No words needed - I just like how the image speaks for itself. The illustrations itself could already capture the idea of unveiling beauty and natural aspects of human life.
As a reader, I could simply admire and enjoy 'reading' this picture book and see some sort of visual narrative behind this wonderful illustration. The placing of the illustrations creates a sequence and flow, as if its bringing the readers along the scenic journey (thats what I felt when reading this book)
Self-Publishing - Joysuke
This was a self-published book that I came across during Though Bubble and I got to briefly speak with the creator. She mentioned it being a preview for a comic book series she's working on. I think that what attracted me to this book is the vibrance, bubbly theme and the comic strips (I enjoy reading short stories)
Though it isn't purely images, there are texts accompanying it. I honestly think that the text helps the audience make sense of the illustrations. I suppose the text and illustrations work well since the book portrays each character profiles with short comic strips.
Non-Fiction - Locomotion by Golden Cosmos
I actually came across this book when I went to Tate Modern in London. I instantly fell in love with the intricate, condensed and vibrant illustrations. Despite the illustrations and the book itself designed in a simple manner, I really enjoyed flipping through the pages. Perhaps because of the fluidity/continuity (showing a simple narrative and a progression of locomotives) and the visually packed pages.
As a non-fiction book, I honestly think that this picture book is very insightful. It is visually abundant but also very informative. As a person who isn't too keen on locomotives, I actually got educate myself a little about trains.
Fiction - Issun-Bôshi by Ichinori
Personally I think that this is a book worth owning. It's brief but it is something you could slowly read and take your time looking at in every page.
Despite the simplicity in colours, the composition of the imagery and text is well thought. It somehow makes the reader go along a little journey, absorbing both the illustrations and story. I would say that this is an effective way in getting the readers enjoy a short story (well, I surely did enjoy reading through this book)
Monday, 28 November 2016
INSPIRATION OF THE WEEK - MILICA GOLUBOVIC
Creative Boom Article, 13th October in Inspiration/Illustration
Thoughts
"I am interested in honesty, not only with the world outside, but with ourselves as well. I try to examine where the boundary between outside and inside lies, and where the crossing point at which these realities blend into each other is. Can we really step outside ourselves, break through the barrier of our skin, and exist in the world seeing things as pure and simple as they are in their core? These works are about a human who is determined to go as far as they can, only to find a way back to themselves." - Milica Golubovic on the concept of her illustrations
I honestly thought that it was done by hand, due to the rough mark making, texture and pattern. Though apparently she had done them digitally! However, I personally think that it would look much more organic if it were made with hand drawn materials.
I find her visual representations of human behaviours quite interesting. I could see some surreal and sea-life influences. I find her illustrations very appealing as it somehow draws you into this dream-like state and somehow it's thought provoking as I actually need to try to make sense of her illustrations.
Not only does her works respond to her thoughts and opinions, but it also reflects her surroundings and how she perceives the world.
36 Mountains A concertina book for an international festival dedicated to illustration.
I also just had to add in this gif of her concertina book. It's a simplistic and abstract way of visually representing mountains. I simply love the simple shapes, solid colours, collage work and how she seem to just visually represent certain aspects or characteristics of the subject. It's not something literal.
GEMMA CORRELL - VAROOM! The illustration report Autumn 2016
Thoughts
I often see her work online (Tumblr) and I enjoy looking through her illustrations. I never looked into her as a practitioner until I came across this article.
Her whimsical yet frank illustrations about our mundane life is probably what initially attracted me to her work and practice. I find her illustrations to be some kind of narrative or a reflection of her own life. Her work somehow gives a sense of storytelling. (This idea of storytelling through art is what I hope to be able to apply to my own practice. Hopefully.)
"'I'd experimented a bit, I'd done some collage and tried painting.' she says 'but this was all stuff that I was doing because I thought that I should, because it was what I saw as serious illustration...Then one day Rob Mason was looking at my sketchbook, and he said to me 'this is what you should be doing, don't have these preconceived ideas about what illustration is.' because I guess I was thinking it's too easy, to draw like that, like it should be harder." - Gemma Correll on Playing with Emotions, Varoom!
Somehow this particular statement she made caught my attention. It's interesting how her tutor (as mentioned in the article) said to not preconceive ideas about what illustration is and how she hadn't been creating work that she truly enjoys.
In a sense, this made me reflect on my own practice. Am I really doing something I truly enjoy? Are the sketches and drawings that I create in my personal sketchbook any different than work done in college? I do enjoy working with set briefs, but there would always be this unsatisfied feeling. I sometimes feel that I lack having my own voice in my own illustrations (?)
On that grim thought, perhaps not only would I develop and explore illustration, I also do hope to someday find what makes illustration significant to me and my own way of communicating through illustration.
I suppose when it comes to consumer goods, design and packaging would be the first thing that the consumers look at or are attracted to. Particularly for label branding, the illustrations and typography would matter (a common aspect in selling commercial goods)
The design and packaging for Belvoir beverages in particular is rather successful in terms of catering to certain audiences. I honestly think that the subtle illustrations on label is visually appealing and somewhat adds elegance to the 'classy' product.
