Sketches by JJ

Although most of my art is created digitally these days, I still take time out to put pencil to paper -- for projects like this or just for the simply joy of sketching. It's an important part of my process, and often provides ideas that are carried over into final TOOMASOOBA illustrations. You can see specific "Before & After" examples on this page, if you'd like.

Anyway, here are some recent sketches that I thought I'd share!

Click above for a larger view of these critters.

Shop Tooma

What's that you say? You didn't know there was a TOOMASOOBA Etsy shop? Well, shoot! Check it out here, or click on the widget to the right. Shirts, prints and stickers are currently available...more cool stuff coming soon. I promise!

Fun Fact: My sister and bro-in-law are the shirt models.

Creative Kick in the Pants

I took a trip to Dallas this weekend to hang with some friends and also to do a bit of "research" on the local art scene. Turns out there are some pretty rad shops and art + craft groups in the area -- if you're in the Big D, be sure to stop by We Are 1976 on Henderson and keep an eye out for anything Etsy Dallas and ArtLoveMagic is cooking up!

Anyway, we stopped by ArtLoveMagic's Underground 2011 event on Saturday night and it was a blast. Tons of folks doing their thing live, selling art and chatting it up...it's always awesome to see fellow artists, illustrators and designers working their magic and to be a part of that energy. I headed back home Sunday afternoon full of inspiration and ready to get cracking on work of my own. Always a good feeling.

To the right are a few quick pics from the event...check 'em out!

More 4 (AFTER 5)

Well, the 4AFTER5 show is officially over and we're marking this one down in the "success" column. Sold some pieces, met some new folks, and got to share our art with Shreveport. On the exhibit's last official day, our friend (and film whiz) Matt Weeks got some footage of our pieces and interviews with us 4A5 dudes.

It was a long (but exciting and rewarding) day, and we're glad to have gotten a video record of the exhibit. When the piece is all edited and whatnot, we'll be sure to share!

Travis in the hot seat.

Tinker Fan Art!

Jeff Welborn and I recently had the opportunity to teach a cartooning class for Camp Forbing's Winter Program and it was a lot of fun! We did some "draw-alongs" with the kids in our respective styles (Jeff did step-by-step superhero art, and I focused on some TOOMASOOBA-esque cartoons).

There were a couple of young gals who, by the end of the session, were obsessed with all things Tinker. It's really cool to see your work connect with an audience and I was honored that they liked it so much. Below you can see some of their art...I better watch out, looks like I've got some competition!

Art by McKenzie (9) and Grayson (9) - Click to view larger version!

TOOMASOOBA in Nashville

Talula Gallery

In December 2010, I headed to Tennessee to visit some friends and to check out the local art scene. East Nashville is home to eclectic galleries and shops that specialize in unique artwork...and I wanted to be a part of it, dang it.

I stopped by the awesome Talula Gallery, took a look around and dropped off a stack of bookmarks for folks to pick up. The owners were cool and, long story short, Talula is now carrying TOOMASOOBA prints in their store!

If you just happen to be in Nashville, swing by and grab one (or two or three)...check out their website for location info and hours. Tell 'em Jeremy sent you.

ToomaBot

Fellow 4AFTER5-er Travis and his wife recently had a baby boy named Jonas, and he asked myself and some other dudes to help decorate the room, robot-style! Trav gave us cool little blank figures to customize, and we had a lot of fun with it.

To the right you'll see my contribution -- I think I did a good job putting a TOOMASOOBA spin on the little fella. I also chose the color as a nod to "My Name is Jonas" on Weezer's Blue Album. And he has a fancy little hat. You can never go wrong with fancy little hats.

You can see some other figurine awesomeness here and here. Thanks for the chance to snazz up the space, Trav!