Made By Max

Featured In New Illustration Book

2011-09-16T02:26:00.000-07:00

My work has been featured in a new book from Spain's Promopress, titled, Picnic - New Wave and Folklore in Contemporary Illustration. Simon Peplow, Linzie Hunter and Nate Williams are also featured in the book (to name a few). Watch a snazzy video preview of the book here.

Hardcover, 272 pages full-color

New Estes / Aalbu poster!

2011-09-14T03:04:00.000-07:00

The Estes/Aalbu fall poster has arrived!! The first of many semi-annual posters will be sent to art directors (and many others) the world over. ...Or as far as we can afford to send 'em! Care to receive one? Swing by our site and drop us a line!

Last book in my 'Crooked' trilogy is in the works

2011-06-08T06:12:00.000-07:00

I'm fast at work on the latest and last book in my 'Crooked' trilogy, Det Krokete Sporet (The Crooked Track). Here's a few random pages in the works. Due out late 2011, or early 2012.

New Studio Established!

2011-05-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

I'm pleased to announce that the endlessly talented Norwegian illustrator / children's author, Ragnar Aalbu and I have established a new Illustration office, Estes / Aalbu Illustration. Our bright new office is located in the Grünnerløkka neighborhood in Oslo.

'The Crooked Knife' Wins GOLD!

2011-05-12T03:08:00.000-07:00

My wordless noir graphic novel, The Crooked Knife (Den Krokete Kniv) took home the GOLD for illustrated fiction at Norway's Visuelt competition last week. The annual awards are juried by members of Norway's Illustration and Design community.

Sofa and Table

2011-04-26T04:55:00.000-07:00

Mid-century architecture and furniture is an everlasting love of mine.

Illustration for ReadyMade Magazine

2011-04-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

This illustration of mine appears in the April / May issue of ReadyMade magazine.

Latest Children's Book Now In Print!

2011-03-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

My latest children's book, Alfabetfesten, published by Norway's Cappelen Damm is now in print!

Max on NRK, Norwegian public television

2011-03-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

I recently sat down with NRK to discuss living in Norway, and what books I brought with me when I left America. I chose to discuss, Night Driving, a children's book by John Coy.

Watch video.

Next Book Available in March!

2011-02-15T00:50:00.000-08:00

My next graphic novel, Den Krokete Kanalen (The Crooked Canal) will hit the stands in mid-March! The second in my 'Crooked trilogy', this wordless comic follows a band of hapless thieves, a whistling assassin, supernatural cats, and a lost delivery driver on a chase to unlock a buried secret.

64 pages / Full-color
Publisher: Jippi Forlag

"Three dead, diamond missing..."

2011-02-11T01:26:00.001-08:00

"Three dead, diamond missing..." (updated)
Originally uploaded by Max Estes

Another page in the works from my forthcoming book, Det Krokete Sporet.

Mother and cub

2011-02-08T04:18:00.001-08:00

Page from forthcoming graphic novel, Den Krokete Sporet

Mother and cub
Originally uploaded by Max Estes

3x3 Illustration Annual #7

2011-02-08T02:51:00.000-08:00

I snuck my way into the pages of 3x3's 2010 Illustration annual!

PICNIC - Pop Folk Contemporary Illustration

2011-01-27T04:19:00.000-08:00

Last year I was asked to fill a few pages of this forthcoming book on contemporary illustration. I'm glad I responded! I share the pages of this beautiful book with the likes of Simon Peplow and many other amazingly talented folks. To be published by Promo Press in Barcelona, February 2011.

Dwell Magazine commission

2011-01-18T00:18:00.001-08:00

Recently completed a 5 page spread for Dwell Magazine (US):

Cabin Cozy in Norway

2010-09-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

One of the first things I fell in love with in Norway is the cozy "cabin culture". Exploring nature is a must in here in Norge, and what better way to get into the thick of it than setting up camp in a cabin? I love the Norwegian national "color palette", and there's something about the solid, "clunkiness" of these cabins I find especially fun to illustrate.

Enjoy Autumn!

2010-09-13T23:24:00.000-07:00

Autumn Greetings, from the drawing desk of Max Estes!

New Picture Book in Print!

2010-09-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

I'm excited to announce my new picture book, Søppel (which means "Garbage" in Norwegian), has just been published by Norwegian publisher, Cappelen Damm. Take a look!

Giant Robot reviews 'Den Krokete Kniv'

2010-06-21T17:10:00.000-07:00

The June issue of Giant Robot contains a short but sweet review of my latest book, Den Krokete Kniv!

Oslo Comics Expo!!

2010-05-26T21:54:00.001-07:00

I'll be taking part in the 4th annual Oslo Comics Expo this weekend (May 28th and 29th). Sure to be a blast, with Jim Woodring, Becky Cloonan, Mawil, Lars Fiske and many other fabulous cartoonists on hand for the occasion. See you there!!!

