Team: Wisconsin TimberRattlers
Artist: S. Preston
Variant: Rattler Slide
In 2023, the Timber Rattlers created a 30-foot slide as a new centerpiece feature for all the new renovations to their ballpark. The team asked S. Preston to do a minimalist illustration of the new attraction and was on site for the grand opening this past May. This artwork is only available at the Timber Rattlers team store at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium. Stay tuned for some mascot art!
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Get ready for an unforgettable event as the MLB London Series gears up to take place on June 24-25, 2023, featuring an exciting matchup between the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. As baseball fans eagerly anticipate this historic event at London Stadium, there's another reason to be excited—the incredible artwork by S Preston Designs. Known for his unique and captivating sports-inspired creations, S Preston has outdone himself once again with his exclusive 2023 MLB London Series Artwork.
Drawing inspiration from the enchanting British children's books of the 20th century, such as Paddington Bear and Winnie the Pooh, S Preston has meticulously hand-sketched a heartwarming scene for his MLB London Series Artwork. The artwork showcases a Cub and a Cardinal, representatives of the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals, joyfully meeting each other on their journey to London. This delightful homage captures the spirit of camaraderie, adventure, and excitement that can be found in those beloved British literary classics.
Preston's careful attention to detail and his signature minimalist style breathe life into this extraordinary artwork. The sketched Cub and Cardinal exude joy, perfectly reflecting the anticipation and thrill surrounding the MLB London Series. As fans of both baseball and British children's literature, this artwork is a treasure trove of nostalgia and imagination. Whether you're a collector, an art enthusiast, or simply a fan of the participating teams, the 2023 MLB London Series Artwork by S Preston Designs is a must-have, serving as a timeless memento of this remarkable event.
Limited Edition London Series Prints are Available Here:
https://sprestondesigns.com/products/2023-mlb-london-series-sketch-limited-edition-art-prints
Cubs Art: https://sprestondesigns.com/collections/chicago-cubs
Cardinals Art: https://sprestondesigns.com/collections/st-louis-cardinals
Gift-giving is an opportunity to evoke emotions and create lasting memories. When searching for the perfect gift for a hockey enthusiast, consider the minimalist Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup print by S. Preston. As the NHL's only licensed artist, Preston's artwork is not only a stunning piece of memorabilia but also a collectible that captures the spirit of victory.
The Minimalist Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Print: A Treasured Collectible
S. Preston's minimalist Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup print encapsulates the team's triumph in a unique and captivating way. This limited-edition collector's item serves as a tangible piece of hockey history and a cherished memento for fans of the Golden Knights.
The artwork features the iconic Stanley Cup trophy in its simplest form, utilizing clean lines and vibrant colors to evoke a sense of victory. Against a backdrop inspired by the team's distinctive black and gold colors, the Cup takes center stage, symbolizing the ultimate pinnacle of success. Each detail has been carefully crafted to elicit a deep emotional connection, allowing fans to relive the exhilaration of the Golden Knights' remarkable journey.
Celebrate the Spirit of Hockey: The Perfect Gift for Fans
As a gift, S. Preston's minimalist Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup print is a masterstroke of emotion. Whether for a dedicated fan, a memorabilia collector, or a passionate supporter of the Golden Knights, this artwork is a remarkable expression of love for the sport and the team. The print captures the excitement, energy, and triumph associated with the team's historic run, making it a treasured keepsake that will be proudly displayed and cherished for years to come.
In addition to its emotional appeal, the limited-edition nature of this print enhances its value as a collectible. As the NHL's only licensed artist, Preston's creations hold a special significance and are highly sought after by hockey enthusiasts. Owning this artwork not only brings joy and pride but also becomes an investment in a piece of sports history.
Be Sure to Check Out Preston's Other Golden Knights Artwork Below
Bugs Bunny - "The Rabbit Hockey Fan"
The attention to detail in this sketch is truly remarkable, capturing every aspect of Sabine's character from her armor and helmet to the intricate designs on her Mandalorian armor. This piece is a must-have addition to any Star Wars collection and is sure to become a cherished item for years to come.
Don't miss out on the chance to own a piece of Star Wars history. Visit the S.Preston booth at Star Wars Celebration in London or click the link below to get your hands on this incredible Sabine Wren sketch today. May the Force be with you!
