ANALOGOUS LIFE

HTML5 Animation Test (Non Flash)

2012-01-29T17:49:00.006-06:00

Sorry - Your browser doesn't support iFrame

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

Long Term Projects

2011-10-25T10:43:00.001-05:00

10 Amazing Images by Mary Blair

2011-10-21T00:00:00.002-05:00

Mary Blair was a master of color, certainly, but she was no less gifted in her ability to convey atmosphere. She applied impressive tonality and texture with pastels and created conceptual hallmarks during the golden age of animation with her work on Disney's Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan and Alice in Wonderland.

In celebration of 100 years since her birth on October 21st, 1911, here are 10 amazing images by Mary Blair that have left a lasting impression on me over the years and contributed to my own development as an artist:

Agave

2011-10-17T16:26:00.003-05:00

End the Fed - Occupy Wall Street Protest Wallpaper

2011-10-07T13:28:00.006-05:00

Share this iPhone wallpaper and get involved. Support free markets and put an end to corporate welfare.

Direct download: End the Fed

Farewell Steve Jobs - Free iPhone Wallpaper Pack #4

2011-10-05T21:00:00.006-05:00

For this wallpaper pack we say farewell to one of the greatest innovators of our time, Mr. Steve Jobs. This pack comes in three styles, each specially optimized for iPhone. Includes bonus theme (best for home screen).

Direct download: Steve Jobs #1 | Steve Jobs #2 | Steve Jobs #3 | Steve Jobs #4

Download ZIP

DS25

2011-09-30T17:29:00.002-05:00

Equinox - Free Mobile Wallpaper Pack #3

2011-09-22T09:45:00.006-05:00

This fall themed wallpaper pack comes in three styles, each specially optimized for mobile devices. Includes bonus theme (best for home screen).

Direct download: Mute Grid | Trapper | Acid | Soft Forest

Download ZIP

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

Magic Landing - Music Poster Design

2011-09-21T14:56:00.008-05:00

Original music poster design.

11 x 17" @ 300ppi

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

Estival - Free iPhone Wallpaper Pack #2

2011-09-02T10:00:00.004-05:00

This Summer themed iPhone wallpaper pack comes in three styles, each specially optimized for iPhone. Includes bonus wallpaper. Enjoy!

Download via iPhone: Pedernales | Hatchling | Julio | Helter

Download ZIP

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

5 Ways to Find Work as a Freelance Artist

2011-09-01T10:00:00.018-05:00

Let's face it, being an artist in today's economy is hard. No matter what your forte, it seems the traditional method of finishing school and going to work in this business is harder than it used to be. Some of this can be attributed to the internet and its ever-increasing ability to deliver information at lightning speed — the easier it is for potential clients to find what they want (or what they think they want) on the web, the easier it is for said employers to miss your presence altogether. As if that didn't make matters bad enough in the previous decade, now nearly everyone is holding the W3 in the palm of their hand. So there is a lot of face-to-face missing from today's job acquisition process in the place of social networking and search engine reliance.

Of course, there is also the issue of saturation. The world's population has grown by about one billion people since the year 2000 and is expected to exceed nine billion by 2050. That's a lot of people looking for jobs.

The question then, is how to make these seemingly disruptive aspects of the digital age work for you rather than against you. I am reminded of the scene from Cast Away where Tom Hanks' character (who is stranded on an island with no discernible hope of being rescued), suddenly sees his salvation in the form of a plastic sail. I believe the dynamic of that scene is analogous to surviving in the creative workforce of today. Here are five ways to escape from the isle of unemployment as a freelance artist:

When it comes to websites that facilitate the networking of professionals, Twitter is hard to beat. Finding work through Twitter is sometimes as easy as logging in and using the "#freelance" search string. Similar queries such as "#artjobs" or even "#jobs" will sometimes yield opportunities that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. It is important to remember, however, that Twitter is not all about YOU. Setting up a profile, customizing its appearance, linking to a website/blog/portfolio, establishing connections, communicating in a selfless way — these are all basic steps toward discovering work on Twitter. Keep the self promotion and tweeting to a minimum. Focus instead on reaching out and learning about your peers.