R.I.P. Leslie Buck

2010-05-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

Designer of this ever iconic NYC mainstay. NY Times Obituary

...and get down to business

2010-04-29T01:30:00.001-07:00

Daily Collage

2010-04-21T05:15:00.001-07:00

Legs Collage

2010-04-20T07:02:00.001-07:00

...What to say about this one? ; )

Max "Quilts"

2010-04-18T21:45:00.001-07:00

Two collage experiments. The top collage was made on Sunday, the bottom on Monday. I've always been drawn to and inspired by patterns... I view these as colorful stories.

Featured in ChickenRhino Magazine

2010-04-18T06:18:00.000-07:00

A handful of my 'Bunny' comics are featured in the latest issue of ChickenRhino magazine.

Grafill's Norwegian Illustrators No. 3

2010-04-13T00:06:00.000-07:00

My has been included in Grafill's, Norwegian Illustrators No. 3, a catalog of Illustrators working in Oslo and beyond. I'm consistently amazed at the cast of amazing designers and illustrators that this relatively tiny country (less than 5 million) holds. A good deal of those illustrators are featured here, and I'm happy to share pages with them.

On the Job with Garbage Men

2010-04-09T02:26:00.000-07:00

Drawing for my picture book, 'On the Job with Garbage Men' (Cappelen Damm) is near completion. It's Norwegian title is, På jobb med Søppelmenn. Here are a few pics of pages in progress!

One Less Car.....

2010-04-08T00:21:00.000-07:00

A "public message" piece I created a few years back has been included in the recent book, One Less Car: Bicycling and the Politics of Automobility by Zachary Furness (Temple University Press). This work, titled, Your Bicycle Misses You was first placed on random parked cars in and around Milwaukee, WI (USA).
...This is also the project of mine that Greenpeace Germany co-opted (sans permission) in an issue of their magazine a few months back. But that's another post.

Where it all happens!

2010-04-06T21:58:00.000-07:00

For first decade of my career, I worked at home, sans studio. I had, for most of that time, a tiny studio that doubled as a bedroom. This past year, after moving around the world to Oslo, Norway, I landed in a studio (with a whole host of amazing studio mates). Specifically, the Patron studio. I love to see where people work, and since my desk no longer shares space with a bed, I thought I'd post a few pics of my studio.

Tall Car (daily collage)

2010-04-06T04:57:00.000-07:00

Another daily collage.....

Daily Collage

2010-04-06T03:04:00.001-07:00

I'd like to create and post a collage a day (or so) for a bit.... here's my first entry:

Krokete Kanalen

2010-04-06T00:15:00.001-07:00

Work has begun on my fourth graphic novel (and sort-of sequel to The Crooked Knife) Den Krokete Kanalen!! Information on where and when you can purchase The Crooked Knife available soon.

Den Krokete Kniv IN PRINT!

2010-04-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

My third graphic novel, Den Krokete Kniv is now in print!!! Published by Jippi Forlag, Norway.

Designing Obama Book

2009-10-14T22:42:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 20

2009-08-10T23:55:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 19

2009-08-10T23:54:00.004-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 18

2009-08-10T23:54:00.003-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 17

2009-08-10T23:53:00.003-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 16

2009-08-10T23:53:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 15

2009-08-10T23:52:00.002-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 14

2009-08-10T23:52:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 13

2009-08-10T23:51:00.002-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 12

2009-08-10T23:51:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 11

2009-08-10T23:50:00.002-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 10

2009-08-10T23:50:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 9

2009-08-10T23:49:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 8

2009-08-10T23:48:00.002-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 7

2009-08-10T23:48:00.001-07:00

Case of the Crooked Knife, Pg. 6

2009-08-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

'Case of the Crooked Knife' - pages 3, 4 & 5!

2009-07-20T00:41:00.000-07:00

More preview pages from my upcoming book, 'Case of the Crooked Knife', a comic noir!

'Case of the Crooked Knife' - work begins!

2009-07-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

I've begun work on my next book, a short "comic noir" titled, 'Case of the Crooked Knife'. Below are a few character sketches and intro pages!

Don't Think....

2009-07-13T23:49:00.000-07:00

Henry, Four Monsters (original drawings)

2009-06-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

On Etsy.com: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5145469

New 'Bunny' t-shirts!

2009-06-21T04:45:00.000-07:00

HERE

Box O' Suds

2009-05-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Recent commission

My Life as a Bunny goodies!!!

2009-05-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

click here!

City Scene

2009-04-09T09:09:00.001-07:00

Finally got around to documenting the work I did for the Obama campaign

2009-03-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Finally, some new works / posts!

2009-03-05T06:35:00.000-08:00

1-15-09

2009-01-16T07:28:00.000-08:00

MySoti - madebymax - 'Love Demanded'- Tees

2009-01-12T09:42:00.001-08:00

MySoti - madebymax - 'Love Demanded'- Tees

Posted using ShareThis

Cocoa Sasquatch and Avocado Sasquatch

2008-11-11T12:31:00.001-08:00

Available at Etsy.com!

Weekend spent painting

2008-11-10T12:10:00.000-08:00

All of these paintings are available at Etsy.com!

Vote for Change on Nov. 4th!

2008-11-02T18:37:00.000-08:00

Vote Obama!

