Posts by Shane Burke | Beezink

Jan 04

Commissioning an artist on a budget

Lets face it. Good work isn’t cheap, and cheap work isn’t good. That being said, you still have a budget. Shane Burke and Beezink believe art and design work should be affordable to everybody. Especially startups and entrepreneur’s who need it most. Whether its a logo, brochure, or web graphics, there are always options to allow a little wiggle room for your budget.

Limit colors to save money:

On this image, the original black and white line art did not take too long. The color options are what eats up your design time and your budget. The price for these 3 images is dramatically different because the time it takes to create each image is dramatically different. Obviously the image on the right looks a lot better than the other images. But think about your project and ask yourself if the left or middle image would serve the same purpose. You could save up to 50% on the project just by using solid colors.

Buy in Bulk:

You have 20 characters you need designed. Get all 20 designed. Piecing them out to 20 separate commissions is going to take a lot longer, and likely cost a lot more. Most designers will give discounts when you buy in bulk. Sometimes character templates can be created and reused to create new unique characters. This also works well when creating logos, letterhead, flyers and other advertisements. Reusing graphics from previous designs keeps costs down, and keeps your brand consistent.

Backgrounds:

Detailed backgrounds can take just as long or even longer than the original character art. Can your artwork serve its purpose without a background or a limited background?

These are just a few quick easy ways to keep a little control of your design costs. If you received a quote that is a little outside your budget, consider some of these options. Finding a cheaper designer may not be your best choice. Remember, sometimes keeping it simple really is your best option.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Jan 04

The Isle of Cipit

By Shane Burke | Design | 2 Comments

“Shane has been drawing ever since he could hold a pencil.” That’s what my mom always says. It’s true. I have been doodling and creating since I can remember. I loved to draw. My first true love was comic book art. As a kid walking through the book stores I quickly judged a book by its cover, and continued to collect titles if the story was as good as the art. I created tons of my own characters, and many homemade books where they fought each other throughout the dark cities of Northern California. I knew one day I would illustrate some awesome books. Like one of my favorite comic book artists Eric Larson, I lost most of my collection and childhood art in a fire.

Beezink had only been online for about a year when I was commissioned to create some character sketches for Author Nancy Brooks out of Stockton California. She worked only a town away from me, so after a dozen or so commissions, I finally drove down and met with her one day for lunch. Nancy was full of life, and always wore a friendly smile. She had a ton of stories to tell, and has truly inspired me. She works hard, and is very dedicated to her craft. Over the years I have created over 50 character sketches to help her promote her books. We haven’t worked together much in the last couple of years, but we stay in touch and talk almost every day. As of 2014 we decided it was time to move on. Time to move on to the next book. Actually the first book. A new version of the first book. Below is the first look at the cover art for Nancy Brook’s Graphic Novel, The Isle of Cipit, Illustrated by Shane Burke. (That’s me) We will be working on this new exciting project throughout 2014 and could use all the support we can to get.

The Isle of Cipit by Nancy Brooks.

Everything was going according to plan; captive miners were extracting the last of the buried treasure, the next phase of their mission was about to commence, and the future was beginning to seem brighter. In one single moment, all hell breaks loose: adrenaline pumps through his veins in torrents as screams of a dozen terrified men propel a mercenary commander onto a dangerous path in a desperate attempt to maintain control. Fueled by the near-fatal incident, unsettled by a confrontation with a creature neither animal nor human, Kiarme is determined to eliminate the threat by any means necessary—even kidnapping American students who may have crucial information. Knowing he’ll have to kill Maggie to keep the island and mercenary plans secret, he struggles between loyalty to his men and his ardent need for the beautiful woman who has suddenly stolen his heart.

Watch for more information and updates in the near future. 2014 is going to be an exciting year!

Please visit www.legendseeker.com to see more about Nancy and her books.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Nov 19

Questions and Answers with Artist Shane Burke

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

I was recently interviewed by a publisher for a short bio on their website. Below is a sneak peak at a few of the questions and answers.

What is your favorite medium to work in?

That’s a tough one. Pen and ink was my first love. But over the years acrylics have grown on me.

What captures your eye and makes you want to translate that vision into artwork?

