Everybody is invited!

Color studies I made for a pattern inspired in old Japanese designs. Pretty! J Frizza

Holly Lewittas & Barbara Hinske are both great writers, and MonkeyC clients. Both authors commissioned us with their book covers and WordPress theme design. Both authors also write about doggies, recounting the creatures mysterious adventures. I had such a great time working on these projects, it was a lot of fun composing the illustrations. I designed both book covers for the “Spunky Series” and the author site SpunkyMysteryBooks.com, and the cover and site for “Coming to Rosemont”, BarbaraHinske.com.

Author Kurt Kamm’s new book is coming out soon. A prolific author, Kurt writes firefighters mystery novels. His latest book “Hazardous Material” explores the world of a HazMat Specialist with Los Angeles County Fire Department, and his battles with pain killer addiction and motorcycle gangs. At MonkeyC (MonkeyCMedia.com), we designed the HazMat book cover, laid down the interior of the book, re-worked the website design, and created collateral printed material for the marketing campaign. Here are a few samples of the cover spread and site. Visit the author’s website KurtKamm.com, check out all his books, they are awesome! J Frizza

I really like the new Illustrator pattern tool. It makes pattern creation so easy and simple. Here are details of a larger piece I created, using several patterns made with that tool.The base of the patterns are original drawings, scanned and traced, combined into a digital patchwork. J Frizza

I had a lot of fun putting together the cover for “Bottom-Up & Top-Down Innovation,” a new book by local author Joseph Stein, (MonkeyCMedia client). This edition combines two books into one. The author presents ideas on how to create innovative environments and improve performance in companies. I composed the cover in Illustrator; the “arrows” frame holding both titles was easy to craft using the new shape-builder tool. J frizza

Another amazing project done for Monkey C! Author Paul H. Magid trusted us with the cover design of his new book Lifting the Wheel of Karma. In addition, we customized a Word Press theme for the new site promoting the book (PaulHMagid.com). The book tells the story of “A tormented Boy [who] Embarks on a Profound Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Enlightenment.” This is Paul’s first novel, great story —touching and insightful! J Frizza

Another digital sketch inspired by hiking escapades to the local mountains in San Diego East County … This colorful landscape is done first as a drawing on paper, and then colored digitally. Enjoy! J Frizza

Work gets easier when everyone helps! J Frizza

Summer begins, these long days are a delight. I’m spending my days working on new pieces, lots of drawings, countless digital sketched and a few new paintings. The one below, titled Reservoir-05, is my digital impression of a hot and vibrant Southern California afternoon. J Frizza

Oso, Tsuki and Teo, the three resident cats here at the studio, are portrayed below in vectors, in this concept for a birthday card. The creatures are in fact cuter in real life! J Frizza

The beginning of this year has been busy. Here are four new covers I designed for MonkeyCMedia clients, authors Cipriani, Rocker, Lamb, and Little (Art Direction: Jeniffer Thompson). The books range from fiction and essays, to a thriller and a novel. At Monkey C we do it all! For the first three books, I also designed the custom WordPress sites … Check them out! J Frizza

Faceless, Belo Cipriani. BlindAMemoir.com

Punishment, Linda Rocker. LindaRocker.com

Karma’s Law, Kristi Lamb. KristiLamb.com

Magnificent Redemption, Marc Little. MarcLittleWrites.com

I’ve been working a lot the past few months, but also hiking every time a get the chance. Here is a piece based on a recent hiking trip to Corte Madera, an amazing and peaceful place in the back hills of San Diego. The drawing was done by hand, the colors and textures are resolved digitally. J Frizza

Happy New Year! 2011 was a busy one at Monkey C Media. Here are a few author WordPress sites I designed for MCM clients during the past year [Art Direction: Jeniffer Thompson]. Click on the links to visit the sites. Cheers! J Frizza

http://testarossabook.com/

http://alanshelton.com/

http://babysignlanguage.net/

http://talesfromthefirehouse.com

http://artistsandthieves.com/

Here are a few shots of the pieces hanging at Java Earth, a neighborhood coffee shop in Pacific Beach. Among the pieces, a few “Vases and Cups” limited edition prints, and two new acrylic on canvas paintings: “Pink Sky” and “Waterfall.” The cute coffee joint looks great with the colorful pieces. J Frizza

I’m sharing here, a few details of a piece finished a short while ago: “On the chair,” pencil on paper and digital media. Enjoy! J Frizza

Another awesome job completed at MonkeyCmedia. One of our favorite clients, Malibu author Kurt Kamm, hired us (again!) to design the cover of his new book “Code Blood.” His latest title is a murder mystery thriller with an unusual plot: emergency medicine, the science of stem cell research and the world of body parts dealers!

