Blog and Artwork updates of Singapore caricaturist, portrait artist and illustrator - Jit

Kindly note that rates quoted do not include the release of copyright ownership.
All copyright ownership resides with Portrait Workshop.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 18

Sofia Amanda Bening
Henry Park Primary School, 4 Harmony

Happiness and Found

“Hey! Hey you! Come here!” a hoarse voice from the alleyway beckoned Dillon to come over to a dilapidated pile of cardboard boxes. Dillon’s body stiffened, his feet rooted to the ground. He slowly turned around and saw a dark shape lurking in the darkness. The shape shouted, “Hey you! Are you deaf? Come here!” Dillon slowly walked towards the alleyway, his heart racing with each step he took. To his surprise, it was a boy with orange hair and a cunning smile. Dillon recognised it was Calvin, who was usually seen taking drugs with his friends in the alleyway.

“Hey, Dillon! Wanna try some drugs? Tell you what—just for you, I will give you a packet for five dollars”, Calvin smirked.

Henry Park Primary School Sofia Amanda Bening - illustration 1 colour

Dillon stared at the packet of pink pills. “Hmm … taking drugs would be pretty cool. I’ve always wanted to be in Calvin’s gang”, he thought.

Dillon said alright, and paid Calvin all his pocket money. Calvin sniggered and ran off.

At home, Dillon went to his room and popped the pills into his mouth. He immediately jumped up and laughed, “WOWEE!” Dillon felt so high he started dancing and pictured in his mind that he was floating in the sky, sitting on a nice, soft cloud. After five minutes, he came to a stop and lay down on the floor, grinning and humming to himself. “I had no idea they could be so irresistible! I think I’ll take all of them and get some more!” Dillon murmured. Day after day, Dillon met Calvin at the same alleyway to buy the pink pills. Day after day, Dillon began to lose his appetite for food and he had difficulty going to sleep. By not having enough sleep, he could not concentrate in class. His grades started to PLUNGE and he was often reprimanded by the teachers for missing his classes. He began hallucinating and hearing voices in his head. Days turned to weeks, weeks turned to months. By September, Dillon was an addict. Whenever Dillon didn’t have enough money to buy his supply, he would start to roll on the floor, SCREAM, beat the wall and pull his hair. It almost seemed like he was crazy and had a mental illness. But the last day of October was Dillon’s turning point.

Dillon was hanging out at the bus stop with Calvin and a secondary school drop-out named Lyle. The three drug addicts were taking drugs and kicking sand into each other’s eyes. Dillon was ecstatic that he was finally part of a cool gang. Nobody would think of him as a geek anymore! Suddenly, Calvin spotted a policeman patrolling at the corner of his eye. Deciding to leave “uncool” Dillon, Calvin signalled to Lyle, and they were about to take off when Dillon called, “Hey, where are you going?”

Lyle told him that they were going to the restroom. Dillon shrugged and popped some more drugs into his mouth, sucking on them slowly just to prolong the pleasure. When Dillon thought that things were going well, the policeman spotted him. The policeman rushed and grabbed hold of Dillon. Dillon screamed and struggled, but it was no good. The policeman brought the scruffy boy to the police station.

“No! No! I want those back! Give them back to me, you fat bozo! No!” Dillon flew into a horrific rage when the policeman snatched his drugs away. The policeman sighed deeply. This was a terrible situation Dillon had gotten himself into. When his parents arrived at the police station, they were aghast at the sight of their son who used to be health-conscious and top of his class. Dillon’s mother broke down and collapsed into her husband’s arms, sobbing. Dillon’s father felt worse than wretched.

Dillon screamed, “I said I want those back! Give them to me NOW!” Dillon was immediately sent to the Boys’ Home.

The Boys’ Home was absolutely horrifying. The boys there were either running, screaming, crying or fighting. Dillon sat in a chair for three days, emotionless and tortured without his drugs. Suddenly, a word shot into his head like a bullet: HAPPINESS. Where had all the happiness, joy and cheerfulness inside him gone? Tears welled up and stung in Dillon’s eyes. He dreaded the thought that his parents were keeping him in that cell forever. Dillon then realised that there was much more to life than taking drugs like criminals. He resolved to change his life, which was in shambles then. Dillon cried uncontrollably when his parents came to visit the following day and told them that he had been thinking about his life. His parents smiled. They had no idea Dillon could recover from his addiction so quickly. The policeman agreed to take Dillon home one week later.

Not taking drugs for the rest of his life was difficult for Dillon to cope with, but with determination and help from his parents, he managed to break through the barrier of drug addiction in two weeks. A few years later when Dillon was 15, he and his clever classmate Stefanie put up a rap music video on Youtube that encouraged younger kids to stay away from drugs.

Henry Park Primary School Sofia Amanda Bening - illustration 2 colour

Yo, this is Stefanie,
And I’m so happy
That my friend Dillon has found the key,
To happiness and freedom for the resta his life,
‘Cos once you take drugs your life is fulla strife!
Yo, this is Dillon,
And I’m happy to say
That now I’m drug-free every day,
‘Cos drugs are da worst, you can’t think straight,
You start to feel sick and begin to shake!
(together) So, don’t take drugs, it’s bad for you,
Unless you wanna end up “Cuckoo!”

