Something borrowed, something new

Took a break from inking over the weekend and instead added new designs to my Etsy shop.

I guess this is more for me than anyone else. I am really bored of this book project right now and even thought about quitting. But then again, that is not an option.

You can find this design either as print or postcard printable in my shop.

Happy work Monday!

C is for Civet

Let’s start off the new year with another digital drawing attempt. I am kind off having fun with it in between actual ink drawings. And I am actually learning a lot of new things which is great and after the initial struggles I feel like the learning curve is getting easier. One of the project ideas I had in my head over the last year is an African animal ABC book in collaboration with a Kenyan friend. 

So civets are the ones that eat and poop out coffee beans and make them taste delicious in the process… I worked once in a coffee roastery, amazing job. Before that I thought coffee just had to be black to qualify as coffee. I learned better. The most expensive coffee I tried was the Galapagos coffee.

ABC BOOK_Civet_Africa_Melanie Franz

Christmas all the way III

Felt like doing another digital illustration to practice some more.

Merry Christmas from Turtle and Spider!

Turtlemas_Turtle xmas sweater _ 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

Time to Work Out! Again!

Have been postponing going back to the gym for a month now. Tomorrow is the first of the month and I just signed up. No excuses!

2311 mighty turtle spider _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.