Saturday 9 March 2013

Apples and Oranges!

This year I decided to commit myself to a PROJECT 365. For each day of the year 2013, I will do some sort of illustration, doodle or cartoon and upload it to my blog. You can see what I've been doing so far by checking out the past posts.

To start with, here is Monday 4th March 2013;

This little guy is the main character in a book aimed at young children.

I chose a vector style of artwork for a bold, clean look - and messed it up with some rough, sketchy brushes and textures to appeal to young kids!

I took snapshots of the process so you can see how I created him, first starting with the blank page in Adobe Illustrator;


Then... adding the rough sketch of the character which I had previously created in Photoshop...


I used the sketch as a base and created the lines over the top...


The base keeps me on track, but as you can see it's not completely true to the original sketch. Here it is without the base layer;


Next, I added the block colour;


Almost done! Now just to add some texture to his T-shirt and hair, and straighten any bits I forgot, remove the base and...


There he is! 

Do you want to know how to create vector illustrations in Adobe Illustrator? Check back next week when I'll be doing an in-depth, step-by-step guide with pictures!

And here are the rest of this week's project 365, enjoy!

Tuesday 5th March 2013



Wednesday 6th March 2013


Thursday 7th March 2013


Friday 8th March 2013

Saturday 9th March 2013



Thanks for looking! 

As always feel free to comment, and subscribe!

Sunday 3 March 2013

Wall of Work!

I'm back!

Sorry I have not been posting for a while... I have been on holiday!  Project 365 doesn't take holidays... And for that reason I still have an illustrations for every day since my last post, even though a large number of them are 10 second doodles!

I decided to post up my Project 365 illustrations in one big wall, known as the Wall of Work!! This covers until Sunday the 3rd of March! 
Thanks for looking!





Now that I'm back to work, I will make a point of updating this blog ONCE A WEEK with news, Project 365 and articles I think people might like. Is there anything particular you'd like to see? Let me know!

Bye!


Friday 1 February 2013

Project 365... an illustration a day

Here is an update for Project 365, which I have been doing since the start of this year. It features at least one illustration, for each day of the year. So here is 26th Jan 2013...


It's been a long wait but the Alley Girls book is now in progress! You might remember that I posted some rough designs for these characters some time ago. Here is one of the new characters fully coloured!


And here is a sneaky peek at my designs for different eye shapes for the girls. Can you guess who is who?



This cool dude was a commission I finished on 27th Jan 2013.... He was quickly sketched out some time ago and featured as one of my daily illustrations, do you remember? He's now been finished in Adobe Illustrator!


28th Jan 2013... The next illustration is a simple vector graphic for a client. It too was created in Illustrator.




And yet another vector illustration for a client on this day too! 29th Jan 2013.

While drawing this image I was forced to look at the way I sit at a computer and my posture, I must say I look very similar to the guy below, except I don't wear a tie!


30th Jan 2013...


These 3 faces are quick sketches of some new characters for a client. Hopefully you'll be seeing more of these in the future!

31st Jan 2013...


And here is the first chapter illustrations for ST VIPERS SCHOOL FOR SUPER VILLAINS - due for release later this year. You can head on over to The Viper's blog here to keep up to date with the book's progress!

Here is the illustration for the 1st of Feb, 2012. It is a snapshot from a bigger picture...



And as for today, 2nd Feb 2013, I'm pleased to announce that Timmy's book was finally finished! Here is one page for you, but I will be sure to let you know when the book is out for sale so you can see the rest!


Also a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my nephew who is 3 today. 

Thanks for looking!








Thursday 31 January 2013

The reality check - 10 influential artists, who are better than me!

I pour my heart and soul into the work I do. I spend hours alone, sometimes passing on going out with friends or family to stay in and work instead. So when I see other artist's work, which is (seemingly) effortlessly a million times better than mine, it's easy to be disheartened. 

However I've learned over the years to turn that feeling into motivation. Rather then give up because I will never be as good as them, I am determined to learn from them and to keep drawing until one day I can be up there with the best... I still have some way to go!

