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 Friday, November 20, 2009
Hand-Drawn Shoes
Designer Andrea Pippins (who runs Fly, one of my fave blogs) just announced a project she recently completed for Free People: hand-embellished high-top All-Star Chucks! It looks like they worked with a handful of different designer to make these super short run shoes. If you want to nab some truly unique kicks, check them all out here.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, November 20, 2009 8:14:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00) 
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Friday, November 13, 2009
Making the Web Safer for Artists
This new service really caught our eye, and if you're a designer, illustrator or photographer with an extensive online portfolio, you should check it out: ImageRights helps protect copyrights by scanning the web for unauthorized reuse of your work, using image-recognition technology. Upload your image files to the service, and you'll get a weekly report that details any matches ImageRights has discovered, along with contact info for the infringing sites so you can follow-up with a stern warning. The service starts at $4.95 per month for a portfolio of 250 images. ImageRights debuted this week at the PhotoPlus Expo and Conference in New York City.
Posted by Bryn
Illustration | Industry News
Friday, November 13, 2009 2:19:00 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, November 10, 2009 Monday, November 09, 2009
A Smaller Charley
I was lucky last Christmas that my husband bought me the gorgeous Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life. But at $200, it was quite a splurge. This year, Harper fans can buy a smaller, but equally lovely, version of the book for less than $50.
 Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Monday, November 09, 2009 3:10:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Natural Alphabet
Russian illustrator Eibatova Karina has created a gorgeous alphabet of natural forms in pencil drawings.
The idea of the project is to represent a letter in a natural form and appearance. Like something alive has turned into a letter and stood still. 
via Kitsune NoirPosted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Monday, November 09, 2009 1:11:20 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, November 06, 2009
British Book Covers
I love the covers Alice Stevenson illustrated for the Bloomsbury editions of these Barbara Trapido books. They're so much more interesting that the U.S. editions. Perhaps, they'll eventually make their way here like the Penguin Classics did.
via FlyPosted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, November 06, 2009 4:35:24 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, November 03, 2009 Friday, October 30, 2009
Classic Design
Last year, when I first saw a picture of the Penguin cloth-bound classic series illustrated by Coralie Bickford-Smith, I wanted them immediately, and was totally disappointed that they were only available in the U.K. But now, they're being released in the U.S., too. Yay!
via Design*Sponge
Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, October 30, 2009 3:01:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, October 19, 2009
Lovely Lettering
Two things make me love Lisa Ridgely's blog, PenandInk-Journal.com: First, as someone with anal-retentive, second-grade-teacher-ish handwriting, I can only WISH my penmanship was a fraction as nice as hers. Second, since we're putting together a feature on hand lettering for an upcoming issue, I've been totally inspired by handwriting lately.
Ridgely is a Maryland-based calligrapher, and her work is stunning. Plus, she hand-writes her blog entries. How cool is that?
'Scuse me, I need to go practice my writing now ...
Posted by Bryn
Illustration | Typography
Monday, October 19, 2009 1:36:38 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, October 13, 2009 Thursday, October 08, 2009
Pretty Girls
Illustrator Caitlin Kuhwald recently finished and assignment for R/GA New York that was turned into a fun iPhone app.
Early this summer I was asked to create
illustrations for an iPhone application for AMP energy drink. Honestly,
it was one of the most challenging jobs I’ve ever done: it had tight
deadlines and a lot of detail to pack into some small spaces. But it
was also my dream job.
Had I been asked to do whatever I wanted for two months, I would
have wanted to paint loads of pretty girls in as many pretty outfits.
And painting pretty girls is exactly what I got to do.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, October 08, 2009 1:11:15 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, October 06, 2009 Monday, September 28, 2009
Missed Connections
Brooklyn-based illustrator Sophie Blackall has a charming blog inspired by real missed connection messages on Craigslist.
via Drawn!Posted by Megan
Illustration
Monday, September 28, 2009 6:40:24 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, September 16, 2009 Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Mail Me Art 2
Mail Me Art is a British-based project, run by Darren Di Lieto, the
founder and co-editor of the illustration news portal the Little Chimp
Society. Over the course of a year, the first Mail Me Art project
brought together a vast collection of artistic work sent in the form of
mail by both professional and amateur artists of all ages from across
the world.
