Musicalphabet

Madamesange's limited edition screen print "MUSICALPHABET" was featured in April's edition of Creative Review. The 4 colour, hand pulled screen print featuring musical icons from Adele to Zappa was featured in the grid section of the magazine. Madamesange says "Printed onto high quality, textured 300gsm Hahnemuelhe fine art paper, each print is also hand signed and numbered."

Evolving Phones

Willie Ryan's 'evolving phones' for May's Architectural Review show his graphic icon style. And with a subtle hint of humour, they also come in red and blue!

Vogue China

Nadia Flower decorates this piece in Vogue China with her elegant hand. Nadia was asked to draw flowers to show one of the current trends; floral dresses.

Infertility and Surrogacy

Here is Heather Landis's latest editorial illustration for Gloss Magazine. Composed with a beautiful balance, Heather uses her photo montage style to illustrate the sensitive subject of infertility in women and surrogate mother experiences.

BaselWorld Jewellery Fair

Last month's Annabelle Magazine in Switzerland was brightened with Kavel Rafferty's drawings. This image was one of 12 illustrations for a feature on  the BaselWorld Jewellery Fair 2012.

Andy Council: MAY Artist in Residence

Andy Council is 'artist in residence' for May at Zion Community Art Centre in Bristol. He will be there all month making the giant 'Zionaceratops' sculpture using cardboard, model trees, flock and spray paint, with a little help from local children who will be making some of the houses. The final piece will hang permanently from the ceiling when completed. Andy has already painted a mural for the new community garden and will also be giving a talk on his work - Illustration, Street Art and Dinosaurs. Here we see a picture of the mural Andy has done for the centre and a blueprint of the sculpture he is currently making.

Warren Buffett in Your Sneaker

Kathryn Rathke's portrait of Warren Buffett is being used in a very unique way. It was originally drawn for a major Berkshire Hathaway event and now the art is being used in a number of ways, 'most notably' says Kathryn, 'they have put it into a limited edition pair of sneakers!' Brilliant!

SECRETS TO SUCCESS: ILLUSTRATION AND CHILDREN’S BOOKS INDUSTRY EVENT

SATURDAY 23rd JUNE 
VENUE: Toynbee Studios Theatre, Arts Admin Lecture Theatre, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6A. Time: 10.00 - 17.30

Secrets to Success is an intensive one-day event held at Toynbee Studios Theatre that gives artists the opportunity to learn all the essential information needed for working in children’s book illustration today. Presentations, case studies and talks are given by a wide range of experts with specialist knowledge including career talks by prolific illustrator Tony Ross, best known for the Horrid Henry series, Alex T Smith, who was shortlisted for this year’s Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize, and Booktrust best new illustrators 2011 Chris Haughton and Claudia Boldt.

Topics include Deirdre McDermott, Editor and Art Director at Walker Books who talks about what agents look for in a potential illustrator and what they want to see from submissions; Philippa Milnes Smith, Managing Director of LAW Agency, discusses how to work with designers and art directors, whilst consultant Fig Taylor explains what’s needed in the portfolio of a children’s book illustrator.

The event, organised by the Association of Illustrators (AOI), is open to illustration students and working illustrators at different stages of their professional career as well as anyone with a lively curiosity about the industry.

Non Members £55

SCBWI Members £45

AOI Members £40

Non Member Students (Please send proof of status) £35

AOI Member Students £30

How to Book: Securely online at www.theaoi.com/events, or call 020 7324 7224 to pay by credit or debit card

Further details on AOI membership and activities available from: www.aoi.com

For further information , please contact: Paul Smith, press@theaoi.com phone: 020 7613 4328

Notes to editors : The Association of Illustrators (AOI) is a non-profit trade association with a membership that includes freelance illustrators, agents, clients, students and colleges. Established in 1973, it is the leading body to represent illustrators in the UK and campaigns for illustrators’ rights, continually working to increase the professional standing of illustrators, commercially and artistically. The AOI works to improve contract content and contracting practice extended to illustrators by commissioners. It publishes a quarterly magazine, VAROOM! and produces the annual ‘Images’ competition and touring exhibition, now in its 36th year, which celebrates the best in contemporary British illustration.

