Illustration, illustrators Agents, Reps in London, New York, Paris, Hamburg, Shanghai,

Inheritance Can Be Deadly

2012-01-30T05:00:00.002-05:00

This poster by T.S Spookytooth was created to heighten the awareness of Familial Hypercholesterolaemia. Working closely with Andy Barnard at Langland, the client wanted non-human characters to represent a father and son. T.S Spookytooth says "..they'd seen a robot character that I'd done previously which they liked, so it was decided that they would be robotic characters. It was created with a paintbrush and a very old rusty version of Photoshop".

Kurt Vonnegut

2012-01-27T05:00:00.002-05:00

Another wonderfully expressive portrait from Kathryn Rathke, who created this drawing of Kurt Vonnegut for The Stranger Magazine. The weekly Seattle magazine runs a "Regrets" page in which they list all of the mistakes/regrets of the staff and contributors, and this year they asked for 'regrets' from local artists & writers. Kathryn says " I wrote in that I regretted that I have drawn many authors, but had never yet had the opportunity to draw Kurt Vonnegut. The paper responded by asking if I would like to draw him as the feature illustration for that segment of the paper, thereby allowing at least one citizen the opportunity to conquer one of her regrets!". A truly original way to get a commission!

Echo in ImagineFX

2012-01-26T05:55:00.000-05:00

Echo Chernik has been selected to be among some of the finest illustrators featured in ImagineFX issue #78. Out this month the issue focuses on modern Art Nouveau, a genre which Echo leads. Take a look.

Strictly Paper for Gail

2012-01-25T08:37:00.000-05:00

'Strictly Paper', a blog that 'highlights the many creative uses of paper' has featured Gail Armstrong today. Gail is quietly content with the piece on this new, but growing site. Have a read of Gail's inspirations, dream commissions and background.

Madamesange in Heart Home

2012-01-25T06:10:00.000-05:00

Madamesange aka Helen Lang has been interviewed by British interior design magazine Heart Home. 'The quarterly publication celebrates all that is unique and good about interior decor and lifestyle. Championing independent British Designers and inspiring readers to create their own great British Homes.' To learn more on what is a good and bad day for Madamesange and her inspirations and advice, take a look.

Simon Williams's Scrapbook

2012-01-18T06:05:00.001-05:00

Traditional & Digital illustrator Simon Williams shares an insight into his creative worlds in both Wales & Kent. Simon's Scrapbook.

Show Success

2012-01-18T05:18:00.000-05:00

Tansy Myer's latest exhibition has proved to be an enormous success. "Sweet Streets Group Exhibition" at the WWA Gallery in Culver City, CA (the annual group show curated by Sweet Streets and Tokyo Fashion label Spank! celebrating Japanese and American 1980's fashion), had a 'massive turnout!'. On the back of that, Tansy's part in the show got the attention of LA Weekly, who featured her work.
Not stopping for one moment, Tansy is now participating in the group portraiture show "About Face" at the same gallery, it runs through to February 11th 2012.

Lynx Angels Makes Images 36

2012-01-16T05:00:00.001-05:00

Miss Led aka Joanna Henly is over the moon with the news that her brilliant painting for the Lynx campaign has been selected to appear in the AOI's Images 36: the best of new British illustration publication. Even Angels Will Fall was a big job for Miss Led last year, and has won her a page in the advertising section. This news is icing on the cake for Miss Led. Well done!

The Chimes

2012-01-15T17:40:00.002-05:00

Emily Carew Woodard's Christmassy commission from The Times 2 has used her artistic skills beautifully. Illustrating The Chimes, Emily's hand drawn, elegant cover design and inside image has made the supplement one to keep. She is also exhibiting at The Last Tuesday Society until 29th January 2012.

Bite

2012-01-12T05:00:00.013-05:00

just sleeves

B ill Greenhead has successfully completed his eighth ad for Bite in Romania. No stranger to the overhead shooting, Bill drew directly onto a whiteboard with no guides to help! And with 3 days to work out what they were going to do for the final shoot, Bill helped with the storyboard and design of the ad. Commissioned by award winning McCann Erickson Romania and alongside StudioSet TV, the job has proved to be a fun one, in the spirit of Bill's entertaining drawings. Bill says "We used cardboard cut-outs for the first time to reveal other drawings, an idea I brought over from another shoot I did recently in London, to great effect. I just wish I hadn't thought of wearing the Christmas jumper. It got quite hot under the lights. Luckily I only had to wear the sleeves." Watch it now.

