Remembering Gary Michaels

On Monday, May 27, 2013 a very good friend of mine, Gary Michaels, passed away. I had the great fortune of working with Gary for nearly seven years (since November, 2006), and it’s safe to say that I probably wouldn’t be working as a professional illustrator or designer if it weren’t for him. He was a truly gifted creative director and person. I’m not really sure what else to say (I’m not good at writing this kind of stuff), so as a sort of mini-memorial I’ve posted some pieces that Gary and I worked on over the years.

My prayers go out to Gary’s family and friends.

Above photo courtesy of Paul Landry.

The Blue Lou and Misha Project CD illustration and design — The Blue Lou and Misha Project CD illustration and design (~2010)

The Blue Lou and Misha Project CD marketing cartoons (~2010)

mydbt-cartoon — Licensed marketing cartoons for small banks and credit unions. (~2008)

lemonade — Licensed marketing cartoons for small insurance companies. (~2006)

Farewell, Gary. You will be missed my friend.

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Dec 22

🚨 Last chance to sign up for “Character Design for Children’s Book” course! 🚨
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Dec 22

🚨 Last chance to sign up for “Character Design for Children’s Book” course! 🚨
Do you want to master the art of character design and bring your stories to life? Registrations close on Sunday, so don’t wait! Sign up now and start your creative journey.
Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ 3+ hours of video content in full HD
✅ 7 modules
✅ Access to a private community of motivated students
✅ Access from any device
✅ Free bonuses
✅ Lifetime access to all the materials
✅ 30 days warranty

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your character design skills! Hurry up and secure your spot now! ⏰

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Dec 21

Registrations for my “Character Design for Children’s Book” course is open. This course is designed for all beginners and those looking to refresh their skills. This course will give you a solid understanding of character design.

Here’s what you’ll get:
✅ 3+ hours of video content in full HD
✅ 7 modules
✅ Access to a private community of motivated students
✅ Access from any device
✅ Free bonuses
✅ Lifetime access to all the materials
✅ 30 days warranty
Don’t wait - start your creative journey now!

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Dec 21

Course link in bio.

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Dec 20

Another friendly reminder that my beginner’s course: “Character Design for Children’s Books” is now open for registration. I had a blast making this course, and I’m excited to share it with you all. If you’ve ever wanted to dive into the world of character design and kid’s books, or want to get a behind-the-scenes look at how I approach character design, now’s your chance. Link is in my bio (as they say).

#illustration #characterdesign #kidlitart #kidlitartist #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Dec 19

I’m super excited to announce that registration for my new course: Character Design for Children’s Books is now open!! You can find the link in my bio. I hope you see you there!

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Dec 17

Some Christmas birdie doodles in @procreate

#illustration #sketch #kidlitart #christmas #holidays #doodle #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Dec 13

I posted the process reel for this the other day. I figured I’d post the actual artwork. Merry Christmas 🎁 🎄 😊

#illustration #greetingcarddesign #greetingcards #christmas #artlicensing #holidays #catplayingsaxophone #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Dec 7

I don’t care what your mommy says, Christmas time is near. Drawing on my trusty @wacom Cintiq 27qhd.

#illustration #kidlitart #greetingcards #artlicensing #winter #christmas #saxophone #music #drawing #process #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Dec 5

Doing some final edits on my course: Character Design for Children’s Books. This course will be releasing very soon, and I’m very excited!! You can still sign up to the waiting list. Link in my bio or on my Linktree. See you there. 😀

#illustration #drawing #kidlitart #kidlitartist #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Nov 28

Terry the turkey says it’s ok to skip Thanksgiving and go directly to Christmas. He doesn’t mind. In fact, he encourages it. As for me, I say Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁

#illustration #kidlitart #happythanksgivng #turkeyart #holidays #christmas #characterdesign #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Nov 20

A little Christmassy doodle.

#illustration #drawing #kidlitart #cat #saxophone #christmas #holidays #sketch #sketchbook #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Nov 14

Some @procreate doodles. Just your average armadillo playing the banjo.

#illustration #kidlitart #kidlit #characterdesign #sketch #drawing #armadillo #banjo #joshcleland #joshclelandart

233 1

Nov 11

Here’s a little preview of my latest collaboration with @wonderbly , “Our Family Saves Christmas!”   Christmas is cancelled...unless your family can save the day! A festive story full of laughs and rip-roaring family fun, this riotous read-aloud adventure will bring everyone together this Christmas.   I had a festive blast working on this latest personalized book. See @Wonderbly for info on how you can get your own personalized copy.

#illustration #kidlitart #kidlit #kidsbooks #childrensbooks #picturebooks #booksforkids #christmasbooks #reindeer #workspace #wacomworkspace #photoshop #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Nov 1

Today @rayna_c and I get to celebrate 21 years of marriage!! I can honestly say that I wouldn’t be where I am career wise without her.

21 YEARS!!!

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Oct 31

In honor of Halloween I thought I’d repost this spooky bat pattern I created a few years ago. Happy Halloween 🎃!

#halloween #illustration #kidlitart #bats #characterdesign #patterndesign #drawing #halloweenart #artlicensing #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Oct 29

Working on the cover for “The Woofmore is Not Haunted“. Written by @lorihaskinshouran and @dgephartwrites , and published by @abramskids / Amulet Books (and illustrated by me :) ). Available now. Order link in my bio.

Hardware
Tablet: @wacom Cintiq 27qhd,
Mac mini M1
Monitor: Benq 3220u

Software: Photoshop

#kidlitart #kidlit #behindthescenes #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #joshcleland #joshclelandart #woofmore

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Oct 23

Did you know that soon I will be launching my very first course: Character Design for Children’s Books. We will be covering the basics of how I approach designing characters that captivate and delight an audience. I don’t have an exact launch date yet, but if you’re interested I encourage you to sign up to the waiting list to get more info. The waitlist link can be found in my bio. I hope to see you there!

#illustration #kidlitart #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #booksforkids #process #procreate #ipadart

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Oct 18

Meet Hank. He’s the housekeeper at The Woofmore (which is NOT haunted by the way!!! Don’t believe the Yelp reviews. This is a completely normal hotel filled with non-haunted things).

Written by @lorihaskinshouran and @dgephartwrites , and published by @abramskids / Amulet Books (and illustrated by me :) ). Available now. Order link in my bio.

#kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #booksforkids #dogart #woofmore #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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Oct 15

Another spectacularly spooky spiffy spread from “Woofmore is Not Haunted”, written by @lorihaskinshouran and @dgephartwrites , and published by @abramskids / Amulet Books (and illustrated by me :) ). Available now. Order link in my bio.

#kidlitart #kidlit #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #booksforkids #picturebooks #illustration #woofmore #joshcleland #joshclelandart

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