It's so hard to say goodbye...

...which is why I'll say "I'm moving!" instead. I have enjoyed using Blogger for many years, but the hot new thing the kids are using is Tumblr, so I've decided to switch all of my blogging activity to my Tumblr site. I will keep this blog up, so that anyone who wishes to can see the previous posts, but it will no longer be updated. (not that I've been doing enough of that, anyway)

Also, I am creating a new website, so my Erin Illustration site will be temporarily shut down for a while, while I furiously add all the recent work I've been making to a shiny, happy new site.

You can find me at the following interweb locations:

Thanks! See you around the internets!

Busy Bee...

I've been working on quite a lot of different projects lately, and neglecting the blog. But it's all for good, because who doesn't want to be a busy freelancer? One of the things I'm working on is a new site, that is a bit more streamlined but at the same time showcases all of the work I do. The new header up above is a preview.

I debated not showing any new work until my new site is completed, but I decided why deprive people? :) So here is my latest painting, a portrait of Lovefoxxx, the fun, sexy and talented front-woman of CSS, the rock-pop Brazilian band.

Okay, now back to work, and by work tonight I mean attending the American Illustration party!

Bike Lanes Rule!

I was recently contacted by the lovely folks at BQT Shirts, a tee shirt company specializing in Brooklyn, Queens and NYC themed shirts. They asked if I'd like to create some designs that would fit with their theme and aesthetic. Of course, I was thrilled they asked!

BQT Shirts already has some very cool bike tees, but with the "Great Bike Lane Wars of Brooklyn" this past summer I thought it would be cool to create a tee celebrating the urban cyclists roadways. The lanes in my design create the letters BQT, and the little cyclist is merrily on his or her way. Pick up your Bike Lane Tee here.

I'm currently working on my next designs for BQT Shirts, which should be "yummy".

Chalk Art Mural

I have been very bad about updating my site and blog– but it's not because I've been lounging at the beach with a drink in my hand....ahhhhh...that sounds nice...

What? Oh, right– I've actually had a very busy summer involving screen printed wedding invitations, freelance production work for Scholastic, illustration conferences, designing, planning, scheming and more. 

One of those "more" things has been doing chalk art for Juice Generation stores in Manhattan. Juice Generation is a mini-chain providing all natural and organic juices, smoothies and food. Btw, the Peanut Butter Split with whey protein is a super delicious lunch. Eric Helms, the man in charge, has been expanding his business with stand alone stores and with Equinox gyms, and each new store has more and more chalkboard space– which is great for me!

Check out the latest chalk art wall (apologies for the poor quality iPhone photos) I created for the brand new location inside the Equinox Soho location on Prince Street, which opened today:

Lotus & Pearl Wedding Invitations

I recently completed a suite of custom designed, hand screen printed wedding invitations for a good friend of mine. Check out the full post at Lotus & Pearl!

27 / Lennon

I've been working like mad lately on custom, screen printed wedding invitations (which I can't wait to show off soon!) so I am pretty excited to take a little break tonight and go to the 27 Release Party tonight. For those who don't know (although it seems that's not too many people) 27 is a comic written by Charles Soule, whom my husband and I had the pleasure of meeting a few years ago in New York City comics circles. The story centers on the guitarist of a hugely popular band who suddenly, at age 27, mysteriously loses his talent. 

The covers of 27 have all referenced famous photos of rock musicians, so I thought I'd do my own version on the theme, and present my 27 / Lennon sketch in time for tonight's party. I have been meaning to paint this idea for some time, and I am really looking forward to finishing it, as soon as my brides are taken care of. And then I've gotta do a Strongman piece! Rock on, people!

Father's Day Cards

Yesterday was Father's Day, and I was fortunate enough to spend time with my dad, my step-dad-in-law, and my brother-in-law, who's a brand new papa (his beautiful girl is just over a week old. I made greeting cards for each of them. They were printed digitally, but next year I hope to have them available for purchase as screen printed cards. 

The top one was for my dad, and is inspired by the fact that he likes to refer to himself as "the King", even though in my house the Queen was really the one in charge. The second one was for Kenny, who is a fun-loving guy. And the final card is for Glen, who is over the moon about his brand new baby girl, Ella. Unfortunately I couldn't make a card for Richie, my father-in-law, who isn't with us but is in our thoughts.

I just made my new site Lotus and Pearl live. I've been working on wedding (and other) invitations recently for a few friends and I'm really enjoying it, so I decided that the custom invitation portion of my work needed it's own name and space. Check it out, and if you need any custom art or invites for your next event drop me a line at erin@lotusandpearl.com

Sleigh F***ing Bells

I'm super psyched to see Sleigh Bells and CSS tonight at the Bowery Ballroom, so I did a portrait of Alexis Krauss and Derek E. Miller, who are both adorable. I've got a pretty sweet tee shirt design inspired by the band that I have to finish– you'll see it soon! Gotta run so I can get ready for the show!

The Kills! 

Here's the final portrait of Allison Mosshart and Jamie Hince of The Kills. They played a great show last week– although I definitely get cranky dealing with the jerks at live NYC shows. I'm looking forward to doing more portraits like this– fun and loose. We're going to see Sleigh Bells and CSS perform at the Bowery Ballroom next week, so I think I may do a portrait of Alexis and Derek next...and prepare myself for the too-cool-hipster-a-holes at that show! ;)