preston illustration

Year Two Editorial brief

2012-01-25T12:55:00.003Z

Former UCLan graduate Ben Tallon visited the Year Two illustrators to speak about his work and to set an editorial brief. This was an illustration project for a Big Issue article that he had recently tackled about homelessness and the help available to people. The second years have had a couple of days on the brief and these are the results so far.

Jake Tyas included in Curious Pursuits Exhibition at the Portico Gallery

2012-01-13T15:54:00.000Z

Year Three illustrator Jake Tyas has been selected for Porter and Jenkinson's Curious Pursuits Show at the Portico Gallery in Manchester.

Art Historian collective Porter & Jenkinson aim to showcase the best contemporary art responding to the lost themes and ideas behind the dark, strange, curious and peculiar Victorian aesthetics.
Their premier exhibition Curious Pursuits challenges the conservative image that is frequently associated with the Victorians. Often perceived as prudish and straight-laced, the Victorian’s obsession with – to mention a few pursuits – erotica, theatrical spectacles, the sensational, murder stories and freak shows, has long been pushed to the corners of society’s collective mind. Porter & Jenkinson aim to bring these forgotten ideas to the foreground and explore the responses and reactions in our contemporary society.
The pieces forming the exhibition are what Porter & Jenkinson deem to be intriguing works that depict and celebrate all things curious.

Ronald Searle 1920 - 2011

2012-01-03T22:59:00.001Z

Very sad to hear of the death of Ronald Searle in my view one of the country's greatest ever illustrators and certainly one of it's best draughtsmen. Recognised in the USA and in France where he was both honoured and hugely influential.
Searle was genuinely much more than a cartoonist. Anybody who has seen his drawings from his time as a prisoner of war in Burma during world war two can be under no doubt as to the strength of his conviction as an artist.

"Despite his own sufferings, Searle continued to draw what he saw, hiding his sketches under the mattresses of men dying of cholera to prevent their discovery by Japanese guards. “I desperately wanted to put down what was happening, because I thought if by any chance there was a record, even if I died, someone might find it and know what went on,” he recalled."

He was probably busiest in the 1950s and early 60s producing some fantastic reportage, illustrating over a hundred books not to mention his editorial, and design work.
In this country Ronald Searle is known almost solely as a cartoonist and for creating the St Trinians. It makes me sad that he was not subject of more honour in this country during his lifetime.

Pass the parcel

2011-12-08T08:40:00.001Z

A really great Christmas present idea by Glasgow trained illustrator Louise Lockhart. Louise hand makes these pass the parcels in her living room in Hebden Bridge. 10 layers of excitement! Illustrated forfeit in each layer. Suitable for adults and children. She has now sold out unfortunately but a great idea nevertheless!

"I wanted to take this fantastic traditional game and make a really beautiful interesting version.

Plus, every one is unique. I aim to make unusual hand crafted gifts for people looking for an alternative to mainstream produced tat!"

http://louiselockhartlikes.blogspot.com/

D&AD Education Event at UCLAN

2011-11-24T13:06:00.001Z

Last week D&AD came to Preston with an all day education event.
An introduction to the work and philosophy of the organisation by Rhiannon James was followed by a brilliant talk by Creative Director Jack Renwick who was at The Partners until recently setting up her own agency. She showcased some great design thinking, and gave students valuable advice on placement etiquette amongst other things.
After the lectures students took part in a workshop looking at how to crack the D&AD student awards briefs with creative directors and designers from the industry talking about how they would tackle the briefs.
Design agency Thoughtful took a workshop looking at how to get into the industry. Alongside these informative sessions a number of agencies held a portfolio surgery for students from across the North West to show their work - several illustration students had an opportunity to show their portfolio to an industry insider for the first time in many cases. Students from Stockport, Bolton, Edgehill, MMU, and of course our own Graphic Design, Advertising and Illustration students gained valuable insight from this opportunity. Thanks to representatives of Music, Because Studio, Cheetham Bell JWT, Dorothy, The Chase, jp74, and Uniform and all the industry contacts for giving up their valuable time for this event.
In the evening the New Continental pub in Preston hosted a D&AD North talk by Gary Aspden collaboration consultant for Adidas.
Best wishes to the D&AD team for organising it - We would love to host it again!

V&A Illustration Awards 2012

2011-11-09T17:56:00.000Z

Student Category: Student Illustrator Award 2012

Supported by the Enid Linder Foundation

Entry into the Awards is free

Student Illustrator of the Year entries are encouraged from anyone who has attended an illustration course at any time during 2010 or 2011. The brief is open. Students may submit material set as coursework by their tutors or they may define their own brief.

The Prize

The Student Illustrator of the Year will receive £2,000 and a trophy. The runner up will receive £1,000.

How to enter

Entry into all categories of the V&A Illustration Awards is via the online entry form. Entrants may submit up to three images of their work.

See conditions of entry here.

Closing date for all categories: 15 December 2011

Marian Bantjes: Intricate beauty by design | Video on TED.com

2011-11-04T16:12:00.003Z

Marian Bantjes: Intricate beauty by design | Video on TED.com

I have shown this video to a few of the Third year students already this week and it is quite inspirational (if you can overlook the U.S. intonation), it is a truism that if you enjoy your work and your work is personal it too could become mystifyingly popular...

"In graphic design, Marian Bantjes says, throwing your individuality into a project is heresy. She explains how she built her career doing just that, bringing her signature delicate illustrations to storefronts, valentines and even genetic diagrams."

I like the sugar drawings and the idea of making Valentines cards as self promotion.

House of Illustration Folio Society Competition

2011-11-04T15:43:00.001Z

The House of Illustration / Folio society invite entries to illustrate; The Bloody Chamber and other stories by Angela Carter. A series of short stories based loosely upon Perrault's Fairy Tales. The closing date for entries is Tuesday 10th January 2012 and the entry fee for students is £15 (£25 for everyone else) anyone can enter (over the age of 18).

The first prize is a £4000 commission to provide seven images to illustrate the book for the Folio Society.

Last year's competition was to illustrate "The Outsider" and the competition was won by Matthew Richardson.

Mervyn Peake Centenary exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery Newcastle

2011-11-04T15:26:00.001Z

Mervyn Peake was an writer and illustrator most famous for the Gormenghast trilogy of books first published in 1946 - a Gothic fantasy.

He regarded himself as a painter and draughtsman, having studied at Croydon School of Art in the late twenties and going onto the Royal Academy shortly after that. When asked to illustrate the Hunting of the Snark in 1941 he studied the illustrations of Hogarth, Cruickshank, Durer, Blake, Dore, and Goya. His respect for these masters of illustrative technique led to his trademark of closely cross hatched drawings using mapping pens and Indian ink.

Peake died in 1968 having illustrated many classic novels, he had a fellow writer's feeling for character and atmosphere. The exhibition at the Laing in Newcastle is part of the celebrations to mark the centenary of Peake's birth. There is an excellent webite devoted to his life and work here:

http://www.mervynpeake.org/

The exhibition of his work "Lines of Flight" is on at the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle until January 2012 follow the link for further information.

D&AD Education Tour comes to Preston UCLAN Victoria

2011-10-27T14:47:00.000+01:00

The North West leg of the Education tour brings us to Preston. If you're in the region, we look forward to seeing you there.

Programme.

11:30 - 13:00 - D&AD & Industry Talk. Adelphi Theatre TVI, Adelphi Building.

Find out how D&AD can help you crack the industry and support you throughout your creative career. Jack Renwick will be joining us to explain how she made it from being a student at Duncan of Jordanstone to Creative Director at the Black Pencil winning design and branding firm, The Partners. She'll be imparting some practical tips and insider insights.

13.30 - 15.30 pm - Student Awards Workshop. Studio VB214A 2nd floor, Victoria Building

A hands-on workshop in which students can collaborate with industry and each other, learn how to answer briefs and get tips on finding success at the Awards.

15:45 - 17:30 Networking and careers advice workshop. Studio VB214A 2nd floor, Victoria Building

Pretty much what it says in the title. An industry-pro will be giving advice on how to launch your career.

15.30-17.30 - Portfolio Surgery. Studio VB225A 2nd floor, Victoria Building. ONE APPOINTMENT PER STUDENT

Individual appointments for students to share their portfolio with an esteemed professional from companies such as JP74, BJL, Music, The Chase and Thoughtful.

14:00 - 15:00 - Tutor get-together. (FOR TUTORS ONLY)

Meet fellow members, share research findings and best practice, eat cake.

Places are limited and for University Network members only. If you have any questions contact Jessica Antwi-Boasiako - jessica.antwi-boasiako@dandad.org

Education days one of the many benefits of D&AD Univeristy Network Membership. Find out more and join here.

Join us in the evening for the D&AD North Lecture:

6-9pm. GARY ASPDEN LECTURE The Continental, Preston

Gary Aspden, guiding force for adidas will be giving a lecture in the evening. Find out more about what he'll be speaking about and bookhere.

(Network Members are entitled to 8 lecture tickets per year. Email membership@dandad.org to claim them).

BIG DRAW 2011

2011-10-26T16:50:00.001+01:00

The Campaign for Drawing is an independent charity which raises the profile of drawing as a tool for thought, creativity, social and cultural engagement.

It has developed two programmes to encourage the use of drawing by professionals and others: The Big Draw and Power Drawing.

The Campaign has created a new regard for the value of drawing to help people see, think, invent and take action.

