Sketchbooks: The Hidden Art of designers Illustrators & Creatives

I recommend this book as an interesting introduction to the variety of sketchbook practice out there. I got a review copy from the publishers and have found myself dipping into it from time to time? I had read an illustrated article in Graphic 08 by Richard Brereton recently on which this book was based. As the blurb says;" a revealing glimpse into the inner workings and private inspiration from the world of advertising, design, graphic-design, fashion design, art, street art, and illustrations."

Tom Eckersley Archive (1914 - 1996)

I cannot recommend highly enough that you go and have a look at the poster work of Tom Eckersley(from Bolton) in the Eckersley Archive. I had heard of Eckersley's poster work as a foundation student and I looked up the design work he did with Eric Lombers as Eckersley-Lombers when I was a student.
I think I probably dismissed it at the time as a bit old fashioned and simplistic - now however...




























So many beautifully designed images, often advertising pretty mundane subjects with absolute clarity - its a joy! And I do even remember seeing some of those Post Office posters as a kid.
Click on the title link and have a look!

Jon Klassen

I recently discovered the work of this Canadian illustrator / animator through some of his concept work on the film of Coraline.
This image is called Next Door...






I really love his RBC Advert. Here is a still but you can watch it on his site - really restrained palette and design.
http://burstofbeaden.com/

Something Wild at the Walker

Former UCLAN graduate of BA(Hons) Illustration and MA Childrens Book Illustration course at Preston, not to mention erstwhile part time lecturer on the course, Kate Pankhurst was recently commissioned to produce an illustrated guide for primary children and families to the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Jenny Dunn

Recent UCLAN graduates spotted - Jenny Dunn who graduated with a first in 2008 recently published this piece in the Sunday Times Travel Magazine.
She is now represented by Inkshed (click title link)
See her website link on the right.

Magma Boards

In a nice piece of self promotion 2008 UCLAN graduates Mark Penman and Dave Parkinson recently painted the boards outside Magma Book store in Manchester.
You can find links to their blogs on the right.

Grafik 175

This month's Grafik magazine has a special report on illustration, and includes an interesting article about" High Street" by artist and illustrator Eric Ravilious. High Street was first published in 1938 by the influential Ravilious whose life was tragically cut short in 1942 whilst working as a war artist.
The article commemorates publication of a special edition of " High Street" by Mainstone Press, at £160 a copy for the limited edition you might not be buying one but Grafik coming in at £9 is a little more in your price range?

The book is available through Mainstone Press and St Judes where you can find lots of Ravilious' work and other beautiful prints and reprints by UK based artists.

http://www.stjudesgallery.co.uk/artists/e_ravilious/index.htm