Pretty Decent

eighty three

2008-11-03T10:54:00.003Z

MIKE KERR

Mike Kerr's work makes me very happy indeed.
I'm hunting down the best illustrator (in my opinion) for
research for an illustration brief I have not quite started yet
that involves humans and animals alike. Mike Kerrs animals
are fantastic, I think he has their characteristics pretty much down
but in a rather clever and humorous way. He has also
used (I think) paints in a way I've never seen before. Inspiring, huh?

And that cockrel/chicken looks just like
Graham from the Jeremy Kyle show, no?

eighty two

2008-10-29T17:40:00.001Z

Scott Balmer

lovely!

eighty

2008-10-20T10:54:00.003+01:00

I love vintage adverts, the creepier the better.
I came across these, again, whilst researching
for my Sainsburys brief. Erm, they really are bloody
strange. How can that little girl eat such a massive
amount of meat?

seventy nine

2008-10-18T11:43:00.005+01:00

ADRIAN JOHNSON

I think that Adrian Johnson is rather ace really.
I had to restrain myself when I was deciding which images to put up
here (really). I came across him while ago (he is of the gorgeous
Robinsons juice adverts fame) And anything to do with Robinsons = love.
But anyway, how clever are his play on words?

And, the "guilty conscience needs no accuser" one
totally reminds me of Earl from My Name is Earl.

seventy eight

2008-10-17T10:48:00.004+01:00

YASSINE

OK, from what I can tell..! LEZIUS
is an agency, and Yassine is the rather ace
designer I'm pitifully trying to blog about.

seventy seven

2008-10-15T18:34:00.002+01:00

NAZARIO GRAZIANO

I love this guys work. I don't really know what I can
say to do him justice! I'm rather bad at this whole blogging
thing. But I rather enjoy collage (or digital collage, whatever)
and this guy is pretty much a pro. I like the manic-ness
of collage, but at the same time these images are really
clean and easy to look at. I think its because the collages are
mainly centralized which really focusses the attention.

I think.
yes.

seventy six

2008-10-13T21:16:00.002+01:00

JEN CORACE.

Jen Corace's work is really rather lovely.
Her website is full of stunners, but I really love her
character work. The people she creates have such a
worried, but serene look on their little faces.
I'm not that sure its possible to look "serenely worried"
so she must be that good.

And bloody hell, those pea's are CUTE.

PS, the pictures were naughty naughty screen capped
from her site.

seventy three

2008-09-18T16:40:00.010+01:00

SAMUEL FRANCOIS

Taken from his website:

Samuel François makes his first marks by intervening in a rough way on urban space. Active member of the “Inkunstruction”collective created in 2000, he became the witness of the cultural changes related to urban space. His productions question its representations, codes and rules. They are translated using various mediums and take shape in the form of innumerable supports, mainly by the means of installations,which skilfully mix objects and paintings. A joyful manipulator of symbols, his goal is above all to preach a transitory art of which spontaneity and decasualization of the images are the bases of the work. In the majority of his work, Samuel questions its decorative position, hugely declined today amongst our society, this one including contemporary creation.He establishes a playfully formal unit there,where the decoration can be perceived like a fundamental part of the work. Hence making this simple remark :graffiti,such as he practised it at the beginnings in urban spaces,is a decorative element in its own rights for the uninitiated public.The graff then becomes a purely aesthetic unit stripped of its primary function :the signature, a name as a name,which adapts itself to a chosen territory. Its references are as numerous for the subjects - friends,animals,objects - as for the forms - bands,patterns various,colours mainly resulting from architecture and textile.The artist therefore pays more attention to the image than its direction,without omitting it nevertheless.He likes to short-circuit his habits by using accidents to his advantage. Spontaneity forms an integral part of the final result,reflecting an unconscious mark left by a population on its environment.It is then a question of not repeating oneself,even if it means to blur the tracks. By proposing well thought installations for spaces, which welcome them,Samuel François leaves a rigid yoke,which would like to impose a stylistic autograph - a schematized representation- on the detriment of creativity. And paradoxically,it is there that his work finds its identity,that of perpetually moulting lava,ready to spit its layers of paint.It is by aligning his rhythm with that of the city that the artist renews himself. Here, he sows coloured paper balls in the way of a graffiti laid out along the walls.Here,he exits the urban territory to tackle the rural one :where the city is exhausted by its speed, the countryside shows creative gravity, with the image of its pastoral posts with painted stripes,ready-made supports for the mycosis flora.Or how to reinvent the camouflage motif.Samuel François likes to play,and doesn’t take himself to seriously :whether it’s games of hide-andseek (when he installs a pair of legs,the feet in the air,emerging from ground) or when he disperses puddles of detergent products, amusing himself with the multicoloured reflections of the liquids...It is certainly this playful and naive aspect,not to say childish – he loves felt-tips -,which amuses the spectator so much. Urban space within the gallery, while losing yourself by the woods,let yourself get caught up in the game of colour.

Its well worth a read actually. I really really love this guys work.
At the moment I'm really into escapism, disappearing into
a fantasy world and these images seem kind of Alice in
Wonderland-ly to me. And I love little details that you really have to look
for to notice.

seventy two

2008-09-18T16:40:00.003+01:00

GINETTE LAPALME

strange and wonderful.
yesyesyes!

seventy one

2008-09-14T17:11:00.008+01:00

OBENTO

The first two "obento" at the top of the page
are by Sakurako Kitsa, her flickr page
can be found here. Its really worth a look, her talent
is pretty amazing.

