Find Me At My New Site!

Follow me at my new site: JennyCitino.com !

This site will still remain live but I'll be blogging at JennyCitino.com from now on, as well as using it for my portfolio.

See ya there!

Inktober 2014 - Days 13 to 19

Here are my Inktober illustrations for Days 13 through 19.  I can't believe it's more than halfway over!

 

 

 

 

 

I also posted a color version (on Instagram) of the Schmoocle which I'll add to the blog soon.  In the meantime, Happy Illustrating!

Inktober 2014 - Days 8 to 12

Here are my Inktober illustrations for Days 8 through 12.  Enjoy!

 

 

  

 

I have to say that one of my favorites of this bunch is the first Monster - the Grumpyre.  Though to be honest, I loved drawing them all (though some were more of a pain in the hiney than others, lol).  I have plans on coloring some of these guys in Photoshop and he's one of the few at the top of the list.  Are you still participating in Inktober and if not, have you checked out anyone else's illustrations?

Inktober 2014

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am participating in Inktober this year - yay!  After watching the incredibly talented Jake Parker create and participate in Inktober each year, I decided to finally join in on the fun.  I thought it would be easiest if I picked a theme and kept with it for the month rather than trying to come up with a new idea each day (which I know I would eventually make me abandon it - boo).

Since my kid has been obsessed with the Singing Monsters game and has been requesting that I draw them like crazy anyway, I thought they would be the perfect way to make my way through Inktober this year (and make her happy).

I started off drawing them on plain yellow writing pad paper and changed to my sketch book on the second day.  It's only been 7 days so far and I can say that I've honestly been looking forward to drawing them each day!

So I wouldn't drive myself crazy or draw any doubles (though I'm thinking about re-drawing the Hoola girl in my sketchbook), I made a list to help me get through the month and kind of plan out which Monsters I want to draw each day.

If you want me to draw a particular Monster from the game that you haven't seen, leave me a comment and I'll add it to my list.  And don't forget to check out any other fellow Inktober participants drawings, especially the uber talented Jake Parker whom we have to thank for this awesome idea!

And by the way, my friend code for My Singing Monsters is 15033469BF.  You know, if ya wanna be monster buddies ;)

Free Download - Rainbow Dash's 20% Cooler Card

I posted the above photo a few weeks ago to my Instagram feed of a card I made for my niece's graduation party.  We're both My Little Pony fans and I wanted to incorporate both something handmade as well as something she would enjoy.  Since Rainbow Dash is one of her favorite MLP's, I decided to make a quick card with her on the cover (with a snippet of one of her quotes from Season 1).  Thankfully she loved it!

I received messages asking if I would share the card and here it is.  I made two options for you, one with the text saying "graduate, you're officially 20% cooler" and another with the same minus the "graduate" part if you'd like to give this card away for a birthday, book publishing day, etc.  I think it would be great to give as a first day of school card too!

To download, click on the images below to open, then right click and save the document where you wish.

The cards print two on a page and I've also included the inside text (you could always leave this blank if you want to hand write your own message).  Also, just a quick reminder that this card should not be used for commercial purposes which I'm sure ya'll know already.  Enjoy and tag me on Instagram if you print and use the card!

What's Shakin' Bacon

Soooooo, how've you been?  I've been a wee bit busy doing things like shave and wash my overly hairy dog, weed the 1,858,371 weeds that have cropped up on our property and finally pack up our 2013-2014 Homeschool supplies and begin our Summer Enrichment courses (Lord, help me).  I thought it was a good time after a little silence to share a quick update about what's been shakin' at La Casa Citino.

Making: Mini clay house "pots" for succulents and *trying* to finish up a quilt that I began in 2011 ...
Cooking: Shortbread Cookies with nonpareils and Pasta with Pumpkin (not at the same time, mind you)
Drinking: Venti Mocha Frapps by the fistful and Green Smoothies
Reading: Heaven is for Real (love, love, love this book!)
Wanting: More time to do things I want vs things I have to do (don't we all?)
Listening: Chicken Thistle Coop Cast
Watching: catch up on Supernatural, Bones, Game of Thrones and now True Blood (please don't disappoint on your last season!)

There are more updates but I'm enjoying the unnatural quiet of the day and will post them later this week.  In the meantime, I hope you are all enjoying your summer so far whether your vacationing, stay-cationing or continuing to work your tail feathers off!

Podcast Playlist

Are you a podcast listener?  I am and love my current show selection, but for the longest time I thought I couldn't tune in since I didn't have an iPhone.  Stupid, I know.  A few months ago I wised up and downloaded two podcast apps for my Android and I have to tell you, working for business and pleasure has never been better.  Here's my current go-to list:

* Joy the Baker Podcast - I love listening to Joy and Tracy, and I'll warn you now, Tracy's laughter is infectious.  They're too fun together and I'm excited to hear about Joy's new journey and life in New Orleans!

* The Talking Dead - As a fan of the show, The Walking Dead, I would 100% recommend this podcast.  I love the way both Chris and Jason not only recap the show but talk about show theories, "holy cr@p did you see that?!" moments and basically just shoot the you know what.  They're Canadians too which brings me back to my old traveling days with my peeps during Flyers season ...

* Concept Art & Illustration: Chris Oatley's ArtCast - I originally heard about this podcast through Will Terry, one of my SVS teachers and I love his open and engaging style.  He interviews other artists as well as gives advice and tips on illustration, portfolio's etc.

* Paper Wings - This is another of Chris' podcasts, along with hosts Lora and Justin.  I was just recently introduced to this podcast and I loved their interview with Edgar Delgado.

* Let's Get Busy Podcast - I came upon this podcast when I found out Dan Santat (love his illustration style!) was going to be interviewed and I'm glad that I did.  Matthew does a fantastic job interviewing his guests and is a pleasure to listen to.

* Chicken Thistle Farm Coopcast - This podcast made me want to have my own farm and fill it with fruit, veggies, pigs and chickens.  Then after the freezing winter we had I realized it's best to leave these things in the hands of the professionals, such as Farmers Andy and Kelly.  They're an engaging and entertaining couple and I love listening to what's going on at their farm as well as their views and thoughts about farming.  I also learned a few tips about swine artificial insemination should I need that knowledge in the future ...

* Meet the Author - I love a good interview podcast and this one doesn't disappoint.  They range of authors is incredible and the interviewers continually change which is pretty neat.  My favorites so far have been the interviews of Patricia Cornwell, Giada De Laurentiis, Kate DiCamillo and Dave Sedaris.

* Savvy Homeschool Moms Podcast - Homeschooling can be a pretty isolating experience and it's nice to hear the thoughts of other Homeschool Moms, even if it's via podcast.  While they're a relatively new-to-me podcast, I like their tips and tricks so far.

They're all different genres and it works out perfectly since I can play the show that fits my mood at the time.  And if you're interested and a fellow Android owner, the two programs that I use are Stitcher and Podcast HD (if you have a better program, please share!) OR most have an option where you can listen online.

Are there any shows that I missed that you listen to and would recommend?  If so, please add your pick in the comments!  In the meantime, enjoy these picks!