The Grinch

I just had to pay homage to what I consider to be the best Christmas cartoon of all time, and definitely one of the greatest works of animation ever, period--You guessed it, "The Grinch That Stole Christmas", directed by Chuck Jones and based of course on the book by Dr. Suess. I also have to list some of the other important players, because without their contributions, the masterpiece would just not be complete:

Phil Roman - Lead animator
Philip DeGuard - Lead background artist
Maurice Noble - Production Design
Albert Hague - Music
Boris Karloff - Narrator/Grinch
Thurl Ravenscroft (best name ever) - Vocalist

 I can't think of two people that have inspired my art more than Chuck Jones and Dr. Suess. Every year I watch and dissect The Grinch, trying to glean whatever techniques and ideas I can, trying to determine what exactly about it makes it so magical. The answer is--EVERYTHING. I've included some sketch/storyboard/ watercolor art from around the web-amazing stuff. Enjoy!

Willie Wigglesby

Here are a cover and 2 interior illustrations for "Willie Wigglesby" a book I recently completed work on. The story was written many years ago by Paul J. Gustat, a man in  his 90s, who recently decided to have it illustrated and produced.

Mistress Sea

Here's something different. This is a comp I submitted to accompany a book of poetry, a project that is currently on hold. I really like the image though, and the opportunity to work on something not necessarily children's oriented, not literal, and maybe a little bit out of my comfort zone.

The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus

Ho, Ho, Ho. It might not look like it, But this illustration is holiday-themed. It is based on a children's book, "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus". It was written by L. Frank Baum, of "Wizard of Oz" fame. It's an alternate and interesting take on the origin of Santa Claus. There was actually one of those cool "Rankin-Bass" stop-motion specials (Rudolph) made about it which is pretty cool in it's own right.

Sleeping Troll Studios

Hi. My name is Michael Koch and I'm an illustrator/designer working out of Cleveland, Ohio. I specialize in children's/fantasy illustration, hence the name of my company, Sleeping Troll Studios. Six months ago, after many years working in house, I have decided to go out on my own. I'm starting this blog to showcase my finished art, sketches, raw concepts, fellow artist's work, and maybe a thought or two in between. Hope you like it and here goes.