The other two images I found on the ever faithful google.
I've been trying to explain what obento is, but to no avail.
So here is a pretty nice definition that I found:

Food in Japan is famously prepared as much for the eyes as for the palate.
This is true even for Japanese preschoolers,
most of whom take an elaborate, adorable mom-made meal, called obento
to school every day. The tradition becomes part of the
social education of both parent and child and creates a connection
between home and school for a youngster’s earliest forays away from family.

A typical mother spends almost an hour crafting every lunch into a healthful
beguiling blend of cartoon characters, flora and fauna
— anything that will make the food appeal to her child.
The teacher judges whether the lunch box is prepared according to
obento rules (e.g., the food must be as handmade as possible, and
it must be appetizing and aesthetically appealing to the child).

In the U.S. this tradition continues, albeit in a less structured fashion.
Here it isn't so much about keeping up with the Tanakas as
preserving small, edible morsels of culture that convey big
emotions to mother and child.

I'm trying to be honest about what inspires me on this blog.
My recent posts haven't been design based but this is
pretty much what interests me most, finding lovely little things
that make me happy and inspires me to draw and create things.

Happppyy.

seventy

2008-09-12T10:34:00.002+01:00

ORIGAMI

All made from dollar bills.
wow.

sixty nine

2008-09-11T23:48:00.005+01:00

ARNAUD LOUMEAU
(I think)

There isn't actually any writing on this guy's website
(and what there is in French, which all knowledge of has
dropped out of my head since school sadly). So there isn't very much
I can actually say about the artist other than, woah look at his
pen skills! I love how they are obviously done in felt tip
(my pen of choice) but the neatness of the images is astounding.
Argh! I can't stop looking at them! I would quite like to cover my
walls in them.

sixty eight

2008-09-11T22:58:00.003+01:00

MILKBBI

MILKBBI is Justin Wallis, an artist from
I'm not sure really. But to be honest I am just in awe
of his gameboy. I mean LOOK AT IT! It is a thing
of wonder and beauty.

I wish I still had mine so I could customize it to buggery.
I love this kind of stuff most of all, or, its what inspires me
most to create pictures (of cats).

Love.

sixty seven

2008-08-26T21:43:00.004+01:00

toonzoo!
★ 프로필

My my! I havent posted on here in a while! I have been feeling pretty uninspired in terms of this blog recently, plus blogger seems to fail me every time I use it! Pff. Anyway, as of late I've been very inspired by anything asian (more specifically anything Japanese or Chinese) I can't wait until I've saved enough to go to Japan! I found a deliciously cute website, full of rather lovely pixel-work. Sadly everything is in Chinese so I can't read it! Oh, how I wish I could.

I'm currently "learning" (I'm using that term VERY lightly) Japanese. So far, all I've learned is "I have diarrhoea" and "I have a period" (for the lolz, you understand) I AM SUCH A CHILD.

sixty six

2008-05-27T10:02:00.003+01:00

DAVID SPARSHOTT

The above is the work of the rather spectacular
David Sparshott. His work makes me want to
cry a little bit. I think this is a good thing.

Sixty four

2008-04-29T16:29:00.005+01:00

CLARE MALLISON

sixty three

2008-04-28T20:51:00.004+01:00

ARGYLE ACADEMY

As I'm busy with everything else in the world that ever was
I shall make this post really brief.

1. I came across this lovely stuff when I was researching
for my professional response brief.
2. They're called the Argyle Academy.
3. I like them.
4. I blogged.

The end.

sixty two

2008-04-15T14:53:00.007+01:00

IMAKETHINGS.

I thought I would blog about the talented Andrew Groves,
AKA imakethings. I am rather inamoured with his character work.
I love his monsters! Andrew Groves has worked for clients such as:
The Guardian (which you can see above).
Sony Ericsson.
Graniph.
CBBC.
and Pictoplasma.

Nice.

sixty one

2008-02-26T18:02:00.006Z

AARON MESHON

I love Aaron Meshons work. His characters are so lovely
and slightly creepy, which is of course what I love. He works
with paint so well, its something I'd love to master. Heres a short
bio from his website:

all images are from Aaron Meshons website

sixty

2008-02-25T17:01:00.008Z

REBECCA HAHN

I came across Rebecca Hahn on the the lovely Pikaland. She
has worked extensively for Disney, drawing Winnie the Pooh
characters for the consumer products division. She now works
freelance. I really love her linework and sense of colour. Her style seems
so adaptable and versitile without becoming generic and boring. I
think I enjoy her collaged images most, they have a very tactile quality.

fifty nine

2008-02-22T09:21:00.004Z

Whilst I was researching for my digital print module I came across the wonderful, Julia Pott who has quickly become of of my favourite illustrators. I definately recommend looking through her drawings (I can't grab them off her website - wait never mind I took screen grabs. oh yes). But what I enjoyed most were her animations, which you can view here and here

all images are from Julia Potts website.

fifty eight

2008-02-11T22:22:00.001Z

My new threadless design! Vote for it if you like it enough :)

fifty seven

2008-02-06T15:50:00.000Z

OLIVER JEFFERS

Whilst doing some poking around for inspiration for my DVD brief, I remembered the wonderful Oliver Jeffers. His work is really quite ace. I was inspired by how he draws animals and his drawings have such a childish and imaginative feel towards them. He inspires me to actually start my visual language project.. Hm, I should probably start that..

fifty six

2008-01-12T22:56:00.000Z

BETHAN ALGIERI

I'm sorry, I'm tired. I sleep now.
In the meantime, marvel at these
BEAUTIES.

website here.

fifty five

2008-01-11T17:32:00.000Z

Maya Bloch

Maya Bloch is a rather great drawer (I'm trying it out, rather
than illustrator) in my opinion. I love her style, I'm really enjoying
looking at how people see things and show this through their artwork.
Her drawings aren't realistic, technically but they have so much personality
and life. I particulary like the two images with the groups of people.