Association of Illustrators, 2nd Floor, Back Building, 150 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AT

Varoom 18 Launch and Event at The Foyles Gallery

PRESS RELEASE May 2012

ILLUSTRATION, ENTERTAINMENT AND THE AGE OF DISTRACTION PANEL EVENT AND LAUNCH OF VAROOM! MAGAZINE ISSUE 18 : THE ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE

AT THE FOYLES GALLERY ON THURSDAY 14th JUNE

VENUE: The Foyles Gallery, Third Floor, 113 – 119 Charing Cross Rd London, WC2H 0EB

TIME: 18.30

In an era of social networking, texting and ‘always-on’ smartphone culture, the way we access and consume our entertainment is rapidly evolving. To coincide with the launch of Varoom issue 18: The Entertainment Issue at Foyles Gallery in London on 14th June, three distinguished panellists from different areas of the industry will discuss illustration work, that in the age of ‘fast food’ media has taken the idea of entertainment in bold new directions. The debate is chaired by Varoom’s editor, John O’Reilly.

The panellists are:
Emma Hayley - publisher

Emma is Director of SelfMadeHero, a new independent publishing company specialising in original graphic novels, who aims “to create a publishing house relevant in the 21st century, developing new inspirational concepts and publishing across multi-platforms.”

SelfMadeHero’s latest books include a version of Freud’s classic case study, The Wolf Man, and When David Lost His Voice, a personal account of a family dealing with a father’s battle with cancer.

Grant Orchard - filmmaker

Grant is the director of animated short film ‘Morning Stroll’ which received both Oscar and BAFTA nominations, and won the Jury Prize at Sundance. This hugely successful interpretation of a story in a collection edited by Paul Auster about a chicken going for a walk, was entirely self-funded by Studio AKA, an animated production company whose clients include Guinness, BBC, and Lloyds TSB.

Adam Simpson - illustrator

With its five different covers representing each of the Best Film nominees, the BAFTA Film Awards 2011 brochure is now a highly desirable and collectible item. Adam who created the iconic images talks about the project’s intense deadlines and how to slow down and encapsulate a movie into a still, single image.

Admission is free, but pre-booking required. For further information and bookings, please email: events@foyles.co.uk

Varoom! is the award-winning, quarterly magazine which celebrates the cultural, political and social ideas in contemporary illustration from around the world.

Varoom! 18 is available from selected book shops and can be purchased online from: www.varoom-mag.com

If you have any press enquiries and image requests, please contact:

Paul Smith - press@theaoi.com tel: 020 7613 4328

Note for editors:
The Association of Illustrators (AOI) is a non-profit trade association with a membership that includes freelance illustrators, agents, clients, students and colleges. Established in 1973, it is the only organisation to represent illustrators and campaign for their rights in the UK and has successfully increased the reputation of illustration as a profession as well as improved the commercial and ethical conditions of employment. It produces the annual ‘Images’ prize and touring exhibition, now in its 36th year, which celebrates the best in contemporary British illustration. www.theaoi.com

Association of Illustrators, 2nd Floor, Back Building, 150 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3AT

The King's Dream

The University of Aberdeen has recently commissioned Natalie Kilany to illustrate "The Kings Dream", a fairytale written by Jackie Ross. The story follows a King who is troubled by nightmares; with worries of what the future holds for his people. None of his expert advisors can explain his dreams, but a young hill farmer has insights which help the King harness the collective wisdom of his people and let him sleep peacefully once more. Natalie says "In a nut shell the fairytale tells the story of two contrasting futures faced by Britain's hill communities, based on research from the Sustainable Uplands project. This was a fantastic book to work on, I was given complete creative freedom that I utterly enjoyed and flourished in." Commissioner Mark Reed was very happy too, he said of the illustrations "... they’re BEAUTIFUL!!!! Really great job Natalie and bang on time! Very pleased indeed..."

