Artist intro SPLASH PAGE (c) 2014 - A collage of some of the many shows and features I have been fortunate enough to have been a part of, as well as originally produced projects ongoing. This is your introduction to some of my history and skills contained in this portfolio of work.
UNEMPLOYED CAVEMAN (c) 2010 - An original concept design of the "recently evolved" Protagonist for my original, completed screenplay "Cave-Man vs. Ape-Man- A Paleolithic Odyssey". "Cave-Man vs. Ape-Man- A Paleolithic Odyssey". (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
Easter Card 2012. Peter in the Egg garden on white Background. Quick photoshop wash over hard Conte pencil. A simple design I really love.
SUPER GALACTIC SPACE GIRL (c) 2007 - This is the original rough concept pass for "SGSG"-The original episodic, sci-fi comedy/ adventure series of an unwitting heroin in a show of galactic proportions. This project is currently under development. One of my ongoing show projects/works in progress from 2007, Super Galactic Space Girl (c) is also seen here next in an updated, increased "pop-art "form, where my style has shifted in the last few years. I've included the original design here because it's strong and one of my personal favorites for the life it gives off. (c) Travis Cowsill/ Floating Toolbox Immersive Media 2007 Click the magnifier to enlarge to full size.
SUPER GALACTIC SPACE GIRL (c) REVISED-2014 - The new pop-art render pass in progress for "SGSG"-The original episodic, sci-fi comedy/ adventure series of an unwitting heroin in a show of galactic proportions. This project is currently under development. One of my ongoing show projects/works in progress since 2007, Super Galactic Space Girl (c) is seen here in an updated, increased "pop-art "form, where my style has shifted in the last few years. I've included the original design for comparison. (c) Travis Cowsill/ Floating Toolbox Immersive Media 2007 Click the magnifier to enlarge to full size.
WONDER BOY (c) The Cowl (c) (Final Rough Design) 2011 - Wonder Boy (c) is the long frustrating side-kick of "The Cowl" (c) From the original misadventure/ comedy series currently under development. (c) Travis Cowsill/ Sinister Hand Productions 2011
THE COWL (c) 2011 (Rough concept render) in progress- 2011
GRIM &THE KID (c) Death needs a Holiday (c) 2011 - After accidentally frightening her Grandfather to death, a 3 year old little girl hijacks the tunnel of light to the other side; wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting purgatory and it's hapless custodian...the Grim Reaper. "Death needs a Holiday", an original short feature currently in development by Travis Cowsill/ Floating Toolbox Immersive Media. (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
THE KID (c) (Death needs a Holiday) Character poses 2009 - After accidentally frightening her Grandfather to death, a 3 year old little girl hijacks the tunnel of light to the other side; wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting purgatory and it's hapless custodian...the Grim Reaper. "Death needs a Holiday", an original short feature currently in development by Travis Cowsill/ Floating Toolbox Immersive Media. (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
GRANDPA (Death needs a holiday) Character study 2009 - After accidentally frightening her Grandfather to death, a 3 year old little girl hijacks the tunnel of light to the other side; wreaking havoc on an unsuspecting purgatory and it's hapless custodian...the Grim Reaper. "Death needs a Holiday", an original short feature currently in development by Travis Cowsill/ Floating Toolbox Immersive Media (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
Todd Sterling- Narrator and effortless host of the original Short , "Death Needs a Holiday". 2008
COFFEE JOE (c) 2007 - Rockabilly Coffee-Aficionado. (c) Travis Cowsill 2007
SMILEY T. REX (c)- in progress 2011 - APE MAN (c)_ (Rough concept study) - An original concept design of the enemy of the Antagonist, for the original completed screenplay, ""Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a Paleolithic Odyssey" "Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a paleolithic odyssey" 2011-Floating Toolbox Immersive Media (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
APE MAN (c)_ (FCINAL Rough concept study & design) 2011 - An original concept design of the Antagonist for the original completed screenplay, ""Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a paleolithic odyssey" "Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a paleolithic odyssey" (c) Floating Toolbox Immersive Media (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
APE MAN (c)_ (The various expressions and design takes on this character. Rough concept study & design 2011 - An original concept design of the Antagonist for the original completed screenplay, ""Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a Paleolithic Odyssey" "Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a paleolithic odyssey" (c) Floating Toolbox Immersive Media (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
THE MOST ANNOYING ALIEN (c) Rough concept render- 2011 - These guys were badly in need of an update, so I used my snow day off to start loosely rendering them out. As with most of my first stage render work, I try to loosely capture the essence and personality in the detail first (rather than attempting a finished render outright with final design points). I then put the entire rough concept piece through a final design implementation, and on into two last photoshop stages for final clean render. Why blue? Why not?.
