Christmas all the way II

We got more snow and I am still missing some presents.

Still missing gift tags? For those of you who have been missing Mr Fox, get your printable gift tag below.

Gift Tag Mr Fox_Melanie Franz

Christmas all the way


I have been having fun with Christmas design options. Expect a week of Christmas inspired images and cards.

Let’s start off with a snowman. We got so much snow last night that we can build one today.
If you want to print it, download the card below.

Capybaras revisited II

Any other capybara fans out there? Snowstorm today, so this is the current mood.

What situation or with what animal would you like to see a capybara in? I am in the mood to draw some more as after all the digital drawing I think it is time to get back to my black ink, so I am looking for inspiration.

Capybara King_Melanie Franz

Capybaras revisited

I am currently redoing my second capybara colouring book. While I sold quite a few of the first colouring book – Capybaras and fun facts, I only sold 2 copies of the second one. So I thought I update and republish it, as personally I like the drawings in part two better. But then, I am also not objective.

If you are still in need of a Christmas present, here you can it. Do people still give books as presents?

And this is the current, not yet updated, sequel, Capybaras and Friends.

Should I go back to drawing more capybaras? I kind of miss their grumpy looking faces.

20 Capybara Lemon_Melanie Franz

G is for Galago

Also known as bush babies. Yes, it is wearing its party hat. Because, why not? The first digital drawing I am actually very happy about! What do you think?

I just used the same pencil to get the traditional look.

After being once again knocked out by the flu for the last couple of days I am full of energy, ready to continue drawing. Have a great week!

ABC BOOK_Galago_Melanie Franz

K is for Klipspringer II

Alright, another digital version of a Klipspringers feet.

They don’t actually skateboard. Or do they?

This small antelope is found in East Africa and South Africa. More of a browser than a grazer, the Klipspringer enjoys fruits, flowers and young plants. It’s also an agile rock climber. 

Have a great weekend!

K is for Klipspringer

More digital drawing practice. One of the things on my idea/to-do list for the past year is an ABC book about African animal. A Kenyan friends gave me a list but so far I never really got around to do anything about it. So I thought this would be the perfect subject to practice on.
Comments, criticism welcome. Of course I couldn’t just do a standard drawing but wanted to make it fun and colourful. What do you think?

ABC BOOK_Klipspringer _Melanie Franz

Odd Turtle complete

Alright, my finished digital drawing attempt. What do you think about the style?

Not sure about the composition. Drew the first thing that came to mind… and added the birds because… reasons.. The pose could certainly be improved.

Happy Monday!

Progress with Turtle

I am experimenting more with different brushes, trying to find my digital drawing style. I don’t like digital illustrations when they look stiff and too neat and would like to still make it look hand drawn. So I have been experimenting with different brushes and techniques over the weekend. What do you think?

Turtle is my subject or rather victim of choice. I am just having fun with it.

Going New Places…

My to-do-list seems to get longer rather than shorter since I decided to put more emphasis on my art business.

Another digital illustration as warm up sketch. The prompt is skull.

I am in the works of illustrating a book, the traditional way. And I am also looking to set up an etsy shop. So watch this space.

2311 skull_ turtle _ Melanie Franz

Casting Shadows

I am just following the Inktober 52 prompt list now for easy inspiration. It helps me to find a quick idea of what to draw as a warm up sketch. I am still trying out different digital pens. That’s why the turtles have a different feel to them, at least in my opinion.

Under the Weather

Have been seriously under the weather today. Bed and movie day it is. Meanwhile, grab you free ebook of What’s the Weather picture book until midnight today here.

2302 Cat rain miserable paper-cut illustration _Melanie Franz

Snow time

Going to by a sled today for the little one. There is a decent amount of snow already and hopefully we will get more.

Meanwhile grab your free ebook of What´s the Weather here. Or get the print version of the picture book.

Have a great weekend!

First Snow!

Beautiful sunshine and everything is white. Good start for winter I would say.

We haven´t build a snowman yet, but it is definitely on the to do list.

Meanwhile you can get your free What’s the Weather ebook here! It will be available for free download until the 26th. Just happy to share. Of course the paper version is also available.

Have a great weekend!

Winter is here!

First snow arrived, just on time for my daughters birthday and the What’s the Weather book release!

The project came to life when I had a creative blog and bought a bunch of colourful paper last spring. The dining room table was covered in paper and glue for about a month I think. The results can be seen here in this very colourful picture book for 1-3 years old.

It not only helped me through my creative block, but it is also a fun way to go through the seasons and different kind of weather.

Vertical snow fall is rare in Iceland. It usually hits you horizontally. Just like that. This is an almost accurate depiction of me going to the car today.

Get your Mr Fox now

Last day to get your free Mr Fox ebook.

This was my first ever book project and my attempt at writing a story. And I am still quite happy with it.

I had no idea what I was doing back then when it came to story and book layout. I certainly improved since then. I am excited about the current project I am working on. Will be sharing it soon.

8 selfie Mr Fox_Melanie Franz