Its long-term ambition is to change the way drawing is perceived by educationalists and the public. This has won support from leading practitioners in the creative industries and in art, architecture and design colleges, signalling an overdue realisation that drawing is fundamental to the training of students in these disciplines. The Campaign takes a wider view. It sees drawing as a basic human skill useful in all walks of life.

The Campaign's work will finish when the words 'I can't draw' are dropped from our vocabulary.

Image montaged made by Rik, Amy, and Georgia Year Three illustrators

Fantastic Creatures BIG DRAW 2011

2011-10-25T22:40:00.001+01:00

Much fun was had drawing in the old Blackwell's bookshop in the S.U. Yesterday and Today.

Many thanks to Ali and Chris for running it. And well done to every student who showed up and worked in a brilliant spirit, and probably harder than they ever have before! And enjoyed it. Blimey drawing can be fun!!! Its also a fact that some of these pics improve the looks of most students. Ha Ha!

Joke!

More images will be added shortly.

Wrap

2011-10-25T00:02:00.001+01:00

Whilst at YSP the other day I noticed hidden away in the corner of the shop "WRAP" an illustrated magazine that once read can be used as gift-wrap. What a good idea although I do get the impression you might have to buy two copies? See what you think - hit the title link.

Jonny Hannah in Manchester

2011-10-24T23:28:00.000+01:00

Jaume Plensa at YSP

2011-10-17T06:37:00.005+01:00

Beautiful October sunshine at the weekend finally decided to visit the Jaume Plensa exhibition at Yorkshire Sculpture Park. Well worth the trip. Some amazing pieces of work, the elongated dreamlike portraits of sleeping/dreaming heads are fantastic and beautifully lit. There is also a room with suspended gongs you're invited to hit - they reverberated tremendously.
The outdoor pieces figures made from letterforms were stunning as well. Really photogenic in the low October sunlight. I especially liked the tree hugging figures and the haunting heads that sat on top of the gallery roof.

Also, it also transpired that Rob Ryan was at YSP that Saturday and signing copies of his new book, "A Sky Full of Kindness". What a nice man, it was a real pleasure to meet him and chat for a couple of minutes. I enjoyed the show "You can still do a lot with a small brain" last year, and I do like his paper-cut work. I am slightly nervous at the ubiquity of his work presently, but can't help feeling supportive of an "illustrator" who is successful for crossing craft and business.

The Jaume Plensa show has been extended until January. Go and see it.

Alice in Wonderland at Tate Liverpool

2011-09-26T07:01:00.000+01:00

Starting 4th November Tate Liverpool has curated a show that looks at the influence on fine artists in particular of Lewis Carroll's masterpiece. From the Tenniel drawings for the first edition to contemporary artists. One of the words missing from the entire description of the exhibition is of course - illustration, we wouldn't want to bring down the tone by mentioning the i word... Here are some of my favourite illustrations of Alice by Mervyn Peake, Lisbeth Zwerger, and Peter Blake

"More Source" a call for work from Preston students

2011-08-24T17:39:00.002+01:00

Just over ten years ago UCLAN published Source a showcase of Preston based graphic talent. A call for work for a new book celebrating 40 years of Preston visual communication graduates has just been put out. So if you were a former Preston student and graduate from Illustration and you have had award winning, published, or just bloody brilliant work as an illustrator or designer that deserves to be seen alongside the very best visual communication work then submit your work to the source.
Click the title link for more details, or email the organiser at the contact address on the website.

100 Artists' Manifestos

2011-08-14T12:21:00.003+01:00

Currently reading "100 Artists' Manifestos from the Futurists to the Stuckists" published by Penguin (and hence the previous Bauhaus entry - that was inspired by my reading of the book in the bookshop before I actually bought it to read on holiday!).

The manifesto book is really interesting and well worth dipping into, some are really quite daft like the Futurist Manifesto of Men's Clothing 1913:

"WE MUST DESTROY ALL PASSEIST CLOTHES, and everything about them which is tight fitting, colourless, funereal, decadent, boring and unhygienic...we must abolish: wishy washy, pretty-pretty, gloomy and neutral colours, along with patterns composed of lines, checks and spots"!!! Great.

Some were very influential like The Suprematist Manifesto by Kasimir Malevich 1916:

" ...In repeating or tracing the forms of nature, we have nurtured our consciousness with a false conception of art... The transmission of real objects onto canvas is the art of skilful reproduction, that's all.
And between the art of creating and the art of repeating there is a great difference.
And however much we arrange furniture about rooms, we will not extend or create a new form for them.
And however many moonlit landscapes the artist paints, however many grazing cows and pretty sunsets, they will remain the same dear little cows and sunsets. Only in a much worse form.
And in fact, whether an artist is a genius or not is determined by the number of cows he paints.

The artist can be a creator only when the forms in his picture have nothing in common with nature..."

There are some fabulous Dada and Surrealist manifestos too, like the Dada manifesto by Francis Picabia from 1920:

"...Art is a drug for imbeciles...The Dadists are nothing, nothing, nothing and they will certainly succeed in nothing, nothing, nothing."

With excellent introductions to each Manifesto by Alex Danchev, I can feel several project briefs stirring.

Grow Your Own by Esther Hall

2011-08-14T09:54:00.004+01:00

A graduate from the MA Children's Book Illustration course at Preston, and highly commended in the Macmillan prize in 2008 I somehow managed to miss the fact that Esther Hall's first book for Macmillan was published in April and is out in the shops now.
She was also selected for the Bologna Children's Book Fair exhibition in 2009 as a result of which Esther has also just published a book for a Korean publisher.
Most of her illustrations are made up from linocuts that are hand-printed and digitally coloured, she also sells print work through her website linked above.

Images 36 Call for Entries

2011-07-22T18:17:00.002+01:00

The only jury selected illustration annual in the UK. With a category for students and unpublished / self promo work.
Created or commissioned a piece of illustration you are proud of?
Want other professionals working in illustration and design to know about it?

Then enter your best work into the Association of Illustrators' Images competition, the most comprehensive and prestigious illustration award in the UK. Click on the title link for details!

Kate Pankhurst illustrations for the Museum of Liverpool

2011-07-22T10:02:00.005+01:00

Preston illustrator Kate Pankhurst has had a very nice commission for the children's signage and Little Liverpool learning gallery at the newly opened Museum of Liverpool. As she outlined in her visit to the course earlier this year, the spider character will be used across the Museum, which is the largest purpose built museum in the UK for a hundred years. It opened on the 19th July.
The character concept was a reference to the banana spiders that occasionally made the trip to Liverpool from the Caribbean along with the cargo. I think Kate has done a really excellent job of making a spider character engaging and child friendly.

The museum is certainly an interesting building sitting on the waterfront near the Albert Dock and the "Three Graces". Designed in the main by Danish architects 3xn (three architects named Neilsen). http://www.3xn.dk/ It looks like an amazing building, the Jury is out on its impact on the waterfront, I saw it under construction and was not sure? But hope to visit soon and make up my mind.

Time for a new Manifesto and Program? Bauhaus 1919

2011-07-19T14:58:00.008+01:00

The ultimate aim of all visual arts is the complete building! To embellish buildings was once the noblest function of the fine arts; they were the indispensable components of great architecture. Today the arts exist in isolation, from which they can be rescued only through the conscious, cooperative effort of all craftsmen. Architects, painters, and sculptors must recognize anew and learn to grasp the composite character of a building both as an entity and in its separate parts. Only then will their work be imbued with the architectonic spirit which it has lost as “salon art.”

The old schools of art were unable to produce this unity; how could they, since art cannot be taught. They must be merged once more with the workshop. The mere drawing and painting world of the pattern designer and the applied artist must become a world that builds again. When young people who take a joy in artistic creation once more begin their life's work by learning a trade, then the unproductive “artist” will no longer be condemned to deficient artistry, for their skill will now be preserved for the crafts, in which they will be able to achieve excellence.

Architects, sculptors, painters, we all must return to the crafts! For art is not a “profession.” There is no essential difference between the artist and the craftsman. The artist is an exalted craftsman. In rare moments of inspiration, transcending the consciousness of his will, the grace of heaven may cause his work to blossom into art. But proficiency in a craft is essential to every artist. Therein lies the prime source of creative imagination.

Let us then create a new guild of craftsmen without the class distinctions that raise an arrogant barrier between craftsman and artist! Together let us desire, conceive, and create the new structure of the future, which will embrace architecture and sculpture and painting in one unity and which will one day rise toward heaven from the hands of a million workers like the crystal symbol of a new faith.

Walter Gropius

Aims of the Bauhaus

The Bauhaus strives to bring together all creative effort into one whole, to reunify all the disciplines of practical art-sculpture, painting, handicrafts, and the crafts-as inseparable components of a new architecture. The ultimate, if distant, aim of the Bauhaus is the unified work of art-the great structure-in which there is no distinction between monumental and decorative art.

The Bauhaus wants to educate architects, painters, and sculptors of all levels, according to their capabilities, to become competent craftsmen or independent creative artists and to form a working community of leading and future artist-craftsmen. These men, of kindred spirit, will know how to design buildings harmoniously in their entirety-structure, finishing, ornamentation, and furnishing.

