Illustration
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ILLUSTRATION
I've spent the majority of my work history specializing in comic illustration and graphic design. My style is generally influenced from the bande-desinées aesthetic, along with flavoring from anime (specifically the aesthetic from late 90's, early 00's) and western animation (specifically Disney). I generally stick to my personal brand of stylization, though I often diversify atmospheric approach and artistic direction to the property. My skills are best utilized toward sequential artwork (i.e. comic work, novel insert-artwork, or other narrative-based visuals), concept and character design, and commercial promotional illustration. I also have experience as a digital colorist. Additionally, I have experience in commercial graphic design, specifically pertaining to merch/product design and subsequent packaging, as well as promotional graphics and logo design. A quick-view of my skillset is available on this page, a link to my full portfolio is below. |
PROMO/COVER ART
SEQUENTIAL ART
CONCEPT/DESIGN
PRODUCT DESIGN
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Mentorship
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MENTORSHIP WORKSHOP
I regularly freelance one-on-one art workshops in 3-month durations. The workshops are designed around weekly sessions, focused on the improvement of specific artistic goals requested by the client. I design the workshop experience as something that can be dovetailed into my client's existing schedule, and provide structure and a tailored curriculum over 12 weeks to help my client see tangible improvement/results in their work, as well as provide tools to further develop their aims after the mentorship experience concludes. Since the mentorship workshop is designed specifically to the client's goals and needs, it can cover a wide range of topics. Thus far, I've helped clients improve their skills in areas of aesthetic style, linework drafting, comic foundations, character designing, environmental building, and much more. I've workshopped with clients of all levels of skill, from beginner level to the established professional -- if you seek artistic improvement, I'll help you get you where you want to be. AVAILABILITY
The weekly sessions consist of 12 total (averaging 3 months) over messaging programs, with the rate of $200 USD per session, though open to sliding scale negotiation. Continuance for another 3-month duration optional. If you're interested, please contact me for additional information and a free interview. I am not available for new clients. Inquiries will still be accepted, but placed on a wait list. The earliest opening for new clients will be September 2020. |
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonials from previous clients. Click on the quotes to read in full. "In just a few months, she’s helped me grow more than I could ever have imagined and I couldn’t be happier about it." —A. Hotte
Let me start by saying I've been a fan of Jayd's work for many years. The opportunity to learn from her seemed like a once in a lifetime chance and I'm happy to say it's been the most rewarding learning experience I've had in a long time. Before I go too far, I should mention I’ve been a mostly self-taught illustrator for a number of years now. I had weaknesses I struggled to tackle on my own and I had been wanting to try my hand at something new. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to do both so we ended up splitting the three months mentorship into three subjects: Composition for illustration and covers, environment design and comics 101. She did so much more than merely giving me new information: With each subject, she guided me out of my comfort zone like a clairvoyant art wizard and into a brand new space of learning that blew my mind every time. She thoughtfully tailored her lessons and homework to my personal needs. She quickly noticed obstacles and knew how to approach them in a constructive way. The homework was relevant and the feedback sessions that followed were particularly great: They highlighted some issues I never noticed I had and allowed me to explore new art grounds under the supervision of an expert. Her notes and draw-overs illuminated previously unknown possibilities and opened new paths of understanding. Her earnest encouragement about the progress being made made it a positive experience throughout, even when the work got more difficult. She knew what could realistically be done within a few sessions and she excelled at devising a plan that would help me in the long term. While homework did require dedicated time and effort every week, it was worth every second put into it. In fact, I've already used her teachings for work that I would have struggled with only a few months ago. In just a few months, she’s helped me grow more than I could ever have imagined and I couldn’t be happier about it. Jayd is an amazing artist and storyteller with a real ability for teaching. Whether you’re looking to explore something new, expand your current knowledge or improve your work, I fully believe she would make a great mentor. - A. Hotte "tl;dr - THE mentoring workshop for those looking for that galaxy-brain levelling up of art skills. Would rec in a heartbeat." —Krad
tl;dr - THE mentoring workshop for those looking for that galaxy-brain levelling up of art skills. Would rec in a heartbeat. For context of myself and what I was looking for: I went to Ringling College of Art and Design, had summer art classes at SCAD, and one or two private tutoring sessions a decade ago; am also now a working comics professional. I was specifically looking for a way to level up art skills - something more involved than a video, class (even Schoolisim quality), or a book. Jayd caught my eye as someone that had the rare combination of being phenomenally skilled and unquestionably professional (not to mention experienced). I will give a disclaimer that we knew each other decently well after running in the same comic circles for a few years; was familiar with her own output and general practical mindset regarding execution of drawing -- however that had no bearing on the mentorship other than knowing I was in good hands from the get-go. The