Mail Me Art culminated in the publication of the book Mail Me Art: Going Postal with the World’s Best Illustrators and Designers and the exhibition, held in London during April 2009.
Mail Me Art 2 is now up and running.
Mail Me Art 2 will run for around 6-8 months, with a signed copy of
the book plus an art-related prize given away each month to the artist
of our favourite submission. We are planning to propose a follow up
book, possibly called Mail Me More Art, and if we have half as many
submissions as the first Mail Me Art project did we will run another
exhibition. As with the first project, the artists will receive 70% of
the sale value, less any gallery fees incurred. Click here to see
photos from the Mail Me Art exhibition held in April 2009 in London. If you would like to take part in Mail Me Art 2, please click here for full details of how to submit your work.
 Posted by Megan
Call for Entries | HOW Books | Illustration
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 1:36:31 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, September 04, 2009 Monday, August 31, 2009 Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Photo Illustration
Illustrator Mariko Jesse recently created a series of gorgeous line drawings for a Martha Stewart Magazine photo shoot.
Mariko was born in Japan, spent her childhood in
Hong Kong, and was educated in England. She studied at Central St.
Martins College of Art and Design in London, where she is currently an
Associate Lecturer. Her
work celebrates the patterns, colours and textures of different
cultures, the mixture of East and West. She especially loves working on the themes of food, interiors, travel and Asia.
 
Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, August 25, 2009 3:25:26 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, August 24, 2009 Thursday, August 20, 2009
Illustration Advice
Scott Francis, who recently edited an upcoming HOW book about freelance illustration, sat down with author/illustrator Holly DeWolf to talk about the business.
Q. Your book is targeted to illustrators, but you wear a lot
of hats—being a writer, for example. I think anyone who is creative
could take something away from your book. What’s your view on the
crossover between different creative occupations (for example, writing
and illustration)? A. I truly believe that
creatives are good at many things. We usually have one or two major
talents and some hidden talents that do not always surface right away.
A job could require us to write something or create something in a
different manner. This discovery can be an asset. Use it! It’s like being a Jack &
Jill of many skills but we are actually good at it. This flexibility is
good to have in our economic climate. Our many talents can add new life
to our career, fill in an income void and shake things up. In my book I
talk about tackling unconventional markets. There are many options to
your career if you need a change or more revenue. To me its like the
ripple effect-you may be a top notch illustrator but you could be a
whiz at words that could lead to children’s books or other hidden
possibilities.
Posted by Megan
HOW Books | Illustration
Thursday, August 20, 2009 6:31:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, August 14, 2009
Crazy For Paisley
I'm crazy about the embellished hand-lettering of Australian illustrator Natalie Perkins.
I chose the paisley motifs because they are
portable and adaptable, I can use them like building blocks and carry
them around like a talisman. I enjoy the form and find meditation in
exploring the forms that were born in Persia, but they also comfort me
as an Australian with a “nothing” identity - we build our identity by
borrowing or stealing, but because we are a young country, we have the
remarkable capability, using the internet, to research our mostly
appropriated tenets and icons and to know their complicated pasts.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Friday, August 14, 2009 4:38:46 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, August 07, 2009
A Cool Zine by Jolby
Check out a preview of this zine by Josh Kenyon and Colby Nichols, the "designers, illustrators, cutters, staplers, sellers of the zine," Colby says.
Josh and Colby have a design/illustration studio called Jolby in Portland, OR. If you're in the area tonight, it's their opening reception of a zine
release and screen print show called "&1: Everyday Shenanigans."
You also can check out Jolby online (both the zine and the rest of the artwork will be online next week).
 Posted by Jessie
Designers | Events | Illustration
Friday, August 07, 2009 3:18:14 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, July 30, 2009 Monday, July 20, 2009
Everyone's A Winner
The super fabulous illustrator Jordan Crane just released a new, limited-edition print called Everyone is a Winner. The $200, limited-edition is 26x40 inches and signed by Crane. The poster is also available in a smaller, 13x120 inch, open-edition version for $20.
