Graphic Work

These a few examples of commissioned graphic work spanning from cover work, logos, etc.

Info graphic aids for class setting

Pipelines &  Pathways Grant S.T.E.M. Logo graphic for Cedar Valley College 

Pipelines &  Pathways Grant S.T.E.M. Logo graphic (In Color)

Pipelines &  Pathways Grant S.T.E.M. layout for gift bags @ Cedar Valley College conference

A Gardener's Runway

November 6 2015 was the day of my first ever gallery presentation at Ro2 Arts' old location (110 Akard St.) downtown, before the move to Ervay. A Gardener's Runway was comprised of a small collection of hand-painted readywear and cut and sew pieces heavily based on natural and surrealist inspiration, live music that I composed, and Jimmy John's catering.

Directly working with textiles used for ready-to-wear items, (mainly cotton) reflects consumer awareness of natural resources and their sustainability. I seek to spread more appreciation for all things nature, in an industry-focused way of living life in most of it does; mainly in introducing produce in grocery stores, and transportation.

2014 Staff Art Show

     I had the wonderful pleasure of showing a couple of my work in this years Inside Job staff exhibition from november 21\2014 - february 22\2015. At 1:16 in, you get to see Cardinal, (Acrylic on canvas, left) and Warbler, (Fabric paint on cotton shirt, right), two of my most favorite works so far. I make art centered around my appreciation for natural living things, plant, person, or animal, around me first and foremost, and to encourage others to do the same. In a very tech heavy, not so well-handled waste managing, many times earth-hurting way of living, we often stray away from the idea of reaping the most efficient relationship with the planet, and I'd like to think that these works of art are a reminder of what we're missing out on and hurting the most; besides ourselves.

Hand-painted shirts and the constructing of a brand

     This project is an amalgam of my love of impressionist and surrealist imagery and interest in textiles and fashion design, into a full on fine art presentation. Fabrics like canvas (un-primed) and cotton are now really the new art canvas of our era; and seeing that evidently makes me make me want to speak with the textures of the time.

     Where this coincides with the direction of a clothing brand is a critical part of everything I've done this year; using friends as models, taking photos, working with digital printing and screen printing, and illustration, in a sort of small portfolio of its own. Scenic Design in Fantasy is the design book in the making, giving examples of all of the above techniques.

Photo credit: Andrew Phinisee
Models in photographs: Vincent Williams, Estefania Ramirez,  and Raul Rodriguez
Location(s) : Sante fe trail / Omni Hotel property (Dallas,TX)

Fascinations of This Creator

     Back when I was a younger kid, maybe about 13 or 14, I was totally addicted to the magazines. To be honest, I didn't very much care what issues of whatever magazine or anything. 'Spin', 'Kicks', 'Slam', 'Complex', (Complex especially got my respect for having equally interesting two sides to each issue, seemingly always balancing a fun urban kick with a slightly more clean cut corporate with a twist of edge.), the list goes on. I read countless articles on random celebrities that were getting press for being the one for being spotted wearing so-and-so's fall '06 line, '07 spring line, accessories, and footwear; while being enamored with the accompanying graphics, color-schemes and the overall arrangement of these articles. I guess I can pretty much sum it all up by saying that I was just a huge fan well-orchestrated visuals; all the while, having particularly interesting subjects for articles is a definite plus.