Dillon was grateful for the change in his life. When he was 21, he became a spokesperson for an anti-drug programme. Dillon had finally found happiness that lasted the rest of his life.


Finally done!!!
This project started since this February, and finally ended today.
Quite a 'torture' to me, as I usually finished my job in 1- few days' time, depending on the job requirements.
You would have noticed the style for the cover is different from those essays.
The client approved and accepted the former, and thus I proceeded with the latter. Using the same style, the whole batch of 36 pencil sketches were all rejected, and they were sent in batches. They didn't say anything during they receive it along the way. This of course made me very worked up. Anyway, this was mentioned earlier on, so I won't raise it up further.

I just wonder when they will come back to me to redo the cover, given that it was a different style with the illustrations (for the essay) in the book.

By the way, just a note that these were the 18 winning essays from the anti-drug essay competition.
Winner was Wilson Wu Fan.
Second place was Debbie Michelle Ng, and third place was Sofia Amanda Bening

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 17

Title: A Horrible Price to Pay

Jerika Low En Ru
St. Anthony’s Canossian Primary, 4 Allamanda

Timothy used to be a young, inquisitive boy, always willing to try new things. He was a fast learner and could always easily comprehend whatever his teacher taught him. He had a bright future ahead of him, and even planned to be a doctor. His whole life was mapped out for him, and with his quick tongue and sharp wit, it was hard to believe that he would not succeed.

That was until John came into his life. It was a normal afternoon and Timothy was walking home after school. He had just reached the void deck when suddenly a rowdy-looking youngster stopped him. “Give me all your money now or …”

St Anthony's Canossian Primary Jerika Low En Ru - illustration 1 colour

Timothy saw the glint of a knife in the youngster’s right hand and immediately knew what was about to happen to him. Just then, a young boy about Timothy’s age sauntered up with a few older teenagers.

“Hey! Who do you think you are! Stop harassing others before we report you to the police!”

The youngster was about to protest, but seeing that he was outnumbered, he took to his heels and disappeared in a flash. Timothy thanked the group of teenagers and the boy introduced himself as John. However, the conversation did not end there.

“You want to repay us for helping you? Well then why don’t you hang out with us and have some fun.”

A red-haired boy smirked knowingly. Seeing no harm in that, Timothy agreed. Immediately, John looked around the void deck and whipped out a packet containing pink pills. The whole gang urged Timothy to take one, and he foolishly came to the conclusion that there was no harm in trying just one.

He was wrong. The next few months of his life whizzed past in a blur. He constantly felt irritable, dazed and had horrible hallucinations. He drew further and further apart from his younger siblings, who constantly stole worried glances at their once-beloved big brother. He spent almost all of his time after school either begging for more drugs or trying to steal money to buy drugs.

St Anthony's Canossian Primary Jerika Low En Ru - illustration 2 colour

One day when he had managed to obtain some money to buy more drugs, something happened. He was making his purchase, and was drenched in sweat and shivering. Just as John was about to hand him the packet of pink pills, a shout captured his attention. It was two narcotics officers! Timothy tried to run, but he was too weak and collapsed on the ground. John had disappeared in the blink of an eye.

“Come with us, you’re in deep trouble young man!” one of the narcotics officers hollered. They brought him back to the Central Narcotics Bureau and called his parents. When they found out what had happened, they started sobbing in disappointment. Why had they not found out earlier? Why didn’t they stop him? Regrets filled the entire atmosphere, but everyone knew that it was too late to bring things back to what they once were.

Timothy entered a drug rehabilitation centre, where he suffered withdrawal symptoms. It was a very difficult period of his life, and he encountered countless hardships. He was released a couple of years later when he was finally released and drug-free. He regretted the horrible encounter with John and started a whole new life. He made up with his family, who welcomed him back with open arms. Now, Timothy is busy spreading the message: Do not abuse drugs; the only thing that will come out of it is a horrible price to pay.

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 16

Gwyneth Lee Yi Xin
Nan Chiau Primary School, 5A

From the CNB website, there were 2,166 drug abusers in 2007 as compared to 1,218 in 2006. Repeat drug abusers made up 77% of the total number of abusers. The composition of the age groups was as follows: 39% were forty and above, 33% were thirty to thirty-nine, 25% were twenty to twenty-nine and 3% were under twenty.

From the age groups of thirty to forty and above, which make up 72%, I feel that most of them already have families with young children. They are the faceless victims when their fathers or mothers are punished by the law for their morbid drub abusing.

In my school library, I came across the book Broken Mirror. This book is based on true stories from ex-drug abusers. These drug abusers mostly had parents or friends who gambled or abused drugs. Others relate the plight of the drug abusers’ children. After I had read this book, what touched my heart was that the drug abusers were just children when they came across this habit. Some were just infants! I was deeply sorry for them as I read through their encounters. Some stories were so touching I could not refrain from shedding a tear or two.

I sympathise and feel for those innocent children of drug abusers.

Nan Chiau Primary School Gwyneth Lee Yi Xin - illustration 1 colour

It would be difficult for children to understand why their parents need to go to jail. Why they are not able to see their parents for a long period of time, why they are put in a foster home, and how they will be looked upon by society for having parents who are drug abusers. Needless to say, they lack self-confidence and feel disadvantaged. They come from a broken family and most probably will not have enough financial means to cover their daily needs. They will be deprived of many opportunities compared to more fortunate children.

