Shoe Dreams

This is a doodle---of sorts. I drew the girl without any plan. I had fun drawing her, but clearly, there was an element missing. I couldn't just have her standing there like that. She needed SOMETHING. So, I think the shoes kinda work. I mean, girls LOVE shoes and think about them often. Well, at least, I do.

Hooray for shoes!

A bride and then, a dog

I'm doing a little organizing today...well, I don't know if it really constitutes as true organizing but I bought a new CD holder thingy and came across some older CD's as I was transfering the discs. Just thought I'd post a little something I did back in 05 for a blog called Weddingbee.com
If you are a bride, this might just be a good place to check out!

And on a completely unrelated note...and because I can't help myself, he's another picture of my insanely cute dog...


Hope you all had a lovely weekend!

IF: Cars

I recently drew a slew of vehicles for a printable game on Wondertime.com which, (lucky me!) perfectly suits this weeks' Illustration Friday theme: Cars. Hopefully, I'll have some time this week to draw something specifically for the theme, but for now----this'll do.

Mitzi n' Me!

I just adopted a sweet and lovey little Boston Terrier!!! She's soooooo funny-cute!

Her previous name was Gypsy but I've started getting to know her over the past few hours now and I'm feeling a very strong "Mitzi" vibe. I feel kinda weird changing her name but maybe a new name will also be a sign of a new and happy life.

Originally, Gypsy (now, Mitzi) was a breeder dog for 6 years and once her "work" was deemed complete, the breeder called the boston terrier rescue group to have her picked up that day or she'd be taken the pound. Terrible!!!! (stories like this break my heart!)

Soooooo, now she's living here with me, in the lap of luxury! Ok, my digs aren't exactly luxurious but I imagine my actual lap is nice and soft and comfy, therefore...complete luxury! We're gunna go on lots and lots of walks and she's going to be spoiled with lots of love and affection!

xo

Live at Gotham

Those of you who might be fans of stand-up comedy and might be home (and awake) at midnight tonight, ya might wanna check out the 2nd season premiere of "Live at Gotham" on Comedy Central. I haven't seen any of it yet, but my brilliant and amazingly kick-ass sister books the show (as well as the Improv Comedy Clubs) sooooooooo, watch it if you can! I'll be watching it because I love my sister and because, comedy can be funny!

Here's a link on Comedy Central
http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/live_at_gotham/index.jhtml

Crushin'

Ever had an over-the-top crush on someone? Mine was Mark F. in 8th grade. I was crazy-in-love! {Like, maybe even a little stalker-like.} I cruised my bike by his house, often. I offered to help him out with his paper route. I wrote his name on lots of sheets of paper. I swooned over his tan. (It was the 80's in Southern Cal)Though, I must say, for a 12-13 year old, I had pretty good taste...this guy had the bluest eyes and lots of lashes.

Sadly, Mark never liked me back---but, he did dance with me once. Slow dance, even. And to this day, if I ever hear that song (which is rare, it was less popular Eagles song called "I can't tell you why")-- I think wistfully back to those early days when my hormones first kicked in! Ahhhhhhh! Those torturous, evil hormones!

The above illustration was drawn for QuizFest Magazine. In this particular illo's case---it was something like "Would you rather have your crushes name on your forehead or scream it in the cafeteria?" I'll post some of the other illos in the coming days

Poof and toot

Aw! The embarrassment of farting in front of your high school crush!!!

Thank god, this is NOT actually based one of my "most embarrassing moments"- Trust me, I have plenty different embarrassing moments I might illustrate someday, but this is not one of them. This illustration was drawn for a teeny-bopper magazine called "QuizFest"

Jigsaw O'Luck

Lately, I've been doing some freelance for the fine and lovely folks at FamilyFun.com I've been having lots of fun designing cute holiday-themed printables for them... perfect for you and your crafty kids to cut out and play with. I don't think I can post the actual pictures here so I will just provide the link instead, plus... this way I've got an opportunity to promote their site and mention what sort of thing I've been up to lately, all in one fell swoop. Here's a link/pdf to what I'm calling the Jigsaw O' Luck I designed for them---just in time for St. Patty's!
Soooo, should you be interested, sign up for the Family Fun "Printapalooza" newletter and check out some more of my printable designs in the coming months--celebrating Easter, Springtime, Mother's Day, etc! There are some great designs by other artists there too...like, the great circus animals for birthday decoration and the really beautiful and fabulous paper-folding village (I'll add the link when I can find it again).

