Gorilla Video

May 6, 2008June 13, 2012 | George Coghill

I recently created this cartoon gorilla holding a video camera as a logo/mascot character for a client. I went through several rounds of sketches on this illustration, some sent to the client, some not. For some reason, I was really struggling with getting the ape to look like an ape. Initial sketches had him looking too “monster-ish”, which of course is not desired. It was odd because monkeys, gorillas and apes are probably some of the most fun types of characters to draw, and I just assumed it would come naturally.

Continue reading →

Cartoon Goldfish Character Illustration

January 6, 2008June 13, 2012 | George Coghill

Fairly recently I worked up this cartoon goldfish for an illustration project of a cartoon style aquarium. This was part of a recent round of cartoon illustration work for a client doing some re-branding of their aquarium water treatment/cleaner/additive Algone. The cartoon fish tank illustration was used to update a product instruction sheet.

Continue reading →

Cool Guy/Rocker Dude Cartoon Character Sketch

January 6, 2008December 22, 2018 | George Coghill

This cartoon sketch of a trendy ‘cool guy’ rocker type mascot character was created for a current project. He was to the the male ‘companion’ character for the cute cartoon indie rock/alternative rock girl created for the same project. While I love how the head and face came out, I am not so pleased with the body – could use a bit more flair. This is an initial working sketch, so had the client approved that would have been edited. The client wanted to go in a different direction with him, so he’s on the reserve list for perhaps another project.

Continue reading →

Cute Cartoon Indie Rock/Alternative Rock Girl Sketch

January 6, 2008December 22, 2018 | George Coghill

This cartoon sketch of a cute indie rock/alternative rocker girl is one of a series of cartoon characters I am working on for a current project. She went through quite a bit of revisions in look, dress and age – but the final came out perfect.

Earlier version had her a little too old and road-weary – I thought we were going for a more ‘edgy’ character but the client wanted a younger, cuter version. The iPod, chain wallet and Chuck Taylor sneakers were a must.

Continue reading →

Cartoon ‘Teeth Creature’ Sketch Tattoo Art

December 16, 2007June 13, 2012 | George Coghill

Months ago a fan emailed me to get the OK to use one of my sketches as a tattoo. I usually give the go-ahead on any not-for-profit use of my personal art (that said, unless I actually do give the OK, it’s not officially OK). In this case since it was a personal sketch I had done I was cool with it.

I have a few tattoos myself (all done by the venerable Eric Starr over at Arkham Tattoo in Akron, Ohio). I can sympathize with someone who finds the right art for a tattoo – I had Eric ink over a bunch of early stuff that I became less than enthralled with – and now have a huge Japanes-style koi fish shoulder piece in addition to my original Mayan God/Ancient Astronaut glyph.

Continue reading →

Cute Goth Girl Cartoon Character Sketch

November 27, 2007December 22, 2018 | George Coghill

This Goth Girl cartoon character sketch is one of a series of characters I am currently developing as a series for a client. The entire set will include all sorts of cartoon characters with different personalities, lifestyles & looks. More details on this project as we get closer to completion…

The goal here was to find the look and keep her cute. The original incarnations of the little goth came out a bit too old and also a bit too punk/heavy metal, but since the Goth will have an “older sister” Rocker Chick for the group, I’ll be able to use those initial rough sketches for the Rocker Girl. The Rocker Girl will probably be more along the line of a Suicide Girl — with clothes on!

Once I had the face & head down, I moved on to getting the clothing right; the obligatory striped stockings, skull t-shirt, spiked wristbands, black rubber bracelets and combat boots completed the look. I especially like how the long pigtails came out for the hair.

An interesting aspect of this project, developing 12 characters in a family, is keeping consistency. I have found that some characters have lent themselves to more wild exaggeration than others, and I have had to tone down the look of some of the characters which I would have otherwise gone a bit more wild with. In order to keep the overall look of the group I have had to sacrifice some stylistic choices.

It’s a great experience and process as I have been coming up with variations of characters that I might not have other otherwise pursued.

Continue reading →

News Hound

October 11, 2007December 22, 2018 | George Coghill

This puppy dog cartoon character illustration was created a mascot/logo for a recent client. His nickname is “News Hound”, hence the word “Press” on his dog collar name tag.

The pup went through quite a few rounds of sketches, even before sending “initial” sketches to the client. I had a certain look in mind and wanted to get this guy just right. The proportions were key, as was allowing for the nametag on the dog collar.

Continue reading →