Thumbtack is a newer site, and while it may not appear to offer anything particularly unique at first glance, it does boast some interesting features that can help you land a job. At its core, Thumbtack is a site that helps customers find professionals in their area. On the other side of the fence, of course, are hoards of hungry freelancers waiting to sink their teeth into a project. This is where Thumbtack really shines. Upon signing up and creating a profile, it's only a matter of time before leads start showing up in your email inbox. All correspondence regarding a job takes place under the Thumbtack umbrella with only a small percentage of the proceeds going back to the site.

Ah, Craigslist. While there is no shortage of negative connotations associated with this famous website, it is also a consistently great place to find work. The "Jobs" and "Gigs" sections are good places to start. After wading through the spam and exhibiting a little patience, you may find that your artistic skill set is in demand! One plus side to a crippled economy is that marketing divisions within companies tend to become more aggressive and spend more on their messaging. Keep an eye out for this outsourcing. Use common sense to avoid the typical pitfalls of Craigslist and steer clear of clients who refuse to sign contracts.

Never underestimate the value of an internet forum. It may seem like a strange place to gain respectable employment, but some of my first projects as a struggling artist came from stalking message boards in the middle of the night. Start by searching for a forum relating to a topic you have interest in. It doesn't have to be work related. Just concentrate on finding a quality site with high readership. Become active in the community. Offer advice. Listen. Be helpful. Before long the clue you're looking for will surface. Providing you are lucky, this clue will be as obvious as a thread entitled: "HELP WANTED". In all likelihood, however, the gig will come from casual conversation when you least expect it.

Finally, there is the tried and true method of getting one's foot in the proverbial door: Facebook. Your friends use it. Your mom uses it. You should use it too. Make a page dedicated to your creative services, whatever they may be, and tell everyone about it. Suggest that your friends "like" the page and share its content. Befriend organizations and like-minded peers who support your goals. Link to articles and resources relating to your field. Become a formidable force in your realm of expertise. Try to avoid haters and stick to what you believe in. Offer discounts. Offer consultation and advice. You're in charge.

• • •

In the end, networking is key. Finding work as a freelance artist is never a guaranteed thing, even in the context of long-term business relationships. It is sometimes as easy as taking a good look at the available tools and putting them to work in a way that may not have been previously imagined, and other times it is downright frustrating. Having the tenacity to live through mistakes and learn from them is what separates chumps from champions. Stay focused on the end goal, and you'll be a rock star.

Twin Tiger - Music Poster Design

2011-08-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

Original music poster design.

11 x 17" @ 300ppi

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

Fine Forest - Album Artwork & CD Packaging Design

2011-08-30T15:00:00.002-05:00

Album cover for upcoming release by Fine Forest. Below is a CD packaging sample.

Klepto - Free iPhone Wallpaper Pack #1

2011-08-17T16:37:00.010-05:00

This psychedelic iPhone wallpaper comes in three flavors and includes a bonus theme. Free for personal use.

Download via iPhone: Midnight | Red Wave | Beach Blaze | Vintage

Download ZIP

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

The Asteroid Shop - Album Artwork & Event Poster Design

2011-08-12T12:25:00.007-05:00

I was recently asked to do the album artwork and event poster design for The Asteroid Shop's upcoming record, releasing via The Council and EMI later this fall. They were pretty insistent about their preferences in terms of typography, but otherwise I had total creative control with this project out of the gate. After giving the rough mixes a few spins I decided to do something neo psychedelic with a 90s shoegaze edge, which they ended up being very happy with.

