tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-284701992024-03-13T09:23:19.640-04:00Erin McGuireErin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-60844352755195392292015-08-27T12:09:00.001-04:002015-08-27T12:09:13.227-04:00For more updates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrkEQqHGxP0/Vd81sqKu_0I/AAAAAAAABfg/_4NW6UuIxcs/s1600/icelandwarmup10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OrkEQqHGxP0/Vd81sqKu_0I/AAAAAAAABfg/_4NW6UuIxcs/s640/icelandwarmup10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Hello! I have moved most of my art updates to Tumblr. Please follow me here instead-<br />
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I'll be keeping this blog up for archive purposes. Thanks so much!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-84719516563413172132015-02-03T17:54:00.001-05:002015-02-03T17:54:43.664-05:00Nancy Drew Diaries<br />
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A new Nancy Drew Diaries cover! And some sketchbook work. And now, back to the drawing board.<br />
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For more frequent updates, I seem to be doing the best job at updating <a href="http://instagram.com/emcguire/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/emcguirestudio" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-29701041457296581842014-10-21T16:46:00.000-04:002014-10-21T16:46:54.323-04:00Fall<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Friendship Riddle</td></tr>
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Hello, dear blog. It's been a while. I ended up with a very busy summer. But now, as it starts to cool down, my schedule has finally given me some breathing room. So I went ahead and updated <a href="http://emcguire.net/">emcguire.net</a>, and these are a few of the new things you'll see there.<br />
The Friendship Riddle was a new cover for Bloomsbury, and I was happy to team up again with Nicole Gastonguay as my art director. I also illustrated a few stories for American Girl Magazine, you can see a few images below.<br />
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And, last but not least, I've been doing my best to keep up with Inktober, the yearly drawing challenge started by Jake Parker. I've been posting these scattershot all over the internet, but mostly on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/erinmcguireillustration" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/emcguirestudio" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
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I've often wondered, as blogs have mostly been giving way to Tumblr and the more ephemeral nature of social media, if there is a point to having a blog anymore. I feel pretty attached to my little blog though, and I still enjoy reading illustration blogs for those who still keep them. It feels a little slower, but it's a format I think still has merit.<br />
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So thanks for reading, hope all is well.Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-181264223770490682014-07-22T16:14:00.000-04:002014-07-22T16:14:49.035-04:00Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Finished up this piece from an earlier sketch. I'm using this image as the cover for my new portfolio too, which I'll have at LA SCBWI in early August. Hope to see you there!<br />
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<br />Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-91835865061282479972014-05-20T15:41:00.001-04:002014-05-20T15:41:10.793-04:00Nancy Drew: The Phantom of Nantucket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My seventh Nancy Drew cover! It's finally full on sunny and summery here, I thought this image was appropriate as we head into Memorial Day weekend. Being native to Massachusetts (alas, no vestiges of my accent remain), it was neat doing a Nantucket themed cover. And, yes, I know that Brant Point lighthouse isn't that big!<br />
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Detail:<br />
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Til next time, take care.Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-60316172486722457612014-05-13T13:44:00.000-04:002014-05-13T13:44:07.743-04:00Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdnQPlYg2lY/U3JP45Z7teI/AAAAAAAABV4/PItrmrNx0oE/s1600/erinmcguire_invite1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cdnQPlYg2lY/U3JP45Z7teI/AAAAAAAABV4/PItrmrNx0oE/s1600/erinmcguire_invite1.jpg" height="640" width="458" /></a></div>
Now that I'm all married, back from <a href="http://instagram.com/p/ntrjGeEXjF/#" target="_blank">Hawaii</a>, and back to studio life, I hope you'll indulge me in showing off some of the work we did for the wedding! Creating some fun art for our wedding was a big priority for me, so we tried to include some illustration at every opportunity. Starting of course, with our wedding invites.<br />
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Since we'd already done a portrait for our <a href="http://emcguire.blogspot.com/2014/04/save-date.html" target="_blank">Save the Date</a>, I figured the invite shouldn't just be focused on us. Our cat-plane-powered flying machine made for a nice backdrop to fit in all the wedding info we needed. It was also a slight nod to the cacti and succulents we were going to have in our centerpieces. A lot of the little banners and signs from this design were used on other materials too, like our programs, table numbers, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy3eho_tSnI/U3JP4IZwhBI/AAAAAAAABVw/M1ykak-e7Xs/s1600/erinmcguire_invite02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yy3eho_tSnI/U3JP4IZwhBI/AAAAAAAABVw/M1ykak-e7Xs/s1600/erinmcguire_invite02.jpg" height="404" width="640" /></a></div>