Moteris Magazine

These delightful spreads by Ella Tjader are a recent commission from Moteris Magazine in Lithuania. Ella's zesty colours and organic designs fit superbly around the model.

Bec Winnel at the Semi Permanent Creative Conference

Talking of her work and inspirations, Bec Winnel is a guest speaker at the Semi Permanent Creative Conference in Sydney on the 10th and 11th of May 2012.  Bec says of her work:

 "If I couldn’t create art, I think I would curl up and die. I have always loved creating and sharing artwork. Image making is my therapy and life fuel!

I’m a self taught artist from a young age. My first exhibitions were in Nan’s kitchen on her fridge. My art practice has changed from a young girl, from drawing realistic horses over and over, to exploring digital art whilst studying graphic design, then back to traditional techniques for my work as a represented commercial illustrator, advocate with Element Eden and my personal fine art work. I’ve been exhibiting in group shows for the past five years with the aim to finally have a solo show.

My personal work, portraits of feminine beauty, has predominantly been created using pastel and colour pencil, this year I am exploring oil painting alongside by previous techniques.

2012 is my first year as a full time artist. Up until now I was creating my art and commercial illustrations part time whilst working as a full time graphic designer. 2012 has also brought about a change of scenery. Originally a country girl, moved to Melbourne for five years and have now made a new home in the Alpine Valley region of Victoria, where I can focus solely on my art and be surrounded and inspired by nature and the simple things in life.

Through my art, I hope to evoke a sensual connection to my subjects while creating an affection for classic beauty, nature and nostalgia."

For more information on the event go to the Semi Permanent Event website.

Patterns And Pretty Flowers

Hannah Davies's drawings are oozing out of these activity books out now from Buster Books. 'Pretty Flowers' and 'Patterns Around The World' are colouring treats for children aged 7 and up. Hannah says "I'm really excited these are finally out to buy in the shops . I had a great experience creating them! There is the advanced colouring book following in September!"

Art and Design Beijing

These indulgent spreads are from the latest Art and Design Beijing Magazine featuring Rohan Eason. Showing plenty of his beautiful black and white drawings and some colour illustrations too, the article gives an overview of Rohan's work and style, celebrating all he does so brilliantly.

Lauren Mortimer's Scrapbook

Illustrator Lauren Mortimer loves working from her Whitechapel studio in the heart of London's creative East End. Lauren Mortimer's Scrapbook.

Ted's Drawing Room

Miss Led took part in a very unique experience recently for Ted Baker. One which is very up her street; painting portraits live of members of the public in Ted Baker clothes, and literally as they were trying them on in store! Customers in Flagship stores around the UK, Ireland and New York were encouraged to take part by choosing something from the Spring/Summer collection and getting snapped in their Drawing Room photobooth's. These images were then emailed to the studio where eleven illustrators were waiting, the images were pinned up for them to pick and choose between to inspire some portraiture and full figure work. The experience was streamed live and online. Through the Ted Baker Facebook page you could also check in with the artist's progress, watch interviews and even see the portraits complete and framed on site. The following Monday the framed images were then sent to those lucky chosen 'subjects', to receive at their door! Miss Led says "One off event. 11 artists, streamed live over 8 hours producing portraits of shoppers worldwide. What a great day" Watch the video of the day.

Royal Academy Summer Exhibition Hopeful

Liam O'Farrell is excited about the possibility of a fourth piece of his art being selected for the very popular Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2012.  Artists and Illustrators Magazine have featured him as a 'Summer Hopeful' in a recent article where Liam says "I've applied three times and I've got in three times, but that doesn't mean anything - your odds start at zero every time". We wish him lots of luck! Flick through the magazine here.

Rosie's Upcoming Exhibitions

 If you'd like to see some of Rosie Sanders's masterpieces, she has the following events coming up, two great opportunities to see one of the finest botanical artist's paintings up close. Firstly Rosie will be at the Chelsea Flower Show 2012, stand EA/116 running from May 22nd - 26th. Then a solo exhibition at Jonathan Cooper, Park Walk Gallery opening 8th June 2012.