AD – product featured has been made and is being sold by fiance.
I’ve mentioned before in passing that my fiance, Josh, likes to draw. Last year he decided to buy himself a graphics tablet and since then he’s been creating the most amazing hand drawn images. I’ve spent many months convincing him he needs to set up an Etsy store and he finally has so today I just wanted to show you the first piece he has for sale.
Hopefully there’ll be more pieces in the future in which case I’ll update this post as and when new prints are released but for now he’s started with a fabulous Disney villain, Ursula! Honestly I know I’m biased but I think he’s just crazy talented and if you agree then you’ll be pleased to know this print is only £6 including postage and packaging!
He’s already created a Hades, Wall-e and EVE and Ian Malcolm (Jurassic Park) in this style as well as an Up themed one currently in the works too which I can’t wait to see finished. If you didn’t know our wedding reception next year is going to be themed to Up so I can’t wait to see how it turns out.
I’m always in awe of the wonderful pieces he creates and your support would mean the world. Either by purchasing one of the prints or just sharing this post. As I have absolutely no artistic talent whatsoever I managed to convince Josh to write a little bit about the inspiration behind the Ursula print and the creative process. Enjoy!
Creating Disney art – the process
“Hey! So it’s taken a full weekend of Lauren nagging, but I’ve finally sat down to talk about how I make these kind of prints. First off I decide who I want to draw (obviously), and find a few reference photos of them. It’s important to get the little details right!
Next up I get myself a sheet of clean paper and get to work. I start out with shapes first, literally a stick figure, and then I start to fill in the gaps. What are some of the defining features, how do I want them to look? What will their expression be? All things I’ve got to think about! It might take two or three different iterations but eventually I create a pencil sketch of something I really like. Then it’s time to move on.
I take a photo of that sketch on my phone and email it to myself so I can open that image in a free to use painting software called Krita. I create a layer above that image and basically use a graphics tablet to trace my original pencil sketch. Once I have all the details I can remove the original image and get to work painting, blending and really bringing the character to life with colour.
A few hours later and hey presto – I’ve got a complete image that is ready to be printed and sell!
So some of you might have questions – why Ursula? Why that particular style? Well I’m going to be honest there are no reasons for either! I created images of other characters in the same style and Ursula seemed to be the most popular so that’s the one I had printed. And as for the style…well I draw in all kinds of styles, from cartoony to more real life to abstract, and at the moment I’m really into that sketched, quickly drawn look of some of Tim Burton’s art. It’s pretty effective and stylised for this kind of art.
Okay maybe I streamlined the process a little, it’s not a walk in the park and some characters are more difficult to capture than others (especially in the Tim Burton-esque style that I seem to favour), but it’s all part of the fun!”
So there you go! The creative process streamlined by Josh. I can tell you now he puts hours into his work and he’s a real perfectionist so even though he’s made it seem light and breezy he does put so much time and effort into each piece he creates. For that I’m so glad he’s decided to take this step with his art. I can’t wait to see him create more pieces to sell.
Don’t forget to head over to the Etsy store if you’d like to grab one of these prints.
Who is your favourite Disney villain? Let me know in the comments.
ooo he’s so talented! I really like the sketchy art style – checking out the store now 🙂 x
mia // https://beautiful-inspiring-creative-life.com
Thanks!
I love the Burton-esque style that Josh is working with, it adds something new to the character especially to a villain like Ursula. It actually kind of creeps me out but I love it at the same time?
My favourite Disney villain is Hades. But if we’re including TV characters, I love Dr Doofenshmirtz from Phineas and Ferb haha.
Hayley | happilyeverhomebody.com
Hades is a great Josh, he’s Josh’s favourite too so he’s already drawn him in this style as well! A few people have said it’s creepy but cool haha!
Thanks for sharing, it’s a lovely piece of art 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
Thank you!
This is amazing! I can’t wait to see what else he draws!
Thanks! Me neither!
This is so cute!
Thanks!
These are amazing! I’m looking at getting some new artwork for my house when I eventually move so I think I might have to treat myself!
Thank you, I’m glad you like it!
Looks very cute❤
Thanks!
I am a huge Disney fan and I love things like this. He has done a really good job on Ursula. I’ll definitely be keeping my eye on his store x
Thank you!
Wow! He’s talented! So great that you’ve gotten him to set up an etsy store. Wishing you the best with it! I’m not sure on a favourite villain…captain hook? 🙂
Good choice. Thank you!
How fun! I didn’t realize until recently how many adults were huge fans of Disney!
Oh yes, there’s definitely a book adult Disney fan base.
This is so lovely! Also really nice to read about the actual process. I cant draw or create art at all so totally in awe of anyone who can and really enjoying hearing from them about the process.
I’m the same! I have no artistic talent at all!
This is rad, I love Ursula!
Thanks!
I love reading about other peoples creative processes – it’s often so different across us all.
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who starts with a pencil – I just find it frees my mind up better than straight to laptop.
And he’s clearly talented – awesome.
Thanks! Yeah everyone works differently and it’s nice to see how other do it.
Wow……. your fiancé is very talented. Would love to check his Etsy shop soon. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks!
I love Disney! This is so cute! Your fiance is very talented. Thanks for sharing his work.
Thank you!
Oo, I love how evil AND cute Ursala is in this rendition! Based off the style of this piece, I look forward to seeing what else Josh will create and will be sure to keep an eye on his shop. Art like this needs to be on someone’s wall. 🙂
Thank you!
This is adorable and I love it! Your fiance sure has talent <3
Thanks!