A Beautiful Fiasco

The Damselles & the TC4

2011-11-22T00:44:00.000-08:00

Worked on this fun little piece for local girl group The Damselles. :)

Victory "Demonstrations"

2011-09-02T01:04:00.000-07:00

Some fun stuff I got to work on for indie jazz band Victory, whose album is being released independently by Reserva Records in the next few weeks. They were looking for a Blue Note Records inspired design, something classic but fresh. The following is what I gave them to pick from:

Check out the album and see what we landed on!

Some stuff compiled from the internets...

2011-08-23T00:39:00.001-07:00

...that I made for various retailers!

I mades, Urban Outfitters edition

2011-03-25T08:50:00.000-07:00

Tote-ally, like, for sure!

2011-02-04T20:53:00.000-08:00

A new tote design from my Forever 21 days, in stores now!

Southwestin'

2011-02-04T19:09:00.000-08:00

Some new Southwestern-inspired threads by yours truly, currently in-store at F21.

Merry Christmas Dudez.

2010-12-25T22:38:00.000-08:00

...and a partridge in a pear tree. Happy Holidays!

Some fun, exciting, wonderous...

2010-12-17T00:43:00.000-08:00

...WORK! For Walking Sleep. They are all sorts of love!

Coming soon to a merch table near you!

Design 1:

Design 2:

Design 3:

New work

2010-10-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

Another fun project in conjunction with Studiofluid, this time for an educational client; illustration and hand-drawn type by yours truly, art direction by Studiofluid.

ICONS:

HEADERS:

SUB-HEADS:

I designed some pretty exciting...

2010-07-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

...licensed tees for "SCOTT PILGRIM vs. THE WORLD!"

FTW!

Some posters...

2010-06-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

I originally created this artwork for Walking Sleep's first full-length album, but it ended up taking on a life of its own, first nestled in this sublime layout by Adam Schary of the band, then becoming a 10x12 painted backdrop for their record release show (pictures to follow soon.)

This poster is for the first movie night presented by swell guys, THE CINEMASOCHISTS. They watch horrible movies so you don't have to! Anyway, their first movie mash-up is between "Top Gun" and "Team America: World Police." I don't know about you, but Kim Jong Il always takes my breath away.

Work in conjunction with Studiofluid

2010-05-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

Recently I've been working on a few projects with Studiofluid, a Los Angeles branding and graphic design firm. These little guys are for some coloring pages for the young'ns. Illustrations by me, art direction by Studiofluid.

Playing Favorites (Word...to your...mother?)

2009-08-02T23:01:00.000-07:00

Some favorite prints from the past, all wordy and whatnot.
(Oh, and about L-O-V-E. Yikes!)

One of my favorite prints...

2009-07-30T23:57:00.000-07:00

...that went absolutely nowhere. I still think it's pretty rad.

Les Blanks & Le Switch at Dakota Lounge

2009-05-25T00:06:00.000-07:00

Sweet, sweet donkey lovin'.

6 months of updates!

2009-05-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can tell I've been pretty M.I.A. Why, you ask? Mostly due to the fact that by the time I get home from work, and after 8 hours at a computer, I don't exactly want to think of, let alone, sit in front of a computer. Where does this leave the blog? Severely neglected. So, here, without further ado, six months worth of updates, chronologically:

DECEMBER

I was asked to design the official holiday tote bag for Forever 21. Basically, if you made a purchase at Forever 21 during the holiday season, instead of being packed in gift boxes, all gifts were packed in our wildly popular eco-totes. Nifty! Complete with free tissue! Lots of it! Enough to render the good you're doing by using an eco-tote obsolete!

Then I designed some some prints for jammy-jams!

Note to self: Never use that terminology again. EVER. File away with the following terms: chillax, home skillet.

But yeah, PAJAMAS are the JAM. (but plaids are a pain to design!)

I got to see a project I completed when I first began working at Forever 21 hit the shelves then end up being featured on the Forever 21 website.

I wear my sunglasses at night; you should too. PEER PRESSURE! JUST DO IT!

JANUARY

In January a bunch of prints I created for our lingerie/loungewear lines dropped into stores and I achieved my first complete sell-through (which means the product sold out and warranted a re-order. YAY!)

The bestseller:

Honorable unmentionables:

FEBRUARY

People Magazine selected my Cameo Panty to include in a Valentine's Day gift guide feature. Totally neat!

