Joshua Jesty will be with you in a Minute

Just finished some promotional images for my talented and hilarious musician friend, Joshua Jesty. Check out his music will ya?

Put a Bird on It

Portlandia Fan Art

Happy New Year!

My new year’s resolution is to find me a pet dinosaur. What’s yours?

Holiday cards

I've been very busy today painting a bunch of happy yetis...

Happy Holidays!

Free stuff!!!

The Nimbus Factory (which I am a part of) is hosting a giveaway starting today and ending on December 6th! You can win a different product each day, including holiday cards, journals, and tote bags.

Today's product is the 'Mythical Creatures' Holiday Card set, illustrated by Miss Julia Kuo.
Click here to see the details!

Prints for Sale

I am just now realizing what society6 actually does, and I'm super excited about it. You can now purchase prints of my artwork through their site, right here!

They even have an option to turn the artwork into ipod cases, laptop skins, and tshirts! How cool is that? I'll have to take them up on that offer soon...

Amanda and Danny

I had a lot of fun designing these wedding announcements for Amanda and Danny. It helps when the bride has good taste :)
(Photo credit: LuSarah SEAS Photography)

Sketchy People

As a way of forcing ourselves to draw everyday for fun, the fabulously talented Duncan Barton and I have started a tumblr called Sketchy People. 

This is my first entry...'Eureka has misplaced her finches.'

Very Belated Wedding Gift

for some dear friends <3

this is my second official gouache painting, and i'm really enjoying experimenting with it!

Hello SF!

It's been a crazy three months since I left Cleveland and arrived in San Francisco. Miraculously, myself, my dog, my boyfriend, and a bunch of my stuff was able to fit in my tiny car and make the long journey across the country.

We stopped in the Grand Canyon and went camping. It WAS grand.

Then we made it to our charming apartment in Bernal Heights. Lucy has a great hill to explore and lots of gophers to chase. The view from the top is incredible, and I'm lucky to be living in such an awesome place.

It's been an incredible journey. I miss Cleveland a ton, in spite of what you might think. It's difficult to leave great friends. But San Francisco is beautiful and quirky and fun, and know I am going to enjoy my time here. Who knows what the future will bring.

As far as my career is concerned, I've been working furiously on new, exciting things! New products from The Nimbus Factory are being printed as we speak. Look out for new products in the store around Thanksgiving.

Sneak peek:

 Overall, exciting things are happening. Now that I'm settled, I'm going to make more of an effort to post on here. Keep an eye out :)

Adventuretimes

I believe it's about time for me to post an update on all of the huge changes going on in my life (and a reason for my lack of posts recently!). I usually avoid writing too much about myself because, frankly, my life hasn't been exciting enough to announce to the world. I mean, I could definitely post tons of information on how many ice cream sundaes I've eaten in the past week, how much I love my dog, or how my stomach is feeling today.  I typically spare you all from those intimate little tidbits, at least on this blog*...but, I think recent events deserve a lil shout-out:

Change #1: After much thought, I have left the security of a full-time job to pursue my freelance illustration career. I am thoroughly enjoying the challenges and rewards it has given me so far, and I'm looking forward to a hopefully long journey down the freelance road. My love for illustration and design knows no boundaries.

Change #2: Some of you know that I am part of an exciting new design collective called The Nimbus Factory. Since I  left my last job, I will be able to put forth my best efforts into making some awesome new products! I'm living my dream and I couldn't be happier to explore what the four of us can accomplish.

Change #3: I am finally saying farewell to Cleveland and driving across the country to explore the hills of San Francisco along with the talented Mr. Duncan Barton. This is definitely a bittersweet change and I will sorely miss all of my amazing friends here in the Cleve (you folks know who you are!). Cleveland has turned out to be a surprising and enigmatic city that I have really grown to love. The loyalty people have for this city is both ironic and touching, and my heart breaks a little when I think of leaving Melt, The Beachland Ballroom, and the Rocky River metropark behind. The experiences I've shared with my friends here have been some of the best of my life. (Expect another post about those.)
On the other hand, the move to San Francisco is something I've dreamed about. There's something very inspiring and mystifying about the epic scenery of the west coast. I feel like I'm taking control of my life and opening up endless opportunities for myself as an individual and artist.
I have always wanted an adventure, and I think I'm getting one.

*follow me on twitter (emilydove144) if that kinda stuff floats your boat!

P.S.
Speaking of adventures, I can't get enough of this song/video by Fleet Foxes. It perfectly encapsulates everything I've been feeling lately. If you haven't listened to it, do yourself a favor.

Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean from Fleet Foxes on Vimeo.

Dokobots!

These are character designs for a "parallel world scavenger hunt" iphone game called Dokobots. I've been playing it on my ipod and I am really in love with the scavenger hunt idea. You might find these guys by walking around your neighborhood!

These particular 'bots are meant for a specific purpose...see the Dokogeo facebook page to learn more about them.

Sleepy Dog commission

Recently finished up a portrait of a beautiful dog who likes to steal kitchen sink drain-plugs, haha.

I really enjoy doing these sleeping animal portraits, so if anyone wants one, shoot me an email...

Character Designs

One of my goals in life is to be in a jugband and wear cowboy boots.

Cleveland Addy Awards

I was generously invited by the members of Flourish, Inc., to see how the CSU 'Engage' Poster campaign I worked on would fare at the Cleveland Addy Awards tonight.  Lo and behold, the ad campaign won Best in Show, along with racking up several other awards!  Congrats also to local Clevelander, Sean Higgins, of The Bubble Process for winning several awards for his poster.  I was honored to be part of a campaign that highlighted the talents of Gary Taxali, Gemma Corell, Migy, and others.  High fives all around!

My Cousin's Wedding!

I designed my cousin's 'Save the Dates' for what I imagine will be a glorious wedding!
Jesse proposed to Karin while in a canoe (without tipping over) on a lake near our family's cottage in Michigan.  Our family has been going to the lake for generations so there are lots of memories...it's pretty special.  Nice job, Jess :)

Congrats Jesse and Karin!

Space Moth

inspired by the luna moth :)

Help! Blue or grey?

Josh and I need your help--please comment with your vote!

San Francisco Renegade Craft Fair

Come visit Booth 108 this weekend!

thejoshuaweb.net!

I've been working on some illustrations for my friend and talented musician, Joshua Jesty, including an update to the images and lettering on his website.  I just couldn't miss the opportunity to illustrate some devious bunnies.

Clever merchandise items featuring bunnies and unicorns will be following shortly!