Valentine’s Day Wishes from Altpick Members!

Posted on February 13, 2015 by The Pick

Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to be thankful for all of our loved ones, family and friends.  Let’s celebrate with some wonderful images from our Altpick members.

©Giovannina Colalillo
©Keith Barraclough from his “Redhead” Project.
©Kevin Steele’s image of a triathlon winner and his spontaneous hug as he crosses the finish line. They were engaged, married 6 months later and used this image as their wedding invitation.
“The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage (Scholastic 2015) by Selina Alko; Illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
©Zave Smith – “Bad Girls”
©Paul Garland – “Dolphins” specially created for Amber Rose.
©Paul Garland – “Love” specially created for his wife.
©Kate Taylor – “You are the Best”
©Kari Detagra – “Just a little guy looking for love. 🙂 “
©Lara Odel – Valentine post on how woman are more likely to find success and happiness in the workplace if she has a supportive and nurturing relationship at home.
©Erin McGill
Jean-Manuel Duvivier – Prosecco sparkling wine for the Wall Street Journal Europe Valentine’s Day Post. AD: Elisabeth Arata
©Nicola Boccaccini – “All You Need is Love”
©Kate Turning – “Queen of Thorns”
©Chris Lyons
©Greg Nelson
©Gayle Kabaker
©Gayle Kabaker
©Steve Williams
©Katrina Kopeloff
©Susan Tolonen
©Anthony Arciero
©Vlad Alvarez
©Kate Taylor
©Ken Orvidas
©Stephanie Diani
©Jing Jing – The fish are made from different soft block patterns cut for various projects throughout 2014. She mixed and matched the pieces to create a variety of fish.
©Jenny Salvia – Red Hearts and Romance
©Ken Orvidas for NYT
©Alexei Vella
©Susan Crawford – Hershey’s Bliss Campaign
©Susan Crawford – Hershey’s Bliss Campaign
©Joe Saputo – “I Love My CR-V”
©Kristofer Dan-Bergman – “Rwanda”
©Davide Bonazzi
©Katrina Kopeloff
©Katrina Kopeloff
©Elvis Swift
©Davide Bonazzi
©Gary Swift
©Kate Turning
©Brian Smale
©Benedetto Cristofani – “Hart Shaped Box”
©Studio Caswell
©Lisa Predko – “Trixie Mattel
©Diego Otero – “Cupid”
©Greg Shapps
“Over ten years ago I published an illustration in yet another really cool Altpick Postcard collection. Sometime later I received this postcard in the mail. I couldn’t help but be pleased that someone had chosen my illustration sample out of the collection to send to their sweetheart. Unfortunately Andre had forgotten to write Kim’s address ont he card so it was mistakenly delivered to me. It’s a great reminder that this kind of promotion has a life of it’s own. Happy Valentine’s Day! — Eddie Guy
“Over ten years ago I published an illustration in yet another really cool Altpick Postcard collection. Sometime later I received this postcard in the mail. I couldn’t help but be pleased that someone had chosen my illustration sample out of the collection to send to their sweetheart. Unfortunately Andre had forgotten to write Kim’s address ont he card so it was mistakenly delivered to me. It’s a great reminder that this kind of promotion has a life of it’s own. Happy Valentine’s Day! — Eddie Guy
©Gene Smirnov
©Gene Smirnov
©Gene Smirnov
John Neitzel’s vision pf romantic NYC street scenes.
John Neitzel’s vision pf romantic NYC street scenes.
John Neitzel’s vision pf romantic NYC street scenes.
©Leslie Jean-Bart
©Leslie Jean-Bart
©Leslie Jean-Bart

 

©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Tom Atwood – In celebration of Love
©Anthony Arciero
©Anthony Arciero
©Anthony Arciero
©Anthony Arciero
©Paul Garland
©Paul Garland
©Carlo Giambarresi
©Carlo Giambarresi
©Paul Garland
©Beppe Giacobbe
©Beppe Giacobbe
©Diego Otero – “Cupid”
©Greg Shapps
©Beppe Giacobbe
©Beppe Giacobbe
©Charles Chaisson
©David Johnson
©Michal Dziekan
©Mark Summers
©Douglas Smith
©Tim Bower
©Ricardo Martinez
©Orlando Arocena
©Chuck Gonzales
©Chuck Gonzales – “Caught Kissing”
©Chuck Gonzales – “Babe Twinset”
©Chad Geran -“Dog Bone Valentine”
©Chad Geran -“Dino Sized Valentine”
©Chad Geran – “Carrot All Valentine”
©Phil
©Marilena Perilla – “Shower With Love”
©Katy Dockrill
©Eric Chow
©Tim Zeltner
©Mark Hoffman
©Betsy Everitt
©Monika Melnychuk
©Marilena Perilli – “Valentine Girl”
©Greg Stevenson
©Catherine Huerta
©Anna Godeassi
©Dave Murray
©Angelica Yiacoupis
©Clare Owen
©Eili-Kaija Kuusniemi
©Stefano Morri
©Red Nose Studio
©Bella Pilar – “Gem Couture”
©Emiliano Ponzi
©Eleanor Grosch
©Echo Chernik – “Sleeping Beauty”
©Barbara Kosoff – “French Kiss”
©Gary Kelley
©Danielle Bell – “Be Mine”
©Beppe Giacobbe

©Beppe Giacobbe

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Happy Valentine’s Day to you from the Altpick family of artists!