I well love drawing.

fifty four

2008-01-04T14:05:00.000Z

ROB RYAN

fifty three

2008-01-03T16:00:00.000Z

oh and, please vote for me! I'd really
appreciate it :)

Never mind, it got dropped! Gutted.
Especially as someones stick man design
is still in the running...

fifty two

2008-01-03T15:32:00.001Z

SUSIE WRIGHT

"... Suzy q and the owls is influenced by her native Scotland, architecture and natural history and can often be found in the mineral section at the natural history museum in london, where she lives. Her work explores urban and rural landscapes and investigates their aesthetic and geographical make up. Suzy’s work combines 2D images and 3D models, in a variety of media, echoing the methods that architects use to convey how a proposed project would look once completed. Suzy prefers working with black 0.2 fine liners and her paper of choice is 59.4x84.1cm, 130gsm stockwell drawing cartridge. Suzy is currently an artist in residence at central st.martins in london in the printmaking department as well as working as an illustrator."

info from here

I love Suzy Wrights work, she has such an unique style of drawing. I can't liken her to
other illustrator I know. Her work is so detailed and clever.

and check out these beauties:

fifty one

2007-12-29T14:54:00.000Z

TADO.

"... TADO is Mike and Katie, two furiously hard working people who do graphic design, illustration, animation, toy design, and a bit of everything in between. Their distinctive style is applied across a wide range of mediums, from logos, animation and web design through to customised cars, designer toys and home-ware! TADO’s diverse client-base includes Honda, MTV, Habitat and British Airways alongside companies such as Flying Cat Toys (Hong Kong), Kidrobot (New York), Mathmos (UK) and Playlounge (UK).

As well as commercial work, Mike and Katie are pretty busy with lot of personal projects. They have exhibited their artwork across the globe: The Showroom Gallery, New York, the Gallery, The Plugin Toyfair, Hong Kong; The Camper Shoes Concept Store, Taiwan; Pirctoplasma Conference (Zentralbüro Gallery) Germany; Lazy Dog and Colette Galleries France, Somawo Gallery and Jeremyville Concept Store Australia, and in the UK. And they have also been featured in many publications including ‘Pictplasma’, Designed To Help, IDN Magazine, and Computer Arts Magazine. Recently TADO was asked to present their work at the ICA in London as part of the BD4D International Design Conference.

TADO are also well known amongst collectors of ‘Designer/Artists Toys’. They are currently working with Hong Kong based ‘Flying Cat Toys’ and New York based ‘Kidrobot’ on various toy ranges. Next to be released is a range of 13 tiny soft toys called ‘Fortune Pork’ which will be distributed by London toy boutique ‘Playlounge’. Mike and Katie’s future plans include various projects revolving around the San Diego Comic Conference in July and a trip to the Monster Taipei Toy Show in Taiwan during August. They are also expanding their range of merchandise to include clothing, toys and much more. At some point they intend to take a holiday too!You can check out the entire grisly truth at: www.tado.co.uk, or drop them an email to: mikeandkatie@tado.co.uk ..."

info: DEBUTART

Fifty

2007-12-29T10:35:00.000Z

I thought I would post some of my recent attempts at drawing on illustrator. I'm still learning, but so far its seriously addictive!

Fourty Nine

2007-12-28T22:19:00.000Z

I thought I would do a post on the rather fantastic Threadless. Although I'm sure everyone has heard of threadless, in terms of illustration and design I definitely think its worth more than a mention.
Threadless is an online apparel store which has been up and growing in strength since 2000. Members of the website submit designs which are put to public vote, then a selection of winning designs are printed and sold through the website. Here are a few of the most inspiring ones for me at the moment:

"Wanted" Jean-Sebastien Deheeger

"Sink Yourself" Charley Schrader

"Routemaster" Lehel Kovacs

"Number 7" Tim Biskup

And heres my first submission! Its currently awaiting approval. Ooer.

Fourty Eight

2007-12-23T22:29:00.001Z

MARY BLAIR.

Mary Blair is one of my all time favourite illustrators, I recently managed to get hold of some of her gorgeously illustrated books, which I can reccommend to anyone. Blair worked frequently with the very famous Walt Disney, who obviously identified with her colourful, childlike art. Her work is said to have inspired Walt to create some of his most famous films, like Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland. Although her work was typical of the time. A time when illustration was coming into its own, Blair was very much before her time when it came to art and her bright use of colour. In her time Blair was also a Graphic Designer, illustrator and worked on the "Its a Small World" ride at Disney World.

