Hey Ray! Caricature

Hi All,

Happy New Year....OK, it's a little late.  Larry David (Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm), would say you have 3 days before the statute of limitations runs out on "Happy New Year."  But I digress.

Here's a fun little caricature that I did for a friend, Ray, who is a life coach specializing in helping couples work through their issues.   I had a little fun with it and turned out Ray loved it and uses it for everything.  The other day he gave me a golf ball....that had the caricature printed on it.  He told me a client had it printed for him.

The original Ray Kopakowski caricature. 

Over the last couple of years I've done a few background variations and designed a couple of tshirts for him as well, with the caricature on them.  The one thing I didn't expect, was the golf ball with the pic on it. 

Hey Ray QnA - Design for social media to go with his podcast where he answers relationship questions

 Ray's got a good little practice going; helping people in relationship crisis, a podcast, he's finishing some books, and he's planning to do some public speaking in the near future.
His practice is called: Inner Power Insights.  He works with local clients as well as folks around the country and even internationally.  Website: InnerPowerInsights.com

The "Ask Ray" golf ball. 

It's been a fun little project that keeps bringing in work.  In the near future, there's a couple of book covers that I'll be designing around the Ray pic and I'm sure there's other projects that will come up as well.

That's all for now.  Back to work.  I hope you all have a wonderful winter.  Enjoy each day.  Even if you're in cold country - relax and enjoy...summer will be here soon.  Make each day a good one and do something good for others too....maybe even for a stranger. 

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
Artist, Illustrator, and Designer
www.behance.net/tk-art
email: tom.kbrink@gmail.com

Aaron Rodgers Sketch

Hi All,

You may know...I'm a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan.  And...they're one game away from the Super Bowl.  Yes!!  I'm excited.

So the other day I was doing a little sketching in a nice custom hand-made sketchbook my son Dave gave to me for Fathers day last year.  I did a little sketch of Aaron Rodgers.  I didn't intend to share it, but then I took it into Photoshop and had a little fun with it and...I'll share it anyways. 

Just quick and dirty sketch fun.  I had fun doing them.  I get a little self conscious sharing something that's loose and quick - but that's ok.  I will anyhow. 

The NFC Championship game is today. Go Pack Go!!

Have a great Sunday,

Tom

on line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

LA Design and Custom Decal

Hi All,

Welcome to 2020.  It's a new year, the holidays are over and it's time to get back to biz.  It's winter here in Phoenix, AZ and it's so nice.  We're getting a little frost on the windshield of the car and some cooler temps in the day.  I know it's not winter like some of our northern and higher elevation friends experience, but it's a welcome break from our long hot summer.

I've been pretty busy, but still working on some artwork here and there.  One project I recently completed was requested by a friend of mine.  She's been getting out of her comfort zone, trying to construct a project/gift for her girlfriend: a make up table complete with lighted mirror.  She asked if I could design and illustrate a logo for this desk, to specifically customize this unique project and help with a solution to carry it out.

My friend wanted to show/reflect her partner's talent and love of singing, and customize it with her initials; LA.  LA (Los Angeles), is also where she's from.  The basic idea was there, so I got out the sketch book and pencil and drew up some ideas.  When I got to where my friend, Janessa wanted to go with this, I completed a tight sketch to work off of.

I took the sketch into Photoshop on my computer and using the power of layers, I started plotting points and creating paths.  For the most part, it's assembled with dark layers on bottom, working toward the lighter ones on top.  I created  two designs.  One with a star and one without.

When finished she decided she wanted the mic w/cord on the desk top and the star version as a small decal for the lighted mirror frame.  The next step - search the internet for a company who can print the decals.  We found Stickersstickers.com and had them print for us. They did a great job at a reasonable price.  The next step was to apply the decals.  So I got together with Janessa and we applied them to the prepped desk.  Janessa used a product called Modgepodge to cover and seal the decals to prevent peeling and damage.  (she told me later that the Modgepodge worked great).

When finished - the desk looked wonderful and is a piece to be treasured for many years to come.  I'm happy that I was able to assist in helping this project become an amazing gift.