I hope that this society will not look down on them, but instead will give them a helping hand. It is unfair to them if they are judged by their backgrounds and where they come from. We should also not discriminate against them, but instead give them the opportunity to lead a normal and happy life.

Nan Chiau Primary School Gwyneth Lee Yi Xin - illustration 2 colour

It does not matter who their parents are, but rather what they grow up to be.

Drugs not only destroy a person’s life, they also hurt the people around him or her. I strongly believe that the price for taking drugs is too high to pay, as many innocent children are deprived of their happy childhood because of drugs.

Illustration for Heidelberg

This client commissioned me to do up a cartoon frog mascot few years back.
Checking through my blog, and I can't find the artwork.
It must be way before Aug 2006, when this blog starts.
No time to search through my portfolio archived on DVDs.
Thus, it won't be put up on this blog in the near future, until I have time to do so one fine day.

Anyway, this new job was an illustration to be printed on T-shirt for the accountants.
The colours were rendered digitally.
The wordings were done out of goodwill, as I quoted them for the illustration part only.
And guessed what? These wordings turned out to be the one which need changes.
No problem in the illustration part at all. What can I say?

hand with beans Illustration for Heidelberg (flattened)
First artwork done.

hand with beans Illustration for Heidelberg (application)
They told me it will be printed on blue T-shirt.
I outlined the artwork with white borders, to show them the outcome when it is printed/applied on the T-shirt.

hand with beans Illustration for Heidelberg (revised) flattened
The boss wanted green colour for the wordings.
Got to go back to the psd file and make the changes, and flattened it again for them.
Not very difficult, but quite a hassle.

hand with beans Illustration for Heidelberg  revised (application)
And they changed to black T-shirt now.

hand with beans Illustration for Heidelberg (revised 2) flattened
Now, they changed the wordings.

hand with beans Illustration for Heidelberg (revised 2) flattened application
And thank goodness, all passed.

A lesson learned. Seems to be easy and straightforward, do it out of goodwill, and it turned out to be the hiccup of the whole job.

Caricature theme - roller blading + fishing

Client's request:-
"Caricature in colour marker with theme: The background will be a sunny day at Bedok Jetty at East Coast Park. Both of us wearing sports attire, on roller blades (blue for him and grey n pink for me). Both of us are fishing (yellow fishing rod). "

Couple caricatures roller blading & fishing at Bedok Jetty A4
Crossing my fingers initially, whether to put a sock, fish bone or fish, on the hook?
Then I decided on a fish, and everything started with it.
First, I need to do it up cute (or grotesque), funny, and nicely, in the execution part.
And I don't think such fish does exist in this world (hard to say too), since it was drawn based on my imagination.
In terms of layout, I put it in the foreground - being dragged out of the water, the bait in its mouth, but the hook didn't pierce through its lips. Sleepy eyes to enhance the sense of humour.
As for the lady, she was scared off by this wierd-looking fish, when she dragged it out of the sea, and knocked into her boyfriend, who was preparing the bait behind her, who thus knocked into the container next to him. Another fish peeping out from that container.
A sequence of actions, which tied up everything, from the right to the left.
Added in the shoreline, greenery and the sea, at the later stage. If not, it doesn't look convincing that the setting was at Bedok Jetty at East Coast Park.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Caricature theme - Chinese traditional wedding "Kua"

Client's request:-
"...Chinese traditional wedding in the 'Kua'
......This drawing is as a gift for my parents wedding anniversary...."

Couple wedding anniversary  carricatures in traditional Chinese kua
Getting a hang of how to draw the "Kua" textile pattern.
Now, I am giving it a different pattern and posture, adding on to my existing portfolio.

Friday, August 29, 2008

Caricature order from Macau

Client' brief:-
"I am currently working in Macau while he’s in Singapore.
We meet every two months and communicate online thru skype, msn or phone every night.
Am thinking of the following scenarios, give me your thoughts please.
2 of us talking on the phone with Macau & Singapore as our background
.......
I work at the Venetian, would be great if you could include Venetian in the Macau background as well.
It will be our 6th par-tor anniversary in sep and I like to give him this present."


Couple caricatures on the phone - Singapore
Couple caricatures on the phone - Macau
She opted for 2 separate caricatures, instead of 1 drawing, split into 2 scenes.

Email from the client upon seeing the artworks:-
"Thanks a lot!
You have captured our features very well!
Will definitely contact you when we want to have our wedding invitations printed…
Best Regards,
Kelly "

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Caricature for Hernis

Client's brief:-
"Person in picture is riding a Harley-Davidson with the lizard on his head & a banner at the back showing HERNIS"

Caricature for Hernis Harley Davidson lizard
The client send me a different model of Harley Davidson photo.
At least different from what I usually draw.
Got to study its structure.
He does has a lizard like this. No joke!
Fun to draw, but I won't like it on my head.

Q-Digital Caricature theme - Air Steward

Q-Digital Caricature - Air Steward
This client placed the order through email.
I can tell that this air steward is him, upon his collection.
Close resemblance, by Artist Q!

