Cartoon Network Gallery and Exhibition July 11—14

Cartoon Network’s 20th Anniversary exhibition will be featured at the Jett Gallery in the heart of Little Italy during the festivities around San Diego and during Comic-Con July 11—14. (Above, Brecht Vandenbroucke).

Save your date, as their will be daily exhibition hours at Jett Gallery, located at 989 W. Kalmia Street, San Diego and will be open Wednesday, July 11 through Saturday, July 14. Gallery hours will be available Wednesday through Saturday and is open to the public and free of charge each day. Posted hours include: WED, Thursday and Friday — 11AM to 5PM and extended hours on Saturday — 11AM to 8PM. (Above, John Hendrix).

Over seventy-five world-class artists have been assembled to take a close look at all of their cartoon heroes assembled from the times of Hanna-Barbera over the past 20 illustrative years of Cartoon Network. Yes, that’s right a 20th Birthday Celebration for the good folks of Cartoon Network. (Above, Marc Bell).

It will be an adventure, and speaking of which, each artist has been paired up with a cartoon or character to freely interpretate. The proof will be on the walls and the good times will be rocking, as great people gather from around the world to celebrate a 20th year good time. Check out more work in progress here. (Above, Andy Helms).

And there is more! Stop by the exhibition and receive a FREE exhibition catalog and program, “Creative Journal” by the fine folks of the Cartoon Network and designed by Mark Murphy of Murphy Design. (He will be giving free collector zines away at Comic-Con booth #4833).

Leap Year Corporate ID Projects

Love the fact that it is a “Leap Year.” Though the Mayan Calendar promises to run out on December 21 later this year, we can certainly use an extra day to make things happen now.

Murphy Design is moving through our twentieth year with big projects—Clint Eastwood (Los Angeles/CA), Cartoon Network (Atlanta/GA), Martin Wittfooth (Brooklyn/NY), 101/exhibit (Miami/FL), Mindy Solomon Gallery (St. Petersburg/FL), Jeppa Joe’s (Milwaukee/WI), yourBuddhi and Blind Tiger Cocktail Co. (San Diego/CA). To keep you up-to-date with what is happening, I thought you might want to see samples of what we’ve been up to. (above, Mindy Solmon Gallery (FL) exhibition logos).

For all of you that know me well, fine art is my life. Design is an integral component, and wonderful solution that effectively unites unique project challenges with innovative visual solutions. (above, corporate identity for Blind Tiger Cocktail Co. and Jeppa Joes).

I began learning about design as a young boy, insisting on a page-by-page read of “Loopy,” my favorite story featuring an amazing bi-plane written and illustrated by Hardie Gramatky. Sounds funny right? Well, the book was artist written and designed in 1941 and the look and feel is still fresh today. (above, sentimental childhood friend Loopy).

Hundreds of hours are vested into every project to exceed client expectations and deliver a solution with lasting potency. You know?, A design solution that will stand the test of time, entertain and magnetically attract a growing audience to every project. (above, yourBuddhi corporate identity and animation sequence—perfect for entitled people who do not pay).
Enjoy your “bonus day” and make something creative happen. More soon and thank you for taking a close look. Feel free to contact me for additional information or the opportunity to collaborate together. (above, 101/exhibit magazine advertising).

Clint Eastwood Master Filmmaker at Work Intro

Cover and related spreads will be temporarily unavailable due to professional requests to keep the work concealed for another 30 days. Thank you for your understanding. This is silly, we are bringing back the layouts. Sweet dancing!

“It’s the painting of it all that interests me.

Why does an artist make a certain stroke? Just because it seemed like

the right thing to do at the time.”

Clint Eastwood, 2011

Clint Eastwood, Master Filmmaker at Work written by Michael Goldman, creatively managed and packaged by Lisa Fitzpatrick and designed by Mark Murphy. Published by Abrams of New York and slated for release this Fall.

Murphy Design has been working hard, collaborating with Lisa Fitzpatrick and Michael Goldman to deliver a compelling coffee table book that celebrates the history of one of the most iconic film legends in the history of film—Clint Eastwood. This is not your average off-the-shelf documentarian volume light on words and heavy on full paged glossies. Clint Eastwood, Master Filmmaker at Work is an important archive that documents a prolific director/actor/advocate and captures the filmmaking process featuring script evolution, casting, set lighting, special effects and the special men and women who make up “Team Eastwood” over five decades. (above, Sean Penn in Mystic River).