Limited Edition Print Sizes:
Medium Art Print LE 350 - 20"x14"
Large Art Print LE 100 - 36"x24"
Link: https://sprestondesigns.com/collections/star-wars/products/sabine-wren-star-wars-sketch-art
]]>We're headed to London!
Hello everyone, Preston here! As you all might know I'm a Star Wars-inspired artist, and I am thrilled to be showcasing my artwork at the upcoming Star Wars Celebration in London. This event is an incredible opportunity for me to connect with fellow Star Wars fans and share my passion for the franchise through my artwork. Last year I got to set up for Star Wars Celebration in my hometown of Anaheim!
At the Star Wars Celebration, I will be featuring a range of artwork, including prints, canvases, and original pieces. My "Minimalist Star Wars" series will be on display, which features minimalist designs of iconic characters and vehicles from the Star Wars universe. These designs have been a fan favorite for years and are perfect for those who appreciate the beauty of simplicity. We will be releasing a brand new print at Celebration as well so stay tuned!
In addition to my minimalist designs, I will also be showcasing my "Star Wars Blueprint" collection. These pieces feature detailed blueprints of iconic vehicles from the Star Wars universe, including the AT-AT, X-Wing, and TIE Fighter. These blueprints are highly detailed and perfect for fans who appreciate the technical aspects of the Star Wars universe.
In addition to my artwork, there will be plenty of other exclusive gifts and merchandise at the Star Wars Celebration in London 2023. Fans can expect to see a range of items, including t-shirts, hoodies, collectible figurines, and toys, all featuring unique Star Wars-inspired designs.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Star Wars Celebration in London 2023 and cannot wait to connect with fellow fans of the franchise. Be sure to stop by my booth to see my artwork and to pick up some exclusive merchandise. I look forward to meeting you all at the event!
]]>The hockey fun continued into Raleigh, North Carolina, where Preston appeared among frenzied fans of the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes outside of Carter-Finley Stadium. This outdoor hockey game was his second of the year, and he showcased and sold out of his Stadium Series exclusive pieces within just a few hours. His art featured a sketch of the unique NC State “Wolfie” hand signal in a hockey glove, and a minimalist piece depicting the Wolfpack Statue outside of the historic Carter-Finley Stadium.
Back at the Gallery in Anaheim, Preston and his team had been bustling with the launches of NHL mascots Buoy and Bailey, as well as a certain championship trophy piece. The Gallery at the Gardenwalk has also undergone a few changes, featuring two new collage walls with Preston’s most recent trophy art and Original All-Star sketches throughout the years.
Looking ahead to March, while Preston is preparing for Wondercon in Anaheim, he is also preparing his passport and packing up his most galactic artwork for Star Wars Celebration in London. He’s moving and grooving a ton this year, and he’s only two months in!
Make sure to follow along on all of his socials for the most moment to moment updates!
]]>Download your 2023 Minimalist Kansas City championship wallpaper here. Illustrated by S. Preston and available for a limited time only!
(hold your finger on the image or link to download the image to your phone)
1125x2436 (newer phones)
720x1280 (older phones)
See all my artwork for the Chiefs here.
]]>It has been an eventful 2023 for S. Preston Art + Designs right off the bat. After ending a very prosperous 2022, Preston and his team hit the ground running at the NHL Winter Classic in Boston. Preston created several exclusive designs for this event -- including specially customized sketches of his beloved snowmen to represent the Bruins and the Penguins, and a minimalist winter design of Fenway Park. It was an incredible experience to share his art and mingle with fellow hockey fans.
Preston’s art also made an appearance at Cubs Con shortly after, where his pieces also became available in the Team Store.
Back in LA, the team has been busily preparing for the upcoming NHL All-Star Beach Festival to take place at Ft. Lauderdale Beach Park in Florida. Preston has of course created pieces featuring a sketch of a Florida Palm crashing through center ice, as well as a minimalist arena piece exclusive to the All-Star Game to take place in Sunrise at FLA Live Arena.
Preston is also looking forward to personally showcasing his art at the Stadium Series in Raleigh, North Carolina mid-February.
In addition to his event exclusive art, Preston has been hard at work on a myriad of new mascots, masterworks, and pop minimalist pieces (including one VERY special new license).
Keep your eyes and ears open, and make sure you are following along on all S. Preston socials to stay up to date on all of his newest art!