THE MOST ANNOYING ALIEN (c) An original short concept. Flash design/ Wacom rough- Board sample- pen and ink. 2005- 2011. Development of this idea continues to this day. (c) Travis Cowsill 2005- 2007 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
THE MOST ANNOYING ALIEN (c) Abductee poses 2005- 2007 - THE MOST ANNOYING ALIEN (c) An original short concept. Flash design/ Wacom rough- Board sample- pen and ink. 2005- 2011. Development of this idea continues to this day. (c) Travis Cowsill 2005- 2007 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
APE MAN (c)_Version 3(Rough concept study) 2010 - An original concept design for "Cave-Man VS. Ape-Man: a paleolithic odyssey" (c) Travis Cowsill 2011 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
JUNCTION POINT (c) Robot & Glemdark-7(c) 2007 - Glemdark-7 of Nefarious Space Command (c) (my original design) and his long suffering companion, "Robot". (c) Travis Cowsill 2007
JUNCTION POINT (c) Main character line-up 2007 - The ongoing misadventure, bizarro-melodrama comedy series, about a 30 year old slacker, the creator of the known universe, the most inept extraterrestrial in the galaxy and a robot... All living in the cramped apartment of a subjective reality... in the town known as JUNCTION POINT. (c) Travis Cowsill 2007
GORD (c) Junction Point (c) 2011- 3-d render in progress 2007-2010 - The creator of the known universe. From the original comedy/ misadventure series development project, "Junction Point". (c) Travis Cowsill 2007-2010 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
THE SUPER FANS (C) Kappa Mikey (tm) Flash- Original production art 2005 - I forget these guys' names at this point (one was "Kai" I believe), but these were my original designs for the Mikey "Super-Fans (uber-geeks) from the episode, "With friends like these". The designs were revised by the design department, but the original versions remain as some of my favorites. This is also a section of my original flash storyboard for that episode. Travis Cowsill 2005
THE SUPER FANS (C) Kappa Mikey (tm) Flash- Original production art 2005 - I forget these guys' names at this point (one was "Kai" I believe), but these were my original designs for the Mikey "Super-Fans (uber-geeks) from the episode, "With friends like these". The designs were revised by the design department, but the original versions remain as some of my favorites. This is also a section of my original flash storyboard for that episode. Travis Cowsill 2005
KAPPA MIKEY (c) 2005 - I had a hand at contributing to the design of this weirdo-hippie type. Gonard (left) was the real fun for me in this actual flash production storyboard frame, however. I didn't usually have time on the show to work in full color (actually prefer B&W), but here, I did. The backdrop (as is preferable on flash based shows) is a "drop-in". I have no idea what the goop is on him anymore. I think it was some kind of lotion?
MISCELLANEOUS DESIGNS 2007 - From various personal projects. I generally don't just noodle. If I'm sitting down to draw, it's usually sparked by some sort of idea for a show or movie project.
MISCELLANEOUS DESIGNS 2007 - From various personal projects. I generally don't just noodle. If I'm sitting down to draw, it's usually sparked by some sort of idea for a show or movie project.
WONDER BOY (c) (Rough Concept Art) 2008-2009 - The long suffering sidekick to The Cowl. Some of his earlier inceptions.
CART LADY -Neighborhood Oddity (c) 2011 - Another work in progress... CART LADY...a stand alone character that, like many of my long term designs, has gone through endless variations and upgrades over the years, has popped up in several of my projects. Currently, she's rumored to be the original owner of KIT N' Claws. but that's just a rumor. Click the magnifier to enlarge to full size.
THE 3 EVILS (c) Contracted ART & designs 1997 - An original production drawing and design of the three evils for a project I did with Barking Bullfrog Cartoon Co. and Thomas Brookes way back in 1997. The final image rally really captured the feel of what I was going for. Though I don't know if I'd have made the little orange guy quite so orange. If I remember right, it was from over tanning (as the character bio went). Travis Cowsill 1997
GLEMDARK-7 (c) 2010 REVISED DESIGN (Junction Point (c) 2005-2010 - The most inept Extraterrestrial in the Universe. Glemdark is 7th in a series of genetically unsuccessful clones, and is responsible for the accidental destruction of his entire galaxy. From the original comedy/ misadventure series development project, "Junction Point". (c) Travis Cowsill 2007-2010 Click the image to enlarge to full size.
CELESTE (c) Personal design 2008 - I honestly don't remember where this design was going. But it's a nice piece, so I've included it. (c) Travis Cowsill- 2008
MISCELLANEOUS DESIGNS-Flash using wacom tablet 2007 - My ex-girlfriend and her dog, "Tux". Hope you're well, Ale, and congratulations on your marriage!