For the posters I thought sticking to the main elements and avoiding too many distractions would be best. Maybe just a sliver of the album artwork along the top and bottom edges. Otherwise a pretty straight forward layout.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

Long Term Projects

2011-07-12T09:19:00.000-05:00

DS24

2011-06-16T13:47:00.001-05:00

The Pushpins - SOANY EP CD Packaging Design

2011-06-08T08:21:00.003-05:00

Click here for larger view.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

AS24

2011-06-07T15:00:00.001-05:00

Concert Poster - BackSpin Records

2011-06-02T13:53:00.011-05:00

Poster design for an upcoming show at BackSpin Records

11x17" @ 600 ppi

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

AS23

2011-06-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

The Pushpins - SOANY EP Cassette Packaging Design

2011-05-26T16:41:00.009-05:00

Here is the cassette packaging design I did for The Pushpins' new EP, Silence of a New Year. It is a limited edition run. Each piece is hand screenprinted on recycled materials. The cassettes are available exclusively at live shows.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

DS23

2011-05-25T14:20:00.001-05:00

DS22

2011-05-23T14:50:00.001-05:00

AS22

2011-05-20T12:40:00.002-05:00

DS21

2011-05-17T15:00:00.002-05:00

AS21

2011-05-16T15:00:00.001-05:00

This stereoscopic animation requires 3D glasses (the normal red/cyan kind).

*Viewing tips: A dark room with a bright screen is best. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

DS20

2011-05-13T15:00:00.001-05:00

AS20

2011-05-12T15:00:00.000-05:00

From the Yard

2011-05-10T12:14:00.005-05:00

AS19

2011-05-09T15:00:00.000-05:00

Georgia O'Keeffe Museum & Ghost Ranch

2011-05-06T15:01:00.021-05:00

I had the privilege of visiting the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum and seeing the O'Keeffiana: Art and Art Materials exhibit recently. The museum is situated in downtown Santa Fe, which I must say has excellent weather this time of year.

Seeing O'Keeffe's art materials in person is a strange experience. Here are these things - mostly pastels and oil stored humbly in her husband's tackle box and other modest containers; nothing abnormally special - and in this rudimentary form they created some of the most beautiful and notable art of the American Southwest.

I also got to visit the famous Ghost Ranch, where O'Keeffe lived and worked for nearly fifty years.

It is easy to see why she loved this environment. One characteristic of O'Keeffe's paintings was that she oftentimes focused on small portions of a subject, magnifying it to epic proportions. I don't believe the motive for this approach can be fully realized without visiting the territory in person. Ghost Ranch is a place that not only looks big, but feels big. Overwhelmingly big. The features themselves are not what create this feeling so much as the contrast of said features against their inactive and comparatively dead surroundings.

Georgia O'Keeffe's home/studio at Ghost Ranch still has her ladder propped up against its adobe walls. It is said that whenever she would have guests, they would always be made to climb up the ladder onto the roof where they would talk and take in the view. The ladder also made an appearance in her 1958 painting, Ladder to the Moon.

I highly recommend touring both the Georgia O'Keeffe museum in Santa Fe and Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu.

Long Term Projects

2011-04-25T18:23:00.001-05:00

Album Cover Art - The Pushpins - SOANY

2011-04-11T15:15:00.005-05:00

Final cassette release artwork for the upcoming Silence of a New Year EP by The Pushpins, releasing on 4/23 through all the top online distributors. The cassettes are limited to 250 hand screenprinted/numbered pieces and will be available exclusively at live shows. Each cassette comes bundled with a free download coupon for the digital copy.

And here is the final digital release artwork:

I also designed a new press kit for the band, here.

DS19

2011-04-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

AS18

2011-04-05T15:00:00.001-05:00

DS18

2011-04-04T15:00:00.002-05:00

This stereoscopic image is presented in both a red/cyan anaglyph for viewing with everyday 3D glasses, as well as a stereo pair for crossed eye viewing.