Lisa Fitzpatrick has dedicated herself to this project, Michael Goldman has leveraged his Hollywood prowess as intimate writer and Mark Murphy has crafted a visual script suitable for the consummate collector. The entire team has worked hard to select never-before-seen images, enlightened text featuring forward by Steven Spielberg, Preface by Morgan Freeman and Introduction by Michael Goldman.

Clint Eastwood, Master Filmmaker at Work presents a comprehensive book archive honoring a living legend who actively celebrates the art of storytelling. Stay tuned for the fall release of Clint Eastwood, Master Filmmaker. (above, Space Cowboys, from concept sketches to set). (above, images from the Gauntlet, Invictus).

Jeff Soto Storm Clouds on Urban Vinyl

Jeff Soto, Riverside’s favorite son, and inspirational artist has been busy creating limited edition silk screen prints in support of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Black Keys and more. This week Jeff Soto and his book, “Storm Clouds” is featured on Urban Vinyl Daily written up by Travis. This Ohio based company loves to review great products and I am proud that they gave the book a big thumbs up.

And yes, this book originally came out in November of 2008, and there are a few copies left. Check out the review at Urban Vinyl Daily. Check out more Jeff Soto and limited edition books here. Read more: Interview, Art Basel feature. (Above, Rusty Swingset, featured in the Riverside Art Museum Retrospective in December 2008).

Guru Tattoo Photo Day w/ Tim Mantoani

Pacific Beach based Guru Tattoo is generating art of all kinds for their first book, “Creative Urges,” to be release later this year. Leader of the band and ink on skin aficionado, Aaron Della Vedova reveals, “Guru’s essential ingredient is the flavor derived from eleven artists working together as one formidable art collective.”

Having recharged their creative batteries while on holiday break, Guru was a buzz today with tattoo guns inking inspired art work of the permanent type. The energy within the shop was/is super positive and features a diverse group of creative talent working hard for their clients. Tim Mantoani and I spent the afternoon photographing the studio and capturing the special details that will bring “Creative Instincts” to life. The photographs reveal the multi-dimensional persona of Guru Tattoo and assist me with the visual narrative with the turn of each page. (Above: Body Sleeve art details, in the office of Adam Hathorn).

Tim Mantoani is one of those photographers that understands the importance of instantly connecting with his subjects. A great attribute when you have 150 minutes to shoot up the place. Tim moved the camera around, looking for the most sacred spaces that provide daily inspiration for the guys at Guru. I think we scratched the surface and were successful capturing great portraits and details that will most certainly elevate the book and provide fans of “all things creative” an intimate look into an award-winning tattoo shop like no other. (Pictured above: Ron, Kyle Walker sanctuary and Paul Dhuey at work).

And as Jean Dubuffet penned, “For me, insanity is super sanity. The normal is psychotic. Normal means lack of imagination, lack of creativity.” There is wall to wall creativity and I can’t wait to reveal the tattooed pages of “Creative Urges,” not to mention the artistry of Aaron Della Vedova, Paul Dhuey, Adam Hathorn, Cooper (pictured above 1), Nate Banuelos, Rory Keating, Kevin Dickinson, Nick Alvarez, Eno (pictured above 2 and art work wall below), Kyle Walker, Champion, Ron and Peeps.

Stay tuned for more details about the 2012 release of “Creative Urges” featuring the artistry of Guru Tattoo with a lively intro penned by Greg “Craola” Simkins and the vivid photography of Tim Mantoani and Peeps—as well as all of the guys and their digital arsenal. I promise over 172 pages of wall to wall photos, illustrations, tattoos, paintings and visual meanderings that capture the essence of Guru Tattoo goodness. (Feel like reading more? Article Two, Article One).

(Above: Craola opening original, Champion working hard). All photography by Tim Mantoani photography. And with kind thanks extended, no job is possible without the imaginative talent of great friends helping you along.

Jason Shawn Alexander Opening DEC 1

Los Angeles based figurative painter Shawn Alexander debuts his most recent collection titled, “Undertow” at 101/exhibit in Miami Thursday, December 1. Jason’s new collection of figurative paintings captures deeply personal moments combined with his signature style—capturing theatric emotions coupled with overtones of allegory.