More Valentine's Day stuff:

MARCH

Neon! (and another nod on the website)

APRIL

Totes! TOTALLY!
And bestsellers too!

MAY

Designed this print for a teeny-weeny bikini! It was super tricky figuring out the repeat on this one, but ultimately, everything worked out...yeah.

Well, those are all the product updates I have at the moment. Tomorrow's installment will get personal! Projects, that is!

Les Blanks at Silverlake Lounge

2009-02-27T06:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not even going to go into how ridiculously difficult it was to get this completed.

One computer crash, and consequent reinstalling of Adobe CS 2, two trips to Fed-Ex Office plus one to Michelle's house, and a night of no sleep, it's finally done. Behind schedule, but completed. But honestly, Les Blanks is awesome and totally worth the technological Calvary I endured.

AlphaCult Painting & Miscellaneous News

2009-01-26T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here's my piece from Asia's "Girls Poo Flowers" show.

"Wildwood Flower"

6.5x10
Mixed Media

If you don't get a chance to check it out in person, there is a slide show of the exhibit posted on AlphaCult's website, or you can check it out by clicking HERE.

In other news, one of my prints will be featured in next week's issue of People Magazine in a Valentine's Day themed spread.

Represent!

2009-01-08T01:32:00.000-08:00

This Saturday, January 10th, I'll be showing alongside friends and fellow classmates as a part of Asia Eng's "Girls Poo Flowers" solo show at Alphacult. C'mon out if you fancy!

Your sex is on fire.

2008-11-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

Apparently. If only.

Seriously though? My latest offering through Forever 21. One of the trickier prints I've worked on.

It's never too early...

2008-11-03T17:17:00.000-08:00

...to start brainstorming Christmas card concepts. Last holiday season, a lucky 30 or so of you were treated to one of these babies:

This holiday I think I'll take a more hand-drawn approach.

If anyone is interested in receiving an extra special holiday greeting from me please forward your address to v_rodrigues_lima@yahoo.com.

Don't worry, I don't live in a cabin, nor do I have easy access to highly explosive materials.

Par Avion

2008-10-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Les Blanks at the Echo Curio

2008-10-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Bound to be a sonic assault. The magnitude of this bill is gonna make my brain Rodney King.

Sweet, glorious capitalism.

2008-10-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

Wear your affiliation on your shoulder. My latest crop of eco-totes at Forever 21.

The Voyeurs/The Flying Tourbillon Orchestra/The Hectors at Que Sera

2008-10-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

A solid night of music in the LBC, another variation on theme.

Some fun stuff that went nowhere...

2008-09-29T10:53:00.001-07:00

Some retro-inspired hang tags for your perusal. I'm pretty much on-board anything vintage, so illustrating this project was a dream. :)

The News (minus the Huey)

2008-09-18T14:55:00.000-07:00

I tend not to get too personal on this blog; I'm not very self-indulgent (except for the art-making bit) and I find it hard to talk about myself and even harder to think that anyone cares to hear/read what I say/write, but despite all this, I bear news.

The last few months, work-wise, have been good to me. All the accessories/paper goods/textiles I've designed while at Forever 21 are best-sellers (as in most of these products have no less than an 85% sell-through on average.) The peace tote I designed sold out both online and in-store, and a second delivery has been ordered due to how high demand is. The matryoshka tote started off shaky and picked up steam. All of it is a little (a lot) surreal, so much so that a few weeks ago I was waiting to get in to the Rose Bowl Flea Market when I saw a neo-folkie with the aforementioned tote slung over her shoulder. So, so weird.

PSUEDO-BUMMER ALERT: So, I realize that as a commercial art-maker, I'm pretty faceless. Most, if not all the people who buy what I've designed will never know my name, but somehow, (surprisingly) I feel satisfied enough that it's rendered a non-issue. Bittersweet, yes.

As is apparent by the last few posts, I've been doodling for a few local bands. In a word? Gratifying. Over the past few months I've been lucky enough to meet a few creative/passionate folks who have taken a chance on me and for that I'm glad/thankful/honored/indebted. I believe firmly in schools of mutual help and there's nothing better than creative folks helping each other in turn.

Lastly, there's talk of inclusion in a few gallery shows, one being in conjunction with fellow alumni as part of Asia Eng's solo show at Alphacult in January. Excitement!

