We continue celebrating 25 years in business with today’s entry in our EMG Story series. Wondering what we’re doing? Start here with our introduction.
Now, we’re turning the mic over to Apis Teicher as she tells us her EMG Story:
“What are you looking at?” by Apis Teicher
“I found EMG when I was living and working in Japan about 16 years ago. I was recently married, still adjusting to life and work in a new country and feeling a little out of my element. Because we didn’t really have much of a social life there yet, I gave myself permission to dive headfirst into my art. I’d always set it aside, as I felt guilty indulging, but I thought that the time we were going to be overseas gave me ample opportunity to work on it whenever I wasn’t at my full time job. I discovered the local anime store also stocked a magnificent amount of art supplies, and fell in love with copic markers. I began to sketch, to learn, to enjoy them — and one day found EMG and decided to be brave and send in some of my work to them. Not long after I got a reply – Ellen liked my work, in particular a marker doodle I had of Ogopogo, a Canadian mythical creature. We began our professional association then, and soon became friends. Ellen and EMG were a lifeline during those years so far away; they were there too as I later became a mother and had to figure out how to get back to my art. Between articles, sketchfests and her incredible support and community creation for artists EMG kept me sane, and helped through many lonely times. Ellen and her wonderful creation helped me see the community beyond, and that I was a part of something. I’m not around it as much as life has pulled me in so many other directions, but that sense of belonging I will always treasure.
Thank you Ellen!!”
You and our community has been a lifeline over the years as well, and our appreciation runs all the way down to our bedrock. Thank you, Apis!
Would you like to share your EMG Story with us and perhaps see it featured on our blog? Email Deborah here.
We continue celebrating 25 years in business with today’s entry in our EMG Story series. Wondering what we’re doing? Start here with our introduction.
Now, we’re turning the mic over to Maria J. William as she tells us her EMG Story:
“Sanguine” by Maria J. William, $40
“I first met Ellen on Elfwood in the late 1990s – that long-ago era of
LiveJournal, e-zines, message boards, and chatrooms. Back then I still had a full time job, and art was just a hobby for me. I gradually evolved towards deciding to make a career out of it after conversations with fellow Elfwoodians, and being inspired by their work. Ellen was one of those people. All the advice and encouragement I got made my transition from a 9-to-5 hobbyist to a full time artist and mom in later on so much easier.
Some of my work was introduced in the Gallery section of EMG-zine
throughout the early 2000s, but EMG really became a big part of my life
when I joined Sketchfest in February 2016, after many invitations from
artist friends. I’ve been a steady contributor ever since, and have only
missed two. I’m not a natural sketcher; I’ve tried keeping a sketchbook,
and failed miserably. Being a part of Sketchfest not only pushes me to
sketch regularly, which I believe is an important part of being an artist,
but gives me an opportunity to promote my work and try new things. And it
really gets my creativity going.
The fact that Ellen appreciates my work and actually owns some of it
really means a lot to me. Her creativity, energy, and drive inspire me a
great deal.”
You inspire us as well, Maria! Thank you so much for walking with us on this journey.
Would you like to share your EMG Story with us and perhaps see it featured on our blog? Email Deborah here.
October marks 25 years of business for Ellen Million Graphics – we’re honored and delighted to reach this milestone, and it’s very much a longevity we never could have hoped for without all of you! Every customer, contributor, and participant in Ellen Million Graphics is special. We thank you all, whether you’ve just submitted a few prompts in Sketch Fest or have a full Portrait Adoption gallery or have published a coloring book with us. You all make this business shine.
And so! We’ve asked all of you to share your EMG Story with us, and we’re sharing 23 of those stories here on the blog throughout the month. Would you like to submit yours? Email Deborah here.
“I wanted to just say that I always have so much fun during Sketch Fest, and that it’s always inspirational, so I went to see how long ago I began participating and it’s been since Sketch Fest #22 (January, 2012)! Even after all that time it is something I look forward to, even if it’s just reading all the prompts and making a wish list of what I would like to draw from that list. I have a small pile of wish list papers on my desk from several past Sketch Fests. Perhaps one day I will DRAW ALL THE THINGS!! or maybe just keep adding to the pile. : ) I do try to get 2 to 3 images drawn every event that I participate in, and sometimes I even finish one! Thank you Ellen for the support and work you put into your community. It’s very much a place I like to be a part of.”
Thank you, Kathy! We appreciate your art and your spirit and your participation.
