One final blog post for 2024. Well, this is very likely the final post of 2024, but there might be one additional one before the year comes to a close. But, to be honest, this is likely it. This marks post 135 for 2024. This year noted an uptick in posts, but the next two years will likely have fewer posts.
I always enjoy the Art vs Artist posts, so I am thrilled to share mine for 2024. It is always important when working on a large project to remind yourself of the forward movement you are making. This is something I am very vigilant about and also forget to do. This is why the Art vs Artist at the end of the year is so important to me. I remind myself that I have been very prolific this year. I present to you my 2024 Art vs Artist.
2024 Art vs Artist
Just a few of the many pieces I created in the last year (and maybe just a little beyond)
I have much to do in the coming months.
That's all for another year (though there might be one more post) on the blog! See you back here next year. Until then...
For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com
During Gen Con 2022, I had an excellent opportunity to speak with the folks behind the upcoming documentary about Magic the Gathering, The Gathering is the Magic. It was a lot of fun and always a good time to talk about art, monsters, and more. In July of this year, I did a follow-up interview where I spoke about my work on the game in greater detail, as well as other topics. Another clip from the recent interview has been shared, so I am now sharing it with you.
The Gathering is the Magic - A documentary about how Magic the Gathering brings people together, fosters friendship, and inspires with art and storytelling.
In the interview, I was asked to discuss the cards I created for Magic the Gathering. It was fun to reminisce about the art and monsters I made, the fan response to them, and the behind-the-scenes stories regarding the cards. This clip is about the Coveted Peacock. Enjoy the clip, and check out what else The Gathering is the Magic has been sharing!
The story of the Coveted Peacock and the sometimes problematic nature of working traditionally.
That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...
For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com
I feel like I have shared this repeatedly over the years, but no matter how hard I search my blog and other social sites, it would appear that I have yet to fully share about this project. I have shared the final commercial before, and I may have even shared the photo of the completed suit, but I never shared them both here on the blog before, so that is what I am doing today.
In 2003, I worked on a commercial for Kellogg's Fruit Harvest cereal. We were tasked to make a fat suit for a dog performer. It was another typical day in LA when you need to create a fat suit for a dog. There were only a few of us working on the project as it was a small project with a fast turnaround. I was there for the entire length of the project, but I can not find any additional photos from working on it, save for the image I am sharing below. My work on this was to paint the finished fat suit to match the dog's real body. The suit was made with white fur, so I was required to paint with inks that would adhere to the fur we used. Here is a look at the final fat dog suit.
The fat dog suit used in the Kellogg's Fruit Harvest commercial, "I've fed muffin."
She is shown here without her RC tail that we attached to the back of the suit.
Everything was moving so quickly that I didn't have time to freak out about painting with materials I had never used before, on material I had never painted on, all with a quick turnaround, little to no room for delays or errors, and nearly constant abuse from the boss. Everyone was thrilled with how it turned out, and I actually received some praise for my efforts. The dog was a champ, super friendly, and really enjoyed wearing the suit. I did not go to set for this one, but I was told it all went swimmingly, and we really pulled it off. Here is the finished commercial featuring the fat dog suit I painted.
The Kellogg's Fruit Harvest commercial in all its glory - before it was pulled from airing.
And so concluded another project. But alas, it was not the end of this project. After the commercial began to air, there was a massive outcry that the dog in the commercial was being abused and that Kellogg's was endorsing animal cruelty. Looking back now, it is all incredibly stupid and pointless, but at the time, I was really frustrated. Individuals who were never a part of the process complained about a thing that was long done and forced the commercial to be pulled from the air. As the dog in question was never in danger or hurt, and really enjoyed being in the suit doing all of this only hurt real humans. The actors in the commercial had their residuals severely hit by the ad no longer playing. The people behind the commercial likely took a hit as Kellogg's would be less interested in working with them again, which meant we would likely not get more work from that production company. So, in an effort to protect a dog that was never in danger, a lot of humans were harmed. I had hoped, but I never got a chance to see the commercial air on TV.