I had some tickets left over from a carnival that went through town. The tickets stayed on my drawing table for awhile, and I kept looking at them, and finally had to make a print called everyone is a winner.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Monday, July 20, 2009 2:02:55 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, July 17, 2009 Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Owl Screenprint
I adore this owl screenprint from Etsy seller beethings. It reminds me of Charley Harper's bird illustrations, but with a more modern feel.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, July 14, 2009 3:59:32 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, July 13, 2009 Friday, July 10, 2009
Casette Tape Art
Illustrative designer Von Glitschka explains how he created this amazing line art portrait of Frank Sinatra on his blog.
It was a slow process but it was fun. I almost did Elvis for the iconic
aspects of his image but I decided to go with Sinatra instead since I
actually listen to his music more often.
Another idea hit me as
I was working on this though. I'd love to get my hands on a real
Watergate tape and do a tape illustration of Nixon. Now that would be
cool! (If someone at the Smithsonian is reading this lets talk.) 
Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, July 10, 2009 6:27:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, July 09, 2009 Tuesday, July 07, 2009 Monday, July 06, 2009
Type Portaits
Creativity blog Fuel Your Creativity points to 15 amazing portraits created from type including an amazing image of Mos Def made out of his lyrics.
(Thanks for the tip, Katie Weeks!)Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Monday, July 06, 2009 2:42:16 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, July 02, 2009
I Love Not Camping
Even though my personal response to this cheerful watercolor illustration by Minneapolis-based Katie Lombardo is "Let's not and say we did," I'm totally drawn to the colorful type.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Thursday, July 02, 2009 5:56:59 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, June 18, 2009
Designerd
Brazilian designer and illustrator Pablo Lobo freely admits he's a designerd. How about you?
via Grain EditPosted by Megan
Designers | Illustration
Thursday, June 18, 2009 3:58:19 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, June 12, 2009 Thursday, June 11, 2009
Cute But Creepy
J3Concepts is Jared Nickerson, a 26-year-old illustrator based in
Seattle, WA, who specializes
in character, editorial, videogame and art direction. His work is often cute but with a creepy edge like these posters, which are part of a series of promos he created for Culture Club, a nightclub in Belgium.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, June 11, 2009 1:48:13 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, June 09, 2009 Monday, June 08, 2009 Friday, May 29, 2009
Nontraditional Wedding Invites
Designer and illustrator Anna Bond creates amazing, unusual wedding invitations featuring her hand lettering and adorable illustrations.
 Posted by Megan
Designers | Illustration
Friday, May 29, 2009 4:05:45 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 Friday, May 22, 2009
We Love Dogs
Here at HOW, we pretty much love the entire animal kingdom, but we have a special place in our hearts for dogs. So, we totally love illustrator Susan Black's latest creation: "Everything Reminds Me . . ." What's even cooler, Susan can customize the piece with a silhouette of the special canine in your life.
This original cut paper & ink collage measures 7" x 9" with a small
border for framing. Created on heavy white card this piece is signed
and dated in pencil. Sealed with love in cellophane and ships to you in
a protective heavy card mailer.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, May 22, 2009 1:20:49 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Monday, May 18, 2009
Venn Diagram
If you ever forget what a unicorn and a narwhal have in common, just refer to this handy diagram illustrated by etsy seller ArgyleWhale. It's available as a Gocco print for $14.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Monday, May 18, 2009 6:45:45 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Sparkling Illustration
I got a self-promo email this morning from illustrator Jacqui Oakley, so I decided to check out her online portfolio. My favorite thing there is the packaging she did for Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut from Henry of Pelham. The tube is not only beautiful, it's also designed to keep the wine cold for up to 4 hours and is reusable and recyclable. Plus the wine sounds like it would be really tasty. A wine with brightness, acidity, fine floral aromas and fruit aromas of
apple, citrus and apricot by the Chardonnay with notes of strawberry
and blackberry along with a delicious roundness on the palate from the
Pinot Noir.
  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, May 06, 2009 2:58:17 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Dinotebooks
Fantabulous illustrator Meg Hunt just released a pack of three limited-edition mini-notebooks. They're perfect for sketching or note jotting. And they feature awesome, fearsome dinosaurs.   via Drawn!Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 3:55:07 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, May 01, 2009
Type Love
The design team at Bosque, a multidisciplinary creative agency based in Buenos Aires, often incorporates hand-rendered type into their illustrations. 
Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Friday, May 01, 2009 4:01:32 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
The Wizard Of Type
Illustrator Brent Hardy-Smith is collecting vintage illustrations as part of his research for a master's degree in design and art direction. One of the treasures he's so kindly scanned, is a series of chapter headings from a 1958 version of The Wizard of Oz, illustrated by Maraja. The hand-rendered type is inspirational.  via designworklifePosted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Wednesday, April 29, 2009 5:05:47 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, April 13, 2009
April Desktop Calendar in Bloom
Illustrator Natalie Perkins is creating monthly desktop calendar wallpaper with her lovely images and hand-rendered type. Here's April (better late than never). Also available for download is one for your iPhone.  Posted by Jessie
Illustration
Monday, April 13, 2009 2:28:55 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, April 10, 2009
The Rabbit Mayor
Kitsune Noir pointed me to the website of Los Angeles-based illustrator Jon Klassen this morning, where I found an excerpt from his illustrated story "The Rabbit Mayor." Klassen created the story for the comics anthology Flight, which appears to hold many other visual treasures.    Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, April 10, 2009 12:51:13 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Heart Chart
This altered eye chart by illustrator Adam Ziskie makes me think his heart has really been broken recently. In any case, it's the perfect combination of humor and sadness. All great art is bittersweet.  Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Wednesday, April 01, 2009 4:01:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Hatch Illustrations
Illustration
Monday, March 30, 2009 2:06:44 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, March 27, 2009
More Maira
I think that I would be very happy indeed if the world had more Maira Kalmans in it: People who are curious and observant, talented and generous with their talents, optimistic but not naive. And I've never even met Maira. But I hope to. Enjoy today's And The Pursuit of ... diary on NYTimes.com. 
Illustration
Friday, March 27, 2009 4:43:11 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, March 26, 2009
Imagination
Illustration | Typography
Thursday, March 26, 2009 12:53:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Anything Is Possible
Illustration | Typography
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 5:51:06 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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More iArt
Coupla weeks ago, I did a post about French artist and videographer David Lasnier's Flickr set of sketches created on his iTouch. Today, FOH Daniel Schutzsmith sent me a link to NYC designer/illustrator/photographer Jorge Colombo and his gorgeous iPhone sketches (yep, done entirely with finger on screen). I swear, I would SO love to be able to draw like this. Sigh ... 
Illustration
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:41:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, March 23, 2009
Dear Zachary
I was initially drawn to the documentary Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about his Father because of the gorgeous illustration on the DVD cover. After watching the movie, and crying my eyes out, I learned that the illustrator is Evan B. Harris, whose paintings have a very fairytale quality to them that really suits the melancholy nature of the film.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Monday, March 23, 2009 1:07:56 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, March 13, 2009
The Easter Bunny's Most Debilitating Vice
I love this illustration by Brooklyn-based creative Morgan Blair. In the weeks leading up to Easter, tiny malted milk eggs are also my biggest vice.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, March 13, 2009 2:07:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, March 06, 2009
Download This Calendar
Illustrator Natalie Perkins is creating monthly desktop calendar wallpaper with her lovely images and hand-rendered type.  Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Friday, March 06, 2009 3:27:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, March 04, 2009
For Animal Lovers
Design*Sponge offers a great sneak peek into illustrator Frank Viva's home in Toronto. My favorite thing in the space is a typographic poster with a quote from George Orwell's "Animal Farm." Happily, it's for sale from Whigby for $24.99. Show your literary side and demonstrate your
kinship and solidarity with animal kind the world over. Two Legs Bad
(Four Legs Good) was created by Frank Viva and is hand silkscreened for
Whigby on Skin, a brand of luxurious printing papers from the Curious
Collection.
Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Wednesday, March 04, 2009 6:55:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, February 27, 2009
Typography Of The Damned
For the relaunch of Anne Rice's vampire novels, Little Brown commissioned illustrator Kate Forrester to create creepy illustrative typography for the covers.  Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Friday, February 27, 2009 2:33:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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More Maira
Please ... whoever at NYTimes.com is responsible for Maira Kalman's illustrated blog ... please, for the love of all that's right in the world, we just have one simple request: more. 