The main design, along with some side panels for extra info, were attached to these craft paper mailers (from Paper Source) with an RSVP tucked inside. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zeIKAXwhrw/U3JP4DkiM1I/AAAAAAAABVs/84xghz6n5K0/s1600/erinmcguire_invite03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--zeIKAXwhrw/U3JP4DkiM1I/AAAAAAAABVs/84xghz6n5K0/s1600/erinmcguire_invite03.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The whole thing was sealed with a blue sticker and a Texas stamp! Many
of our guests would be traveling (neither of us are Texas natives), so
we wanted to get everyone a little excited about visiting the Lone Star
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MshBNsaqF8/U3JP4Fn7IJI/AAAAAAAABWM/s_qCJ9eNw5Q/s1600/erinmcguire_caketopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2MshBNsaqF8/U3JP4Fn7IJI/AAAAAAAABWM/s_qCJ9eNw5Q/s1600/erinmcguire_caketopper.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></div>
And if we hadn't bitten off enough to chew on, we thought it'd be fun to illustrate our cake topper! This was a bit rushed (finished it 2 nights before the wedding, eek), but it was nice to really collaborate with Drew on something. He designed the dragon and layout, I finished up all the girly parts. Every wedding needs <i>one </i>dragon, right?<br />
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The whole thing was cut out and held up by bamboo skewers. (Thanks to Bridesmaid <a href="http://elliejelliescribbles.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Elise</a> for this great shot!)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NaZIz7JFJGs/U3JP5J3sewI/AAAAAAAABV8/U5set65t45M/s1600/erinmcguire_weddingmagnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NaZIz7JFJGs/U3JP5J3sewI/AAAAAAAABV8/U5set65t45M/s1600/erinmcguire_weddingmagnet.jpg" height="640" width="370" /></a></div>
And, at the end of the night, we sent folks home with some candy, a little magnet to show off their new-found Texas pride.<br />
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So, hopefully that wasn't too diabetic coma-inducing. I know weddings aren't everyone's thing, and I didn't expect them to be mine, either. But I had a lot of fun with it, and at the end of the day, I'm just happy to be married to Drew. Here's to years of art and love ahead-<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZybWXWNIAw/U3JYSMo-bYI/AAAAAAAABWs/nOU-kr88vZk/s1600/erinanddrew_kylerdannels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MZybWXWNIAw/U3JYSMo-bYI/AAAAAAAABWs/nOU-kr88vZk/s1600/erinanddrew_kylerdannels.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
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Til next time, take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-84379467625665204842014-04-11T13:49:00.001-04:002014-04-11T13:49:36.700-04:00Save the Date<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbPoh7XjL_g/U0gmSfSL7aI/AAAAAAAABVI/eY5CnULuDqk/s1600/erinmcguirefront_save1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbPoh7XjL_g/U0gmSfSL7aI/AAAAAAAABVI/eY5CnULuDqk/s1600/erinmcguirefront_save1.jpg" height="640" width="433" /></a></div>
Man oh man, planning a wedding is serious business. I'm marrying <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndrewOlsonArt" target="_blank">Andrew Olson</a> in like 2 weeks. Pretty crazy!<br />
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It occurred to me that I hadn't posted any of my wedding stuff online though, so hey, here's the Save the Date I designed for our wedding! I designed our invitations too, but those are another post for another day.<br />
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We printed these using GotPrint, since they had more interesting shapes to choose from. It helped them to feel slightly more custom, while not having to actually die cut anything. <br />
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Here's the final product-<br />
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There are many more illustrated materials to come. Pretty sure I spent more time illustrating stuff for the wedding than I did picking out my dress, but I'm not surprised.<br />
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Hope all are well.<br />
<br />Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-3148910015781427232014-02-14T11:22:00.000-05:002014-02-14T11:22:02.922-05:00Valentine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A quick extra post for this week- a valentine for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AndrewOlsonArt" target="_blank">Drew</a>.Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-34997647885498087842014-02-11T13:55:00.003-05:002014-02-11T13:55:38.417-05:00Time of the Fireflies<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time of the Fireflies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time of the Fireflies wraparound</td></tr>
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Here is another cover for the wonderful Kimberley Griffiths Little and her new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Time-Fireflies-Kimberley-Griffiths-Little/dp/0545165636" target="_blank">The Time of the Fireflies</a>. I previously did covers for two of her other books- <a href="http://emcguire.blogspot.com/2012/07/when-butterflies-came-process.html" target="_blank">When the Butterflies Came</a>, and <a href="http://emcguire.blogspot.com/2011/05/circle-of-secrets-cover.html" target="_blank">Circle of Secrets</a>. Her stories always have so much lovely material to work with! This new one is out in the summer.<br />
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And some sketchbook work-<br />
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And oh yeah, I got my studio set up! Can you spot both of the cats investigating it? I love working in here.<br />
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It's been a busy winter, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Hope all are well. Take care!<br />
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-Erin<br />
