***UPDATES ON TOP!***

11/2/15
UPDATE:

Check out this slightly more organized description of how I created this print in my project tutorial!

https://www.skillshare.com/tutorials/Create-a-Polished-Hand-lettered-Design-in-7-Steps/35?via=notification 

UPDATE:

5/16

Now available as a print!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/188069752/happy-crab-art-print-8-x-10?ref=shop_home_feat_1

UPDATE:
12/30

Here is the screen-printed version that Mary Kate and Fred so graciously made and sent to me before Christmas! This class was so awesome and rewarding and to have my design selected was the most amazing icing on the cake. 

Thanks again to Mary Kate and to all of my classmates for taking the time to check out my project and give feedback! You guys are all so inspiring. 

UPDATE:
12/4

I wanted to submit a version without any colors, textures, or gradients. The "Sideways" was looking far too heavy without color, so I added some pattern.

Mono version:

UPDATE:
11/24

(Edited to make crab more orange)

UPDATE:
11/23

Now in color! I hoped that adding color would help me make some design decisions, but I think it just amplified my indecisiveness. First I tried to add WAY too many colors, then only shades of blue, and finally compromised with this blue/orange combo. I'm really looking forward to the next class! 

UPDATE: 
11/18/13

I inked my first final draft! There are definitely some spots I'd like to clean up but I think this is pretty close to the final composition. I'm still thinking about including some minor border details.

UPDATE: 
11/15/13

Getting closer! I updated the crab-type and ditched the border for now since I'm not sure yet what I'll do with that.

UPDATE:
11/12/13

I have finally uploaded my initial final sketch!

My goal for this project was to really explore different lettering styles and ornamentation, so as a result it might look a bit... crazy. I still want to refine the sketch and play with different ideas for "Sideways." I might just leave it fairly simple and let the color do the work once I get to that stage.

UPDATE:
11/9/13

After I decided on a composition, I became completely overwhelmed by lettering options so I decided I'd better relax a little and have fun playing with different styles. Once I did that it was much easier to choose which ones would work best for this particular design.

Final sketch coming soon!

11/1/13

Happiness should be approached sideways, like a crab.

This quote, or at least the general idea, has been attributed to British philosopher John Stuart Mill. I first came across the phrase during a particularly difficult time, and it struck me then and sticks with me now. The idea is that you shouldn't focus so much on happiness directly but instead pursue things that are fulfilling and happiness will be a byproduct. Plus, the idea of a crab sneaking up on happiness from the side is enough to make me happy. 

Here are my initial sketches!

Reference material:

Word Map:

Lettering warm up:

Thumbnails: