Portrait of a Bad Hair Day
Client: Matanzas Press
Graphite on paper
This illustration was created for a published short story centered on the theme of "bad hair days." The narrative called for a visual representation that went beyond a simple portrait to convey a specific attitude and emotional state.
The artistic goal was to capture the essence of a character who is entirely unconcerned with her appearance. To achieve this, I focused on crafting a specific facial expression—sleepy, nonchalant, and embodying a "devil may care" attitude. This expression, combined with the deliberately unkempt styling of the hair, works to visually communicate her indifference, aligning the artwork directly with the story's core theme.
This project exemplifies how custom illustration serves as a powerful tool for narrative enhancement. A skilled illustration does more than depict a scene; it interprets character, reinforces theme, and adds a layer of visual storytelling that deepens the reader's engagement with the text.
My professional illustration services include creating bespoke artwork for publishing, editorial content, and narrative projects. I specialize in developing character-driven illustrations that capture mood, personality, and thematic subtext, providing authors and publishers with original visuals that elevate their written work.
To view more examples of my illustrative work across various genres and applications, please visit my Illustration Portfolio. For inquiries about custom illustration for your book, story, or publication, please visit my contact page.
PORTFOLIO GALLERIES
- Illustration work: Start with custom illustration and cover design, then view illustrated maps and architectural renderings.
- Fine art: Discover original paintings and drawings, the Custom Halftone Series, and mural projects.
- Design & motion: Check out the graphic design gallery, then move on to motion graphics and animated illustration.
- Maps by sector: I produce illustrated maps for boat shows, resorts, marinas, real estate, transit & parking, towns & cities, parks, and wayfinding systems.
- More creative services: Additional offerings include cover illustration, vehicle wraps, proposal renderings, and street art.
- Artistic methods: My work spans vector art, isometric & axonometric views, traditional painting, black & white illustration, GeoData mapping, overhead perspectives, and halftone effects. Recently I have also begun to utilize AI in some cases.
- Preferred software: I rely on Photoshop, Illustrator, SketchUp Pro, and InDesign, plus Premiere Pro & After Effects for motion projects.