Rory McRory

2012-01-11T09:25:00.000-05:00

Bee Willey has been working on the re-launch of Rory McRory; a book originally published some years ago. Along with the author Sandra Horn, and published by Clucket Press, Bee is excited about the new artwork and thrilled to give the story a new look. Bee says "We will be producing a small edition of signed copies, which will be available after February 15th 2012 on Amazon and via Tatty Bogle.

Ron Borresen's Scrapbook

2012-01-11T06:26:00.000-05:00

Florida based illustrator Ron Borresen on working for National Geographic & other magazines he aspires to. Ron's Scrapbook.

Renault Olympics Poster

2012-01-09T06:02:00.001-05:00

This piece of imagery by super talent Danny Allison has been created for Publicis Ireland for client Renault. Danny had one day to complete the poster, an extremely tight deadline which involved a working night, but with a successful result. Danny says "(The artwork was) all hand done, screen printed, painted. The man who is on the poster got in touch to say he loved it (Mark Rohan who is (the) Irish Paralympic handcycling champion)". Renault are so pleased they are also having a print to hang in their headquarters.

Haemophilia Monster

2012-01-08T17:53:00.000-05:00

Sholto Walker has completed a fun yet sobering commission for a leading specialist UK advertising agency. The brief was to design a mostly friendly monster to represent the rare blood disorder haemophilia that predominately affects males. The aim of the campaign was to inform young children who suffer with the disease about how to live safely with it. The character had to be represented in a positive and entertaining way while reflecting the particular nature of the disorder as closely as possible. Sholto says " This I did by designing a bright red pet monster, Hemon, that was, while potentially threatening, mostly benign and friendly if looked after and treated with respect by his friend, Max, the ten-year-old boy he lives with. I drew the characters as vignettes in various scenarios and activities and also produced three four-page comic strips featuring Max and Hemon in various simple short stories."

Beauty Editor Portraits

2012-01-05T06:59:00.000-05:00

Alessandra Steinherr

Montana Forbes recently completed 17 bespoke portraits as gifts for various magazine beauty editors. Commissioned by COTY UK, she was also asked to create 9 other portraits for the company’s press office e-card. Each portrait was drawn from photographs with a tight deadline of 3 weeks! They were then Giclée printed on A3 William Turner paper for great archival quality. Montana says "Despite the tight deadline and some blurred photos I thoroughly enjoyed working on the project." The portrait here is of Alessandra Steinherr from Glamour magazine.

Aroma Art

2012-01-04T09:20:00.000-05:00

Last month saw this graceful painting by Shannon Toth featured in Fashion Weekly magazine in Beijing. The piece, which is inspired by the perfume Love, by Chloe will also be featured in the Aroma Art Exhibition in Beijing.

Readathon

2012-01-02T17:22:00.001-05:00

Keith Robinson was really pleased to be asked to redesign the branding for the children's reading charity Readathon. He had to create a unique character (now named Jamie) in a simple and bold style to be used on web and print branding, and also to design a hand-drawn Alphabet for the logo and other 'Headlines' text. Readathon encourages reading for pleasure, reading for fundraising and reading to help sick children, so a very worthy cause, Keith says "The logo itself had to incorporate Jamie being lifted up by a balloon, to convey the joy of reading for pleasure. In the future I will be creating more illustrations for use on promotional material. They will feature Jamie and other characters as they enjoy the adventure of reading."

Hidden Wonder

2011-12-18T17:26:00.001-05:00

Appearing in the December issue of Guidepost US, Hannah Davies has made this illustration for an article about a near death experience. Hannah's colourful and happy style is uplifting, she says "I had great fun with this commission. Fantastic to create. I am currently undertaking a new commission for Guidepost..."

