Do what you love, and do it often...

 

I have always been a massive believer in the idea that you really have to work hard in life to get what you truly want. Nothing is handed to you on a plate and I think I might be part of the last generation to truly understand the meaning of that. Yes, luck can go a long way in helping you get there, but it's hard work in the end that pays off. I believe I have been incredibly lucky to be born into the family I have and the country I live in.  Because of those two things I have been given the opportunity to educate myself, and it is through this education that I have learnt what I want to do in life. 

Illustration, design, art will always run through my veins, I love it, it's part of me. 

It has been some time....

Wow, has it really been that long since I last posted on here? I am sometimes a bit rubbish with keeping up with things like this, as much as I enjoy blogging. Anyway.... this has been my product of the last 12 months. My beautiful Daisy, born 25th October 2012. So far my new year has mainly consisted of getting to know my daughter and adjusting to life with two babies under the age of two. And loving every minute of it.... X

Shipping some work out.

             

 Sending out little samples of my illustrations through the post is, I think the best way to win commissions. I can't even imagine the amount of emails with attachments and links to websites that Art Directors must get everyday from illustrators. Everyone like to receive a good old fashioned letter through the post! With little personalised cards, postcards of my work and a little book that I made called 'What If', I really hope these will be a success. 46 going in the post today!

What I'm reading....

'Just My Type' is a super fantastic book about, yes you guessed it, TYPE. Teaching Graphic Design at an FE college means that I need to keep up with the latest thoughts, trends, news and just general goings on in the industry. Thats why when I went of on my lovely journey of maternity leave last spring a fellow work colleague and good friend bought me this book to 'keep my head in the game' and give me some welcomed release from nappies, baby wipes and cbeebies.

I started reading it in the last few weeks of my pregnancy, however the arrival of my little boy Buddy soon put a stop to that (luxuries such as sitting down with a nice coffee and a book don't really exist with a newborn in the house). However, once things settled down I soon got back into it...

Simon Garfield is not an kind of typomaniac or even a Graphic Designer, he is a British Journalist and author of non- fiction books. He has written a range of books from type, wrestling, the 'mini' and the colour 'mauve' to name but a few. How this man has such a huge knowledge of such disparate subject matters I will never know.

Anyway this book has taught so much about type than I ever knew I book could, and I'm only half way through. Without spoiling it for anyone who wants to read it.... It discussed the good old Comic Sans and Helvetica as well as a brief condensed history of other famous classic typefaces. I discovered the origin of the typeface used on all our transport/ road signs.... amongst so much more. Definitely worth a read.

Show me where to go, if you know which way to go...
Matthew Richardson continues to inspire with his wonderfully delicious collages. However I have recently come across a website which showcases some of his non commissioned work. I think it may be a place to show his personal work in which he is free to experiment with other processes and ways of making. I would like to find out more about this part of his work. Whatever it is I love it. I have fallen head over heels in love with these images. 


http://www.halfhidden.com/index.html

LiAnne Harrison

As I was searching through the vast amount of Illustrators who have been selected for the 3 x 3 Annuals I came across this illustrator whose work I adore. Working with paper construction, collage and photomontage. Her work is stunning and is right up my street in terms of inspiration. I love anything that involves old black and white photographs with cut out pieces of paper.

It was also really inspirational and motivating to see (as I was routing through her blog) the vast amount of 'things' she has involved herself in. From arranging and taking part in an exhibition in Brighton, (plus many more) numerous competitions, setting up an Illustration collective called BEAST, selling her own work and of course many freelance jobs.

This gives me drive (or a kick up the bum) to get myself more involved in exhibitions and competitions that are flying around. All I have to do now is to figure out how to add another 3 hours to end of each day and I will be sorted!

3 x 3 Call for entries

So I am planning on entering the 3 x 3 illustration show this year. It is a annual competition, run internationally and the best work will be selected for their 3 x 3 Illustration Annual which is displayed on newstands around the world. Big stuff. There are also cash prizes for Best in show. Their entry fees are amongst one of the lowest at only about £20 for up to five images, this is welcomed news as so many competitions and annuals are charging much more.

I am now in the process of deciding which images to enter.... decision decisions.

I am in love.

I have recently discovered that I am a bit in love with the drawings, paintings, animations and photographs of David Shrigley. Simple, funny and genius. And that is it. 

Interesting special edition of CR this month... looking at top 20 advertising slogans. My personal favourite- 'Make Love Not War'. Not a typical advertising slogan but an altogether powerful anti war slogan none the less. Trying to pin point the original author has proved quite difficult, with an American folklorist, a student and an artist all laying claim to have come up with the famous words. 

My new fave magazine.... and surprise surprise it's for kids!

Anorak magazine is designed especially for children (although I bet there are quite a few adults with or without kids who love it). It is so refreshing to see a children's magazine filled with good quality fantastic illustration and fun stuff to do. I will 100% be buying this for my son when he is old enough (and until then I'll buy it for me). 

The latest edition of Anorak..... tried to buy this but the only stockist in Manchester is Magma and they were sold out!