Right before leaving for China, I received this commission request: two small drawings, on a budget, in the pages of a journal that would serve as part of a marriage proposal to a girl who really loves fairies. I was asked to make it sweet and told it didn’t have to be chaste.
I received the journal the week before my departure, hoping for a few spare moments to work on it from the road, but the leather-bound notebook ended up traveling to Shanghai, Beijing and back – untouched. The Secret Guide shooting schedule was just too intense for me to think about anything else.
I had to get started on this a couple of days after my return to make the deadline. Working with a limited amount of time, limited space, and a client’s limited budget, these slinky little temptresses are what I came up with – one drawing at the beginning of the journal, one at the very end. Though I wish I’d had time to make the drawings more elaborate, I infused the pages with as much sweetness as I could. I’m told she loves them.
Incidentally, these were commissioned by the same client who tasked me with the Death+Delirium hybrid a few years ago. All the above images are clickable – do so to see them bigger.
Inkdrops 029 - Alkonost Tattoo Commission
Photo Flurry 119 - LA Trip for Gag Me With a Toon 5
Style Dispatch 025 - Color Supernova
Oh wow, those are damn pretty little fairies, a ridiculously adorable proposal idea and I have to say I’m really digging the way that journal looks.
Thanks, Nikki!
The leather on that journal was so supple. I’m told it’s from an artist who sells their work on Etsy, maybe you could find a similar one there?
Wow!!! They are so lovely, JUST as…the lines are so sensuous. Both photos (especially the single faery) are just so inviting. Yes they are sweet, but not in a cloying way…great work!! LOVELOVELOVE!
Thank you, Melissa! It was refreshing to work on something so charming and fun – I really enjoyed it and think that comes through in the drawings.
Wow… nice work. And how sweet of him to come up with something so unique and special. I hope she said “yes”.
That journal is amazing. Must have! If you know the etsy seller please share. Nice work!
Alright, alright! Here is the super-talented Etsy artisan responsible for the journal: http://www.etsy.com/shop/Twisted2011
If someone want’s to buy me this one as a finder’s fee, I won’t protest: http://www.etsy.com/listing/103000442/leather-journal-chrome-black-dual
Tek – she did!
That journal is so gorgeous, so are your drawings… I hope shes said yes!
oh, these are so lovely. what a thoughtful and sweet way of proposing!