Design Great Logos
  
• What Makes A Great Logo
• Logos Tips, Pointers and Professional Advice

Till next time ~ Happy New Years & Happy Illustrating!

ANOTHER HAPPY CLIENT!

VECTOR LOGO ILLUSTRATION

I don't usually toot my own horn but I just received the following photo from one of my clients in Tennessee. I designed their logo, created a vector illustration of the final design and sent it to a Tennessee based sign company. The end product is being proudly displayed above the entrance to their new place of business! Thanks L.J. Farrow P. E. & Associates for the great photo and the vote of confidence!