And, Happy St. Patty's!
~Paige O'Pooler

Girly Doodle Heads

Hello! This here "illo" is really just a bunch of doodleheads thrown onto my scanner for the fun of it. They're not particularly excellent or anything...it's just that I draw girl heads ALL THE TIME (it's like a weird habit) and I've got a shoebox full of 'em and what the heck else am I going to do with them?!! (actually, I plan to collage them onto paintings, someday) Mainly, I needed a little something new on the ol' blog here so this seemed like a no-brainer. And it was just the sort of thing I could waste some time on before getting "real" about the assignments I have before me. I've been a busy, drawing maniac over the past few weeks and will be for a few more too. It feels good to wrangle several projects and I'm actually doing a pretty good job at it.... that is, considering my tendency to procrastinate and my ability to become completely distracted by shiny objects or food.

Ok, ok...work beckons....
Have an exquisitely lovely day!

Love Floats

Happy Valentines Day, People! I hope you get lots of really good and yummy chocolate...and whatever else your heart desires! (we'll leave it at that!)

This is another old and rejected design. A couple of years ago a card company asked me to submit some drawings for Valentines. I was certain that 10 of my 13 or so designs would sell. I was practically counting my money!! hahahahahaha. Turns out, they didn't want any. I look back on them now and still feel like I should have sold ...well, okay...at least ONE!! :0(
They're not that bad!! Actually, they said they liked them but I was told there might be too much "white space" in my designs and that they were looking for more specific cards like, "For My Nephew". O' well...ok, it was a good lesson! And truthfully, a good project for my portfolio. I'm pretty sure some of those very designs (and my use of white space) helped me to land the Wubbzy gig.
So, where one door shuts, another one opens!! Ain't that nice?!!

Anyway, a few of the other rejects are posted in the doodles section of my site, if you're interested in seeing more.

80s

The topic for this week's Illustration Friday is the "80s". Like, totally!

I had a lot of fun thinking about things that reminded me of the Eighties tonight....things like; parachute pants, Aqua Net'd bangs, clove cigarettes, izods, burmuda shorts and topsiders, early Madonna, rockin' with the likes of Van Halen or Nightranger, Olivia Newton-John (the "Let's get Physical" era) baggy socks and LA Gear sneakers and dolphin shorts!

And just how do I know SOOOO MUCH about the "80s"?
Well, youngin's...I was, like totally, there.


Yes, like, that does resemble a Mullet! (However, I believe we called that a "tri-level" hairstyle back then) Egads!!

The Early Buzz

Oh, hi!
I can't believe it! I am actually participating in Illustration Friday again! WOO HOO!! Looks like an excellent start to 2007!!

The topic for this week is "Buzz".

And well, ok...this is an extreme cheat because I drew these concept drawings a couple years ago. Yeah, I know--pulling from the trash heap doesn't really count!! But maybe I could just squeeze these in...
Anyway, these were for a preschool "bumper" idea I called, " The Early Buzz". It was kinda silly-- Bugs would report on a "word of the day" like, say, "Snowflake" or "Sunrise". They would inform the preschool audience all about it --scientifically, educationally and creatively. I still don't think the idea is as stinky as the executive I pitched it to did. BUT, whatever, the illustration fits the topic for Illustration Friday perfectly! So, it wasn't a complete waste!! WOO HOO!

Anyway, here's a couple more, since I had them n' all. (I'd like to redesign some of these bugs, big time!)

Happy New Year

Good Riddance, 2006!
Man, does it feel good to say that!

I love 2007 already. Its just so fresh, shiny and full-of-potential!! Smells like new beginnings.
Ahhhh.

Now, about those resolutions...
Well, I have a whole bunch of course, but, the main ones are pretty basic...be as healthful as you can stand and have lots of laughs. Make time to visit and play with the people I love! Get creative whenever you get a chance too.

I'm also open to adopting a dog (please, landlord!) and aquiring a (not too shiny) new man-friend too! Ah, the possibilities!!

Cheers to you all. I hope your 2007 is marked with much joy and happiness! And stellar health too!

p.s. Go here if you want to read a recent interview I did with Belgium graphic/web designer Veerle Pieters. I'm so very flattered that she asked me to share a little of my experience as an illustrator.

Giftmas!

Hello. It's Christmas! JOY! { replaces "YAY!" as a festive holiday exclammation}

This morning while I stood in line at the bakery (at 6AM!) I was thinking-- there must be some drawing somewhere in my files that I might be able to post to my blog to commemorate the holidays! (I really ran out of time and focus this season) And then, one pumpkin pie, one "Parisian" Chocolate cake, and a HUGE non-fat Latte later-- I found this crappy little doodle. Wait, does that sound like I ate all that? No, only consumed the Latte, which was delish. But, I digress---I drew this doodle a few years ago. I must say, I chuckled upon finding it. There's nothing wrong with wishing you lots and lots of gifts this Christmas, right??
Especially if they are gifts of happiness, health, peace, prosperity, joy and some outright sillyness!!Right?? So, go and have yourselves a very Merry Giftmas!

ENJOY.
CELEBRATE.
LOVE.

All these same gifts are wished for you in the new year too. xoxoxo

WOW! WOW!...YAY!

"Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!" is a sweet little pre-school show airing on Nick Jr. I was lucky enough to have been part of the design team (character/prop designer) over the past year. And if you know what kind of year I had, you might well have guessed that I was working with an amazing assortment of people who supported, understood and even picked-up-the-slack for me when needed. (special thanks to Bob, Teri, Sandra, Jason, Brian J, Kyle, Andrea, Jess, Karl, Pete and Kerry) I really felt I had the support of the entire Wubbzy crew and from Bolder Media too. Besides the fact that everyone was really nice....and talented...they were also a lot of fun, wickedly funny and the show is so cute! I could not have asked for more!! For all these reasons and many more...Wubbzy will forever be close to my heart!!!

And some good news... the show and it's creator, Bob Boyle were just nominated for three "Annie Awards"! How cool is that??!! YAY!!! Congratulations! (my fingers are crossed for season 2!!)


These title cards were either designed by Bob Boyle or Steve Daye and then illustrated by me.

Mardi Gras Devil

Here's a little postcard I drew for my Mom's upcoming High School Reunion. Her school mascot is the devil and the theme for the event is Mardi Gras. That's all. No deep or sordid meaning/ message. It is NOT a "save the date" card for Mardi Gras in Hell. Though, I sorta like that idea. I drew a very similar version a few years ago for Mom's last Reunion.

giving thanks

I have sooooooooo verrrrrrrrry much to be thankful for. For now... I just want to give thanks to all the new friends I've made through this crazy world of blogs and internet what-not. The past few years have been really amazing and wonderful! I've met so many nice people...some very, very inspiring and talented artists.

Every comment (and crit) about my work is greatly appreciated. I feel blessed to have had such great support and encouragement and mostly, very complimentary comments. So, thank you. And more than I can say, a special thanks for every well-wish and good vibe that was sent when things went a little awry. Milles Mercis!

xo
~paige

Autumn Bliss

Last weekend I was here:

Yep. I'd say that was a pretty amazing way to celebrate my birthday.

Not convinced?

Yeah, that's what I thought. I also hung out with my ALL TIME favorite people.

Gah. I love Yosemite.
I love my family even more.
thanks Mom, Dad, Erin, Karl, Wilder, Owen and Jim.
Spending time with you is what matters most of all. XOXOXO

The Virgin Show

I've been invited to join a group show of animators and entertainment industry artists making their gallery debut. Please join us at our Opening night reception on October 27, 7-10 pm!

Lost Souls Cafe.
Old Bank District-Harlem Place Alley
124 W. 4th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.lostsouls.com

For online info: http://myspace.com/thevirginshow

There's some serious talent in the mix (like, for example: Steve Daye, Stephen Silver, John Nevarez and Frank Rocco! Just to name a few) Am I flattered they're letting me participate? Ummmmmmm.... TOTALLY!

They may actually tell me to go away and never come back once they've seen my painting...but, ach-- I won't worry about that until next week, when they hang everything.



I did struggle with "virgin themed" ideas for this, hence---the lack of serious concept. As the deadline loomed ever-closer it was apparent that I really just needed to paint. Even tho this little painting lacks hip irreverence, cool concept or design, I really enjoyed getting goopy with paint again. Oh, and there you can see bits of my messy studio...also known as the kitchen table that never gets cleaned. Ever.

thanks Kyle and Joe for letting me participate! I'm definitely looking forward to the show!

Awareness

OK! Soooooo, I figured I ought mention my long absence from this blog and since this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month n' all, now is as good a time as any, right? On day 3 of my new job last year, I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. GAH!! Can you believe it??! I couldn't either. It was not FUN in any way, but I did get through it. With incredible love, humor and support from friends and family too. I am very lucky (it's all relative, you know) and I'm OK now. We caught it early and treated it aggressively. So now, I get to return to living my long, happy and full life! I'm a survivor, damnit! WOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOO! (and I really mean that WOOO HOOO part!)

Certainly, I'm open to share my experience or answer questions you might have. I'm actually really open about all of that. Sometimes, I fear, maybe a little TOO much so. However, I'd prefer not muddle this blog with too much on this particular subject nor do I want to scare anyone away by the mere mention of it. Trust me, I want to get back to DRAWING! The experience of this past year has definitely, profoundly changed me. It scared me, scarred me and taught me a whole lot about life and death and what is really important. I hope I never lose sight of that. Soooooooo, with all that said...LADIES (AND GENTS TOO)--early detection is KEY. Please, please, do regular self examinations. And, Ladies, get those yearly mammograms by the time you're 40!!! OKAY?!??! Please!
The earlier you catch it, the easier it is to treat and better the prognosis!

Here's a lite take on the BEFORE, DURING and AFTER process that is breast cancer for many: straight hair to no-hair to some crazy-poodle-hair. (chemo freaks out the hair follicles)



*thanks to "anon" for inspiring me to draw this today.