New Observer Piece

Just recently got another request from the NYObserver to do a rush job to accompany more of a narrative, than an article. It was a nice change of pace--and actually I was pleasantly surprised that NYO published articles like this, as I really enjoy illustrating more narrative work. This one was about the exploits of one of their Staff Writers, and his discovery that his trainer was an "ex and future con."



and here's the link to the article so you can read it!

http://www.observer.com/2011/11/body-by-rikers-getting-to-know-my-trainer-the-ex-and-future-con/

UPDATES!

So...I know it's been awhile since my last post, but I've been very indisposed for the last month working on a very detailed, large project for a client; more on that later....

But for now, I'd like to introduce you to my new baby.


And for size reference, here's another pic of it next to my 17" MBP:


Yes, that's a 21" Wacom Cintiq 21UX.

It's been a very intense new addition to my workstation, and as you might imagine, very intimidating. However, I decided to finally use one of my days off to really start fooling around and get my hands dirty. This is the result:



It is a portrait of Martin Starr in his role as Roman in Stars' short lived drama "Party Down." You probably remember Martin mainly from "Freaks and Geeks," but I've been on a major Party Down binge recently, and he's got such great character to him.

Stay tuned for more tablet madness!

New York Observer

Just finished a rush job for The Observer yesterday, regarding John Gutfreund and the 1%. It was a challenge to try some new palette choices, but the AD and I really like how it turned out.

New York Observer

Got an email to do another inside illustration for the Observer, this time about Paul Ceglia. For those of you who don't know him, Ceglia is a convicted drug con (among other things) and claims to be one of the founding benefactors of Facebook. He apparently has an email from 2003 between himself and facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, in which they discuss how Ceglia asked for too much ownership of the company, and Zuckerberg could only let him own 50%.

Below, I wanted to include the initial sketch with my original idea in addition to how it turned out in the end.

Washington Post

Welp, it's been awhile since my last post, so I thought I would take the time to put up what I've been working on recently.

This one was another cover Illustration for Washington Post's Capital Business Section. The cover story was about some companies that take advantage of financially struggling universities by paying the schools to let someone from the company to teach a class. This way, after the class is over, the Company has created an ideal candidate for hire.

Washington Post illo

Got contacted recently to do another illustration for the Capital Business Section of the Washington Post. This one was about employers who have highly restrictive hiring policies; ie putting "unemployed need not apply" on applications. Now they have been under scrutiny over new legislation that was passed, that has given too much power to the discriminated applicants, even to the point that they can sue the restrictive employers.

Breaking Bad

New(er)(est) Promo for AMC's Breaking Bad. Go Walt.

Pop Promo How To.

Thought I might show how I put together my new promo.


Step 1: Make sure all 4 pieces are square and flush, so the three cuts will be uniform per set.


Step 2: Remove backing piece with info, you don't want to cut that too---messed that up once or twice.


Step 3: Use two push pins to keep the three pieces together while you're cutting.


Step 4: Measure the top piece into thirds.


Step 5: Make the cuts.


Step 6: Staple the wide side three times with a small, Italian stapler that uses tiny discreet staples---this part is essential; a non-italian stapler won't do.


Step 7: Use black gaffer's tape, and cover those staples.


Step 8: Stick down the gaffer's on the back as well.


Step 9: Trim off the excess tape.


Step 10: Make a hodgepodge-troubled celebrity.


Step 11: Repeat 20 more times.

Charlie Sheen

3/3 of new pieces for my next promo mailer. This one's extra special, so if you get one, you know you're special.

Antics Gig Poster

Another gig poster for Brooklyn band Antics (www.everythingantics.com)

Amy Winehouse

2/3 of new pieces for my next promo mailer. This one's extra special, so if you get one, you know you're special.

Lindsay Lohan

1/3 of new pieces for my next promo mailer. This one's extra special, so if you get one, you know you're special.

Citay Poster

Recently did a gig poster for Citay. Would like to do many, many more of this kind of work.