So in no particular order, here are my top ten artists that influence me. 
I must state that this is not a list of the best artists of all time, although in my opinion some of them just might be, this is more of a personal list to show you a selection of artists who mean a lot to me and have helped me morph into the illustrator I am today. Hopefully you will find someone on this list who will inspire you too!


JAMIE HEWLETT

Jamie Hewlett
There was no hesitation to putting Jamie Hewlett here. One of the first artists to really hit me hard, and one of the biggest influences for picking up a pencil. It all started when I bought a copy of Deadline in the early 90's. Inside was a young Punk who drove a tank and had a mutant kangaroo for a boyfriend. I was hooked!

Jamie Hewlett was influenced by another great artist who I love, Brendan McCarthy, but for the sake of this list, I'll be missing Brendan out, sorry! However I would advise anyone reading to go and check out his work on Rogan Gosh.



Jamie Hewlett's 'Tank Girl'
English artist Hewlett works close with bands and has done commissions for Pulp, Mindless Self Indulgence and more. He is the co-creator of the animated band Gorillaz alongside Damon Albarn, and created costumes and animation sequences for Monkey: A Journey to the West. However in my eyes his greatest creation will always be Tank Girl.

Work to check out; Tank Girl, Gorillaz, Hewligan's Haircut, Phoo Action

Website; www.jamiehewlett.com


RENE MAGRITTE



I found Magritte through researching Salvador Dali, and although both are Surrealists, Magritte got deeper into my skin then Dali ever did and so he beats Dali to be on this list.





Rene Francois Ghislain Magritte was a Belgian surrealist artist. If you are not familiar with Surrealism, it is an philosophical art movement that started in the 1920's, and featured works that challenged the audience's perception of reality. What I liked most about the work of Surrealism, is that it made me think, it is thought provoking and encourages you to question not just the art, but life too.

 Magritte's work does just this. Perhaps his most famous work is "Ceci n'est pas une pipe" - which translates into; 'This is not a pipe.' The painting does seem to contradict this, but of course it is not a pipe, it is a painting of a pipe. 


Work to check out; Young Girl Eating a Bird, The Human Condition, The Eternally Obvious, The Good Omens, The Tiredness of Life

CHRIS RIDDELL



I discovered Chris while reading Paul Stewart's 'The Edge Chronicles', series, which Chris illustrated beautifully. His scratchy, detailed style and the way he depicted the characters with such emotion and style inspired me to do the same with my own art. 


A British illustrator born in South Africa, Chris Riddell is also a political cartoonist for The Observer, and occasionally writes his own books too. Possibly my favourite thing about Chris is the way he draws the human form.

Work to check out; Beyond the Deepwoods, Stormchaser, Beowulf and the Monster, Dakota of the White 

Website; www.chrisriddell.co.uk


COOP




I don't remember exactly how I found Coop, but his work is everywhere in my life, and most likely yours too.



Coop is commercially successful; hotrods, t-shirts and clothing, stickers, skate boards, toys, lighters, posters; the list is endless. 
American born Chris Cooper, aka Coop, skipped art school and went straight to fame. I noticed him mostly after seeing his band posters for the likes of Nirvana, Soundgarden, the Sex Pistols as well as album cover art for the Ramones and so on. Even his pop-art feel pin ups featuring devils, monsters, aliens can't be overlooked. It is bright, bold and a little bit naughty. What is not to love? 
One which is best not to show the kids or your Gran, but definitely one to show everybody else!


Work to check out; Coop's devils, Vans footwear, skateboards, posters,


JOSH KIRBY


It was awfully difficult to narrow this list down to just ten people, but Josh Kirby is definitely deserving of a place. I love to read, and Terry Pratchett's 'Discworld' novels were a favourite of mine as a child. Kirby seemed to capture the complete essence of the book in a single illustration.





