My Son Harrison, wife Jane, and daughter Jenna
For those of you who don't know me my name is Tim Jeffs. I'm an illustrator who studied at Parsons School of Design and have spent the last 25 years of my life working in New York City as a Creative Director in publishing. Designing websites, books, logos, and all kinds of electronic and printed material. I live in New Jersey with my incredible wife of over 20 years Jane, and my daughter Jenna, and son Harrison.
Doing artwork is my passion. I love detail. And the more complex, intricate the subject matter the better. Along with dramatic and dynamic subjects and compositions. I constantly paint, draw and sketch. As I do new artwork this blog will be my new archive and portfolio that I hope you enjoy. Thanks so much for looking!
© 2013 Tim Jeffs
No artwork on this blog may be reproduced in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Tim Jeffs
Oh, and one other thing. For those of you who want to know a blast from my past. I was a founding member of White Zombie. Rob Zombie was my college roommate at Parsons School of Design. I appear on the Pig Heaven EP and on the Box set Let Sleeping Corpses Lie, as well as a bunch of never before release White Zombie songs. And I have the honor of being the first guitarist to play out live with the band. Music and art are my two passions.
White Zombie in 1986
White Zombie's first live performance. CBGB's April 28th, 1986
Rob Zombie and me 2012
Sean Yseult and me 2012
Then and now
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DeleteHello Tim my name is Shane busick. Would love to figure out a way so I can send you a few pics of my interpretation coloring the amazing drawings you have in your books. I am addicted to your books they are the only ones I color in anymore. I await your reply thank you very much
DeleteHi Shane. Thank you so much for writing and I am so happy to hear you are enjoying my coloring books! Thanks for all your support by purchasing them. I'm honored. If you use Facebook I have a coloring group that you can join and post your colorings from my book in. I look forward to seeing them. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/intricateink
DeleteTim, love your work. I posted a few of your pieces on my blog with full attribution. http://davidkanigan.com/2013/09/15/tim-jeffs/
ReplyDeleteDear Dave Kanigan. Some how I missed your above comment about my work and the post about my art on your blog from last Sept. I know this is an incredibly late reply, but I just wanted to say Thank you so very much for you kind words about my artwork and your blog post. I can't thank you enough for taking the time to do that. I just read the peoples comments to your post and it was very moving to me. I've done a lot of new work since you visited and hope you drop by now and then. Thanks again Dave! Tim
Deleteyep he is
DeleteDear Tim, my name is Ellie and i am a teen studying A level Fine Art in England. I am in my first year doing AS level and our topic has been Natural Forms. At first it didn't really excite me and i wasn't sure exactly which direction i was going in, however i started drawing animals and then eventually stumbled upon your work which has inspired me so much. Therefore, i was wondering if you had any other 'words of wisdom' or insight into your inspirations to help me more. Your work is amazing!
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Ellie from England.
Hi Ellie! Wow, thank you so much for your kind words about my artwork. There is nothing I like more than to somehow inspire a fellow artist. So your post made my day! I am humbled by your comments.
DeleteWhat I could tell you about my experience in art is I believe to make beautiful art you have to be creating what you love. I started as a child loving to drawing animals. And after going to Art School and departing from animals into landscapes, portraits, architecture, abstract works, and just about every other kind of subject matter you can think of just recently (within the last few years) I realized animals are really what motivates me to create art. Drawing animals is effortless because I enjoy them so much. The organic forms, patterns, colors, uniqueness of each animals gives me an endless array of fantastic subject matter to draw from.
So I would say, find that one thing that you absolutely love to do in art and focus on it. Because if you love to do it…it comes very easy.
I hope this helps, and please feel free to ask me any questions anytime.
Sincerely,
Tim
Hi Tim! I'm so chuffed about your reply! Thank you so much for all of your advice and valuable help. I now really understand the importance of not just the medium you use or your feelings behind your own work but actually to have a love for the thing your studying and using as your subject matter.
