The splendid Jonny Hannah will be exhibiting at YSP in November. "Main Street" will be at YSP from the 14 November until 28 February 2016.

"Transforming YSP Centre, Jonny Hannah: Main Street features three pop-up shops made entirely from the artist’s 2D and 3D artworks, all of which are available to buy. Navigate Main Street using Hannah’s traditional hand-painted signs suspended above the YSP Centre concourse; natter with the owner of the Record Store; and nip to The Hand and Heart junk shop to pick up anything your heart desires!"

BA(Hons) Illustration Degree Show 2015

Propercorn selfies by Kelly Ma

Another Illustration final year over - they have exhibited their work in Preston and visited London's New Blood Festival and are about graduate. Here is a small showcase of some of this year's final year show. We congratulate everyone graduating on Thursday 16th July and wish them all luck for the future!

Happy Cafe by Maya Jones

Lonely Hearts by Stef Maden

Editorial about the plight of the honey bee by Jack Wilkinson

"Let Forever Be" by James Dixon this illustration
was selected for the Secret Seven Inch Exhibition
at Somerset House for Nordoff Robbins Trust back in April/May 2015

James Dixon's Graphic Novel based on Kurt Cobain's diary.

Polish Icons for an artist's book by Marlena Nowicka

Eagle Girl by Zuzanna Krolik

Hejdasz by Zuzanna Krolik 

A character from a children' book by Kelly Burrows written by the illustrators daughter

Propercorn by Kelly Ma

Paul Esposito cuts his vinyl illustration directly onto the studio windows, freehand.

Illustrations for "The World's Greatest Scarf" by Romana Noray
nominated for UCLan Creative Focus Award

Saffron McCormick's "Monster Teeth"
highly commended in the Macmillan Prize 2015

Jillian McLellan illustrated Scottish Folk Tales

A Fashion Spy's Gadget Guide by Hannah Gunn

Ashley Craggs poster designs for International Women's Day

Ben Tallon Champagne and Wax Crayons

Always good to see Ben back at preston illustration and he was here a couple of weeks ago to speak to students about his experiences as a freelancer over the last seven years or so. He has written a book "Champagne and Wax Crayons" which comes out on the 25th May about "Riding the madness of the Creative Industries" an honest and personal insight into the trials and tribulations of a young illustrator entering the world of freelance illustration in one of the worst recessions seen since the early nineties. The book has an extensive review and preview in the Creative Review blog.
I found it an enjoyable and at times toe-curlingly accurate portrayal of the thick skin you need to absorb the ups and downs of life as a freelance illustrator.

"Individuality is everything and how each person responds to adversity, triumph and disaster especially in the freelance world is impossible to teach or understand. This original and engaging book contains savvy advice from someone who has survived the unpredictable and often surreal world of the creative industry." 

Available from all good book sellers soon!

You can find examples of Ben's work here. And here is a bit of advice that Ben wanted to pass on to our students.

Mike Giblin designs characters for ITV Newzoids

Former UCLan illustration graduate Mike Giblin has become an established caricaturist since leaving University in around 2001 and has most recently been involved in the development of ITV's new puppet comedy sketch show Newzoids .
Here are some of the character studies that were used by Citrus TV/Factory to design the puppets used in the show which is currently airing on ITV on Wednesdays at 9pm. The show has been dubbed the spiritual successor to Spitting Image - and it is actually funny.
Ever topical I have only chosen the political character designs from Mike's website and in the interest of balance would like to say don't vote for Cameron, I couldn't find Mike's designs for Farage but do not vote for him either...

You can see much more of Mike's work on his website here.

Jody Clark designs the fifth definitive portrait of the Queen

On the 2nd March former UCLAN illustration graduate Jody Clark became only the fifth artist to design the portrait of the queen to feature on the national coinage.  Jody who has been working at the Royal Mint in Cardiff as a designer since 2012 graduated from preston illustration in 2004.

Jody's portrait was selected from entries to an anonymous competition. Interviewed about the process of designing such a significant design he said: “At first I did loads of little thumbnail images to work out the layout, and played around with putting together different crowns, elements, jewellery and silhouettes to see which looked best. Then I picked one and hand sketched it out before working it up using reference imagery." Below is one of the working drawings he created. Once he had drawn the design he created the worked up version entirely digitally, the first to be created digitally.

Jody, who is originally from the Lake District, spoke of his studies in Preston: “I have fond memories of my time at UCLan because I met some of my best friends there and the course helped with broadening my horizons in respect of where my career could go after that. One particular lecturer was very inspiring to me and that was illustrator Kevin Hauff.”

Former UCLan Illustration lecturer Kevin said: “I remember Jody being one of the more quietly dedicated students who had a methodical and considered approach to creating his artwork. He had a passion for the subject, always worked hard, met deadlines and so was a pleasure to share the teaching time with at UCLan. I am absolutely delighted his work has been chosen for the next Royal Mint portrait of the Queen. It is a truly well-deserved success.”

Kevin Clancy, director of the Royal Mint Museum, said the judging panel's decision was "pretty unanimous" and added that this latest portrait is "astonishingly significant". He said it had "a good likeness and a dignified likeness".
The full story of Jody's design can be read on the Royal Mint blog here .

Most recently Jody has been chosen to design the commemorative 2014 proof Britannia (which was struck on the smallest coin ever manufactured by The Royal Mint – the fortieth ounce), 2014 Ryder Cup medals and the new Tanzania 500 shilling coin.

All the staff who worked with Jody on the illustration course would like to congratulate him on such a significant commission. More of Jody's work can be seen on his portfolio site - and in your pocket later this year!

Fig Taylor Visiting Lecture and Portfolio Consultations

All Illustration and design students are invited to a talk/lecture by author, portfolio consultant and illustrators' agent Fig Taylor on Thursday 5th March at 1.30pm in the third year studio.
Students are asked to let Steve know by email if they would like to join a small group portfolio consultation with Fig on Friday 6th March a.m.