Principles of the Bauhaus

Art rises above all methods; in itself it cannot be taught, but the crafts certainly can be. Architects, painters, and sculptors are craftsmen in the true sense of the word; hence, a thoroughtraining in the crafts, acquired in workshops and in experimental and practical sites, is required of all students as the indispensable basis for all artistic production. Our own workshops are to be gradually built up, and apprenticeship agreements with outside workshops will be concluded.
The school is the servant of the workshop, and will one day be absorbed in it. Therefore there will be no teachers or pupils in the Bauhaus but masters, journeymen, and apprentices.
The manner of teaching arises from the character of the workshop: Organic forms developed from manual skills.
Avoidance of all rigidity; priority of creativity; freedom of individuality, but strict study discipline.
Master and journeyman examinations, according to the Guild Statutes, held before the Council of Masters of the Bauhaus or before outside masters.
Collaboration by the students in the work of the masters. Securing of commissions, also for students.
Constant contact with the leaders of the crafts and industries of the country.
Contact with public life, with the people, through exhibitions and other activities.
New research into the nature of the exhibitions, to solve the problem of displaying visual work and sculpture within the framework of architecture.
Encouragement of friendly relations between masters and students outside of work; therefore plays. lectures, poetry, music, costume parties. Establishment of a cheerful ceremonial at these gatherings.

Range of Instruction

Instruction at the Bauhaus includes all practical and scientific areas of creative work. A. Architecture, B. Painting, C. Sculpture

including all branches of the crafts.

Students are trained in a craft (1) as well as in drawing and painting (2) and science and theory (3).

1. Craft training-either in our own, gradually enlarging workshops or in outside workshops to which the student is bound by apprenticeship agreement-includes:

a) sculptors, stonemasons, stucco workers, woodcarvers, ceramic workers, plaster casters, b) blacksmiths, locksmiths, founders, metal turners, c) cabinetmakers, d) painter-and-decorators, glass painters, mosaic workers, enamelers,

e) etchers. wood engravers, lithographers, art printers, enchasers,

f) weavers. Craft training forms the basis of all teaching at the Bauhaus. Every student must learn a craft.

2. Training in drawing and painting includes: a) free-hand sketching from memory and imagination, b) drawing and painting of heads, live models. and animals, c) drawing and painting of landscapes, figures, plants, and still lives, d) composition, e) execution of murals, panel pictures, and religious shrines,

f) design of ornaments, g) lettering, h) construction and projection drawing, i) design of exteriors, gardens, and interiors, j) design of furniture and practical articles.

3. Training in science and theory includes: a) art history-not presented in the sense of a history of styles, but rather to further active understanding of historical working methods and techniques, b) science of materials, c) anatomy-from the living model, d) physical and chemical theory of color, e) rational painting methods, f) basic concepts of bookkeeping, contract negotiations, personnel, g) individual lectures on subjects of general interest in all areas of art and science.

Admission

Any person of good repute, without regard to age or sex, whose previous education is deemed adequate by the Council of Masters, will be admitted, as far as space permits. The tuition fee is 180 marks per year (It will gradually disappear entirely with increasing earnings of the Bauhaus). A nonrecurring admission fee of 20 marks is also to be paid. Foreign students pay double fees. Address inquiries to the Secretariat of the Staatliche Bauhaus in Weimar.

April 1919. The administration of the Staatliche Bauhaus in Weimar:

Walter Gropius.

1919 Bauhaus Manifesto

"Content Drawing Making and Context"

2011-07-19T12:43:00.002+01:00

Excerpts from Robert Mason's "Mere Illustration"2005

"It sometimes seems as if the nouns "illustration" and "illustrator" were never meant to be used alone so often do we read them prefaced by a qualifying adjective or phrase.

"Its mere illustration". " He or she is just an illustrator".

"Perhaps its important to identify illustration's unique strengths";

Illustration's paramount quality is perhaps it's hardest to define. Idea...subject matter...concept...content
I would contend that drawing in its many forms and irrespective of medium is the second constant among illustration's strengths...whether formal, informal, serious, funny, observational, imaginative, experimental, compositional, technical, or investigative, developmental doodle or meticulous masterpiece it remains the keystone of illustration.
Commitment to making - the process of working on an image until it's right.
And context...

" So content, drawing, making and context - a quartet of factors that might be useful in defining illustration, historically and in the present. Though imperfect and slippery, they seem useful since they can describe illustrators of different times and cultures; they are relevant if you like to Bewick and Fanelli. They certainly seem central to the business of learning to be an illustrator, though there are other aspects of that process-ability, tenacity, flair, imagination, luck - that you can't put on any curriculum.

From a tutor's point of view, however, perhaps the best thing about this quartet of factors is that their relevance is not limited to illustration, even though they seem to happily define it.

No illustration course can guarantee success for all of its graduates, as freelance illustrators; and any course that claims it can has a rosily delusional take on reality.
However if you see education as education, not as training, this is as much a virtue, as a problem.
Variety really is the spice of life, and students' routes beyond education should vary. If one has an eye to graduate's futures, those four factors should underpin almost any direction they may choose.

There are similarities, within illustration's academic recipe, to many other areas of art and design education. But there are few areas that offer the same degree of rigour and reflection, and of professional and personal concerns, while having an open attitude to the forms which the work produced can take...
Illustration can involve any medium that can be produced on a screen or a printed page.

Does an image have enough content even to merit coming into existence?
Have I been smart enough in 'finding' the basic drawing?
Have I spent long enough, or if its a quicker piece, have I been rigorous enough about its final form (commitment to making the process of working on an image until it's right)...
The last factor concerns the eventual context in which the work appears.

At its best mere illustration offers a positive means of combining personal and professional achievement, as any other area of creative activity. This should be the belief of all aspiring illustrators, as well as their tutors - and especially of those who employ them.

Unleashed 2011 - well done to Naomi Jones

2011-07-18T10:36:00.001+01:00

We had a (very!) enjoyable evening at the Unleashed Best in the North Illustration Gala event and auction on Thursday. Well done to preston illustrators Naomi Jones whose "Bull in a China Shop" print won the sponsors award at the event, and also to Imogen Wood whose shortlisted work "Tea Dog" sold in the charity auction. Both raised over £300 for the charity North West Air Ambulance! So that's Fantastic. Well done both. An enjoyable evening all round!

Congratulations to Stavros Siamptanis D&AD Student Design Awards Winner

2011-07-06T22:38:00.004+01:00

Congratulations to Stavros Siamptanis on his second place in the Illustration category in the D&AD Student Design Awards 2011 for his Pink Floyd sundial ideas - this is a fantastic achievement and well deserved for all his hard work this year. This is the second year in a row that BA(Hons) Illustration at UCLAN has won the second prize in illustration in the D&AD Awards (Chris Arrowsmith won second place last year). Stavros has just graduated and we wish him all the best for the future, his intention is to study on an MA in digital arts somewhere in the UK so good luck!

Stylesight blog spots UCLAN at D&AD New Blood

2011-07-06T15:32:00.002+01:00

"Stylesight’s Graphics team visited this year’s D&AD New Blood show last week. The show exhibited a mass of creative talent from the U.K.’s graphic and visual communication graduates. Here’s a small selection of the projects that stood out most for us...UCLAN was yet another great showcase of graduate talent, with Naomi Jones‘ paper pressed relief illustrations offering up some powerful visual impact."

Cy Twombly 1928-2011

2011-07-06T13:52:00.002+01:00

The subversive Tomi Ungerer

2011-07-05T14:46:00.010+01:00

The French illustrator Tomi Ungerer born in Strasbourg France in 1931 is 80 this year: The most famous illustrator you have never heard of. He was somebody I remember from my student days as one of Tony Ross' heroes? But it was difficult to find his work back then except perhaps in European Poster annuals in Manchester Poly library.

Subversive children's books, erotic drawings, political work, and the Dr Strangelove poster this illustrator is worth listening to!

Phaidon are republishing his book "Far Out Isn't Far Enough" here is a trailer link - watch this! He definitely has a twinkle in his eye? My God a political poster maker in the sixties, whose anti war and anti racist posters were well known, who then illustrated childrens' books, who published erotic art, I don't know the full story but it sounds like a documentary I would like to watch?

There is also a good interview with Tomi Ungerer here at Design Observer:

http://observatory.designobserver.com/feature/between-two-convex-mirrors-a-conversation-with-tomi-ungerer/28358/

Unleashed Best in the North

2011-07-04T16:20:00.004+01:00

The shortlist for the Unleashed Best in the North Competition was announced a few days ago and we are pleased to say that out of the 25 shortlisted students from nearly 200 pieces of work exhibited at Mr Thomas' Chop House in Manchester that Naomi Jones and Imogen Wood have been selected.

Unleashed 2011is an exhibition, auction and sale of the best student artwork in the North, 2011

Your chance to buy from the future stars of the art world.

Support the first steps in their professional careers and help raise much-needed funds for the North West Air Ambulance.

At Mr Thomas' Chop House from Thursday 23rd June
Three weeks of public display, private viewings, auction previews and creative industry nights.

Awards Night, Gala Dinner and Charity Auction – featuring the judges’ top-ranked work will be on Thursday 14th July.

Exhibition continues at Mr Thomas’s Chop House, 52 Cross Street, Manchester M2 7AR.

Illustration by Andrew Hall

2011-06-28T10:47:00.003+01:00

This new book by Andrew Hall who is the course leader at Central St Martin's is just published by Laurence King and will be added to our reading list this year. I advise all years to get a copy if you can.
At first glance I was not immediately taken with the layout and selection of work particularly. However I persevered and actually read it in three sittings. I think this is a really excellent introductory text for illustration students.
The content here is very good indeed and whilst some of the selection of images is not perhaps to my own taste, they illustrate the points Andrew Hall is making very well. Illustration is a rapidly changing marketplace and it is difficult to keep up with the pace of change particularly in new media. But I think this broadly introduces these developing markets in a concise and easy to understand manner.