DeleteI'm so intrigued by all your experimentation into other sectors such as portraits and architecture, is there anything more you could tell me about those experiences? I am potentially thinking about architecture as a career but I haven't really made any links to that in my current work.
I'd also like to ask why it is you've mainly chose a pen and ink medium? I've noticed now that you've branched into colour through pencils, which i coincidentally have explored in reverse but now seeing your turtle i feel as though i didn't give colour a full chance. So i was just wondering your preferences/likes/dislikes between the two? Lastly, who do you take as influences to your work?
Thanks so much again for the reply and i'm sorry about all the questions! Sincerely, Ellie
Hi Ellie. I really enjoy drawing and painting buildings. I did a series of Diners, one that is on this blog under paintings. And I've done many New York City building scenes. Also there are landscapes that I've done that you can see in that sections too. Landscapes have been a favorite of mine. Pen is just one of the mediums I use. I've been using it a lot on the animal drawing because I wanted to do a series in black and white. But now I am starting a series in colored pencil. I am influenced by so many artists. But I especial like Van Gogh for painting and albrecht durer for drawing. Take care and have a wonderful day! Good luck with all of your art! Best, Tim
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ReplyDeleteJeff, I saw your work on Etsy and it is beyond beautiful. Your detail is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your work with all of us Etsians.
Thank you so much for saying that Mary Lou! I am humbled and honored by your kindness. You just made my day! :)
DeleteTim, I have been inspired by your work. I have decided to use your work as my GCSE inspiration to complete a final piece based on your colour sea turtle. I have started this by completing a design sheet on your art work which is on Twitter and Instagram that I tagged you in. It would be amazing if you replied to this or even looked at the design sheet. Thank you for your time, Olivia ✒️
ReplyDeleteTwitter & Instagram name: Olivia22447813
Hi Olivia. I saw your instagram and twitter tags and I am extremely honored by your design sheet about my artwork. Sea turtles are amazing creatures, and drawing that piece was one of my favorites. Knowing that it could inspire you to make your own piece of art is truly wonderful to hear. Keep up the great work and I wish you all the luck with your future in art and design. A fellow artist, Tim
DeleteThank you for your reply and I look forward to seeing your next art piece.
DeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteI saw some of your work and I think it's great. I am currently working on a website for any kinds of arts and I would like to create there a page about you - short info, pictures of your work with your logo and links to your personal website, FB page or whatever you like. If you are interested, please let me know.
Best regards!
Hi Alley. Sure, I would be honored! And thank you about your very kind words about my artwork. Write me with your email address at tjeffs@gmail.com so we can talk more about it. Tim
DeleteHello Mr. Jeffs,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Truc and I'm currently an IB art student in high school. My art teacher has showed me some of your work on Pinterest and they were all so amazing. As part of the IB art curriculum, I have to find artists that interest me and interview them and create an art piece that replicates their style.
I was wondering if I could interview you through maybe an email for my IB research. If so then it would be absolutely amazing since I am a huge fan of your work! Thank you.
Hi Truc. Thank you for your very kind words about my artwork. They are very appreciated. And please thank your teacher for showing my drawings to you. I am very humbled and honored to have my artwork influence artist in anyway they can.
DeleteSure. I'd be happy to be interviewed for you IB research. You can write to me at tjeffs@gmail.com. I'll answer your questions the best I can.
Thank you again and remember, keep drawing, creating, and making beautiful artwork!
Tim
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ReplyDeleteHello Mr Jeffs,
ReplyDeleteI'm a student from England. I have just started studying for GSCE Art and we are studying The Natural World. We are learning about your works and making a artist study on you. I really admire you're work and think it's unbelievably mind blowing. I wanted to ask you what or who inspired you to start making art like this and what message you hope it brings out when people buy you're art?
