Welcome! I'm a digital artist, scroll down for some samples of my recent work; click on an image for more information about the piece.
Learn about my commissions process or email me at thebrassglass@gmail.com for rates
and a free consultation.
Welcome! I'm a digital artist, below are some samples of my recent work; click on an image to see a larger version and for more information about the piece. I do NOT use artificial intelligence generated images at any step as I believe it is unethical and unsustainable. Learn about my commissions process
or email me at thebrassglass@gmail.com for rates and a free consultation.
The Sorceress
Procreate, 2023-24Brief: Paint a sorceress.I had a lot of free rein with this piece. Drawing on my study of ancient cultures and artifacts (hence the ancient-inspired collar and jewelry), I also researched a bit about Eastern European witches (this led me to give her long, thick braids) and was inspired by the powerful sorceresses in Greek mythology, particularly Circe and Calypso, hence her toga-like garment.I went with the predominantly gold and purple color scheme because they are complementary colors and associated with mysticism, royalty and magic. Her facial structure was based on the actress Anjelica Huston. I wanted her to seem almost electrified with power, so I painted her hair as it if were levitating around her, blurred slightly with motion.The mandala-like background was slightly inspired by the sparse graphic backgrounds of some of Maxfield Parrish's paintings.Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
The Spellbook
Procreate, 2023Brief: Paint a witch, use dark storytelling to build a scene through maximalist details.I began by listing all things I'd imagine could be found in a witch's workshop, then did visual research, including photos I took in historical New England homes. I then made thumbnail sketches before picking one to further develop. Click on images below for a closer look.
Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
The Red Queen
Procreate 2024Brief: A red queen with thick black hair and ageless beauty, who seems to get her red magic from a gem inlaid in her necklace. Her clothing should be opulent, with fur, satin or satin, embroidery, as well as a regal crown. There are rumors she is an evil witch; she doesn't directly confirm them but does little to dispel them. Use shape language and pose to build the character.I immediately thought of the magical queens of old fairy tales for this, drawing on elements of historical clothing such as panniers but making them pointy to give her an evil edge. You will find triangles and points throughout her design, and I drew on the Gothic architecture for the crown and the background.Click on the images below for more about the process.
Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
Dream Dragon
Procreate, 2024
Personal poster projectThe concept behind this was to create a majestic scene with a magical dragon that protects the dreams of all those in its city.Intended for print and poster sales.Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
Tears of the Princess
Personal project; Procreate, 2023My homage to early 20th century artist J.C. Leyendecker and the Nintendo video game "Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild."The tall hat and moon in a Leyendecker painting made me think of Link’s ancient armor helmet and the blood moon that plays such a huge role in the game.Most of the power of the painting hinged on the man's concerned expression. I made Link's eyes larger and raised the tops of the eye holes in the helmet to allow the viewer to better see his expression.Click on the images below for more on the process of making this piece.
Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
Magda
Commercial commission for the excellent fantasy novel “Lennamore: A Soul for a Crown” by C.M. O’Slatara; Procreate, 2024Brief: Depict a scene from a fantasy novel of an archerwoman and her traveling party fighting off a goblin ambush in a golden autumn woods. Budget was limited, so only three to four characters could be painted.I did visual development research on medieval carriages (what the female character is standing on), clothes and archery for this piece. The author and I based the faces and ears of the goblins on bats, and I made concept art based on these discussions.To keep within budget, I used silhouettes in the background to suggest additional figures in combat.Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
In some trouble
Personal project; Procreate, 2024I liked the idea of a dragon angry at a pompous knight for venturing into his lair. The style was inspired by mid-century illustrations, and the shading is spare to keep that almost flat, graphic quality.
Contact:
thebrassglass@gmail.com
J.A. Meyers | TheBrassGlass
I make art and concept art for book covers and promotional materials, tabletop and card games, as well as commissions for gifts and personal use.I have a dual bachelor's degree in art and English, and over 12 years of experience in editing, writing and publishing. I have more than four years of experience as a digital painter, and five years of experience as an award-winning cartoonist for a newspaper.A wearer of fabulous hats, I live in Connecticut, where I love visiting historical sites and hiking beautiful parks, taking photos of birds and waterfalls. I also love helping up-and-coming artists and writers, and am very active in online communities and organizations in my state.
updates
Feb. 16, 2025: I have several book covers I'm working on and will be able to share them with you soon! I've also listed some anti-AI and other designs in my T-shirt shop and as stickers in my Etsy shop (click images below to visit shops). I have two upcoming art shows this year as well, one in May and the other tentatively set for September. I'm also participating in a sticker art show in New London, CT, in March, for which I originally designed the anti-AI sticker.
projects
disclaimer
I believe the use of artificial intelligence image generators is unethical and exploitative to artists, and I do not use this technology in my work. I also do not offer my work as NFTs, at it is damaging to the environment of our planet. My opinions here are my own.
software
Procreate, Canva, InDesign, InkScape, GIMP, LibreOffice Suite
awards
First place editorial cartoon - Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists, May 2022
First place editorial cartoon - Connecticut Pro Chapter, SPJ, May 2019
Second place editorial Cartoon - Connecticut Pro Chapter, SPJ, May 2019
First place editorial cartoon - Connecticut Pro Chapter, SPJ, May 2018
Third place editorial cartoon - New England Newspaper & Press Association, Feb. 2018
I make digital illustrations for books, tabletop and board games, promotional items for products, custom gifts and more. Below is what to expect if you commission me. Rates depend on the complexity of the artwork needed and its intended use. As of January 2025, prices start at $75 USD for a black and white line art of a character bust or simple object; I accept PayPal only and all commissions will have a written contract that we both sign. If you're an indie author, I'm happy to offer payment plans, lower commercial rates and some negotiation on pricing. Email me at thebrassglass@gmail.com for price quotes, commercial inquiries or to ask any questions. Please be prepared to provide genre, style, whether you will need the art in black and white or color, and deadline, as well as written descriptions of the art needed and any reference images that might help me bring your vision to life.