Caricature theme - prince on throne

Caricature of 1 year old  baby prince on throne
I used to draw for this baby's parents year ago for their wedding caricatures.
Now, for their baby's 1 year old birthday.
His name is Prince, which explains why they want to put him on a throne, with a crown and cape.
They requested for a "1" next to him, which I cartoonize it.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Caricature for Right Management

Informations of this gentleman, from the client:-
"....He loves to play soccer
· He loves to play tennis
· He rides a pink scooter to work
· He is funny, cheeky, a usual French Man, loud and loves to smile.
· He is our Senior Vice President for Sales....."


Caricature for Right Management pink scooter tennis soccer
Pink Scooter! Very unique for a guy.

Caricature for Right Management pink scooter tennis soccer in acrylic frame
In clear acrylic frame, wrapped in cellophane plastic, to protect it from scratches, before I hand it to the client.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 15

Isabella Loh
Henry Park Primary School, 6 Initiative

That fateful Monday morning, the gorgeous weather betrayed the less than pleasant events that would take place that day. The sky was a shade of powder blue and a few cotton-wool clouds, blown by the light breeze, drifted lazily across the sky. I was having the typical Monday blues and was trudging grimly, shouldering my backpack on the seemingly tiny stretch of pavement towards my school.

“Amy! Wait for me!” a distant voice called out, just across the road. I abruptly stopped and swivelled to face the speaker.

“Gosh, I haven’t seen you for how long? Anyway, meet me here after school, ok? I want to show you something”, my best friend, Sandra, babbled excitedly.

I should have ignored her request and run to the safety of the school gates; after all, we had been strangers for two weeks. Her listless, irritable mood had soured our friendship. Instead, I dully nodded my head, half asleep, and just continued on my way.

It was only at the end of the last lesson when the bell was just seconds from ringing that I remembered her words, that the matter actually sunk in.

Soon enough, the familiar shrill bell rang and the sound of the screeching of chairs being pushed back and the excited chatter of my schoolmates filled the air. I grimaced slightly but scurried hurriedly to just outside the school gates where dozens of my schoolmates were chatting with their friends as they crossed the road.

“Amy! I didn’t think you would come! Why don’t you come and take a walk with me? I want to show you some of my new friends!” Sandra linked arms with me and chattered eagerly as she steered me in the direction of the construction site a stone’s throw away from our school.

She continued chattering away until we finally arrived at the construction site. She warily glanced around and quickly dashed to the bottom of one of the scaffolds.

“I did it, didn’t I? I kept my promise, now where is my reward?” Sandra lost her eager expression and took on a more sinister, more hungry one as we drew close to a few huddling girls.

“Of course you get your reward. I’m sure she’ll love it”, said the apparent leader, a tall, gangly girl, as she discreetly passed a packet of something colourful to Sandra.

“What are you talking about? What will I love?” I asked curiously.

“You will find out soon enough. Why don’t you try it right now?” she smiled invitingly and proffered a small packet of what looked like colourful pills.

Henry Park Primary School Isabella Loh - illustration 1 colour.

“Is that… is that ecstasy?” I looked incredulously at Sandra who had swallowed the whole packet of pills.

“No, no, this is XTC, it’s harmless!” That slightly desperate tone in her voice gave it away.

I sprinted swiftly in the direction of the school and none of them seemed to be steady enough to pursue me. I dashed into the principal’s office and gabbled the first thing that came into my mind.

“They’re taking drugs at the construction site!” I gabbled anxiously.

My principal swiftly issued several teachers to apprehend the students and with a flash of fingers, dialled the number for the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Henry Park Primary School Isabella Loh - illustration 2 colour

I was in shock and my vision was blurring like overexposed pictures. It was my first narrow brush with drugs and I could not believe someone would dare to take drugs in the heart of Singapore.

Needless to say, that gang of girls was sent for rehabilitation in the girls’ home and their drugs were seized. I never saw Sandra again and I am ashamed to say that I am glad.

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 14

Chia Yan Min, Kimberly
Zhangde Primary School

“The price for taking drugs is too high to pay”, I thought as I looked out of the window in my room. As the light of dawn seeped into my room, tears rolled down my cheeks. The boys’ home was going to be my new home for the next three years. I will always remember my moment of folly that caused me to suffer this fate. How I got here started like this…

The dappled sun shone through the trees, creating mysterious shadows. I was walking home from school, feeling dejected due to the bad results I got in my exams. I had failed in almost all my subjects! I dreaded the prospect of facing my mother after she came home from work that evening. She would surely blow her top over my results!

I dragged my feet along, my crestfallen face a picture of disappointment. At that moment, a teenage boy approached me at the void deck of my block. He had bloodshot eyes and his hair was unkempt. He wore loose, ill-fitting and mismatched clothes. “Hey boy, do you want to buy these drugs? They are a mix of Heroin, Ice and Ecstasy. They can relieve stress, let you study harder and let you get good results!” I was doubtful of his claim, but I was also burning with curiosity. I peered at the pills. If they could really make me achieve these results as the teenager said, then they were just what I needed!

Although I knew that drugs were bad for me, I was so taken in by the teenager’s words that without even thinking twice, I agreed to buy the drugs. The drugs were quite cheap and cost only two dollars. I continued walking home, planning to take the drugs when I reached home. I knew that nobody would be at home since both my parents were at work. This way, my little secret of taking drugs would be safe with me.