Thankyou, Olivia
Hello Olivia! Thank you for visiting my blog and for your extremely kind words about my artwork. I was inspired at a very young age to pursue a career in art by my uncle who was a college art professor. I also found a love for drawing animals as a child. I was fortunate to have a wonderful high school art teacher that help me get into a very good art college in New York City (Parsons School of Design) to study art. I hope to educate people about the extreme beauty of the animals I draw and we live among, and the importance of protecting them for future generations. And that conservation and saving animals is so important to be involved in. I hope this helps, and good luck with your studies! Best, Tim
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ReplyDeleteHi there Mr Jeffs! I am currently a student in England and I am studying you as an artist for A Level Fine Art! I think your work is amazing and would love to use your style in my work. I am truly inspired by your work and your detail is tremendous!! I wanted to ask, what is your favourite medium to use when doing your drawings and why? Thanks so much !!
ReplyDeleteHi Asha! Thank you very much for your kind words about my artwork. I'm honored by your kindness. My favorite medium is colored pencils. I draw with Tombow Irojiten colored pencils. Good luck with your studies and all the best to you in your art career!!
DeleteDear Mr Jeffs,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Caitlin Holt and I am a Year 12 Art student from South Australia completing my Visual Study. I am researching the extent to which Visual Art can influence animal and environmental conservation awareness, and come across your amazing work which connects beautifully to my topic. I noticed that your third volume of Intricate Ink Animals in Detail features 25 endangered or threatened species, and I was wondering if I could interview you with three questions on your views on animal conservation in art. These questions are:
How does art allow others to be considerate of the natural world around them?
How does you source your reference images for your work?
What inspired you to go down this path of wildlife art and in what ways do you hope to raise awareness for animal and environmental conservation?
Thank you for your time,
Caitlin
Hi Caitlin. Thank you for your kind words about my artwork and what a wonderful project you are doing! The world needs more people who care about environmental conservation awareness. To answer your questions:
Delete1) How does art allow others to be considerate of the natural world around them?
What I hope to do through sharing my animal drawings in my coloring books is to educating them about the different species that are threatened or endangered. And as they color them they can learn about them at the same time. There are so many animals that people don't even know exist let alone have any idea how few of them are left in the wild. Sharing this with others is a great way of educate them on how to be considerate of the natural world and the animals that they live among.
2) How does you source your reference images for your work?
I use many means as reference when creating a drawing. From my own photos, to nature photographer friends who share their work with me, to studying photos on the internet for patterns and textures. In the end each drawing is a combination of all of the above and my imagination. My drawings are an artistic representations of the animals I draw and in no way a photorealistic view.
3) What inspired you to go down this path of wildlife art and in what ways do you hope to raise awareness for animal and environmental conservation?
I have always loved to draw animals from a very young age. My love of animals and the endless intricate drawing possibilities animals offer with their different shapes, patterns, and textures has aways intrigued me. And having the opportunity to spread the word to others through my art that so many of these beautiful and important animals are on the verge of extinction I feel is my duty. Everyone has a favorite animal and can relate to animal art...I have hundreds of favorites and will continue to share my passion of them with others as long as I can.
I hope these answers help you and good luck with your wonderful project! best, Tim Jeffs
Thank you so much! I highly appreciate such a quick and detailed response, I was so thrilled to wake up and see this message!
DeleteIts so amazing to get a response from a real-life artist, and thank you again for putting in the time to help me in my study!
Caitlin
Hi Tim,
ReplyDeleteI love your art! I was wondering if I could use it as the cover photo for my powerpoint presentation for my startup? Thanks!