Not only does it tackle these emerging markets but it introduces key practical theories, such as colour and perspective, it looks at the main commissioning areas with illustrated examples and takes you through the commissioning process too.

In the opening chapter it says:" The illustrator's job is to create something from nothing, to encapsulate an idea that communicates to an audience in an innovative way that is also articulate...The training for an illustrator requires that they explore key areas of their subject, both practically and intellectually until they can competently reassemble them in a fashion that is peculiar to them, that carries their authorship and that is imprinted with their own particular artistic and intellectual vision."
Having struggled to summarise exactly what I think illustration is to potential new students I don't think I could put it better myself. Buy this book it is an excellent introduction to the practice, context and business of illustration.

(Advertisement ha ha i should get some cash!)

Forgotten Illustrator Esme Eve

2011-06-16T12:51:00.000+01:00

Recently I was lent a childrens' book Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes by a colleague, beautifully illustrated by Esme Eve and published by Blackie of Glasgow about 1958 I think? Absolutely stunning two colour illustrations throughout, and hundreds of them too, an astonishing amount of work each vignette is beautifully designed. Having never heard of her I did a little web digging Florence Olive Esme Eve studied at the RCA 1941 - 44 just after Bawden, Ravilious et al. I shall try and find out more! She illustrated quite a few children's books it seems.

Degree Show 2011

2011-06-16T10:59:00.000+01:00

Degree Show 2011 Private View Night

2011-06-16T10:49:00.000+01:00

Unleashed 2011 at Mr Thomas' Chop House Manchester

2011-06-09T16:38:00.005+01:00

Up and coming illustrators will be showing at this year's Mr Thomas' Chop House Art Fair event in the well known public house of the same name. This year it is called: Unleashed: The Best in the North 2011 will open for three weeks on the 23rd June. A total of 196 works were submitted from 13 colleges and universities: Blackpool and the Fylde College | Edinburgh College of Art | Hull College of Art & Design | Kirklees College | Leeds Metropolitan University | Liverpool John Moores University | Manchester Metropolitan University | Sheffield Hallam University | Stockport College | University of Chester | University of Huddersfield | University of Salford

and of course University of Central Lancashire.

The calibre of artwork this year is said to be excellent and it's certainly going to be a difficult one to judge. On which note, the following are confirmed as the judges:

Lise Brian (Chair) - Associate Director, The Chase http://www.thechase.co.uk/homepage/

Andy Cheetham - Partner and Creative Director, CheethamBell JWT http://www.cheethambelljwt.com/

Tom Richards - Creative Director, BJL Advertising http://www.bjl.co.uk/

David Hughes - Illustrator http://www.davidhughesillustration.co.uk/

Peter Horridge - Type, Lettering, Calligraphy and Crests specialist http://www.horridge.com/

Wendy Levy - Creative Agent and Gallery Owner http://www.wendyjlevy-art.com/about.php

It is worth noting that the poster image you see here was produced by Alex Barrett a recent graduate of UCLAN!

V&A Illustration Awards 2011

2011-06-09T12:42:00.004+01:00

French illustrator and regular contributor to the Guardian Olivier Kugler has won the V&A Illustration Award 2011.

Kugler's reportage/diary illustrations of a truck driver's journey across Iran have won the top prize at the V&A Illustration awards.The illustrations were created for French quarterly reportage magazine XXI and were based on his his own travels in Iran with the truck driver Massih. Kugler and his driving companion took a four-day journey across Iran carrying bottled water to the Persian Gulf.
His winning illustrations were described as a "...stunning work. This is where drawing can top photography and copy," said judge Rob Ryan. Kugler won £2000 first prize for editorial illustration as well as an additional £2000 as the overall winner.
Laura Carlin was awarded the prize for best illustrated book for her work on The Iron Man, praised by judges for "her sophisticated approach to colour and scale" in what they said was "a stunning example of book illustration and production".

Their artwork will be displayed for free in the V&A's 20th-Century Galleries until 17 December.

Astrid Lindgren Memorial Prize 2011

2011-06-09T12:29:00.004+01:00

As reported in The Guardian Review on Saturday; Australian illustrator Shaun Tan has been presented with The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award in Stockholm last week. The prize is worth nearly half a million pounds and is awarded to authors, artists, and illustrators for their lifetime achievements in the spirit of Lindgren's famous illustrated heroine Pippi Longstocking.

Tan follows in an illustrious lineage including Maurice Sendak, and Phillip Pullman who were previous winners. He was commended as "a masterly visual storyteller who combines brilliant, magical narrative skill with deep humanism". A justifiable award for a great, and innovative illustrator, who all in all has had a pretty good year - his picture book "The Lost Thing" was adapted into an animation and won the Oscar for best animated short film earlier this year.

BA(Hons) Illustration Degree Show 2011 Private View

2011-05-16T11:32:00.004+01:00

The boards are up, shoes, and faces are being painted white, yes the Degree Show is being built! And its looking good! Roll up Roll up!
Opening night is Friday 10th June from 5.30pm. We hope you can make it. The illustrators will be showing in the illustration studio 214a in Victoria Building on the second floor see you there for some refreshing beers and some pictures.
The poster was illustrated by Stavros Siamptanis.

Naomi Jones is Highly Commended in the Macmillan Prize

2011-05-16T11:26:00.001+01:00

Well done Naomi Jones (Year Three student) for being one of only 13 highly commended entries in the Macmillan Prize this year. Her work was selected from over 280 entries to this year's Macmillan Prize for Children's Book Illustration 2011.

Her book which was all hand printed using lino and collograph blocks, then montaged together digitally, also knitted together a series of well known phrases into a surreal story called Raining Cats and Dogs.

Naomi's work will be on show in the Prize winners exhibition at Foyles bookshop in Charing Cross from May 24th -27th May.

Stavros Siamptanis nominated for the D&AD Student Awards

2011-05-09T06:50:00.001+01:00

Congratulations to Stavros Siamptanis in Year Three Illustration for his nomination for D&AD Illustration Craft category sponsored by Diesel for this grand scheme for Pink Floyd- beautifully crafted vector illustrations. He is already a winner, but lets hope he goes on to pick up a pencil in the awards in July eh? You can see the other nominated pieces for the Illustration category on the D&AD website, in fact all the entries for every category are up there.
The UCLAN viscomm courses (Advertising, Graphics, Digital Graphics, and Illustration) picked up 3 nominations in total and several entries will be published in the annual. For full details see the Disciples of Design website link here:
http://www.thedisciplesofdesign.co.uk/2011/05/dad-student-awards/

For more information about Stavros's work look here: http://www.stavross.com/

Drawing machine

2011-05-02T18:37:00.000+01:00

Danish designers Eskerex have made this incredible drawing machine shown at the Milan Furniture Fair follow the link and watch the video. If you liked spirograph as a kid like me you will love this! Check out Its Nice That where I first saw this work.

Spring Fling and Lizzy Stewart

2011-05-02T17:42:00.005+01:00

I have just been in Dumfries and Galloway for a short break in Kircudbright. It was beautiful, we stayed in an amazing country house b&b - which was just brilliant in every way. Kirkudbright is known as Artists' Town as many artists have lived and worked in the town over the years.

I picked up a brochure from the local museum about the "Spring Fling" an Open Studio and arts event held in the area at the end of May, the brochure cover, and inside illustrations were illustrated by Lizzy Stewart. I liked the illustration so much it got me to re look at her work. (So click on the title link to see more of Lizzy Stewart's lovely drawings).

And here is Lizzy Stewart's recent poster design for a special showing by Loco of Submarine, a movie I hope to see as soon as possible it looks great! Loco are selling the poster as a print you can find details via Lizzy Stewart's site.

Here is a portrait of Naoko from Norwegian Wood I lifted from her website because I know one or two first year students were illustrating this very same subject recently.

I also really do like her self published book "Toska".

You can read lots of interesting stuff about her work, plus advice for students on her blog: http://thingsilikeaboutoday.blogspot.com/

Lizzy Stewart is a graduate of Edinburgh College of Art and is represented by Eastwing Illustration Agency.

Melanie Tomlinson at the Bluecoat

2011-04-24T20:02:00.002+01:00

Just back from a flying visit to Liverpool stopped in briefly at the Bluecoat and was fascinated by the sculptural pieces by Melanie Tomlinson in the Bluecoat Display Centre.

Trained as an illustrator at Birmingham Institute Melanie creates images using traditional materials gouache etc and then applies them - prints them onto sheet metal from which she then creates these lovely three dimensional pieces. There were also a number of wall mounted pieces in box frames as well as the three dimensional works shown here. Her work seems to allude to some kind of narrative, or personal stories. But I was taken with the idea, that you can try and capture something of the magic, and amazement of seeing a wild animal like a deer in the wild.

There is also a resemblance to automata in these sculptures, I understand she has made automata in the past (I think?). It is interesting that illustrations can be made then applied to another surface using a print process then something more can be made with them. The print process used on the sheet metal looks like the sort of process applied to tin toys in the past. But the whole objects were quite intriguing.

