Nathan D Yoder

[nathanyoder]

Recent work for Falcon Investor Group.

Creative Director and Designer/Typsetting: Jarrod Barretto

See more at yondrstudio.com/logos

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“C. S. Lewis”, 2025 Wood Engraving, 5.5 x 6 inches (sheet)

1st and only edition of 20 prints now available at store.yondrstudio.com.

[nathanyoder]

Several years back I started a wood engraving of the late, great, C. S. Lewis. As I reached the midway point the face in the sketch that I had transferred to the block, began rubbing off — yes, I was foolishly saving the most difficult part of the engraving for last. So, naturally, rather than dealing with the issue head on, I drug my feet as I contemplated whether to work with what was left of the sketch or to attempt to re-transfer his face to the block. Long story short, after a decent amount of finagling, I successfully re-transferred his face to the block and was able to finish the engraving just a week or two later.

The block was harvested and prepared for engraving from a downed holly tree that my wife's aunt was having removed. It, and a collection of other blocks, were then left to dry for around a year before I began work on the engraving. Preparing my own blocks for engraving has become a whole other story in and of itself.

The artwork for the engraving was a pencil drawing of C. S. Lewis that I completed back in 2022. He being one of my favorite authors and thinkers, it was a bit of a daunting project to try and capture his likeness in pencil, let alone as a line engraving. As always, there are plenty of things that I would adjust if I did it again but I was happy with the result nonetheless.

1st and only edition of 20 prints now available at store.yondrstudio.com.

[nathanyoder]

An unused sketch from a past client project.

See more outtakes at yondrstudio.com/scrapyard

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Ligonier Ministries recently tasked Yondr Studio with developing the cover design and illustration for their republication of the time honored Westminster Shorter Catechism.

It was a real honor to work with Ligonier Ministries on this. Thank you once again to Anthony Diehl and Ligonier Creative for the opportunity and for all of the great direction along the way.

See more at yondrstudio.com/ligonierministries

[nathanyoder]

I was often thinking back hunting trips from my younger days while working on this project—a series of spot illustrations completed for a hunting app a few years back.

See more at yondrstudio.com/scratchboard 

[nathanyoder]

Here's a look at the full lineup of swing tag illustrations made for Bosie Knitwear and their beautiful (and very cozy) sweaters. More illustrations on their way in the new year :)

ART PRINTS: Limited edition, letterpress, 8x10" art prints of each one of these are also available now at store.yondrstudio.com. Each ships signed and numbered with an accompanying certificate of authenticity.

[nathanyoder]

Studio Form (Aberdeen) recently invited Yondr Studio to contribute illustrations to their brand refresh of Bosie Knitwear’s Blue Mogganer line of sweaters. The aim was to create a series of illustrations inspired by the mythos of the sea and the workmen who’s trades inspired the sweaters.

Art Prints: In collaboration with Bosie Knitwear, Yondr Studio also ran a limited edition series of prints for distribution in both Bosie Knitwear and Yondr Studio’s online stores. These were printed by Nathan Yoder on a 1889 Chandler & Price platen press from photo polymer plates.

You can purchase one for yourself (or as a gift) at store.yondrstudio.com.

This was a delight to work on. Thanks again to Studio Form for inviting me to be a part of it and to Bosie for the opportunity!

See more at yondrstudio.com/bosie-knitwear

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This is an illustration that I worked on for a winery a little while back. The wine that this illustration was for was produced from old grape vines so the concept was to create a character to personify these vines. It was a fun one to work on.

See more at yondrstudio.com/scratchboard

[nathanyoder]

I started this wood engraving of the late, C.S. Lewis a year or two ago and put it down out of intimidation. As you can see, I've been—foolishly—avoiding the face until the very end. I should have worked on that first! Anyhow, whether or not you ever see this engraving again will likely be the answer regarding how things go from here.

