The Toy Inspector

I'm a little late in posting this. It's an illustration that I created as a holiday gift for family members.


Digitally Colored Drawing

Some of the reactions to the work reminded me of the importance of understanding your audience. As an artist I did not see it coming, but some of my hatch marks were a little too aggressive. Many people read the hatch work on the younger elves arms, as hair. "Look at her hairy arms", was not one of the reactions I was hoping for when I created this piece.

Highlights Cover

I received a nice little treat in the mail the other day. It was my illustrator's copies of the February issue of Highlights magazine... with my illustration on the cover.
I try very hard to keep a healthy detachment from my work once it's published, but I have to admit that it is very satisfying to see my work on the cover of such a prominent magazine. Thanks so much Cindy, it looks great.

I've posted two versions of the illustration; the published version, and an alternate version that I created for my portfolio. Enjoy.


Published Version, Digitally Colored Drawing


Alternate Version with Dog , Digitally Colored Drawing



Here I am with my boys at Barnes and Noble.