Thanks for checking my blog! Unfortunately, I no longer update this blog. I have moved to a Wordpress blog integrated into my new Portfolio website. Please update your bookmarks and follow my only blog here:
Jay's Illustration of Life
http://jaymontgomery.com/blog/
RSS feed
http://jaymontgomery.com/?feed=rss
Also check out my BRAND NEW portfolio website at the same URL.
http://jaymontgomery.com
Thanks,
Jay Montgomery
Showing posts with label about me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label about me. Show all posts
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
"Drawing Inspiration" book is out and I'm in it!
I'm proud, humbled and honored to be apart of this wonderful collection of superstar artists from around the world. I met the author Michael Fleishman back in 2000 at a Graphic Artists Guild convention and what bundle of energy and knowledge he was even then. This is my 2nd Fleishman book that I have been in.
Look what's on my drawing board?
Page 145: On this page I discuss working out value at the pencil stage before color, among other things.
Chapter 13 - Drawing Is Provocative, page 212 is all mine! One of the things I discuss here is what I teach in some of my classes. Andrew Loomis discusses the importance of the five P's and the five C's. Look it up if you want to know or ask me or better yet buy this 368 page 500+ illustrations book and read all about it.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
I'm featured in a new Freelance Portfolio E-zine!
Greg Welch is a designer that specializes in magazine publishing. He has done a great deal of print magazines and has been doing some impressive online magazines and PDF portfolios for all types of artists. He created this new Freelance Portfolio online magazine. One of my illustrations is featured in the premier issue on the cover and here it is. He promotes it heavily online and is gaining some traction and a bit of controversy even. Want to be apart of it contact Greg.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Spiritual Connections
It's been a while since I was an official student of the arts. Since 2000 I have been a teacher of the arts. Well I started the journey of getting my MFA so that I could have the opportunity to teach full-time at a college level. The logical and most practical choice was to get my MFA from the place I teach, SCAD-Atlanta. I could teach and take classes at the same time all in the same place. Well this past quarter I did just that. I taught 2 classes (Getting Published, and Self Promotion for Illustrators) and took my first class with Illustration professor Julie Mueller-Brown. It was grueling financially, physically, and mentally! During the middle of the quarter I found a more flexible and faster way to get my MFA at Hartford Art School, Limited Residency MFA in Illustration. So I won't be continuing with SCAD for my MFA in Illustration. More on that later.
ILLU 714 Drawing for Illustrators was a great course to start off with and therapeutic in many ways. For the first time in a long time I had allotted time to draw for me. Well, I was drawing for my professor but it was much more wide open than any other paying freelance gig I have done in over 16 years. The 7 other students and I did TONS of drawing inside and outside of class. Part of it was to create 5 personal graphite drawings outside of class. Julie wanted us to just start scribbling on nice drawing paper and see what happened. Below is my journey of those drawings. She is going to use my series of drawings as an example of the process for when she gives this assignment again. I went from literal symbols and words to almost abstract expressionism. Very different from what I am used to and a breath of fresh air.
I would love to get any feedback on these good or bad.
ILLU 714 Drawing for Illustrators was a great course to start off with and therapeutic in many ways. For the first time in a long time I had allotted time to draw for me. Well, I was drawing for my professor but it was much more wide open than any other paying freelance gig I have done in over 16 years. The 7 other students and I did TONS of drawing inside and outside of class. Part of it was to create 5 personal graphite drawings outside of class. Julie wanted us to just start scribbling on nice drawing paper and see what happened. Below is my journey of those drawings. She is going to use my series of drawings as an example of the process for when she gives this assignment again. I went from literal symbols and words to almost abstract expressionism. Very different from what I am used to and a breath of fresh air.
I would love to get any feedback on these good or bad.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Bridging These Truths Publicity Galore!
On Tuesday the 21st of April my family and I were asked to come to an Image Awards ceremony at the Emory University Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). They were honoring student leaders with awards. Great group of people indeed. At the end of the ceremony they unveiled my poster of Bridging These Truths. The my client and visionary Brenda Stanley and I donated a 30" x 18" canvas gallery wrap of the poster to the NAACP chapter. It will be displayed in the TV lounge of the Dobbs University Center in a week with a plaque of recognition. Here is the article about it in the Emory Wheel.
The poster also posted on a very popular blog www.yourobamaupdate.com with a link to my prints for sale web page. You might have to scroll waaaay down to see the post but it's there!
A large framed print of this also was recently auctioned off at the 2009 SCAD-Atlanta Scholarship Gala donated by your truly.
It has been talked about at length on the radio, speeches, presentations and the Georgia School Board is very interested in displaying it in a large amount of their schools.
It's getting LOTS of other publicity, sales and traction even 100 days into Obama being in the White House.
It's also not to far fetched that the poster will be seen and given to Michele Obama. Because it's not what you know it's who you know and Brenda knows!
Stay tuned!
Jay
The poster also posted on a very popular blog www.yourobamaupdate.com with a link to my prints for sale web page. You might have to scroll waaaay down to see the post but it's there!
A large framed print of this also was recently auctioned off at the 2009 SCAD-Atlanta Scholarship Gala donated by your truly.
It has been talked about at length on the radio, speeches, presentations and the Georgia School Board is very interested in displaying it in a large amount of their schools.
It's getting LOTS of other publicity, sales and traction even 100 days into Obama being in the White House.
It's also not to far fetched that the poster will be seen and given to Michele Obama. Because it's not what you know it's who you know and Brenda knows!
Stay tuned!
Jay
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Life drawing and the Masters program at SCAD
A few weeks ago I did a still life drawing for my portfolio submitted to the SCAD MFA in Illustration application. I had fun coming up with what I was going to draw. I thought it turned out really well for a 2 hour rendering.
Check out my whole MFA in Illustration Portfolio let me what you think.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
25 Random Things About Me
I spent so much time on this and posted it on Facebook and I thought I could post it here to to make it more worth while.