2008-11-01T23:44:00.000-07:00

Untitled

2008-10-29T12:36:00.000-07:00

Lady King

2008-10-20T15:37:00.001-07:00

Vote for (another) shirt of mine on Threadless.com!

2008-10-18T08:25:00.001-07:00

Vote for this t-shirt design of mine on threadless.com!

Vote for my shirt on threadless.com

2008-10-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Click on this link to vote for my shirt! Pretty please! : )

T-shirt for shirt.woot.com

2008-10-13T17:03:00.000-07:00

I designed this t-shirt for shirt.woot.com It goes on sale tonight ($10.00) Printed on fancy American Apparel t-shirts.

Pirate Ship - acrylic, ink on plywood

2008-10-06T19:46:00.000-07:00

Available HERE

To The Castle - original painting

2008-10-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Available HERE

Vote Obama!

2008-10-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Here's the poster I designed for the Obama campaign - it's hit streets in 22 states. If your state is one of 'em, please send me pics of any poster sightings! : )

Show opening in Chicago!

2008-09-23T09:03:00.000-07:00

Vote for Change - Obama campaign poster

2008-09-22T06:24:00.000-07:00

I was recently asked to create a poster for the Obama presidential campaign (!!!). Look for this graphic on many Vote For Change materials around the country:

New Items on Etsy!

2008-09-15T11:02:00.001-07:00

My work on the cover of the NY Times

2008-09-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

A recent painting of mine is pictured on the cover or today's NY Times. The work illustrates this article on Milwaukee-based "Ambassador of Craft", Faythe Levine.

Untitled

2008-08-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

New Prints on Etsy!!

2008-08-16T10:58:00.001-07:00

New drawings / directions

2008-08-12T06:21:00.001-07:00

Bunny Twins!

2008-07-09T09:34:00.000-07:00

I first made Freaky Bunny (the orange dude) a few weeks back, but soon realized he needed a brother - a chilly twin. Enter Icy Bunny, his brother from the North. You can now purchase both of these dudes on Etsy.com for a special 2-for price!

Studio Relocation

2008-07-02T14:29:00.000-07:00

I've moved half of my operation to my residence, a second story flat. I cut and sand the wood in one place, and paint it in another. Here's the first design, post studio shake-up!

Paper Boat now carrying Made By Max

2008-06-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

The lovely Paper Boat Boutique in Milwaukee's, Bayview neighborhood is now carrying a wide variety of my goods! Check 'em out, this store is quite possibly the best place to buy presents and original art in the Milwaukee area.

Some of my items currently in stock at Paper Boat (as of this post):

Summer Comics Class at UWM

2008-06-24T12:14:00.000-07:00

I'll be teaching a comics class at UWM later this summer. Read below!

Comics, Illustration, and the Graphic Novel

This four week course explores the anatomy and creative process of sequential art, also known as comics. Focus is placed on explorative methods of developing successful visual narratives. Students are expected to take part in regular discussions on the comics medium, and keep a daily journal of sketches. By course end, each student will have produced
a perfect bound comic book, and possess a solid understanding of this exciting medium.

ART 226 LAB 591 3 cr
or ART 427 LAB 591 3 cr
TOPIC: Comics, Illustration & The Graphic Novel
Additional Tuition $60.00.
OPEN TO UNIVERSITY SPECIAL STUDENTS.
July 21 through August 16
MTWR 1:00pm - 5:45pm

UWM students, sign up here!

My YEAR as a Bunny

2008-06-17T06:52:00.000-07:00

The details are still being ironed out, but Spanish publisher Picnic will publish the first year of my daily comic, My Life as a Bunny! The book (full color, square format) should be in stores (in Spain) this Christmas. The book is tentatively titled, My Year as a Bunny. More details soon.

Cloud Formation 2

2008-06-17T06:46:00.000-07:00

Here's my second "cloud formation".

Cloud Formation 1

2008-05-31T21:14:00.000-07:00

I've had these images in my head for a while ....I finally got around to making my first "tiered painting". I enjoy the layering of surfaces so much. I'm sure I'll explore this approach for a while to come. These are cumulus clouds!

Considering my next move

2008-05-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

Having just completed graduate school, I'm considering my next move (or moves). Having just completed my second graphic novel upon entering grad school, I feel compelled to pick up my pencil and begin my third upon leaving. I've been bit by the bug again... something my daily comic can't quench.

I'll be sure to upload sketches and ramblings as soon as I have them. So far, I'm scheming a "silent comic" about a sasquatch like character named Bübo. We'll see what, if anything, comes of it.

More soon!

Soy Boy Version 2

2008-05-22T08:19:00.000-07:00

Here's my updated version of Soy Boy. I retooled the color palette a bit and changed around the handling of text. Let me know what you think.

Nervous Larry

2008-05-20T21:00:00.000-07:00

I made this dude a few months back. ....I just got around to giving him his polyacrylic coat. Shiny!

And more...

2008-05-20T07:20:00.001-07:00

Making Soy Boy, Strawberry Squid, and Billy Sasquatch

2008-05-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

Making the first designs from the new Made By Max line of handmade goodies. All finished items available in my Etsy shop.