Lufthansa Mural

2011-12-14T17:21:00.001-05:00

Chris Ede

Miss Led

Ben Tallon

Working with Wunderman in Germany for Lufthansa, several of our artists have contributed to an amazing mural exhibited in Berlin. Chris Ede, Ben Tallon and Miss Led along with others illustrated the "Zukunft-Berlin-campaign", "Sieh doch, was Du willst". Each piece from the individual artist has been combined to create a massive mural in a giant public space in Berlin.

Trees For London Mural

2011-12-14T08:05:00.000-05:00

Miss Led has opened up her creative process somewhat recently. Working with 'Noise of Art' for 'Trees for London' at their annual event in Battersea Park, she created a 10m interactive mural focusing on children's participation. Miss Led worked in her studio to draw the lines on this mammoth canvas, which focuses on cultural diversity, then the mural was laid like a huge colouring book on the grass, for others to decorate and have fun with. Watch the video.

Zero Woman

2011-12-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

Danny Allison's DVD Cover for Germany's repacked version of "Zero Woman" sees him experimenting with a new style. The film, which is an 'ultra-violent kill bill style 60's cult movie', is being re-introduced to the German audience.
Danny is a versatile illustrator and has recently been experimenting with this new cut out style on commissioned work to see what clients think. He says: "This technique is hands on, cutting out by hand the shapes within the existing 2D illustration. Then, suspended by pins, it is lit from various angles then the shadows are photographed. It's been great so far using this technique to solidify concepts within the illustration. Roll on 2012 and watch this space for progression of this style."

Laurence Cleyet-Merle's Scrapbook

2011-12-14T05:48:00.000-05:00

Marseille based Children's Illustrator, Laurence Cleyet-Merle finds inspiration from the students she teaches. Laurence's Scrapbook.

The Knits Before Christmas

2011-12-12T17:35:00.001-05:00

Twas The Knits Before Christmas

Noah's Knits

Alan Baker has done himself proud with another two animation promos for Ivy Press. 'Twas The Knits Before Christmas' and 'Noah's Knits' are the latest knitted creations to come from the amazing Fiona Goble, and Alan has used her woolly characters to advertise the books, which celebrate both Clement Clarke Moore's evocative 1822 poem and the well known biblical story. Watch 'Twas The Knits Before Christmas'. Watch 'Noah's Knits' (German version).

Romantically Yours

2011-12-11T17:23:00.000-05:00

Having worked on the latest release from Cliff Richard this summer, Ruth Rowland was pleased to be asked to work for another British icon - Twiggy. Released by EMI, Twiggy's brand new album Romantically Yours marks a return to her music career with a collection of her hand-picked favourites. Ruth was asked to work on the artist's name for the CD cover and started by taking her signature as the original reference. Using a dip ink pen that was sympathetic to the line quality and flow of the signature, Ruth says "I fine tuned the letter forms and opened up the letter spacing to maximise legibility while trying to keep the spontaneity and character of the original."

Welcome Tyson Mangelsdorf

2011-12-11T16:47:00.000-05:00

Creating very rich images abundant with story and colour, we welcome Tyson Mangelsdorf to our agency. With some 20 years experience, Tyson has worked for clients including Warner Bros, Mattel and Disney. Working both privately and commercially, his illustrations tackle the unusual and surrreal, leading Tyson to produce the most imaginative characters and situations. Enjoy his work.

New Covent Garden Soups

2011-12-09T06:11:00.000-05:00

Alongside Ziggurat Brands, Barry Patterson has worked on the rebranding of the New Covent Garden Soups range. Barry's style works perfectly with these all natural soups, his rich illustrations relishing the ingredients. Anna Rudenko from Popsop, the online brand magazine says "The new vivid and colorful design also provides the clearest range segmentation, making it easier for consumers to differentiate the products in five segments of the brand’s portfolio". Super job.

FRAME X FRAME Alien Worlds

2011-12-07T05:45:00.000-05:00

Katmo make some interactive graphics and animations for Alien Worlds TV special. WATCH IT NOW.

FRAME X FRAME Blue Cross Christmas

2011-12-07T05:40:00.000-05:00

Nick Murray Willis's e-card for The Blue Cross is a fantastic celebration of the 12 days of Christmas. WATCH IT NOW.