*Viewing tips: If using glasses, a dark room with a bright screen is best. If using the crossed eye method, simply cross your eyes (slowly) until a single image appears between the stereo pair. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

AS17

2011-03-31T15:00:00.002-05:00

DS17

2011-03-30T15:00:00.001-05:00

AS16

2011-03-28T15:00:00.002-05:00

DS16

2011-03-25T14:20:00.000-05:00

AS15

2011-03-24T15:00:00.000-05:00

This stereoscopic animation requires 3D glasses (the normal red/cyan kind).

*Viewing tips: A dark room and a bright screen is best. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

DS15

2011-03-23T15:00:00.002-05:00

AS14

2011-03-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

DS14

2011-03-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

This stereoscopic image is presented in both a red/cyan anaglyph for viewing with everyday 3D glasses, as well as a stereo pair for crossed eye viewing.

*Viewing tips: If using glasses, a dark room and a bright screen are best. If using the crossed eye method, simply cross your eyes (slowly) until a single image appears between the stereo pair. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

Japan Relief: Land of the Rising Sun

2011-03-17T15:00:00.031-05:00

Land of the Rising Sun - ink on bristol, digital color - 8x10" @ 600ppi

Here is some 3D artwork I created to benefit the earthquake/tsunami victims of Japan. It is presented here in both anaglyph (red/cyan 3D glasses required) and crossed eye versions. All artist proceeds were donated to AmeriCares and tagged for Japan relief.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

AS13

2011-03-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

DS13

2011-03-14T15:00:00.003-05:00

This stereoscopic image is presented as a red/cyan anaglyph for viewing with everyday 3D glasses.

*Viewing tips: A dark room and a bright screen is best. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

© Ryan Cooper | All Rights Reserved

AS12

2011-03-11T15:00:00.005-06:00

DS12

2011-03-10T15:00:00.002-06:00

This stereoscopic image is presented in both a red/cyan anaglyph for viewing with everyday 3D glasses, as well as a stereo pair for crossed eye viewing.

*Viewing tips: If using glasses, a dark room and a bright screen is best. If using the crossed eye method, simply cross your eyes (slowly) until a single image appears between the stereo pair. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

AS11

2011-03-09T15:00:00.000-06:00

DS11

2011-03-08T15:00:00.002-06:00

This stereoscopic image is presented in both a red/cyan anaglyph for viewing with everyday 3D glasses, as well as a stereo pair for crossed eye viewing.

*Viewing tips: If using glasses, a dark room and a bright screen is best. If using the crossed eye method, simply cross your eyes (slowly) until a single image appears between the stereo pair. Putting some distance between your eyes and the screen will enhance the 3D effect and allow for more comfortable viewing.

AS10

2011-03-07T15:00:00.000-06:00

DS10

2011-03-04T15:05:00.000-06:00

AS9

2011-03-03T15:00:00.000-06:00

DS9

2011-03-02T15:00:00.001-06:00

AS8

2011-03-01T15:00:00.000-06:00

DS8

2011-02-28T15:27:00.002-06:00

AS7

2011-02-25T15:00:00.000-06:00

DS7

2011-02-24T15:00:00.001-06:00

AS6

2011-02-22T15:00:00.001-06:00

DS6

2011-02-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

AS5

2011-02-11T15:00:00.001-06:00

DS5

2011-02-10T15:00:00.001-06:00

AS4

2011-02-07T15:00:00.002-06:00

DS4

2011-02-04T14:51:00.001-06:00

AS3

2011-01-28T15:00:00.006-06:00

DS3

2011-01-27T15:00:00.005-06:00

AS2

2011-01-26T15:00:00.003-06:00

DS2

2011-01-25T15:00:00.002-06:00

DS1

2011-01-24T12:32:00.006-06:00

AS1

2011-01-22T12:20:00.011-06:00

Asleep MP3

2011-01-19T13:58:00.006-06:00

From The Pushpins' forthcoming Silence of a New Year EP, available Feb 22 from iTunes:

Silence of a New Year EP - 4

2011-01-14T02:36:00.015-06:00

We are in the mixing stage. Our friend Ross Ingram (who mixed some songs from The Black Angels' Passover) will be assisting us for the next couple weeks as we wrap up some last minute parts/details of the recording and prepare for mastering. We are shooting for a February 22nd release date.