To see more of the artists’ work, go to Altpick.com.

 

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The Fine Life of the AVO Moment by Zave Smith

Posted on February 9, 2015 by The Pick
©Zave Smith

©Zave Smith

by Zave Smith

“The lights are low and the music is hot.  A small group of friends are sharing a moment and sharing the pleasures of a good cigar”.  This was creative brief that we received from Michael Olsson of Colangelo, create that perfect  “Avo Moment” for the launch campaign of their new Cigars.

The opportunity of helping to create a brand is what people like myself dream of.  The opportunity of creating visuals for a brand has compelling, as this one is exciting.  As a photographer and as a person who loves the ambiance of a Jazz Club, whose favorite activity is enjoying an evening in the company of friends over music, fine whiskey and a good smoke, this project is a dream come true.

I have spent evenings just like this in clubs from Florence, Italy, New York, Chicago, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and New Orleans.  It is the magic in moments like these that Avo represents, that “Avo Moment” is what these pictures need to be all about.

After the usual rounds of portfolio viewing and multiple bids, Zave Smith and his Agent/Producer, George Watson of Watson & Spierman Productions, were selected to create this “Avo Moment”.  Three models were casted, rooms full of “extras” were invited and a wonderful Jazz Trio provided both the musical inspiration and visual texture that was needed to make this scene feel real.

We hope you enjoy the results.

To see more of Zave Smith’s work, go to his website and Altpick page

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Steve Williams Collaborates with Burdette Ketchum on Gate Hospitality Project

Posted on January 28, 2015 by The Pick

Ponte VedraV-14_GHG_0055 MAILER EPPING_LR-2Photographer Steve Williams was chosen by Burdette Ketchum ad agency to create lifestyle photos for their client, Gate Hospitality Group in Jacksonville. The four-day shoot took place in September at four of their resorts: Ponte Vedra Inn, Lodge and Club, Epping Forest Yacht Club and The River Club. “We had a great crew and models, along with with wonderful production and art direction from the agency”, Williams says.

These photos will be used for ads and websites.

Here’s how the photos were used:

Ponte VedraV-14_GHG_0055 MAILER A1_LR-2-1

Ponte VedraV-GHG_AD_JAXMAG-1-1

Ponte VedraV-14_GHG_0055 MAILER EPPING_LR-3

Ponte VedraV-14_GHG_0055 MAILER EPPING_LR-2

Ponte VedraV-14_GHG_0055 MAILER A1_LR-3

Here are some ‘behind the scenes’ shots:

IMG_8709 IMG_8727 IMG_8718To see more of Steve Williams’ work go to his website and Altpick page.

 

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Multi-Talented Kris LeVasseur Talks to Altpick Connects

Posted on January 14, 2015 by The Pick
1317601806mMzv6h

©Kris LeVasseur

Kris LeVasseur has been photographing for the film, TV, music, sports, editorial, corporate and advertising industries for the last 14 years on a national and international level. Today Kris talks with Altpick.com about his next adventure.

AP:  Tell us a little bit about how you started out in the arts?

KL: Musical performances for the public were by the age of 4.  Singing came first and drumming soon followed.  I have no memory of not expressing my imagination, developing my creativity and wanting others to do so with me.

125971565807GgoV

©Kris LeVasseur

AP.  As a musician, photographer and film maker, which genre do you focus on the most and feel the most comfortable?

KL:  Drumming for example, is one of the only things in my life that seems almost effortless to me, but the reality of making quality music with quality people can be very hard to come by.  Creating still photographs and videos has been a lot easier to obtain.  I enjoy the independence and freedom associated with the visual arts.  I love collaboration with the subject and/or the client for example.  I thrive off of conceptual portrayals with people having fun and adding an element of improvisation to the basic blueprint that is given to me.  Currently, this is my main concentration.

1242658989v4Vre0

©Kris LeVasseur

AP:  Is there a synergy between all of the mediums and do you combine them to create something new?

KL:  I have based a lot of my decisions as a filmmaker/photographer on what I have learned from being a musician.  I find there is a relationship between all of the mediums. When I play the drums for example, I am antenna to not only the sights and sounds of my  environment, but also the visuals that I see in my head…be it colors, abstract visions or more concrete dream like scenarios simultaneously.  Most times in regards to my personal work, I have “a vision” or “a calling” and build it up and work it out from there.  When a client presents me with what they are looking for I try my best to accommodate their needs and make them feel comfortable.  I think it’s important to know your role, understand the importance of a budget, time constraints, and professional conduct…Respect + Trust = Team.