Well, gotta go.  I hope you all are doing well and that your projects are coming along nicely.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
on-line portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art
on-line gift shop: https://www.zazzle.com/store/kbrink_design

Packers Artwork

Hey All,

How are you doing?  Did you have a good summer?  We had a hot one here in Phoenix, AZ.  Thankfully it's cooling down now - yes!  (but summer is always hot here - LOL). 

I've been pretty inconsistent about posting, but I've been busy busy.   Got several projects that I'm working on, so I haven't put out any new Packer artwork lately....and I need to get on it.  However, the Pack is 4-1 so far this season and I want to share some of my classic Packers art.

I'm including some pieces that I created a while ago.  Some of these are old and I haven't shared in some time.  Some are created in different mediums or typically a combination of art media.   Enjoy.

Favre - started as a straight pen and ink on bristol board.  I added color to it with Photoshop on computer.  This guy was so fun to watch for a long time.  A great Packer.

Reggie White - the Minister of Defense.  Saw him preach in Hawaii once - quite an experience.  What a great Packer too. This piece is about 24 x 18; gouache (opaque watercolor) on illustration board.

Bill Schroeder - WR and Wisconsin native.  This was a fun and funky little experimental piece that I created with the program, Painter and Macintosh with Wacom tablet back in the late 90s.

Ty Montgomery - WR/RB was traded last year after making a questionable decision on the field in a big game.  He had some pretty good years in GB.  Digital paint and Wacom tablet on Macintosh.

Aaron Kampman - this is an old one too...for a few years he was a quarterback rushing beast at defensive end.  I think after a while knee injuries got the best of him and production dropped off.  In his prime years he was as good as there was.  This was a pencil sketch imported into photoshop/macintosh where I did some digital painting and added effects.

Donald Driver - I and everyone in Wisconsin loved watching this guy play for the Pack.  He was just a fun player to watch and a very talented wide receiver.  A pen and ink illustration with color added in photoshop.

Lombardi - the greatest coach of his generation and arguably all time.  He was an amazing man, mentor and coach up in Green Bay in the late 50s and 60s.  This is a simple pen and ink on bristol board.

There you go, some of my Packers artwork that I've created over the years.  Enjoy the autumn and upcoming winter seasons while you enjoy the NFL season.  I hope the Packers keep on winning and getting better.  Go Pack Go!!

Have some fun, take care of yourself, and do something nice for someone else....lets make this world a little better place to live.

Peace,

Tom

www.behance.net/tk-art

New On-Line Art and Gift store

Hi All,

I just wanted to get this out quickly.  I've been holding off for a while, but I've been putting together an on-line store featuring my artwork and designs.  It's on Zazzle.com.  Check it out.

Here's a link to the store: https://www.zazzle.com/store/kbrink_design

Zazzle is a place on line for people to order custom products like coffee mugs, t-shirts, canvas and other types of prints, stationery, phone covers, etc....they'll customize almost anything you can think of.  You can type your own message on something, or use your own design.  However, designers and artists like myself can start a "store" there and sell products with their own designs on them. 

Ladies long sleeve t-shirt with Windy Lion design.

It's convenient for the artist and customer.  I've finished some artwork and designs for the site and I'm showing a couple here.  Of course I'll be adding new artwork regularly to keep interested customers coming back.  

Coffee mug with original artwork and design by Tom Kreienbrink

If you like what you see or I have your attention, check it out.  I've got a few Halloween ideas coming quickly and of course Christmas is around the corner (sorry - I know it's early).  My point is that they make great gifts for friends, family, or for yourself.  I hope you like it.  Bookmark the page; it's called Coffee Love.  The link again is: https://www.zazzle.com/store/kbrink_design

Have a great day all.  Get out there and do some good.  Help a neighbor...make the world a little better than it was yesterday.  We need you. 