Born Ronald William Kirby on the outskirts of Liverpool, England, he worked mostly in Oils, and his unique style and detailed paintings are mystical, fantastical and instantly recognisable. He died at the age of 72 and the Discworld artwork was taken over by Paul Kidby, who does a great job.


Work to check out; Discworld, Monty Python's Life of Brian, Star Wars

Website; www.joshkirbyart.com

JIM LEE





This really was a tough one. I had several comic artists on my list but still wanted more. Ed Benes and Frank Quitely both very nearly made it, but in the end I chose Mr Lee.




Korean born, American raised comic book artist Jim Lee's work speaks for itself. He has worked on X-men, Batman, Superman and more. Chances are if you're a fan of comics, you're a fan of Jim Lee. Jim made it on this list because he has contributed so much to the comic world, not just his fantastic art, but also editing, publishing and he now stands as Co Publisher of DC Entertainment. His work is incredibly detailed, striking, and world famous - rightly so!

For those who know me, it is one of Jim Lee's Batman illustrations that I have tattooed onto my shoulder.


Work to check out; Batman: Hush, Deathblow: Sinners and Saints, Gen 13, Superman, Justice League

Website; www.dccomics.com





HAJIME SORAYAMA



Have you ever seen one of those illustrations, that at first glance looks like a photograph? That's Sorayama's game. 





Famous for his realistic pin-ups, Japanese illustrator Hajime Sorayama paints with such fine detail it is mind blowing. If like me, you love robots, then his beautiful feminine robotic women complete with chrome finish, with take your breath away. Aerosmith's 'Just Push Play' album features one of his best. Who is ready to be impressed?


Work to check out; Sony, George Lucas, Playboy, Disney

Website; www.hajimesorayama.com (Contains artistic nudity)



QUENTIN BLAKE





I'm sure everybody reading this has read one of Roald Dahl's books, and I'm equally as sure that if you did, you enjoyed looking at the accompanying illustrations.





Sir Quentin Saxby Blake is an English illustrator, best known for his fun and quirky illustrations in the Roald Dahl books. He has contributed to over 300 books, 35 of which he has written himself! I could list numerous children's book illustrators, but Mr Blake makes it here because his work takes me back to my childhood, reading under the quilt with a torch late into the night. 
Fantastic Mr Fox, The BFG, George's marvellous medicine, The Twits and all the others will be with me forever, and that's partly thanks to the pictures drawn by Quentin Blake.


Work to check out;Books by Roald Dahl, David Walliams, Dr Seuss



H. R. GIGER



Hans Rudolf Giger is a Swiss Surrealist painter, sculptor and set designer. He works mostly in airbrush, and creates the most bizarre, dreamlike (or should that be nightmarish?) concoctions that would make even Chris Cooper blush. 


Another one with an adult only warning I'm afraid, but he just couldn't be left off the list. Rather than attempt to describe his strange, yet fantastic work, it is best if you just go and take a look for yourself, making sure your boss is not looking over your shoulder while you do!
 Giger has admitted he suffers from 'night terrors' and his work can be attributed to the influences of the sleep disorder.

Work to check out; Alien (1979) Giger Bar, Necronomicon

Website; www.hrgiger.com

JUDD WINICK




While temporarily working in a call centre when I was sixteen, my boss handed me his copy of Barry Ween: Boy Genius to read. I never did get to thank him properly for the massive effect this had on me, for this was one of THE BEST comics I have ever read, and still re-read to this day.






Judd Winick was born in New York and was originally famous for being on a reality TV show called 'The Real World.' I didn't see this, but his artwork is fun, captivating and features lot's of apes / monkeys so it's a winner in my book! 

Perhaps what really sells Judd's work is his fantastic writing, I wouldn't recommend you give Barry Ween to your children though, I did warn you. Judd has moved to the big league and now writes and creates artwork for a plethora of DC comics, including Batwing and Catwoman.


Work to check out; The Life and Times of Juniper Lee, Barry Ween: Boy Genius, Pedro and Me, Frumpy the Clown

Website; www.juddwinick.com




That's it! These are just people who have somewhat helped me to do what I do today, but I am constantly discovering artists new and old. If you think I've made a huge mistake and overlooked someone incredible, please make a point of telling me. Thanks!