Perhaps if it were designed in a different, more graphic-like way it would loose the essence of this 'all-natural' beverage. I think that the design and illustration put into branding and packaging is essential.
I suppose this type of applied art is simply a decorative element. In terms of interior design, it adds character and colour to the restaurant.
I think that the mural isn't something functional, but rather something that would attract the customers visually. However, when I actually looked into the artist and his reason behind this mural, there is some meaning about the place (Telford)
I actually really like this type of applied art. I think that it's slightly leaning more towards graphic design rather than illustration. However, the use of human illustrations and symbols to direct a person is interesting.
I personally think that logos and symbols is one of the most effective ways to communicate to people (visually). Thus, I think that this is a clever way of applying illustration and its functional!
The artist had used universal symbols, which are simple and coherent (e.g the no smoking or toilet signs). They are also different from the usual logos seen for public spaces.
I thought that this was quite interesting, where the designer had implement a sense of pop-culture/famous characters. Though I think that this purely adds personality and aesthetics. In a sense it's more of a decorative element.
It might not be functional/purposeful in terms of the illustration/design, though it's visually appealing.
For daily use, perhaps for the audience/consumer it's something nice to see and have knowing that it's Disney related (Toy Story). Though perhaps it adds character/uniqueness to the person's phone and I would honestly change my app icons to Buzz Light Year.
I think that Dragon Age: Inquisition is a role playing game with stunning art. What attracted me to the game is the beautifully drawn illustrations for when you create your character and additional in-game stories.
I rarely see any 2D illustrations in a purely computer graphic game. Perhaps it's not entirely functional, though the illustration adds personality and is simply visually appealing (this game is known for the tarot card-like theme)
For instance, normal playing cards (in this case tarot cards) are often accompanied by illustrations and symbols, as it creates meaning. In playing cards, the king is often associated with an old bearded man with a crown or the tarot, The Hanged Man is illustrated as an upside down man. Perhaps, in that sense illustrations help describe the content of the cards.
Wednesday, 9 November 2016
THOUGHT BUBBLE 2016
It was packed!
Thoughts
Going around the convention, I came across various talented illustrators, comic book artists and other creators. It was interesting to see illustrators with very different practice and 'style' put into one place.
I personally think that I quite liked these illustrators because of their tone of voice and visual language. These illustrators work around surreal shapes. They tend to work with striking and contrasting colours. (Also, they simply look aesthetically pleasing)
Their illustrations looked well-crafted and refined. I find a few similar elements between their work which were:
they tend to illustrate characters or figures
the designs are very simplistic and mainly use solid block colours
the line quality are rather fluid and lucid
I suppose their works caught my attention, because I see some of these elements in my own work. I quite like to work with simplicity and well-crafted things (that looks refined and finished).
It was actually my first time hearing about Kim Jung Gi and I got the privilege to see him in action -live! I remember standing there, gaping in awe. I wasn't sure if his illustrations were based on reference, though seeing him live, it seemed that he was simply illustrating directly from imagination. Though I may be wrong.
The detail,precision and line quality are simply superb. I thought that he was amazing and instantly became a fan of his works. I looked into his other illustrations and I loved how he could capture so much action and story simply through lines.
Mermaid
I particularly liked these two illustrations. I could see that his work is greatly influenced by his cultural background and environment. There are a several notable asian influences in his illustration.
Though what particularly caught my attention is the social commentary through his work. I could see that he's trying to make a statement. For instance the 'Mermaid' illustration is being compared to a typical sushi restaurant.
Cool cosplayers!
We're totally having fun (not including the unbearably cold weather)
Meeting Laura Howell
Got our portraits done by Laura Howell (illustrator of The Regular Show)
I knew her work from a cartoon called the Regular Show, which she happened to be the comic book's illustrator.
Aside from the humorous characters and plot, I thought that her style reminded me a lot of classic American comic books such as Futurama or Steven Universe. They often have simple character designs and illustrations, yet are very memorable.
To sum it up, I thought that it was a very overwhelming yet interesting experience. I could say that I was inspired, seeing all these wonderful work and talking to other illustrators.
Just a few prints and stickers I bought from Joysuke, Ricardo Bessa and Nikki Stu. I may have bought more things than I intended to. (I was weak)
Friday, 4 November 2016
BIG HEADS - A TALK WITH ROB HODGSON
I genuinely admire Rob Hodgson's work and practice. From the talk the other day, I thought about a few things in relation to my own practice.
About his work
I was surprised when he had said that he explore and testout various medias and ways of creating his wonderful pieces. Perhaps I was surprised because I somehow thought he had created such works instantly and that it was his 'style'. The simplicity in colours and his little characters.
Knowing the process of creating his works made me adore them more. I appreciate the thought and time he put into his works.