Propublica

Some spots I did for propublica.org----decided to play around with the style, technique and colors, that I usually wouldn't have done.

Mush!

Palin' around with pretenders

Washington Post Capital Business

basterds

Here's the Inglorious Basterds piece, but with the trial run of color. I like.

Artvoice Cupid

I recently did 5 pairs of faux-profile pictures for Artvoice Magazine. Here they are with their accompanying text. All text is property of Artvoice, and all images are copyright David Saracino.

BuffDaddy

OK Cupid

19

Hitting the gym regularly and staying body conscious is a must.

In fact, one day I'm gonna push the adrenaline threshold:

Bungee jumping, Sky diving, Mountain climbing etc...

Just looking for someone to run on the treadmill of my life,

nothing serious. I work hard and play even harder.

with

JoggingSuit

Craigslist

20

If you own sweatpants... I like to run and do crunches.

I'm looking for a guy who wants to workout and

shower...perhaps together, after a good run on the treadmill.

Is that you?

I'm not interested in a relationship, but would like

a workout with benefits. Please put your favorite workout

in the subject line so I know you are real.

Artvoice Cupid

I recently did 5 pairs of faux-profile pictures for Artvoice Magazine. Here they are with their accompanying text. All text is property of Artvoice, and all images are copyright David Saracino.

A++
OK Cupid
27/M
I'm a family-oriented school librarian
who loves to jog, read and travel. I'm
Looking for my missing puzzle piece.
I'm just hoping to find someone with whom
I can spend time, get to know, and build a
relationship. I will treat a man right.
with

Book Party
Craigslist
24/M
I've been told that I'm handsome, sweet and funny.
I have a great personality. I'm not perfect but I'm
far better...I'm real. I like to read, catch up with my
friends, and go to upscale restaurants. I like to have
sex (only in a long term relationship).
I value chivalryand thoughtfulness.
What more can a guy want?

Artvoice Cupid

I recently did 5 pairs of faux-profile pictures for Artvoice Magazine. Here they are with their accompanying text. All text is property of Artvoice, and all images are copyright David Saracino.

Salt N Pepper

Artvoice Classified

Mid 40s

MALE, handsome, trustworthy, honest, mid 40's,

seeking single female who takes care of herself

and likes to spend her time relaxing.

Permit yourself to call.

with

Neat N Tidy

Match.com

36 years old

I don’t party and I don’t do the bar scene.

I’d prefer to go to dinner or just relax at home

with a few of my close friends.

I like to be well dressed and am a neat person.

I love to sing (but I don’t have a good voice)

and dance at weddings.

Artvoice Cupid

I recently did 5 pairs of faux-profile pictures for Artvoice Magazine. Here they are with their accompanying text. All text is property of Artvoice, and all images are copyright David Saracino.

OnTheEdge

OK Cupid

25 years-old

Oh please I live on the edge....no but seriously. I really just think about life in general and what is the next step in my life. hahaha work. Saturdays are my party nights, which may involve the bar, house party, or even a laid back night at home with a cold Molson and a good Zorro movie.

with

SwashbucklingGal

Craigslist

22 years-old
So, all I know is Im looking for a partner in crime,

a curious, outgoing swashbuckler.

An intelligent individual who used to let life take charge

and maybe needs the same push,

same refreshing wake up call, to look

at the world the way they used to.

Would love to drink a Labatt

and watch Anchorman with a cute dude.

Artvoice Cupid

I recently did 5 pairs of faux-profile pictures for Artvoice Magazine. Here they are with their accompanying text. All text is property of Artvoice, and all images are copyright David Saracino.

Canoli Guy
Craigslist
46
Very pretty, heavy Buffalo girl wanted for long term relationship.
Must be big, and love to drink and cook Italian food.
Good morals a must.

With

Italian Shorty

Match.com

38

A short italian (hehe) with more to love.

Favorite Dish: Penne with Vodka sauce

Last read: a Christian book on ethics.

Basterds promo

Very much beta, but colors will come soon!