Fourty Seven

2007-12-22T16:42:00.001Z

SARA FANELLI

Sara Fanelli is pretty well known illustrator although I havent properly ever blogged about her . This is probably a TRAVESTY (I really just wanted to use that word). I really enjoy her typographical pieces, especially the piece above "Sometimes I think, sometimes I am" Shes got a very playful, colourful style.. Whilst maintaining a quite modernist, adult sort of feeling (like the work above, for the Pizza Express menu). I really admire her style, and her playful attitude towords her college, mixed media work. Its something that I would like to emulate in my work. All images are from Sara Fanelli's website. I did want to say "Heres a short bio from her website" but because blogger likes to fuck up when I upload pictures, the bio is up at top and it won't move down. Herumph. Click on it to view it bigger.

Fourty Six

2007-12-22T15:32:00.000Z

Maxwell Loren Holyoke-Hirsch Title: Reunion On the Island of Naboombu
Client: 800 magazine

Places Where You Are Not. (sold out print run of 50.)

Title: global scene section
Client: YRB Magazine

The wealthy youth in Moscow, india and london.

Title: spells
Client: The yes men/Klezmatics
A concert poster promoting the grammy award winning Klezmatics

Title: Rustic fields
Client: The Yes men/David Grisman quintet
Concert poster promoting the: David Grisman Quintet.

I discovered illustrator/fine artist Maxwell Loren Holyoke-Hirsch
through the fantastico website, IllustrationMundo.
I really enjoy his mixed media illustrations, and his use of colour.
I'm a fan of slightly strange, other-worldly illustration. I like to see
peoples representations of the world around them, but with an ethereal
twist.. Which is why I think I'm so attracted to his work.

fourty five

2007-12-19T10:36:00.000Z

I thought I would post some of my own work, so here are the animations I made for the most recent brief. To create 3 5 second animations depicting a phobia, and visually incorporating the number given to me. My number was two, and I picked the phobia 'Alektrophobia' which is fear of chickens. So obviously I depicted being pecked to death by a chicken. Thats just how I roll.

That was a bit of a faff, I'm off for a biscuit.

fourty four

2007-12-18T12:31:00.000Z

Screenshots courtesy of ORANGE.
Whilst researching flash websites for our current brief, I
came across the "Good things should never end" website. Which,
(after many attempts at trying to reach the bottom - I'm sad, or
determind like that) is actually never ending. The interactivity of
the website is pretty great too. You can create your own
music, ice cream, and nab little animations and graphics
for yourself. This work of genius was designed by the guys at
POKE

you cn

fourty three

2007-12-04T17:08:00.000Z

STUART KOLAKOVIC

On a recent trip to Manchester, I picked up a very
nice flyer advertising Stuart Kolakovic's new exhibition at
Projekt Manchester, I'll be definitely paying it a visit.

Stuart Kolakovic is a pretty great illustrator I recently
found out about. He uses a really subtle, neutral colour palette
which is what first attracted me to to his work. His work
has some Russian undertones, which come from his Russian
heritage.. Which makes for some pretty interesting looking
comics. And dispensed in its own vending machine! Genius.

fourty two

2007-11-25T19:57:00.000Z

I've just discovered the lovely artist Rachel Salamon.
She works mainly in pen and inks, and controls
them incredibly well. Her line drawings are especially lovely. I particularly like
how simple her line work is.. But she'll concentrate really elaborately on a
certain area, with such beautiful attention to detail (see the picture of the sconce
at the top!) Her colour palette is also really attractive, that seems to be
something that I struggle with - getting the colours just right. Something
I should probably practice on..

fourty one

2007-10-31T16:44:00.000Z

NINA CHAKRABARTI

In her own words:
"... This drawing was created for the show, 'Ballpoint',
an exhibition held at The Pentagram Gallery, spring 2004 ..."

"A Celebration of Food Packaging ... "

"Hell Is... "

Nina Chakrabarti is one of my favourite illustrators. She works mainly in pen and pencil. But her top image is drawn in biro, even though you can hardly tell, she really owns the biro pen. I think her linework is pretty impressive, so smooth and bold it almost looks like a vector. I have a personal love and respect for any illustrator who uses computer programmes as a tool rather than a means to create an entire image, and Nina Chakrabarti is perfect proof of this. I always thought observational drawing was slightly redundant however Nina inspires me to concentrate some more on this type of drawing, as she manages to really put her personality into her illustrations. Its like looking ito her diary, which I think is a good thing, as I'm a pretty nosy person.

fourty

2007-10-09T18:22:00.001+01:00

Fifi-Lapin is one classy bunny. She has possibly the most stylish wardrobe I've ever seen:

FIFI-LAPIN

thirty nine

2007-10-07T18:00:00.000+01:00

I only just discovered Tatty Devines new season range of jewellery, I'm not sure why I've been so slow. I always look and never buy (obviously because of the price and I'm seriously cheap) but I'm so tempted by these beauties:

I find looking at Tatty Devine wares very inspiring so thats my reasoning for putting it on here. Damn my student loan is taking a beating..

thirty eight

2007-10-03T17:46:00.000+01:00

Well updating everyday didn't really work out.. Did it? I'm full of false promises me. Gotta love how I'm assuming people read this thing.. Which I'm pretty sure they don't. Anyway.

I found Ceri Amphlett through HEART agency (where coincidently there are a lot of rate good artists) She did the cover art for The Go! Team's Album "Thunder, Lightning, Strike":

Here are some other pieces of hers that I enjoy:

thirty seven

2007-08-11T11:18:00.000+01:00

Oh! I have not updated here in a while. I have finally got the internet in my little house so I think I should attempt to update this everyday.

