Demo Reel

Allison Dominguez - Show Reel from Allison Dominguez on Vimeo.

Gate River Run 2016

 

I won! Thank you to all those who voted and supported me along the way. Winning this contest really means a lot to me. As the largest 15K in the country, it's exciting to know how proud people will be just to participate in this run (and show off their shirts and medals, too). It really is an honor to be able to represent the Gate River Run, and it definitely makes me feel more part of this Bold City I call home.

Manifesto Animation

Here's the latest animation I created for the Y. You can see two versions below. The first is the final version, what we ended up showing at our big annual event. The second is where the animation was just two days prior to the event, one day prior to deadline. Needless to say, it took many a caffeinated drink to get me through this one. In the end, I am proud of where the animation ended up. Honestly, I would've been embarrassed to show the original version even if I tweaked it here and there. With several other multimedia projects to complete before the event and time ticking away, the original version of the animation is all that I thought I could do just to push something out. My best efforts were yet to come. The new version is much simpler, easier to digest and much more compelling. Even though those 24 hours of non-stop screen staring were tough, sometimes you just have to power through it to get where you want to be. #lifelesson #yesiknowhowhashtagswork

FULL SCREEN THIS THING:



ORIGINAL:

Right Place, Right Time

Not to sound like a broken record or a depressing blog-o-bot, but all of this internal examination has got me thinking more about my creative process. Not much has changed since my last post. I'm still in a weird limbo of wants vs. needs, still moving along in my day-to-day life, still looking forward to whatever is meant to happen next. However, rather than wait for life to happen to me, lately I've had a stronger inclination to create my own future. I've found that the need for control is inversely proportionate to my amount of creative output. (i.e. The more of a control freak I tend to be, the less I am doing creatively.) The process of creation is ultimately an exhibition of control. When I am designing, painting, drawing, or otherwise image making, I am making decisions that will determine the appearance and function of the final product. Thus, when I fail to create, I subconciously look toward other aspects of my life to exercise tyranny. And while you may think that this is unhealthy based on my hyperbolic word choice, I'm thinking it ain't all that bad. Rather than molding shapes and lines into image, I am molding my future into more of what I want it to be. Had I been "creative" all this time, would I be content with the state of things as they are? Ultimately, I'm unsure if I would feel as inclined to do something to make my life more exciting and meaningful had I found fulfillment in my usual creative outlets.

They say everything in life happens for a reason. I believe that. There are no such things as coincidences. Right where I am is where I'm meant to be. Whatever I think now are thoughts that are meant to be had. However I feel in this current moment is meant to be felt, indulged in, considered and acted upon. And while I may not know what tomorrow has in store for me, I am certain that I will always be in the right place at the right time. (As long as I avoid those dark, scary alleys.)

Walt's Words

Lately I've been finding myself lost in a constant whirlpool of ideas, a pull and tug between what I should be doing vs. what I want to be doing. Most of these scenarios involve marathon TV-watching sessions and a reluctance to exercise, but on occasion I find myself considering the bigger picture—my place in the world, the meaning of life, and what I have to contribute. Indeed, life's greatest mysteries. You hear the stories about people chasing their dreams and reaching them, achieving success at a young age, or living on a boat with a couple of animals and sailing the world. It all sounds so desirable. I've read my fair share of self-help articles thinking that somehow this would lead me down the path of enlightenment. Maybe I'd pick up a few pointers on how to "get rich quick" or, at the very least, learn to be more introspective and appreciative of what I have. Most of these articles reiterate the same point: "Be in the present moment." The more I think about this statement, the less sense it makes to me. The present moment sounds like a slow path to nowhere. Shouldn't I be looking ahead? Shouldn't I want to feel unsatisfied as a reminder to myself that I have not yet reached my full potential? That there's more to experience? Something to strive for?

I'm thinking about opening up an ice cream shop in some quaint little town I have yet to visit. That'd be pretty neat.