I will also be opening a shop in the near future where I will be selling prints of my artwork along with a few other items I'm currently working on. Stay tuned for more details.

Friends of Cupid

2011-01-10T10:00:00.005-06:00

Here is a painting I recently finished which will be available as a print soon. As per usual, I started this image with a series of conceptual thumbnails and a preliminary sketch on standard 8.5x11" bond paper.

Once satisfied with the comp, I transferred the drawing to a sheet of Rives BFK via light box and toned the paper with thin washes of acrylic.

I then scanned the drawing into Photoshop and painted it digitally, first working out the flats and values in a typical layer structure, then pushing and pulling until it popped.

The final image:

Silence of a New Year EP - 3

2010-12-16T13:49:00.007-06:00

Recording guitar this week. I'm trying a stereo rig for the first time, which is sounding really cool. My friends Alex Maas and Stephanie Bailey of The Black Angels have heard a couple tracks and are saying good things about it -- one of the songs on the recording was actually partially developed from a previous jam session with them. They also suggested we look into doing some film work.

We had our first photo shoot last weekend in preparation for the EP release next month.

In other news, I finished up a logo for BreakingPoint last week that will be used for most of their messaging in the immediate future. I'm working on two websites right now as well, so my plate is full through the holidays.

Silence of a New Year EP - 2

2010-11-23T15:19:00.010-06:00

Still recording. Hopefully finishing keys this week, then moving on to guitar and vox after Thanksgiving. It has been both rewarding and challenging to record at home, but I'm glad we are able to take our time and get it right. We experienced drum issues in the beginning and had to retrack some things, but being the beast that he is, Matt was eager to play his parts again. Lucy has stepped up in a big way as well. In the end this recording has brought everyone closer and I'm excited about the kind of music we're making.

I also finished our new logo this week:

Silence of a New Year EP - 1

2010-10-22T12:20:00.009-05:00

I have been working on recording an EP for the last couple weeks. We are done with drum tracks and are setting up for bass and possibly keys this weekend. Everyone is looking forward to the finished product.

There is also talk of doing a cassette release.

A few pics from the process:

Digby Mobile Concept

2010-08-05T08:00:00.007-05:00

I was recently asked to come in and meet with the marketing team at Digby Mobile Commerce to present a new website concept. I drew from their existing brand elements, but put an emphasis on simplicity and lightweight design. Since they create mobile applications, what better fit than a clean, simple layout, right?

They were quite pleased with the resulting design and I look forward to working with them on future projects.

The Pushpins Reunion

2010-06-30T13:57:00.005-05:00

I am happy to announce that after taking a 4 year break, my previous band, The Pushpins, is reunited. We are writing new material and will be recording an EP later this year.

Here is a sample of some of our previous music:

More music I've been involved with, including my side project, Pleasure Parlor, can be found here.

3DS Design Contest

2010-04-19T20:23:00.017-05:00

I recently won a design contest held by 4ColorRebellion. The idea was to create a conceptual mockup of the (as yet unseen) Nintendo 3DS system. The only hint was a press release from Nintendo with a few vague details about the device.

And here is an alternative concept I created for the same contest.

Update - June 15th, 2010: Here is the first official image of the device, released by Nintendo earlier today. I feel I hit pretty close to the mark with the layout, logo and features.

J's Tattoo

2010-04-03T20:29:00.006-05:00

Tattoo design for a friend.

Final tattoo.

SXSW 2010 + Current Projects

2010-03-22T15:30:00.011-05:00

Well, I have survived another SXSW. Pictured below are Yacht and Glass Candy, a couple of highlights from the experience.