I believe I look at the world through different eyes than most. I see depth, value, contours, horizon lines, vanishing points, contrast etc. I look at things as simple as the road while driving, and how I would create the scene on a sheet of paper. But new things seem to inspire me most. A new road I haven’t driven down, a new idea, new moment, new person, new feeling, or even a new pen or pencil and new pad of paper.

What style would you say is your specialty?

Since I was very young I thought the more accurately you could render an image, the better the artist you were. I have dedicated all my life to realism, and I believe that is what I am best at. As I grew older, I realized great artists render a feeling, emotion or idea, not just realistic images. Now I do my best to create both.

Do you have any unique techniques that you use?

As a young man walking through the art museum I wasn’t sure what made good art. I still don’t. But Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn makes me stop every time. I enjoy the contrast from very dark to bright in his work. I like to use similar dramatic contrasts with lighting whenever possible, and let the contrast form the image.

If you could create your dream project, what would it be and why?

Since I was a kid I loved comic book art, and studied my favorite artist’s work. I have written stories in my head that are decades old. My dream project would be to get all of those stories onto paper for others to see and hopefully enjoy.

What do you love best about being an artist?

I do a lot of commercial art, but private collectors are usually more emotionally attached to the work I create for them. Most of my work is sent out in the mail, but whenever I can, I like to deliver them myself so I can see their reaction. I feel great honor and pride in creating something so dear to a collector’s heart. And incredibly lucky to be able to make a living this way.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Oct 29

Custom Wedding Invitations and Special Occasions

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

Custom wedding card designs, Save the dates, and special events and occasions Hosting a stylish and elegant wedding or special event is easier than ever with Beezink’s custom wedding invitations and save the date cards. Beezink offers stylish and elegantly designed bridal shower invitations, engagement party invitations, and save the date cards. With Beezink, everything is designed to your specifications and 100% original. There are tons of affordable places to buy beautiful pre-made designs for your special day. But if you are looking for cards as unique as you and your event, commission Beezink to design your custom invitations that reflect your style and your personality. This is your big day, after all. Make it yours.

folded travel wedding

Sep 19

Children’s Books Illustrated by Shane Burke

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

Shane Burke has been hard at work with Author Shelley Sleeper to create some fun and exciting Children’s books with unique ideas and colorful artwork. Working with Shelley has always been a lot of fun, and I am truly inspired by her dedication to her craft.

After teaching first and second grade for over a decade Shelley Sleeper decided to take what she learned from teaching and put her knowledge into writing books she felt were missing in the world of children’s literature. She has written three board books and four picture books with many more are in the work. To see more of her books, please visit www.shelley sleeper.com

How Much Do You Love Me? Written by Shelley Sleeper. Illustrated By Shane Burke

Lets Get Our Wiggles Out. Written By Shelley Sleeper. Illustrated by Shane Burke.

It’s an interactive book that has been proven to ‘de-wiggle’ hundreds of children. Teachers will LOVE what it can do for a classroom of wiggly students! Parents will LOVE what it can do for a few rowdy kids and kids will LOVE how fun it is!

What Do Cows Dream About? Written by Kelsey Bonham & Shelley Sleeper. Illustrated By Shane Burke.

This fun and silly book makes imaginations soar. We’ve thought of a few things cows might dream about to get you started but the possibilities are endless and so is the fun. The fun doesn’t stop there; you’ll find fun facts at the end of the story, because learning is fun too!

What Do Pigs Dream About? Written by Kelsey Bonham & Shelley Sleeper. Illustrated By Shane Burke.

This is the second book in the series about what animals are dreaming about. This time we take you through the imagination of a Pig. As always there are facts at the end of the story to keep you learning.

My Special Story. Written By Shelley Sleeper. Illustrated by Shane Burke.

One couples journey to creating their family. A true love story.

Please visit www.shelleysleeper.com for ordering information.

There are more books to come, stay tuned!

Shane Burke, Beezink.com

Jul 17

Beezink Logo Design Samples

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

Check out some of the Logos created by Shane Burke at Beezink.com All logos are vector art created in Adobe Illustrator. Clip art is never used. AI files, EPS files, and PNG files are provided for best quality web and print results. A professional logo indicates an established credible company, and can help round up return customers, create brand loyalty, and help separate you from the competition. A great logo will give potential customers confidence in your company, and help it grow. Let Beezink brand your company with a great logo and Corporate Identity package.