Jason’s work centers on exaggerated gestures featuring the elongation and abstract gestures of the human body painted with intense personal narrative influenced by his upbringing in rural Tennessee. Each canvas is richly adorned with text, mixed media and the thickness of layered paint. Jason has been featured in the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. and influenced by narrative masters: Francis Bacon, Anselm Kiefer, Goya and more. (Above, Sisyphus Combine, 95x52 inches, 2011).

101/exhibit will be hosting a preview party and book launch for Jason Shawn Alexander from 7—11PM located at 101 NE 40 Street, Miami, FL 33137 during the Art Basel Art Fair celebration. Jason’s new book, “Undertow,” is by Shana Nys Dambrot, Herbert Russel and Sloan Schaffer and features the paintings on exhibit.

Murphy Design recently partnered up with Sloan Schaffer and 101/exhibit to create a series of ads to promote Jason Shawn Alexander’s exhibition “Undertow” featured in Art+Auction/Art Info, AmericanArtCollector, ART Forum, Cultured, Art Pulse and Art In America magazines. (Samples above).

You can contact 101/exhibit direct to receive a preview and to RSVP for this exclusive engagement. “Undertow’ by Jason Shawn Alexander will be on exhibit through February 8, 2012. (Above, Santa Monica, 95x52 inches, 2011).

101/exhibit will be participating in this year’s SCOPE Art Show Booth No. E32 November 29—December 4. Featured artists include: Marcus Jansen, Chambliss Giobbi, David Michael Bowers, Jorge Santos, Jim Mahfood, Jason Shawn Alexander, Christopher Carter, Kellesimone Waits, Colin Chillag, Aline Crumb, Zac Walsh, Russell Shoemaker, Ian Larson, Claudio Ethos, Robert Fleisher and Michel Modell.

Ray Caesar + Jeff Soto Limited and Standard Editions

This year has been full of challenges and unexpected delights. As I wonder, “Where did all of the time go this year?,” it makes me realize how thankful I am to do what I do. For those who know me, I am passionate about all forms of artistic expression, and LOVE the possibilities that living artists expose me to.

I am excited to share Jeff Soto’s and Ray Caesar’s limited edition and standard edition book volumes. (Above, Jeff Soto, Potato Stamp Dreams with one-of-a-kind, embossed box packaging—10 books recently discovered—$125 US customers order here, International customers order here).


This installment is a celebration of the arrival (one more week) of Ray Caesar’s first artistic collection and Jeff Soto’s second installment, “Storm Clouds.” Both artist monographs are tributes to an on going archive of creative pursuit and artistic discovery. Ray and Jeff, although completely different artists, provide the viewer with an evolutionary, yet deeply personal, process of creativity that will continually challenge, evolve and push us through unfamiliar territory.


Jeff Soto’s, second installment, “Storm Clouds,” feature paintings that evolve beyond the robotic characters featured in the sold out, “Potato Stamp Dreams.” “Storm Clouds” captures new painted territory that record Jeff’s concerns for the well being of his family, the fragile condition of politics, the changing forces of nature and moments for personal exploration and experimentation. This hard cover volume features 154 pages, specialty printing techniques and over 264 high-quality, full color images.

Introductory text provided by David Choe (X –rated, that’s how we like it), Peter Frank (Senior Curator of Riverside Art Museum), Jeff Soto and Mark Murphy. Riverside Art Museum and the James Irvine Foundation provided initial support, as they will be featuring Jeff in his first museum show in December. (Above, Jeff Soto, NO Hope Zine and sample spreads). (Signed and numbered limited edition prints and packaging detailed below—150 signed and numbered editions).

Jeff Soto Storm Clouds Limited Edition Package
“Storm Clouds” will also be available in a special collector’s package that features a one-of-a-kind clam shell box with debossing, full color label and a signed and numbered print set of 4 that features a cover sheet and certificate of authenticity, packaged up in a protective envelope. And yes, the book will be signed and numbered to match the fine art edition of the prints, as well.


Jeff Soto Standard Edition
Jeff Soto “Storm Clouds” : 8” x 10” : Portrait Size : Hard Cover : 154 Pages : ISBN 0-9771430-8-2 : $41.00 (Holiday sale price $30, United States Customers order here, International Customers order here).