]]>1125x2436 (newer phones)
720x1280 (older phones)
See all my artwork for the Astros here.
]]>What is the Masterwork Collection?
The Looney Tunes: Masterworks Collection is a multimedia project that combines original sketch artwork and digital reproduction to create multiple original artwork versions from a master illustration. S. Preston will create a master illustration (Masterworks Original) of a character without including the jersey portion of the artwork. The master will be digitally captured at 1200 dpi and reproduced on archival fine art paper on which S. Preston will create multiple Team Originals, one of each team. In that way, each team original will be a one-of-a-kind 1/1 art piece.
To kick off the Looney Tunes: Masterworks Collection, the first Masterworks piece will be Bubble Gum Bugs!!
As described above, all 32 MLB teams are available as Team Original sketches plus the one Masterworks Original sketch. Make sure to get your favorite team original before someone else does!
Standard Pricing:
Masterworks original (1 team original): $5,000 pick your team
MLB Team original- 1 per team per masterworks sketch (30 team originals): $1,000 each.
To see if your team original is available and purchase your custom piece click here. Once we receive payment we will reach out to you to confirm your jersey preference and Preston will get started on your piece!
]]>Back in 2014, (when we had these things called movie theatres), I designed a series of minimalist spaceships for an Entertainment Weekly story. Out of the ten I designed, by far the most popular of them all was the Minimalist Millennium Falcon from Star Wars.
Fast forward 6 years, I am proud and honored to announce that this piece is now officially licensed with LucasFilm Ltd, and is now available for sale!
Star Wars makes you feel like a kid again.
I was 5 years old when the original Star Wars came out and I saw it in a drive-in theatre back in Kingston, Ontario. I don't remember much, and I believe I fell asleep right when C-3P0 and R2-D2 crashed on Tattonine. I remember waking up for a quick second, and seeing Luke and Leia swing across a bridge,but that's about it. But, I can say I SAW it! Luckily, we humans grow older, and our memories advance past infant stage, so as each new movie came out, I became a bigger and bigger fan. I collected the original Kenner toys and any stick instantly became a lightsaber. My interest in Star Wars subdued through the years, but I think what always brings me back to this franchise is that there's something for everyone. It doesn't matter if you grew up with it like me, or you just started watching. You can be young, old or inbetween, and find something to enjoy.
This illustration brings back those great memories with my brother and our friends.
This limited edition print is available as a 14x20 and 24x36 archival digital print. Each print is hand numbered and signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
]]>Preston's artwork first caught my eye near the entrance to the Metropolitan Club at the newly built Target Field. His Minimalist Stadium series was an undertaking that was so flawlessly executed, it's perfection was displayed in its simplicity. With displays throughout a host of Major League Baseball stadiums, Chuhon's art has been handed imparted to the masses.
As his popularity has grown, so have his offerings. What started out with stadiums, has now grown to Disney Ballpark Princesses, as well as Minimalist Mascots. The way in which he's been able to connect with fans, through his art, really continues to grow. What's most impressive however, is that it's that connection that has taken things to an entirely new level, even more so than the art itself.
Despite being far from a goal when starting out his Minimalist Ballpark venture, Preston Chuhon has reached the ultimate pinnacle in baseball circles. He, and well maybe more correctly put, his art, are now members of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
To understand how he got there however, you must first understand where he's been. Despite being a native Canadian, and now residing in California, Chuhon's tale begins in Minnesota. Having displayed his Minimalist Ballpark collection at the All Star Game held at Target Field in 2014, he was met by people from all walks of life. Of those attending the show, a group from the Hall of Fame ran into him as well. In talking and understanding his work, those from the committee saw that Preston was as much about the work itself, as he was the connection to the great game of baseball that it provided. The groundwork had been laid.
As time went on, Preston continued to do exactly what he set out to do, use art as a medium to connect with people. It is in this practice that he's set himself apart and made buying and owning his art as much about the product, as it is about the person. He's social media savvy, connecting with fans throughout the Twitterverse. He uses his Ballpark Princesses as giveaways while at games. He's even made getting mascots behind the minimalist versions of themselves a serious goal. In short, Chuhon sees his art as part of a larger story that he's telling.
