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Dirty little commission underway.

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Despite running a fever and sleeping for the better part of the last two days, I managed to finish Dottie’s portrait! Her cat’s name is Gatsby - adorable.

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fyodorpavlov:

For the first time in its history, the New York Burlesque Festival is hosting a contest for the illustration that will be used on their posters and promotional materials this year. I’m not going to lie, I really want to win it. Really really a lot. Fingers crossed!

Just got word today that though NYBF loved my submission, I did not win. I’m rather bummed. But congratulations to whoever the winner is!

(via zforzelma)

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I’ve been drinking mimosas steadily throughout the day, watching Bela Lugosi’s Dracula and Walking Dead and working on a portrait of Dottie Dynamo. It’s been a good day, and there’s still a Sunday roast to eat.

jackviolet asked: 1895 House of Worth. I want my cookie.

Everyone deserves a cookie - a lot of comments knew their House of Worth! Daddy is so proud.

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First one to guess the year and designer of the dress gets a cookie.

cumberjunkie asked: Hello :) First of all, let me just say I LOVE your art, which is kind of the point here. I've been considering a tattoo for many years, but nothing's ever felt right. Then I saw your "accidental Sherlock from the sketchbook" - you know the one with the ravens and Tom Waits lyrics? And I just thoght "that's the one"! So my question to you is, how do you feel about selling your art as a tattoo design? Is it something you would consider? And if, what kind of price range are we talking about?

If you wanted to have a personalized tattoo from me, then we could discuss a commission and payment. But with an already existing piece that I did for myself, and the original of which you aren’t looking to buy, it’s not really a big deal. I did it on my own time, and I can’t stop folks from tattooing my art on themselves. Nor do I wish to, it’s flattering when they do! And I noticed several people comment that that particular drawing would make a cool tattoo. So feel free, and send me pictures when it’s done. :)

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Illustration for Chapter 4 of G.D. Falksen’s first book in The Ouroboros Cycle, A Monster’s Coming of Age Story. This is another favorite. Riding dress, amirite?

If you’d like to see them all, as well as the illustrations of my husband, Lawrence Gullo, do pick up your own copy! 

flippingyourfins asked: Just discovered your blog and I have immediately fallen in love with your art style. I especially love your costume choices and interesting design. They all feel very "period" while still lending themselves to a new style of creativity. I also adore your characterization. Do you have any tips on characterization? Its something I've always struggled with. Already a big fan! (maybe take a quick gander at my art page?)

Thank you very much!

I’m going to assume that by characterization you mean variety of character designs and types of faces and people I draw? To be honest, I don’t think I’m very good at that myself. I definitely have a set amount of types I like to draw or draw out of habit, and my character designs are nowhere near as varied as I’d like them to be. It’s something I’ve been thinking about more lately, and something I try to work on. So, my best advice is observation. Look at different people, collect photos for reference and draw from them, explore very varied styles and different artists. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having a comfort zone, a particular aesthetic, or drawing what you personally find beautiful or interesting - but I do think it’s important to be aware of your own tastes and your own comfort zone, to examine where they comes from and what informs them, and to work on broadening them and stepping outside of them. Especially when you are young and learning - I think it’s how you develop a style. 

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A little preview of things to come. Taking tea like a fucking lady - pinky up and on top of a bare-assed man.

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Illustration for Chapter 16 of G.D. Falksen’s first book in The Ouroboros Cycle, A Monster’s Coming of Age Story. This one was one of my favorites to do, not in the least because of the Victorian medical paraphernalia. 

If you’d like to see them all, as well as the illustrations of my husband, Lawrence Gullo, do pick up your own copy! 

Costuming and eating cakes at Cheeky Lane’s palace.

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Illustration for Chapter 3 of G.D. Falksen’s first book in The Ouroboros Cycle, A Monster’s Coming of Age Story. If you’d like to see them all, as well as the illustrations of my husband, Lawrence Gullo, do pick up your own copy! 

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In the next few days I’m going to post a select few illustrations I did for G.D. Falksen’s first book in The Ouroboros Cycle last year. If you’d like to see them all, as well as the illustrations of my husband, Lawrence Gullo, do pick up your own copy! 

This is the illustration for Chapter 1.

gatsbygal asked: Something I've been curious about for a while - is there any specific reason you color in red blush around the eyes? Or is it simply an aesthetic you enjoy? (It's certainly an aesthetic I enjoy! VERY much so. <3)

I think it started out as an homage to that drugged vamp look of Weimar Berlin. But then it’s also reminiscent of 18th century make-up, and now I just do it all the time because, yeah, I just like it. Fun fact: several of my burlesque dancer friends started doing their make-up that way for gigs because of my illustrations.