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<br />Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-73880265774561699792014-01-07T00:36:00.001-05:002014-01-07T00:36:31.816-05:00Nancy Drew + Sketchbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey, look at that. It's 2014! Here's some new Nancy Drew Diaries, my 6th cover for the series. Painting a moonlit camping scene was a treat though. And without type-<br />
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Also, I scanned the last batch of sketches from the past few weeks. Many of these are on <a href="http://instagram.com/emcguire" target="_blank">Instagram</a> as little snippets too. My sketchbook has become a very relaxing outlet for me.<br />
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Here's to another year of making art, illustrating books, and all that other good stuff. Take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-24192285230204552392013-11-18T12:02:00.001-05:002013-11-18T12:02:12.794-05:00The Real Boy Interiors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Much of the interior art for THE REAL BOY has been floating around the internet already, in blog posts and reviews, but I wanted to go ahead and put it all in one place. These are some of my favorite pieces from the book, most of which are graphite and chalk on toned paper, with some Photoshop love at the end. It was such a fun world to live in for the length of the project, full of magical shop items, cats, and fancy dresses. And I've always wanted to draw a fantasy map.<br />
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Additionally, I'm very happy that Anne Ursu had <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/10/books/review/the-real-boy-by-anne-ursu.html?_r=0" target="_blank">a lovely review in The New York Times</a>, which graciously included some of my art as well.<br />
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Thanks as always, and take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-39540852739465381232013-11-01T18:41:00.001-04:002013-11-01T18:41:33.321-04:00Inktober Roundup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Phew. October is over. And with it, <a href="http://mrjakeparker.com/2013/09/30/inktober-2013/" target="_blank">Inktober</a>, Jake Parker's yearly drawing challenge.<br />
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On a whim, I decided to give Inktober a try and it was a lot of fun. I ended up with 23 drawings, short of the 31 I was hoping for, but October turned out to be a crazy month full of weddings and deadlines, so I'm happy to even have done that. I don't work in ink much professionally, so this was a refreshing change of pace. Here are a few of my favorites from the month-<br />
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And now, back to the business at hand. Take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-47949384473029206242013-10-01T16:23:00.000-04:002013-10-01T16:23:14.533-04:00Handmaid's Tale Redux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes past work pops up again in unexpected ways. I did this illustration for Margaret Atwood's Handmaid's Tale back when I was still a student, as part of my senior year thesis. Then after five years of bouncing around the internet, Ms. Atwood's Portuguese publisher, Bertrand Editora, bought the foreign rights for the cover. Funny how things happen, but I'm pretty happy that it's an actual book now. <span class="short_text" id="result_box" lang="pt"><span class="hps">Felicidades</span><span class="">!</span></span>Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-52690022638025075782013-09-18T18:35:00.000-04:002013-09-18T18:35:45.058-04:00Nancy Drew Diaries #5<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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My fifth Nancy Drew cover, with art direction by Lissi Erwin. Always fun to draw a spooky forest!</div>
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I know summer is coming to an end, but you wouldn't know it in Texas. One hundred degree weather mixed with pumpkin spice everything just feels wrong. I'm ready for fall, and all the tights and tea that go with it.</div>
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Along with the Nancy Drew cover, here are a few more sketchbook pages. Many of these have floated around <a href="http://instagram.com/emcguire" target="_blank">my Instagram</a> as cropped pieces, but I like to archive the full pages as well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26cvAoIy0QA/Ujojzb5RD2I/AAAAAAAABNk/FdmJmywOa2A/s1600/erinmcguire_politesisters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-26cvAoIy0QA/Ujojzb5RD2I/AAAAAAAABNk/FdmJmywOa2A/s1600/erinmcguire_politesisters.jpg" height="640" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polite Sisters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWH0TynANzw/UjojzsVPE4I/AAAAAAAABNg/F7b8ap6YXFk/s1600/erinmcguire_sleepyhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XWH0TynANzw/UjojzsVPE4I/AAAAAAAABNg/F7b8ap6YXFk/s1600/erinmcguire_sleepyhead.jpg" height="640" width="364" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleepyhead</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanks, and take care.<br />
<br />Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-20874186425817139672013-08-26T14:45:00.000-04:002013-08-26T14:45:00.656-04:00The Good, the Bad, the photo reference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLgV_R8U_Ck/UhuUI8CYKYI/AAAAAAAABLA/TnaQg3Dxktc/s1600/photorefblogpost4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vLgV_R8U_Ck/UhuUI8CYKYI/AAAAAAAABLA/TnaQg3Dxktc/s1600/photorefblogpost4.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the years I've collected a lot of photo reference for various projects, and much of it hasn't seen the light of day. It's fun to look at all the behind the scenes junk that goes into an illustration, so I hope you get a kick out of seeing me pretend to be a tween girl (and sometimes tween boy).<br />
