Two Weddings and an Historical Shootout that Probably Leads to a Funeral

One of the great things about being an illustrator is that you occasionally get to play a part in some very special moments in people's lives. Case in point, these two commissions for some beautiful folks who are tying the knot this summer.

This one is for a wine label.

And this was gifted to the bride on the day of the ceremony.

And now, on to the usual Nick Soup fanfare! featuring unrequited love and bloody revenge! A few years ago we were given the class project of interpreting four environments based upon a Robert Service poem. While I wasn't entirely pleased with the finals, they garnered attention from some nice folk doing a short film here in Calgary. It is based on the truly awesome Service poem called The Shooting of Dan McGrew. These are the concept drawings I created for them to help develop the visual look of the film and hopefully raise funds as well. I'm pleased to say that (I think) they redeem my earlier attempts.

Dan McGrew

Lou

The Stranger

The Stranger (portrait)

Ext. Stranger's Cabin (should have added a glow on those lights...dang)

Int. Stranger's Cabin

Ext. Saloon

Int. Saloon

Best of luck to the filmmakers. After reading the script I can say they definitely have the feel of the poem down pat. Can't wait to see it!

Gotta Love a Man in Uniform

I really enjoyed my Information Illustration class during my last semester, especially since I had a chance to delve into the rich history of the North West Mounted Police. I feel like the mounties have the potential to reach almost mythological status akin to the likes of American icons like Wyatt Earp and Elliott Ness. I have probably ranted about my love of the iconic mountie before, specifically with regards to my creation Colonel Phantom.

But here is a project that details the initial march of the mounties across Canada. Based on historical journals and the illustrations of embedded illustrator Henri Julien, this comic was my attempt at making Canadian history accessible and fun and a comic book. I inked it quick and loose and I dig the spontaneous "on-site" sketchy look.

I wish I had the time to throw in some extra pages and more values but I may do that at a later date. Also my lettering is kind of meh. But the school deadlines, oh, how they loom!

Anyways, it's time to let the work speak for itself. Enjoy!

...But Seriously

It is hard to believe, but in less than one weeks time, I will be walking the stage at my convocation. Four years at ACAD went a hell of a lot faster than I'd anticipated. But then I consider all of the work that was done over those four years and it kinda feels like a lifetime.

I'm already feeling nostalgic but that may just be because I'm listening to Phil Collins as I post.

Here is another collaborative piece with one of ACAD's many uber-talented, graduating graphic designers, Dylan Mason. He was working on a rebrand of Sushi Bento and was having some trouble breathing some life into his little sushi mascots. I did some character sketches for him and he turned them into vectored gold. You can see the evolution here: the magic of collaboration! (*Nick's hands burst open and a million stars burst forth and float up into the stratosphere.)

These are the basic silhouettes I scribbled out to ensure each character's basic shape was unique.

Here is the final vector work by Dylan...

...and these were the provided sketches. They were super fun to do because Dylan invented eccentric personalities for each character. They'd make great little collectibles. 

I should also mention that the 2013 Calgary Expo has passed and it was a great time, as usual, thanks in huge part to amazing company from my pals Jason Mehmel and (Young) Neil Lalonde.

I did a lot of sketching this year and below you can see a sampling.

My first comic cover sketch. It made me super nervous ... and then it was super fun!

In other news, I now have an official portfolio site which you can find here.

Say the addy out loud. It rolls of the tongue!

Next time we speak, I'll have a Bachelor of Design. So don't make eye contact ;)