Based on that reality, the Baseball Hall of Fame seems to see the bigger picture as well. Calling up Chuhon not to long ago (and imagine the level of excitement he had on that call, he tells the story with such exuberance), it was deemed that his artwork embodied significant parts of baseball history. The Hall of Fame had decided that Chuhon's Minimalist Ballpark collection needed to be included among the very few pieces of art that the museum now owns. He, err his work, was going into the Hall.
Throughout talks with the Hall of Fame, it was determined that the four oldest Major League Baseball stadiums would be the best pieces to welcome into the archives. Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodgers Stadium, and Kauffman Stadium in all their minimalist glory were now providing Chuhon an avenue to sign H.O.F. behind his name.
Unfortunately, Chuhon won't be getting a plaque or a bust of himself in Cooperstown any time soon, but his art's inclusion in the heralded Hall does provide some pretty cool benefits. Not only is he now among the very select few artists that ever see their work get accepted, but he is official a member of the Hall of Fame and it lasts for life. With his lifetime membership, and his work down in the archives, he is also afforded the opportunity to tour the archives, something the general public never sees, at his desire. While on a mission to see his art, the amount of baseball history he walks by and touches along the wall is equally as exciting.
What's great about where Preston Chuhon and his minimalist style is at, is that it's simply a by-product of where he's come from. A truly genuine person, his path to success is one he should be easily able to continue to replicate. In creating amazing works of art, he's opened a door. Because of how he uses Twitter and other avenues to connect beyond whats printed on a piece of paper, he simply can't be knocked off. As much as you may like his work, you buy equally because of who he is. It was what the Baseball Hall of Fame saw, what I have witnessed, and what you likely have as well.
This chapter is written, and the next one is starting. You can bet @PootPoot will have the next great thing up on his website for purchase soon, and this time, he can sign it "S. Preston H.O.F."
--Everyone keeps asking me for the size they received on MLB.com and at FanFest. How do I get the 11x17 print? Well it's about time that I uploaded them all to my website and to celebrate, all the labor it took to get them uploaded, I wanted to finally make them for sale to you!
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Everyone keeps asking me for the size they received on MLB.com and at FanFest. How do I get the 11x17 print? Well it's about time that I uploaded them all to my website and to celebrate, all the labor it took to get them uploaded, I wanted to finally make them for sale to you!
Oh and What? A sale you ask? I thought you never have sales? It's true, I don't believe that art should never be for sale. It's true, the art prints I sell will never be for sale, because they should be valued for the art itself. But these posters were born for a need to accommodate something that is more appealing to the everyday sports fan. The 11x17 are cheaper yet larger the smallest art print and looks so darn nice! As you can see, all art posters come "with the stadium name" but placed under the print. It's still printed using archival K3 ink but printed on premium 300gsm matte paper. If you don't know that that means, it just means that it's still pretty awesome quality.
Oh yeah, you want the code right?
Use this code till Monday night and you'll get 25% off any art poster you purchase.
Just click "SHOP" in the menu and choose any of the POSTER (11x17) designs and you're good to go!
Ok, off to create new designs! What should I be working on next? Let me know.
]]>Win all thirty of the current minimalist MLB ballparks! Just fill use the links below to make entries into the contest!
Value: $150
S. Preston Art + Designs // Postcard Set giveaway
So I'm back from Cincinnati and I'm tired! This was my second FanFest with the MLB and I forgot what a surreal experience it is! Cincinnati is a baseball town, and there were fans everywhere! Before I recap some of the nuttiness, I have to thank everyone that came to my booth to see my artwork. Regardless if you bought art, or just came to see the display, I'm thankful that you took the time to see me. I'll never stop being grateful to you!
One of my favorite comments was a man said that he noticed I thanked and shook the hand of almost everyone I met. He said that I was the only one that wasn't behind an easel or painting baseballs and he appreciated being approachable. I had tons of plans to draw artwork and commission sketches, but it's much more important to talk to you and thank you for buying my art. I'm a happy man talking ballparks and baseball. Some of you came every day for 5 days, and some of you stayed at my booth for 1/2 hour. If you know me on social media, I pride myself in listening to your stories, and joining you in celebrating art + baseball.
So I hope to see ya at RedsFest (if the stars align) and I'm happy to meet new friends from Ohio. If you are out to California and visiting Orange County, I'll always share a coffee (Ashley, cya in a couple weeks!)
It's the traditional baseball scene - a father playing catch with his son. I'm not a father, but even I've imagined it.