1398458639iee9Vw

©Kris LeVasseur

AP:  Tell us a little bit about your new award winning video for Dan Lanois’ song “Aquatic”.

KL:  I have been a fan of Dan Lanois for most of my life.  Please check out all things Dan Lanois at danlanois.com. The video I just did for his song “Aquatic” can be found at http:://fleshandmachinedaniellanois.tumblr.com.  He is most definitely a ‘sonic guru’ and has always encouraged ‘undiscovered artists’.  He embodies such an amazing, consistent and deeply humble vibe.  He has inspired me on so many levels.  When his Flesh and Machine project surfaced and I couldn’t have been more excited to participate.  I love the song Aquatic so much.  It is not only a true honor to have the video I submitted to his video contest be selected for the song, but a true pleasure to create a visual relationship with Dan’s song through light and emotion.  It was evoked by nature from a personal, sacred location under completely spontaneous circumstances.

12426586378ZMNYA

©Kris LeVasseur

AP:  You mentioned that your next goal is to move to Panama City.  Why Panama?

KL: I like going places I’ve never gone before. l love exploring and new experiences. My hopes for experiencing Panama are that overall it’s a vibrant, driven place; I want to share my background, skills, and knowledge, creating new business and providing services to the people of Panama. I love the fact that Panama prides itself on being a true melting pot, welcomes positive change, obtains an enticing biodiversity, as well as being conscious of respect to a demographic’s history in the process of gentrification. I want to be a part of a booming economy open to passionate people that do not judge success as a threat but as an asset to all of us.

13176018630sanGR

©Kris LeVasseur

AP:  Who is your greatest inspiration…person, place or thing?

KL:  My parents. They are a perfect recipe. They have great chemistry… one hand washes the other. They are resilient, motivated, and know unconditional love for each other through thick and thin. What you see is what you get and they are genuinely really good people.

©Kris LeVasseur

©Kris LeVasseur

KL:  Thank you Maria. I have wanted to do an interview with you for a long time. I have always admired you for your intellect, articulation, respect for artists, and hands on approach to the business you conduct. Best wishes! – Kris

AP:  It is our pleasure!  Thank you for sharing and giving us some insight on your passions and profession.

To see more of Kris’ work go to his Altpick page.

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Who Put the “Pro” in Procrastination? Thoughts about Time-management for Artists

Posted on January 6, 2015 by The Pick
©George Mattei

©George Mattei

by Oliver Wetter

I never was a procrastinator, in fact; things couldn’t go faster for me.

Today I look calm on the outside but my real impetus is to get things done and in the most effective way possible.

I can say this now, but this self-awareness came after a long journey and experience of being disappointed with our education, society and the system as a whole.

In years when I worked on the assembly line and try to fit into the 8-to-5 job, this restlessness made me ill, literally and physically. I had a hard time to become mentally calm, to find my inner pace and balance.

Since 2009 I work freelance and since 2010 we have a daughter, and I have never been so busy and never been so calm at once, how is that?

This blog post is about my personal experience on how to manage time more effective and still having fun. Chances are that you – the reader – find something useful in it.

What is Time?

For me, time is valuable, a precious gift that was given to me from my parents, it probably lasts the lifetime of an average human and is limited to just one. I embrace what I can do in this time and I´m thankful that I´m healthy enough to enjoy and share my time with like-minded people.

Quality Time or Waste?

©Tim O'Brien

©Tim O’Brien

I found that quality time is for every person something different, for me it is time to be with loved ones as also being with my artist self and create art for me or others.

Marketing and self promotion was never a thing I loved, but it is valuable to a business like a compass to a hiker, I learned to embrace these tasks much more. And so I enjoy interacting with fellow artists and clients.

Earlier in my life I had this feeling that 8 hours of my day were simply wasted. Now there are at least 12 hours a day that I enjoy.

Time-Thieves and Things that Seriously Steal your Time

There is something that I observed for quite a while and found no workaround except for keeping my eyes open all the time. For what you ask? For things or persons who steal your time. It’s obvious that we waste a lot of time on friends who we thought were friends but when we are in need they don´t care, the client who wants the best thing but won´t pay anything, technical things that always break, a car that only works half the time… you get the idea.

It’s not only the time we waste on such things, but also a waste of emotional labor that would have been better applied to people around us who deserve it.

Call them vampires, they sit everywhere lurking and waiting for a victim to turn to. Just be no victim.

The Myth of Multitasking

©Alicia Buelow

©Alicia Buelow

You’ve heard of that myth that women can better multitask than men, it’s not true, at least it is not recommended at all.