Logo Design packages start at $250.00 Call or email for complete quote.

Check out more of my work in the gallery page.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

May 24

Live on Line Art Classes by Shane Burke

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

After many requests, I have decided to offer art classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced artists.

With the wonderful world of technology, Beezink offers live video conferencing via Skype and HD camera feeds to provide high quality instruction for all artist levels.

Course:

This course is designed for beginner artists as well as advanced artists who are interested in learning basic drawing skills and techniques — or simply want to improve their work. It will cover some of the tools you’ll need and also give you plenty of time to practice the methods and techniques demonstrated by Shane Burke. We will sketch everything from simple shapes and objects, to people and human anatomy, to some of your favorite places, and much more! It’s recommended that you take your time and practice outside of class while going through this course.

During my first private art classes, I was quickly bored with the basics and wanted to move on to more advanced work. The last thing I want to do is bore you. With the beginner course, we will start with what may seem very basic instruction, and follow up with an advanced lesson using the same basic skills and fundamentals to create more advanced work.

You’re going to learn about:

· Artist’s tools

· Values

· Shading techniques

· Lighting

· Perspective

· Drawing a still life

· Drawing animals

· Drawing people

Are you going to be an expert artist after the course? Probably not. But I promise if you master a few basic techniques your artwork will significantly improve from day one. You can expect to have the knowledge and training you need to improve all of your work, and learn to look at everything you see in daily life in a different way. And this will help bring your minds images to paper. Over time you should be able to draw whatever you see, with realistic shadows and perspective. You’re not going to be judged or graded on your skill. Your taking this course to improve your work. However, I will provide feedback, point out strengths and weaknesses, and suggest ways to make improvements.

Course Topics:

Introduction to Drawing

The Tools You’ll Need — and How to Use Them

Looking at Things You Can Draw

Seeing the World as an Artist

Drawing Lines

Lights and Shadows

Shading

Texture

Perspectives

Composition and Planning Drawings

Drawing Memories

Drawing a Still Life

Trees and Flowers

Drawing Animals

Drawing People

Course Requirements

The course is open to anyone and everyone, with or without drawing experience. The only book required is a sketch book. A computer with a high-speed internet connection, webcam for immediate feedback (recommended but not required) and desire to improve your artwork is all that’s needed. As well as a basic art set. Recommended art supplies listed below, but a piece of paper and a pencil should get you started.

Course Materials

You’ll need a 4H, 2H, HB, 2B and 4B. Pencil Sharpener. 9×12 (or similar size sketch pad) Kneaded eraser. Straight edge. Blending stumps.

The class will have drawing activities which will require a computer scanner and/or digital camera to upload for feedback. A webcam and microphone is required for immediate feedback.

Feel free to email me with any questions at shane.burke@beezink.com

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

May 05

Creating Art that Sells

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

When an artist’s sales are low, they often comfort themselves by remembering that Vincent Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime. You do not have to passively except a slow career, however. Van Gogh did not have the internet or any of the other huge variety of media avenues that we have at our fingertips today. Taking an active approach to your career is what is necessary in order to get those sales up to where they should be.

The first thing to seriously consider is the art market surrounding you. Different parts of the world and specific regions of your given country will always lean towards one form of art or another. These trends can either be stable or dynamic, depending on the city. If you are not sure of what the current climate of the art market is in your area, then observe the political and cultural atmosphere in other disciplines. These aspects of society tend to always govern the type of art that is popular at any given time. For instance, areas that are more conservative will tend to lean towards representative pieces that are not extremely political in their subject matter. If you are in an area where your work tends to be going against the mainstream, then you can either move to a different location or adjust your content.

As painful as it may be, artists must also take advantage of social media outlets. These outlets provide a wonderful means for making contacts in the art world with people who you would have no personal contact with otherwise. Facebook and Twitter also give individuals that do not go to art galleries on a regular occasion the chance to view your work. It may seem like a stretch to think that anyone buys art based on what they see via Facebook, but it actually happens on a regular basis. You should join groups of artists that have created communities online specifically for other artists. Doing this further enhances your opportunities to get work into respected galleries. Joining artist communities also has the added advantage of letting you get direct feedback on your work the moment you put it online.

