The Daily Zoo's Newest Fan

A friend and college classmate of mine just shared these photos with me and I thought they were too cute not to post. Congratulations to Paul & Megan! And to you, young Julia, I simply say, "Welcome to this party called life!"

By the way, Paul is an accomplished photographer. You can see his work at www.PaulRetherford.com.

Sketch Club - Missing the Mark

Here are a few more sketches that were a result of hangin' out with the Sketch Club gang. During each lunchtime drawing session, the group picks out The Mark, an interesting looking person who we are all supposed to draw from memory later that day. I have not had much luck so far in successfully achieving this. Either I've had to leave the group before a mark was selected, been too busy to do it, or - as was the case two weeks ago - have been too engrossed in conversation with another Sketcher that we completely missed the mark when she walked by...twice. So that's the other image posted here, me and Omar "Missing the Mark...Again."

Chemo-Couture: Cancer Stinks!

Allow me to introduce you to Chemo-Couture, an online boutique offering a variety of cancer-themed gifts ranging from inspirational t-shirts, books, and cozy blankets (you can never have too many of those when you're going through chemo). It was founded by Jane and Julie, two creative entrepreneurs whom I had the pleasure of meeting last summer. They decided to take the fight to cancer with a sense of humor and compassion, realizing that these are two powerful tools to have on your side when facing the disease, and are donating 5% of sales to cancer charities.

While brainstorming ideas for their line of apparel, they envisioned a shirt with a skunk that proclaimed, "Cancer Stinks!" and after seeing The Daily Zoo, they asked me if I would be interested in designing it. Two versions were produced and they're available in both children's and adult sizes.

www.chemo-couture.com

The Gifted Artist Show - a Success!

The Gifted Artist Show was held this past December in Rancho Cucamonga, CA to benefit the Loma Linda Children's Hospital, auctioning off originals and prints from many talented artists in the animation community. The show was a big success, raising over $3,500 for the hospital!

In addition to donating a few prints, I was invited to share the story of my journey with cancer and The Daily Zoo (thanks Thomas Brillante!). You can check out a video of my presentation below (made possible by Santosh Oommen). Also, please check out www.giftedartist.blogspot.com to see samples of the art that was auctioned off. This was the first year of the event, but I believe they are hoping to do it again next year so if you are an artist, please consider donating a piece to help out a good cause!

Chris Ayers-Gifted Artist Benefit from santosh oommen on Vimeo.

Sketch Club

Recently the inspirational Marcelo Vignali invited me to come sketch with him and his cadre of friendly and talented artist friends at their lunchtime Sketch Club. They usually meet at a restaurant or other public place and draw the (sometimes) unsuspecting people surrounding them. I've been able to make it a few times now and enjoy the conversation, trading art tips, and the opportunity to draw from life again - it has been far too long! Here are some of the results.

Daily Zoo Year Two - Now Available!

Yes, the latest volume of The Daily Zoo is now available from a variety of sources including:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Design Studio Press
Bud's Art Books
or check with your favorite local bookstore!

Like the first Daily Zoo, Year Two is available in both hardcover and softcover versions and 10% of the proceeds go to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can view sample pages on my website where I've also added a DZ2 gallery.
Grab a copy today!