If you have a hands-free-set, you can do a phone call and make household work or drive a car while doing so. That is because speaking, listening and doing routine work like drawing or household work is mundane enough to use less brain power. As soon as our capacity of things we do simultaneously is challenging our brain, we loose information/memory. You can also hear a useful E-book or a podcast while working on a computer instead of music this is both valuable and time-saving. But don´t try writing an email and listening to your wife, just don´t do it.

Online = Procrastination?

©Garth Glazier

©Garth Glazier

No not really, at least for me.

I sure use Twitter and Facebook and this blog, but I see updating these as a gift and duty to give the community something back. A contribution if you want so.

Sure, if you have a deadline approaching and feel tied to twitter or play games instead, than it can be a serious problem, one that should be solved before it is too late.
Changing habits by making the things you have to do easier is a good trick. Let´s say you want to do more workout, figure out one easy to do exercise that only costs a minute or two. From there it is easier to do something more.

The TIA -“Think-In-Advance” Approach

©Tim Bower

©Tim Bower

I use to be a pragmatic all my time, so it comes naturally for me to think in advance whenever I have to go my route or one way. Taking the used coffee-mug, the empty water bottle and the laptop down into the kitchen after waking up, to fill the dishwasher, the bag for empty bottles and to read my news, then, time is saved and it is simple as that. Multiply these over 5 times a day, a week, a month and a year, you can guess how much time can be saved for important things.

Here is a list of everyday things you can do to save time for important things:

  • First of all: learn to set priorities, otherwise the fancy stuff listed below isn´t going to work
  • If you can´t solve a problem at first, get away from it, and use the “anger-time” for something useful (exercise for example), get back to it at a later time with a fresh pair of eyes and mindset.
  • Try to get the right friends, clients, roommates, partners, etc it saves a huge amount of time.
  • Get the right mindset, that helps you turn down the lizard-brain and achieve your goals.
  • Learn about the GTD -(Get Things Done) method
  • Think (not plan!) eventualities ahead as far as possible, for the next hour, for the next day and so on
  • Write sticky notes and don´t read them, do the things so you can throw the notes away after the “things-are-done“
  • Do multitasking, wherever possible and whenever no quality or security has to suffer through it
  • Avoid time-thieves, bloodsuckers, vampires and time-robbing things that break all the time, buy stuff that works, not breaks, even if it is more expensive, it will save you time.
  • Don´t drive faster, plan ahead and take the fastest route instead.
  • Keep your mail-inbox clean, make use of the GTD method and use an  e-mail program that supports smart inbox handling like Gmail for example
  • Don´t work just hard, and also don´t just work smart. Work smarter and harder and also put emotional labor in everything you do.
  • Don´t do everything alone, learn to delegate and to outsource tasks you can assign to someone else
  • Don´t procrastinate and thrash yourself at the end of a project, do it in advance or at the beginning
  • Find a job that is fun to do and you never have to work a single day in your life (quoted)
  • Be rather active than passive (limit television for example) a passive lifestyle is counterproductive and unhealthy too
  • Shop online if the city is crowded and parking a horror
  • Eliminate distractions, if necessary, use a tool for computer related work that helps you to focus better
  • Be patient and forget about sent letters, this is the key to stay calm while doing all the things above

Below you find some valuable sources about time-mangement for freelancers, I highly recommend also the video from Randy Pausch about time-management, I promise these are the best spent 70 minutes about that topic ever.

http://freelancefolder.com/how-to-get-more-work-done-in-less-time/

http://business.tutsplus.com/articles/10-ways-to-eliminate-distractions–fsw-104

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifehack/how-to-multitask.html

http://lifehacker.com/398049/get-productive-with-social-media-and-stay-sane

http://workawesome.com/productivity/the-8020-rule-revisited/

Feel free to comment if you have any additional suggestions or share your own experience about that topic.What is time for you, or how do you solve problems regarding work, freelancing and time?

Contributed by Illustrator Oliver Wetter

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Happy 2015 :: “Explore. Dream. Discover”

Posted on January 2, 2015 by The Pick

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.  So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails.  Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

Altpick.com and members wish you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2015!