1. I was an orphan for about 1 month before I was adopted in Decatur, GA in July of 1970.
2. My Dad is a Baptist Minister and my Mom might as well be too.
3. When I was 4 years old I drew tons pictures of big headed people on the church bulletin while my Dad was giving his sermons.
4. My big brother Monty was always better at everything than I was without even trying. test taking, girls, popularity, sports, friends, partying and for while drawing and painting.
5. I worked for my Dad’s company as a paper shredder for 2 (seemed like 3) Summers while in High School.
6. My first "real job" at 15 was skeet ball and other games operator at Six Flags over Ga.
7. My mom wanted me to play the piano and I practiced for 2 years in Middle School and did not get far.
8. I was second chair Trombone in Middle School for 2 years.
9. I played Soccer from 8 - 18 years old.
10. I missed 2 days of classes from 1-12 grade. I was one day away from getting and ward for it. But they only gave awards to perfect attendance and missing one day.
11. I was 10th in my class in high school out of 15… no no no… out of about 200.
12. My art teacher at Pebblebrook High School died my senior year of AIDS and I won a partial art scholarship to a college of my choice.
13. My curly hair was down to my shoulders all one length in college. Loved it, but then loved it short too my senior year. Now I’m in the middle.
14. My first “real” freelance job was my 6 qtr at Portfolio Center for Flowers Bread Company. I did two realistic billboards for Nature’s Own Bread for $3000 dollars. Wonder if I could get that price these days?
15. I met my wife on the 99x radio station phone dateline. A computer basically hooked us up based on our interests and profile.
16. First date was at Café Tu Tu Tango in Buckhead. No longer there.
16. I proposed to Cindi live on the air (on 99x of course) at The Beer Garden in Buckhead, GA. No longer there.
17. My Dad officiated my wedding, my bother’s, and countless cousins of mine.
18. Cindi and I went to Greece for our honeymoon for 7 days. We crashed driving a moped and Cindi got a huge bruise and hurt her ankle on Mt Olympus but we endured and were not going to let it ruin our honeymoon and it didn’t. I love her very much!
18. Our first child was born 33 weeks premature and my wife came very close to dying with a bad case of HELPP Syndrome.
19. My son Jackson was a stressful but pleasant surprise being 15 months older than my daughter. I love them deeply!
20. I work 7 days a week at least 14 hours a day. But it does not seem like work.
21. I wish I could draw out of my head better.
22. I wish I could get affordable health insurance for my wife with no riders.
23. I’m wondering how I can manage getting an MFA, teach 3 illustration classes, keep up with my freelance for needed income, spend time with my family, and eat and sleep.
24. I truly wish I did not have to sleep. I would get so much more done with my life rather than wasting it on sleep.
25. I wish I had more face-to-face time to spend with my friends on Facebook and visitors to my blog.
Thanks for reading.
Jay
1. I was an orphan for about 1 month before I was adopted in Decatur, GA in July of 1970.
2. My Dad is a Baptist Minister and my Mom might as well be too.
3. When I was 4 years old I drew tons pictures of big headed people on the church bulletin while my Dad was giving his sermons.
4. My big brother Monty was always better at everything than I was without even trying. test taking, girls, popularity, sports, friends, partying and for while drawing and painting.
5. I worked for my Dad’s company as a paper shredder for 2 (seemed like 3) Summers while in High School.
6. My first "real job" at 15 was skeet ball and other games operator at Six Flags over Ga.
7. My mom wanted me to play the piano and I practiced for 2 years in Middle School and did not get far.
8. I was second chair Trombone in Middle School for 2 years.
9. I played Soccer from 8 - 18 years old.
10. I missed 2 days of classes from 1-12 grade. I was one day away from getting and ward for it. But they only gave awards to perfect attendance and missing one day.
11. I was 10th in my class in high school out of 15… no no no… out of about 200.
12. My art teacher at Pebblebrook High School died my senior year of AIDS and I won a partial art scholarship to a college of my choice.
13. My curly hair was down to my shoulders all one length in college. Loved it, but then loved it short too my senior year. Now I’m in the middle.
14. My first “real” freelance job was my 6 qtr at Portfolio Center for Flowers Bread Company. I did two realistic billboards for Nature’s Own Bread for $3000 dollars. Wonder if I could get that price these days?
15. I met my wife on the 99x radio station phone dateline. A computer basically hooked us up based on our interests and profile.
16. First date was at Café Tu Tu Tango in Buckhead. No longer there.
16. I proposed to Cindi live on the air (on 99x of course) at The Beer Garden in Buckhead, GA. No longer there.
17. My Dad officiated my wedding, my bother’s, and countless cousins of mine.
18. Cindi and I went to Greece for our honeymoon for 7 days. We crashed driving a moped and Cindi got a huge bruise and hurt her ankle on Mt Olympus but we endured and were not going to let it ruin our honeymoon and it didn’t. I love her very much!
18. Our first child was born 33 weeks premature and my wife came very close to dying with a bad case of HELPP Syndrome.
19. My son Jackson was a stressful but pleasant surprise being 15 months older than my daughter. I love them deeply!
20. I work 7 days a week at least 14 hours a day. But it does not seem like work.
21. I wish I could draw out of my head better.
22. I wish I could get affordable health insurance for my wife with no riders.
23. I’m wondering how I can manage getting an MFA, teach 3 illustration classes, keep up with my freelance for needed income, spend time with my family, and eat and sleep.
24. I truly wish I did not have to sleep. I would get so much more done with my life rather than wasting it on sleep.
25. I wish I had more face-to-face time to spend with my friends on Facebook and visitors to my blog.
Thanks for reading.
Jay
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Whohub Interview
I just completed an interview on whohub.com I thought I would share it here as well.
Jay Montgomery - Illustrator
Interview by whohub.com
What is your specialty in illustration?
