Part 1: Leveling UP
At the suggestion of an artist friend I’m starting to work through a rubric I’ve set for myself to help improve my artwork towards specific goals. I started with some thumbnails with that rubric in mind and picked the one that fit the criteria the best.
I did some color comps and chose the color palette I feel like works the best.
Next up is gathering references and rendering a detailed sketch. Then I’ll scan it and decide what medium to do the final in.
I’m so sorry I haven’t posted here in several months. I know blog posts are nearly an archaic form of cultivating information now but I’m interested in getting back into some longer form content of revitalizing my blog to make more personal connections with people.
So I thought I’d re-introduce myself and tell you a little bit about the artwork I like to draw.
My name is Allen Childers and I illustrate 2D creatures and characters. I attended Pittsburg State University for Fine Art in Pittsburg, KS, and Murfreesboro State University in Tennessee. I am not an art graduate and even though I have some art instruction I consider myself primarily self-taught.
I’ve had a passive freelance career for several years that brings in a little income. The most lucrative thing I do is local art festivals and I’ve started doing more conventions.
Why I’m able to have a passive freelance career akin to a hobbyist is my full-time job as Art Paraprofessional for K-5 grade! I love my job and benefits even though the pay could be a bit better. Working with students and helping them learn the foundations of art helped reinvigorate my passion for art.
I’m also a board member at a local arts festival in Pittsburg, Kansas called the Pittsburg ArtWalk hosted by the Pittsburg Arts Council. I love helping provide opportunities for local artists. I created the SEK ARTS COMMUNITY Facebook group that helps promote local artists and provides a space for them to collaborate or sell their work.
I am also an avid TTRPG player and creator. Part of the way I get my other creative pursuits out is by creating content for playing games! I especially love creating new monsters and Items for my players. I post them mostly under Spellhawks Press blog.
My future plans include creating a children’s book, starting a Twitch stream, working on developing more artwork that can be licensed in multiple products, and continuing to do festivals and conventions while increasing my artistic skills.
Hello! In an effort to grow an online audience and community around art I would appreciate folks who enjoy #fantasyart #illustration #storybookart #dndart to follow my YouTube channel. Making videos and making better videos will help me hold myself accountable for creating the kind of art that is meaningful to me. Thank you for your help! Follow the link below
Recently I had the pleasure of attending ArtCon in Neosho, MO ! It was hosted by the Neosho Arts Council. This was an exciting event for me because it was my first comic book / fan convention and I had the best time!!
I got to meet a few different artists and trade prints. Several friends who were friends of mine made the trip to see me! I can’t wait to attend ArtCon next year and I hope to see you there!
Kobold Alchemist and Juvenile Mimic illustrated in Procreate App on 12.9 Ipad pro. I like the looseness of this sketch and the mimic mug was really fun to draw. I may do the mimic mug by itself later and make stickers or pins out of it. Really had fun with this one.
Allen Childers Art & Illustration 