She exhibits with textile artist Rachel Howard until the 7th May so you better be quick. There is a press release available here: http://www.bluecoatdisplaycentre.com/content/images/uploaded/Press%20Release%20Storyville.pdf

Creative Industry Statistics

2011-04-13T19:31:00.005+01:00

I was musing, and getting annoyed, about the undervalued contribution that the Creative Industry sector makes to the UK economy today - don't ask... Lets just say it followed one of those "how come the UK Government is cutting all teaching funding to Creative higher education" discussions. This government truly are idiots...
I decided that the Government themselves must have stats on this? And so I was directed via google to the Department of Culture Media and Sport to some national statistics from 2008:
Did you know that:

Advertising earns the UK - £7.8bn or 0.7 % of the gross value added (GVA is the amount earned for the UK economy) and employs 299,000 people.
Design earns the UK - £1.6bn 0.2% of GVA and employs 225,000 people.
Publishing - £10.1bn and 1% of GVA employing 236,000 people.
In total the Creative Industries including Art, Music, TV, Digital, Designer Fashion etc is responsible for earning the UK economy £59bn about 5.5% of total GVA employing 2,278,000 people. You can see tables of the stats by clicking the title link.

There are 14,000 design enterprises in the UK and a similar number of Advertising enterprises. There are some 2million creative enterprises in total in the UK, making up about 8% of all businesses in the UK- so where is the sense in cutting all teaching funding to education in the Arts and Design, where are the designers, visual communicators, and more to the point illustrators of the future going to come from?

This government are a bunch of IDIOTS!!!!

Show and Tell

2011-04-13T14:07:00.002+01:00

There is an exhibition, curated by Martin Salisbury, at The Ruskin Gallery Cambridge School of Art from the 20th April - 12 May 2011 called SHOW AND TELL. It celebrates the tenth anniversary of the MA in Childrens' Book Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University; "The Picture Book Makers: Leading Artists From Around The World" exhibition will include works by Axel Scheffler, Alexis Deacon, David Hughes, and John Lawrence.
As well as these leading names in British publishing, the exhibition will introduce artwork by artists from further afield whose books have not yet been seen in English. These include Fabian Negrin, winner of this year's Bologna Ragazzi Award for non-fiction illustration, Kazuno Kohara and leading South Korean artist Sunkyung Cho.

Elephant Magazine

2011-04-13T13:08:00.023+01:00

Picked up a copy of this magazine "Elephant" yesterday a hefty quarterly magazine about Arts and Visual Culture and its a bit of a hefty price, but plenty of content for your money.

This is issue number six (how have I missed it?)

Interesting Q and A style interviews with illustrator Christine Berrie well known for her drawings of collections of banal objects and shopfronts it was interesting to note, "...I often find that my personal projects and my commissions overlap. Many of my clients approach me after seeing my personal projects and require something similar."

Printmaker and illustrator Jonathan Gibbs who runs illustration at Edinburgh is interviewed too. He is a printmaker - mainly wood engravings. "What is the most important thing you learned at university? One had to find a path from disparate influences and varied tutorial advice. For me drawing was the dominant element." Jonathan Gibbs is represented by CIA (see the side bar link).

There are other interviews with illustrator Si Scott: "I'm not anti computer at all, I just love creating things by hand."

and Japanese illustrator Nomoco, as well as a fascinating interview with designer Coralie Beckford- Smith about her design work for Penguin's cloth bound covers. The main thing I find linking these studio section interviews is the importance of drawing and craft!

The magazine has a real variety of work and depth of coverage. As well as these articles that are directly about illustrators, there is also a section about Tokyo based artists, and an article about the position of women in design, some interesting figurative painting too. All in all a good read available from Magma and all good bookstores it says here...

(All works copyright the named artists and designers)

Lane Smith's Latest Children's Book, guess what? It's a Book!

2011-03-28T13:01:00.003+01:00

Yes its not a computer or an ipad or a kindle or a game or anything else its just a book! Hurray!

Both images courtesy of Lane Smith books theres a link above to his website and a link from there to his blog and the making of the book! Get a copy it's great, and made me laugh?

The Art of Nurture

2011-03-14T13:31:00.002Z

Congratulations to Neil Hughes recent graduate on winning the regional final of the Lloyds Art of Nurture Competition. The brief asked Neil to provide a piece of visual art that would support and illustrate one of the following themes, which are the values we seek to have demonstrated by Lloyds' staff in their dealings with their clients at all times; "We act wisely - We stretch ourselves - We take ownership - We succeed together - We make it simple"

Liam Derbyshire Editorial Illustrator

2011-03-10T16:58:00.001Z

Always good to hear from our alumni especially when they are working on interesting stuff. Here is a piece of work by recent graduate (2009) Liam Derbyshire who is clearly doing pretty well as an editorial illustrator, which is great to hear. this illustration was published in October in Management Today magazine for a piece about government and business.
I think that if you had told Liam he would be an editorial illustrator after the first year at university he would not have believed you, now however he is a magazine stalwart! His work has been selected for Images and he is submitting work for Images and 3X3 magazine again and it was heartening to hear him say;
"I remember first looking at the Images annuals in the studio at uni thinking having your work appear in there was a million miles away, but with a bit of hard work and creative spark, you can get there."

Year One Images 34 trip to Blackpool

2011-03-10T14:22:00.016Z

We had a fun filled family day out in Blackpool at the end of February to see the Images 34 show at Blackpool College. The exhibition which shows the best of British illustration included Alexander Barrett's Degree Show poster image from our very own preston illustration course. Not to mention several friends of the course including Mr David Hughes' Walking The Dog which won the critics' prize, Jill Calder, and Chris Vine, plus Chris Harper and Rob Gill in the Book plus many more.
Illustration that stood out for me were Chris Haughton's children's book work, and Noma Bar's editorial.

Also well done to whoever hung the exhibition as it was hung in colour order and we loved that idea and might nick it one day!
The Images 34 tour will be on a holiday and will be back in the North West in August at an apparently secret venue (not listed in the AOI website) somewhere in Clitheroe August 8th 2011 – October 9th 2011 tba!
Thanks to Year two student Rik Das for the above photos.
As part of the reportage brief the students were doing we went to do some drawing around the amusements, along the pier and down by the sea. Despite the fact the whole of the prom was being dug up and looked like a world war one trenches theme park, all in all a right nice day out.

Photos below courtesy of Ali Graney.

Thanks to Stuart Kolakovic

2011-03-04T09:16:00.012Z

Many thanks to Stuart Kolakovic for an entertaining and realistic view of his freelance career to date in his visiting lecture on Friday.
Stuart was a graduate of Kingston University and is now based in the Midlands. He has been getting lots of work and exposure recently. So it was good of him to give up his time.

I think it fair to say that Stuart was less than impressed by the standard of art direction these days.
From art directors forgetting to give him the dimensions for a commission, to those whose over directing every single detail leads to a lack of creativity, to those whose only direction was " to make it brighter".

Stuart's work draws on his Serbian heritage and other Eastern European folk art traditions, and is beautifully realised . It was good to hear that his work is still based on drawing and is hand rendered
and scanned before being digitally coloured. His first love was comic book illustration, but he was disenchanted with the possibilities of making any money out of comic illustration.
I tend to think that his was quite a realistic representation of the quality of commissioning and art direction these days, and a reminder that whilst we concentrate on creativity in university much of the day to day business of filling space with pictures can be quite mundane.
Stuart is represented by Heart illustration agency, who are linked on the right. As is Stuart's website and shop. We will overlook the fact that I didn't get any free badges.

40th Anniversary of the New York Times Op Ed Illustration Page

2011-02-17T12:25:00.002Z

Follow the title link to see an excellent little movie about the history of illustration at the New York Times Op Ed page celebrating the Op Ed page's 40th anniversary, many thanks to Kevin (The hauffmeister) Hauff for sending me the link.

Zara Wood's Mirror Mime at Yorkshire Sculpture Park

2011-02-15T14:09:00.000Z

Recently visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park and amongst other things found the illustrator Zara Wood's work interesting. The Brighton based illustrators show is on until the 27th February and is called Mirror Mime. The applied illustrations were the most interesting, particularly on the windows of the concourse and on objects such as cups and saucers, and brooches and boxes. Her simple black and white images seemed at home there rather than the more accepted formats of screen prints, although the screen prints on metallics, and mirrors had interesting qualities too. All images are courtesy of YSP.

The Art of Criticism

2011-02-08T06:39:00.000Z

A very good article on the art of the critique posted on the Disciples of Design all students take heed especially all those who actively avoiding crits - Year one students you know who you are:

http://www.thedisciplesofdesign.co.uk/2011/02/the-art-of-criticism/

Macmillan Prize for Children's Book Illustration 2011

2011-01-31T14:05:00.004Z

The entry forms for the Macmillan Children's Book Illustration Prize are available by following the title link.

Hard copy versions of the call to entry forms came through the post last week and included a small collectable postcard pack celebrating illustrators new to Macmillan's children's book list. The postcard pack; "Picture Book Parade" is illustrated by Emily Gravett, and it celebrates eight "new-to Macmillan" illustrators including: Chloe and Mick Inkpen, Rebecca Patterson, Rebecca Cobb, Elissa Elwick, Zehra Hicks, Lane Smith, Julie Monks(Lydia's sister), and Esther Hall who recently graduated from the MA Children's Book Illustration here at Preston. Esther's first book for Macmillan illustrated with linocuts "Grow Your Own" should be out later this year.

Working Drawings Conference and Exhibition at Sheffield Hallam

2011-01-26T15:47:00.018Z

Heavy snow over the seven hills of Sheffield in December caused the originally scheduled Working Drawings Conference at Sheffield Hallam to be cancelled but the re-convened conference last Thursday proved to be excellent. Lee Ford who selected and organised the conference and accompanying show did a great job here.

The speakers were Roderick Mills, Jill Calder, and Stephen Smith (Neasden Control Centre) all of whom proved to be incredibly different but fascinating drawing practitioners. So if we categorise "drawers" as those who draw from pictures, those who draw from life, and those who draw out of their heads/imagination then here we had excellent examples of each "type".