Jeff Soto “Storm Clouds” Fine Art Edition includes :
+ 1 Clam Shell Box : 11” x 8 ¾” x 1 ½”
+ 1 Signed and Numbered “Storm Clouds,” 4 Archival Lithograph Prints “Water, Air, Fire, Earth,” 7” x 9” printed 5 color + Deboss
+ 1 Collector Card Print Cover Sheet, 7” x 9”
+ 1 Certificate of Authenticity, all measure 7” x 9” and will be packaged in one envelope.
+ This edition is limited to a 150 quantity.

+ Includes Scribble.08 DVD Documentary featuring Jeff Soto interview

+ Features artist signed, NO Hope Zine
+ The entire package will be carefully packed and protected by a custom corrugated box :

Holiday Promotion Sale offers savings of $50. United States customers order here and international customers order here.

Ray Caesar’s book opens to a world that will defy your imagination begging you to explore the rich detail presented on each art page. “On the turn of every page you will experience a world where art captures dreams for those who do not remember how to sleep away life’s untimely circumstances…Ray Caesar is a dream catcher who recreates personal visions of other worldly creatures that visit him in every day life.” Order standard edition with collector cards. (Almost sold out).


Ray’s first assemblage is the result of a considerate collaboration, where design compliments vision, and high-quality craft delivers an extra sensory volume that features sketches, process studies, and over 250 full-color images. This is a premier release and the first collection of Ray’s work.

Ray shares his approach to developing images, his personal story of evolution and has created many new pieces, specifically for the book, recently featured at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery in NY. Ray’s process is offered in an evolution of images that capture a complete representation of a true master in a medium that has endless potential.



You will be happy to know that this first edition of “Ray Caesar Art Collection” features a 6 collector card set packaged in an envelope and shrink wrapped to the back of the book. The collector card set features digital paintings from the series “Mourning Glory.” This limited edition offering is a way for Ray and I to say “thank you” for the patient understanding that went into the development of this book. Please note this will only be available for the first edition printing.


Ray Caesar Limited Edition book package

For the avid book collector or huge fan of Ray Caesar’s work, the limited edition is a fine art package that delivers high-quality excellence. A black cloth clam shell box that features deboss on front and spine, as well as a 4 color lithograph label will offer a handsome package to the Ray Caesar limited edition book. The limited edition book will feature a black cloth cover that features a deboss design on front cover and spine, as well as a 4 color lithograph label on the front. All books will be signed and numbered in an edition of 500 and will include a certificate of authenticity, and 7 7/8” x 10” print of “Mourning Glory.”


“Mourning Glory” was created specifically for the book and will not be available in a giclee print at future gallery exhibitions. This 7 color print has been printed using the stochastic printing process, where there is no printed dot, there are printed squares that weave the image seamlessly and with no dot quality. This is a high standard printing process that will offer unmatched archival quality, displaying a print that jumps off the paper. “Mourning Glory” also features a deboss design and satin gloss varnish finish and printing.


Ray Caesar Regular Edition
“Ray Caesar Art Collection”: 8 ¼” x 10 ¾” : Portrait Size : Printed Hard Cover : 178 Pages :
First Edition includes 6 Collector Cards : 3 ¼” x 4 ¾” : ISBN 0-978032-X-X : $52.00

Order standard edition with collector cards. (Almost sold out).


Limited Edition : “Ray Caesar Art Collection” Fine Art Edition includes :
+ 1 “Ray Caesar Art Collection” 8 ¼” x 10 ¾” : Portrait Size : Printed Hard Cover : 178 Pages :
+ 1 Black Cloth Clam Shell Box : 11 ¾” x 9 ¼” x 1 7/16”
+ 1 “Mourning Glory” 7 7/8” x 10” stochastic 7 color print and deboss and artist signed/numbered.
+ 1 Limited Edition Certificate of Authenticity featuring stochastic 7 color printing packaged in one envelope.
+ 6 “Mourning Glory” Collector Cards : 3 ¼” x 4 ¾” packaged in one envelope
+ This edition is limited to a 500 quantity.
+ The entire package will be carefully packed and protected by a custom corrugated box : All shipments will be priority shipped via FedEx Ground :

Holiday Promotion Sale offers savings of $100. United States customers order here and international customers order here.

Kind thanks to Ray Caesar and Jeff Soto for sharing their artistic vision and offering much needed inspiration.