*To add on, I can send you the powerpoint presentation via email for approval. Thank you! :)
DeleteThank you for your kind words about my artwork Kim! I truly appreciate it. If you would like to talk about using my artwork for your presentation please write me at tjeffs@gmail.com and we can discuss it. Thanks
DeleteHi Tim, I'm Lauren and I am doing an art based Extended Project this year, questioning to what extent you use animal realism in your artwork, and comparing it to others and my own style of work as well. I was wondering if I could interview your for it, possibly by email? That would be amazing as I really love your work, it's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Lauren
Hello Tim Jeffs,
ReplyDeleteI am an art student in the UK, currently working on my final major project. The theme of my project is a study of reptiles, focusing specifically on lizards.
During my research of you and your work, I have really appreciated your intricacy and detail. I have attempted to channel these influences in my own work, showcasing the beauty and amazing design of scales from shape, mark making, layers and textures.
I was wondering where your initial interests in animals has stemmed from? How do you source and translate from your references when finding content and images as a stimulus? - If this is your process?
From my research I know you support conservation organisations and animal awareness. What is your opinion of the exotic pet trade and attempting to mimic animals natural environments - even in zoos?
It would be wonderful to hear from you, thank you very much for taking the time to read this.
Wonderful work.
Kind regards,
Fan girl extraordinaire and lizard Queen:
Alice Louise
Hello, Tim, I just came across your wonderful tribute to our daughter, Debra (Harper) Najecki, again. It does not seem almost 18 months since you put that out, but I have never gone to your webside to comment. I just have to do it today. Your new book would have put her over the moon, and she couldn't have ordered it quickly enough. She LOVED your work, and I can see why. I do not know if she ever told you her career, but she was always working with animals. She was a docent at the Columbus Zoo, also, with her father and me. When she took up coloring, I knew it was with intent to block out pain, but I never knew how absolutely intricate and detailed she would become. She loved it! And your site. Now, as I look at what you draw, I can understand why. After being a zoo docent for over 32 years, your detail and perfection is incredible! And I LOVE OWLS! I could fill a wall with your pictures of them. They seem to come to life. Deb tried to make me a colorist, too, and I am the recipient of numerous books and pencils, but I will never be the colorist our daughter became in one short year. I saw on your tribute pictures she never showed me in person. I only wish I had them to look at now. Thank you for what you do!
ReplyDeleteBev Harper
Hello Bev. it's wonderful to hear from you! Thank you so much for for taking the time to find my blog and write. It means the world to me. All my condolences on you and your families for your great lose. Your daughter Debra was such an incredibly kind person. She impacted my Facebook coloring group in such a positive way and her colorings inspired us all with her creativity. She made the group smile and laugh daily while she was part of it. She was so supportive of my artwork and books which I will always be grateful for, and her love of animals was so apparent in the group. She will always be missed in our coloring community. She was extremely talented. Thank you too for your extremely kind words about my animal art. Your family seems like a true animal loving family. I LOVE Owl too! Such amazing birds. I have 7 images of colorings Debra did from my book. I would love to send them to you if you can give me your email address. Just send it to mine at tjeffs@gmail.com and I will pass everything I have of Debra from the group onto you. They are beautiful works!! Thanks again for writing Bev. Debra's memory will live on in our group forever along with your colorings! Sincerely, Tim
DeleteBev. One other thing I want to tell you is Jo Warren, the admin of my coloring group sends her condolences also and wanted you to know that she became a Facebook friend of Debra's and was sincerely touched by her kindness. They wrote to each other often throughout Debra's time in the group. Even while Debra was in the hospital.
DeleteHi Mr. Jeffs,
ReplyDeleteI wanted to see if by any chance you sell your images. I would like to print a couple as samples on t-shirts. I work for a company that sells garment printers and would love to have the honor to print your art and make sample prints on shirts to display how nice our printers work. If this is something that would interest you please let me know.
Hello. Thank you for writing. Can you please write me at tjeffs@gmail.com so we can discuss this idea more. And thank you for your interest in my art!
DeleteThis. is. LIT.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot!
Deletehey tim im 15 and working on my GCSE art cousework i was writing up a critical story about your artwork and your background and i was wondering where you got your inspiration.