That's it for now kids! I promise a less text-laden post next time. Scout's honor.

Marvelous Toy Record Release Poster

2008-09-14T22:12:00.000-07:00

You know where I'll be come FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008.

The Voyeurs-Alterknit Lounge

2008-09-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Another flyer for the Voyeurs!

Marvelous Toy

2008-08-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Flyer for amazing local band Marvelous Toy. Seriously, whether you're L.A. based or just passin' through, if you have a chance to catch this band live, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT MISS OUT! Check out their music HERE.

For Love of Trees

2008-08-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Bag! You're It!

2008-08-12T23:51:00.000-07:00

This last weekend while perusing the Rose Bowl Flea Market I came across my first product sighting: this neo-folkie girl had my matryoshka print tote slung over her shoulder.

I had always expected to run into someone toting around one of my bags but I never expected it to feel so odd. Very, very surreal.

I'm just not used to it yet, I guess.

On a related note, I think the "Keen on Green" eco-tote I designed for Forever 21 sold out on the website. More weirdness.

I wanted to post a picture of it but apparently it's been pulled from the site.

International Pop Overthrow

2008-07-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

Another poster for the ever-so-talented and entertaining duo, the Voyeurs!

In stores...or not.

2008-07-14T00:21:00.000-07:00

The following bags sold out at 3 of our local stores, that I know of. That's sorta neat.

This one did not fare so well, but the print's still cute, I think.

I also have a few panties out in stores right now, one of them being the following:

The Voyeurs

2008-06-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Just a little flyer I drew for a great band (and fine gentlemen), The Voyeurs.

Check 'em out at www.myspace.com/wearethevoyeurs

Float On...

2008-06-09T01:22:00.000-07:00

For the Birds...

2008-06-08T23:37:00.000-07:00

Newness!

2008-06-07T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hunka, Hunka

2008-05-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

The photo isn't fantastic, but it'll have to do for now.

Underneath/Below/Beneath

2008-05-27T23:11:00.000-07:00

So, I completed "Hunka." I'm horrible at naming things, so "Hunka" is obviously its tentative title. I'm only referring to it as that because so far everyone who's seen it has referred to it as such, so "Hunka" it is, for now. For those of you not in the know, I'm talking about the old-school arcade painting I did, which is, for the record, the first painting I've ever completed, like, completely.

Anyone who's ever seen me prep a surface for painting can tell you that I'm rather persnickety about it. There is a definite method to the way I lay down paper as there is to my collecting the materials I collage into each piece. So, I've been asked, why the Hughesian dedication to collaging when all I do is paint and draw completely over it?

Truth is, I know exactly what lies under all the matte medium and Mod Podge and paint and varnish in each of my paintings. I could itemize every scrap. It's a secret to everyone but me, and I'd prefer to keep it that way.

It's because I'm cruel, and unusual, ya know?

I love L.A.

2008-05-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

The first in a series of prints glorifying the finer points of my hometown:

So, recently I've run into my fair share of out-of-towners who hate L.A. despite their being radicated in our (endearingly less-than) fair city. I'm not one to judge really, and while I understand L.A. isn't for everyone, I'm also inclined to think that when someone hates something, they tend not to subject themselves to the object of their loathing. (Well, unless you're a masochist, but that goes without saying.)

My reaction to this, naturally, has been to break some faces. Ok, not really, but I have become vehemently protective of my hometown. The more I fall in love with it the more Momma Bear I get. Yeah, I get it, it's dirty, and smoggy, and transitory, and what?

Really, I'm over the whole "I hate L.A." thing. I'm not sure if it's that "hate" is the new "love" or whatevs, but seriously, if you can't stand it here, there's really no reason why you should be geographically situated before me, engaging me in conversation over how much you hate Los Angeles, or how much better X, Y, & Z city is.

The obvious move would be to head back to X, Y, & Z where your parents' money can afford you more than closet space in Echo Park because really, I could do without the blather (or the rent spike.)

Robert Rauschenberg is dead.

2008-05-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Robert Rauschenberg|1925-2008

Le sad.

The Americana at Brand

2008-05-02T02:44:00.000-07:00

The Americana at Brand officially opens tomorrow. Take a drive down Central between Colorado & California to take a gander at my latest project.

Updated (May 19, 2008):

As promised, here are the photos...

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Friend requests, the old fashioned way.