Illustration
Friday, February 27, 2009 2:03:13 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, February 26, 2009
Charming Choking Poster
If you've ever eaten in one of New York City's many dining establishments, you've certainly seen the ubiquitous choking victim poster that explains how to do the Heimlich Maneuver. Brooklyn illustrator Alex Holden has created a much more charming version in the style of a vintage comic.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, February 26, 2009 4:11:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, February 20, 2009
Finger Painting
Illustration
Friday, February 20, 2009 8:05:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Words Are Pictures
Illustration | Typography
Friday, February 20, 2009 5:39:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wine Art
James Jean, whose work I've loved since he was still in college, illustrated a series of wine labels for The Grateful Palate. He shares the process of creating the images on his blog. "Poor Thing" depicts a forest populated by a trio of characters
representing thwarted desires, draped with kudzu. A bloated cupid draws
back his bow, perhaps in an effort to protect the angel from a hound
that has become a hunter. Meanwhile, the oak trees are weeping while
witnessing this sad romance, redolent of the heat and humidity of the
South. 
via NotCot
Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, February 20, 2009 1:29:50 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Surrealist Successories
Created by illustrator Pat Barrett, The Inspiratomatic jumbles inspirational illustrations and phrases into nonsensical motivational posters. I'd much rather see these hanging around the office than the traditional kind. These make you stop and say, "Hmmmm."   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:35:24 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, February 06, 2009
Dizzying Images
Italian illustrator Lorenzo Petrantoni collages vintage images into dizzying illustrations that perfectly capture the chaos of contemporary life. He is represented in the U.S. by the Marlena Agency.   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, February 06, 2009 1:14:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, February 04, 2009
White On White
This stunning illustration was created by Hvass&Hannibal, a design and art studio based in Copenhagen. This is an illustration we
made for a new series of short stories brought in Danish Railway’s
magazine Ud&Se. The story we were asked to illustrate is about
routines and rituals, and how to break out of the monotony of everyday
life.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, February 04, 2009 4:16:16 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, January 30, 2009
Yet Another Reason Why We Love Maira Kalman
The keen observer and extraordinary illustrator Maira Kalman has shared via the New York Times her sketchbook documenting her trip from New York to Washington DC for last week's inaugural celebration. Take a look. It's poetry. 
Illustration
Friday, January 30, 2009 1:41:36 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
Make Something Cool Every Day
I didn't realize yesterday that Make Something Cool Every Day is actually a Flickr group with hundreds of designs and illustrations. The only rule is that the work must be created in a single day. The contributions range from pretty to pretty wacky, like this wonderful faux-vintage Ghostbusters book cover by SpaceSick.  Posted by Megan
Designers | Illustration
Thursday, January 22, 2009 7:29:55 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Funny Fortunes
Illustrator Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studio recently created Madame Moonbeam for Target's " Funny Fortunes" gift card. (Hey friends and family, my birthday is next week. You don't even have to put any money on the card and I'll love it!)   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, January 14, 2009 3:54:00 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Artists Immortalized
I was cruising through the HOW Forum yesterday, when I discovered a thread talking about Australian portraiture artist Mel Stringer and her January special ($60 for single, $100 for a couple). I loved the portrait being shown off on the thread so much that I checked out her Flickr portrait collection. I e-mailed Stringer to find out more and here's what I gathered: After seeing a slew of bad portraits over the years, Stringer decided it was her turn to take a stab at immortalizing fellow artists and folks with her own dignified style of portraiture. “My linework and mark-making started to become obsessive and pleasurable,” Stringer says, of her style that combines traditional and digital. “It’s lovely to hear about the lives of all my subjects,” the Australian artist adds.