<br />
Now,
my work isn't as realistic as some illustrators, but I still need good
reference for most assignments. I'm not so hardcore that I need to hire a model and professionally shoot them, but sometimes Googling reference just doesn't cut it. Even my mediocre photos help with checking proportions, lighting, clothing folds, etc. For my purposes, I just need <i>pretty good</i> reference pretty quickly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPzSGIWvmCo/UhuUKb4JmiI/AAAAAAAABLk/OQbN3AevXNA/s1600/photosupplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KPzSGIWvmCo/UhuUKb4JmiI/AAAAAAAABLk/OQbN3AevXNA/s1600/photosupplies.jpg" height="320" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />
More often than not, I use what I have
on hand, which is myself, my old camera, and my grandpa's old tripod. I definitely don't have
a kid's body, but it's easy to make myself pose at all hours of the
day, and I know the pose I need. Also, I've used the Photo Booth application on my Mac in a pinch, for quick photos when I don't want to set up my tripod.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtwJVbJ7gBc/UhuXcDf7ypI/AAAAAAAABLw/wu2hp6bpgxc/s1600/photorefblogpost1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtwJVbJ7gBc/UhuXcDf7ypI/AAAAAAAABLw/wu2hp6bpgxc/s1600/photorefblogpost1.jpg" height="558" width="640" /></a></div>
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As you can see, for this photo I hung from the ceiling to get the lighting just right. I definitely didn't just flip it in Photoshop.<br />
<br />
Nancy Drew covers almost always need reference, because the covers have a bit more action, plus tricky angles!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxC-LKBFK9E/UhuUHyD2cQI/AAAAAAAABKs/WDqdGTwdPD8/s1600/photorefblogpost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rxC-LKBFK9E/UhuUHyD2cQI/AAAAAAAABKs/WDqdGTwdPD8/s1600/photorefblogpost2.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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I put the tripod a few steps down my stairs, set the timer, and would run up the stairs and strike a pose to get the low angle right. I did this about 12 times and it was a good workout.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzAwmUTm638/UhuUIizWwcI/AAAAAAAABK8/pn55n56WiDc/s1600/photorefblogpost3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DzAwmUTm638/UhuUIizWwcI/AAAAAAAABK8/pn55n56WiDc/s1600/photorefblogpost3.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
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For this angle, I set the tripod up high on my dining table while I crouched in the corner. My neighbors must think I'm crazy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSEA9KPT_YM/UhuUJGOI39I/AAAAAAAABLU/uv7NtKocEGs/s1600/photorefblogpost5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YSEA9KPT_YM/UhuUJGOI39I/AAAAAAAABLU/uv7NtKocEGs/s1600/photorefblogpost5.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
Maybe me posing in a cocktail dress put their suspicions at ease! I shot these in Photo Booth in quick succession to get many angles for the pose. Often I convert the photos to grayscale so I'm not distracted by the color.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwNPfHX027Q/UhuUJkLb_oI/AAAAAAAABLQ/M2z6ExB-1z4/s1600/photorefblogpost6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fwNPfHX027Q/UhuUJkLb_oI/AAAAAAAABLQ/M2z6ExB-1z4/s1600/photorefblogpost6.jpg" height="462" width="640" /></a></div>
Even my personal work benefits from shooting reference. The photos I shot for this illustration were super under-exposed, but I levels'd them up until I had something passable to draw from. It's very much "perfect is the enemy of good" in this case.<br />
<br />
Also, our cats LOVE to photobomb our reference.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pG_ZWuUbwR8/UhuUJisPoHI/AAAAAAAABLM/3ICgOsOsh9s/s1600/photorefblogpostdrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pG_ZWuUbwR8/UhuUJisPoHI/AAAAAAAABLM/3ICgOsOsh9s/s1600/photorefblogpostdrew.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Particularly in this case, when I helped <a href="http://andrew-olson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Drew</a> shoot reference for his own assignment. Our cat Loki just jumped up on the table and struck the same pose. Looking good, Loki!<br /><br />
So that's about it. It's a fun process, even when it's ridiculous. And it is often ridiculous.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDguOiS9o9c/UhuhL3A7q-I/AAAAAAAABMA/NPFe8HCwhYs/s1600/photorefblogpost7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hDguOiS9o9c/UhuhL3A7q-I/AAAAAAAABMA/NPFe8HCwhYs/s1600/photorefblogpost7.jpg" height="524" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">YARR! (for a future Nancy Drew cover ;) )</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Til next time, take care.Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-78022681136206904852013-08-12T12:34:00.001-04:002013-08-12T12:34:13.702-04:00Summer Sketchbook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ30p1XfjpU/UgkLBpK8lII/AAAAAAAABKE/7VYNt3tVpYw/s1600/erinmcguire_shamangirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CJ30p1XfjpU/UgkLBpK8lII/AAAAAAAABKE/7VYNt3tVpYw/s1600/erinmcguire_shamangirl.jpg" height="640" width="381" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy Summer! I haven't posted much sketchbook work in a while. Often some of these will end up on <a href="http://instagram.com/emcguire#" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, but I like having nicely scanned versions as well. Sketching is fun, I need to do more of it. I've had a busy summer, but it's nice to reflect back on some less finished work. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A2iKBWGgd8/UgkLA2dipFI/AAAAAAAABJo/eZFGDXSdyl4/s1600/erinmcguire_gouachetree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1A2iKBWGgd8/UgkLA2dipFI/AAAAAAAABJo/eZFGDXSdyl4/s1600/erinmcguire_gouachetree.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