©Randy Michael Korwin
©Dave Shafer
©Anthony Foronda
©Andrew Hancock
©Alfredo Plessmann III
©William Huber
©Virginie Blachere
©Charlo Frade
©Nick Nacca
©Amanda Koster
©Brian Bailey
©John Neitzel
©Bruce Racine
©John Spaulding
©Robert Weiss
©Liz Adams
©Bob Coscarelli
©Ed Ramirez
©Jim Cohen
©Cindy Luu
©Bruce Emmett
©Alessandra Olanow
©Montalbetti + Campbell
©James Cracknell
©Aaron McKinney
©Greg Milano
©Dana Kadison
©Carol Cavallini
©Lane Photography
©Andy Goodwin
©Adele Godfrey
©Jamey Stillings
©Brian Minnich
©Dave Parmley Kustom Kult Studio
©Jeff Green
©Gene Smirnov
©Enosuke Saito
©Teresanne Cossetta
©Brian Smale
©Nick Gilman
©Wilson Hennessey
©Joyce Hesselberth
©Roman Klonek
©Kai Kiuchi
©Liz Amini-Holmes
©Serena Micieli
©Danielle Laurenti-Green
©Jacob Hand
©Shelley Hampe
©Nicolo Sertorio
©Michael Murphy
©Tadd Myers
©Kim Rosen
©Sabrina Mercurio
©Alex Weltlinger
©Cassen Photo Illustration
©Lisa Predko
©Dennis Welsh
Richard Faust
©Christopher T. Martin
©Carolyn Ross
©Marie Koo
©Philip Rostron
©Katrina Kopeloff
©Jim Frazier
©Dan Nelken
©Noma and Jim Bliss
©Dan Stiles
©Chris Clor
©Corey Lesh
©Manasseh Johnson
©Tansy Myer
©Jessica Rather

To see more of the artists’ work, please go to Altpick.com.

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Happy Holidays From Altpick.com and Members

Posted on December 18, 2014 by The Pick

Altpick.com and members wish you a Happy, Healthy and Joyous Holiday Season!

@Garth Glazier
©Cesare Bellassai
©Dave Shafer
©Michael Gellatly
©Mark McGinnis
©Oliver Wetter
©Phil Bliss
©Nicola Boccaccini
©Alessandra Olanow
©Erin McGill
©Jane Mjolsness
©John Neitzel
©Lynne Foster
©Kate Taylor
©Kyle Dreier
©Angela Martini
©Lucie Rice
©Ali Smith
©David Zaitz
©Zave Smith
©Angela Martini
©Mark Hess
©Mark Hess
©Angela Martini
©Kate Turning
©Kimberley Wiseman
©Huan Tran
©Mark Hoffmann
©Greg Stevenson
©Clare Owen
©Tim Zeltner
©David Johnson
©Jack Black
©Johanna Goodman
©Mark Weber
©Torne White
©Alexei Vella
©Michael Crichton
©Thom Sevalrud
©Robert Houser
©Ellen Weinstein
©Chris Lyons
©Tracy Mattocks
©Nicola Boccaccini
©Brian Minnich
©Davide Bonazzi
©Kevin Hauff
©Rob Wilson
©Brian Minnich
©Rob Wilson
©Rob Wilson
©Sandy Gin
©Brin Minnich
©Richard Borge
©Paul Garland
©Ken Orvidas
©Selina Alko and Sean Qualls
©Francesco Bongiorni
©Gant Powell

To see more of the artists’ work please visit their Altpick page:

Selina Alko, Cesare Bellassi, Jack Black, Phil Bliss, Nicola Boccaccini, Davide Bonazzi, Francesco Bongiorni, Richard Borge, Michael Crichton, Kyle Dreier, Lynne Foster, Paul Garland, Michael Gellatly, Sandy Gin,  Garth Glazier, Johanna Goodman, Kevin Hauff, Mark Hess, Robert Houser, David Johnson, Chris Lyons, Angela Martini, Tracy Mattocks, Erin McGill, Mark McGinnis, Mark Hoffmann, Brian Minnich, Jane Mjolsness, John Neitzel, Alessandra Olanow, Ken Orvidas, Clare Owen, Gant Powell, Sean Qualls, Lucie Rice, Thom Sevalrud, Dave Shafer, Ali Smith, Zave Smith, Greg Stevenson, Kate Taylor, Huan Tran, Kate Turning, Alexei Vella, Mark Weber, Ellen Weinstein, Oliver Wetter, Torne White, Rob Wilson, Kimberley Wiseman, David Zaitz, Tim Zeltner

©Rob Wilson
©Rob Wilson
©Rob Wilson
©Kevin Hauff
©Ellen Weinstein
©Chris Lyons
©Tracy Mattocks
©Nicola Boccaccini
©Davide Bonazzi
©Robert Houser
©Michael Crichton
©Alexei Vella
©Torne White
©Mark Weber
©Phil Bliss
©Oliver Wetter
©Mark McGinnis
©Michael Gellatly
©Johanna Goodman
©Sandy Gin
©Mark Weber
©Nicola Boccaccini
©Alessandra Olanow
©Huan Tran
©Erin McGill
©Jane Mjolsness
©Cesare Bellassai
©John Neitzel
©Angela Martini
©Kyle Dreier
©Kate Taylor
©Angela Martini
©Lynne Foster
©Dave Shafer
©Lucie Rice
©Ali Smith
©David Zaitz
©Zave Smith
©Angela Martini
©Mark Hess
©Mark Hoffmann
©Greg Stevenson
©Clare Owen
©Brian Minnich
©Tim Zeltner
©Thom Sevalrud
©Kimberley Wiseman
©Kate Turning
©Mark Hess
©Brian Minnich
@Garth Glazier
©David Johnson
©Jack Black
©Brin Minnich
©Richard Borge
©Paul Garland
©Ken Orvidas
©Selina Alko and Sean Qualls
©Francesco Bongiorni
©Gant Powell

To see more go to Altpick.com.