When I reached home, I immediately threw my schoolbag down and ran to my bedroom. I sat on my bed and examined the drugs carefully. My conscience was telling me not to eat the drugs, but curiosity got the better of me. I popped a drug into my mouth, swallowed it down and waited for the effects that the teenager had promised would happen. Five minutes passed. Nothing happened. An hour passed. I started to feel more energetic, but also a little dizzy.

I started to do my homework. Indeed, I could do it at a much faster rate than usual. Days passed and soon I was addicted to a cocktail of drugs. My studies were not up standard but I thought nothing of it, as whenever I took drugs I would be on a “high” and nothing bothered me. I felt on top of the world!

Then one day, my luck changed. I was just buying drugs as usual when out of the blue a man appeared. He walked up to the teenager and asked to buy drugs. When the teenager gave him the drugs in a small packet, he took out an identity card and said in a gruff voice, “Stop! You two are under arrest! Drop all the drugs!”

Zhangde Primary School Chia Yan Min Kimberly - illustration 1 colour

I finally realized what was happening. The man was actually a plainclothes Central Narcotics Bureau officer and was going undercover to expose this drug selling operation! I tried to make a run for it but to no avail. Other police officers soon appeared and pinned my arms behind my back. My heart thumped wildly and my legs trembled like jelly. I was led away into a police car. My head hung low and my shoulders slumped.

My parents were informed of my arrest via a call made by the officers. I overheard my father asking the officers repeatedly whether this was true, disbelieving what they said. I also heard faint sobbing sounds in the background, presumably from my mother. My face was red with shame.

As I was still a minor, I was charged in the Juvenile Court. Being caught red-handed while buying drugs, I had no defence against my crime. My parents were there in court. Guilt was written all over my face as the charges against me were read out. I was sentenced to three years at the boys’ home.

Zhangde Primary School Chia Yan Min Kimberly - illustration 2 colour

When I caught sight of my mother, I could hardly recognise her. She looked sad and woebegone, and her eyes were red and puffy from crying. Her tearstained face was swollen with grief. My gaze wandered to my father. Although he knew that I was looking at him, his eyes refused to meet mine. It finally dawned on me that my taking of drugs would not only hurt myself, but also my family and the people around me. I bitterly regretted ever taking drugs.

The chirping of birds jolted me back to reality. As I looked at the pale blue sky out of my window, I made a silent vow not to take drugs ever again and to turn over a new leaf. I believed that there was still some good in me and that my parents would forgive me for my wrongdoings. This will serve as a constant reminder to me and everyone else to stay away from drugs. It will always stay in my heart and will be etched in my mind forever.

Caricature theme - gynaecologist

Client's brief:-
".... a theme of him carrying a baby and surrounded by babies with different expressions (crying, laughing etc)..."

Likely to be a thank you gift to the client's gynaecologist.

Caricature of a gynaecologist with babies
These babies reminded me of the day when I saw my newly born kids, sleeping, crying etc in the baby room. Now they are 7 and (going to) 3 years old. How time flies.........

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Caricature theme -wedding couple on bike from Singapore to Melbourne

A returned client.
This time for her own wedding caricatures):-
The detail brief:-
".....to organise the A4 caricature picture for our wedding cards. I have attached a number of photos that should help you.

We are after a picture of the following:

- Myself and Aida are to be on the motorbike (without helmets of course)
- Matt will be riding the bike, Aida will be on the back of the bike (see example pic named: 'example card of couple on bikes')
- We are to be situated on the centre of the dwg
- we would like a windy rd shown indicating us leaving Singapore and riding to Melbourne for the wedding.
- on the top right we can have a typical Singapore landmark being the Flyer and the Singapore Merlion (see attached pic of previous caricature you have done)
- on the left we would like the Melbourne Land mark being Flinders Street Station with a Tram infront of it painted in the Australian flag (see pic named: 'Melbourne - flinders street sation with Aussie tram')
- The bike we are to ride is shown in the pic 'Motor bike'
- we would like to have a sign in on the rd saying 'Melbourne 6076 km' The sign is to have a orange background with letters in black
- Aida can hold a small bouquet of red roses

i have tried to give you the best pics of ourselves to help you with our faces. I would like to be in a suit and Aida can be in a white wedding dress - something similar to the pic ouf the couple in 'example card of couple on bikes' would be great

Aida would like her her to be about shoulder length (or a little longer), and flowing.

My hair can be like those of the pics supplied.......

We would like the final copy on a CD (so we can print wedding cards from it) and the original can be framed. Can you please provide me with some options for the frame...."


Wedding caricatures on bike from Singapore to Melbourne A4
I flipped the Singapore and Melbourne setting in the background.
The groom's photos given, showed more of his right face.
Given this angle, he can only moves to the right direction.
Thus, on the right, cannot be the Singapore setting, as briefed by them.
These were the minor details which the clients won't notice.

Overall, this was not an easy job.
Theoretically, the groom's caricature should be an easy job, given his prominent features.
Not so when I was drawing him.
Somehow, the feel wasn't there again.
Hey, where's my 'friend' again?
No choice, I have to do it painstakingly. Must make sure everything goes well and correct.
Then, those painful details on the motorbike, the tram, and the building.
Felt like dragging a loaded truck uphill when I was drawing them.
Just can't move fast.
But the feedback from them was satisfying:-

"Hi Jit

Awesome! Thanks heaps for the portrait.
We both loved it! Worth waiting.....
Cant help smiling looking at it...

Go Jit!