Roderick Mills' work was loaded with childhood references to action man and airfix kits of HMS Hood, and his drawings with everyday drawing tools; biros, fine liners, felt tips etc. were entirely in keeping with his subject matter. He asserted that his drawing subjects had not altered much since childhood, and his choice of content mainly and to an extent the sensibility of incomplete "traced" (?) drawings reinforced this impression. It took me back in some ways to how I started drawing; tracing as a very young child on greaseproof paper from the kitchen. Roderick produces fragmentary drawings from found images, and from film stills, that were used to emotive effect in his animation produced with Rosie Pedler for the Wellcome Foundation that looked at the Hollywood depiction of cancer in film and created an animated short that was remarkably moving using movie cliches and yet completely avoiding cancer cliches. It drew a round of applause from the audience (no pun intended).

http://www.heartagency.com/artist/RoderickMills/gallery/1

Jill Calder's analysis of her working drawing, seemed to be in direct contradiction to the intuitive nature of her drawing practice. She draws and draws it seems. In sketchbooks mainly and with a variety of implements. She has subsumed digital drawing into her repertoire of mark making to such an extent that at the moment it is difficult to see where the computer takes over? Her drawing appears to be as natural as talking or writing. And I think there is the target, see the computer as just another way of making a mark and you come to realise that the computer cannot do anything "for you" - it is just an extension of your head/brain. Jill is an observer, essentially, of people going about their daily existence and she does this very well. I wish she had drawn live at the event because I have seen her do this and though nerve racking she is great at it, and commentating over it.
http://www.jillcalder.com/

Stephen Smith is better known as the founder of Neasden Control Centre and he began his talk with a short piece of experimental film that was reminiscent of early Len Lye experimental films which I love so he hooked me there. I have no idea from this talk whether Stephen has any truck with "traditional" drawing but he is a prolific artist/ designer whose work infectiously spreads over surfaces. Any surfaces - mirrors, walls, paper, board, it doesn't matter anyone who is brave enough to use them really. It doesn't seem to be that difficult drawing, although he readily admitted that whilst drawing on the mirrors of a "ten thousand pound a night" hotel he shat himself, he still did it and appeared to remain cool under pressure, or is that confident in his visual language, second "handwriting"?

http://www.neasdencontrolcentre.com/

After a short sojourn to the Rutland Arms down the road we were treated to have a look at the

accompanying Exhibition - now closed unfortunately. There was some really interesting work there; Abram Games, Milton Glaser, and Saul Steinberg rubbed shoulders with Dave Hughes, Margaret Huber and many more. I look forward to some sort of publication from the show as it was well worth the visit.

Huge thanks to Lee Ford for a conference with a pint and chips.

All photos courtesy of Ali Graney.

Creative Everyone: Never miss a creative event again!

2011-01-06T15:26:00.002Z

What a great idea a one stop site to find out about creative shows and events. This site is still under development but will be great when its fully functional.

Disciples of Design New Years Site Redesign

2011-01-05T09:31:00.003Z

The Graphic Design blog has had a new years re design master-minded by Mr Billy Harkcom.
Take a look.

Laura Carlin illustrates The Iron Man

2011-01-04T15:59:00.003Z

Recently published by Walker Books and Faber is this lovely illustrated edition of Ted Hughes' Iron Man illustrated by Laura Carlin. This illustrated Iron Man has very good design and production values with a printed hardcover and fold out spreads.

Laura Carlin is an RCA graduate who has previously illustrated The Silver Donkey by Sonya Hartnett for Walker Books, as well as being a busy editorial and design illustrator.

The title link takes you to the Iron Man book on Heart's portfolio site for Laura, have a look at her folder there.

Owen Davey's Foxley's Feast

2011-01-04T15:36:00.011Z

Published late last year, but only just acquired, is this excellent wordless picture book by a recent graduate of University of Falmouth; Owen Davey. Davey who was highly commended in the Macmillan prize recently.
It is certainly unusual for a children's picture book publisher to take a risk on a wordless narrative so well done to Templar Books.
It is charmingly illustrated with a very nice "retro" colour palette, and also has a lovely print quality, printed as it is on uncoated stock. Have a look at more of Owen Davey's work on his site - link off the title.

Nobrow

2011-01-04T15:13:00.002Z

We know it came out a while ago, (April to be precise) but had a few Christmas present pounds burning a hole in pocket whilst browsing in Salts Mill bookshop in Saltaire the other day so we bought Nobrow 3 "Topsy Turvy" edition and there are some very nice pieces of work in there, including the likes of Olaf Hajek, Christian Montenegro, Jonny Hannah and Luke Best etc.
For those of you not in the know - Nobrow are independent publishers, supporters, promoters, and lovers of all things illustrated. So have a look at their website (click the title link) from whence I pinched these images and look at all those limited edition illustrated books. Smell that print mmm!

How to get a D&AD Award; Chris Arrowsmith's Journey

2010-12-29T23:49:00.003Z

Chris who graduated this Summer won the silver award in the illustration category in the D&AD student awards this year.
He has recently been asked to answer a few questions for D&AD about his journey to his award so here is a copy of his reply. We were so pleased, but not surprised, that we produced one of the best students in the country last year.
Not only was it a cool achievement but Chris is also a modest guy so we point you at his portfolio and blog (click the title link).

Norman Rockwell's America - Exhibition

2010-12-22T18:26:00.002Z

From 17th December until March 27th the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London is hosting an exhibition of the work of American illustrator Norman Rockwell (1894-1978). Rockwell was arguably America's most famous and popular illustrator of the Twentieth Century. The Gallery has all of his Saturday Evening Post covers over 300 painted over a sixty year career, as well as his other editorial and advertising work. His figurative paintings depict a classic Americana; heartwarming, and sentimental.

This exhibition looks well worth the trip to London. For full details click the title link.

The Small Stakes music posters by Jason Munn

2010-12-22T10:00:00.001Z

Just received a really beautiful book of Jason Munn's Poster Designs. Jason Munn aka The Small Stakes has been operating since 2003 designing and screen printing posters and t shirts for the music industry for the likes of Death Cab for Cutie and Modest Mouse etc. Simple layout and metallic inks used throughout. The book has been out for a few weeks and is published by Chronicle Books. Click the title link for his website.

Shaun Tan's The Lost Thing

2010-12-21T21:08:00.001Z

Coming soon on a DVD near you Australian illustrator Shaun Tan's tale of the Lost Thing a short animated film by Passion Pictures Australia. Click the title link for information.

Big Bumper Xmas Link Update!

2010-12-21T18:50:00.001Z

Hello - As you may have seen there has been a major update of the links from this blog.
If you are interested in illustration then you should be able to find something here for you? Please have a look at the illustrators web links, and learn from some of the best illustrators in the business.
I have also begun to link to illustration blogs, and illustration agencies too.
As well as adding links to other interesting related sites such as specialist bookstores and galleries etc.
The preston illustrators sites are due for a spring clean too - so you better have updated your site in the last few months or you may find your link will disappear... grr.

In the meantime have cool Yule and a happy new year!

Fancy a brew!

2010-12-15T09:57:00.001Z

Year Three Illustration student Helen Draper set up a performance installation piece in the window of Brucciani's on Fishergate in Preston. Based around her love of tea Helen has created a tea dress made out of over 300 teabags and staged a tea ceremony in the window of the well known Preston tea shop.

We still can't decide whether she should brew up an enormous pot of tea at the end of the Summer show?
The stunt was featured in the LEP and you can read their story by clicking the title link.

Images 35 Selection

2010-12-08T16:24:00.005Z

How good are we?! Its that time again when we can blow our own trumpet as no-one will do it for us!

The Association of Illustrators annual jury selection of the best of British illustration IMAGES 35 has been made and a few former UCLAN illustration students and friends of the course have been selected for this prestigious annual and show.

We are particularly pleased to see that last year's graduates Andy Thomson and Rob Gill have been selected. Recent graduate Liam Derbyshire, and current MA Children's Book Illustration student Carly Gledhill have also been selected. So well done all four of you!

Andy Thomson

Rob Gill

Carly Gledhill

Liam Derbyshire

Well done too Kevin Hauff, Jill Calder and David Hughes former visiting lecturers to the uni.
I trust I haven't missed anybody from my list.

Working Drawings Conference at Sheffield Hallam

2010-11-24T11:27:00.002Z

Get yourself along to "Working Drawings" a conference to be held at Sheffield Hallam University on Friday 3rd December 2010 with speakers Steve Smith (Neasden Control Centre), Jill Calder, and Roderick Mills and an exhibition featuring the work of:
Neasden Control Centre, Ken Garland, Ed Fella, Abram Games, Alan Fletcher, Milton Glaser, David Hughes, Freda Sack, Fraser Muggeridge, Saul Steinberg, Jason Ford, Mark Todd, Morag Myerscough, Lee Ford, Frazer Hudson, Simon Spilsbury, Catherine Dixon, Mick Marston, Margaret Huber, Jo Hasssall Richard Hollis, Roger Bateman, and Third Angel Theatre Company.
The exhibition will be at Sheffield Institute of Arts Gallery, 153 Arundel Street until the 24th December.
Looking at the way in which drawing transcends the language barrier this sounds like a fascinating show and series of talks click the title link for further details on booking etc.

