I did this illustration for my friends at the amazing design site FormFiftyFive. The illustration was designed for the site’s masthead. It is my first attempt at making an animated gif. The animation is very simple, but I think a nice subtle touch.

The idea was to create a masthead based on inspiration. I decided that I’d play with the theme — inspiration being such a mysterious and random thing. I created this character emerging from the dark depths of who-knows-where holding abstract letter forms of three F’s (the site’s acronym). I wanted to work with the design of the site, which is generally quite dark. The dominoes act like neurons, which when knocked over will be set in motion, forming an idea as each thought connects to the next.

I don’t normally like explaining my illustrations so formally — people have such great imaginations and I feel explaining things often ruins it. In this case, I felt a little rationale would prove interesting. Hope you like it! Any feedback is more than welcome.

~Jes

View work in Process » 

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work with art director SooJin Buzelli of Asset International again. This time for the magazine PLANSPONSOR. This illustration was for an article titled “Having His Head Examined” about a man who is about to have brain surgery, and calls a day before to see if he has medical coverage.

I did this illustration recently for OPC Register – a quarterly magazine for Ontario’s principals and vice-principals. The article I illustrated was about how school’s can enhance their communities confidence in public education.

Here is a peek at the Masterclass tutorial I did recently for Digital Arts Magazine.

“Jessica Fortner’s mosaic- like illustrations look gorgeously elaborate. Here she outlines her unique drawing, scanning and colouring process”

Buy A copy here: http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/magazine/
Apple Newsstand: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/digitalarts-magazine./id488140641?mt=8

Website: http://peculiarbliss.com/
Details: http://blog.jessicafortner.com/news/peculiarbliss-magazine-the-tigers-tale/

The Tiger’s Tale | PeculiarBliss Magazine | © 2011 Jessica Fortner. All rights reserved.

Ink/Pencil on Smooth Bristol – 12×12″ | © 2011 Jessica Fortner. All rights reserved.

DETAIL – The Tiger’s Tale | © 2011 Jessica Fortner. All rights reserved

DETAIL – The Tiger’s Tale | © 2011 Jessica Fortner. All rights reserved

I am very fortunate to be featured in the profile section of Juxtapoz Magazine this month. I am both delighted and honoured to have my work featured in a magazine that I have grown up admiring.

This issue has interviews with artists Mark Ryden, Pedro Friedeberg, Geoffrey Chadsey, Read More Books, a personal favourite: Moussa Kone, and more.

I was also featured in the illustration section of Juxtapoz’ site.

Feature: http://origin.juxtapoz.com/Current/in-illustration-the-work-of-jessica-fortner#

I recently did an interview for the excellent blog The Artfuls. If you’re interested, you can read the interview here. Otherwise, be sure to check out the site. It features tons of talented illustrators from all corners of the world.