Posted by Jessie
Illustration
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 2:30:13 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, January 09, 2009
Vintage Humor
The Recently Deflowered Girl is a 1965 book of classic illustrations and witty prose by Edward Gorey under the pen name Hyacinthe Phyppe. The entire book has been scanned so you can enjoy it's out-of-print delights.  via NeatoramaPosted by Megan
Illustration | Just for Fun
Friday, January 09, 2009 4:20:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Pop Rocks
Illustrator Tad Carpenter creates rock posters, among other things, with charming characters and gorgeous hand-rendered type. Most can be purchased for around $20.   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, January 09, 2009 2:53:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, January 08, 2009
Eye Candy
Instead of a bowl of candy on the receptionist's desk, how about a jar of cute buttons featuring illustrations from CSA Images? The set of 72 buttons is free with a $200 purchase.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, January 08, 2009 7:05:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Just Amazing
Every once in a while I see something that makes my jaw drop. Here's one: Melanie Bilenker captures her subtle, gorgeous illustrations in simple pieces of jewelry made of gold, silver, wood, epoxy and hair. That's right, human hair.  via CraftPosted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 8:11:04 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Lunar New Year
A stamp honoring the Chinese Lunar New Year designed by artist Kam Mak, an associate professor in the Illustration Department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, will be unveiled by the U.S. Postal Service on Thursday, January 8. This is the second in a series of 12 Lunar New Year stamps created by Mak. The stamps will be issued annually through 2019. The Lunar New Year project began in 2005, when USPS art director Ethel Kessler, impressed with Mak's "exquisite" work in a Society of Illustrators' exhibition, offered him the commission. "Personally, this is my most significant assignment," says Mak, who was born in Hong Kong and raised in New York City's Chinatown. "It's a great opportunity to showcase my culture, and a great responsibility. These stamps are sent not just throughout the country, but all over the world." Mak worked with Ethel Kessler to commemorate The Year of the Ox, celebrated from January 26, 2009, to February 13, 2010. They chose the design of a lion's head, since dancers often wear such heads, made of papier-mache and bamboo, to perform at New Year's festivities. The design also incorporates elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps, using an intricate paper-cut design of an ox and the Chinese character for ox, drawn in grass-style calligraphy. The illustration was originally created using oil paint on a fiberboard panel.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 2:44:38 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, January 05, 2009
A Charley Harper Christmas
It's not uncommon to see vintage Charley Harper prints decorating doctor's offices and living room walls in Cincinnati, but I didn't start to fully appreciate this illustrator's work until recently. So I put the book Charley Harper: An Illustrated Life on my Amazon Wish List and promptly forgot about it. As luck would have it, my husband bought me the 11.5 pound tome for Christmas and, in an amazing coincidence, my best friend Alice gave me a newly released print of Cardinals Consorting.  When I found a signed, vintage lithograph of Harper's Raccrobat at an antique mall near my house (marked 50% off), I knew what I would be collecting in 2009.  So I hopped on Ebay and found a signed serigraph of my favorite Harper illustration of all time, Love on a Limb.  I'll soon be hanging the three prints on a perfect patch of bare wall in the first-floor hallway. If you haven't seen much of Harper's work, take a look. The graphic forms are simple, charming and gorgeous. I'm glad I finally noticed this artist, who is beloved in my hometown of Cincinnati. Posted by Megan
Illustration
Monday, January 05, 2009 3:26:55 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, December 22, 2008 Friday, December 19, 2008
Beautiful Animation
We received a link this afternoon to an animated music video created for the gorgeous "Winter Song" by Sara Bareilles featuring Ingrid Michaelson, created by the British design/animation studio Crush. It's very sweet. via AgencyRush 
Illustration
Friday, December 19, 2008 7:56:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Design For Kids
As this collection of vintage cereal boxes shows, design for kids has been colorful and cacophonous for a long time. But there's something much more charming and endearing about the type and illustrations of the older boxes.   via DrawnPosted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Friday, December 19, 2008 2:20:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Pretty Creepy
Veer offers an interesting selection of antique illustrations that would be fun to play with. My favorite is Art of Anatomy 1513-1879, a collection of 120 classic scientific and artistic studies of the human body. Some of the drawings are king of gross, but beautiful in their own way.   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 2:37:22 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, December 04, 2008
Ode To Coffee
Illustrator Christoph Niemann is at it again, this time with a delightful Op Ed piece in the New York Times about his love for coffee. The images are drawn on napkins with what looks like coffee (maybe it is).  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, December 04, 2008 1:50:00 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, December 03, 2008 Friday, November 21, 2008
More Stop Motion
Illustration