The idea of the hermit artist is not completely viable in the 21st century. The world is so intimately connected that people expect to be able to find information about the people from whom they are purchasing work. Given this fact, it is necessary to have some personality. You do not need a full blown persona by any means; however, it is wise to get some interesting information about your work and yourself into the public eye. Salvador Dali, an extremely wealthy artist by the end of his life, was well aware of this.

Like most things in life, the art market is also subject to odds and statistics. In order to increase your chances of selling more work, increase your level of productivity. Not every piece of art that you produce will appeal to everyone, no matter how amazing it is. The more work you have out there, the better your chances of selling pieces. Although, you should not become an art mill and end up hurting the integrity of your body of work as a whole. Creating artwork that is below par for your level of skill can end up lowering the market value for all of your pieces.

People that sell artwork on a regular basis are depending heavily on collectors. Someone that buys one piece of your artwork is much more likely to buy another versus the average person walking in off the street. You want to develop a base of support, essentially. Doing this requires keeping track of people and building a mailing list so that collectors can follow your progress over time. When people feel like they know whats going on with your career and credibility, it is easier to peak their interest in purchasing work. In addition to personal collectors, keep track of the art market as a whole. The art world at large tends to collect pieces that it deems to have universal appeal and content that fits into the larger picture as it relates to art history and society in general. Personal identity pieces or geographically specific content are the types of pieces that tend to be overlooked in the long run.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Feb 08

I love painting portraits!

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

I offer many creative products at Beezink. Logo Design, Video Production, Children’s books, Illustration, Graphic Design, and Fine Art. Every now and then I am asked what I like doing most. There are many projects that have been more satisfying than others, but nothing is more rewarding than creating a hand painted portrait on canvas. Although it is not always an option, I love to hand the portrait off to my customers in person so I can see the look on their face when they see it. And more than anything, I love to see their eyes tear up.

Family photographs are great. But there is something special about a hand painted portrait hanging proudly on the wall, and it is definitely a special honor to create the work. Painted portraits are a unique and timeless gift that will last a lifetime, and for me, the most rewarding part of my job. Fine Art collectors value the work much more than design customers. I have never created a logo or ad layout that brought tears to the eyes of the new owner!

Above is the second piece I created for a great guy in San Francisco. I worked from an I-Phone photo (not normally a good idea) and was a little nervous that the painting did not look close enough to his grandson. After I received this photo shortly after Christmas, I think I nailed it.

Below are two adorable little girls created in pencil. These are two of my favorite pencil portraits and were given to their grandmother as a gift.

Looking for something a little different? Below are a few unique portraits I have painted in different styles over the years.

Check out more of my work in the gallery page.

Shane Burke, www.beezink.com

Nov 28

Why Choose Beezink?

By Shane Burke | Design | No Comments

Beezink isn’t just interested in creating your design; we want to create a great design by understanding your business and reaching its customers! Having a great customer experience keeps customers coming back, and sending referrals. Beezink builds strong and meaningful connections with its customers and believes in honest business, fair pricing, and innovative designs with every customer, every time.

Beezink specializes in Logo Design, Illustration, and advertising, but that’s not all. Beezink has a wide range of multimedia products and offers a one stop shop for all your marketing and design needs. From start to finish, the client deals with the designer so nothing is lost in translation. Design revisions are made quickly, because nobody likes to wait. Beezink takes pride in each assignment, and always offers friendly customer service and open lines of communication. Extremely high standards are set to take care of every customer, no matter how big or small the project is. With many years of industry experience, as well as high quality technical training in design, illustration, and broadcasting, Beezink will earn your business, and show you why customers come back.

Click here to see what customers are saying.

All posts by Shane Burke

Commissioning an artist on a budget

The Isle of Cipit

Questions and Answers with Artist Shane Burke

I was recently interviewed by a publisher for a short bio on their website. Below is a sneak peak at a few of the questions and answers.

Custom Wedding Invitations and Special Occasions

Children’s Books Illustrated by Shane Burke

Beezink Logo Design Samples

Logo Design packages start at $250.00 Call or email for complete quote.