This is the tree directly outside my studio (complete with hay bales, thanks Texas). It's much more fun to landscape paint from inside an air conditioned room! This is gouache on toned paper.<br />
<br />
And some assorted kids-<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvVZDzxG7es/UgkLA0oNZpI/AAAAAAAABJs/AMmRnpH25oE/s1600/erinmcguire_cowgirlwizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jvVZDzxG7es/UgkLA0oNZpI/AAAAAAAABJs/AMmRnpH25oE/s1600/erinmcguire_cowgirlwizard.jpg" height="400" width="260" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sM8HY8exs-8/UgkLBWymdlI/AAAAAAAABKU/fV5GSJWHcDA/s1600/erinmcguire_natalie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sM8HY8exs-8/UgkLBWymdlI/AAAAAAAABKU/fV5GSJWHcDA/s1600/erinmcguire_natalie.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJfYvjbzvQ4/UgkLBXWFskI/AAAAAAAABJ8/bCRt-zr0P_I/s1600/erinmcguire_shamanboy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bJfYvjbzvQ4/UgkLBXWFskI/AAAAAAAABJ8/bCRt-zr0P_I/s1600/erinmcguire_shamanboy.jpg" height="400" width="340" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYgakkPh9u4/UgkLCIhmK6I/AAAAAAAABKM/zbqolvsMfxs/s1600/erinmcguire_sweatergirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYgakkPh9u4/UgkLCIhmK6I/AAAAAAAABKM/zbqolvsMfxs/s1600/erinmcguire_sweatergirl.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzO_Vtx3nio/UgkLA0hHlmI/AAAAAAAABJw/lf17eb9llDs/s1600/erinmcguire_gardengirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pzO_Vtx3nio/UgkLA0hHlmI/AAAAAAAABJw/lf17eb9llDs/s1600/erinmcguire_gardengirl.jpg" height="400" width="392" /></a></div>
<br />
So enjoy, and til next time, take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-88553872997936867922013-07-08T11:18:00.003-04:002013-07-08T11:18:34.609-04:00Saranormal Wrap-up<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-KeJ74oM4s/UdowOGnzAAI/AAAAAAAABI4/ySlRfGa2v5o/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal_11b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P-KeJ74oM4s/UdowOGnzAAI/AAAAAAAABI4/ySlRfGa2v5o/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal_11b.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 11 - Yesterday and Today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxtAL3w0cGM/UdowOIVKG4I/AAAAAAAABI0/OBinUCmGAKA/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal10b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DxtAL3w0cGM/UdowOIVKG4I/AAAAAAAABI0/OBinUCmGAKA/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal10b.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 10 - A Perfect Storm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And with that, the SARANORMAL series is a wrap for me! The books will continue to come out through the end of December, but my part here is done. In a little over a year, we did eleven covers for this series (and that was amidst my other projects!) and they were all a pleasure. Thanks to Laura Roode for being a wonderful AD for this project.<br />
<br />
Here's the lot of 'em all together-<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ht_03xQtKxM/UdozEY9waNI/AAAAAAAABJM/KpzmeRfSvv0/s1600/saranormal_allcovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ht_03xQtKxM/UdozEY9waNI/AAAAAAAABJM/KpzmeRfSvv0/s1600/saranormal_allcovers.jpg" height="310" width="640" /></a></div>
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Til next time, take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-84323953273793087022013-05-09T13:55:00.001-04:002013-05-09T15:15:08.502-04:00Nancy Drew Diaries, 3 and 4<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mc1KoK72fEk/UYv1dWNqf1I/AAAAAAAABHo/2qFG0DbWtDE/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrewdiaries04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mc1KoK72fEk/UYv1dWNqf1I/AAAAAAAABHo/2qFG0DbWtDE/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrewdiaries04.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy Drew Diaries 4 - Once Upon a Thriller</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Fun with Nancy Drew continues! These are covers 3 and 4 in the Nancy Drew Diaries series. This one with Nancy in the bookstore might be my favorite yet. Also, this cover with Nancy spying on a horse just came out this week, so yay!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBpcMBqJBlI/UYv1nZPCFiI/AAAAAAAABHw/UOWIScX3dGc/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrewdiaries03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SBpcMBqJBlI/UYv1nZPCFiI/AAAAAAAABHw/UOWIScX3dGc/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrewdiaries03.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy Drew Diaries 3 - Mystery of the Midnight Rider</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Sketches for these covers are usually a fun challenge. We aim to show some drama, but not really give away much of the story. Here are a few sketches from this round-<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9CLSo_Ug3c/UYvZTPKcNEI/AAAAAAAABG8/i8wpAqPoUfM/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrew3sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9CLSo_Ug3c/UYvZTPKcNEI/AAAAAAAABG8/i8wpAqPoUfM/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrew3sketches.jpg" height="292" width="640" /></a></div>
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I looked up <i>lots </i>of hay lofts to figure out the angle for this one. Also, I now know what a hay loft is. Since this series has a fairly large title treatment, I always leave a lot of room for it to fit nicely. It's a challenge, but I think the type helps my compositions in the end. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj6aHduDdgo/UYvZTjv_bXI/AAAAAAAABHE/vi2q9qr10Io/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrew4sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wj6aHduDdgo/UYvZTjv_bXI/AAAAAAAABHE/vi2q9qr10Io/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrew4sketches.jpg" height="292" width="640" /></a></div>