That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...
For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com
I am thrilled to share another new piece from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia! This illustration is for Book Two: The Completed Circle and is the next character piece in the book. I present to you the Gallionic Gallowglass. The Gallowglass are a mysterious band of mercenaries that tracks our heroes in the second book. The Gallowglass are large, twisted, and formidable. Encased in metal armor that often appears as if made from stone, these warriors are quick to violence and not known for their subtly. They will stop at nothing to track down their quarry. Seen here, a group of the Gallowglass pushes through a group of water beggars. I present to you with the Gallionic Gallowglass.
As much as I enjoy the large environmental pieces, it is nice to return to a smaller image for this piece. Due to time and production delays beyond my control, I have made the call to make the pieces in the book smaller than initially planned. This will greatly speed things up and result in more pieces from the book being at a better price point. A win/win. Here is a look at the sketch and tonal study forthe Gallionic Gallowglass to show where it began.
I try to share my reference as much as possible, but usually, the photos I use are not for public viewing. But this time around, the monsters are all fully dressed, and I can share with you my composition for the Gallionic Gallowglass. As always, I posed for all of the warriors and all of the beggars. I am all the monsters.
During Gen Con 2022, I had an excellent opportunity to speak with the folks behind the upcoming documentary about Magic the Gathering, The Gathering is the Magic. It was a lot of fun and always a good time to talk about art, monsters, and more. In July of this year, I did a follow-up interview where I spoke about my work on the game in greater detail, as well as other topics. Another clip from the recent interview has been shared, so I am now sharing it with you.
The Gathering is the Magic - A documentary about how Magic the Gathering brings people together, fosters friendship, and inspires with art and storytelling.
In the interview, I was asked to discuss the cards I created for Magic the Gathering. It was fun to reminisce about the art and monsters I made, the fan response to them, and the behind-the-scenes stories regarding the cards. This clip is about the Bribe Taker. Enjoy the clip, and check out what else The Gathering is the Magic has been sharing!
The story of the Bribe Taker and the issues with Easter Eggs.
That's all for another exciting week on the blog. See you back here next week! Until then...
For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com
I am THRILLED to announce that I will return as a guest to Pensacon this coming February! In 2025, Pensacon runs from Friday afternoon, February 14th, through Sunday the 16th! I will be bringing the Grand Bazaar back in all its glory, as well as some exciting surprises. We LOVE Pensacon, and we always have a fantastic time there. I do not have enough good things to say about Pensacon, and I hope to see you there!
I will see you at Pensacon from February 14-16, 2025!
In addition to myself, there will be a TON of amazing artists, guests, and vendors at Pensacon 2025. It will be SO much fun, and there will be many amazing things to see and do. This is the year not to miss.
I will share more information, secrets, and a panel list when we get closer to the show. There are some fun and exciting things planned, and I can not wait to share them! Again, if you are in the Gulf Coast area and want to have a super fun con experience, then I highly recommend Pensacon!
That's all for another exciting Wednesday on the blog. See you back here on Friday! Until then...
For more samples of my work or to contact me regarding my availability, head over to my website: www.christopherburdett.com
I am thrilled to share another new piece from The Grand Bazaar of Ethra VanDalia! This illustration is for Book Two: The Completed Circle. This is a supporting piece of spot art for The Airship I recently shared. This image shows a selection of airship schematics, plans, and tools used to make those plans. Long before an airship takes to the skies, every detail is worked out on paper and parchment, and every detail is worked over many times. Well, you hope that is the case. I present to you The Airship Shipwright Tools and Plans.
The Airship Shipwright Tools and Plans The Grand Bazaar of Ethra Dalia - The Completed Circle
This is one of the many pieces I completed so far this year. It has been a blur of pencil and paint. Nice to finally be sharing them. Here is a look at the sketch of The Airship Shipwright Tools and Plans to show where it began.
As a bonus, I have some images of the rendering process of this piece so that you can get a better idea of it taking shape. This piece went quickly, so there are only two images to share.