#EMGSketchFest 103, our 25th Anniversary Sketch Fest, will take place this weekend from October 5-7, starting at 12 PM AKT.
For our 102nd Sketch Fest, we had two dozen participating artists contribute more than 100 creations to our gallery! We were feeling the onset of fall with a bevy of autumnal faeries, fall-colored owls, candy corn-colored bats, and more. There are over 2 dozen illustrations you can buy – whether original or print – as well!
Check out these final featured illustrations, then wander through the full gallery and leave comments for our artists.
“Flutter Kitty” by Linda Sayegh
This was artist Linda Sayegh’s first Sketch Fest, and she drew several great sketches, including this “Flutter Kitty.” Here’s what Linda has to say: “Adorable little Fairy cat waiting for some snuggles and a new forever home. Thank you to Paola Zunico for the prompt.” This piece was done in colored pencils, Sharpie paint pen, and Signo gel pens on light grey Mi-Tientes acid-free paper. You can purchase the original 6″ x 8″ sketch for $45!
“Sanguine” by Maria J. William
“Sanguine” by Maria J. William depicts the most curious and bright-eyed, shell-bedecked mermaid! Drawn in colored pencils, pastels, white charcoal, and white acrylic on toned paper, you can snag the original 6″ x 8″ portrait for $40 or two different sizes of open edition print for $7-$10!
“Going Somewhere” by Majen Jewel
Welcome back to Sketch Fest, Majen Jewel! “Going Somewhere” is one of her first illustrations for Sketch Fest in over two years and we’re loving it. As Majen said, “It is fun to both follow and lead.” This illustration is drawn in colored pencils and markers on 11″ x 4″ Bristol.
“Monarchs in Autumn” by Paola Zunico
Paola Zunico drew gorgeous, luminous butterflies in “Monarchs in Autumn.” Her 5.5″ x 8.5″ illustration is on Canson paper and can go home with you for only $45!
“Fae Cat” by Erika Harm
Erika Harm drew this “Fae Cat” in all their implicit arrested mischief – invite this feline fairy into your home by picking up the original watercolor painting – 4.5″ x .25″ on watercolor paper, only $15!
“Midnight Riders” by Peter C.M. van Herpt
Feel wild and free when you gaze at “Midnight Riders” by Peter C.M. van Herpt. These moonlit riders gallop across the page in pen and ink from Conté à Paris.
“Rain Song” by Eimiel
Perhaps we can feel the summer fading in Eimiel’s “Rain Song” – a gentle downpour of warm rain with the barest chill. This illustration is graphite and Polychromos colored pencils.
Go ahead and make plans to attend our next online Sketch Fest – #EMGSketchFest #103 will take place October 5-7, 2018 while we’re celebrating 25 years in business! Mark your calendars.
#EMGSketchFest 102 ended earlier this afternoon, but artists may still add pieces as we start the new week. Enjoy these evening featured illustrations, then explore the full gallery!
“Harvest Moon Witch” by Tricia Danby
Tricia Danby gave us this mysterious “Harvest Moon Witch,” silhouetted against the most gorgeous, enormous harvest moon. You can snag a large print of this one – 20 cm x 30 cm – for only $18!
“Autumn Owl” by Regina Mailloux
This captivating “Autumn Owl” was created by Regina Mailloux with graphite and gouache washes on 7″ x 10″ Canson watercolor paper. You can take home the original piece for $30.
“The Mermaid’s Oyster” by Katerina Koukiotis
Katerina Koukiotis created this moving mermaid illustration with color pencils and pastels with no references. Her inspiration came from Camille Chandler, who wrote a poem for the prompt as well – click through to read the poem and admire “The Mermaid’s Oyster.” Snag a LE ACEO print for just $6!
“Witch’s Unusual Pet” by Julie Rabischung
We are beyond charmed at this “Witch’s Unusual Pet” as drawn by Julie Rabischung! Prompted by Mayumi Ogihara, here’s what Julie has to say, “A purple undefined octopus-creature is swimming in the little witch’s potion. It is her favorite and unusual familiar.” You can purchase the original black and purple ink sketch on 5″ x 7″ Bristol for $15!
“Bestowing” by Abi
There’s something eerie and poignant in “Bestowing” by Abi. Inspired by Tara N. Colna’s prompt “The Raven’s Stone,” she was pulled in many different directions before grabbing hold of one and pursuing it. She says, “In my interpretation the Raven’s stone is mounted in the circlet he carries. Here, for reasons that are bound to mystify and perplex, he is bestowing it upon one whom he deems suitable to carry it.” Abi mentioned she might work with this piece more – and we hope she does!