Here’s a relevant quote that I will be trying to remember:

“Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.”- C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

[nathanyoder]

Recent illustration work for Toad Hollow vineyards.

From defining the Toad's personality to designing his outfits and pond-side shanty—this was a fun one.

Thanks to Johnny Cárdenas for bringing me in on the project and for all of the great direction along the way.

See more at yondrstudio.com

CD: Johnny Cárdenas

Product Photography: Leela Cyd

[nathanyoder]

Three illustrations of Aesop's Fables from an on going series that I'm working on.

[nathanyoder]

One from a series of Colorado landscapes I’ve been working on for a client. There’s been a lot going on lately-work wise-that I haven’t had the chance/been able to share about. I’m hoping to share more with you all soon. ✍🏻 #illustration #penandinkdrawing https://ift.tt/2R4wcTD

[nathanyoder]

Here’s a progress shot of a bookplate design that I recently finished up as a birthday present for my sister-in-law @sarah.m.carthur. We’re still waiting on the rubber stamp to come in so I’m going to hold off on sharing the final until I have some pictures of that to share. More to come! The underlying sketch was done using a red pencil to make for easier separation of the black when moved to the computer. At one point I let my pen roll over some wet ink on the drawing, hence the smudge on the left. 🤦🏻‍♂️ no matter how hard I try, I somehow always manage to smudge my drawing. Happy New Year by the way! Pen and ink on Bristol 8.5x11” #penandink #exlibris #bookplate https://ift.tt/35iGlB5

[nathanyoder]

Work has gotten busy again so I haven’t had time to work on much personal stuff but here’s an illustration from a little while back. Side note—here’s a really great quote by the illustrator, Robert Fawcett, that I recently read from his book, On The Art of Drawing: “Although I do believe one should try to draw accurately, I do not believe that fine draftsmanship is synonymous with exact accuracy. It is usually based on “the thing observed,” which, distilled by the personality recording it, may become quite distorted from the original. The test, if we can presume to put a yard rule to something so ephemeral as drawing, is whether it gives the impression of reality over and above superficial resemblance, and whether the drawing provides an emotional stimulus quite apart from its own subject matter.” #penandink #illustration #engraving https://ift.tt/388UKlP

[nathanyoder]

Friday in the office. When drawing in this sort of way, I like to have a scrap of paper close that I can make mindless doodles on throughout the day. Eventually something will begin to develop that I like but then the challenge is to find a way to make it work within the space left open on the page. The result is always something that feels a bit more unique and honest than it would have if I sat down with a clearly thought out plan in mind. The challenge then is trying to recapture that same sort of carefree spirit when working on something that does require a plan. Not to over poeticize it but I think I enjoy this way of working because it reminds me most of how life unfolds… generally it’s the unplanned and unexpected moments that make for the most interesting/special/exciting moments in life. Discipline and planning have their place; they make it possible to achieve things that we could not otherwise if left to our own whims and fancies. But too much discipline and planning can also make life begin to feel pretty boring and a little too safe. I think the key lies in finding the balance. Or, you could say, the key lies in establishing good technique—the ability to skillfully and intuitively navigate the unexpected. #illustration #penandink #watercolor https://ift.tt/2CON9KO

[nathanyoder]

Our son is going to be 10 months here in a couple of days. The older he gets the more I find myself thinking back on my own childhood and all the things that I enjoyed when I was younger. Last night Katherine and I watched the first Toy Story again and it brought back all kinds of good memories of the day my parents came home from a night out and surprised my brother, sisters, and I with that movie. . . Life is so much simpler as a kid and yet it also seems to be equally complex during that season of life, too. I remember looking forward to adulthood and thinking about how much easier it would be when I had my freedom. Now I think back to my childhood and remember how much easier it was when I was under the guidance and protection of my parents. It’s such a blessing to now get the chance to watch all of those experiences run their course in the life of my son. Life is such an amazing gift. #illustration #penandink #watercolor https://ift.tt/2CIOX84