Coming soon... more project 365...




Friday 25 January 2013

My weapons of choice (the tools of an illustrator)

I have a few people asking how I draw and what tools I use, so here is some insider information on my weapons of choice. It's not the same for all artists, but this is how I work.

First things first...



COFFEE!

Strong, sweet coffee to help me concentrate. Energy drinks work just as well, but are pretty bad for your health / teeth so I'm trying to avoid them.

Drawing takes a lot of concentration so I need to snack and drink regularly, I recently switched to a vegan diet so I'm replacing my sweets for much healthier nibbles!





There is one vital tool in this job that I cannot live without. 

MAC

Running on OS X 10.8.2, the capabilities of the Macbook Pro, in my opinion far outshine any PC or laptop out there. It's fast, powerful and never lets me down. 


If the Macbook is the foundations to my house, then the software I use are the bricks and mortar.



ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE 

I recently upgraded to CS6, although previous versions are just as effective. 

My main contenders are Photoshop and Illustrator.  I use whichever one fit's the client's job best - or whichever the client requests. Here's some samples of my work in each, and you can see the difference in the programs and what they do.



Photoshop

Mostly used to manipulate and edit photos, this raster based program gives me the chance to create more natural, painterly illustrations. Very similar (but not identical) to drawing traditionally with paper and pencils / paint / etc






Illustrator


It took me some time to master Illustrator and the pen tool, but once I did the world of illustration came to life.


Illustrator is a vector editor, which means you use mathematical equations to create your art in shapes. The huge plus to this is that illustrations created in Illustrator can be blow up in size without pixelating like images created in Photoshop. For me, it's great for clean, striking images where shapes and form rule.



Indesign & Dreamweaver


I mainly use Indesign to create book covers, posters and templates when putting the illustrations to print. Dreamweaver is a web design software for making HTML websites and mobile apps. Although my knowledge of this program is limited, I know enough to make websites such as this one with relative ease.


GRAPHICS TABLET


There was once a time where I floated on a sea of paper in a raft made from pencils. Not so much anymore. 

I use a Wacom Bamboo graphics tablet connected to my computer to draw straight into the program I'm using. After some time practicing and getting used to looking at a screen instead of your hand, it saves time and money. (after the initial outlay of the tablet) If you are wondering what the elastic band is for round the pen, it is to stop it rolling off my desk, which it likes to do.

I still do draw by hand for certain projects where the result just can't be duplicated digitally. For example when drawing for comics, the digital result just isn't as good as an old fashioned pen and paper. In these cases, I use a mechanical pencil, good quality paper, and a copic multiliner set to create images like the one below. I then often scan the artwork into my computer and colour it digitally in the above programs.


They are the essentials, my tools I can't live without. But there are are a couple more things that I cannot leave off this list, as they are just too important when I'm doing what I do.

PHYSICAL DIARY 


My mac comes equipped with a very effective calendar and note taking system, I even have a few apps for this sort of thing. However time and time again, I have proved to myself that the best way to meet deadlines and keep records is a good, old fashioned PHYSICAL diary. There is nothing for me, that can replace a biro and notebook when it comes to keeping notes on my work. It's messy, full of scribbles and I would be lost without it. 

ROCK AND ROLL

Ok, so not necessarily rock and roll all of the time, but definitely lots of music. Itunes, headphones and a killer playlist keep me focused and prevent me getting distracted.

 What music I hear you ask? I'm happy if it has guitars or was made in the 80s.


So that's pretty much it. I'm not a morning person so prefer to work late into the night, and they say you're supposed to take regular breaks away from the computer but I love my work so often the time flies by without me noticing.

Project 365

Project 365 is still going strong, here are my illustrations of the day for today and yesterday!

Today - 25th Jan 2013...



And yesterdays, 24th Jan 2013...


Thanks for looking! Be sure to leave a comment if you see something you like!