And for cover 4, more fun bookstore angles! For both of these covers, I mocked up some simple geometry with the 3D Bevel/Extrude tool in Illustrator. I know a lot of illustrators use Google Sketchup for similar purposes, but I'm not tech savvy enough to use that, so Illustrator gets the job done. <br />
<br />
In other news-<br />
<a href="http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/spectrumfantasticartlive/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGwBMU9hfcY/UYvhlXAaN-I/AAAAAAAABHY/P41oN6OA0E0/s1600/sfal2.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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Next week I'll be attending <a href="http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/spectrumfantasticartlive/?page=sfal_home" target="_blank">Spectrum Fantastic Art Live</a> along with some artist friends (<a href="http://andrew-olson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Drew</a>! <a href="http://mcleannews.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mclean</a>! <a href="http://andrewrwright.com/" target="_blank">Andrew</a>!), and I'm very excited.<br />
I attended the first Spectrum last year and was completely blown away by the high caliber of artists exhibiting there. I've been to lots of different types of conventions (comic book cons, SCBWIs, concept art, etc) and Spectrum felt very special to me. I highly recommend it.<br />
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I won't have a booth there this year, but I did use Spectrum as an excuse to update and print a new portfolio book. Happy with how these turned out-<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rd0GQvyV06w/UYvTmmP0znI/AAAAAAAABGw/DpX7Nz63-V0/s1600/erinspectrumbook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rd0GQvyV06w/UYvTmmP0znI/AAAAAAAABGw/DpX7Nz63-V0/s1600/erinspectrumbook.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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So say howdy if you're there!<br />
<br />
Til then, take care!<br />
-Erin <br />
<br />Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-14084449570692962482013-04-11T11:52:00.000-04:002013-04-11T11:52:03.184-04:00What I Came to Tell You<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgoBId1B5e4/UWYiOm8xxiI/AAAAAAAABGE/ll-GSrMncWk/s1600/erinmcguire_whatcame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgoBId1B5e4/UWYiOm8xxiI/AAAAAAAABGE/ll-GSrMncWk/s1600/erinmcguire_whatcame.jpg" height="640" width="423" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What I Came to Tell You</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is the cover for <i>What I Came to Tell You</i>, written by Tommy Hays. This book will be out in September this year, published by Egmont USA, and I had great direction from Sarah Hoy. It was very fun to paint the bamboo grove and all of its colorful leaves.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgyIrZbCzrs/UWYi8YY2qLI/AAAAAAAABGM/2KM2V9E0Cls/s1600/erinmcguire_whaticameblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XgyIrZbCzrs/UWYi8YY2qLI/AAAAAAAABGM/2KM2V9E0Cls/s1600/erinmcguire_whaticameblog.jpg" height="345" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mws5cIvm0Dc/UWYiMeTq28I/AAAAAAAABF8/9HTPwZcP9Mk/s1600/erinmcguire_forestgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Mws5cIvm0Dc/UWYiMeTq28I/AAAAAAAABF8/9HTPwZcP9Mk/s1600/erinmcguire_forestgirl.jpg" height="640" width="413" /></a></div>
I also drew a forest girl, for kicks. It's nice to spend some time with real media before I jump into the digital world. Maybe I should put some of these media studies up as prints?<br />
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Enjoying the restless spring, looking forward to camping, Game of Thrones, and Spectrum next month. I hope all are well.Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-20772935331149672512013-04-02T11:52:00.000-04:002013-04-02T11:52:36.911-04:00Going on an adventure<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15CLSlBoUpQ/UVr2DCroCMI/AAAAAAAABE0/BkP4WwObFJU/s1600/erinmcguire_adventurer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-15CLSlBoUpQ/UVr2DCroCMI/AAAAAAAABE0/BkP4WwObFJU/s1600/erinmcguire_adventurer.jpg" height="640" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adventurer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You can never be too prepared for an adventure. Fezzes always remind me of Moonbot and Bill Joyce, who has a mighty collection. It's finally spring, which means we have that short, glorious window of weather to go outside, go camping, enjoy things a bit before it's summer. <br />
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Also, are you on Instagram? I am! You can <a href="http://instagram.com/emcguire" target="_blank">follow me here</a>. I mostly use it to fill in the gaps between blog updates. It's way easier to post works-in-progress and sketches (plus the cheap thrill of a photo filter). Here's a few recent ones-<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4Wuzg6FCbg/UVr2NHIg2GI/AAAAAAAABFI/ILlrWDkm1OU/s1600/erininstagram01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4Wuzg6FCbg/UVr2NHIg2GI/AAAAAAAABFI/ILlrWDkm1OU/s1600/erininstagram01.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Girl of Rainbow Feathers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0A4NiTKMBhM/UVr2NBy1FhI/AAAAAAAABE8/-DDXAoyoodg/s1600/erininstagram02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0A4NiTKMBhM/UVr2NBy1FhI/AAAAAAAABE8/-DDXAoyoodg/s1600/erininstagram02.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sara Sketch</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axUIvbSv5ZA/UVr2NPxOF_I/AAAAAAAABFA/WNinir1ft98/s1600/erininstagram03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-axUIvbSv5ZA/UVr2NPxOF_I/AAAAAAAABFA/WNinir1ft98/s1600/erininstagram03.