I recently completed a commission for an illustration of a little indigenous boy performing as a grass dancer. The client advised me on what details to include to make him look authentic, since she is indigenous and I am not. She wanted it to match that illustration I made a few years ago of a girl in a jingle dress.
Here’s a sketch I did for the shape prompt for onform sketches.
So, I asked for critiques on this and thank you so much for the suggestions. I made some changes and here’s the revised illustration.
This was an experimental piece. I was practicing several things.
– Cartoon females in this sort of bit-headed cute style.
– Expressive poses (body and face)
– Full background
I’m not really sure what’s going on in this scene except that it’s probably not a good idea for a cat to tick off a grizzly.
Since this was an experiment, I welcome critique and feedback on this piece.
And here’s something completely different. Bear and Coyote. I think Coyote shouldn’t have stolen Bear’s fish. But Coyote, being the trickster he is, will get out of it somehow. 
Full Disclosure:
I should mention that, although this is in a tribal style with Native American folklore characters, I’m not a member of any indigenous nation. I don’t want to mislead anyone into thinking I identify as a Native Artist.
I don’t plan to do any more in this style because I’m worried that it counts as cultural appropriation. I did this one because I think the style is beautiful and I wanted to see what I could do with it. I really like how it turned out and it’s my own idea and my own story, but it isn’t in a style I have a cultural connection with. I don’t want to upset anyone and I can see how it might, so I’ll limit myself to just this one.
Karen B. Jones - Illustrator 