So, I'll start as I mean to go on I think!

Marc Johns, I only really just found out about this lovely illustrator. He mainly works in ink and watercolour, which is fine with me. I always want to go into huge amounts of detail as to why I enjoy certain artists but I really don't want to sound like a twat. I hope I get better at this over time! Well, Marc Johns' website is here, and here is a nice intro that he's written. He is (obviously) going to be able to sum it all up better then I could.

Marc Johns creates whimsical drawings filled with dry wit and humour. Whether it’s a man with branches growing out of his head that need pruning, or a pipe that’s trying to quit smoking, his characters are simply, sparsely drawn, yet speak volumes with just a few strokes of the pen. He's been drawing since he was tiny. He's not tiny anymore, but he's not exactly big either. Marc is not sure why he's talking about himself in the third person...

I generally aim to say as much as possible with as few elements as possible. My work often leans toward humour. Finding the humour in things often leads to finding the truth.

I like to create absurd situations, by combining things together that don’t belong, or imagine what inanimate objects would say if they could speak. For instance, the pen I am using to write this draft would probably say: "I'm tired. Can we stop for a bit?" Or perhaps it would say: "I can't believe you're making me write this. This is rubbish. Signing cheques would be more inspiring than this." These are the things I think about. I think about alot of things. I think about thinking. Don't try it though, it's not worth it.

I use watercolours in ways you shouldn't. I make my own sketchbooks. If I smoked, I'd roll my own. I'd rather draw than rent a movie. Don't try to start a conversation with me about recent films. I haven't seen any. I play the guitar. If I was a hobo, I'd learn to play the ukulele, because you could fit one in your duffle bag. My artwork and the materials I use are quite compact. You could fit my studio in a large suitcase. I hope you like my drawings, or at least some of them

AND, onto the goods:

thirty six

2007-06-25T17:09:00.000+01:00

I LOVE ME SOME FLICKR.
Below are some of my favourite pictures on Flickr
these are just screen shots though, to see the real
things go here.

Personally, I think that Flickr is one of the most useful
websites in terms of finding new art and artists, I've had a flickr
account for a couple of years and I'm still visiting on a daily
basis, and finding amazing artists that are pretty much unknown.
But some are too. Fantastico illustrator Jon Burgerman
has a Flickr account, as well as Ray Fenwick. It makes
me feel dead posh adding them as a contact.

thirty five

2007-06-24T22:39:00.000+01:00

Two of my favourite at the moment.
I've been finding out as much as I can about the
Golf advert because I think its pretty fantastic.

I love adverts that just end up being a piece or art
rather than selling something.
ahhh.

thirty four

2007-06-24T22:04:00.001+01:00

www.apakstudio.com

thirty three

2007-06-22T20:54:00.000+01:00

I came across some amazing necklaces by Paraphernalia whilst browsing Etsy the other day. Above is a just a small selection of the ones that I fell in love with. I am currently thinking up all the ways I can get the money (without working, obviously) to buy every single one. I think I'll just settle on my birthday in three weeks.

I decided to boycot Topshop and the like for jewellery and just try and collect a few really amazing pieces. I'd also rather support independant designers than massive companies.

thirty two

2007-06-17T20:29:00.000+01:00

In an effort to curb my boredom that I'm not really bored with,
I decided I shall re-watch some Arrested Development.
It really is a damn funny show. Its impossible to have
a favourite character as well, the characters are that well cast.
(I was going to talk more about Arrested Development, but
then I realised I couldnt be arsed).

Ohh, I can't wait!

thirty one

2007-06-17T20:07:00.000+01:00

So, all my uni work is all in and done and dusted.
I'm a little lost as to what to do.
So I cracked out the watercolours and drew some
of the sexy people that were on Jeremy Kyle.
Oh yeah.

thirty

2007-06-10T18:09:00.000+01:00

Today, I went to the park thing near my house. Theres a lake/pond/puddle there with lots of ducks and swans and dead fish. A lot of the time its filled with Yeadonite chavs sniffing pritt sticks and drinking WKD.. But sometimes its pretty nice, and theres an ice cream man! I got free sprinkles and two flakes in my 99 :')

oh yeah, the animal ones are from a farm shop.

well good.

twenty nine

2007-06-08T14:21:00.000+01:00

I think I'll spend the afternoon watching series 1&2 of Arrestested Development

twenty eight

2007-06-07T20:18:00.000+01:00

Laura Normandin

Embroidery made with human hair. Ever so slightly.. Weird. But very cool all the same. I can't even imagine how difficult and intricate it must be to embroider with hair!

twenty seven

2007-05-29T14:37:00.001+01:00

Click for a larger version!

twenty six

2007-05-29T14:27:00.001+01:00

DESKTOP PING PONG SET
@ Fred Flare

Genius idea!
Its a shame the postage is £20 (!!)
cos everythings well cheap!

twenty five

2007-05-27T21:04:00.000+01:00

In the attempt to become more "diverse" within my little blog world, I give you (loyal, non exsistent readers..) a fashion rant. So at the risk of sounding like an arrogant prick..

