Animal Idioms

After completing my other personal project, The Style Class, I wanted to do another series of illustrations because I liked the brainstorming of ideas and the continuity of creating so many pieces around one central theme. I love the concept of animals having secret human-like lives and how we use them to describe our own life situations. While each piece is more or less based on an idiom, the character of each piece lives in its own story.

I continue to feel my way through the process of “finding my style” or at the very least, learn to welcome what comes when I put digital pen to paper.

This emo guy is just hanging out in the back. No one gets him. No one understands. His name is Zero. 

Earl loves to juggle but he’s not very good at it. Maybe he should stick to tennis balls?

Benson had a goldmine idea and it’s paid off. Now he’s (a) laughing (cow)! It wasn’t easy and it was a lot of work. He earned every penny!

cat fight

Gracien and Benoit are just have a friendly dual. They do this every Saturday to make sure their fencing skills stay sharp. What’s a little tussle between friends? 

cold turkey

Homer can’t believe how cold it is! He’s headed back to the cabin now though where he’ll start a fire and have some hot tea. 

dog tired

It’s been a long, long day and Samson is dog tired. He’s got his blanket and teddy and is off to bed!

dog days of summer

Cool shade, cold drink, and some tunes. Ned is all set for a relaxing hot summer day. 

ducks in a row

It looks like the boys have found trouble again. Who do you think is guilty? It’s the one you least suspect.

early bird gets the worm

Max and Frank are having their early morning coffee. Max is intently listening to Frank. They’ve been friends for so long, he understand Frank completely. It’s a beautiful sunrise and it’s going to be a beautiful day!

hold your horses

“Let’s go out for a run!”, she said. “It’ll be fun!”, she said. Penny’s been trying to get Pepper to come out for a ride for ages but Pepper’s been hesitant. Horses are so big! And they run so fast! Pepper feels like she’s hanging on for dear life but don’t worry! Penny’s got you! 

lame duck

This cast has got to stay on for 4 weeks. Oh  well. That’s the life of a stunt duck!

lipstick on a pig

Roxy like to dance! She’s all dressed up and ready for a night on the town!

poor as a church mouse

Little Stu doesn’t have much but regardless he’s a happy little mouse!

rat race

Stan tried but at the last minute Bruce pulled ahead. It’s going to be a close one but it looks like Bruce is going to be the winner!

sitting duck

It’s been a long day and this is the first time Henry has had a chance to sit down to read the paper.

swimming with the sharks

Dean is out early today hoping to catch some big waves. He’s a chill shark who just wants to have fun and enjoy the water.

when pigs fly

It’s been a dream of Ralph’s to fly an old biplane like this and today his dream came true!

drama llama

Clive is rehearsing for his soliloquy in an upcoming Shakespearean play. He’s normally really shy but loves being on stages. Weird, huh? 

eager beaver

Bennie knows the answer to this question and is desperate for the teacher to call on him.

elephant in the room

Emily doesn’t go out much. She’s really an introvert. She’s feeling really awkward right not and hopes no one notices her standing in the corner.

kangaroo court

You can never start too early. Little Joey gets to watch his mom at work today! There’s no joking around in this courtroom. It’s all business.

leopard can’t change it’s spots

It’s not that Leon doesn’t like his spots. He’d just like to change things up once in a while. Purple spots would be so rad!

one trick pony

Bill is a very clumsy horse but this is one thing he loves to do - ride a unicycle!

reigning cats and dogs

We keep hearing that cats and dogs don’t like each other but Reggie and Liz are best friends and rule their peaceful kingdom together and everyone is happy.

road hog

There’s nothing like the open road where there’s just you, your bike and the open sky. Hank loves cruising on his motorcycle but always obeys the rules.

swan song

This is it! The big finish! Otis is belting out the final song of the night and the crowd is on their feet!

travel bug

Harold is running late. Let’s hope he doesn’t miss his flight! He’s been looking forward to the vacation for weeks!

wolf in sheep’s clothing

Albert is getting fitted for a new work suit jacket today! Wooliam offers only the finest in wool clothing.

world is your oyster

Ollie has been taking care of something very special.