That’s it for our features tonight – hit the full gallery, and come back tomorrow for our wrap-up post. We’ll also be announcing next Sketch Fest’s dates, which will take place during our 25th Anniversary Celebrations!
Welcome to Sketch Fest Saturday, everyone! More than a dozen participants have thrown their works into the ring so far, and there’s some remarkable creativity and whimsy being revealed in the #EMGSketchFest 102 gallery – you’ve really got to see it.
Enjoy the featured illustrations below, then click through!
“Raven Moon” by Kathy Nutt
Kathy Nutt’s gorgeous “Raven Moon” may or may not have been drawn within the allotted hour – here’s what Kathy has to say about that: “I was merrily drawing away, listening to a pod cast and found I had not set the timer I was waiting for the alarm to go off. I figure it had to be pretty close to an hour but I wasn’t sure so I drew another raven and definitely saw the amount of detail was similar so I figured it was okay to post.” We’re glad you shared it – this raven’s lovely!
“Swan Song Trio” by Tallulah Cunningham
Tallulah’s been rocking the gallery out with some seriously creative responses to prompts today – one of our faves is “Swan Song Trio,” inspired by one of Regina Mailloux’s prompts. “The music they are singing is a line from the ballet,” Tallulah said. “The frog provides the percussion. I think the naiad and the swan have been going steady for a few years – they always rock up to events together.”
“Autumn Butterfly” by Amy Sue Stirland
“Autumn Butterfly” by Amy Sue Stirland is a peaceful scene, inviting autumn along. This 5″ x 7″ watercolor painting can be yours for $15!
“Meditate” by Nathalie Reinholz
“Meditate” is Nathalie Reinholz’s reply to Maria J. William’s prompt of “Keep calm and…” Here’s what Nathalie had to say: “On a leaf. Another mindfulness gnome in watercolour on Arches Hot Press paper.” This gnome joins a beautiful series of mindfulness started in our last Sketch Fest. This 25.9 cm x 12.3 cm watercolor painting can bring serenity into your life for $27.
“Mabon” by Rowan Lewgalon
“Mabon” is definitely a work in progress from Rowan Lewgalon – but we love the quality of the empty robe open against the blue sky and waving fields of wheat. Check back for her completed painting as #EMGSketchFest goes on!
That’s it for our featured illustrations – jump over to the gallery and explore its fairies and ravens and witches – and even Jason Momoa! We’ll feature a few more later tonight.
Welcome to #EMGSketchFest 102! We’re 10 hours into our creative jam this Friday night. Several artists have already submitted sketches to our gallery, so we’re rolling in curious characters, feathered friends, and a mischievous young witch.
New to Sketch Fest? Head over to the site and register for free – then you can participate! Create art of any type using prompts submitted by the community – the only rule is that you must work within 1-hour blocks and upload what you’ve finished at the end of that hour. If you don’t want to create, you can still leave comments cheering others on!
“Ooops” by Elisa Ferguson
Our first submitted piece of artwork this Sketch Fest was the uncolored version of “Ooops” by Elisa Ferguson. She was inspired by Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt, “Oops, I didn’t meant to put hex on you!”
Check out the full gallery and leave some comments for our artists here.
Come back tomorrow for more art features! And if you share your favorites on social media, be sure to use our official hashtag: #EMGSketchFest.
Thanks to everyone who turned out for our 101st Sketch Fest! We had 26 participating artists who collectively created 62 things over our 48-hour creative jam. If you’re just joining us and haven’t seen anything yet – you’re in for a treat!
Check out some final featured illustrations from #EMGSketchFest 101, then get over to the full gallery to enjoy some more and even do a little shopping.
“Golden Leaf Dragon” by Kathy Nutt
“Golden Leaf Dragon” gives us an inscrutable gaze from a haze of golden light – this sketch by Kathy Nutt is done in sepia micron pen and metallic ink wash.
“Toadstool Faerie” by Rosie Wells
This adorable “Toadstool Faerie” by Rosie Wells – inspired by Sarah Alden’s prompt – is ready to be your friend.
“Fire fairy” by Amy Sue Stirland
Amy Sue Stirland’s “Fire fairy” evokes that feeling of August breezes… this piece is 4″ x 6″, soluble crayon on toned tan art paper. You can snag the original for only $15!
“Candy Corn” by Jill Britt
Anyone else longing for Halloween? This irrepressible unicorn by Jill Britt makes it harder to wait! “Candy Corn” is her version of a candy corn unicorn, as prompted by Rosie Wells.