If you can imagine it I can paint it...within reason, time and budget of course. Most of what I promote tends to be of a corporate nature for advertisements, magazine covers, and trade show graphics. I also do a bit of webs and print graphic design. What I spend most of my time doing is teaching illustration at SCAD-Atlanta.
What are your regular clients like? What do they expect from you?
My regular clients tend to be Art Directors, Graphic Designers and small business's. They expect to get a stages of development for approval and revisions, artwork provided digitally, on budget and on time.
Have you completed formal art studies, or are you self-taught?
In 1992 I got a BA in Drawing and Painting from LaGrange College, in LaGrange, GA. In 1994 I received a certificate of completion from Portfolio Center, in Atlanta, GA with concentrations in Illustration. I am planning this Spring 2009 to start my MFA in Illustration from SCAD (if they will have me).
How did you get your first full assignment? What did it involve?
In 1993 while still a student at Portfolio Center I got a advertising agency job illustrating 2 billboards with no text. It was for Flowers Bread Company for Natures Own Bread. It was my first big break and lead me to get many other freelance jobs. You can see it here: http://www.jaymontgomery.com/portnaturesown.html
What past or present day illustrators do you admire most?
Norman Rockwell, JC Leyendecker, Drew Struzan, James Jean, Rob Day, Tim O'Brien, Brad Holland, Mark Hess, Bill Mayer, Matt Mahurin, Kinuko Craft, Teresa Fasolino and many more. You can see my work as well and many of these illustrators work for sale as stock on this new website. http://www.profilestock.com
How similar are your current drawings to those you did as a child?
My work tends to be mainly realistic. As a child I I already showed an interest in drawing as close to reality as possible. i was never one for drawing comics or cartoons, although I really respect and enjoy those even today.
What was your favorite comic book as a child?
Surprisingly, I did not read many comic books as a child. None of them stand out as a favorite.
Do you have a particular style, or does it vary a lot?
I stay in the realist style going from exaggerated perspectives to stylized to photo real. I like doing a lot of styles and it depends on the need of the client as to what style is done.
What is hardest to draw?
People in general. But I tend to do quite a bit of people in my illustrations and I have certainly excelled in drawing all the different body parts. Faces being my favorite.
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
I try to be as eclectic as possible. Ranging from classical, rap, hip hop, new rock, alternative rock, classic rock, hard rock, techno, retro 80's and 90's, disco, new age, and what ever else suits my fancy. I also really enjoy listening to audio books and podcast's while working.
Do you have a favorite work of art?
The Sistine Chapel ceiling by DaVinci. It's one big illustration commissioned by the church.
What do you do when a client simply says "I don't like it"?
I ask what specifically do you not like about it? I can address that issue better than trying to read the mind of the client. Honestly I don't hear that too often.
What new techniques have you been experimenting with lately?
I am always experimenting with ways to combine digital and traditional painting. Whether I start traditionally and end up digital or the opposite. I love it all.
What part of your work do you do on paper and what part digitally?
Usually I start with pencil and paper then scan that in and work in Illustrator and or Photoshop. I also work in Painter when the job calls for it.
What research do you do for your illustrations?
I really enjoy the research. Since most of my illustrations are realistic there needs to be a sense of authenticity to them. I get as much as I can from the client, and always do internet research from a wide variety of sources, not just Google. I also take photo reference of what I illustrating when ever possible. I take photos of myself and friends family dressed up in silly outfits and poses keeping in mind the lighting and and angles of the pose or still life for the most effective composition.
Do you have colleagues with whom you share techniques, tricks, ideas, etc.?
Always. A good friend of mine that I went to school with and was roommates with John Nelson share techniques and business practices. We also collaborate on projects when it's a good fit.
Do you have any specific goals as an illustrator?
To satisfy as many clients as possible and to be known the "go to" illustrator for all you illustration needs. If I can't do it then I know someone who can.
What illustration web sites do you frequent?
Illustrationmundo.com
thelittlechimpsociety.com
profilestock.com
theispot.com
illustratorspartnership.org
gag.org
my own website:
http://www.jaymontgomery.com
and many more.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two large civil rights posters to be presented on MLK day 2009 at Ebenezer baptist Church, in Atlanta. At the same time I'm working on my 4th annual illustration that's used for the Hinman Dental Meeting Annual National Convention. I also just finished an illustration for a new drug's ad campaign. I'm really busy!
What advice do you have for someone who likes to draw and would like to make a living from it?
Draw, draw, draw, from life, from photos, from other artists. What ever you enjoy. Go to school and get formally trained. Take as many business classes as you can. Get a portfolio website and promote it by doing adding your link to any art directory just like this site. Mail out postcards to a targeted list you gather your self mainly by visiting your local book and magazine store. Keep experimenting and surround yourself with other artists. Don't be a hermit, get out a meet people face-to-face.
Jay Montgomery - Illustrator
Interview by whohub.com
What is your specialty in illustration?
If you can imagine it I can paint it...within reason, time and budget of course. Most of what I promote tends to be of a corporate nature for advertisements, magazine covers, and trade show graphics. I also do a bit of webs and print graphic design. What I spend most of my time doing is teaching illustration at SCAD-Atlanta.
What are your regular clients like? What do they expect from you?
My regular clients tend to be Art Directors, Graphic Designers and small business's. They expect to get a stages of development for approval and revisions, artwork provided digitally, on budget and on time.
Have you completed formal art studies, or are you self-taught?
In 1992 I got a BA in Drawing and Painting from LaGrange College, in LaGrange, GA. In 1994 I received a certificate of completion from Portfolio Center, in Atlanta, GA with concentrations in Illustration. I am planning this Spring 2009 to start my MFA in Illustration from SCAD (if they will have me).
How did you get your first full assignment? What did it involve?
In 1993 while still a student at Portfolio Center I got a advertising agency job illustrating 2 billboards with no text. It was for Flowers Bread Company for Natures Own Bread. It was my first big break and lead me to get many other freelance jobs. You can see it here: http://www.jaymontgomery.com/portnaturesown.html
What past or present day illustrators do you admire most?