Contracted Yoga book illustration 2006 - Title is descriptive enough here. (c) Travis Cowsill 2006
MISCELLANEOUS DESIGNS 2007 - This the first original character I ever created. "Invented", as I called it, when I was 8 years old. No, this is not that actual drawing (he's since been revised). Evey so often, I'll bring him back and play with him. (c) Travis Cowsill 1979-2011
Glemdark-7 (c) OLD DESIGN 2007 (Junction Point (c) - Glemdark-7 of Nefarious Space Command (c) (my original design). By now, you know he's been revised in an earlier spot in this portfolio. (c) Travis Cowsill 2007
Early Works- Christopher Lloyd as Merlin (c) 1993 - One of my many early endeavors at creating a Disney-esque feature property. I was really into Alladin & Beauty and the Beast back then. This remains one of my oldest and most favorite of anything I've ever done. And it's an actual CEL. For me, it doesn't get any cooler than to hold a piece of art that could actually be shot on film, rather than looking at a digital piece that doesn't exist in the real world. I designed the cane ("Kane"-get it?) after Bob Hoskins. Click image enlarge.
Early Works-Time Tripper and Drew (c) 1993 - Back from my early days at Don Bluth Animation. Can you tell? Another early project (and original CEL). Who knows, maybe I'll bring these two into the 21st century and do something with this idea. The title's gotta go though. What was I thinking?
Early Works-Commander Carp (c) 1993 - More early "Bluthy" stuff. This drawing survived Hurricane Katrina, where most of my original portfolio art did not. Hence the water damage, which I was able to moderately repair in photoshop, while still keeping the original line-work intact. Thanks Adobe!
Early Works-Chuck Jones Prods. "Stay Tuned" (c) 1993 - I was one of a very few artists that was lucky enough to not only work for Chuck Jones Prods. in the early 90's, but also to meet him personally at the studio. Yep...When you see Helen Nable's (Pam Dawber) Mouse alter-ego whip out the photo of her mouse-kids, in the animated segment of Morgan Creek's, "Stay Tuned", that's my original drawing. I still think the girl's neck is too long. Also a survivor of Hurricane Katrina.
CYBER-CHICKEN (tm) Original production drawing 1996 - The first on-line comic strip...EVER. Responsibilities included character design, background design and production art for the original 44 week series run. I also designed the blond in the middle, but that's a rendition of her from one of our many talented crew. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original Cyber-Chicken design by Ian Freedman/ Barking Bullfrog Cartoon Co. All drawings and design by Travis Cowsill except where otherwise noted (Barking Bullfrog Art)
CYBER-CHICKEN (c) Original production strips 1996 - The first on-line comic strip. Responsibilities included Character design, Background design and production art for the original series run. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original Cyber-Chicken design by Ian Freedman/ Barking Bullfrog Cartoon Co. All drawings and design by Travis Cowsill except where otherwise noted (Barking Bullfrog Art)
CYBER-CHICKEN (c) Original production strips 1996 - I designed the Terminator here. And how nice; my uncle Bob appears to be playing at Pickwick's pub in the background. Cyber-Chicken was the first on-line comic strip. Responsibilities included Character design, Background design and production art for the original series run. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original Cyber-Chicken design by Ian Freedman/ Barking Bullfrog Cartoon Co. All drawings and design by Travis Cowsill except where otherwise noted (Barking Bullfrog Art)
CYBER-CHICKEN (c) Original production strips 1996 - Designed this little girl for this strip. And the cat...and, well, everything (Save CC himself-He's Ian's design-I just rendered my version of him, which i don't know if he ever completely gelled with) Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original Cyber-Chicken design by Ian Freedman/ Barking Bullfrog Cartoon Co. All drawings and design by Travis Cowsill except where otherwise noted (Barking Bullfrog Art)
Early Works- 1993 Comic Strip Designs - I had this strip idea based on my very early childhood in Pennsylvania. This is as far as the idea got. Nice little drawing, though. (c) Travis Cowsill 1993
ANGRY JACK (c) Original online Comic 2007 - Back when I was living in Canada, one of the places I was fortunate to have worked was AKA cartoon on Ed, Edd N' Eddy as a prop designer. My Boss, the renowned Danny Antonucci (of Lupo the Butcher fame) was a taskmaster (Love ya Danny!), and my daily design meetings were often very intense. He was meticulous (hence, the successful artist that he is to this day). To blow off steam, I based this character loosely on my beloved boss. All in good hearted spirit.
BUMS (c) Travis Cowsill 2004 - Still working at AKA on the "Ed's at this point (hence the design bleed down into my art at the time). I worked in a small area (known as "Cartoon Alley" by we in the biz at the time) in Gastown. Adjacent to the studio was another area known affectionately as "Blood Alley", where all the addicts would, well, "congregate". As I had to walk through their needles and weird smells to get to work at the studio every day, I decided to immortalize some of my, um, "favorites" in a show idea.