In addition, he also commissioned us to redesign his website to feature the new book. Not to be missed, the site’s impressive firefighting photo collection … check it out! Visit www.KurtKamm.com. J Frizza

Below: “Code Blood” cover (front and back) and new website.

As the summer ends, I’m back working on a few pieces, inspired by the hot weather and our lovely beaches. Here is one, “Summer Ends” a digital composition with sketches and patterns. J Frizza

My pieces are up at the new Cut Salon on Fifth and Grape, here in town. The colorful pieces stand out against the minimal decor, the open floor is the perfect space to show art. It feels like a museum in there! Check out the pictures. J Frizza

It was a pleasure working with Dr. David Fox on the design of his new book “Comfort, Healing, and Joy.” The project done for the MonkeyCMedia.com client [Jeniffer Thompson, Art Director] included the design of the book front and back covers, and  a custom WordPress blog design. The result is a beautiful cover and site, complementing the uplifting message of the project.

You can check out the new website and read more about Dr. Fox’s book at www.ComfortHealingandJoy.com. J Frizza

A quick sketch of the yard in Spring … my two favorite pastimes: gardening and drawing! J Frizza

Here is the brand new menu I re-designed for Brian Imoto’s facial and waxing services at Model Call Salon in San Diego. The new treatment list is clean and simple, sophisticated and cool. The background Jasmine pattern is my own adaptation of an old traditional Japanese motif, suggesting notions of aromatherapy, nature, and youth. The final piece will be printed in black ink on a heavy-weight textured paper. J Frizza

A new show is coming up soon! In the mean time, I’m busy finishing several large painted pieces. The show will include oil and acrylic work on canvas, as well as framed digital images printed on paper. The pieces are colorful and organic, fresh and youthful. Teodoro, one of my helpers, takes a brake in front of two canvases, before resuming the hard work! J Frizza

I love going to the beach at any time. The night is specially magical and mysterious. The water and the sand shimmer with the moon light, the deserted landscape is the perfect setting for an intimate encounter with nature. Here is a digital sketch based on my impressions of Del Mar beach at night. Romantic! J Frizza

These past few weeks I’ve been busy designing a book cover and Word Press customization for MonkeyCMedia.com client Belo Cipriani. The San Francisco based author is launching a memoir recounting the details of how he became blind, and following the challenges of living with the new disability. The compelling book is coming out in April. The site is up and running, take a look: www.blindamemoir.com
J Frizza

May all our wishes come true in the new year… Health, Prosperity, Love, Peace and Joy for all humanity! J Frizza

Another satisfied customer at Monkey C! “Short Stories by D.V. Glenn” is the latest blog customization I designed for L.A. author D.V. Glenn. The blog is a striking and hip platform to promote his new book “The Girl with Two Left Breasts.” The design was conceived to match Glenn’s unusual and innovative writing. The book is getting amazing reviews and praise. Check it out … www.dvglennstories.com
J Frizza

The holidays are here, and I’m using my free time to work on some personal projects.  I’m sharing today a detail of a pattern I created recently, inspired by the colors of fall and Oriental rugs. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on illustrations, design and art with amazing clients, and also have the time for my own art. Each project is a challenge and a source of satisfaction… I love what I do. Happy Thanksgiving! J Frizza

Another successful WordPress customization and book cover design completed for Monkey C Media client, author and artist Peter John Lucking. The new website is an online portal to promote the new book “Santa & The Little Teddy Bear.” The tale, in words and intricate illustrations, narrate the world wide adventure of a cute teddy bear, who becomes Santa’s helper during an unforgettable Christmas night. The book, a perfect Christmas gift, will be out for sale soon. Visit the site at www.BilbosAdventures.com. J Frizza

Here is a detail of a large piece I’m working on. “Dreamer” is a digital collage with drawings and patterns, still in the works. However, I’ve gotten to a point where I really like the piece, yet is not finished at all. I’m torn, because I love the freshness of the casual and hurried composition, and I don’t want to loose that feeling. Technology though, allows me to record and save every stage of the process… I love computers! J Frizza

At Monkey C Media, we just finished launching a website promoting a new book by author Walter Green. The book titled “This Is the Moment!” is published by Hay House, and available at your favorite online bookstore. The custom WordPress site features the author’s friendly smile, welcoming everyone to share with him an extraordinary account of gratitude. Working on Walter’s website design was a pleasure, the end result speaks for itself. Check it out: www.ThisIstheMoment.com J frizza