“Meditating” by Nathalie Reinholz
When you’re ready to find a little serenity, Nathalie Reinholz’s “Meditating” makes a great visual companion! Prompted by Katta with “rainbow gnome,” this piece is the orange gnome of Natta’s series. This is watercolor on ARCHES hot pressed 300g. She says, “I am much into mindfulness and painting as practice counts.” We agree!
“The Last Summer Light” by Regina Mailloux
Regina Mailloux’s “The Last Summer Light” evocatively captures the feeling of a hot afternoon and floral-gazing pensiveness. This is a grahite and pastel sketch on 5″ x 8″ Strathmore toned paper – you can purchase the original sketch for $25!
“Totoro” by Paola Zunico
Our last feature is from Paola Zunico, who drew this majestic and whimsical Totoro! Paola says, “I always loved the movies from studio Ghibli. Makes me feel so much love and peace. I did this Totoro like a tribute to this movies.” This sketch on Canson paper can be purchased for just $30, and measures 5.5″ x 8.5″.
That’s it for our features from #EMGSketchFest 101 – head to the gallery now for the rest! And don’t forget to mark your calendars for Sketch Fest #102, which will be held the weekend of September 7-9.
Saturday may be wending to a close, but we’re still sketch festing the night away! It’s our 101st Sketch Fest, and you’ll find the gallery full of playful cats and fairies, and pieces inspired by unicorns, Game of Thrones, and the Victorian era.
Enjoy our featured illustrations, then take a dip into the gallery!
Becca broke out a brand new sketchbook for this “Toadstool Fairy,” and she commented: “Warming up with a steampunk fairy!” This toadstool-appreciating fairy is on 5.5″ x 8.5″ Canson Mixed Media paper. And you can snag the original for only $20!
“From the Depth of the Ocean” by Mayumi Ogihara
Inspired by another of Becca Moore’s prompts, “Spooky Mermaid,” Mayumi Ogihara drew “From the Depth of the Ocean” from the deeps of her own imagination and this reference. This illustration is Col-Erase brown and white charcoal on 5″ x 7″ toned paper – and could be yours for $30.
“Keeper of the Last Summer Light” by Kir Talmage
This warm and homey sketch that creator Kir Talmage titled “Keeper of the Last Summer Light” well-evokes the last lights of summer. She commented, “I need more anatomy/life drawing lessons! These arms are giving me so much trouble! But I like her expression.” We do, too!
“Luna” by Maria Gonzalez
Maria Gonzalez drew the wonderfully enchanting “Luna” as a play on Mayumi Ogihara’s prompt “luna moth fairy.” You can take home the original 4″ x 6″ sketch in colored pencils on an toned paper for $16!
We’re signing off for the night, so head on over to the full #EMGSketchFest gallery – it’s free to sign up and participate!
What an AMAZING Sketch Fest! There was so much energy and enthusiasm, and it means a lot to me that you guys had fun and got involved. #EMGSketchFest is one of my favorite projects, and it would be really boring (and pretty pointless) if it was just me. 🙂
Fifty artists participated, making more than 325 sketches, and there were so many lovely comments and wonderful prompts to work from. Thank you for helping us make this one of the biggest and most beautiful events we’ve had in a while!
Thank you so much to everyone who came out and played this weekend at Sketch Fest #100!
Be well,
Ellen
It’s true, everyone! When all was said and done, Sketch Fest #100 featured 50 participating artists and 382 total uploaded creations to the gallery. Wow! You absolutely owe it to yourself to wander through all of the artwork and maybe buy a sketch or original – there are some really amazing pieces in there just waiting to hang on your wall.
Now, let’s announce all of our prize winners:
Comments Keep Us Going – Our 5 random winners are: Julie Cooper, who wins a 6×8 print with matching magnet by Maria William; Katerina Koukiotis, who wins a collection of 3 5×7 prints by Sarah Alden; ElmaBree, who wins a postcard of “Sea of Stars” and stickers by Nathalie Edelhirsch; Rosie Wells, who wins an original ACEO of your choice by Jenny Heidewald; and Mayumi Ogihara, who wins a coloring book of her choice by Selina Fenech.
Most Popular Prompt – This one was a tie between Nicole Madden and Rosie Wells! They will each receive a mystery bag (3 ACEO prints each) by Mayumi Ogihara.
