Runaway Goldfish
storytelling through art
Client Work
Ranging from children's books,
lettering jobs to wedding invitations,
I've worked on a variety of different projects with a variety of different clients.
The "G" Universe (2020-Present)
The writer, Austin Ford, was inspired by his pre-school students in West Seattle and wanted to create stories that grew with his students and have illustrations that reflected their experience and environment. Our most recent project was a seven chapter manga-inspired comic which is currently in process. Prior to working on the comic, I was commissioned to work on two children’s books following the same trio of kids. The first book we created and was called “G’s Way or the Freeway” which eventually was turned into a short animation. The story was about introducing kids to the idea of parallel play. The second book we created was titled “I Don’t Want To” which talked about different ways we can approach things we don’t want to do and some of the reasons how they can be sometimes be important. In addition to the books, I was also commissioned to do work on a variety of merchandise/marketing material ranging from stickers, plushies, zines and apparel.
Gee's Way or the Freeway
Federal Way Pride (2020-2024)
Over COVID there had been a rising increase in violence towards the LGBTGQ+ community in Federal Way, WA which had prompted the people of the city to come together and form the city's first Pride celebration. Eventually a non-profit was formed where I was in charge of creating the logo and other graphics like posters, fliers and a lettering project for an outdoor installation.
The outdoor installation was at an inclusive church, where most of the Pride activities took place. It was unfortunately vandalized and needed repairs. Although I am an religious, myself, two other artists and members of the community came together to repaint them. The doors and paint were donated by the local Lowes and different community members had painted the base color. Myself and two other artists stayed up late to continue to paint the details. I was in charge of the text and some of the flowers on the doors. The project was even featured on the Federal Way Mirror, which is the local newspaper.
The giraffe greyhound originally was a gift for a friend as a tribute to their pet companion. They enjoyed the painting so much that they requested that I make a second tribute painting for them for their second dog who had passed.
Pet Paintings (2022/2024)
When working part-time at a bonsai garden and was heavily inspired by the trees I was working with. It began a series of paintings where I extracted color from 100 year old Pu-Erh tea gifted to me by my mentor which I named "Teascape". At the time I was also learning Sumi-E ink techniques and wanted to combine elements of both. During this time I was also vending at different events selling my designs and was approached by a couple who was looking for a bonsai design for their wedding.
Bonsai Wedding Invitation (2020)
While working at the bonsai garden, I was given the reins to do signage and the window designs to help promote the business. This consisted of window art and lettering using chalk pens.
Art for a Bonsai Garden (2018-2019)
Birthday Lettering Project (2018)
This client was referred to me through an artist friend who had seen some of my past lettering work. They were looking for a gift to give to their grandson for graduation and wanted to send him off with words of encouragement. Even though I am not religious, I am not above helping others with my skills regardless of their faith. The client provided the piece of wood and the paint. I then painted it with acrylic after sketching out the layout with chalk, then attached a sawtooth hanger so that it can displayed on a wall.
Want A COMMISSION DONE?
I specialize in illustration and graphic design.
Currently looking to expand my portfolio in story focused work.
This includes:
Children's Books
Comics
Illustations
Animation
Storyboarding