Norman Rockwell, JC Leyendecker, Drew Struzan, James Jean, Rob Day, Tim O'Brien, Brad Holland, Mark Hess, Bill Mayer, Matt Mahurin, Kinuko Craft, Teresa Fasolino and many more. You can see my work as well and many of these illustrators work for sale as stock on this new website. http://www.profilestock.com
How similar are your current drawings to those you did as a child?
My work tends to be mainly realistic. As a child I I already showed an interest in drawing as close to reality as possible. i was never one for drawing comics or cartoons, although I really respect and enjoy those even today.
What was your favorite comic book as a child?
Surprisingly, I did not read many comic books as a child. None of them stand out as a favorite.
Do you have a particular style, or does it vary a lot?
I stay in the realist style going from exaggerated perspectives to stylized to photo real. I like doing a lot of styles and it depends on the need of the client as to what style is done.
What is hardest to draw?
People in general. But I tend to do quite a bit of people in my illustrations and I have certainly excelled in drawing all the different body parts. Faces being my favorite.
What type of music do you listen to while you work?
I try to be as eclectic as possible. Ranging from classical, rap, hip hop, new rock, alternative rock, classic rock, hard rock, techno, retro 80's and 90's, disco, new age, and what ever else suits my fancy. I also really enjoy listening to audio books and podcast's while working.
Do you have a favorite work of art?
The Sistine Chapel ceiling by DaVinci. It's one big illustration commissioned by the church.
What do you do when a client simply says "I don't like it"?
I ask what specifically do you not like about it? I can address that issue better than trying to read the mind of the client. Honestly I don't hear that too often.
What new techniques have you been experimenting with lately?
I am always experimenting with ways to combine digital and traditional painting. Whether I start traditionally and end up digital or the opposite. I love it all.
What part of your work do you do on paper and what part digitally?
Usually I start with pencil and paper then scan that in and work in Illustrator and or Photoshop. I also work in Painter when the job calls for it.
What research do you do for your illustrations?
I really enjoy the research. Since most of my illustrations are realistic there needs to be a sense of authenticity to them. I get as much as I can from the client, and always do internet research from a wide variety of sources, not just Google. I also take photo reference of what I illustrating when ever possible. I take photos of myself and friends family dressed up in silly outfits and poses keeping in mind the lighting and and angles of the pose or still life for the most effective composition.
Do you have colleagues with whom you share techniques, tricks, ideas, etc.?
Always. A good friend of mine that I went to school with and was roommates with John Nelson share techniques and business practices. We also collaborate on projects when it's a good fit.
Do you have any specific goals as an illustrator?
To satisfy as many clients as possible and to be known the "go to" illustrator for all you illustration needs. If I can't do it then I know someone who can.
What illustration web sites do you frequent?
Illustrationmundo.com
thelittlechimpsociety.com
profilestock.com
theispot.com
illustratorspartnership.org
gag.org
my own website:
http://www.jaymontgomery.com
and many more.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two large civil rights posters to be presented on MLK day 2009 at Ebenezer baptist Church, in Atlanta. At the same time I'm working on my 4th annual illustration that's used for the Hinman Dental Meeting Annual National Convention. I also just finished an illustration for a new drug's ad campaign. I'm really busy!
What advice do you have for someone who likes to draw and would like to make a living from it?
Draw, draw, draw, from life, from photos, from other artists. What ever you enjoy. Go to school and get formally trained. Take as many business classes as you can. Get a portfolio website and promote it by doing adding your link to any art directory just like this site. Mail out postcards to a targeted list you gather your self mainly by visiting your local book and magazine store. Keep experimenting and surround yourself with other artists. Don't be a hermit, get out a meet people face-to-face.
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Podcasts are cool!
When I'm working at my computer or just in my studio, instead of listening to the overly commercialized local FM and AM radio stations or nothing. I'll listen to my 3000+ mp3 music collection in iTunes usually on full random or x1fmradio.com. I also listen/watch a lot of podcasts and vidcasts on itunes. I love these on demand shows about any subject imaginable. If you have any sort interest/hobby or want to continue your education on a daily basis I highly recommend getting iTunes which is free and podcasts which are for and usually commercial free. They have literally 1000's of podcast you can search and subscribe to and listen to at anytime on your time. I'm currently subcribed to 45 podcasts. I thought I would share some of those here. Most are illustration related mixed in with a The Daddy Cast and NPR Story of the Day. Download iTunes before going to these links. Click on the icon for a direct link to the iTunes podcast page within iTunes. Sorry I can't figure out how to reduced the space below this.
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Friday, August 08, 2008
GA Aquarium Visit
I have never been before, but Cindi and the kids have. So I really felt left out. So for Fathers Day and my Birthday I was given the gift of admission to the GA Aquarium! We just now got to go this past week 08-05-08. Really expensive but worth it! Here is a link to 96 photos slideshow on Flickr.Enjoy!
Jay
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Why Do Women Live Longer?
But seriously folks! We all know that women live longer than men. Since the dawn of "man", women have outlived their friends and family no matter what race, where they live in the world, and how rich or poor they are. I was curious today to find a scientific reason why this occurs due to a discussion I was having with my wife, her mom, and grandmother. We had some basic disagreements and I was not going to win being outnumbered 3 to 1. So here is what I found.
from Maxim Magazine
"Although guys are stronger and faster than women, women outlive men in most countries, in some cases by more than 10 years. In the US, life expectancy for men and women at birth is about 72 years and 79 years, respectively. Why? For starters, men work dangerous jobs, fight wars, and go to prison - activities not conducive to long lives - far more often than women. We also experience a greater risk of heart disease after age 40, whereas women aren't really at risk until they reach menopause. (Testosterone not only increases cholesterol levels but also causes recklessness that leads both to violence and to impress-your-friends miter-saw accidents.) Still other researchers attribute the difference to stress. "Socially speaking, they are just better coping mechanisms for girls," says Peg Jordan, president of Health & Lifestyle, Inc., in Oakland, CA.
from the Economist
That question can be answered at two levels. An evolutionary biologist would tell you that it is because women get evolutionary bonus points from living long enough to help bring up the grandchildren. Men, by contrast, wear themselves out competing for the right to procreate in the first place. That is probably true, but not much help to the medical profession.…
Here is a link to an article on WebMD. I'm sure there are many other quotes out there. Make a comment with them here if you like.