ED, EDD, N' EDDY (tm) Prop & wardrobe designs 2005 - This is my final design test for the prop position that got me my job at AKA Cartoon, Vancouver, British Columbia. The "Ed's" in pre-historic get-ups. I really enjoyed this test, and the art is solid, so it's goin' in the portfolio.
Rooster Rumble (tm) Contracted designs 2005 - A series of very quick concept roughs for a fight-show project at Bardel (Canada). Even I thought this concept was weird.
Rooster Rumble (tm) Contracted design 2005 - A series of very quick concept roughs for a fight-show project at Bardel (Canada). Even I thought this concept was weird. Admittedly, though, I really like this one.
Rooster Rumble (tm) Contracted designs 2005 - A series of very quick concept roughs for a fight-show project at Bardel (Canada). Even I thought this concept was weird.
Early Works- Christina Applegate as SENSUELLA (c) 1993 - After the craze of "Roger Rabbit" and Bakshi's "Cool World", everybody jumped on the live action/ animation banwagon. I was approached by a very nice man who's name I cannot for the life of me remember, to come up with this design. I wasn't paid for the gig (no money involved) and it went nowhere, but I still think I captured Miss Applegate pretty well. (c) Travis Cowsill 1993 Yet another survivor of Hurricane Katrina.
Walking Wounded (c) Quick mock-up concept sketch 2007 - Very quick and dirty mock-up characterization of a couple of insurgents for this short feature. I really just needed to mock up their general outfits, so I used an existing side by side, comparative anatomy illustration from an art book as my inspiration and reference material. Pretty basic stuff, but I like the way the drawing turned out.
Wacky Fighters (tm) Contracted design art and clean-up 1994 - Responsibilities included Character design and production art for the original series pitch. Ian and I pulled double duty on the designs and art compiling on this show. We worked very well together artistically, matching each others styles pretty well. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original designs by Travis Cowsill except where otherwise noted (Barking Bullfrog Design/ Ian Freedman )
Wacky Fighters (tm) Contracted design & clean-up art 1994 - Responsibilities included Character design and production art for the original series pitch. Ian and I pulled double duty on the designs and art compiling on this show. We worked very well together artistically, matching each others styles pretty well. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original designs by Travis Cowsill except where otherwise noted (Barking Bullfrog Design/ Ian Freedman )
Wacky Fighters (tm) Contracted clean-up art 1994 - Responsibilities included Character design and production art for the original series pitch. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original designs by Barking Bullfrog/ Ian Freedman.
Wacky Fighters (tm) Contracted clean-up art and rotations 1994 - Responsibilities included Character design and production art for the original series pitch. This character was a nightmare for Ian to design. He spent forever on him to get him to work. I had the dutiful and unfortunate task of doing his rotations and cleaning him up. Thanks Ian. Used with permission by Thomas Brookes. Original designs by Barking Bullfrog / Ian Freedman.
Early Works- PirYAWNA Pillow People (c) - You know, this stuff is very early on in my career, so the drawings are (in my opinion) not anywhere close to what I'm capable of and am doing now, some 20 years later. But there is something about these Pillow People designs I really, to this day, kind of like. I was fortunate enough to find them floating over at Barking Bullfrog. I had no idea they were still around.
Early Works-King Shush Pillow People (c) - You know, this stuff is very early on in my career, so the drawings are (in my opinion) not anywhere close to what I'm capable of and am doing now, some 20 years later. But there is something about these Pillow People designs I really, to this day, kind of like. I was fortunate enough to find them floating over at Barking Bullfrog. I had no idea they were still around.
Early Works-Pilllow Guards Pillow People (c) - I based these guys on the "Khali" guards from "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom". Again, this stuff is very early on in my career, so the drawings are (in my opinion) not anywhere close to what I'm capable of and am doing now, some 20 years later. But there is something about these Pillow People designs I really, to this day, kind of like. I was fortunate enough to find them floating over at Barking Bullfrog. I had no idea they were still around.
Early Works-Band Pillow People (c) - Very early on in my career, so the drawings are (in my opinion) not anywhere close to what I'm capable of and am doing now, some 20 years later. But, and I'll say it again as I look at and label these, there is something about these Pillow People designs I really, to this day, kind of like. I was fortunate enough to find them floating over at Barking Bullfrog. I had no idea they were still around.
JUNCTION POINT (c) Gord (c) original concept ink 2007 - Gord's (c) first concept ink for the render I seem to be working forever on. I do have a day job, you know. (c) Travis Cowsill 2007
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Travis Cowsill
The online professional animation & live-action portfolio of Chicago, IL