Blessing in disguise?

I drew this quick sketch the other day while watching the news and hearing about all the hardships people across the country are facing this Christmas season. For many people it's going to be a hard one. People are forced to scale back their holiday buying and gift giving. The ironic thing is, for me, the economic collapse is really causing me to focus more on why I celebrate this holiday. It's not about buying, or getting the best, most expensive gifts. I remember hearing my grandma tell me how joyful it was to receive an orange in her stocking on Christmas morning, and I hear the same types of stories from my wife's grandpa. Just something to think about.

If you want to know why I celebrate this season just ask (or watch "A Charlie Brown Christmas". It's on tomorrow night at 8pm!! Yay!!)

Christmas Carolers unite

It is a well-known fact that the Abominable Snowman's mortal enemy is the Christmas Caroler. This bitter feud goes back for hundreds of years. But this year is different. At last, these two powerful groups have united despite their differences—perhaps only for the season. Let's enjoy it while it's here.

UPDATE: I've decided to include this in this week's "Illustration Friday". The topic this week is "Similar". Despite their centuries-old feud these two groups have deep similarities. They both have a strong love for Christmas, egg nog, "The Office", and both are passionately disturbed by the increased commercialism of the holidays. Perhaps these issues are why they have finally moved past their silly differences.

carolers by ClelandIllustration
Make a notecard At www.Zazzle.com

New Online Store

Hello, again. I've been trying out different methods of creating an online store, and I have another one here. I've created a store at Zazzle.com. I think it has a much better interface than CafePress, and there are much better customizable options for products and store appearance. Plus, there's no upfront costs on my part, which is a big plus.

Below is a preview of Christmas cards that I've created for you to buy. You know you want to. You can access this awesome store here.


buy unique gifts at Zazzle

Holiday Card time

It's that time of year: time to seriously consider your holiday card choices. This is an extremely important decision, probably a decision much more monumental than the one you just made a few days ago regarding who you want to be your new president. This is HUGE! Just think of all your friends and family scrutinizing you when they receive your card in the mail. It has to be perfect. And, in order to assist you, I have assembled my Christmas selection for you to browse. I just opened an online card shop at Cafe Press. Click here. I'll be working on the aesthetics of the site in the coming weeks, but for now feel free to buy as much as you like.








Above is a preview of my newest Christmas illustration. It's gonna be good!

He is Risen! Happy Easter!

Look!! He is alive!! Happy Easter everyone.

Maybe I'll have time to color this guy.

Happy (un)Valentine's Day

Here is a little drawing I did for my Sweetie for Valentine's Day. She liked it. (NO, IT'S NOT A REPRESENTATION OF ME!!!). Happy Late Valentine's Day, and have a great weekend!

Official 2007 Cleland Christmas Card

Here is our official Christmas card for 2007. This one is easier to print than the elf-Santa's butt one.

Merry Christmas!

Chimney Inspection

Here is the finished piece! (at least for now). Below is the begining of the work done in Illustrator. After I had all the colors done I took it into Photoshop and painted the rest.

Christmas in progress

Hello. Since I haven't posted anything in a while I thought I'd post a work in progress. I'm not sure yet if this is going to by our "official" Christmas card--I have two others done already. It'll definitely be one to sell.
I'm a lot further than these, so I'll post the finished one in a few days.
Here is the initial sketch.


Rough colors added in Photoshop.
My office just received Adobe CS3 litterally two minutes ago, so I'm going to go install it! Yay!

Merry Christmas!

Illustration Friday-Halloween Dog

My first "Illustration Friday" submission!