     With evolving as a young man and an artists, I was always reconstructing technique, have gotten countless sources for inspiration in a world of heavy influence towards creativity, (which is certainly healthy enough, but in other ways can be a bit limiting to how much press a person receives), and plenty of facets to present effort I'd spent on my own strength as an artistic visionary*. With being introduced to the academic freedom of being a college student, I found numerous places where all the spurts of energetic creation moments, many of which I consider to be results of some of my best work so far, would totally fit right in and only serve to make me a bit more noticeable as a student/artist. My "quirks" of every now and then being quite chatty, obsessively looking for reasons/excuses to do things for people, and seemingly constant juxtaposition of audio with illustrated visual, have proved to be nothing but useful in efforts to really pinpoint just exactly where I'm progressing in my field. Being able to become a writer by means of regular 'ole assignment completion via any one of those core classes, and by means of blogging, I've totally found an enjoyable seat to be in. I kind of like to think of it as being in coach while having a row all to yourself that's actually pretty comfortable while going through turbulence. The "flight" being the overall journey of finding what your destination as an artist, your artistic style, or your perfect venue, while that comfy seat (that might not totally be where you want to be, but found out that it would include an equally soothing spot for the time being- plus you're not heading for a nose dive) represents an awesome moment in your existence that you've stumbled on, that you might have expected wouldn't be the best of times. I've said all that to illustrate how comfortable I've been being while typing out my exact thoughts as suitable as I can deliver them. All of this no doubt, combined with prior inclination has inspired a huge desire to not only be a writer, but also an editor; of my own magazine as well as earning spots for a column in any widely respected piece of literature.

     Taking the time to go back and read when I previously spoke of being a bit fascinated with fashion in magazines makes me recognize the fact I almost ended this article without even divulging the heavy intrigue I had/have for garb of any walk of life. Who out there remembers Kanye West being on the cover of Complex some time while being on tour for the Graduation album? Who noticed the integration of the Vans shoe audience around the time Young L of The Pack worked up the beat for the "Vans" track? Did you get to check out the first few Jeremy Scott sweaters, Frankie Morello's spring '14 line recently, or the higher prevelence of the docker/nautical trend in conservative and street wear? Those are just a couple of examples of events in history of a few different eras of urban, street and high-end fashion that I pay attention to, and I know I'm not the only one either. I would actually in my own opinion say that it's the lack of a successful mix of high-end and street that motivates me to set sail on the voyage that is fashion. One that only a handful of people can truly lead the way or dictate where exactly it'll head. (I'll divulge more on the matter quite soon, but until I do, just be on the lookout for the following : Twitter, Tumblr, & Spreadshirt)

     With all this being said, many thanks goes to attending El Centro; I've met people like Vincent (Dallas L.E.J.I.T), whom I'm currently working on a couple different projects with that we'll slowly give to you guys this fall. I'm going to be working with Cashmia Hataie for a couple of photo-ops. Natalee Trinadad is a colleague of mine who's been a subject in my own photography; along with an awesome young woman by the name of Chelsea Neason. I mean, not to toot my own horn and all, but I'm rather certain i'll be able to turn a few heads soon enough for sure. But yeah, don't mind me making a careful observation.

Got another story for you all.. A tale of Misery

Well, it’s finally here. Check out the storyboard/comic I drew up for my dude Mr.Low Eyes ( Dallas L.E.J.I.T ) and his track “Misery”, coming straight from the Snatch’em Vol.2 tape. It’s a funky little bit of illustration that brings L.E.J.I.T’s feelings into comic form.

 A few months back while in 2D Design class at El Centro College, Vincent put me on to his poetry in trap, and rap pattern, and “Misery” was one of a few that really spoke to me; and a couple others whom have heard it would say something just like that. After hearing the song and being a guy who loves seeing scenarios being played out by illustrated characters, and I always look for projects to create and put out onto the peoples’ eyes if I can, suggested that we do a storyboard to his song. He looked off into space for about 3 seconds, then back to me and told me he was totally down for a collaboration. (Which might I add, might be the first of many collab works with him and Facelift ent.) 

Need any custom canvas pieces, info graphics, comics/storyboards, web design, or just want to talk art? Keep in touch with me:

phiniseeandrew@yahoo.com | twitter.com/DonPhinisee | Instagram: adphiniseeIII | phiniseeart.tumblr.com

or Vincent -  Dallaslejit@hotmail.com | Instagram: vincenzo_leji | mrlejit.tumblr.com

Misery's Tale by Andrew D. Phinisee III is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at https://soundcloud.com/dallas-l-e-j-i-t/dallas-mrlow-eyes-lejit-1.