Little Boxes - Cats
Thoughts
Rob Hodgson had mentioned a few things that caught my attention. He had quoted the creators from Nintendo "If he thinks it's fun, they'll (the audience) think it's fun too." I thought that it's important to create work that I'd enjoy, which I think I should consider. I have been creating work that I generally enjoy, though I felt that I shouldn't be afraid of putting 'my own voice' or personal opinions in my work.
I also quite like his last piece of 'advice': "I didn't leave with a style. I left with ideas.(when finishing his degree)" I thought that this was interesting and hopefully (soon) relatable. I also personally think that pure talent could only get you so far and through learning (exploring), experience (taking risks) and practice would (hopefully) cultivate my work.
that thumbprint -clever!
Little Buggerz
Sunday, 23 October 2016
NATASHA ALLEGRI
"Natasha Allegri is leading a movement. A quiet, earnest, doe-eyed movement to be sure, but one that is unstoppable and unquestioningly vital."
- Comics Alliance
Bee and Puppycat Issue #1
"There is nothing in her reserved demeanor that hints at the teeming anarchic visions roaring through her head." - Maria Bustillos from California Sunday Magazine
"...but it got to the point where, I tried to do my own design at that point I had no confidence in my drawing ability. I'd push out a design and I'd be like 'waaah'." - Natasha Allegri (2014) (I had to put that quote in here since I relate to this every time I make roughs or draw ideas. There would always be moments when I am truly not satisfied with my work.)
Thoughts on her work
I often associate her work with a quiet sense of humour, with genuine and heartfelt themes. I particularly notice that her characters to have a slightly sarcastic intake on life. However, I generally enjoy the recurring theme of 'slice-of-life'. Though what initially attracted me to her works were the understated, cute and bubbly art style.
Perhaps her works might not be life changing nor does it convey social commentaries. However, she is one of those artists who create work that could simply make the audience feel something. People could relate to her work.
"Quick doodles from yesterday" - Natasha Allegri
Her working process
When it comes to bigger productions (Bee and Puppycat): she works with a team
Becky Driestadt & Hans Tseng - helped with the design work for the animation
Other artists - taking over the Bee and Puppycat comics
As someone who writes her own stories, it's interesting to see how she would direct and interact with her team. The whole idea of collaborating and pitching in designs caught my attention when I looked into Natasha Allegri's works.
"I don’t know if it was helpful or not, but I would pick up photos of thingsthat I thought had a really nicecolor scheme, or I would find photos of places that had a nice feeling that I wanted to replicate, and they are really good at translating what I want into the show. But there are small things like, if I get a color, I say oh change that color to this, and then they tend to make work in the scheme." - Interview with Frederator Studios
Adventure Time with Fionna & Cake written and Illustrated by Natasha Allegri
Her Influences
Scott Dikkers "Jim's Journal"
Bill Watterson "Calvin and Hobbes"
Sailor Moon Garfield & her cat Pancake
sitcoms & american cartoons (Family Guy/Simpsons)
Her tone of voice is greatly influenced by the American cartoons and comics sheread when she was young.
She works around the idea of simplicity, which reminds me of American indie comics that looks aesthetically pleasing (e.g. Saga by Brian Vaughan and Fiona Staples, Pretty Deadly by Kelly DeConnick, Emma Rios and Jordie Bellaire). Their comics similarly focuses on character-driven plots, line quality, creativity, feelings, aesthetics and colours.
I could also see a correlation between her artworks and clients. For instance with Adventure Time (series creator: Pendleton Ward), which is targeted for children and young adults. Perhaps her designs look a certain way due to keeping the consistency of the style of the cartoon and the ideas pitched in needed to fit into Cartoon Network's demands.
"Yeah, that's my favorite aesthetic. I put bows on everything- I love 'em. I think it's really pretty. I put guys in bows."
"It was always girls, I always drew girls. I always wanted to master drawing women and girls." - her thoughts on drawing styles "It's really intimidating because when people don't like it, it's hard to not take it like 'Oh, I f*cked up -what did I do?' You feel really bad about it." - Natasha's intake on first releasing her own work for the public. (I can relate)
Known works
Adventure Time (first and second, a little bit of third season designer) - Cartoon Network
Bee and Puppycat comics/series - BOOM! Studios
Youtube video ofBee and Puppycatshort
on Cartoon Hangover
"I don't want to work on something that I'm uncomfortable with. I don't think I could ever tell an amazing plot driven story, but I like small character moments, I like watching people talk and I try to copy that and character interaction is really important to me."
- Natasha Allegri interview with Comics Alliance
Thoughts
What I like about her works, particularly Bee and Puppycat is that anyone, be it adults or kids, could take a little message or moral of some kind from it. Somehow I find a personal connection.
I particularly like that statement she said in an interview with Comics Alliance. Her works conveys her interests and capabilities, however, I think that it might be difficult when you work for clients.
She simply inspires me. From reading through interviews and seeing her artworks, she's very earnest, sincere and can't seem any more human than she already is. I quite like how everything is a learning process to her.
I'd like to create work that would perhaps at least evoke emotion from the audience or could make people feel something.