So it's not necessarily that women are that much better, it's that most men are just stupid and let testosterone take over. I try to live my life outside most of the stereotypes of men discussed in the above quotes, so maybe, just maybe I will beat the odds. I'm married and only want to impress her, I don't work at a dangerous job, fight, or do violent or dangerous things (beside driving around), never have been in prison, I don't do stupid things to impress my friends or family (at least I don't think so). I'm adopted so I don't know my biological family medical history. I guess I do stress more than most, but maybe not as much as my wife. Only time will tell for me, but as time has already told, women will always out live men.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
It's a Wonderful Life! starring my family!
It's a Wonderful Life
Starring
Starring
Jay Montgomery ................... George Bailey
Larry Gardinier II ................. Uncle Billy Bailey
Cindi Montgomery ................ Mary Hatch Bailey
Larry Gardinier I ................... Ernie the cab driver
Larry Montgomery Sr ........... Clarence the Angel
Zuzu Montgomery ................. Zuzu
Larry Gardinier II ................. Uncle Billy Bailey
Cindi Montgomery ................ Mary Hatch Bailey
Larry Gardinier I ................... Ernie the cab driver
Larry Montgomery Sr ........... Clarence the Angel
Zuzu Montgomery ................. Zuzu
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Wall of Outstanding Alumni Award
I got this email earlier this summer about receiving an award from my undergraduate college, LaGrange College. I was to be included on the wall of outstanding alumni. I had never heard of the wall and I did not think it was that big of a deal. When the college then sent me a packet of stuff to fill out and addresses to send out invitations to friends and family, they needed a specific kind of black and white photo, and shared the details of the ceremony I realized it was a big deal. This past Saturday my family and got it together and drove down to LaGrange to receive the award during the homecoming celebration. My Mom and Dad drove 8 hours round-trip just for a 4 hour visit in Lagrange, I'm truly loved! Here are some highlights in pictures.
President Stuart Gulley presenting to me the award of outstanding Alumni. Five others got the same award. President Gulley said I was one the the youngest recipients ever.
This is the framed print I received.
On the back they put the oratory that they read during the ceremony. I'm truly honored!!
I took the photo myself and got Cindi to help pick the right one out of about 40. I then printed it in my studio I mailed it off.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude and moolah to my Mom and Dad. My Mom went back to work to help pay for most if not all of my college experience and my Dad managed the money. This award would not be possible without them and a whole bunch of prayers. Thank you soo much Mom and Dad!!
My grandmother drove for about 3 hours by herself down to LaGrange just for the ceremony. This wall plaque is in Smith Hall, the oldest building on campus.
President Stuart Gulley presenting to me the award of outstanding Alumni. Five others got the same award. President Gulley said I was one the the youngest recipients ever.
This is the framed print I received.On the back they put the oratory that they read during the ceremony. I'm truly honored!!
I took the photo myself and got Cindi to help pick the right one out of about 40. I then printed it in my studio I mailed it off.
I owe a huge debt of gratitude and moolah to my Mom and Dad. My Mom went back to work to help pay for most if not all of my college experience and my Dad managed the money. This award would not be possible without them and a whole bunch of prayers. Thank you soo much Mom and Dad!!
My grandmother drove for about 3 hours by herself down to LaGrange just for the ceremony. This wall plaque is in Smith Hall, the oldest building on campus.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
22 Q&A interview
I get asked almost 2-3 times a month these days for an interview from an illustration or design student. I recently filled out a 22 question email interview and thought I would share it here.
1. Where are you from? The surrounding suburbs of Atlanta, GA.
2. How long have you done illustration for? All my life, but professionally for 12+ years.
3. How did you find out that illustration was something you wanted to pursue? After I graduated from LaGrange College with a BA in Drawing a Painting and Graphic Design I did not really know how to go about making a living as a freelance illustrator until I went to Portfolio Center (PC) in 1992 and saw all the illustration sourcebooks and trade magazine and talked with my professors. I wanted to do art but I thought gallery work was too unstable and I did not mind illustrating other peoples ideas so Illustration was more stable and appealing to me. Some would say I “sold out” by going into commercial art, but everyone got to make a living and I make a living doing what I love.
4. What was your first job as an illustrator? I had small rinky dink jobs in high school and college, but my first big break as an educated illustrator came while I was in my 5th of 8 quarters at PC. A teacher at PC who taught advertising by the name of Mike Weed of Henderson Advertising saw an illustration I did on the walls of PC that won best of show and thought I could take on an two illustrations he needed for Flowers Bread Company. They were two billboard illustrations. http://www.jaymontgomery.com/portnaturesown.html I did them for a total of $2500 (I think), so I was thrilled and that job and illustrations lead to so many other freelance opportunities.
5. What college did you attend? LaGrange College and Portfolio Center
6. What illustration did you enjoy doing the most? The ones with the most freedom and money of course. Editorial jobs have a little of both.
7. Which project are you most proud of? I guess the one that I got the most money for which was $13,600 for a Roadway illustration. This is not a normal pricing that most illustrators expect, but it sure is nice.
8. Did you ever have any doubts about being an illustrator? Of course, but I really did not know what else made me happy and challenged so I stuck it out through the tough times. The head of the illustration department at PC told me that I would not make it as an illustrator, which definitely gave me doubts, but I wanted to turn that negative comment into a positive and prove him wrong. I think I did. Also, I had doubts right after 9/11 when I had a 2 year old and a baby and I was the sole income provider. Man that was tough!