course itself is structured on 1-3 specific drawing areas you choose to improve in (and spans 3 months) -- the lectures/workshops are then tailored to the desired goal. Each "session" was either an interactive lecture (with reference photos, her bringing years of experienced insight into practically breaking down the issue into digestible chunks), or an interactive workshop (a mutual dialogue and/or redlining session that brought the same depth of insight and had the flexibility to pivot accordingly to the most pressing issue.) Homework was also involved every week with a review for the last week's homework at the beginning of every session. Immediately, I noticed Jayd has a charmingly spooky way of zeroing on the actual root of whatever mental roadblock that exists -- not the symptoms that could mask the problem, and she also didn't just vaguely state the obvious like I've noted a lot of other artists/professors have a habit of doing (ie 'work on your fundamentals'). If the roadblock of your current proficiency and goal wasn't immediately spottable, there was always the custom homework exercises that would bring it to light within a week or so. Once when that root disconnect was known, she would surgically talk/draw you through what was needed for you to make that 'aha!' connection until you had in-fact, done so. Most often there was immediate night-and-day progress in the homework in the week after; and there was always significant progress seen from the beginning of each month to the end. Jayd was also incredibly good-natured through the whole set of months; I was never once intimidated or disheartened by the feedback, but neither did I feel like she was being easy on me for the sake of niceness; something I'm always wary of. (In fact, she'll warn you up front that there will be weeks where your work may be red-lined to the edge of the earth and back; honestly those red-lined images are worth their metaphorical weight in gold as-is.) Definitely reserve this for a span of months where you can dedicate a good 6 hours a week on the homework at minimum if not more; my one issue was struggling slightly with juggling a dayjob/freelance/commissions/weekly webcomic on top of this, though it reflects on my (lack) of planning than anywhere else. Overall, the advice/mentorship given will be incredibly useful for years to come -- the kind that I've saved and printed out in a special notebook; not even *just* useful in the moment. Would continue it in a heartbeat if it weren't for temporary lack of time, and would recommend to intermediate-skilled artists looking for that something "extra". I am happy to answer specific questions at kradeelav@gmail.com . - Krad "If you are dissatisfied with your art, Chira's lessons are *The* Investment for Yourself and Your Craft." —Cae
IT MIGHT SEEM LIKE I'M OVER-EXAGGERATING, waxing poetry over how much this mentorship has changed my life... but, I’m writing this testimonial to emphasize that this is exactly the case: if it wasn't for Chira, I don't think I would have gotten better at art as fast and sustainably as I have, and with a momentum I know will last beyond my time with her. If you are dissatisfied with your art, Chira's lessons are *The* Investment for Yourself and Your Craft. To use myself as an example, I started this mentorship with incredibly low regard for my art -- I draw as a hobby and considered myself good in some respects, but bad in many more. I thought it was a matter of skill and that the resolution to these deficiencies was a matter of regimented practice and focused lesson work. I’d tried the former prior, have had lessons with other talented mentors... but, Chira differentiates herself as someone who is not only skilled, but perceptive and wise. Just three lessons in, she honed in on the root of my self-loathing, the nihilistic framework that defined my approach to art in itself. I admit, there were many unforeseen mental blocks in my case... but, answering Chira's questions forced me to answer to myself and therefore tackle these head-on. Chira is tough because she 100% holds you personally responsible for your own improvement. But, she is also fair because she is committed to helping you learn to help yourself. I was wary it would have fallen into one extreme or the other -- but, Chira provides you exactly the feedback you deserve for the work you put in week after week. You end up feeling stronger and stronger after each lesson because of that. Speaking of: the technical skills do come in a very Self-Apparent way because Chira creates lesson plans that *will* reveal your weaknesses and then presents exercises that addresses those weaknesses. There were many epiphanous moments during my entire course with her. It really felt as if I’d condensed several years of studying in a few short months. Chira is SO SO SO knowledgeable and provides such helpful resources it’s actually pretty uncanny, if I do say so myself. I improved my anatomy and artistic expressiveness, learned how to draw backgrounds, stage lighting and compositions, tackle different body types and character dynamics, and that’s only accounting for the big stuff... not the small (but crucial and personalized) tips in-between. OVERALL, I started this feeling mediocre and dissociated... and ended this entire thing hopeful and excited with where I’ll go with my art. I cannot recommend Chira enough and would be happy to Continue My Bragging one-on-one. HMU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Cae "I was simply astounded at the progress I had made when I compared my work from the first week and the last. I felt growth as an artist that I haven’t felt for a long time." —Jessica