So how does a father share the sport they love so much with a daughter that he loves more than anything? For fathers that are baseball fans, it's significantly more difficult to bond when you have a little girl.
]]>It's the traditional baseball scene - a father playing catch with his son. I'm not a father, but even I've imagined it.
So how does a father share the sport they love so much with a daughter that he loves more than anything? For fathers that are baseball fans, it's significantly more difficult to bond when you have a little girl.
Sports and art naturally appeals to the female audience, and a large number of my fans and customers are women. So naturally I knew that the ladies would love my Ballpark Princess series. But I never expected the reaction I would get from fathers who immediately connected their favorite sport with their daughter's favorite cartoon character. I'll let Craig (@CMSFGiants) explain what this means to his daughter...
From the time I found out I was having a daughter, I began thinking about how I would teach her the game of baseball. One of the first words out of her mouth was, “Giants!” and by the age of two she was doing the “Let’s go Giants,” *clap* *clap* *clap* chant. As she gets older, it’s always a fine balance between sharing my interests with her and staying involved in what interests her. I have definitely sung my fair share of Frozen and Equestria Girl songs. When I saw S. Preston’s work, I saw a great opportunity to blend one of my interests and one of my daughter’s; Elsa in a Giants uniform. I’m excited to see her reaction when she looks at the image for the first time and look forward to growing in interests in Giants baseball. - Craig
If you have a unique story of love and baseball, don't hesitate to email me. There's aways some art involved :)
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The Houston Astros have a new Minimalist design for their ballpark! It's of course the Minute Maid Train that crawls along the tracks above the left field wall. Rather then googling pictures of the train, I decided to let Nelson Cruz use his bat to show you where the train is!
]]>The Houston Astros have a new Minimalist design for their ballpark! It's of course the Minute Maid Train that crawls along the tracks above the left field wall. Rather then googling pictures of the train, I decided to let Nelson Cruz use his bat to show you where the train is!
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May people often asked me to describe my art, but I am not a man of words, so I always struggle to express myself verbally or in written form. It's not surprising. I'm an artist! It's much easier for me to illustrate and draw my feelings then express them with words. So in my constant endeavor to connect art with sports, I've asked several of my fans to express their passion for baseball and will illustrate their love for the game... hence the name.
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Matt has been following me on Twitter (@TheRealMattGage) for sometime now, and my Busch Stadium print hangs proudly in his man cave. I agreed to draw him and his wife as the Disney Characters, Ellie and Carl (from Up!) and he agreed to share his love story, which I'm happy to share with you. Thank you Matt for the privilege to include my art into your life.
"Baseball has always been a part of my life. It was always something that I shared with the ones I loved. When I met Simmon, she shared a love of the sport and that connected us. Baseball has been a common thread through our entire relationship. On the first day we met, we ended up going to a minor league game in Nashville. A year later, I was going on a big trip to the east coast to see all the stadiums in Northeast. She lived in New York and joined me on a leg of that trip. I ended up moving to New York a few months later and we started dating. We practically lived at Yankee Stadium and CitiField. It was like home for us – comfortable and welcoming. A year later we moved to Chicago. We had a hard time with the move, but baseball helped us get through. We visited every stadium in the Midwest and had a lot to look forward to. While we were in Chicago, we were homesick and unsure of the future. That first October, the Cardinals were in the World Series. In Game 6, it looked like it was all over. I was exhausted by it and upset – so sick of watching that I almost went to bed. Simmon convinced me to stay up, reminding me that anything could happen. Begrudgingly, I watched. It was the most amazing game. I watched the Cardinals change their fate. It was something special and filled us with hope. We changed our own fate too. We got engaged, moved back to the east coast, and got married. Together we count down the days until Opening Day – planning our next trip to some new city to experience a new stadium together. We track baseball milestones like the milestones of our own lives – going to a Jackie Robinson day, seeing Old Timers Day, All Star Fan Fest, stadium tours, the Hall of Fame, and on and on. Baseball has given us more than something to do – it provided a space for our relationship to grow, given us hope, taken us on many adventures, connected us with family and friends, and helped bond our love for each other." - Matt]]>
The next set of minimalist ballpark watches is due to launch and we need your help choosing which designs to release! Vote now and choose which ballpark will be produce in the next release batch. Choose one or all of them, but we will only pick four.
