My name is Paul Russel. I used to work in video games as a 3d artist for Bungie, working on the Halo series from 1998 to 2010, also suggesting the word ‘halo’ for the franchise (my friends like me to mention this fact). The long hours and a lifelong battle with anxiety and depression took their toll, and in 2012 I burned out. It’s an occupational hazard.
For a year or so, I had lost the desire to create artwork. Around 2014 I decided to start illustrating again for the first time in over 20 years. But what to draw? I needed to draw something daily, from a photograph or life.
Around the same time I had run out of creative ways to say “Happy Birthday!” to my friends on Facebook.
The two needs collided in my head, so I picked up a pencil and paper and started drawing.
I’ve done close to 800 now, and figured I’d share a small percentage with the world.
I’ve talked to a few people going through similar things, and I tell them that this is a good way of using art to create or strengthen a personal connection with people they love. I think this has saved my life, and I hope you enjoy it.
I also have a patreon if you want to throw a buck a month my way (I don’t ask for more), and get a birthday portrait for yourself (make sure to include some photos of yourself!).
More info: patreon.com
Johnathan
Shiek
Lauren
Jason
Katie
Lola
Dannie
Josh
Mike
Sarah
Bill
Diana
Dan
Donna
Lee
Marcus
Beth
Coco
Miette
Raphaela
Matt
Jay
Max
Vapid
Laura
Patricia
Matt
Nate
Hannah
Dean
Jennie
Christiana
Marlene
Allen
Katie
The other Kristen Bell
Alicia
Pascal
Keely
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