9. Is this a job you would consider to be very time consuming? Is it hard balancing a family and a job as an illustrator? Absolutely! If you want to be your own boss in any market it will take more time than a full-time cubicle job, mainly because your are every part of the business; customer service, marketer, creator, president, maid, accounts payable, purchaser, manager, etc.
10. How did you go about selling your ideas to a client? Most of the time a basic idea is already formed by a doodle, text or verbal description before the client even contacts me. If they want me to come up with an idea, I’m more than happy to do that by talking with them and getting all the pertinent info, then I do 3-4 inch numbered thumbnails sometimes with a text description beside them. I do anywhere from 2-6 different ideas I send this to them usually via email attachment. Then I get feedback and go tighter.
11. Do you do anything else besides illustration? What are some hobbies that you enjoy doing? With freelance illustration, teaching 3 illustration classes, my family time with my 5-6 year olds, cleaning, eating, taking care of my house and getting an average of 6 hours of sleep 7 days a week there is little time for hobbies. Art IS my hobby I would create art even if I won the lottery.
12. Owning your own business, do you suggest people going into the graphic design field to also pursue a business degree? Or does it just come to you? Is does not just come to you. There is a right and wrong way of doing things and you could go years of doing business tasks a certain way that could be done way more efficient and right if you had at least taken some sort of business class. I business degree might be too much for an illustrator, I would at least take a very concentrated business class or to while still in college. If you want to start your own design firm a business degree would definitely be worth while.
13. Who is your inspiration? Did your parents always approve of your career choice? Actually, early on my older brother was the start of my inspiration by wanting to finally be better than him at just one thing. My parents from the get go always supported me and encouraged me to follow my dreams even though they did not understand completely what my passion was all about. They are not visual artist’s but they can appreciate what I do.
14. What is something you would suggest to a graphic designer graduating straight from college? Build up a network of other graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, writers, etc. of who you can call upon for advice, work, and general support. These maybe other students in you classes or contacts outside of class. You can also do this by joining a trade org like GAG or AIGA.
15. How many illustrations do you do a year? It varies between 50-80 a year. I also do a fair amount of graphic design, production work, and stock art sales.
16. How long does it take to illustrate something for a top client? As quick as 3 days and as longs as 1 month. Most of the time it’s about 2 weeks.
17. What is a subject you enjoy illustrating the most just for fun? Posters for bands, musicians, and lately I have been wanting to do a painting of an octopus lady.
18. Have you accomplished everything you have ever wanted to do? If not, what are some goals you want to accomplish? Absolutely not, I’m always striving for more. I Strive to get 3 $10K jobs a year. Has not happened yet, but I’m thinking long term. I would like to teach full-time a get descent health insurance for me and my family.
19. Do you have any regrets? I wish I would have gotten my Masters in Fine Art or Illustration.
20. What medium do you use the most? Photoshop, Illustrator and Painter. I’m getting back to the traditional stuff from the classes I teach at SCAD.
21. What theme occurs the most in your work? Usually some sort of business concept that’s politically correct. Mainly due to the client’s needs.
22. How would you describe your style of work? Stylized realism or Tradigital.
Thanks for reading,
Jay
1. Where are you from? The surrounding suburbs of Atlanta, GA.
2. How long have you done illustration for? All my life, but professionally for 12+ years.
3. How did you find out that illustration was something you wanted to pursue? After I graduated from LaGrange College with a BA in Drawing a Painting and Graphic Design I did not really know how to go about making a living as a freelance illustrator until I went to Portfolio Center (PC) in 1992 and saw all the illustration sourcebooks and trade magazine and talked with my professors. I wanted to do art but I thought gallery work was too unstable and I did not mind illustrating other peoples ideas so Illustration was more stable and appealing to me. Some would say I “sold out” by going into commercial art, but everyone got to make a living and I make a living doing what I love.
4. What was your first job as an illustrator? I had small rinky dink jobs in high school and college, but my first big break as an educated illustrator came while I was in my 5th of 8 quarters at PC. A teacher at PC who taught advertising by the name of Mike Weed of Henderson Advertising saw an illustration I did on the walls of PC that won best of show and thought I could take on an two illustrations he needed for Flowers Bread Company. They were two billboard illustrations. http://www.jaymontgomery.com/portnaturesown.html I did them for a total of $2500 (I think), so I was thrilled and that job and illustrations lead to so many other freelance opportunities.
5. What college did you attend? LaGrange College and Portfolio Center
6. What illustration did you enjoy doing the most? The ones with the most freedom and money of course. Editorial jobs have a little of both.
7. Which project are you most proud of? I guess the one that I got the most money for which was $13,600 for a Roadway illustration. This is not a normal pricing that most illustrators expect, but it sure is nice.
8. Did you ever have any doubts about being an illustrator? Of course, but I really did not know what else made me happy and challenged so I stuck it out through the tough times. The head of the illustration department at PC told me that I would not make it as an illustrator, which definitely gave me doubts, but I wanted to turn that negative comment into a positive and prove him wrong. I think I did. Also, I had doubts right after 9/11 when I had a 2 year old and a baby and I was the sole income provider. Man that was tough!
9. Is this a job you would consider to be very time consuming? Is it hard balancing a family and a job as an illustrator? Absolutely! If you want to be your own boss in any market it will take more time than a full-time cubicle job, mainly because your are every part of the business; customer service, marketer, creator, president, maid, accounts payable, purchaser, manager, etc.
10. How did you go about selling your ideas to a client? Most of the time a basic idea is already formed by a doodle, text or verbal description before the client even contacts me. If they want me to come up with an idea, I’m more than happy to do that by talking with them and getting all the pertinent info, then I do 3-4 inch numbered thumbnails sometimes with a text description beside them. I do anywhere from 2-6 different ideas I send this to them usually via email attachment. Then I get feedback and go tighter.