Cheers
Aida & Matt "

Friday, August 22, 2008

Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008

An hour event at Shangri-la Hotel.
Theme is Hero Night, Thus, I was told to draw some Super Hero bodies for the caricatures, if the guests requested. Obviously, the number of caricatures churned out in an hour will be reduced, given more time needed to spend on each caricature.

I was stopped by the security at the entrance to the Island Ballroom.
Told them I was the caricaturist for this event.
He went in to ask who knows me.
The event organiser should be the one sweating, as he didn't see me 15 mins before the events start. He came out to bring me in, saying that the VIP - Miss Ho Ching (Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wife), CEO of Temasek Holdings will be reaching soon. That explained the unusual tight security of a company Dinner & Dance.
Anyway, I won't expect her to be sketched by me, as VIP usually will go straight into the ballroom upon arrival.

Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night
Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night 1
Gave him a Batman body, since he was wearing a Batman T-shirt inside.

Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night 2
He said a Batman body too, since he had no idea.
Proposed a Superman for him, and he accepted.

Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night 3
He knew what he wanted - A spear for him.

Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night 5
Not much time left. Got to speed up without any Superhero theme.

Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night 6
Caricature live sketching for Temasek Holdings D&D 2008 Hero Night 7
iFlickr
Went into the ballroom - waiting for my payment, as the organiser said can only pay me after the opening ceremony. Waited 55 minutes for the cheque for an hour event. ......

Anyway, you can tell that this was a no low budget event. The costumes of the Superheroes (around 200-300 of them) could cost a bomb, even though they were rented.

Portrait in pencil of a Malay lady

Portrait of a Malay Lady 220808
A returned customer.
Only saw him when he collected this framed up portrait (he placed his order via email, which almost all my clients did).
Told him that he looked familiar.
He said he used my service when I was in Clarke Quay.
Wah! Thought I saw him when I was busking in Orchard, and my shop in China Square.
Maybe, but I didn't ask further.

Back to this drawing:-
A fully-drawn "Tudung' (the headscarf which the Malay ladies wear) may look too heavy on this portrait.
I left it out partially. It helped to give this portrait a more dynamic layout too, based on the angle she looked at.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Wedding caricatures for magnet

Couple wedding caricatures on magnet
This wedding caricature artwork will be printed on the magnets (perhaps to give out to their guests).
The lines cannot turn out weak when reduced to that size.
Hence, I used brush instead of fountain pen for the linework.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Caricatures in pencil

Caricature in pencil 01
Caricature in pencil 02
Caricature in pencil 03
Caricature in pencil 04
Caricature in pencil 05
Caricature in pencil 06
Caricature in pencil 07
Not sure what they are going to do with these caricatures.
They provided with other photos, but they are either too blur, or more ideal for portraits.
Thus, they let me decide which one to use for their caricatures.

Email from the client:-

"Hi Jit,

Will like to say a big thanks for your caricatures, they love it dearly!
Saw on your blog, and though you maybe interested to know what they were for. We are students from NTU, organising committee for Impresario, a nation-wide talent search competition. They are the directing committee member for Impresario 2008 which took place in Mar this year, and the caricature was a special gift for them.
........
Once again, Thank You very much for the caricature, it was a job well done! =)

Cheers,
Steven Teo"

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 13

Debbie Michelle Ng
Canossa Convent Primary, Pr 5 Charity

Standing at the side of the stage, waiting to receive my hard-earned scholarship, I felt like a totally different person. I was no longer a slave to my drug addiction. I can still remember the day when I had my first taste of heroin…

I was going through a difficult time in my life. My parents were constantly fighting and I was worried that divorce was imminent. My grades started falling from A’s to D’s. Most of my test papers had remarks like “Needs to work harder” or “Does not put in effort” scribbled across them. I felt depressed, miserable and dejected. I did not know what to do. My life was turning upside down and I just didn’t know what to do.

The holidays were nearing, but I felt no joy. Many people had started to notice my unhappiness. Some tried to talk to me but I brushed them off. Others simply avoided me like the plague. However, one morning during recess I felt a nudge and a whisper in my ear, “Meet me after school at the video arcade. I have something that will help you forget your troubles.” I quickly turned around, to see my schoolmate Jerome disappear around the corner. “Hey!” I called out, but he had already gone. My curiosity gnawed at me, like how a hungry dog would gnaw at a bone. What could he have that could help me solve my problems, I wondered.

The morning seemed to pass by in a blur. Before I knew it, the bell had rung to signal the end of yet another school day. I walked to the video arcade, just behind my school. Jerome was already there, waiting for me. He signalled for me to go to the back of the video arcade. Silently, like a pair of sly rats, we slunk to the dingy back room of the arcade. He produced from his pocket a small transparent sachet filled with a white powder.

Canossa Convent Primary Debbie Michelle Ng - illustrattion1 colour

“This”, he whispered in a low voice, “is the answer to all your problems.” I eyed the powder suspiciously. “What’s that?” I asked him. “Just call it Hero Powder”, he said. “You mean heroin?” I asked. He just stared nonchalantly at me and said, “Call it whatever you want. It’ll make you feel better.” I reached out, not realising that I was about to be sucked into a black hole of addiction. That first sniff of heroin would not be my last. The ecstasy hit me almost immediately. I felt high, as if I were floating on a cloud, and as if all my troubles had just floated away like a puff of smoke.