One of my first true Sitescaping videos.

Watch "This Trip was Excellent !" on YouTube

What I do behind cameras

Watch "Trapped In the lab working" on YouTube

Quality Worlds Exist: Do You Know what Yours Is?

        Man, I really just want to tell you all how wonderful I've been feeling for the past few weeks. El Centro College had student gallery art showing where all students who had pieces displayed where currently in studio classes. They also were giving out awards of up to $600 in scholarship money, in category of media, and honorable mentions who got gift cards worth $25 dollars worth of credit at Asel's art supply. Along with a good many of my classmates, I received an honorable mention for a 24x36in. oil pastel piece on crumpled watercolor work I did entitled, "Rightward Pondering".  Having a couple of my very own pieces being put up for display & sale was a great accomplishment in itself, but actually getting attention of judges and being awarded with a mention of honor, was even deeper progress; and joy. Sticking with the subject of school, I gained even more experience and progress with technique with the last few assignments, making motifs to use in repetition for at least 4 different patterns. This exercise aided me the most in tightening up my hand control and line quality with drawing media and a paint brush. Adam Palmer, (my design instructor), is such a caring & at the same time, relaxed, instructor; it's very prominent that he genuinely cares for student progress, and wants to invest his time in us all. We are an enthusiastic young bunch of student's that in the words of our instructor, seem to be "the class that really cares" about our work and the progress we make. Well, I wouldn't doubt those words, I know how much I care about my own personal growth, as well as my class' as a whole. I've built very nice friendships with most of my fellow design students, and a particular colleague of mine, who's someone that makes me very happy to be the type of person that I've been for my 19 years of living, because it's caused me to have bumped into them & ultimately get to know them, started up an intriguing conversation recently. While riding the train back to the Ledbetter station, she brought up the fact that the Learning Frameworks class she was in, discussed the concept of quality worlds; what makes up one?

     Quality worlds are pretty much personal utopias created by one's self; consisted of the desired people, feelings, situations, accolades/material things, and accomplishments. Now, keep in mind that when I took my Learning Framework class, I didn't quite grasp the concept of- well, that's not exactly the truth. It's not that I didn't understand what type of 'world' we were creating for ourselves, as much as was figuring out what kind of a world I personally wanted to be involved with. And now that I think about it, I might not be sure if my case is one of wanting this personal utopia that only myself and maybe a few people can enjoy being in, or spending a lifetime of hard work and energy to maybe improve upon the surroundings that I'm immersed in as of right now. Either way the act is being looked on, it all involves a great bit of investing time and energy, and most likely a bit of money as well.

     For me to accurately assess what my quality world would be, I'd have to take in consideration what I want to accomplish on earth while I'm here to do it.

• Constantly be a sociable/relatable person,on whatever kind of tip it could be. (musical taste, spirituality, artistic taste, etc.)
•  Attract some like minds & differing one's that have at least a few strong similarities; something that I'd imagine to be in being a spiritual being, maybe in personal attitude: open expressions of love, constructive criticism, and resides in being optimistic
• Represent an idea- I don't necessarily want to be looked at as the man who accomplished this great feat, but rather as an example of an idea; particularly the idea that every one of us human beings have talents; we carry potential energy that can should become kinetic while doing what we love, whatever it may be. As long as no bloodshed or harm has to come to yourself or anyone else, it's all fine. And be confident in it. Don't let yourself, or anyone else instill fear in your heart simply because you want to do something/aspire to do it. 
• Give people as many wonderful, pleasurable, mesmerizing things, as I can, that take them to a space in time of their own worlds; ones of nostalgic bliss that can magically take you away from the calamity that usually is living in a reality as this,(which actually does have numerous things of great beauty, but does not allow you the time to stop and ponder or enjoy them due to the overbearing need to stay alive, financially on top, and living some certain standard).

