Feliz Navidad and Happy New Year!

It was one year ago that I started my blog. While I didn't create the amount of illustrations and sketches I was hoping to fill it with, I did have a very productive and satisfying 12 months. In January I completed the illustrations for my first children's story, Kiki Kokí. Since then the project has consumed my life outside of work.

To put things into perspective I started the year with a book mock-up, by mid September I had self published and launched the book and Plush, formed an LLC, designed and maintained a Web Site, In November I shipped my 2nd printing, launched a line of Kiki Kokí Tee shirts and did two media and publicity trips to Puerto Rico.. and tons of marketing requirements along the way.

2011 will proablly be even busier as some of the development projects at work are gaining steam and Kiki Kokí is turning into a brand. That said I hope to continue to grow as an artist. I need to carve out time to draw, illustrate and post art on this blog. So check in from time to time to keep me honest.

Here's to all of us having a productive 2011. Happy New Year!

Kiki Kokí Puerto Rico 2010

Here are photos from the Christmas trip to Puerto Rico. We did quite a few media interviews Mall events. I will be updating KikiKokí.com later this week with more images.

Feliz Navidad!

Merry Christmas! I just got back from another Kiki Kokí campaign in Puerto Rico. This time I was there in part as a benefit to El Hospital del Niño, a children's hospital on the island. This is a banner I created for a fund raising booth they had at the Plaza las America Mall.

Kiki Kokí T Shirts have arrived!

Borders Books in Puerto Rico is doing a Kiki Kokí fixture in 3 of their stores. I printed shirts to plus out the book and plush. Outside of Borders PR the only place to find the shirts is the IdeaRworks store. Check 'em out!

Visit us at CTN in Burbank Nov 19-21 Table T-37 (Click here for Link)

If you are attending CTN this weekend be sure to swing by the IdeaRworks table. I am in Opportunity Alley T-37 across from Disney animation. I will have Kiki Kokí Books, Plush and Tee Shirts that are literally hot off the press. It's a great show. I hope to see you there!

Helllooo Kitty!

A friend invited me to San Rio's Small Gift Celebration last Thursday night. San Rio was celebrating Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary. It was held at an Barker Hanger at the Santa Monica Airport. The art gallery in particular was really inspirational. There were a lot of great artists on display. If you are a Hello Kitty fan you need to get down there. I provided the link, the show runs through Nov 21.  Here are a few pics I took with my phone.

Isle of inspiration

 As part of this blog I will post some of the photo reference that I used as inspiration and how show it made it into the final story.

 

The Spanish Colonial City of Old San Juan. Note the Sentry box above and below.

The streets of the Frog Village in Kiki Kokí have blue stone streets, inspired by the blue brick streets of Old San Juan.

The colors of Old San Juan were an obvious source of inspiration.