I’ve followed Jayd’s artistic career for many years, so I was very excited to be able to work with her! For context, I’m your average Jane who dabbles in fanart and sketchblogs and all that. I have a degree in graphic design and have been working in the print industry for a few years, but my interests are mainly in illustration. I happened to be in something of a funk creatively, and having landed a job as an art director for an indie game proved to be the push I needed to take up this opportunity. This mentorship was just what I needed to help me feel re-energised and I found the experience extremely rewarding. My chosen topics were anatomy, environments and object construction, which Jayd strung together into lessons, exercises and assignments that provided a natural progression between the subjects. She was frank but kind with the obstacles we encountered: when I was too nervous to work without references, she gently took away the crutches by assigning me tasks that used my imagination. And what fun those ended up being! That is just one example of Jayd providing me with an insight into many factors that go into my art - external and internal, good and bad - which will be very valuable for me from here on. At the end of the three months, I was simply astounded at the progress I had made when I compared my work from the first week and the last. I felt growth as an artist that I haven’t felt for a long time. I feel it truly helps to work under an expert, and Jayd is nothing but constructive and thoughtful with her advice. Overall, Jayd is flexible, capable of thinking-outside-the-box and open to dialogue in her approach to helping you, so don’t be afraid to voice any problems or concerns you might have. If you are prepared to commit time and energy into this mentorship, I know you will find the experience as valuable and worthwhile as I did. - Jessica "Jayd's even-handed but direct, empathetic, and perceptive approach made a huge difference for me." —Ash
I came to Jayd looking for help with moving past several roadblocks in my art study and abilities. I originally requested help with mechanical fixes, thinking my needs were based on building better habits and smoothing out certain concepts I felt I had missed in my schooling. However, it didn't take long for Jayd to discern that I needed something different. In the course of my two sessions (six months) of mentorship, we worked through finishing a project through from pitch to completion, and we specifically covered issues I was having with approaching my art to begin with, as I suffered from mental blocks that made it very difficult to proceed in creating how I wanted to. Jayd's even-handed but direct, empathetic, and perceptive approach made a huge difference for me. With frank conversation about what was going on and gentle steps in a different direction, I was able to address several fundamental issues that I otherwise was unable to recognize or tackle without that guided support. I also have a roadmap for how I plan to move forward, using techniques and advice given through the time spent learning from her. I found that the work I put in was worth the effort, even with challenges I faced. I encourage that whoever seeks out Jayd's help will listen earnestly and maintain an open perspective with what she brings to the table as a fellow creator, artist, and professional. She is punctual, reliable, reasonable, and communicative, and cares above all else about helping you reach the goals that you come to her for. Every person looking for instruction will be seeking something unique. What I received may not be what someone else needs or seeks out, but if you are seriously interested in the time and investment of what private mentorship can bring, send Jayd an inquiry. - Ash "I'm so glad I took the leap to take on this mentorship with Chira. I'm coming out of it feeling confident about my path forward!" —Binglin
This mentorship with Chira has been truly invaluable to me!! For some background on where I'm coming from: I had the privilege of being able to attend art school, but I wasn't able to make the best use of my time there due to personal health crises. Eventually (2 years post-grad) I was ready to get back to tending my art, but I felt totally lost. I knew what needed to improve, but didn't know how to start. I've had a long list of personal projects that have been indefinitely on the back burner because I always felt like I "wasn't ready" for them, but I'm so glad I took the leap to take on this mentorship with Chira. I'm coming out of it feeling confident about my path forward! Everyone's got a different learning style, but I found the workshop to be super seamless and I experienced tangible improvement every single week. Lessons were straightforward and concise. My experience with Formal Art Instruction involved learning a lot of cut-and-dry rules, but no one ever told me WHY things worked the way they did. With Chira, week after week I learned, not necessarily brand-new information, but new ways of understanding that information in practical and accessible contexts so the knowledge could actually stick. I HIGHLY recommend taking this on if you know it's time for you to expand your art-making horizons, but feel daunted by the task. Time-commitment-wise, I personally put in no more than 6 hours weekly (usually less!). I'd be happy to chat one-on-one with anyone who wants to know about my experience in more detail! hello@binglinhu.com - Binglin |
Other
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ASTROLOGY/TAROT
One of my hobbies has been my active interest in western zodiac and tarot. I've been researching astrology since I was a child (single-digit age) and regularly explore tarot. As an adult I found it a very fun exploration for self-reflection or creative purposes. I specialize in western astrology, specifically in regards to reading natal birth charts, but adept at tarot card readings as well (I have 20+ tarot and oracle decks, and counting). I offer readings as a means for a fun, intuitive outside perspective for those curious about exploring this kind of esoteric interest, but only so far it remains understood my readings are for entertainment purposes only, and not meant to be a substitute for any professional or legal counselling. Additionally, I offer consultation on explaining the symbolism and mythology behind astrology and tarot for creative purposes -- such as research for an artistic project or working out astrology sign placements for your story's characters. Feel free to contact me with consultation inquiries if you have questions. AVAILABILITY
I'm always available to offer readings or answer questions on request. Visit my astrology Ko-Fi for more information on my rates, or contact me for any additional questions. |
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