I, of all people used to love fashion, when it was great. Ahh, the days when I enjoyed wandering through Topshop and Miss Selfridge spending my teeny Morrisons paycheck on jumpers with horses on and oh! My old faithful H&M shirt.. "ALBIXA, The Biscuit That Gives You Energy!" Like hell it meant anything, but it was grass green and the font was delicious. It served as a lovely, well fitting T-shirt. I miss the old fashions! I hate the new ones.. I long for the times when it was possible to be original, without looking like a dickhead.

Shorts, playsuits, waistcoats? Some fashion died for a reason!
So.. Fashion needs to be recycled obviously, or we'd all be naked by now (urgh!) But damn, are we that stuck for ideas that we need to regurgitate some of the most heinous fashion crimes knows to man?

Example:

BIG SLOGAN TSHIRTS.
(image from www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk)

OK, so this probably isn't a heinous fashion crime. But they just
piss me off.
Rehab is not 'the new black', Its the place where recovering
alcoholics and drug addicts go. But hey, if thats what all the cool kids
are doing.. Then do me a line and I'll get shitted.

Screw these trendy politcal t-shirts. If i see one more "Make
Love Not War" Tshirts, I'll make war on somebodies face.
I say, bring back t-shirts with ponies on.

THE TOPSHOP PLAYSUIT.
(image from www.topshop.com)

I feel as if I'm stabbing 'ol faithful in
the back.. BUT I'M SORRY WHAT?
It is a digusting, sack-shaped thing, with a name,
that excuse me if I'm wrong.. Is just far too sexual.
To be worn with a gimp mask?
Just an idea..

THE KATE MOSS COLLECTION FOR TOPSHOP.
(images from www.topshop.com)

Firstly I cannot name what the thing on the left
is. I think my mum owned something similar from the
good old 80's.. But it has probably been burned.
And as for the shirt on the right, I have one!
OMFG I AM SO PAINFULLY COOL. Of course
its from year 11 and its smattered with gems like
"yor mum is gay" and "Steph likes it in the bum" (a lie, by the way)
and the occasion "GOOD LUCK WE'LL BE FRIENDS FOR LIFE"
from the girls I never spoke to.

So it makes sense to go to Topshop and spend £35 on one.
oh yes.

Lastly.. I give to you: The Apple Necklace.

OH HAI SNOWBLINDNESS.
Ahh, that apple necklace. The jewellery equivelant of Burberry.
Something which was at one point, very expensive (£70!)
and has now been so madly reproduced they can be bought
from New Look for a fiver. Either way, its disgusting
and I don't know why you'de own one.

Though I guess thats just my opinion.
hm.

I guess I'll have to wear a paper bag for the forseeable
future now, so I don't look like
a hypocrite when I go in Topshop and fawn over the
over-priced necklaces.
(NOT THE APPLE ONE. DIE DIE DIE STABBY STAB)

That is all.

twenty four

2007-05-27T18:47:00.001+01:00

SUKIE.
A.K.A: Julia and Darrell Gibbs.
www.sukie.co.uk
Lovely, lovely homeware and stationary, usually
hand made and screenprinted for your pleasure.

taken from their website:

Indian Exercise Books.
"... These books take their inspiration from exercise books found in markets across India. They have a slightly glossed hardback cover and a lined interior. Each book is made by hand from basic materials and therefore may have slight imperfections, these go to make part of their appeal. Currently available in 5 styles ..."

I have an obscene amount of these notebooks. Although I do
have an unhealthy attraction to anything handmade, with
any slight reference to birds, or nature. Hell if theres
a very nice font on the front I'm sold. This is a very dangerous addiction
especially for my bank account.

twenty three

2007-05-27T18:07:00.001+01:00

PANS LABYRINTH / EL LABERINTO DEL FAUNO.
Directed by: Guillermo del Toro

I saw this again the other day for the second time, it was somehow
even more unnerving/scary than the first time. Its a stunningly beautiful
film that for once I favoured aesthetic over plot.
And although the storyline was strong.. I think more time was
put upon cinematography, though I have no complaints.
Its definitely some kind of adult cross between The Chronicles of Narnia
and Harry Potter. Well worth seeing.

twenty two

2007-05-27T17:21:00.000+01:00

LAURA COOPERMAN.
all images (c) Laura Cooperman.

Cooperman creates such lovely, intricate patterns and designs
from single sheets of paper. Her work is pretty impressive I think.
Her bio on her website is quite interesting too:

"... Laura Cooperman was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1984 to a family of architects. Her grandfather Edward Toth and her father Martin Cooperman both designed several buildings only a short walk from her house. As a child Laura created elaborate structures, floor plans, and meticulous arrangements out of household items. At eight, Laura was probably the youngest subscriber to Architectural Digest and was enthralled by Frank Lloyd Wright. In addition Laura has had a strong interest in the natural world and the environment which she also attributes to her father who, amongst other things, refused to own a car and thus transported Laura by tandem bicycle. These daily activities were amplified by hikes, winter camping excursions, and month long canoe and backpacking trips.

In 2002, Laura enrolled in the Maryland Institute College of Art and began investigating land development through painting. In the summer of 2005 she traveled to Italy on a painting scholarship and studied the architecture and structure of Sorrento, Italy, during which time she focused intensely on the area's white stucco buildings. The following semester Laura had the opportunity to study in New York City where she investigated the rapidly expanding development of Staten Island through painting. While in New York Laura also worked for the artist Nancy Spero during which time she spent a month meticulously cutting a several hundred foot long frieze of Nancy's Mourning Women. When the job ended Laura returned to her painting studio and soon found herself cutting paper. Laura became engrossed in the delicate, methodical process of paper cutting and began experimenting with light, depth, and movement.