FRAME X FRAME Zuzu Yoghurt

2011-12-07T05:36:00.000-05:00

Bill Greenhead worked with Studioset TV in Romania to produce this ad for Zuzu yoghurt. WATCH IT NOW.

ANTA Basketball is Life

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Alex Fuentes

Versatile Alex Fuentes tackles a big commission from China. Working with JWT Shanghai for Chinese sports brand ANTA, Alex has produced this energetic illustration to be used on TV and print on the theme Basketball is Life. It is not often that a Chinese brand works with foreign talent, which makes this commission even more special. It has also used the talents of Echo Chernik and Mart Klein for the other ads.

Echo Chernik

Mart Klein

Cliff Mills

2011-12-01T15:55:00.000-05:00

Specialising in travel and editorial illustrations, as well as poster and t-shirt designs, we are rather happy to have Cliff Mills with us. Residing in the US, his work is heavily influenced by Arizona; the state he was born and raised. Cliff's work can be highly detailed and conceptual, loose and reportage. Combining textures and line, always with drawing at the heart.

Allotment Alphabet

2011-11-30T18:13:00.000-05:00

Greg Becker's Allotment blog has spread it's roots and growing well. He is now working on an allotment alphabet, which he says is an "idea (which) came via various stages through the gardening blogosphere". With humour at it's core, this has added another dimension to his gardening diary. Take a look.

Lonely Planet Kid's Guides

2011-11-30T10:30:00.006-05:00

Christopher Corr's book covers for Lonely Planet, just published, are a treat for any adventurous kid. Covering London, New York, Paris and Rome, and strictly not for parents, Christopher's enthralling illustrations are a successful book opener. In shops now.

Rosie's BIG Picture

2011-11-30T06:40:00.000-05:00

This fiery beauty is a recent private commission for Rosie Sanders, one which has required to her think bigger than ever before! Measuring 83x57 inches, this canvas painting will take home in Barbados. Rosie says "It was really exciting working this large, and (I) had to reinvent my way of working. (I) am really excited about it though and it feels like a new venture."

Paul Daviz's Scrapbook

2011-11-30T06:05:00.000-05:00

Humorous illustrator and animator Paul Daviz on his love of the process of drawing & how it continues to inspire him. Paul's Scrapbook.

John Holder - Honorary Doctor of the Arts

2011-11-28T18:58:00.000-05:00

Super news comes in the form of artist John Holder and his very prestigious award of Doctor of the Arts. It is a most deserved accolade. Please read the citation below:

John Holder
Honorary Doctor of Arts
Faculty of Arts, Law & Social Sciences

Alumnus John Holder is a veteran illustrator who is known internationally for his phenomenal creative talent. He specialises in classic pen drawing with a generous twist of humour and these intricate, expressive and mood-setting drawings have been acclaimed by art critics from every corner of the globe.
John is a published author illustrator. His published credits include distinguished authors, john Steinbeck, Dickens, Evelyn Waugh, Kurt Vonnegut, Graham Greene and Henry James. John has exhibited his drawings, paintings and illustrations in England, Croatia, France, Poland and the USA. His work is seen across the UK, Europe and the USA appearing in books, magazines and newspapers as well as for advertising and packaging. He penned the distinctive illustrations that helped to put Phileas Fogg crisps on the world map.
An alumnus of our Cambridge School of Art, John has kept a close connection with us for the past 50 years as a teacher, mentor and friend to our many art, design and media students. He is among a number of other famous former students of Cambridge’s only university-level art school, including classmates and lifelong friends Spitting Image creators Roger Law and Peter Fluck and the illustrator of the world-famous St Trinian’s school cartoons, Ronald Searle. John attributes his career success to the fact that he was top of his class in art at school and cites his biggest inspiration as Paul Hogarth, his former tutor.
John was most recently a Visiting Fellow of the Faculty of Arts, Law & Social Sciences specialising in Illustration. Today, when he could be long retired, he still enjoys working from his 17thcentury home and studio near Cambridge.
His vast portfolio of work includes original and highly creative drawings commissioned by governmental organisations, corporate contacts and private individuals. Some of his most notable clients include Penguin Books, Harper Collins, Random House, Saatchi & Saatchi, BBC, Macmillan, The National Trust, The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Observer, Prospect and New York Times.
A man with many creative talents, John founded the first ‘bluegrass’ bands in Europe in the 1950s and helped set up the Cambridge Folk Festival a decade later, which still today enjoys huge success.
In the mid 1980s, he co-established the Friends of Cambridge School of Art (more affectionately and less reverentially known as ‘Posers’) and set up a weekly ‘Life Drawing’ session which still takes place in the Ruskin Building. He is currently working with Philip Hodkinson of the Simmons Group, to whom he is mentor, to arrange drawing trips in innovative commercial buildings around the country.
John has ensured that, while being open to the public, current students of the Cambridge School of Art do not have to pay the nominal fee to attend the weekly drawing sessions in Ruskin building. He has also insisted that surplus revenues from this project together with Philip Hodkinson’s philanthropy, be used to subsidise the cost of the annual European drawing field trip. This has enabled students with limited means to attend an incredibly worthwhile trip that they would often otherwise not be able to attend.
A lifelong follower of both Cambridge School of Art and the discipline of drawing, John has been a great ambassador for the school and the Ruskin Gallery and is an inspiration to budding artists everywhere.
Vice Chancellor, it is my pleasure to present John for the award of Doctor of Arts, honoris causa.