Peace,

Tom Kreienbrink
Tom.kbrink@gmail.com
Web portfolio: www.behance.net/tk-art

TomK self portrait 2019

Hi All,

Well - I've become a very very inconsistent blogger.  I've got several pieces of artwork in the pipeline and in process, so I'll be back a little sooner next time.  Things are heating up here in Phoenix...in the 100s every day now.  I've got plenty on the plate; work, artwork, projects around the house and more.  Whew...busy life but excited about some of the things coming on the horizon.

One of the mediums of artwork I've always enjoyed is cartooning.  Over the years I've done several cartoon portraits....and self portraits.  Recently my older son Dave gave me this great hand made sketch book.  One day about a week ago I did some sketching and one that I did was a cartoon self portrait.  (I have another fun one coming from that day that I need to finish, but it's coming). Then today, I thought I'd take it to the computer and do a little color and finishing.

I complete the project using Photoshop and a Wacom tablet on my old Mac desktop.  It's fun working on little pieces like this once in a while.  Here's the finished product....

It's me.  I just sit with a pencil and paper and sketch it out.  Not very detailed, but fun.  I'm going to put up a couple other goofy ones that I've done over the years.  However - above is the 2019 version.  When I'll do the next one?  Who knows.

Above is one from 2011.  This was produced with pen and ink. I was a little younger and definitely entrenched in Arizona culture....tshirt, shorts and sandals.  And, I'm pretty much the same today, just older.

Here's a fun one from the early 1990s.  It's a pen and ink illustration. I was the medical illustrator at an Air Force teaching hospital, while on active duty.  I'd use this in some of the material I'd put out regarding the service I'd provide.  I'd produce little informational brochures to provide info to my customers and potential customers.  It was fun. 

So have some fun yourself, this summer.  Enjoy every day.  Be good to others, but also be good to yourself.    Have a great summer and more blog posts and artwork to come....now I'm going swimming.

Peace,

Tom

Tom Kreienbrink
tom.kbrink@gmail.com
www.behance.net/tk-art

KBrink Design - Andy K Artwork

Hi All,

How's it going out there?  Hope everyone is doing well.  Things are going pretty good here in the great southwest (Arizona, USA).  It's heating up...summer will be here very quickly.  I hope its been a good Spring season for all of you reading this.

It's been a while since I've blogged and today I'd like to do something a little different.  I'd like to highlight the artwork of one of my sons - Andy Kreienbrink.  Andy has been drawing and creating artwork since he was a kid.  He has a very different style than I do, but I love his creativity.

He and I have been toying with the idea of starting a business together for a while.  While tossing around ideas, I'd been working to teach him the computer aspect of creating finished illustrations.  The designs below are his (with a little assistance from the old man).

The pen and ink above depicts The Trailer Park Boys.  This was an illustration that was part of a birthday card I recieved from him and his family.  I'd had the artwork for a while and finally scanned it and cleaned it up in Photoshop.  It's exactly as he drew it, just that the whites are whiter and the black areas are solid black.  I love the stylized depiction of The Boys.  If you're familiar with them, there's no doubt who you're looking at.

The, I Heart Bacon pic is a collaboration that Andy and I produced together.  It was his brainchild and I provided some technical guidance and the heart illustration.  It was a fun little project.

The illustration above was a fun little collaboration piece as well.  The drawing was all his and I went back into Photoshop and cleaned it up.  Cleaning it up doesn't mean the picture was drawn sloppily.  It means I made the blacks a solid black, any color bleeding cleaned up and other imperfections as well.  I added a background and border also.  As you can tell, Andy is a fan of the horror genre.

The final design is an Andy Kreienbrink original.  It's a sticker design of Jason vs. Machete.  I provided technical input to assist him in carrying out his vision.

So the Kbrink Design project is still up in the air.  Will it come to fruition?  We'll see.  It the mean time, I just wanted to showcase some of Andy's artwork.  He's done some punk rock stylized art as well, for his bands and for others.  He's a budding talent for sure.

Have a great week everyone.  Take a breath....look around, and enjoy life a little.  Enjoy each day and the people around you.  Stay present.
Until next time....

Peace,

Tom

www.behance.net/tk-art