Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas-eve-gregbo
"Christmas Eve" by Gregbo Watson - 2011 Christmas Promo Illustration

Friday, October 28, 2011

Gregbo's Art Seen on Halloween Episode of NBC's "The Office"

I was thrilled to be able to see one of my illustrations used in this year's Halloween episode of The Office. If you caught the show, my illustration of a Wicked Witch can be seen as a prop throughout the episode on the wall outside Andy's office. The witch is first seen in one of the opening scenes when Andy arrives and Erin is hanging Halloween decorations. Next, you can see it prominently over Dwight's shoulder as he is explaining his costume. In a later scene, the cast draws attention to it as part of the game "Put the Wart on the Witch" when Robert California arrives.

Seeing my work used as a prop on screen during one of my favorite comedy shows was a lot of fun. I'm a huge fan of the show. If you missed this episode of The Office, NBC allows you to view full episodes on its website.

Visit NBC.com to Watch the Full Episode: "The Office - Spooked"

Monday, September 12, 2011

Carnival Witch

[caption id="attachment_1055" align="alignleft" width="600" caption="Illustration : Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop"][/caption]

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Using the iPad as an Illustration Tool

Most of my illustration work these includes using my iPad at some point in the process. While working on one of my recent paintings, I thought it would be cool to document the stages along the way. The painting, titled "A Pirate's Life", is a storybook illustration of a scurvy pirate who has come ashore in search of his long buried treasure. This illustration began as a pencil sketch drawn using Sketchbook Pro on the iPad.

[gallery exclude="1006,1005,996,997" link="file" columns="4"]

Along with the painting "A Pirate's Life", I also repurposed the pencil sketch to create a vector pirate illustration:

[gallery exclude="996,997,1007,1004,1003,1002,1001,1000,999" link="file" columns="4"]

[message type="info"]You can see a larger version of "A Pirate's Life" by going here: A Pirate's Life[/message]

[message type="info"]Other recent iPad illustrations: Sleepy Hollow | The Coach | Captain America[/message]

Friday, August 12, 2011

Coach

[caption id="attachment_980" align="aligncenter" width="249" caption="Illustration : iPad, Sketchbook Pro"][/caption]

Saturday, July 30, 2011

5 Successful Tips to Beat Creative Block and Recharge Your Creativity

At some point in our careers, we've all had to face a project that doesn't motivate us creatively. You know... Reading through endless pages of vague buzzwords and industry-specific jargon trying to find anything that will somehow inspire us and get those creative juices flowing. Its tough being involved with a project that we just can't get excited about.

On the rare occasion that I find myself dreading an assignment, there are a few tips I use to get my creativity going, get motivated, and overcome the "dull project blues".

 #1 Use a Dull Project to Learn Something New
Learning a new technique is always interesting. It not only gets you motivated, but gives you a new skill that will be with you long after the project has ended. As an example, I learned to script using jQuery during one such project.


#2 Think and Do Differently
Add some excitement by trying to complete the assignment in an unusual way. For instance, lets say you are a watercolorist who paints using traditional media. Try painting using digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop. Break from the norm, and step outside your comfort zone.


#3 Try a Change of Scenery
Rearrange your creative space, add a cool new toy to your desk, or even take the project outside if you can. Sometimes, breaking habits and adding new visual stimuli can keep you motivated and help get a fresh take on the project at hand.


#4 Change Your Perspective
Yeah, I know that sounds like, "Change your attitude, young man!", but that's not what I mean. Try to realize that while you may not be connecting with the content you are working with at the time, there are many people who really are passionate about it. Try to look at it through their eyes and "borrow" their excitement.


#5 And A Child Shall Lead Them
No one is more creative than a child. When we adults have our minds cluttered by the stresses and hassles of daily life, it becomes difficult to "tap into our inner child" and think creatively. Get in there and play with your kids! Tell them what you are working on (if appropriate, of course). You will be amazed out how a child interprets the project. Their response just might trigger that elusive creative concept you've been after. If not, it will make you smile and lighten up the stress a bit before going back to the drawing board.


These are some fairly common sense tips I use to get through those rare projects that are hard to get into. Although, I shared them from a creative professional's perspective, these are tips that I believe can work for anyone.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Flash Mob

[caption id="attachment_961" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Illustration : Apple iPad, Adobe Illustrator"][/caption]

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Sports Team Mascot Logos

[caption id="attachment_957" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sports Mascot Logos"][/caption]

Avengers... Assemble! — Shots from My Studio

Working as an artist, I think it is important to surround yourself with things that inspire you. Throughout my home and studio, I have all types of oddities and cool stuff that I've picked up over the years. Having seen Captain America this weekend, including the awesome Avengers trailer after the credits, I thought it would be cool to post some shots from around my studio of items from the Avengers.

[gallery link="file" columns="4" exclude="951"]

Also, if you look closely, you will see an Ant Man/Giant Man (Hank Pym) action figure lurking in the background of the picture of Thor's Hammer, Mjolnir.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Gregbo Watson's Facebook Fan Page Launched Today


Gregbo's Facebook Fan page was created and launched today. It features original artwork and illustrations found on gregbo.com. Go check it out, see some cool art, and become a fan.