Early this summer I was asked to create illustrations for an iPhone application for AMP energy drink. Honestly, it was one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever done: it had tight deadlines and a lot of detail to pack into some small spaces. But it was also my dream job.

Had I been asked to do whatever I wanted for two months, I would have wanted to paint loads of pretty girls in as many pretty outfits. And painting pretty girls is exactly what I got to do.

R/GA, the advertising agency masterminding the project, was developing an application for picking up chicks. It would be half in jest, half sincere and in the end it turned out to be terribly funny. They needed 24 illustrations of different ‘types’ of women: from Sorority Girl to Military Chick, from Tree Hugger to Goth, I got to generalize these women into sweet little paintings. These accompany strategic information that virtually guarantees success to potential suitors.

The art directors had very specific visions of what the women looked like, which ended up being helpful, since condensing an entire style into one specific woman is challenging enough.

The most dangerous part of the job was the research. I had to look for many outfits and accessories to clothe my ladies. And since I was able to adjust their particular styles slightly to my taste, I found myself on sites full of clothes that made me drool. I ended up buying a dress, two pairs of shoes and a purse.

In the end the women I painted are some of the most satisfying work I’ve ever done. They are funny, sexy, and extremely detailed. I’m so satisfied, in fact, that I feel like carrying them around with me wherever I go.

The application itself looks fantastic. It was such a treat to finally download it to my phone! It’s a total package, the design is wonderful, and the gals look right at home.

I couldn’t be more thrilled!

I really hope you enjoy the app, it’s free at the iTunes Store and will make you laugh. It might even get you a date! You never know…