As days went by, I found myself craving for more and more. The heroin did not come cheaply, though. In no time at all, my savings account was practically depleted. I saved all my pocket money just to pay for the drug. It was never enough. Jerome became my best friend. After all, only he understood what I was going through. Or at least I thought he did. Other friends whom I used to hang out with drifted away. I had changed, and yet I did not even realise it. I was growing thinner and my face had taken on a gaunt look. My hair, once sleek and shining, was now dull and some days even matted. My eyes were often bloodshot, as if from an urgent lack of sleep. Most days I ended up sleeping in class because without my heroin fix I just could not remain awake and focus.

Then one day, as I was halfway through my heroin fix, I suddenly felt dizzy. My mouth felt dry and parched. My tongue started swelling. I felt the world spinning and suddenly it was pitch black.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself strapped to a hospital bed. My parents were beside my bed, their eyes swollen with tears. All I could say was “I’m sorry Mum and Dad.” My parents then told me that I had fainted and had almost slipped into a coma because of drug overdose. I was shocked. I never knew drugs could be so dangerous! I also found out that once I had recovered, I would have to go to a drug rehabilitation centre.

It was a horrible experience there. I was put into a room, and no matter how much I cried out or screamed, I was not allowed to take even a sniff of heroin. I begged to no avail. The withdrawal symptoms were so bad that I found myself vomiting repeatedly and breaking out in cold sweat. It seemed like endless suffering. Like a tunnel with no sign of light at the end of it. However, as days went by, things did get better. I remember the day when I made it through one whole night without vomiting. That morning, I felt so much better. It was as if I felt a new lease of life surging through me.

A few months later, I was released from the drug rehabilitation centre. My parents were proud of me. I promised to work hard and never to go near drugs again.

As the memories flooded, I was suddenly woken from my reverie by applause. It was my turn to go up on the stage to receive my scholarship. My heart swelled with pride and joy, as I looked into the audience to see my parents’ beaming faces.

Canossa Convent Primary Debbie Michelle Ng - illustrattion2 colour

Indeed, drugs had once ruled my life. But now I realise that I am the master of my own destiny. I am my own hero!

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 12

Title: Drugs Are Not the Solution

Benjamin Aw Ka An
Tao Nan School, 5H

Daniel came from an affluent family. He had all the material comforts a boy would want: computer games, game consoles and plenty of pocket money. But he lacked love and attention from his busy parents. He felt lonely. Whenever he felt depressed or stressed, he would cycle to the beach to unwind.

One day, while Daniel was resting at a shelter along the beach, he befriended a teenager from a neighbouring school. Paul seemed to be an interesting and understanding friend. Daniel was glad that they shared the same hobbies. Over time, as their friendship deepened, Daniel began to share with Paul about his loneliness and stresses in life.

Tao Nan School Benjamin Aw Ka An - illustration 1 colour

“Don’t worry, I have something that can help you forget about your pain and make you happy. Want to try it?” Paul offered him one day. On his right palm was a pink-coloured pill. Daniel thought it looked harmless enough, and since his parents were not home at that time, he willingly tried the pill. Before he knew it, his heart began to palpitate very rapidly and he began to shake without any control over his body. With perspiration streaming down his face he felt nauseated, but also surprisingly happy, tranquil and high. When the effect of the pill wore off, he crashed into gloom and confusion. He was exhausted and fell asleep.

When Daniel awoke the next day, he recalled and liked the way he felt the day before. He went in search of more pills from Paul. Soon, Daniel was addicted to the pills—Ecstasy. With an easy source of money and a constant supply from Paul, he had no problems buying Ecstasy pills. However, Daniel’s health began to suffer. As his addiction grew stronger, he became thinner and his moods irregular. Often, he would feel irritable, anxious and extremely fearful. His memory deteriorated and he always had a dazed look on his face. His school grades started to fall. But he just could not stop his addiction.

Daniel would have continued with his downward spiral if not for his alert and caring teacher. Mrs. Lim, his form teacher, had noticed changes in Daniel’s behaviour and school work. She suspected that Daniel was abusing drugs and promptly notified his parents. Daniel’s parents were shocked beyond words when they searched and found a packet of Ecstasy pills in his room. Although it broke their heart, they knew Daniel needed help. The police were informed and Daniel was subsequently arrested by narcotics officers and sent to a drug rehabilitation centre.

Tao Nan School Benjamin Aw Ka An - illustration 2 colour

Two years on, Daniel has finally kicked his drug habit. He realised his folly, the consequences of taking drugs and how drugs almost destroyed his life.

Illustrations for CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau, Singapore) - Essay 11

Dawn Oh Ruini
Ai Tong Primary School, 6B

My parents and teachers have always warned me about the consequences of taking drugs, but not once have I ever taken heed or paid even the slightest bit of attention to them. I was just a lonely high-schooler trudging down the dark alleys that day, when a gang of college students confronted me. They had yellowish teeth and glazed eyes. The thing I found most revolting about them was their aloof look and nasty, torn clothing that smelled terrible. I frowned when they were caught in a fit of uncontrollable coughing. The nauseating air was laid thick with smoke and I could feel it plaguing my sensitive lungs. Choking, I scoffed at them, a tough look etched onto my features—an automatic response to intimidating people that was developed after years of being bullied.