     Taking all those points in mind, I can maybe, in a nutshell, define my quality world as one that is run by myself and whomever I can relate to, revolving around the desire to openly show love & respect to all: of constant encouragement of creativity and of being knowledgeable of what has been and what currently is; where I've done/am doing my part in making others' lives better because I was there at some point in time. And I must say, while typing out this post, I am really confident that I'm in grasp of my desired world; Maybe not right at this very moment, but will be soon enough.  So, what about yourself? Do you have an idea of what your quality world would be?

Put a smile on today, why don`t-cha ?

Watch "Dia Los Rainbows" on YpiTu
Feeling down? Wanting a little more color in your day? Check this little video out and just try to say you don't smile even just a little. Matter of fact, I dare you not to smile or laugh. If you don't smile, then I`ll owe you five bucks.

Art... "What's it to ya"

        A topic of discussion that I'd like to touch on in this blog entry is one that I hope starts a conversation or two all around. For any of us out there, whether you're a "professional artist", occasional doodler, the person who buys almost every last print that they happen to come across in an Art-con or Comic-con because it "totally speaks" to them, or that guy who likes the invigorating workout of splattering insane amounts of primary colored acrylic paints on a canvas that's about as big as the side of a barn: we all have our treasured opinions as to what art is, or what we would accept a work of art to look like. This, to me, is all very fine and dandy, but it could leave a lot of leeway for much criticism; (good, bad, or ugly). Now criticizing anyone's work isn't bad, when used totally in a nondestructive connotation, it can be quite the helping hand an artist needs to find out if any specific techniques could be used, what media to be using, all of that sort of good stuff that can emphasize an emotion, draw a spectator's eye towards certain directions, etc. The only real folly of voicing an opinion/suggestion of other pieces is the vast variety of opinions had due to whatever the circumstances; I couldn't tell you how many times I've known someone who get this undeserved sense of grandeur just because of a few semesters of print making, figure drawing, and an art appreciation class. (Seriously guy, being in community college art classes, and getting a "good job" from the instructor on your ebony pencil figure drawing with the hand you don't use all the time, doesn't immediately put you in the spot to just not give any constructive/destructive criticism to anyone who doesn't ask for it.) I don't know. I just feel like there's a couple different areas that should be weighed while determining what art is.

     Are you aware of the fact that America is an accumulative of differing ideas, cultures, languages, thought patterns, hobbies, and much more? We all should be by now.. Wouldn't it make sense that all of us, national and international, as human beings with intricate emotions, would all have individual ideas or principals that are very near and dear to our hearts? Art- well actually...creativity.. is an expression; something that's made to embody a moment in time that influenced someone, and did it in such a way that every fiber of that someone's being had to project that feeling onto something more permanent than memory. Now, this principle results in a multitude of works and projects. For example: Could any of us living now possibly know what exactly sparked Da Vinci to paint a view from a high cliff or maybe a bridge, overlooking a body of water; know why Picasso went in a child-like whimsical direction like cubism, or artists like David Choe to use the organic feel of street art graffiti as a template of creative control, and the quickness that taggers wield to spray as fast as they can, (mainly so they don't get caught), because he says that it's actually a kind of stroke or subject matter that would be more "honest" than mapping out something that the masses would appreciate? The point of bringing up all the diversity in America prior to the references of a couple well-known artists, was basically to drive the point that we all not only speak in different languages, but at times we even think in different languages as well. What the most important thing about all the translation in these languages isn't being able to speak that exact language at that point in time, it's about deciphering the message. How I see it, as long as we genuinely understand what the artist is getting at, then the work of art has done it's job in society.

The start of something great

Well, Yesterday was the beginning of a collaboration with one of my peers. I'm happy to say the first day went very well, and not to mention it was actually a lot of enjoying the day going on. Yeap, fun was had. Haha Can't wait to see what we're gonna get in a few weeks.