In the spring of 2006 Laura received the Grainger Marburg travel grant for her cut paper work. She is currently planning to travel to China in the fall to study the traditional art of Chinese paper cutting and to document and interpret the effects of urban renewal in Beijing through her cut paper overlays ..."

twenty one

2007-05-24T19:25:00.000+01:00

You are about to witness
the best thing ON THE INTERNET.
I shit you not.

No?
Philistine

twenty

2007-05-21T18:38:00.001+01:00

JEANA SOHN
all images (c) Jeana Sohn

just, lovely.

nineteen

2007-05-20T23:20:00.000+01:00

A selection of the many people that crossed my path
in and around the commute from Leeds to Manchester.
One guy spotted me drawing him and must have assumed
that I was watching him out of adoration and said
to whoever on the phone "this bird keeps checking me out".
Yes of course.

Interesting people..

eighteen

2007-05-20T21:35:00.000+01:00

CAMILLA ENGMAN.
All images (c) Camilla Engman

I think this lady is going down as one of my favourite ever artists!
pretty, delicate, fun, feminine.
I can't even think of the right words.
Theres something about her work thats just, calming.
But I'm just inspired by anything that invloves birds,
trees, paper, little houses, creatures, antlers, leaves,
nature.

Just lovely, perfect positioning.

seventeen

2007-05-20T20:48:00.000+01:00

Here are some polaroid pictures I took whilst in Manchester,
on research week, oh yes.
As much as it looks like I slacked off (I didn't, really!)
I found wandering around the streets with my sketchbook
and camera much more inspiring/useful than going to art galleries.
Plus I got told off for playing with the buttons in the Button
exhibition at the art gallery in Manchester.. What is that about?
An exhibition that was clearly labelled as being an "interactive experience".
AND THE LITTLE KIDS WERE PLAYING WITH THE BUTTONS..
Why couldnt I? Age-ism.. That is why.

Anyway.. Button-bitterness aside, the rest of my photographs
and art in general can be found here

sixteen

2007-05-20T00:20:00.000+01:00

Sufjan Stevens

Sufjan Stevens concert poster for show accompanied by the Pacific Mozart Ensemble.

The Books

The Books concert poster.

Death Cab for Cutie

Cd packaging for Death Cab for Cutie - The John Byrd E.P. on Barsuk Records.

THE SMALL STAKES / JASON MUNN.
images (c) Jason Munn

I found this guys work originally in illusive
I recently found that his work is for sale at a really cool shop in Manchester..
Yeah, a pretty dangerous discovery for my bank account..
Munn generally works within print and makes a lot of concert posters for bands.

fifteen

2007-05-18T23:28:00.000+01:00

Two of my favourite, favourite music videos. They both stand alone as pieces of
art, I think.

Bjork - "All is Full of Love"
Director - Chris Cunningham.

Sigur Ros - "Untitled 1 (Vaka)"
Director - Floria Sigismondi

fourteen

2007-05-17T22:21:00.000+01:00

Drawing in Moleskine's is so addictive.
(:

thirteen

2007-05-16T14:55:00.000+01:00

PESKIMO!
I finally got to visit Peskimo Towers, and you should too.
You can even rent your own flat!
Of course there is a cat flat.. with the obligatory Cat Lady (me in 40 years?)
as my LOVELY screen shot will prove..
Oh.. And when you scroll over a cat, it MEOWS.
Now that is rather good.
(check the sofa cat out.. a personal favourite)

www.peskimo.com

I need to:
- stop being lazy and crop my images.
- clean up desktop.
- get a better desktop picture.

twelve

2007-05-14T19:44:00.000+01:00

Aside from over-priced thin t-shirts it seems
that Urban Outfitters did something actually very good.
To me, its just good design. To someone else its gunna be repulsive..
but hey, what can you do?

I'm in love.

Then again, U.O could have just ripped the design from somewhere else.
But I'm not accusing anyone of anything..
Oo-er. Which side to take?

eleven

2007-05-14T19:28:00.001+01:00

image on the left

image on the left.
image on the right

I Want to be a Circle zine!
Three of my drawings are in the latest
issue of I want to be a circle,
Available to buy at OK Comics.

yay!

ten

2007-05-14T19:08:00.000+01:00

Charles Harper.

I remember loving Charles Harper when I was tiny, and I'd completely forgotton
about his stunning work until recently.. I rediscovered my passion
for nature illustration. Sadly, I can't seem to find any solid website
showcasing his work (or anything about him). The images
above are all from, my friend Google (but of course
copyright to the man himself). So maybe If I can hunt down something
about him I'll repost. The simplicity of these are so appealing,
but I can still stare at them for ages (well, its more like a minute..
but hey, I have a short attention span)

I love birdies me.

nine

2007-05-14T18:46:00.000+01:00

KATE SUTTON.

One of my favourite artists of all time, I think.
Her drawings are very lovely and whimsical (good word).
I think making happy art is very important.
Her sense of colour is spot on (pink and brown!)
and everything is so... nice (bad word).

Anyway, bad descripters aside, here is a very nice semi interview with
the lady herself...

(I found it here.)