Posted in Altpick, Art, Illustrations, Photography | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

This Week’s Member Focus Round-Up

Posted on December 12, 2014 by The Pick

Altpick.com‘s “Member Focus” this week featured the work of Jason Knott, Kari Detagra, Betsy Kendrick, and Gregory Cowley. Click on the links to see more of their work.

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©Gregory Cowley

©Kari Detagra

©Kari Detagra

Screen shot 2014-12-12 at 10.14.57 AM

©Jason Knott

©Betsy Kendrick

©Betsy Kendrick

To see more of the artists, photographers, designers and animators’s work, go to Altpick.com.

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Altpick Members Acknowledged for Excellence!

Posted on December 1, 2014 by The Pick
Black & White Affection

©Lennette Newell

Congratulations to the Altpick.com members who received recognition in American Illustration 33 Awards, APANY International  Photo, Applied Arts Magazine, Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame, Communication Arts Annuals, Creative Quarterly, International Photography Awards, International Motion Art Awards, Kirkus Reviews, Latin American Ilustración 3, Lucie Awards, Lurzer’s International Archive, Moscow International Foto Awards, Publisher’s Weekly, Santa Fe Workshop and Society of Illustrators!  To see the individual images and descriptions, scroll down.

©Paul Garland
©Robert Houser
©Ellen Weinstein
©Vlad Alvarez
©Rocco Baviera
©Sean Qualls and Selina Alko
©Kevin Hauff
@Colleen O’Hara
©Colleen O’Hara
©Lennette Newell
©Leela Corman
©Lennette Newell
©Denise Hilton Campbell
©Ken Orvidas
©Lennette Newell
©Lennette Newell
©Robert Houser
©Hanna Barczyk
©Tom Cocotos
©Mark Smith
©Michael Morgenstern
©Red Nose Studio
©Dana Hursey
©Dana Hursey
©Blair Bunting
©Kristina Varaksina
©Scott Lowden
©Scott Lowden
©Louisa Bertman
©Louisa Bertman
©Richard Borge
©Ken Orvidas
©James Bennett
©Brian Cummings
©Brian Cummings
©Leslie Jean-Bart
©Paul Garland
©Francesco Bongiorni
©Kristofer Dan-Bergman
©John Dykes
©Barbara Kosoff
©Ellen Weinstein
©Ellen Weinstein
©Montalbetti+Campbell

**To see the individual images and their descriptions, scroll down:

 

Kristina Varaksina

Aspirations_KristinaVaraksina

©Kristina Varaksina


Kristina Varaksina receives an award in the Communication Arts Photography Annual 55 for her “Aspirations” image.

Scott Lowden

©Scott Lowden

©Scott Lowden

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Scott Lowden received 13 honorable mentions in the categories of lifestyle, fashion, children, self-promotion and “other” at this year’s Lucie Awards presented by the International Photography Awards (sister effort of the Lucie Foundation). The 12th Annual Lucie Awards Show Gala took place earlier this month at Carnegie Hall.

Gayle Kabaker 

Gayle Kabaker’s animation “Exotic Yoga Retreats – See the World Differently” was one of only 42 projects selected from hundreds of submissions to be included in the International Motion Awards 3 collection.

Michael Morgenstern 

morgenstern

©Michael Morgenstern

Michael Morgenstern was selected for the Lurzer’s Archive “200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 2014 – 2015”.  “The judges were drawn to my personal work for this edition, which made me very happy.  I’ve been illustrating for about 19 years, and have created a pretty large body of work over time that I like to call my “art”.  These things that I create for myself are a significant part of my illustration process.  This recent piece that Lurzers  chose is titled “moon dog”.

Red Nose Studio |  Chris Sickles

1513828_10152375448192461_9128395459025883871_n

©Red Nose Studio

Red Nose Studio’s piece for “Hero of the Five Points” by Alan Gratz was accepted into the 57th Society of Illustrators Annual, along with Chris’ stop-motion public service announcement “Holding Polluters Accountable” which was awarded a Gold medal.

Dana Hursey 

©Dana Hursey

©Dana Hursey

©Dana Hursey

©Dana Hursey

Dana Hursey received a couple of Honorable Mentions in this years IPA’s (International Photography Awards). “It is always so great to be included with such a distinguish group of professionals and we love the winning imagery this year!”, comments Hursey. “So much talent out there! Thanks so much to the judges for including two of our images in the mix!”

Hanna Barczyk

IMG_3416

©Hanna Barczyk

Hanna Barczyk’s illustration, “An Answer Blowing in the Wind Chimes” for the Los Angeles Times was selected by the Society of Illustrators for their annual book (57) and show, which will be exhibited in February at the Museum of American Illustration in New York City.  Art director: Wesley Bausmith, L. A. Times/L.A. Affairs.