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower Crown</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWMy3tdimTw/UVr2NmlfZiI/AAAAAAAABFE/ouXh2W-xoqc/s1600/erininstagram04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cWMy3tdimTw/UVr2NmlfZiI/AAAAAAAABFE/ouXh2W-xoqc/s1600/erininstagram04.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleeping Loki</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs0urrU5KyE/UVr2N9hpKwI/AAAAAAAABFM/9otzG5cgJZQ/s1600/erininstagram05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fs0urrU5KyE/UVr2N9hpKwI/AAAAAAAABFM/9otzG5cgJZQ/s1600/erininstagram05.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bijou Sketch</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xKSstiqjAw/UVr2OPIXvjI/AAAAAAAABFQ/nNMjzo5u-kg/s1600/erininstagram06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xKSstiqjAw/UVr2OPIXvjI/AAAAAAAABFQ/nNMjzo5u-kg/s1600/erininstagram06.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time machine concept</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And of course, I may post the <i>occasional </i>cat picture. Here's me transcending to a Level 3 cat lady. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiSCUlqVgpg/UVr2OaHFyAI/AAAAAAAABFY/uBj85rz0Yco/s1600/erininstagram07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YiSCUlqVgpg/UVr2OaHFyAI/AAAAAAAABFY/uBj85rz0Yco/s1600/erininstagram07.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello children.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So, enjoy! Til next time, take care.Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-62834772005530923702013-03-19T12:14:00.001-04:002013-03-19T12:14:33.668-04:00Darkbeast Rebellion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5ybetHquwQ/UUiF_aDKZKI/AAAAAAAABEc/UBHOmTr0N7Q/s1600/61g0zDPkpdL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y5ybetHquwQ/UUiF_aDKZKI/AAAAAAAABEc/UBHOmTr0N7Q/s1600/61g0zDPkpdL._SL1000_.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
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Today is technically the last day of winter (I know this because tomorrow is my birthday, the first day of spring, vernal equinox!) so I thought I'd post one last vestige of snow as we move into warmer times. I had fun illustrating <i><a href="http://emcguire.blogspot.com/2012/03/darkbeast.html" target="_blank">Darkbeast</a></i> last year, and I am happy to show the cover for the sequel <i>Darkbeast Rebellion</i> as well. Similar to the first book, I created this illustration as a wraparound that will extend onto the back cover.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5iarJUjQlI/UUiGC0iTfLI/AAAAAAAABEk/vH563TeeIWE/s1600/erinmcguire_darkbeastwrap2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u5iarJUjQlI/UUiGC0iTfLI/AAAAAAAABEk/vH563TeeIWE/s1600/erinmcguire_darkbeastwrap2b.jpg" height="302" width="640" /></a></div>
<i>Darkbeast Rebellion</i> is written by Morgan Keyes, published by Simon & Schuster, art directed by Russel Gordon.<br />
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And hey! Look at that, I've updated my <a href="http://www.emcguire.net/" target="_blank">website</a> with this and other new work for your viewing pleasure. <br />
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Newly updated <a href="http://www.emcguire.net/" target="_blank">www.emcguire.net </a></h2>
Thanks for checking it out, and take care. Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-23071230077418010862013-03-07T11:18:00.000-05:002013-03-07T11:18:25.718-05:00The Real Boy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGkYrkVkKsI/UTi1RgUgiZI/AAAAAAAABEM/sphrenTDdg8/s1600/The+Real+Boy+-+Front+Jacket+-+2-13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WGkYrkVkKsI/UTi1RgUgiZI/AAAAAAAABEM/sphrenTDdg8/s1600/The+Real+Boy+-+Front+Jacket+-+2-13.JPG" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
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Happy to finally show the cover for <i>The Real Boy</i>, my second book with author and fellow cat owner Anne Ursu. <i>The Real Boy</i> is a middle grade novel set entirely in a new fantasy world, and stars Oscar the magician's assistant, and five cats.<br />
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I had such a good time working with HarperCollins/Walden Pond Press on <i>Breadcrumbs</i>, that I was super excited to be asked back for Anne's next book. I've written a longer post about the work that went into this cover over here on <a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2013/03/07/cover-reveal-the-real-boy-by-anne-ursu-by-illustrator-erin-mcguire-2/" target="_blank">Nerdy Book Club</a>. <br />
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Many thanks to Jordan Brown and Kellie Celia at WPP for their help with everything, and to my wonderful AD on this project- Amy Ryan. Hand drawn type for the cover is by Sarah Hoy.<br />
<br />Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-74734610265247382662013-03-04T16:10:00.000-05:002013-03-04T16:10:16.067-05:00Saranormal-thon<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgJo_60r_Uw/UTUKpLbnd9I/AAAAAAAABD0/zqWUvsty4_M/s1600/61sMGdWqF9L._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZgJo_60r_Uw/UTUKpLbnd9I/AAAAAAAABD0/zqWUvsty4_M/s1600/61sMGdWqF9L._SL1000_.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 9</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzyvybNRnKk/UTUKpD0MpxI/AAAAAAAABD4/Eo9zF_sz34I/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal09detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xzyvybNRnKk/UTUKpD0MpxI/AAAAAAAABD4/Eo9zF_sz34I/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal09detail.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 9 Detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It occurred to me that I am behind on posting recent Saranormal covers! Here are covers seven, eight, and nine in this series with Simon and Schuster. I thought I'd include some detail shots as well, for kicks. As you can see, I get a lot of use out of my sparkle brushes. Art direction as always by the wonderful Laura Roode.