Folio - The Folio Society Magazine April -June 1967

2010-10-20T15:50:00.004+01:00

The Folio Society and House of Illustration are sponsoring a competition to illustrate The Outsider by Albert Camus. The Folio Society (click the title link) publishes beautiful illustrated books for adults (rather than for children) by subscription and they have worked with many of the country's finest illustrators. By a strange coincidence Mr Bainbridge from the Disciples of Design discovered some copies of the Folio Society Magazine from the 1960s that were once a part of the Graphics course archive. I have posted an article here by Nigel Lambourne from 1967 (I was nearly 2 years old!)

Above you can read a fascinating short article about autographic techniques in book illustration by Nigel Lambourne (1919-1988) an excellent draughtsman Nigel Lambourne was an illustrator and printmaker who trained at the RCA. By "Autographic" here he means illustrations that are directly printed into the publication rather than being photographically reproduced and then printed.

I may feature Nigel Lambourne as another "forgotten" illustrator shortly.

The final illustration is a frontispiece and is a reference to the last phrase in the article and is by John Lawrence a nice two colour print from a plastic "plate".

Forgotten illustrators; Paul Hogarth ( 1917-2001)

2010-10-19T09:58:00.003+01:00

This is the first in an occasional series of profiles I have decided to start about "forgotten" illustrators. When I get blank looks on the mention of an illustrator's name I will probably add them to this list. Paul Hogarth is someone most current students (in my experience) have never heard of.
Back in the eighties as a design student in Manchester Paul Hogarth was one of the illustrators I took for granted. His work had adorned the covers of Shakespeare in paperback when I was at school, and the novels of Graham Greene when I was catching up on some reading from the library.
When I was studying illustration his work was everywhere, not only in the Manchester Polytechnic collection I seem to remember.His prints seemed to be on sale everywhere, particularly through the Francis Kyle Gallery, whose posters appeared on the Poly noticeboard, and I am sure I remember them on sale at Habitat?
His reportage work appeared in magazines and in books celebrating Graham Greene country, Gerald Durrell country, and John Betjeman country. Originally from Kendal, Cumbria/ Westmorland, he had studied at Manchester Art School, though not especially celebrated by the students when I was there, he was eventually honoured by the Met in 1999.
He was a prolific and successful illustrator. He was an excellent draughtsman, and watercolour painter whose "descriptive" work especially of buildings and landscape are light and characterful.
He led an interesting life too, described as an "angry young man", a left winger he ran off to join the Spanish Civil War aged 17. Later still he painted camouflage during WW2..
He travelled extensively and this formed the basis for much of his observationally-based work. His autobiography is entitled Drawing on Life.

Andy Thomson for The Gift

2010-10-10T13:30:00.004+01:00

Andy Thomson has produced this illustration for friend of prestonillustration Mr Andrew Griff Griffin's up coming short film "The Gift". Griff kindly came to visit Preston illustration students last year. The film was co written by Griff and author Philip Ardagh and filmed in Kent. Intriguingly described as a story about a pylon, a nest and a gift. We look forward to seeing the film.
You can follow the making of the film here.
http://www.storknest.co.uk/
Whilst Andy's blog is a click away on the title link!

Lonely Hearts by Lee Ford

2010-09-29T14:35:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to showcase the work of another former lecturer at Preston - Mr Lee Ford for his Lonely Hearts illustrations - click the title link to have a look at them all. I just think they are fantastic! Lee is now teaching at Sheffield Hallam. The Kiss illustration takes me back to being 16 ha ha!

Wrestling With Angels by Chris Harper

2010-09-29T14:22:00.001+01:00

Many of you will remember Mr Chris Harper former illustration tutor of this parish. Chris has been selected for Images 34 (see previous posts), and he has kindly sent through a copy of said excellent image. Chris is now teaching illustration at Huddersfield University.

The circle is complete...nearly

2010-09-28T16:58:00.002+01:00

Andy Bainbridge completes his circle 28th September about 5pm...
Well nearly completes it.

Vote for Andy Thomson on Threadless

2010-09-24T13:30:00.002+01:00

Andy's T Shirt design is up for voting on Threadless' website follow the title link and vote for his design.

Kayleigh O'Mara

2010-09-24T13:25:00.000+01:00

Kayleigh O' Mara is featured with the second issue of Oh Comely magazine, her cat and rabbit badges are being given away with the magazine. Oh Comely is a magazine "that inspires people to be creative, talk to their neighbours and explore new things, rather than buy stuff or lose weight."It says here.

Images 34

2010-09-23T12:50:00.004+01:00

Hearty well dones, firm handshakes and slaps on the back for Rob Gill and Alex Barrett recent graduates who have both been selected for Images 34 the Association of Illustrators Annual.

Rob for this piece of work from a University project for an anti litter campaign.

Alex Barretts selected piece was "Unleashed" that was used as publicity for the University Summer Shows a year ago. Both Alex and Rob are currently employed working within design studios. Rob's website and blog are already linked off this blog, whilst more of Alex's work can be seen here: http://www.alexanderbarratt.com/

In addition former Uclan lecturers Kevin Hauff and Chris Harper have been selected (I will endeavour to get some images to blog soon!) and quite a few of our recent visiting speakers - well done to Chris Vine, and to Jill Calder who won a silver award for design illustration, and David Hughes who won the critics award.

Jill Calder http://www.jillcalder.com/

David Hughes won the critics award for this piece " Walking the Dog"

Mr Hughes' highly entertaining blog can be found here http://wdavidhughes.blogspot.com/

Also one of my former students from ye olden days at Bradford College Jonathan Burton who went on to MA study at Kingston (I can't really take any credit, as he never showed up at Bradford...) won the silver award for book illustration with this:

See more of his excellent work here: http://www.jonathanburton.net

Katie Hanratty in Anorak

2010-09-12T16:02:00.001+01:00

Anorak the happy magazine for kids has used ex Preston student Katie Hanratty for their Happy Activity Book for Kids. Out now the mag was published last month. She is represented by illustration agents Eastwing http://www.eastwing.co.uk/artist/katiehanratty/

How to Create a Portfolio and Get Hired by Fig Taylor

2010-09-08T12:31:00.001+01:00

A good friend of the course here in Preston, Fig Taylor has lectured a number of times to Preston illustrators has a new book out. If it summarises, and I haven't read it yet, even a small amount of her extensive knowledge and no nonsense approach to illustration it will be well worth purchasing. Fig has many years experience as an agent, lecturer and a portfolio consultant for the AOI. I intend to get a copy as soon as possible, and I advise any recent graduates to get one too. I shall ask our library to get it pronto.

And look at this spread about self promotion that features former Preston student Jay Taylor and one of last year's visiting speakers Gemma Correll finger on pulse as always (ahem).

As the blurb at Laurence King says: "This is a must read for any student wishing to progress into further or higher education or employment. How to Create a Portfolio shows the many different types of portfolio needed for a broad range of art and design careers. Practical advise is given on how to put together a portfolio both traditional and electronic, this book also provides a great resource list for further research.

'How to Create a Portfolio and Get Hired by Fig Taylor is priced at £19.95 from Laurence King.

For Just One Day - Marc Boutavant

2010-09-03T14:46:00.002+01:00

The other book that I really like at the moment is "For Just One Day" by the French illustrator Marc Boutavant, the book has been out for a year or so in the states and came out here in February published by Tate publishing. To be honest I didn't realise the Tate published children's books? But as these things do on the net this has led me to another blog - the apple and the egg - which discussed the book a while ago and you can look through all the spreads for this book by clicking the title link!

Chris Haughton - A Bit Lost

2010-09-03T14:35:00.006+01:00

I decided to kill a few hours in Liverpool the other day and visit Waterstone's children's book department. A few books caught my eye but I really like this "A Bit Lost" by Chris Haughton published by Walker. You can visit his site by clicking the title link.

This book really stood out among some fairly conservative offerings, although Walker Books do seem to be publishing some really nice things at the moment. It was first published in Korea however. It's a beautifully designed book, witty and amusing illustrations by this Irish illustrator who has worked for The Guardian and many others. He is probably best known for his work with People Tree the Fair Trade fashion company. There is link on his site to a talk by him at Offset 2009 too.
The People Tree company has its website here:
http://www.peopletree.co.uk/

Intuition at the Whitworth Manchester

2010-08-24T13:47:00.008+01:00

I have been interested in Outsider Art for some time and have finally got round to seeing the Musgrave Kinley Outsider Art Collection at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester recently. The Musgrave Kinley collection comprises about 800 pieces of work donated recently to the Whitworth Gallery.

As you know Outsider Art is artwork created by untrained, self taught or the mentally ill. Artists working outside the conventions of the traditional artworld. Outsider art and Art Brut has been a major influence on the development of illustrator's visual language. Particularly in "new wave" of illustration in the early to mid eighties in the UK, and its influence is still visible in many contemporary illustrators. I could name any number of illustrators but Benoit Jacques, and Phillippe Weissbecker spring to mind perhaps even Chris Corr. Although folk art has a part to play there too. Perhaps the current vogue for folk inspired artwork is a similar yen for the honesty of untrained image making.

I was not overwhelmed by the show as a whole but there are many interesting pieces in it. It was good to see some of Henry Darger's originals as I missed the show in London a while ago.The works that stood out for me were by Adolph Wolfli, and Scottie Wilson, I like the obsessive and repetitious line work of Wilson. Many of the three dimensional sculptural pieces were very good too.

It is certainly worth a visit and the show is on until January.