]]>The next set of minimalist ballpark watches is due to launch and we need your help choosing which designs to release! Vote now and choose which ballpark will be produce in the next release batch. Choose one or all of them, but we will only pick four.
Enter your email address for a chance to win a small print of your choose!
Voting closes on Friday May 16th at noon.
***Not included here is Citi Field, Safeco Park, US Cellular, Marlins Park and O.co. Ask me later why...
I don't often get a chance to see how people react to my artwork. I get lots of tweets and emails that they love my art, but I rarely get to see it first hand. So earlier this week, Dani msged me on Instagram and asked me to create a ballpark princess piece of Princess Dodgers Tiana for her co-worker Bree as a birthday present. As you know, I do not do commissions, but this request was too good to pass up!
]]>I don't often get a chance to see how people react to my artwork. I get lots of tweets and emails that they love my art, but I rarely get to see it first hand. So earlier this week, Dani messaged me on Instagram and asked me to create a ballpark princess piece of Princess Dodgers Tiana for her co-worker Bree as a birthday present. As you know, I do not do commissions, but this request was too good to pass up!
So I whipped up a new piece, drove down to their workplace, and we gave this artwork to Bree. Well, there was tears, and there was joy and there was immense happiness.
I must admit, this was a pretty unique and humbling experience for me. My Ballpark Princess series started out as a pet project, and now I'm getting offers and commission requests out of the wooza! As I always stated, due to my involvement with MLB baseball, I will not be selling any of these pieces. I only create these for the pure enjoyment and for people share and enjoy. And clearly, based on this reaction, it is well shared and enjoyed!
I don't often get a chance to see how people react to my artwork. I get lots of tweets and emails that they love my art, but I rarely get to see it first hand. So earlier this week, Dani msged me on Instagram and asked me to create a ballpark princess piece of Princess Dodgers Tiana for her co-worker Bree as a birthday present. As you know, I do not do commissions, but this request was too good to pass up!
So I whipped up a new piece, drove down to their workplace, and we gave this artwork to Bree. Well, there was tears, and there was joy and there was immense happiness.
Field of Dreams is one of the greatest baseball movies, period. A friend once told me that everything in life can be explained in baseball and this move encapsulates that ideal. Couple years ago, my father passed away. I wasn't an artist back then, and I never drew or sketch a thing since I was a teenager. So, I can safely say he has never seen any artwork I've ever created.
]]>Field of Dreams is one of the greatest baseball movies, period. A friend once told me that everything in life can be explained in baseball and this move encapsulates that ideal.
Couple years ago, my father passed away. I wasn't an artist back then, and I never drew or sketch a thing since I was a teenager. So, I can safely say he has never seen any artwork I've ever created. As any parent, I think he would have been happy to see this new career unfold. He wasn't a baseball fan, but a played tennis every day of his life and that is that thing we shared. I've smashed backhands and forehands for hours with him growing up. We always had tennis in common.
I watched Field of Dreams just a little while ago, and it definitely hit me at a different level than before. There's so much that we share between parent and child, and between siblings and between friends. I honestly have kept a tennis racket in my back trunk of my every day since my father passed. It's a reminder for me of all those moments we shared on the court, and what I plan to accomplish as an artist.
I also must visit Iowa.
]]>A couple years ago, I decided that I needed a change. It's not that I didn't garner accolades as a graphic designer and web specialist, but I had that feeling that we all get when we're stuck in a rut. So in 2012 I made a bold decision and decided to uproot myself from Vancouver and move to a different country with nothing but a desire for a new path in life.
A couple years ago, I decided that I needed a change. It's not that I didn't garner accolades as a graphic designer and web specialist, but I had that feeling that we all get when we're stuck in a rut. So in 2012 I made a bold decision and decided to uproot myself from Vancouver and move to a different country with nothing but a desire for a new path in life. I was secretly hoping to find a something that would "fill my creative soul" but honestly, I really wasn't gonna be picky. I did know that I had talents, skills and perseverance, so I gambled that I could use those traits to land on my feet somehow.
Just before I boarded the plane, I created this infographic and send it to all my friends, family and anyone I think that could help me along the way. If you have followed my story as a sports illustrator and graphic artist, it's neat to look back now and see the fruits of my endeavor.
Right from the beginning, I knew that if I wanted to create sports art, I would need to get myself up to speed on intellectual property and trademark infringement. I've always taken a 'strategically naive" approach and fearlessly created my designs. I've always tried to approach the leagues and teams in a professional, objective manner and, I've been able to navigate through these muddy waters relatively successfully.