Super Supporter of Sketch Fest #100– The person who purchased the highest value of art this Sketch Fest was Julie Cooper, with Ed Cammarato as our runner-up! Julie and Ed will both receive a selection of ACEO prints by Katerina Koukiotis (one of each she does this Sketch Fest).
Most Creative Use of Prompt– We had a really tough time choosing the winner of this category – so we’re awarding two Honorable Mentions as well! The artist with the most creative use of a prompt this Sketch Fest was Rosie Wells for “Operation: Fluffy Cuddles,” and she will receive an 11×17 print, an 8.5 x 11 print, and her choice of coloring sheet or bookmark by Sheryl Abid. Our two Honorable Mentions are Amy Sue Stirland for “Glittering Eye Blank Book” and Deirdre M. Murphy with “Warning, DM Whimsical When Bored” – they will each receive one print from Cindy Hill!
Sketch-crazy! – Jenny Heidewald submitted THIRTY-ONE sketches during the official #EMGSketchFest 100 hours! She wins a copy of From The Deep coloring book by Ellen Million.
Opening Bell Artist – The first artist to submit a sketch was Milkycat with “Storm of Petals,” and she wins a print from Cindy Hill!
First Hurdle Artist – Tara N Colna was the first artist to submit five sketches this Sketch Fest, and she’ll receive a customized original 4″ x 6″ character portrait from Julie Rabischung!
First 3D Artist – Afke van Herpt was the first artist to submit a 3-dimensional sketch or other work, such as sculpture, jewelry, crocheted piece, etc. and has won a wee dragon charm by Whimsical Dreams Art!
Collaboration – The best collaborative work, here defined as the best collaboration between prompt and art, was selected by our guest judges Afke and Ronja! Katerina Romanova wins this prize for “Shy,” and will receive an ACEO by Afke van Herpt and her niece Ronja!
Submission by Someone 12 or Under – Shell’s 7-year-old daughter Willow took this prize for “Am I A Rainbow?“! Our guest judges Afke and Ronja made the selection, and Willow wins an ACEO from them.
Sketch Fest Newbies – We had four new participants in our 100th Sketch Fest: Ellen Moore, Ellen Wilberg, J. Ryan Decker, and Regina Mailloux. Each of our newbies will receive an ACEO print and postcard.
And here’s our last series of featured illustrations – we hope you enjoy this final taste of Sketch Fest #100!
“Happy 100!” by Francis Bax
First up is this gorgeous example of handlettering in watercolour brushpen and tangles in black fineliners in honor of our 100th Sketch Fest. Thanks for this, Francis Bax!
“Mr. Meowington” by Maria J. William
We can’t get over how adorable Maria J. William’s “Mr. Meowington” is! This colored pencil, white charcoal, and white acrylic illustration is on toned paper and measures approximately 6×8. You can pick up prints of this fine feline for only $7-$10!
“Glittering Eye Blank Book” by Amy Sue Stirland
“Glittering Eye Blank Book” by Amy Sue Stirland is an upcycled plain spiral bound blank book with Velcro closure and won one of our Honorable Mentions for Most Creative Use of a Prompt. Amy said, “This was a book that was given out by a major company as a promotional item. I have reworked the cover for the prompt.. only one eye, and the scales are raised and nicely shimmery.” It measures 5.5 ” x 4 ” and contains 20lb weight white pages numbering 80.
“Heart of Peacocks” by Julie Cooper
Of her “Heart of Peacocks,” Julie Cooper says, “This is the first decent peacock I have managed to do. I might colour but not too sure.” We love this bird and hope you do!
“Oni Fox” by Erika Harm
We’re thrilled with this strikingly colorful ACEO from Erika Harm! Here’s what she says about “Oni Fox“: “I wanted to blend the idea of an oni and a kitsune into one mask. Ink!” You can pick up the original artwork for just $15!
“Alarune” by Ellen Million
Ellen Million, the founder of our Sketch Fest feast, created several fantastic art cards this Sketch Fest! Here’s her interpretation of an alarune. You can pick up the original ACEO drawing for only $8!
“Waiting for Autumn to Come” by Janna Prosvirina
Our last featured piece is this lovely illustration by Janna Prosvirina. “Waiting for Autumn to Come” is ink pen on Bristol measuring 4″ x 6″. You can grab the original ink sketch for $12, and you can get a download to print out as a coloring page for only $3.
That’s it for #EMGSketchFest 100, a truly remarkable milestone. We can’t wait to see you at Sketch Fest #101, which will be August 24-26, so mark your calendars!