11. Do you do anything else besides illustration? What are some hobbies that you enjoy doing? With freelance illustration, teaching 3 illustration classes, my family time with my 5-6 year olds, cleaning, eating, taking care of my house and getting an average of 6 hours of sleep 7 days a week there is little time for hobbies. Art IS my hobby I would create art even if I won the lottery.
12. Owning your own business, do you suggest people going into the graphic design field to also pursue a business degree? Or does it just come to you? Is does not just come to you. There is a right and wrong way of doing things and you could go years of doing business tasks a certain way that could be done way more efficient and right if you had at least taken some sort of business class. I business degree might be too much for an illustrator, I would at least take a very concentrated business class or to while still in college. If you want to start your own design firm a business degree would definitely be worth while.
13. Who is your inspiration? Did your parents always approve of your career choice? Actually, early on my older brother was the start of my inspiration by wanting to finally be better than him at just one thing. My parents from the get go always supported me and encouraged me to follow my dreams even though they did not understand completely what my passion was all about. They are not visual artist’s but they can appreciate what I do.
14. What is something you would suggest to a graphic designer graduating straight from college? Build up a network of other graphic designers, illustrators, photographers, writers, etc. of who you can call upon for advice, work, and general support. These maybe other students in you classes or contacts outside of class. You can also do this by joining a trade org like GAG or AIGA.
15. How many illustrations do you do a year? It varies between 50-80 a year. I also do a fair amount of graphic design, production work, and stock art sales.
16. How long does it take to illustrate something for a top client? As quick as 3 days and as longs as 1 month. Most of the time it’s about 2 weeks.
17. What is a subject you enjoy illustrating the most just for fun? Posters for bands, musicians, and lately I have been wanting to do a painting of an octopus lady.
18. Have you accomplished everything you have ever wanted to do? If not, what are some goals you want to accomplish? Absolutely not, I’m always striving for more. I Strive to get 3 $10K jobs a year. Has not happened yet, but I’m thinking long term. I would like to teach full-time a get descent health insurance for me and my family.
19. Do you have any regrets? I wish I would have gotten my Masters in Fine Art or Illustration.
20. What medium do you use the most? Photoshop, Illustrator and Painter. I’m getting back to the traditional stuff from the classes I teach at SCAD.
21. What theme occurs the most in your work? Usually some sort of business concept that’s politically correct. Mainly due to the client’s needs.
22. How would you describe your style of work? Stylized realism or Tradigital.
Thanks for reading,
Jay
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Cult of Celebrity vs The REAL Heros
I got this email today I thought I would share it. It's exactly how I feel and act.
Mary Lightfine, international ER nurse and a "Friend of The Catman Project,"
is featured in the new edition of NeuFutur Magazine. Her passionate and
incisive comments concerning Nursing are a "must-read" for those who care
about what is really transpiring within one of the most important
professions in the world.
In keeping with his stated social/artistic mission, mysterious Catman Cohen
turned down yet another interview request, instead passing the baton to Mary
Lightfine, In doing so, Catman Cohen stated that the national media
is drowning in Cult of Celebrity mind junk, that places excessive importance
upon entertainment figures as opposed to the relatively anonymous and
essential occupations now in dire deficit.
Catman Cohen recently went on record to issue the following statement:
"Just how low has America sunk such that, during a week commemorating 9/11,
the most important tragedy to befall the nation, the Media is consumed with
airhead nonsense concerning a dance performance by Britney Spears. Is it
any wonder why our children are so lost and why their priorities are so
shallow? Blame the Media, blame the advertising industry, blame the
political puppets posing as leaders, and blame yourself if you choose
passive acceptance of this dismal status quo...but do NOT blame Britney
Spears for merely being a pawn in this entire insane game."
"In a society that faces all variety of impending infrastructural crises, we
have an Establishment dedicated to narcotizing the nation with a
mind-numbing drug called the Hollywood Cult of Celebrity. Strangely enough,
while society maintains restrictions upon the distribution of narcotics,
somehow the Cult of Celebrity drug is disseminated widely and immoderately,
despite its obvious negative side effects. If we must have idols, then we
need to find new more substantive examples quickly, the kind who will
inspire our youth to pursue goals that transcend a walk down the red
carpet."
"We don't need more glitzy Hollywood award events, we need more sewage
treatment plants."
"We don't need more gargantuan shopping malls, we need more water pumping
facilities."
"We don't need more super-dome sports stadiums, we need more hospitals."
"We don't need more mean-spirited celebrity gossip-mongers, we need more
humane rescue workers, environmentalists, and human rights activists."
"We live in hedonistic, materialistic, and decadent times where this
particular perspective upsets and offends those who profit from the current
cultural swamp. However, despite those who choose to ignore, silence, or
ridicule "music with a message," I will continue to use my art as a vehicle
for sounding the alarm in a society that has been drugged into a mindless
stupor.....and the most important message I wish to convey now is this..."
"READ THE MARY LIGHTFINE INTERVIEW!!!"
NeuFutur Magazine agreed to interview Mary Lightfine in place of Catman
Cohen and you can read the inspiring interview at the following link:
http://neufutur.com/?p=682#more-682
(Vicky Asher Entertainment)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information concerning international nurse Mary Lightfine, please
go to:
http://www.MaryLightfine.com (for lecture information)
http://www.NursesNomadsAndWarlords.com (for book information)
http://www.VolunteersWithoutBoundaries.com (for more volunteer
information...and we can really use a one dollar donation from everyone to
get our safe birth program off the ground in Uganda).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catman Cohen's Controversial New Music Video, PRAYER FOR AMERICA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Nursing Shortage.....and Catman Cohen
(by Mary Ruff-King)
Mary Ruff-King, an author who has worked in the medical field for many
years, is keeping Americans informed about the nursing shortage crisis and
the challenges that may befall our health care system if these issues are
not addressed in the immediate future.
