I had the honor of creating a custom canvas for cartoonist Jeff Koterba. While reseaching him and other real people, I realized that tying the background ephemera to the subject told a story.
We have all probably sat in an airport or busy area watching the crowd and imagining who they were...developing possible life stories about them. I started approaching my other works with that mind set.
Find either a vintage pattern or photo for a subject. Now the fun begins...develop a story. Who are they? Now it is all about finding vintage ephemera that helps everyone see their character. Sometimes I reverse the process. For example, I realized I had several Chicago and New York images. I decided that my "Chicago Gal" was a young, independent woman who moved to the big city to work in publishing during the late 40's. Now NY was a little easier when I found my "That Girl" in her modern 60's outfit. I used maps as my initial layer then built up finally find quotes that fit.
Call me crazy but I think it helps make the work more cohesive.
We have all probably sat in an airport or busy area watching the crowd and imagining who they were...developing possible life stories about them. I started approaching my other works with that mind set.
Find either a vintage pattern or photo for a subject. Now the fun begins...develop a story. Who are they? Now it is all about finding vintage ephemera that helps everyone see their character. Sometimes I reverse the process. For example, I realized I had several Chicago and New York images. I decided that my "Chicago Gal" was a young, independent woman who moved to the big city to work in publishing during the late 40's. Now NY was a little easier when I found my "That Girl" in her modern 60's outfit. I used maps as my initial layer then built up finally find quotes that fit.
Call me crazy but I think it helps make the work more cohesive.