Another Sneak Peek

Here's another one from the book I'm currently preparing to pitch. Later on in the year, Fran (as she's currently known) is still not having any luck finding somewhere to hibernate that isn't impractical, totally physically impossible, or already taken.

I think gouache and pencil is probably the way to go for this after all. Even if it's going to take AGES.

Somewhere to Sleep (working title) Sneak Peek

Some more experiments with gouache for the book idea I'm currently developing. I need some solid concepts and example illustrations to go with the pitch I'm putting together. I love how clean and solid the colours are, and it's real easy to draw over the top because it spreads so smoothly. Haven't tried illustrating a full page or double-page spread yet though, just these spots.

Spooky Skull Paintings

I painted some spooky skulls for my Etsy. I was supposed to be working on something else but then some spooky skulls popped into my head and I was like "Well, I guess I have no choice now but to paint some spooky skulls." You ever get that?

Don't look for any deeper meaning in these paintings. They are just cute and spooky for the sake of being cute and spooky.

More Pixel Art

Been getting real into painted recreations of pixel art lately, for some reason. Had a bash at some Sonic 3 characters and Mario 3 powerups.

The Starman piece is actually made using genuine imitation gold leaf in only my second ever attempt at gilding. It is extremely shiny and they are ALL very darling. You can see and buy them on my Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SuperGraffiti?ref=hdr_shop_menu GOD, I've missed saying that.

Second Book

I'm trying to figure out my second book at the moment. I want it to look a fair bit "cleaner" than The Princess and the Fog which was deliberately quite scattered, ever-changing and a little confusing, to match with the theme. This one should be a lot "quieter".

This is what the protagonist looks like:

I've been writing her as "Fran" but I'm not married to that name. It doesn't have a title either. I am not good at naming things. My children are all going to be named Lloyd Jr.
I literally just this second was given the suggestion Ursula, which I like quite a lot.

I was thinking at first I was going to do the whole thing in watersoluble crayons like this, mostly because they're kina "fuzzy," which goes nicely with the gentle Autumn theme and the whole bear thing, and the colours easily variable. But now I'm not so sure.

Fran's had a very subtle redesign since the first draft of the book after feedback that some kids thought she was supposed to be a hippo (!)

Here's two of her, coloured on the left with gouache and on the right with very thickly applied watersoluble crayon, as opposed to the above image which was quite thinly drawn. Can't decide which I prefer. Results inconclusive! More testing needed!

Custom Birds!

Custom birds made on commission from this Etsy listing: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/265213696/bespoke-birds?ref=shop_home_active_1

 It didn't replicate so well when I scanned it (obviously) but this one has imitation silver leaf gilded onto the design!

Four beloved rescue birds whose personalities I feel lucky to get to know while making these.

These were made for Jill Strong, who is also a fabulous designer herself. Check her out: http://www.jillstrong.com/

Mario Blocks - Etsy

New products that have gone all up in my Etsy since I reopened it include a decorative frame and two different moneyboxes, all inspired by Mario blocks.

I had a lot of fun photographing them, if you couldn't tell.

These, and plenty more cool things, available here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SuperGraffiti?ref=hdr_shop_menu

Also, this is the 100th post on this blog! Wow! Happy 100, everybody! I'm surprised and delighted that I've been doing this for so long!

Ride Free

Recent Xmas commission for a dude's biker parents which was reportedly very well received. Inspired by American highways I've never been to. On a huge sheet of watercolour paper in acrylic paint, ink and watersoluble wax crayon.

Etsy reopen!

Hello friends!

Good news. I am pleased to announce that I am reopening my Etsy store over here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SuperGraffiti?ref=hdr_shop_menu and will be populating it with both old sell-thru stock and with brand new items going forward. Go have a browse for zines, paintings, gifts and other great things like these:

Stamp Press

Hello everyone! Exciting news! I am now officially a designer for Stamp Press, a company that specialise in making designer stamp templates, gift tags, wall decals, coasters, door hangers and all sorts of stuff! I submitted a bunch of designs to them recently and they went NUTS with 'em! Check out http://stamp-press.co.uk/search-results/designers-lloyd-jones for fabulous designs like THESE:

And many more including alphabets, more cute characters and who knows what else! You'll have to click that link and take a look yourself! I'll be updating this thing with new designs every now and then so watch that space for exciting updates!

If you're a craftmaker or a teacher and you want some cutesy stuff designed by me on a handsome rubber stamp to stamp on your homemade greetings cards or students' work, or if you just love giving presents and want some cute unique designs on the tags, or if you're some other example I can't think of right now, go to http://stamp-press.co.uk/search-results/designers-lloyd-jones and have yourself a browse! There's bound to be something there for you. Or check out any of their other designers! There's about ten million of us so I have no idea how this is supposed to work!