The Art of Fun

Hello,

This will be my final post on this blog. Thank you Mosscovered Blog followers and fans for all the love and support! 5 years ago I started this blog on a whim as a way to share my work with who ever was interested in viewing. I had no way of knowing how enriched my life would become thanks to every kind word and encouraging comment shared. 

There is no need to get too sentimental though I suppose. I will still continue to blog elsewhere! at my new online home: The Art of Fun!!! which also has a Blog that I will attempt to update as often as possible. Please come by and visit sometime.

theartoffun.com

peace

-Christian 

Red Cap Cards

Greeting cards anyone? I'm so flipp'n thrilled to share a line of greeting cards I designed for Red Cap Cards! I've always been a cheapskate when it comes to buying cards myself. Why spend the extra cash when I could make it myself? Now that I actually have a collection of cards out there, I hope folks don't take my attitude. As you could probably tell I'm not that great at selling myself. 
You can check out my cards and others here at: Red Cap Cards

Harlem's Little Blackbird

Oh my lucky stars! I'm so pleased to share a peak of the soon to be released picture book I illustrated, Harlem's Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills. I'll say more closer to the actually release, for now I just want to thank the author Rene Watson for sharing this powerful story. Thank you to the book editor Suzy Capozzi and art director Ellice Lee for even considering me as a potential illustrator for this book. Of course thank you Steven Malk my agent for pretty much helping me make my dreams come true. Lastly thank you Florence Mills for inspiring us all, I'm so proud to have been able to contribute in the sharing of her story to young readers.

Here is a link to an interview I did with the art director Ellice Lee and our collaboration:

Random Acts of Reading

Learn more about Florence Mills from Children's book Enthusiast and the kindest blogger Joy Chu:

The Got Story Countdown

Starred Review from Booklist!

Booklist Online

Pre-order a copy online now and save: Harlem's Little Blackbird

Glacial Age

Urban Outfitters Display Sketches

Today I was looking through an old sketch book and thought i'd share these doodles I made for an art display at Urban Outfitters in downtown San Francisco. It's kind of embarrassing to read all the little notes I make when working, you'd swear I was building a rocket ship or something :O)

The Source

Above a thank you card I designed for Red Cap Cards.

My Source of Inspiration, A spread from Bruno Munari's Zoo. Written and illustrated by Bruno Munari. 1963.

I believe it was Einstein who said "The key to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources". I do believe he's making an excellent point. All creative people ( All living beings!) are influenced by the world around them. I don't necessarily subscribe to the hiding of our sources part, why conceal the reality of creativity? The sources of inspiration in the universe are infinite, there is no need to be afraid of having someone else see your influences. There are plenty to be had! Let he who has not been influenced by another artist work cast the first stone :O)

Cargo

Koko & All Ball

Do you remember Koko & All Ball? Their story is the most beautiful and most saddening thing. Brace yourselves people click here to watch: Koko&AllBall

Hello Friend

Red Sun

Red Sun Animation Test from Christian Robinson on Vimeo.

Happy New Year! I was feeling blog neglect guilt today, So I thought i'd dig deep and find something to post. Awhile back I was asked to put together an animated music video for this really amazing musician who goes by the name: Gifted and Blessed. I wasn't able to complete the project, and what I have to share is only 35 sec and roughly put together. mmm... ok here goes!

Nebula Jun - Nov 2011

Nebula was a very beautiful and special kitty, she will be greatly missed.  Losing a friend is no fun, although I know it's because she brought joy in our lives that we miss her so. She was a blessing and also a teacher, she taught me patience and also how to not sweat the little things, like the material stuff ( cause she loved tearing up everything) Thank you Nebula for the time we shared, I am a better person for it.

Precious

My Posters

Original Posters

It's strange to say that I loved a film so dark and saddening, I'll say that I was deeply moved by it. I can say for sure that I am in love with and inspired by the original film posters. Gabby Sidibe the actress who plays precious is perfect!

Hear Ye, Hear Ye

Like many of you out there, I LOVE children's books! Perhaps like myself, you may gravitate towards classic children's stories from a time long ago. You might also agree that some of the children's literature of today lack a certain kind of magic. As I'm beginning in my path as an illustrator, I can only hope to create work that inspries, makes a positive impact, and is magic!

Thank goodness for Mac Barnett, a very charming guy who writes very charming children's stories. Mac is the brains behind this manifesto.  He was able to put into words what so many who create & love children's books have been feeling. The stunning art and hand written lettering for the proclamation was beautifully done by Carson Ellis. I still think of myself as an aspiring children's book illustrator, so to be mentioned in the same sentence, let alone as a signatory for this proclamation, with all these artist that I admire was pretty unreal. Thank you universe for being so friendly, kind and keeping things magical.

The Proclamation is being featured in the Nov/Dec Horn book a publication about books for children and young adults. To get a better look at the Document you can go to The Picture Book.co or join the conversation being had on Twitter & Facebook.

IT'S A SMALL WORLD

School House Africa, framed dimensions: 8 x 10

London Rain, framed dimensions: 7 x 4

Here are two collage/ paintings I am contributing to a group exhibit at the Gallery Nucleus. The show is connected to the release of new children's book It's a Small World, Illustrated beautifully by Joey Chou!
To learn more about the show click here: IT'S A SMALL WORLD!!!

Celebrate Summer

Pheeew! just got a post in before the end of the month. I was asked to create an invite for a summer party, at top is the card front final version and under a couple of concepts that didn't pass. Hoping those who have been effected by the bad weather on the east coast are safe and quick recovery.

* Inspiration *

Above is a collection of Images that I often turn to for a creative spark. I've been gathering images like these for awhile, they've always been helpful when I run into creative road blocks. I highly recommend putting together an inspiration board. It can also serve as a reminder of things that influence and motivate you to create. I'd also like to share a few websites that I constantly visit to help recharge my batteries, I've listed them under Inspiration. Hope you enjoy them as much I as do.

Tattoo Circus

Here is another activity I came up with for the latest edition of the goods. Summer, summer, summertime!

General Blue Owl

My latest piece for McSweeney's The Goods. I was given a day to come up with the concept and execute, luckily the editors weren't picky.

Queer

Every now and then a project comes along that is an honor to be apart of. So much so that you'd probably work on it for free if they hadn't already offered to pay. Queer, a guide for LGBT teens, was that sort of assignment for me. Last year there were so many tragic stories of LGBT teens being bullied & harassed to the point of suicide. It's deeply saddening, but as an amazing group of compassionate people suggested "It Gets Better". My hope is that this book will help show LGBT teens that it does get better and remind them that they're not alone, and that they matter, and that they are beautiful just as they are! To learn more about the book click Queer.