Over the past year I’ve been concentrating more and more on illustration though. It is really at the heart of most the projects I’ve done, even my video work has an “illustration” vibe to it.

The Future

Right now I’m creating a strategy to separate my illustration portfolio from the rest of my design services. I haven’t quite figured out how to organize all my offerings, but it will definitely mean at least one new website specifically for illustration.

The other site will continue to feature my identity, print and motion design that is an attractive and affordable solution for non-profits and businesses.

Until then, stay posted here for new illustrations and keep watching Strong Odors where I’m constantly writing and illustrating editorial content.

Here are a few of my favorite illustrations that will be featured on the new site.

My submission to the ReadyMade Magazine’s “How Does Music Inspire You?” contest has been selected to be part of their exhibit during the South by Southwest festival.

I wish I had more time to create multiple submissions. It would have definitely helped my odds (the Grand Prize winner submitted 9 different pieces to the contest).

Her Grand prize-winning entry is a good one though, so I’m happy her hard work paid off.

And I’m really proud and excited to have my work displayed where people are partying in public.

Here are some close-up images to show the details:

This is my most recent submission to Design by Humans.

I call it Y2K

It really turned out nothing like I had planned. Once I had the original idea for a 10-year anniversary Y2K shirt, I initially thought it would be a hand-drawn type concept inspired by some of my daughter’s recent hand-lettering.

A happy little accident resulted in this overlayed lettering and a challenging new style for me personally.

If you could take a minute to cast a vote here, I would be honored.

All are editorial in nature, and some of them are quite personal.

I like to think that each image can tell a story… even without the accompanying article.

I guess that is why I love illustration, and especially illustrating in this sort of minimalist style… the most concise storytelling you might find.

Bon Iver

From just a quick, funny thought about the differences between Bon Iver and myself.

Guess the Smell

A fun illustration from another brief but funny piece.

A Hard Rain’s Gonna Fall

A very personal illustration created on a day I received what may be life-altering and death-impending news from  my doctor.

The Real Wolverine

One of my longer articles about Autism and evolution. It was a reaction to another article I’d read that day regarding Autism in the workplace.

Denial

Another very personal illustration about cancer and the luxury of denial.

Thanks a lot, God

More personal thoughts surrounding my own lack of faith even in response to answered prayer.

It only takes a day of easy life for me to feel entitled to the reins of my life.

Do any of these resonate with you?

Do they actually tell the stories that I imagine?

I’d love some feedback to see if I’m hitting the mark, if these illustrations make sense, or make you uncomfortable, or you can identify with any one of them, or whatever….

What do you think?

Tim sketched out the idea of a bearded face looking down and I took it from there.

Everybody seems to really love the hurricane beard… I love the textures…

I’m glad he finally has a site to match the quality of his writing.

Check out the new thunderbeardandlightning.com! (and contact me if you’d like a website for yourself or your small business or non-profit)

Feed the Kids Cigarettes for Breakfast

Goodbye

Ringo Starr is the One

Here You Go

Why I Hate Weddings

Thinking About Divorce

Christian Cussing

Home School vs. Public School

Obama Gives Speech

The blog will feature original illustrations, photos, and writing from Troy DeShano Creative.

It also has a really cool playlist so you can listen to related music (as you read about Neko Case, for instance).

The content is about processing life. We all share experiences, we all have our own unique experiences as well… sometimes they are “good,” and sometimes “bad.” Regardless… these experiences shape us, change us, and ultimately make life alive.

Content updated daily, so check back often or subscribe via your favorite RSS reader.

Lesson 1: Lynda Learns to Ski

Lesson 2: Rodent Skiing = Not Cool

Lesson 3: Much Like R. Kelly, I believe I can Fly