Graphic Artist Kate Sutton graduated from Leeds University three years ago but only decided to “take the plunge” recently and work as a freelance illustrator full-time. Illustrating under the bizarre yet darling name of ‘Sleepy Cow’ her inspiration comes from all types of things. “I guess nature is my main source. I never get bored of drawing trees and birds (especially pirate birds). I’m into drawing patterns and nature seems full of them. I love being by the sea and in the countryside so I suppose I just draw things that make me happy. Other things that make me happy and inspire me are vintage fabrics, hand drawn fonts, homemade things, 1970’s craft books, and tea, lots of tea.”

In an artistic climate that sometimes requires the shocking and sordid, Sutton strikes resonance being inspired by the positive. Quite simply she draws things that make her happy - an emotion she hopes other feel when experiencing her work. “I hope it makes them smile. There’s so many shit things in the world, I see my work as a break from all the rubbish. When I see work I like I always feel really excited and inspired so that would be pretty good too.”

Despite gaining many of her commissions via her website; www.sleepycow.com, Sutton tries to stick to the traditional tools of pen and paper. “I always used to draw things very life like. I still like to draw from real life but just put my own little twist on things. A lot of my favorite artists work in quite a whimsical/naive way so that has probably influenced my drawing style. Over the years I’ve worked in various mediums but find I do my best work with a pen. I think I just like the speed and control you have with pens. I try and use a computer as little as possible, I like to draw everything freehand and then scan it in at the end to colour.”

From tattoo’s to articles on abortion clinics in America, Sutton’s work has been commissioned from all manner or sources to make all kinds of things. However she still aspires to achieve much more; “I’d really love to do some skateboard or snowboard graphics and maybe more fabric designs.”

Eccentricity is a key element of Suttons work. From the ‘dog show’ exhibition – in which artists are given a breed of dog to ‘make art about’ to the ‘half eaten’ gingerbread men she makes, quirkiness is definitely a feature of her style.

Kate Suttons work can be found here.

eight

2007-04-29T15:24:00.000+01:00

'Ways of Seeing' by John Berger.
Oct 1990.

I just finished reading this for the second time.. And am I the only person who was left completely cold and/or confused by the content and Bergers style of writing? I felt like I should give it a second go (the first time I read it I was pretty much dead with a cold). And I'm still lost!

Maybe its just me..

seven

2007-04-29T14:05:00.000+01:00

Images (C) Kate Wilson.
Kate Wilsons Flickr.

Kate is a proffessional illustrator from London. I found her work through the ever-fantastico Flickr, everybody should have a flickr account.. Its such a great way to ~~snoop~~ check out what people are doing.

I forgot what I was saying..

Oh, her work is addictive! Once I was on her Flickr I felt a crazy need to favourite every single one of her drawings.. Then followed the obligatory "Oh my God I might as well give up and work at morrisons forever" feeling. So yeah, she had an impact on me. Seriously though, I think its refreshing to see an illustrator doing something different. Although I can't quite put my finger on what it is. Her line work is so delicate and feminine, while maintaining a contempary edge.

Yes! Her work is old-but-new-contempary

Quite.

six

2007-04-23T20:48:00.000+01:00

I am beyond sick of seeing variations of this, everywhere! Threadless, you let me down.

five

2007-04-15T19:30:00.000+01:00

Advert Agency: Team Y&R, Dubai, UAE.
Creative Director: Shahir Ahmed, Komal Bedi.
www.adsoftheworld.com

I CAN'T HELP IT. This website is pretty much the best. More adverts from my new favourite website. I can't seem to find out what the purpose of this set of posters is. The only information I could find out is what I've written on this page - Its seems like everything you would generally do first thing on a morning, now comes second to reading The Gulf Times. I'm mainly attracted to the printwork. It looks so grainy and handmade, in a very attractive way. The background paper is pretty tasty, too. I'm just pleased that the designers have managed to manipulate the text to look like a cup of coffee, a toothbrush and a toilet so well. I think it could have gone the other way very easily and ended up looking like word art.

four

2007-04-15T19:21:00.000+01:00

Another good advert from adsoftheworld:
Advertising Agency: JWT, Milano, Italy.
Creative Director: Pietro Maestri.
www.adsoftheworld.com

three

2007-04-15T18:23:00.000+01:00

Scholz & Friends, Hamburg, Germany.
www.adsoftheworld.com

"There are better ways to make a career ..."
Apparently the idea was that you can make a career without kissing ass.

A whole load of the unemployed general public, walking into a gigantic ass.
Maybe its just me, but I just feel like they didn't quite get there..
Though, Ads of the world is a really website, with tons of really successful adverts from Design Agencys all over the world.

two

2007-04-06T19:20:00.000+01:00

www.devowski.com
work copyright Liam Devowski

Liam Devowski is a Graphic Designer/Illustrator who I found through Flickr.
His photos can be found here.
Its really worth checking out, you can see loads more of his illustrations and screenprints on there. His style is generally hand-drawn, often using felt tips, collage, sharpies or wax crayons. Yet his work still looks damn professional - I think thats why I love it so much.

one

2007-04-05T22:37:00.000+01:00

www.ellenvanengelen.be
work copyright Ellen Van Engelen

Ellen Van Engelen is a pretty slicker illustrator/Designer I recently found out about. Some of her clients include: NY Times, Dazed and Confused and GQ Magazine. Her simple use of bold, flat colour really make her images stand out. And her intricate linework really makes her drawing stand out against the coloured backgrounds. She's really worth checking out, I think.