I've also noticed that I've really slowed down on making art for myself. I don't know if it's my old age, if I've grown out of it or simply given up, if I've forgotten how to create out of sheer lack of practice, or if I've grown too complacent with where I am. With that said, I will leave you with this quote:

"Impression minus expression equals depression." - Walt Stanchfield

Guess I better get moving.

On Design

Last night I had a conversation with some non-design (I only specify so you have a better understanding of the situation) friends regarding freelance design. They couldn't understand why I thought to filter jobs and clients - one in particular that sparked the whole conversation. This was their standpoint:

"You're just starting out. It's good experience. Just do it. You don't need extra money? Well, if you don't want the money, I'll take it."

While this was a valid argument, I still felt myself disagreeing with their stand. Maybe the me from four years ago would've felt this way, but now that I'm older, have done a few jobs on my own, and have much more experience under my belt, I see things a bit differently. This was my reply:

"Every client you take on is a representation of yourself and your company. If you associate yourself with shoddy people or take on every job that comes your way just for "experience" and a few extra dollars, what does that say about you?"

Frankly, I don't want the "experience" of having to work with people who are going to give me headaches and are difficult to work with. The kind of people that make you wonder why a designer is even necessary because they just want it their way regardless of what you can bring to the table. Besides, I've had that experience and I want nothing more to do with it.

And I don't do graphic design because I'm in the business of making money. Trust me, if that were the case I'd have an entirely different career. I do it because I'm excited about it. I am enamored by the idea of helping a cause, a company, a person that I am passionate about. When I truly have love for whatever I am working on, I do my best work and money doesn't matter. It's only fun when you surround yourself with people who you care about. That goes for all aspects of life, not just design.

I just started a business with a co-worker and fellow designer on a whim. I guess we should have discussed values, objectives, priorities and how we wanted to run the thing before agreeing to get together. I'll take it though. I'll learn from it, and I'll grow from it, and I'll be better because of it. While freelancing solo is great, I know I can benefit from learning how to work in a partnership where arguments are one-on-one, where majority can't rule and where compromise is key. That's my standpoint - for now.

I'm on Dribbble!

Thanks to the kind and always-inspiring Dennis Eusebio, you can now find me on Dribbble.

A J Fosik

A J Fosik's work makes my heart go all a-flutter!

December Art Walk

First off, just want to say a big thank you to everyone who came by my table Wednesday night! As this was my first foray into displaying my work to the general public, I was a bit nervous and apprehensive about going through with it. In the end, I'm happy I did and I'm so glad I was able to share my work with everyone. I honestly thought I would only get a handful of people who were interested and maybe 4 people who were willing to part with a few dollars in exchange for one of my prints. I am honored and thankful for all the support shown to me that night. The warm response has really encouraged me to keep doing what I'm doing.

With that said, I am planning on having a more formal showing of my work sometime in the near future. And it won't be limited to just prints! If you want to be in the know of all the latest news and updates, just send me an email at heythereallison[at]gmail[dot]com and I'll add you to the mailing list! I can't wait for you to see where I go next!

BlackYard

BlackYard, a group of four Swiss illustrators and designers, creates some of my favorite work. What's even more impressive is that their portfolio is filled with more show-stoppers than you can shake a stick at. I can't believe I'm just now blogging about them.

Lion, Bringer of Death

Here's an illustration a did a bit ago. It's the first of a series. I've really been trying to simplify my illustration style lately, presenting drawings cleanly yet cleverly. Come to think of it, this is how I would like to approach all aspects of my life. No fuss, all swag. I'm a work in progress.

Dueling Banjo Pigs

I came across this blog while making my daily trip to Drawn! a couple weeks ago and thought it would be fun to participate. Basically all you do is submit a picture of a pig and a banjo and they post it to the site. Here's my contribution. What good fun!

