The Big Announcement! :D

As you all know, I'm an illustrator & painter at heart...

Commissioned piece (c) Erin McManness 2011 - { you can also view it larger here }

I have been drawing since I was a kid. I always got excited in school to decorate anything, and I'd literally give the poor project about 5 layers of art-overkill just because I enjoyed the process so much. My parents were divorced, so I'd see my dad on weekends, and he would always get out the easel and teach me how to paint landscapes (my dad is an AMAZING landscape painter). My grandmother also paints gorgeous landscapes and flowery still-lives. In high school, I always carried my sketchbook around with me, drawing anything typically "teenage-emo" (picture crying floating eyeballs, angsty lyrics; oh yes I was cool).

In undergrad I went in as a theatre-major; my mother always told me to try out a formal art course. I said, "No, Mom... I know what I want to do!" Then I took Scenic Painting. And I realized I wanted to be an Art Major. And realized my mom was right (as usual). I changed my major to Studio Art and have never looked back.

I have spent the last few years out of school combining day-jobs with freelancing, design and PR/marketing jobs, and odd artistic jobs to pay the bills. I have a love for stories and fantasy-settings, and usually my work revolves around these themes. I also have a major soft spot for Salvador Dali and the Surrealism movement and Alphonse Mucha and the Art Nouveau movement (who isn't intrigued by these?)

Guys... I feel like I have grown so much, especially these years out of school. I have taken the time to experience life and the world and have come to find what I want to do in life. I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to go to grad school at SCAD this fall, and for the possibilities it represents for my career.

And... 

here it goes... 

the big announcement...

And I am pleased and so very honoured to tell you that a few weeks ago, I received an email from the one and only team at ImagineFX Magazine. 
A few pieces of mine will be in the mag in Issue 78!

 

I am super excited because this is my first major publication, and because ever since I started my artistic journey in undergrad, I have been a HUGE fan and avid reader of the mag. Many of my favourite artists that inspire me so much have taken part in this publication, and it's my honour to follow in their footsteps. If you are an illustrator, artist, or are just getting into working digitally, ImagineFX is a great resource. It includes tons of pro-artist interviews, tutorials, guides, and a full CD of brushes, templates, videos, etc etc. Once the printed issue is out and hits the States (it's a UK-based magazine), I'll be sure to shoot some photos of my work in the mag! My jaw literally hit the floor when I got the email, and I am so humbled and honoured to be able to share my work in this way! 

Thank you guys so much for reading, supporting my blog, me, and my work!