I am working on several paintings at the moment, in tandem with my usual graphic design responsibilities. Here is a sneak peak at Friends of Cupid.

Budgeting my time has been a challenge lately, and unfortunately it has come at the expense of my blog. Nevertheless, 2010 is going to be a big year for Analogous Life when it's all said and done with.

The script for my next animation project is currently underway as well, so expect some updates on that in the near future.

Until next time...

Sketchbook #9

2010-02-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

64 Photos by 64 Photographers

2010-02-10T03:02:00.005-06:00

Here's a pretty insane collection of photos by a variety of photographers from around the world. If you have eyes, you should check it out.

64 Photos by 64 Photographers

Evan Keogh Drawing Comics

2010-02-08T15:23:00.000-06:00

Evan Keogh, contributing writer of The Perry Bible Fellowship, has a new comic blog. It's obviously a new venture—there are only 2 (two) entries thus far—but hey; these guys obviously have talent, so color me intrigued.

Is The Benevolent Sprung destined to become the next PBF? Only time will tell.

Photography by Leonard Greco

2010-02-08T04:12:00.005-06:00

This guy does some great black and white stuff and has a simple, straight-forward portfolio. He has also worked with some cool musicians like Sebastien Tellier and the guys from Yeasayer. Definitely worth a look.

Leonard Greco

27 Cool Header Designs

2010-02-08T02:50:00.009-06:00

Some of these are unique, others are trendy, but you can't argue that most all are eye-catching and do a bit more for their content than the average header. Personally I have always been more of a minimalist, but some of these are very inspiring!

See all 27 headers here.

Haiti Relief - The Renmen Project

2010-01-29T11:03:00.005-06:00

The Renmen Project has been assembled by the team at Thunder Chunky and Ben The Illustrator in an effort to raise funds for UNICEF's Haiti Earthquake Children's Appeal. If you would like to get involved, head over to the Renmen Project's official page for more info.

60 Photos Celebrating the Colors of the Rainbow

2010-01-22T09:54:00.009-06:00

Via Inspiks comes an inspiring collection of 60 photos, all of which celebrate the colors of the rainbow.

See the full collection here.

Sketchbook #8

2010-01-20T15:38:00.005-06:00

Sketchbook #7 + Wedding Invitation

2010-01-14T21:36:00.004-06:00

Below is a wedding invitation I recently finished. It is based on this sketch.

Gawker Artists

2010-01-11T23:41:00.001-06:00

I am now a featured Gawker Artist. Check out my (in progress) page here.

Concept Sheet

2010-01-08T04:43:00.041-06:00

The above image is an all-purpose concept sheet I designed in an effort to streamline my creative process. It is up for grabs as I feel it would be a useful tool for any artist or graphic designer.

The main box (including the trim/bleed area) measures
7.5x5.367"—roughly the size of a B-Format paperback cover. The center grid indicates areas in the picture plane that are typically chosen for focal points, yet it can also be used to divide the image area into thirds or even ninths, depending on the project. On the right-hand side, there are seven thumbnail boxes, each proportionate to the main stage, with an eighth box for experimenting with lineweight, crosshatching, color, etc. Lastly, at the bottom, I included eight lines for notes.

Sketchbook #6

2010-01-07T21:18:00.003-06:00

The Complete Famous Artist Course (1960)

2010-01-06T17:08:00.010-06:00

Someone has scanned every page of this highly informative series from 1960 and hosted it online [in PDF format] for free! Gotta' love the interwebs. I highly recommend it to anyone seriously interested in an art career.

Update - 1/8/10: Seems the files are no longer available...

Birthday Drawing

2010-01-06T06:34:00.004-06:00

For my cousin.

Sketchbook #5

2010-01-05T23:16:00.003-06:00

Sketchbook #4

2010-01-05T03:42:00.004-06:00

Anatomy of a Screenplay

2010-01-04T15:08:00.015-06:00

This is a chart I made for my own reference in preparation for an upcoming writing project. Free to use.