Illustration Friday: Robot!

When I was a kid , I loved taking my toys apart, especially those that were battery operated and had lights. I taught myself simple electronics by doing so, even if I didn't really put them back the way they were. My dad played an important part in this since he exposed me to a lot of RC hype of the early 90's. I'd have my own mini RC's powered by two AA batteries that I'd transform into other stuff, like a ghostbusters zapper gun that actually spun by itself (the original ones were hand propelled and i wasn't quite satisfied with that!) after I've seen every little thing the RC does.

This week's illustration friday topic also happens to be robot. Hope you enjoyed this one! Here's the illo from my recently launched book, and a sneak peek at its spread. :)

My book giveaway for National Children's Book Day!

My newest children's book published by Lampara books is up for grabs in this facebook art contest!
How to join: 
1. Like my page: @jomike tejido illustration. 
2. Draw you and your dad or mom doing your favorite thing together!
3. Post it in your own timeline. You must write your name and age.
4. Copy and paste the link to this thread below. Only the replies in this thread will be considered.
5. Deadline of entries is on july31, 2013.
6. There are two categories:
Category A: ages 7 and below
Category B: ages 8 to 12
7. Each winner gets a free copy of the book, "my daddy my one and only!" Signed by author zarah gagatiga and me. Book will be couriered to your address via xend.
8. Open to all philippine residents only in the age brackets above.
9. Parents/guardians can use their FB account to enter the works of the kids. pls indicate their name and age.
10. The 2 winners will be notified via private message on aug.2, 2013.

Happy drawing! And happy national childrens book day!

Illustration Friday: Travel!

One of the exciting images i used to develop my style is this set of illos for a catalog. Timmy's birthday is coming and his imagination is taking him places. Also chack my facebook page for the sketch stage  at  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=377505055659696&set=a.377330515677150.88474.376904142386454&type=1&theater

Incoming! Gideon's 300

Gideon and God's 300 is one of my upcoming books to be launched in the upcoming Manila International Book fair. It took some time to make these since there were supposed to be thousands of soldiers in each spread, which according to the Old Testament story, dwindled down to 300 as they fought their sword-less war.

I had a lot of fun with the night sky, fires, and how I got to do characters in an actual serious war, as opposed to my usual children's books.

Surveillance also happens to be this week's illustration Friday topic, and it reminded me on how fun it was to color the sneaky scene where Gideon spied on their enemies. I colored these the usual way and then photoshopped a layer of dark aqua tint to drench everything in a cool tone. When i erased the reflected light areas on their faces, that created the magic.

Gideon's 300 is soon to be published by OMF Literature (Manila) in the 3rd qtr. of 2013.

Halloween preparation (O_O)

I just noticed that this previous post from my smartphone didn't get thru. I am currently preparing for my halloween picture book. This project has been shelved for many years. Just realized that when i dug up my old manuscripts dated years ago. 

Incidentally, in the time span that this is taking place, i met an old friend from gradeschool who is now connected with a candy company, and is keen on doing events. I hope we really get to pull it off in creating a halloween launch party with books, candy and costumes. That's something I've never had in my other books! 

In case you have an android app that uploads effectively, do let me know so i can update easier without being in front of the mac! 

Happy Father's day!

Here's an excerpt from my upcoming book, and also a glimpse of my childhood. I grew up in a home-office and it was inevitable that I'd build one myself, too.

Cheers to all the dads who inspire their kids !

Illustration Friday: Tension

This week's illustration Friday topic is TENSION. Here's an excerpt from one of my upcoming books, Paolo's Magic (written by Glenda Oris and published by Lampara Books). This book excited me for it was my first take on depicting a manuscript using anthropomorphic characters which was never mentioned by the publisher or writer. Glad to know they were keen on it as well after i submitted the sketches.

I don't really know why I chose hounds for my characters, but I enjoy how they played out as my main actors. My process involved decisions on rabbits (but was awkward in the haircut scenes for their ears might be snipped off!), hedgehogs (but being hairy IS their thing!) and these dogs. Due to the wide array of canines, I chose one of my favorites for the supporting character, a fox for Regor the barber (who later disguises himself as a magician, justifying how sly foxes are).

Here is the cover of the book:

  Main text is in Filipino, with english parallel text.

Coming this 2013 :)