Blair Bunting 

River Monsters host Jeremy Wade photographed by Blair Bunting

©Blair Bunting

Blair Bunting’s “River Monster” image was featured in the Communication Arts: Photo Annual and Archive: Top 200 Advertising Photographers.

Mark Smith

1415815146g

©Mark Smith

Mark Smith wins a Silver medal from the Society of Illustrators in the book category for his work on the Folio’s Singing Sands edition.

Tom Cocotos

1415642417z

©Tom Cocotos

Tom Cocotos had two illustrations selected to appear in the American Illustration 33 award book. The images of bees are part of an ongoing ad campaign for the Writer’s Foundry MFA program at St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn.

Lennette Newell

sphynx

©Lennette Newell

 

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Black & White Affection

©Lennette Newell

Lennette Newell received an IPA Honorable Mention for her “Tanzania Wildlife” series, “Muddcrack diptych” series, “Ani Human Butterfly” series, “Alien” image and “Affection”, which was also a winner in the Moscow International Foto Awards.  Lennette also won 1st place in a Special-Pets Category in the 2014 IPA Competition for the winning entry “Black & White Affection”.

Denise Hilton Campbell

OrganicGardening_final72

©Denise Hilton Campbell

Denise Hilton Campbell received word in September that her image for the June/July issue of Organic Gardening Magazine “Cherries” was selected as a runner-up in the Creative Quarterly 37 International Competition.  Denise’s work will be featured in the CQ online gallery winter 2014-2015.

Ken Orvidas

©Ken Orvidas

©Ken Orvidas

©Ken Orvidas

©Ken Orvidas

Ken Orvidas’ “Medical Marijuana” and “Transportation Logistics” images were accepted in the Society of Illustrators Competition #57.

 Leela Corman

yahrzeit_p01_smaller

©Leela Corman

 

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Leela Corman won a silver medal from the Society of Illustrators for her short comic “Yahrzeit“.

Selina Alko and Sean Qualls

LOVINGS.COVER

The Case For Loving; The Fight for Interracial Marriage (Arthur A Levine Books, Scholastic), written by Selina Alko and illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko has received TWO starred reviews so far from Publisher’s Weekly and Kirkus Reviews .  The book publication is set for January 27th 2015.

 Kevin Hauff

f455ea35770ffce0845edb1338dcdaf2 Kevin Hauff‘s image was selected to be in Lurzers Archive: 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 2014/2015 which was just launched.

Colleen O’Hara

Kim

©Colleen O’Hara

Amy

©Colleen O’Hara

Colleen O’Hara‘s “Kim Jung-Un” and “Amy Winehouse images were chosen for the 2014 Illustration Awards in Applied Arts Magazine in the Portrait Illustration category.

Rocco Baviera

KCI_strategy

©Rocco Baviera

Chosen for the 2014 Illustration Awards in Applied Arts Magazine, Rocco Baviera‘s images were part of a series for an issue of Philanthropic Trends Quarterly focusing on the necessity within organizations of developing a strategy and integrating a game plan, while stressing the need for simplicity.

Vlad Alvarez

©Vlad Alvarez

©Vlad Alvarez

One of Vlad Alvarez‘s personal pieces was selected in the Latin American Ilustración 3 Competition.  The piece was also chosen in the “LOS DIEZ” (The Ten) group and was displayed at the American Illustration / American Photography Party in New York City held on Thursday November 6th. It will also be displayed in a special traveling exhibit sponsored by EPSON.

Ellen Weinstein

forgetting

©Ellen Weinstein

©Ellen Weinstein

©Ellen Weinstein

©Ellen Weinstein

©Ellen Weinstein

Ellen Weinstein‘s “A Primer on Forgetting” for Radcliffe Magazine was accepted into Society of Illustrators 57th Annual.  Also, “Patron Saint of Ugly” book cover and “Superstition for Nautilus” were accepted into the American Illustration 33 Awards.

Robert Houser

Facing Chemo - a photographic project

©Robert Houser

Ballet dancers in flight

©Robert Houser

An image of a breast cancer patient from Robert Houser‘s “Facing Chemo” project was awarded placement in the 2014 APANY International Photo Contest.  The images were displayed in October by a gallery in Chelsea, New York.  Robert’s “Dancers” series was recently accepted into the APA San Francisco event, Something Personal, which opens on December 6th.

Paul Garland

©Paul Garland

©Paul Garland

©Paul Garland

©Paul Garland

Paul Garland’s illustration for ‘UA Hemispheres’ magazine was accepted in the Society of Illustrators 57 show.  In addition, “The Prize for Illustration 2015” in association with the London Transport Museum illustration has been accepted to be exhibited by The Association of Illustrators.