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-nursing-shortage-and-catma
n-cohen-an-artist-calls-attention-to-our-growing-healthcare-dilemma-215180.h
tml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further Info about The Catman Project.....
http://www.catmancohen.com
http://www.myspace.com/catmancohen
http://www.wholewheatradio.org/wiki/index.php/Artists:Catman_Cohen
==========================================================================
Mary Lightfine, international ER nurse and a "Friend of The Catman Project,"
is featured in the new edition of NeuFutur Magazine. Her passionate and
incisive comments concerning Nursing are a "must-read" for those who care
about what is really transpiring within one of the most important
professions in the world.
In keeping with his stated social/artistic mission, mysterious Catman Cohen
turned down yet another interview request, instead passing the baton to Mary
Lightfine, In doing so, Catman Cohen stated that the national media
is drowning in Cult of Celebrity mind junk, that places excessive importance
upon entertainment figures as opposed to the relatively anonymous and
essential occupations now in dire deficit.
Catman Cohen recently went on record to issue the following statement:
"Just how low has America sunk such that, during a week commemorating 9/11,
the most important tragedy to befall the nation, the Media is consumed with
airhead nonsense concerning a dance performance by Britney Spears. Is it
any wonder why our children are so lost and why their priorities are so
shallow? Blame the Media, blame the advertising industry, blame the
political puppets posing as leaders, and blame yourself if you choose
passive acceptance of this dismal status quo...but do NOT blame Britney
Spears for merely being a pawn in this entire insane game."
"In a society that faces all variety of impending infrastructural crises, we
have an Establishment dedicated to narcotizing the nation with a
mind-numbing drug called the Hollywood Cult of Celebrity. Strangely enough,
while society maintains restrictions upon the distribution of narcotics,
somehow the Cult of Celebrity drug is disseminated widely and immoderately,
despite its obvious negative side effects. If we must have idols, then we
need to find new more substantive examples quickly, the kind who will
inspire our youth to pursue goals that transcend a walk down the red
carpet."
"We don't need more glitzy Hollywood award events, we need more sewage
treatment plants."
"We don't need more gargantuan shopping malls, we need more water pumping
facilities."
"We don't need more super-dome sports stadiums, we need more hospitals."
"We don't need more mean-spirited celebrity gossip-mongers, we need more
humane rescue workers, environmentalists, and human rights activists."
"We live in hedonistic, materialistic, and decadent times where this
particular perspective upsets and offends those who profit from the current
cultural swamp. However, despite those who choose to ignore, silence, or
ridicule "music with a message," I will continue to use my art as a vehicle
for sounding the alarm in a society that has been drugged into a mindless
stupor.....and the most important message I wish to convey now is this..."
"READ THE MARY LIGHTFINE INTERVIEW!!!"
NeuFutur Magazine agreed to interview Mary Lightfine in place of Catman
Cohen and you can read the inspiring interview at the following link:
http://neufutur.com/?p=682#more-682
(Vicky Asher Entertainment)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
For more information concerning international nurse Mary Lightfine, please
go to:
http://www.MaryLightfine.com (for lecture information)
http://www.NursesNomadsAndWarlords.com (for book information)
http://www.VolunteersWithoutBoundaries.com (for more volunteer
information...and we can really use a one dollar donation from everyone to
get our safe birth program off the ground in Uganda).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Catman Cohen's Controversial New Music Video, PRAYER FOR AMERICA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Nursing Shortage.....and Catman Cohen
(by Mary Ruff-King)
Mary Ruff-King, an author who has worked in the medical field for many
years, is keeping Americans informed about the nursing shortage crisis and
the challenges that may befall our health care system if these issues are
not addressed in the immediate future.
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/the-nursing-shortage-and-catma
n-cohen-an-artist-calls-attention-to-our-growing-healthcare-dilemma-215180.h
tml
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
For further Info about The Catman Project.....
http://www.catmancohen.com
http://www.myspace.com/catmancohen
http://www.wholewheatradio.org/wiki/index.php/Artists:Catman_Cohen
==========================================================================
Friday, September 14, 2007
Jays' end of Summer Press Release
In June Jay was interviewed on the AM 1620 Radio Sandy Springs in GA on a show called Following Your Passions. In August Jay was featured in the international e-zine NewWebPick which has over 3,000,000 readers. Also, in August Jay has signed up with a German Art Representative dieKleinert which is forming a new USA representation. While teaching classes at SCAD-Atlanta over the summer Jay has done numerous freelance projects ranging from program cover art for the Breeders' Cup horse race (seen here), and marketing illustrations for Atlanta Gas Light, Shaw Carpet, Porsche and directly working with Kenrico, a Japanese health product company, creating a map the the Japan town of Shizuoka. In October Jay will be receive a special award from his alma-mater, LaGrange College. In a ceremony at homecoming he will be included on the Wall of Outstanding Alumni.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
I'm A Type A Personality
| I Have A Type A Personality |
I am hyper, energetic, and always on the mood I tend to succeed at everything I attempt And if I don't succeed at first, I quickly climb my way to the top! I could be called a workaholic, but I also make time for fun As long as it's high energy and competitive, I'm interested I have the perfect personality for business and athletic success |
Do You Have a Type A Personality?
I would think that a Type A personality would be a great for a client of mine in most cases. Everyone has characteristics that do not match the diagnosed type of personality of A, B, C, or D. My wife, in general, is a Type B personality. We are constantly at each other (but in a nice way). I wish she was more productive and energetic and she wishes I would slow down and enjoy life before I have a heart attack! Type A personalities are at a higher risk of cardiac problems, but having a spouse that is a Type B helps moderate the extremes of a Type A.
How about you?
I would think that a Type A personality would be a great for a client of mine in most cases. Everyone has characteristics that do not match the diagnosed type of personality of A, B, C, or D. My wife, in general, is a Type B personality. We are constantly at each other (but in a nice way). I wish she was more productive and energetic and she wishes I would slow down and enjoy life before I have a heart attack! Type A personalities are at a higher risk of cardiac problems, but having a spouse that is a Type B helps moderate the extremes of a Type A.
How about you?
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