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIhAEUqyvyc/UTUKmP7jmqI/AAAAAAAABDk/nuUIPpwTe5A/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dIhAEUqyvyc/UTUKmP7jmqI/AAAAAAAABDk/nuUIPpwTe5A/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal8.jpg" height="640" width="430" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 8</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNIUBZP42eY/UTUKmGNpq-I/AAAAAAAABDo/Idb8z4R_10U/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal8detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eNIUBZP42eY/UTUKmGNpq-I/AAAAAAAABDo/Idb8z4R_10U/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal8detail.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 8 Detail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp98NleVEQw/UTUKilIxBrI/AAAAAAAABDU/LbBZJUYRtMQ/s1600/61sBwCVLgqL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Vp98NleVEQw/UTUKilIxBrI/AAAAAAAABDU/LbBZJUYRtMQ/s1600/61sBwCVLgqL._SL1000_.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 7</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPwKQBpgtMI/UTUKixNryAI/AAAAAAAABDY/Hp78Fgdhi7Y/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal07detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YPwKQBpgtMI/UTUKixNryAI/AAAAAAAABDY/Hp78Fgdhi7Y/s1600/erinmcguire_saranormal07detail.jpg" height="470" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saranormal 7 Detail</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thanks, and take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-90619999817413788702013-02-14T00:12:00.001-05:002013-02-14T00:12:43.460-05:00Valentines and Watercolors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4i8BK6lhdI/URxuZRidqFI/AAAAAAAABCo/ZurSX65yMTw/s1600/erinmcguire_valentines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4i8BK6lhdI/URxuZRidqFI/AAAAAAAABCo/ZurSX65yMTw/s1600/erinmcguire_valentines.jpg" height="640" width="466" /></a></div>
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A little watercolor to say Happy Valentine's Day! Lately I've been trying to include watercolor breaks into my schedule as a way to loosen up. For a few weeks I tried drawing a different kid every break, here are a few from that set that were fun for me- <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AyhI7pizO4/URxuZbL3QmI/AAAAAAAABCs/uaIbvUUTYps/s1600/erinmcguire_watercolorkids03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AyhI7pizO4/URxuZbL3QmI/AAAAAAAABCs/uaIbvUUTYps/s1600/erinmcguire_watercolorkids03.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wosNX94SKJw/URxuZaRO1XI/AAAAAAAABCw/7tM5OqKeBb8/s1600/erinmcguire_watercolorkids02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wosNX94SKJw/URxuZaRO1XI/AAAAAAAABCw/7tM5OqKeBb8/s1600/erinmcguire_watercolorkids02.jpg" height="394" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was fortunate to attend Austin's SCBWI conference last week, and I had a fantastic time. The Austin book community was very vibrant and welcoming, and I drove back to Dallas full of inspiration. <br />
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The next big conference on my calendar is in May, which is <a href="http://www.spectrumfantasticart.com/spectrumfantasticartlive/" target="_blank">Spectrum Art Live</a>. We attended last year and this year's lineup sounds just as exciting.<br />
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Til then, take care!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28470199.post-1920468476882748062013-02-04T11:01:00.000-05:002013-02-04T11:01:17.326-05:00Nancy Drew Diaries- Strangers on a Train<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5OtmqbVixo/UQ3xE7ekCVI/AAAAAAAABCA/FkAm57AaUWY/s1600/nancydrew_cover02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5OtmqbVixo/UQ3xE7ekCVI/AAAAAAAABCA/FkAm57AaUWY/s1600/nancydrew_cover02.jpg" height="640" width="428" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy Drew Diaries</td></tr>
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The first two books in the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strangers-Train-Nancy-Drew-Diaries/dp/1442466111/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1359869028&sr=8-3&keywords=nancy+drew+diaries" target="_blank">Nancy Drew Diaries</a> series are in stores tomorrow, and I'm excited to finally see them in print! I previously posted my cover for <a href="http://emcguire.blogspot.com/2012/07/nancy-drew-diaries.html" target="_blank">Curse of the Arctic Star</a>, and I thought I'd celebrate their release by showing the <u>Strangers on a Train</u> cover as well. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paLbOYsGusw/UQ3xa93imaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/MmZf6xX0enI/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrew_cover2sketches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-paLbOYsGusw/UQ3xa93imaI/AAAAAAAABCQ/MmZf6xX0enI/s1600/erinmcguire_nancydrew_cover2sketches.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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These are a few of the early sketches for this cover. We ultimately decided against the more action-packed Nancy, since it was a bit similar to cover #1. The slightly more subtle and suspicious train station setting proved more successful. <br />
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Literary classics are always a pleasure to illustrate, but they are challenging as well. Nancy Drew has been around for about 80 years, and creating artwork that lives up to and fits in with that legacy is a lot of pressure. It's been really great hearing from folks in the Nancy Drew fan community while working on the series, their words of support were greatly appreciated! I hope all her readers, new and old, are happy with her new look.<br />
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Thanks, and enjoy!Erin McGuirehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04665984947694328924noreply@blogger.com2