Alex Fuentes in Illustration Now! 4

2011-11-27T17:41:00.000-05:00

Check out Alex Fuentes's spread in Taschen's latest Illustration celebration. Illustration Now! Vol 4, showcasing the best contemporary talent, happily includes Alex's superb work.

Lux Harmonium 7'' Single

2011-11-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

This fine drawing created by Hannah Megee is for Lux Harmonium's recent 7" single. The Bones You Break / Camel Bones came out a couple of weeks ago on the Static Caravan label. Hannah says " I decided to use the image of the donkey for two reasons; firstly, it was play on words as both songs have the word 'bones' in the title, so a little reference to the saying 'the straw that broke the donkey's back'. The second reason is that Luke Jones, the talent behind Lux Harmonium, often reminds me of a sad donkey." The image was produced in pencil and then lightly coloured in Photoshop.

Anthony J Foti's Scrapbook

2011-11-23T06:37:00.000-05:00

California based Anthony J Foti, on illustrating Star War's Games, whilst still studying his profession at University. Anthony's Scrapbook.

dpi

2011-11-22T09:23:00.003-05:00

Arrow Head

This fab painting by Shannon Toth is currently on the cover of dpi magazine. Shannon is the featured artist too, a very happy Shannon says: “… I was pretty proud to see my painting on the cover, I had no idea they were going to do that”.

Sueno Chica

And this dreamy image; Sueno, Chica, has also been donated to raise money for buying art supplies for children in hospital, it’ll be auctioned in New York next month for the Design Dreams Foundation.

Greenpeace Poster

2011-11-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Laura Dollie’s powerful image has won the Applied Art Magazine Student Awards. Entered on her behalf by her former professor, Laura’a anti-pollution poster is featured in the November Issue. It’s a striking, beautifully composed piece, well deserving of a winning place. Well done Laura!

Mitosyl

2011-11-17T06:51:00.001-05:00

Katmo have created this loveable dragon character for Mitosyl. Working with Publicis Dialog Paris, the brief was to create a female dragon, carrying the baby. Marie Bastille, our agent in France says "The baby was photographed separately as the dragon was too big to fit in the studio !" The piece is being used in editorial advertising in France.

BDA Cover

2011-11-17T06:37:00.001-05:00

Ben Tallon completes this cover for the British Dental Association's products catalogue. This piece takes Ben in a new exciting direction with his work, he says "It's a huge step forward for me in terms of working full colour, (a) whole new world opened up after I turned a technical corner".

Recession Dip

2011-11-17T06:30:00.000-05:00

Robert Carter creates this very 'of the moment' image for Investment Advisor magazine. Are the States facing a double-dip recession? With another recession looming, investment advisors discuss how the recession is measured, and the reaction of the stock market during recessionary periods. Robert's fantastic portraiture makes for a very believable pose.

