RUSS COX was raised by a pack of crazed Hillbillies in the back hills of Tennessee. Without much in the way of modern conveniences, like a television set, he spent his time drawing and whittling away the hours. Having been born into a family with a flare for racing, Russ often dreamed of being the next Bobby Allison or Richard Petty. After dismantling his grandfather's lawn mower engine, and without a clue on how to get it back together, he soon realized that he did not have a automotive bone in his body. Back to the drawing board he went with his pencil and paper.
After spending much of his childhood moving all over the South, his recently divorced mother headed North and settled into the quaint borough of Robesonia, Pennsylvania. While in high school, Russ developed an interest in design and a passion for music. Upon graduating high school he wanted to enter the world of design and illustration. He got his education at a local art school. During this time, he was introduced to a design instructor, Jerry King Musser, who befriended him and help guide his talents. Upon graduating, with a portfolio in his hand, he ventured into the world of design and illustration. Good ole Russ worked for various design and advertising agencies until coming to his senses. With his wife giving him a swift kick start in the rump, he opened his own studio, Smiling Otis Studio, where he presently specializes in illustration and Flash animation.
When not slaving in front of a computer screen, Russ loves to spend time with his wife, two kids, and a plethora of pets. He also continues to pursue his passion for music, playing electric and standup bass in 60s surf instrumental/British Invasion band called The New Regency 5. Russ's so-called musical career highlight was his various gigs playing the infamous CBGB's in NYC.
Why is it called Smiling Otis Sudio? I get this question all the time. The name came from a cat, Otis, we once had who laid on his back and always had a big smile on his face. The kids, when they were much younger, would call him Smiling Otis. The name just stuck.
Unfortunately Otis isn't with us anymore but lives on in the name.
Voltar
Description This is a joint promo piece that I worked on with a designer and a printer. The printer is currently in production with the artwork which will include die cuts, foil stamping, embossing, etc.
A different look from what I normally do but I really enjoyed it. I wanted to keep it like a 40s movie poster so lots of blends and blurs were used to help with that effect. Maybe I will get adventurous and branch into some meshing next time.
Application Illustrator
Labels Advertisement, Fantasy
Times Viewed 2453
Approved By Huan
1 December 2008 - 11:10
Conversation With
Jerry Mills (Husker)
This is wonderful! Lots of cool little details and beautiful design.
1 December 2008 - 11:21:
Russ Cox (SmilingOtis)
replied...
Thanks for the kind words. I really wanted to add little elements that folks would want to really look at it closely.
1 December 2008 - 12:02
Conversation With
DAHMANE REDHOUANE (mimoune)
wow verry good design
1 December 2008 - 12:30:
Russ Cox (SmilingOtis)
replied...
Thanks!
2 December 2008 - 00:05
Comment From
Phill Flanders (flanders1)
Tasty piece!
2 December 2008 - 02:17
Comment From
itai (itailu)
excellent
2 December 2008 - 17:02
Conversation With
voodoodog
Russ,
Nice job on this one, as usual! I can appreciate the time and talent that went onto creating this piece. Bravo!
2 December 2008 - 23:17:
Russ Cox (SmilingOtis)
replied...
Thanks you! It was about a weeks worth of work but I am quite happy with the results.
4 December 2008 - 02:25
Conversation With
Muhammad Asim Junaid (Asim)
Really Nice work... Keep it up!
4 December 2008 - 07:36:
Russ Cox (SmilingOtis)
replied...
Thank you so much.
19 January 2009 - 08:27
Conversation With
Oleg Rogoznev (alegas1360)
Unbelievable! Like many small details.
And how it was a one dollar?
Illustrator too?
20 January 2009 - 23:09:
Russ Cox (SmilingOtis)
replied...
Thank you so much. It was all done in Illustrator CS3 with gradients, blurring, and transparencies. For my next trick, I want to try using the mesh tool.
21 January 2009 - 03:53:
Oleg Rogoznev (alegas1360)
replied...
Mesh is amazing tool! Good luck.
21 January 2009 - 08:51:
Russ Cox (SmilingOtis)
replied...
Thanks, I will need it. Any advice?
Thanks for the kind words. I really wanted to add little elements that folks would want to really look at it closely.