Southern California is beautiful. Even at this time of economic uncertainty and transition, the neighborhood is an abundant source of inspiration. The dramatic ‘Foreclosure,’ ‘Bank Owned,’ and ‘Sale’ signs stand solemn in perfectly manicured and trimmed yards, in front of ghostly empty houses. This American dream has become a nightmare for some. The vacation weather, the quintessential California palm tree, the perfectly cleaned street seam out of place in such sad scenario. Though change is good, the organic urban web still regenerates and thrives. Here is another digital ‘impression’ of my neighborhood. J Frizza

Blisswear, a local boutique, hired me to illustrate the new home page of the upcoming online store. The site is still under construction, though you can take a look at the illustration and overall design at www.blisswear.com.
From the concept drawing to the finish home page, the images below narrate the creative process… J Frizza

My summer was busy, teaching an Adobe Illustrator Class at Platt College, San Diego. Working with the students on posters, maps, and book covers was a lot of fun. Our weekly project critique was my favorite exercise. At the end of the module, the student’s feedback was positive and encouraging. In one more week, I’ll be teaching the class again. I’m exited!
Here is one of the exercises from the summer class, a poster using several Illustrator tools … all in vectors, all good. J Frizza

The pattern below is a detail of a drawing inspired by spring flowers and nature, from a series I’m currently working on. Warm colors and bright accents swirl around as they reveal organic shapes, arranged in a loose pattern.  J Frizza

I just finished another project for Monkey C Media (art direction: Jeniffer Thompson.) I completed a book cover and designed a custom Word Press site for authors Drs. Roya and Joel Herskowitz. The book is an interesting and useful health guide to swallowing. The basic bodily function is explored in details, possible swallowing complications are addressed in length. J Frizza

Visit Joel and Roya’s site at www.swallowsafely.com.

In the news: www.metrowestdailynews.com/lifestyle/health/

Walking around the neighborhood always gets my creative juices flowing. I’m sharing here a digital scene from University Hights, a neighborhood in San Diego, California. An old Victorian house in the afternoon light. J Frizza

My friend Peter has a little zoo in his house. He has two dogs, six cats, a parrot, seven turtles, four lizards, and four fish tanks! All the unique creatures are adorable. Here is one of them, a portrait of Smoky, the parrot. A special bird that got lost, and was found after weeks, by a lost-and-found ad on www.craigslist.com … J Frizza

I have been doing yoga for 6 months now, and it feels great! The ‘classroom’ is a peaceful room with wooden floors and big windows. The floor vibrates with good energy. The classes are chance encounters with strangers and new found friends. We reunite a few times a week for a soft synchronized mob dance in this sacred place. And the yoga classes have been a source of inspiration for me… here is one of my ‘yoga classes’ inspired digital sketches. J Frizza

Three samples from a series of digital patchworks titled “The Nursery.”  These images were made combining patterns, drawings, scanned newspapers and junk mail. Delightful organic forms multiply in the fertile and prolific cyber green garden. J Frizza

This cool pattern is a detail of an artists book cover I created for an apartment re-decoration proposal. A fun project! J Frizza

Fantastic faces swirl around this fluid composition, the blue hues suggest a night of vivid dreams. The playful piece is based on sketches for patterns, is titled “Faces in the Night.” J Frizza

This set of images belong to a series titled “Digital Patchwork” inspired by quilting techniques and American folklore. J Frizza

“Nature’s Power 02″

“Food for Everybody 05″

“Good Morning America 2″

Continuing with the flower theme, here is another floral pattern I created a few weeks ago. In this one, the dark backdrop is a fertile visual ground for the colorful swirling vegetation. Cheers! J Frizza

Here are three crops from a large piece titled “Sampler 01,” a digital patchwork I constructed using found patterns and text, inspired by American Folklore and Quilting techniques. J Frizza

Fantastic water creatures swim along this strange pattern… mermaids or amoebas? Plants or animals?  I think I’ll use this one as a background  for another piece. J Frizza

Here is another of the flower patterns I’ve been working on, this one is one of my favorites. J Frizza

I’m working on flower patterns… here is one of them, in two color versions. J Frizza

Spring is here! The yard is full of flowers, the plants are growing, and I’ve been drawing and working on my art a lot. Here is a detail of a large piece a recently finished, inspired by my friend’s garden and Japanese prints. J Frizza