“What do you guys want?” I demanded, determined to force them to back off. However, a teenage boy with long, matted black hair simply smiled and stepped up to me. He extended a palm and I looked down, confidence leaking away rapidly, only to find a small transparent bottle filled with mild, yellow-coloured pills. At first, I was filled with confusion. What could they possibly be expecting from me?

A rough, raspy voice answered the unspoken. My eyes widened in shock. Words immediately flooded my already stressed mind and uncertain thoughts whirled through my head. Drugs, he had said. Drugs…

I was enticed. My father’s words of advice kept ringing in my ears. I had promised never to accept drugs. I shivered. I honestly did not know what to do. In the blink of an eye, before I could think rationally about what had happened, the boy holding the bottle of drugs dumped it into my hands and bolted away. The rest of his gang followed suit, their amused laughter echoing throughout the passage behind them.

I took a deep breath and tucked the tiny bottle into my back pocket. Thinking back, I decided to return there the next day and fling the drug pellets back at those freak boys. I nodded my head in agreement to my own plan as an action of reassurance, and strolled back home.

When I reached my house, I extracted the bottle of drug pills from my pocket and stored it in a little toy chest. I locked it tight and put it in my cupboard drawer, carefully obscuring it from view with piles of documents. During the rest of the day, I felt as though I was drawn towards the drugs. The temptation was great, the urges hard to bear. Finally, I gave up and took the bottle of drugs back out. What harm could just one pellet do?

As I look back upon my actions, I feel ashamed. I had screwed open the bottle and popped a drug pill into my mouth. The effect was instantaneous. I felt as though I could conquer the world as I flew over fluffy white clouds. But that was not meant to be. In just a mere twenty minutes, I was plunged into a world of darkness and misery.

Soon after, I went through a systematic withdrawal from social life. I often locked myself up in my room, going through rounds of hallucinations as I continued to swallow illegal drugs. My conscious mind told me firmly that taking drugs was wrong, but I kept doing it. I did not know why, and was infuriated with myself. The worst thing was, my parents had no idea about what was happening to me.

One fateful night, while I was lying awake in bed, too stricken with fear to fall asleep, I heard some people press the doorbell. My ears picked up the light thumps of my father’s night shoes as he shuffled to the door. There was a gasp of shock as the strangers and Dad talked in muffled voices. Another set of noises alerted me to my mother as she went to join my father.

I did not pay them much attention. At least, until they came barging into my room. A man dressed in a crisp, smart uniform stormed over to me and dragged me out of bed unceremoniously.

Ai Tong Primary School Dawn Oh Ruini - illustration 1 colour

Only then did I notice the gleaming tears on my mother and father’s pink cheeks as they flowed freely from their puffy red eyes. Dread filled me as my scrawny form was hauled out of the door, away from my home and into a van.

I soon learned that the strangers who took me away were narcotics officers. They had arrested me for taking drugs. My symptoms must have been showing drastically for them to have discovered my deadly secret.

Within a few weeks, I was sent to a rehabilitation centre. The centre was filled with many different people, and for once in a long time, I felt curious and ultimately fascinated by the many activities they conducted to turn people away from drugs. There were games and courses like carpentry for training drug addicts to be able to have some skills for earning money when they left the centre. I was excited and joined in with the other teens voluntarily, elated at the chance to make some friends once again.

However, there was a major setback for me. Being addicted to drugs, I could not stand not taking them. After each passing day, I became more and more irritable and routinely caught serious illnesses. The people rehabilitating me could not help but wonder whether I would make it. The extended periods of time without having drugs slowly destroyed my personality, and I grew into someone people were frightened of, and yet despised.

My parents visited me one afternoon. Mother, being emotionally unstable since I left the house, dissolved into tears the moment she saw me. That gesture of her love, worry and concern for me snapped me out of my cravings for drugs, as nothing else had. Looking into their care-filled eyes, I vowed to overcome drugs. My mother sobbed into my father’s shoulder, and I spared them a parting glance before heading back to my activities and rehabilitation courses.

The urges for drugs haunted me every day, but I did not succumb to them. I just gritted my teeth against the temptations and sprinted forward, away from it all. I focused on my training and rebuilt my mental stability. Listening to and agreeing with an adviser of the centre, I tried to be nicer to others, to be less impatient and to control by boiling temper. Gradually, my efforts took effect. I no longer had to suffer the nightmares and other lingering effects of drugs. Even my physique had improved by a large margin.

The other teens at the rehabilitation centre began to accept me into their group when they realised how I tried to change. I worked beside them, encouraging them to reach for their dreams and give up the life of a hopeless drug addict. I began to get through to them and was given the credit for helping a certain few achieve the goal of surpassing drugs.

My records in the centre were top grade, and I was released in just a few months as opposed to a few years. I felt overwhelming pride that day, and I still remember the warm embrace my parents gave me. They felt proud of me too, despite my past mistakes.

Presently, I am working as a rehabilitation specialist. I had realised my passion for giving others a helping hand. I always visit my aged parents even though I already have an apartment of my own. It is my way of saying thank you for their care and concern for me when I was younger and less mature.

Ai Tong Primary School Dawn Oh Ruini - illustration 2 colour

So as to protect my strong beliefs, and for the sake of my parents, I swore to never, ever indulge in drugs again.
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