]]>Right from the beginning, I knew that if I wanted to create sports art, I would need to get myself up to speed on intellectual property and trademark infringement. I've always taken a 'strategically naive" approach and fearlessly created my designs. I've always tried to approach the leagues and teams in a professional, objective manner and, I've been able to navigate through these muddy waters relatively successfully.
That brings me to the Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre. Outside of legal marks of MLB and the individual teams, some of my artwork requires securing usage rights with third-party trademarks. The most obvious culprits being my designs of AT&T Park and Turner Field which incorporate the Coke bottle and the Chick-Fil-A cow (though there's the 'art of art' issue which I won't get into here). Although most public buildings in America are free for public use, in Canada it's a different story. I quickly learned that the CN Tower is owned by the CLC (Canadian Lands Company) and that their trademark extends to the likeness and any graphical representation of the building. Bummer right? Thought the Blue Jays love the design (as well as most Blue Jays fans), my original design could not be approved for sale so long as the CN Tower was the focus of the design. Seems strange to me that the #1 most recognizable landmark in Toronto is the tower, and there are millions of postcards, art books, and designs that depict the CN Tower. Right?
Sometimes, you have to pick your battles, and this one was not worth the battle.
It took several months, but I've finally found a design that I'm happy with, the Blue Jays are happy with and the CLC are happy with! #FistPump Looking back now, many of my designs are centered and vertical, and the old design is on an angle, so it makes my OCD mind happy that this design is squared up and symmetrical. Not to overlook that the 2.0 version is more minimalist which is a bonus.
P.S. Anyone that has the older CN Tower design, hang on to it because it just became a collector's piece!
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Game 2 - Royals Rapunzel is just a little excited, don't ya think?
Break 1 - Royals Rapunzel clearly has her favorites!!!
Game 3 - Royals Rapunzel takes a selfie!!
Game 4 - Royals Rapunzel thinks this might be the year!
Game 5 - Royals Rapunzel takes out her frustration!!!!
Break 2 - Royals Rapunzel gest her pre-game sugar rush on!!!
]]>It's been over a month, yes it has! It is hard to capture all the emotions I've felt for those 5 days in Minneapolis, but the best way is to spurt out, "Thank you!!!". Though I'm not a new kid on the block when it comes to graphic design, it's only been a couple months since I really started labelling myself as an 'artist'.
]]>It's been over a month, yes it has! It is hard to capture all the emotions I've felt for those 5 days in Minneapolis, but the best way is to spurt out, "Thank you!!!".
Though I'm not a new kid on the block when it comes to graphic design, it's only been a couple months since I really started labelling myself as an 'artist'. The experience starting from uploading my first design on Tumblr a year ago has been a strange and fortunate genesis of me and my love for clean design and baseball. An artist is that guy who stands behind an easel and paints landscapes or portraits with technical grace. An artist is the guy that draws those amazing comic books that I would line up to meet at Comic-Con to just get a photograph and a signature. Me? No. I was just a gym-rat that tried every sport and doodled on the side of my notes in school.
Why FanFest at All-Star weekend was so special to me was that this was the first time I actually saw people and their reactions to my designs. You see, I've only launched my designs online, and yes the reception has been amazing, but I never get to actually SEE the reaction. "So cool!", "So awesome!", "This is amazing!" was pretty much what I heard hundreds of times every day. (That's So Cool!)
And out of all the stadiums that have my artwork on display, it happens to be Target Field! How about that for stars aligning? Twins fans would come shooting across the convention hall and shake my hand and tell me how much they adore my art display. It never occurred to me that this was the first time that Twins fans were able to purchase the artwork they have seen all season as they attend a ballgame. Ian and I keep saying we will always have a soft spot for Minnesota and down the road, we will call Minnesota the 'epi-center' for the growth of my art career.But so many of you wandered into my booth not seeing my art for the first time. Some of you brought your family and helped teach your children about each stadium and all the teams. Some of you told stories to Ian, Alicia and I about your memories of attending various ballparks and your love for baseball. Some of you bought my art (score!!!) and had me sign your print. And some of you took pictures with me by my art. But all of you together have played a small part in pushing me towards a new and exciting life as a sports artist. So I can only say thank you!