2008-04-21T23:03:00.001-07:00

Easily the most sickeningly cute thing I've ever drawn. Happy Earth Day!

I love the fact that I put the Earth in cowboy boots. Implied global American hegemony? I wonder...

Dear creators of the D' Nealian Method of Handwriting:

2008-04-16T17:32:00.000-07:00

Thank you for the gift of perfect penmanship.

(The fact that I'm giving someone other than myself credit for this is monumental.)

Gotta, gotta get up to get down...

2008-04-16T17:21:00.001-07:00

Coming soon to an electrical breaker box near you.

Bird's the Word.

2008-04-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here's some artwork I created for some journals a while back.
More to follow, I'm sure.

A long time coming...

2008-04-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

I promised this a long time ago. It's nothing really.

Arthur pretty much owns my soul...

2008-04-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Me, as a jet engine, as envisioned by my super talented friend Arthur.
Check out his stuff here & here.

Pony up...

2008-04-03T18:52:00.000-07:00

A humble foray into set dressing...

2008-04-03T18:47:00.001-07:00

A Heritage photo shoot featuring my illustrations. No biggie.

I love that the submarine is on the verge of discovering the depths of the model's armpit.

Sass-quatch!

2008-04-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

Don't ask. Don't tell.

Progress...

2008-03-23T20:19:00.000-07:00

So, I started the following painting sometime during the first half of my senior year, hated where it was going, and relegated it to a storage bin where it sat, through graduation, the moving out of my apartment, the beginning of my professional life, and a few weeks ago, while digging through boxes I've yet to unpack from the move, I found it and decided to have another another go at it. So I basically collaged and painted over the original artwork and the result is what you see below. Well, the progress is what you see really. I'm pretty close to finishing, and I'm super stoked, since, as most of you know, I've yet to finish a painting. Yes, I went through four years of art school never having once finished a painting. I dunno, I have some mental block or something, completion anxiety, fear of finalization...something, who knows? Anyway, this is as far as I've gotten, so far:

Before laying in type:

I've been really obsessed with hand-drawn type lately, so I figured I'd mask off an area, hand-draw type, then slice out the positive space to create a stencil. I'm pretty excited about the result, and amazed that I was able to muster this much control with an X-acto. Note the random eyebrow brush. No idea.

In detail:

Finally...

2008-02-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

So the Forever 21 website has just re-launched and included in the redesign are the e-gift cards I had mentioned in a prior post. Check them out here. Can you guess which ones are mine?

What are the chances...

2008-01-26T13:21:00.000-08:00

...anyone even looks at this little operation?
Regardless, there is much randomness to be posted. Soon.

Give the Gift of Me.

2008-01-21T20:01:00.000-08:00

My latest project at work has been to design a series of e-giftcards for the Forever 21 website. 6 of them are being included in the website redesign and will be available to view/purchase within the upcoming weeks. I'm stoked. Seriously, I am.

In other news, I'm also illustrating/designing hang tags for my company's accessories division. They're all inspired by vintage travel posters, advertisements, et cetera. So far, so good.

Pictures of both projects will be posted soon!

On a completely unrelated note, I'm a hair away from getting a 1920s upright piano. Super exciting.

I miss vacation.

2007-12-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

So I have a few projects in the works:

-a graphic novel
-2 'zines
"Everything in this Book Happened, I Swear."
"Pinup"
-2 super-secret collaborations (more on this later!)

I also have three paintings underway which should be done before the end of the year.
Adult me desperately wishes for winter break. The other day it hit me that I'll never have summer vacation again. Lame. Seriously lame.

Barricade at Hollywood & Highland

2007-11-13T23:14:00.000-08:00

Forever XXI is opening a new locale at Hollywood & Highland in February.

Guess who designed their barricade?

It's nothing terribly fancy, but it's exposure. I'm pretty stoked.

News, though few and far-between

2007-11-05T08:35:00.000-08:00

So, let me state that the non-posting of work is not due to a lack of it, but an overabundance of it. Life is hectic, yes, very much so. I get to doodle my day away at work and though I've only been there 3 months I've burned through 4 tracing pads and already have a drawer full of doodle-filled loose pages. (Time to file! Fun...)

On an unrelated note, here's a card I designed for Vivian's birthday:

Testing

2007-08-23T15:06:00.000-07:00

Testing, testing...1, 2, 3...is this thing on?