DrNo Vintage Guitar Effects

2011-11-17T06:14:00.001-05:00

BoomArtwork recently created the logo artwork and packaging design for DrNo vintage guitar effects. And a very pleasurable job it was, as he thrives on mixing graphic design, custom lettering and illustration, all of which were required for this commission. Initially BoomArtwork did some rough sketches and then set out six different vintage visual routes, one for each guitar effect. Reflecting the sound and style of the effect within the artwork, he finally placed the sketches in illustrator, traced them and added colour. Custom letters were also created to make every effect unique and special. BoomArtwork says "As I'm a guitar player myself I have to say these vintage guitar effects are truly amazing and really take you back in time. All effects are made with the best components and materials that are available, and every stomp box is 100% handmade by DrNo himself."

Nuno’s Mirrors for Alzheimers

2011-11-17T05:18:00.001-05:00

Nuno Da Costa recently donated two illustrations to Alzheimer's Society who have created these glorious mirrors to be sold by Outfit. Selling at a bargain of £1.50 each, £1.26 goes directly to the charity which is excellent news. Outfit is the out-of-town fashion store, housing leading high street brands under one roof. There's something for everyone, with top-to-toe collections from Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Topman, Topshop, Wallis, Oasis and Warehouse. So, go and purchase one of these hand bag must haves now! More information on the charity and campaign. Find out where to buy the mirrors.

Outfit and Alzheimer’s Society e-alert:

There are some things a girl just needs to have in her handbag; lip-gloss, hair brush and make up to name but a few. However all those things are redundant without a stylish hand held mirror to check yourself in?

Available from all Outfit stores these hand illustrated, button mirrors make great stocking fillers that come with an added extra: the knowledge that while you are looking the part you will be helping others.

Arriving in two designs Outfit will be selling these little two little gems from November, and the money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society to continue supporting people to live well with dementia.

To ensure you stay looking reem this party season add this beautifully illustrated button mirror to your Christmas wish list or give one to your girl friends to ensure they remain the belles of the ball.

Christmas is a time when we think of others and by adding this simple gift to your shopping list Outfit hope to raise as much money as possible for this wonderful charity and help them make a difference this Christmas.

Woodmansterne Festive Cards

2011-11-16T06:58:00.001-05:00

Hannah Davies has a festive range of cards, gift wrap and a calendar out for Christmas 2011. Published by Woodmansterne, and available from gift shops all over the UK, 40p for every card goes to charity. Hannah’s decorative, detailed designs will look lovely on a mantelpiece this Christmas!

Soulicious

2011-11-16T06:51:00.000-05:00

Ruth Rowland has produced the album title for 'Soulicious', the latest from Cliff Richard. Released by EMI, it's a collection of duets featuring some of the most respected names in soul music, including Roberta Flack, Dennis Edwards and Freda Payne. Ruth says "I was delighted to be asked to produce the album title, using sophisticated thick and thin curves to add a lyrical flow to the letters. The hand drawn lettering was commissioned to give a personal touch to the elegant cover design. More lettering and calligraphic swashes continue the style across the CD packaging."

Echo Chernik's Scrapbook

2011-11-16T06:10:00.002-05:00

From Art Nouveau and Art Deco, through to Aboriginal Art & Cyberpunk, just some of the artistic styles that inspire illustrator Echo Chernik. Echo's Scrapbook.

Cafe Rouge Murals

2011-11-15T18:17:00.003-05:00

Cafe Rouge on The Strand has been decorated in style by Alyana Cazalet. Working with FutureBrand, Alyana spent the summer on this big and challenging art commission. The Cafe Rouge chain is in the process of re-designing the interiors of all it's restaurants in the UK and asked Alyana to design murals for their first new look. From the start the client was extremely pleased with Alyana's drawings and the 'idiosyncratic characters' on her first rough. From then she was given the 'green light' to create a slice of life in a French bistro, in London. Alyana says "I had positive comments from many other people friends/fellowartists/etc...who saw (the) murals since (the) Cafe Rouge opening in September........It was (a) challenging commission without any doubt, due to the scale ( 25 square meters), time pressure, public place (The Strand). ........ My inspiration came from French music and poetry as well as (the) streets of Paris and individual French cafe culture."