Design Week & Esra Roise

2010-08-23T18:27:00.002+01:00

Norwegian illustrator Esra Roise was featured on the cover of Design Week a few weeks ago for an article about the rise of illustration. I rather like these fashion oriented drawings they are lively and well observed - if clearly based on photographs there is something of the spontaneity of facebook photos and snapshots about some of them?
If there is a trend I have noticed recently it is the rise and rise of figurative drawing in contemporary illustration, and particularly a return to traditional pencils and paint.
Anyway I was on holiday when this article was out so missed it in the newsagents if anyone bought a copy I would love to read it...

There is a title link to Esra's website.

Esra Roise is represented by the "boutique" illustration agency - The boutique illustration agency is a trend discussion for another post... check it out:

www.higginsonhurst.com

Alison Hardcastle and Lucky Dip

2010-08-17T16:10:00.003+01:00

I recently stumbled across this fantastic, and funny, little limited edition book by Alison Hardcastle in my studio. I bought it a while ago at Leeds Artists Book Fair (I think?). I have a few of her books as I think her ideas are great! There is a link to her work and shop if you click on the title link.

www.alisonhardcastle.co.uk

Marian Bantjes

2010-08-17T15:04:00.005+01:00

Marian Bantjes has a book out in October 2010 and if the preview images of the book on her website are anything to go by then it will be very interesting indeed - strong ideas plus decorative design of the highest quality!
Looking back through her site I was fascinated by her work with Droog Design, especially the part about working with manicurists to decorate furniture! Also the table with the laser etched message.

Starting Again

2010-08-17T15:00:00.001+01:00

The time is nearly here for a whole new Preston academic year. I have just been away for a few weeks and find it really difficult getting up and running after a break - I don't know about you? So I am easing my way in gently by reading around and looking at stuff!
I have found a few interesting articles about creativity recently on http://the99percent.com/ click the title link to have a read?
If it gets really bad and you have a creative block you could always travel!!

"You don’t have to cross the world to find a change of scenery or to place yourself in an unfamiliar environment. Particularly if you live in a large metropolis, world travel can be as close as hopping on the subway to a new neighborhood. The point is to explore, to try something new, to drag yourself away from your computer and get moving. As psychiatrist Milton Erickson put it, “Change will lead to insight far more often than insight will lead to change.”

To read the whole thing follow this link:

http://the99percent.com/tips/6650/the-cure-for-creative-blocks-leave-your-desk

Ian Bilbey

2010-07-23T16:53:00.002+01:00

A very graphic illustrator Ian Bilbey (who incidentally might also be the children's illustrator William Bee? Have a look at "Whatever" published by Walker).
He is best known for his Paul Smith work but has a nice line in British cultural icons and eccentricity - and these sandcastle flags made me pine for a small plastic bucket and spade.
He is clearly a busy man too as there are hundreds of pieces of work on his website - click the title link.

Eduardo Recife

2010-07-19T11:42:00.000+01:00

Not looked at Eduardo Recife's work for a while but still find plenty to inspire and excite.
Like these drawings on vintage paper courtesy of Mr Recife's website misprinted type. Click the link!
There are also some very nice freeware, and commercial typefaces available.

Delphine Durand est fantastique!

2010-07-16T17:22:00.002+01:00

I was beginning to get a bit bored with a lot of the children's books I have seen recently (yawn) but I was looking at in Waterstones on Bold Street in Liverpool on Thursday (research you understand not shopping nooo....) and I found this by Delphine Durand who I have admired since she illustrated The Snoops!
She has this book out and its one you can pore over for ages... she also has a really interesting blog! Click the title link you might even get to learn a bit of french.

Oliver Jeffers talks about The Heart and the Bottle on youtube

2010-07-14T09:08:00.003+01:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiGqXpZF558&feature=youtu.be

Whitewash

2010-07-13T15:27:00.003+01:00

The window of a closed down shop in Preston this morning.
I like the wholly abstract use of white paint here nice mark making skills!

Kirsty White of LJMU and her winning entry for the Penguin Book Cover Competition

2010-07-13T15:22:00.000+01:00

A really nice idea for the Penguin Book cover project there is more about her process on her website.
Click the title link to have a look at her stuff - which will be familiar to those who went down to Mr Thomas' Chop House Art Fair!

Creative Weaving by Glenn Tutssel Design Week Nov 09

2010-07-07T14:25:00.000+01:00

"Maybe we are being over-generous in praise for our design graduates? Should we be tougher with them?
Should we be more honest?
I see a lot of design students' work, from foundation to graduation, and most of it isn't good enough to carry on our country's creative legacy. Maybe it's the tutors fault. Let's blame them. Or is it the students who are not pushing boundaries and challenging the way we solve problems in a new and innovative way?
The truth is we are turning out too many design graduates with only a small number getting work. The recession hasn't helped any graduates, but is it the way we prepare them for the real world at fault?
It has always worried me that art colleges are rapidly becoming universities. While I welcome academic status and a degree at the end of it, too much emphasis has been on revenue generation. instead we should start with skills our industry is looking for and how to best educate students to fill that need. It's the way we are structuring our design courses that needs questioning.They are run too much by administrators rather than people who understand our business.

.
..The art colleges are producing specialists too early in the student's development and what the industry is looking for is more of a "Renaissance man" approach...

Our industry needs more of the modern art of weaving creativity together, based on sound craft skills. For example drawing is disappearing from our skill base. It is not being taught as the fundamental basis to everything we do...

There is too much style over substance and a lack of great ideas. The idea that the late John Gillard had for a school of communication arts was ahead of its time, but is now so needed. The concept was like that of the Bauhaus, of different skill-based designers working together, which must be the future.

Our three year specialist degree course needs to become a three year Foundation course, allowing students to flourish, experimenting and making mistakes, to find new avenues of creativity. Designers who can deliver the big idea beautifully crafted, with multi disciplined applications of problem solving, will be our legacy to the economic upturn."

What do you think?

This is edited from an article by Glenn Tutssel Creative Director of the Brand Union published in November 09 Design Week.

Grayson Perry on Creativity and Imagination

2010-07-07T11:24:00.001+01:00

What does creativity mean exactly? In this Radio Four programme (available until 13th July) Grayson Perry goes in search of some of the myths of creativity and seeks what creativity really is?
Have a listen. Click on the title link to go to BBC i player.

"creativity is mistakes"

BBC Imagine Documentary

2010-07-06T12:49:00.004+01:00

This piece of work is a recreation of his childhood bedroom by Damien Hirst. It is one of a number of Shoe Box Art pieces featured in a BBC Imagine documentary about the influence of play on art. How creative play can open up the imagination, and the importance and influence of childhood play on contemporary artists. I found the documentary really interesting click the title link to see the film on BBC i-player.

You can see more of the shoebox art pieces that were made by contemporary artists including Tracy Emin, Jake and Dinos Chapman, David Bailey, Gavin Turk, Rob Ryan, Kate Moross and many others here : Shoeboxart.co.uk.

Guardian Guide - live brief

2010-07-01T13:56:00.000+01:00

Waaay back in April (I think) I organised a live project for Year 3 illustration students with the very generous help of Sara Ramsbottom art editor at the Guardian Guide. Sara very kindly set a project that followed the timescale of a real cover commission for the Guide's Election Special, and she kindly gave up her time to critique the roughs and finished artwork produced.

Stu Madden was selected as the winning entry for his "very Guide" tribute to pacman he will be invited down to see the Guardian folks with his folio soon. Rob Gill was runner up with a lovely 3d specs idea.
Here is Rob's original rough:

Well done us!!! Stu Madden and Andy Thomson selected for Mr Thomas' Art Fair

2010-07-01T13:00:00.004+01:00

***UPDATE***
Both Andy and Stu's prints sold in the auction held on Thursday 1st July at Mr Thomas Chop House. A staggering £10000 + was raised on the night. So thanks to all the students who contributed artwork for the Fair and auction.

Andy Thomson and Stu Madden have been shortlisted for a new Illustration Prize called Mr Thomas' Art Fair. Held at Mr Thomas Chop House in Manchester, 160 Illustrations have been selected from illustration courses throughout the north of England.

It is hoped that the Prize and Show will become an annual event.

Preston illustration selected 20 of our best images for the selling show that finishes tonight in a gala auction. Stu and Andy's prints are to be sold in the auction and stand to win a prize as well so good luck for tonight!

Everything in the show is for sale and half the proceeds of all sales will be donated to North West Air Ambulance so follow the title link to the website and have a look at the catalogue and buy some work.

Well done us!!! Rosie Pearson YCN commendation

2010-07-01T12:47:00.002+01:00

Well done to Rosie Pearson for her commendation for the McArthur Glen brief for the Young Creative Network Student Awards.

Rosie has really produced some beautifully observed and rich stencilled fashion work for the project.

There is a title link above to her site and you can see more of her work there.

Well done us!!! Kayleigh O Mara - Macmillan Prize commendation

2010-07-01T12:42:00.003+01:00

I know its been a while since these prizes were announced but we have not had a lot of time to keep this blog up now! But did you know that Kayleigh O Mara was highly commended in the Macmillan Prize for Children's Book Illustration 2010 for the second year running. This was for her book " A Big Surprise".

We really should make more of our prize winners!!!
Kayleigh's work was exhibited at Foyles - lets hope it leads to work and recognition! Kayleigh has already had some interest from publishers so fingers crossed.

Well done Kayleigh!

Well done us!!! Chris Arrowsmith D&AD Student Awards

2010-07-01T12:35:00.004+01:00

Massive congratulations to Chris Arrowsmith who has won a yellow pencil second prize at this year's D&AD Student Design Awards 2010 in the illustration category for his illustration for the Don't Panic brief entitled "Resist".

Shame we couldn't make it down to the awards! We owe you a pint!