James Bennett

10408779_781522598580818_8573546771219105195_n

©James Bennett

James Bennett‘s painting of Ken Griffey Jr. and Mark McGuire was accepted into Baseball’s Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown.  The art was originally created for TIME magazine, during the Home Run Chase of 1997.

 Richard Borge

©Richard Borge

©Richard Borge

Two of Richard Borge‘s animations were accepted into International Motion ARts Awards (AI-AP) and Society of Illustrators 57.

Louisa Bertman

©Louisa Bertman

©Louisa Bertman

©Louisa Bertman

©Louisa Bertman

Louisa Bertman‘s animated short, Tits. is Lunabar’s 2015 Lunafest Winner and her illustration “Naked Beast Don Draper” for Seed & Spark’s Bright Ideas Magazine is an AI-AP American Illustration 33 Selected Winner.

 Leslie Jean-Bart

©Leslie Jean-Bart

©Leslie Jean-Bart

Leslie Jean-Bart‘s “Water” receives an Honorable Mention in the Santa Fe Workshop Photography contest.

Brian Cummings

©Brian Cummings

©Brian Cummings

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Brian Cummings‘ “Crest 3D Whitestrips” ad was accepted into Graphis Advertising Annual 2014 and Brian’s “Knife & Flag” campaign was accepted into Communication Arts Photography Annual — 2014 Award of Excellence,Addy Awards — Best in Show — Regional 2014 and Luerzers Archive VOLUME 4/2014 — Featured.

Kristofer Dan-Bergman

©Kristofer Dan-Bergman

©Kristofer Dan-Bergman

Kristofer Dan-Bergman just received word that his series BOaRD was nominated for the Graphis Photography Annual 2015 Awards.

Francesco Bongiorni

©Francesco Bongiorni

©Francesco Bongiorni

Francesco Bongiorni‘s “Risk Management” illustration for ONE – Johns Hopkins Carey Business School was accepted in the Society of Illustrators 57 show.

Barbara Kosoff

©Barbara Kosoff

©Barbara Kosoff

Barbara Kosoff‘s illustration, “Prosperity” was chosen to be on the cover of Graphic Design USA for their Sept/Oct issue.  Her winning entry was one of two winners selected for the digital printing competition sponsored by Neenah Papers.

 

John Dykes

©John Dykes

©John Dykes

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John Dykes‘ “Frogfolio” calendar and “Civil Rights” series for American University was accepted in the Society of Illustrators 57.

 

Montalbetti + Campbell 

©Montalbetti+Campbell

©Montalbetti+Campbell

©Montalbetti+Campbell

©Montalbetti+Campbell

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To see more of the winners’ work go to Altpick.com. 

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Miami Illustrator John Lacko Brings Comic Relief to DIRECTV in AMC Network’s Contract Dispute

Posted on November 17, 2014 by The Pick

 

©John Lacko

©Lacko Illustration

When it comes to matters of the Zombie Apocalypse, fans of AMC’s The Walking Dead are extremely passionate about catching the latest episodes on Sunday nights. So when the network aired a commercial spot at the beginning of Season 5, Episode 4 threatening that “AMC may go black” due to a contract dispute with DIRECTV, a Twitter firestorm erupted that nearly drowned out the storyline for the next half hour. DIRECTV fired back in the second half of the episode with a cartoon zombie whose head explodes because the threat of interrupted service isn’t real.

©John Lacko

©Lacko Illustration

Miami Beach’s Lacko Illustration provided the comic relief with his frighteningly funny zombie design for JxTwo, Inc. under the creative direction, design and production of Jeanne Le Blanc and Jeremy Alcock. The DIRECTV commercial assures Walking Dead fans that AMC is only trying to scare them and that there will be no break in the undead action. “We intend to renew our AMC partnership at a price that is fair to our customers. It really is a no-brainer.” And with that, the zombie’s brains pop out.

©Lacko Illustration

©Lacko Illustration

The DIRECTV spot impacted the show’s many fan discussion boards and shifted the dialogue on Twitter. However, the threat of a contract dispute made more waves in the press the next day than the recap of the show’s gory narrative. Networks and satellite providers taking their fight straight to the audience during a top-rated show proved more frightening than the bite of a walker, but for Lacko and the JxTwo agency, it’s all in good fun.

©John Lacko

©Lacko Illustration

Lacko has a dark and scary history with the SciFi and Horror genre having worked on GODZILLA graphics for the ADOBE MAX Creativity Conference in Los Angeles, DC Shoes Musical Monster Skate tees, Hasbro Toys Monstrocity Cuponk Collection and recording artist ANDY GRAMMER’s 8-bit inspired tour tees. He provided art for YouTube’s GEEK WEEK and the FEARNET.com Fun House plus the FANGORIA CHAINSAW AWARDS, an annual celebration of the year’s best horror movies.

©Lacko Illustration

©Lacko Illustration

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See more of his monsterous work at http://www.lackoillustration.com and Altpick.com.

 

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