ReplyDeletefin
Hi there! Thanks for writing and for your interest in my art. I get my inspiration from the beautiful and intricate detail in nature. My art is inspired by all of the incredible patterns, shapes, details and color that adorn all of the diverse animals that live around us. Nature always amazes me and is an endless source of creative inspiration. I hope this help and good luck with your story!
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ReplyDeleteHello Mr Tim,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Keya and i am from Kenya. I am currently doing my Art Igcse this October and my art teacher recommend you amongst other artists and as i looked through each of them you stood out the most, i was instantly drawn to the detail and intricacy of your art and you were the most unique of the other artists to me . I'm sure as you know that a part of the Igces main marking points is artists study and you are an artist i am choosing to study. I am hoping you can answer a few questions for me regarding two of your elephant pieces (i can send you which ones in particular on email) on your inspiration behind them, the year that you made them , your media - why you chose that media, and the Techniques you used etc and other information you think i may find valuable.
Thankyou
Yours sincerely,
Keya
Hi Keya. Thank you very much for writing and for your kindness. Yes, I would be happy to answer your questions. Let me know the elephant images you are talking about and send your questions to tjeffs@gmail.com. And wishing you all the luck with your artistic studies! Best, Tim Jeffs
DeleteHi Tim
ReplyDeleteI became aware of your art work only yesterday. My 13 year old son is studying art and your work at school in England. I have to say I have found your work and the detail absolutely amazing and love it. I am not an artist myself and wish I had an ounce of your talent. Just wanted to say how much I enjoyed looking at your work, just fabulous. Regards Carol. :)
Hi Carol! You are so incredibly kind to say that about my artwork. I am truly honored! I'm so happy to hear your son is studying art. The world needs more creative people! I wish you and him the very best and please stay safe! Sincerely, Tim
DeleteIm a advanced art student in owosso high school as a junior michigan my art teacher is asking us to do a assignment about you and make a artist research page and use art like yours for a project im glad i found this blog for this reason i just have one thing i want to know when do you think your art got most popular?
ReplyDeleteThanks for writing! And for your interest in my artwork. My artwork really got popular in 2015 when my first coloring book was published. Good luck with your project!
DeleteHello there!
ReplyDeleteI'm an art student from the UK currently working on artist research on the topic of reptiles. After searching through just about every artist I can find, I found that your art really stands out against the rest! It's spectacular, the colours really pop and every piece of art you create is truly incredible!
I've been using you as an artist to research into, as have many others I can see by the other comments on this blog, and was wondering if you would be able to answer a few questions.
- Are there any artists in particular who inspired you?
- What is your favourite piece you have created?
- What advice would you give to beginner artists?
- and just for fun, do you have a favourite animal?
Kindest regards,
Isabella :)
Tim jeff you are so cool
ReplyDeleteHello Tim,
ReplyDeleteI wondered which gear did you use during your time with White Zombie ! Did you use any pedals apart of that stratocaster I spotted on pictures ?
I would like to recreate this kind of tone.
Thank you in advance, your music was so good !
Hey, thanks for writing! I did use pedals. I used an MRX MX-104 distortion box, a craybaby wah pedal, and a MRX MX-117 Flanger. Thanks for asking and appreciate the interest on my WZ guitar sound!
DeleteThank you so much ! It’s been a long time since I looked for it ! You made my day !!!
DeleteGlad I could! Always here to help a follow guitarist! Have an awesome day!
DeleteI forgot to ask about your amp and settings, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to take up your time !
DeleteSure. What I remember at the time I used a Fender Twin Reverb (plugged into the Reverb channel). We played loud during recording. Volume: 6 ( or what your ears can take!), Treble: 5, Middle: 6, Bass: 6, Reverb: 3, Speed, 2 (No Vibrato)
DeleteThanks a lot, this was very helpful ! It’s funny because I already own most of the gear, will do my best to achieve ! Cheers from France !
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