Grove Bamboo iPhone cases

I realize I've kind of been on an iPhone kick after getting the latest iteration a little over a month ago, but I can't help it. I'm a fan. I've been wanting a wooden iPhone case ever since I had the idea of wanting an iPhone. These bamboo cases by Grove are beautifully crafted and deliciously designed. You can choose between two shades of bamboo, and either a silver or black bezel. They even have a wide selection of artist designed laser etchings for the back of the case, or you can submit your own artwork. Pretty cool! I like the idea of having artwork on the back for better gripping if nothing else, but like everything else in my life, I'd be too afraid of getting tired of it in the long run. I think I would opt for the plain case in dark bamboo with a silver bezel if anyone out there wants to purchase me a birthday gift. I'll pretend to act surprised.

iPhone 4 wallpapers

So, folks, the moment you didn't know you were waiting for has finally arrived! My iPhone wallpapers are here in full 640 x 960 resolution - great for your iPhone and even better for your iPhone 4! There's a bit to choose from so you're sure to find something you like. And if, for some reason unbeknownst to me, you don't, you can email me with requests. Talk about 100% satisfaction guaranteed! Hop on over and git you some!

Soccer

This is a soccer illustration I made.

Plus63

Way to knock my holy freakin' socks off! I just realized I've been featured on Plus63, your one-stop shop for Filipino creativity on the net. A big thank you to the gang over at Plus63! You can check out the mention here.

Across the Sea

So, I decided to jump on the Lost art band wagon. It actually didn't start as a Lost piece, but that's where it ended up. You may or may not see how some of these elements were originally intended in a future post.... or maybe we'll flash forward, transport back to the past, rewrite history, come back to present day, go back to the future for good measure and come back to yesterday just to see how it all unfolds, refolds, and unfolds anew. Maybe.

Patch Together: Zeus Almighty

I created a character for the "Greek Mythology" challenge at Patch Together. It's like Threadless, but for toys. You submit a design, people vote, most popular designs get produced. It was fun creating turnarounds for one of my characters. I really want to draw more. It feels so rewarding. But enough chit-chat, GO VOTE FOR MY DESIGN!

BOOKS!

Oh my gepetto! Four awesome books were awaiting my arrival from work today. I have to give myself a pat on the back for these smart purchases. I've been gobbling these up since I got my grubby paws on them.

I Am Plastic is jam packed with designer toys. I'm talkin' JAM. PACKED. It gives a comprehensive view of toys from around the world from leading, as well as lesser, names in the industry. Although it doesn't give much information on the individual designers themselves, it provides plenty to look at there's nothing to complain about that.

American Trademarks is not your momma's logo book. The diversity between all the marks included really sets it apart from other literature on the subject. While there are some simple designs similar to the Japanese municipal flags that got plenty of attention about a year ago, there are even more illustrative logomarks with lots of hand-drawn typography to boot. Sweet, sweet eye candy.

Ed Emberley's Make A World are the drawing books I grew up with as a kid. He is so clever in his execution and very easy to follow in his direction. Not only that, but he demonstrates how to draw a gazillion things in very few pages, making the book light and thin, easy for a little kid to pick up and manage. Everything included in the book is drawn with 15 basic shapes, creating a simplicity and cohesiveness throughout all of the pictures. It's no wonder I'm turning back to this in my ripe age. This legend of a man's got ingenuity oozing from every orifice!

Rework is brought to you by the heads behind 37signals. It gives great advice, information, and inspiration on starting a business, staying motivated, work ethic, creativity--in short, being a better creative who knows how to manage and market his work. It's written very colloquially, so you feel like you're having a conversation with those who have experience and have gone through the things you are going through or want to get through. The book is broken down into short, easily digestible sections so you don't ever get the sense that you're being lectured at. Moreso, it gets you thinking about the subject so you can start developing your own ideas. Before each section there's also a nice little typographic illustration to introduce the new topic, each of which could easily be turned into a motivational poster--minus the cat hanging from a tree branch.

Red Bearon

For those of you who haven't already caught him in my portfolio, I present to you "Red Bearon"! He has 1 point of articulation, a dashing grin, and his favorite plane in tow. Yowzas!