Holli Rausch

We’re watching Wall•E with commentary from Director Andrew Stanton and we’re loving it! (You may have seen me tweet about it yesterday, but we had to split it into a two-day viewing because we started it too late last night.) Not only do they show concept art, storyboard panels, and video footage, (all awesome) the director gives some great insight on the messages they were trying to convey through certain ideas.

One particular thought he had I found very interesting. He was explaining the humans in space and how they were portrayed in the movie 700 years in the future—as lazy vacationers who interact with their neighbor via video screens and golf via touch screen. They’re in a perpetual vacation and never get out of their lounge chair. Instant gratification, as they click what they want to buy and receive it immediately. He talked about people on a busy street walking by each other on their cell phones, or in the commuting lane in their cars and how close we are to each other, but still being so removed. He joked that with things like 1-Click shopping, we will evolve into being only a thumb (for clicking) and a mouth (for eating).

My one question for you is, do advances in technology make us more removed from each other or more connected? I, personally, am more connected to those around me because of advances in technology, and social media specifically. There are so many people I would have never heard of a year ago, but now I know their interests, their career, their humor, etc. though many of them I have not met. Is this connection false? Does this change the definition of “connected”?

But most importantly, will there really be robots who do style my hair in the future?!

Even though I think the thought of eating the stuff is nasty, here’s some sushi wallpapers! And since I didn’t feel like making the decision myself, you have color options!

The final illustration was published in 605 Magazine, a new Sioux Falls magazine for young adults. After seeing it in print, there are things I would do differently, but that’s the way it goes. And if I’m asked again to contribute, I’ll have a more streamlined process and know what tweaks to make the next go-around.

I was also listed on the 605 Contributors page:

Step 1: Scan and share brainstorming sketches.

Step 2: Take the brainstorming sketches and make a more detailed sketch of husband. Change his hairstyle to make him look ten years younger. Remove facial hair and glasses so he doesn’t look like a web developer.

Step 3: Scan and share.

Last I heard, the actual finished version of this project (using Illustrator and Photoshop) has been sent to the printer. So, next time, you should be seeing the finished version.

Fun fact: While posing for this sketch, Miles was holding a book featuring paintings of Zdzislaw Beksinski. Google him if you want nightmares. I dare you.

Working on an illustration to contribute to a local project. The theme is, obviously, about the economic downturn. These are my initial sketches. I may post more later as they develop more substantially, or I may wait until the final design has been published. I know you’re curious, so I’ll just go ahead and answer some of your questions now.

• Yes, that is a line drawing of the back of a car. I think the wheels give it away.
• Yes, the girl’s left hand is huge. She feels self-conscious about it, so…thanks for pointing it out.
• No, that candle is not floating.
• Yes, I realize that by having a “No Right Turn” sign, it makes one assume there is no way to recovery. After sketching this, I thought a “Rough Road” sign might translate better.
• No, that woman has no torso and yes, her arm connects to her ear.
• Yes, the moped dude’s anatomy is loosely based off my mental image of someone I know. No, I won’t tell you who.
• No, that awkward-looking crotch will not make it to the final illustration. Shucks.
• Yes, those are my husband’s legs. But *he* has feet.