Friday, November 21, 2008 4:15:22 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, November 07, 2008
I Just Had to Post This
OK, so at the first Creative Freelancer Conference back in August, I met designer Kristin Bowen, a solopreneur who has a thriving side business called DogHouse Custom Pet Portraits. If you've met me at one of our HOW events, you probably know of my fondness for our dog, Wrigley. So when Kristin handed me her business card (brilliant networker that she is), I knew immediately that we had to work together on Wrigley's portrait. The proof that I received from Kristin totally made me smile this week, so I thought I'd share (see the photo reference I provided and Kristin's portrait). Dog-lovers, you gotta check out Kristin's work! I totally love it!   Illustration | Just for Fun
Friday, November 07, 2008 1:36:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, November 03, 2008
By Hand
Darren Booth is a Canadian illustrator who specializes in expressive hand lettering.  Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Monday, November 03, 2008 1:46:50 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, October 30, 2008
Vintage Style
I love the vintage style of Alexis Rom, a Spanish illustrator who was recently signed by the Marlena Agency.    Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, October 30, 2008 12:52:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Juggle Some Booty
Booty Juggler is an original Flash game created by illustrator Robin Davey. It pairs addictive game play with a lovely, textured illustration style that says "screen-printed" more than "designed on screen."  via Drawn!Posted by Megan
Illustration | Just for Fun
Wednesday, October 08, 2008 8:14:02 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, October 02, 2008
Chair Cards
Among several great designs on the cricicis etsy page is this set of cards featuring a pattern of overlapping chairs. this set of five fold-over cards features a digitally illustrated
pattern of chairs. each chair is highly detailed. they are all a subtle
gray-scale, printed on a textured paper. the paper is a very pale gray
with a tiny hint of mint green.
included are five minty-leaf green envelopes.
cards are 3.5" x 5" when folded.
Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Thursday, October 02, 2008 4:33:05 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Paper Cuts
Jayme McGowan creates amazing cut-paper illustrations that would be great for editorial or advertising design.   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 3:03:39 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Marshall Arisman
Will Sherwood just posted a wonderful interview with illustrator Marshall Arisman on his Success Secrets of the Graphic Design Superstars site. I've admired Marshall's work for a long time and it's interesting to hear his ideas on creativity and making work that matters. Make a list of things you have knowledge of, whether it’s bowling or
drinking coffee or dogs, and make pictures from that list. Don’t tell
yourself it’s a portfolio, but show it to people. You’ll always make better pictures when the subject matter is
meaningful to you. Even if it’s bowling, your enthusiasm will come out
in the pictures.
 Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 3:27:53 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Oh James Victore
I just can't stop loving you and your boldly confident lines. Now you've created hand-painted collectible plates perfect for display on the walls of ironic homes across America. How could you make me want something I really can't afford?  Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 4:12:59 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Bunnies! It Must Be Bunnies!
I get the feeling that illustrator Max Estes has a thing for bunnies. Really, what's not to like?   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 3:49:44 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, September 02, 2008
Stash Type
Illustration | Typography
Tuesday, September 02, 2008 1:38:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Fairy Tales
I can't stop looking at the illustrations and comics of Jen Tong. Are they fairy tales? Dreams? I don't want to wake up.    Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 1:35:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, August 22, 2008
Living with (in?) Art
We're fond of illustrator Christoph Niemann, whose work manages to mix wit and deep concept in a really engaging way. Niemann recently moved his family from New York City to Berlin, and on NYTimes.com today (he's a regular OpEd contributor), he recounts a tale of redecorating the bathrooms in his home with interesting mosaic tiles. Among the projects, a bath for his subway-obsessed sons.  Posted by Bryn
Illustration
Friday, August 22, 2008 3:38:29 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Time to Fly
Among the many things that have captivated me during the Olympics has been the series of ads for United: spots that feature otherworldly, heartbreakingly gorgeous animation. The artistic styles are quite different (I've seen three of the five), from a swirling, organic style that looks like sand painting, to a cut-paper look that reminds me of illustrator Dave Wheeler's work in HOW's December 2007 issue. The campaign was created by BD'M and has won a Gold Effie Award for marketing
effectiveness and was nominated for an Emmy Award. What's interesting is that the United brand mark makes an appearance only at the end of the minute-long ads, but the "Rhapsody in Blue" soundtrack (each spot has a different arrangement) is unmistakably on-brand; you know it's United before you see the logo, because the company "owns" that tune. Naturally, you'll find the spots on YouTube, and you must drop what you're doing and watch all of them now.    Posted by Bryn
Illustration
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 6:49:13 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
Educational Animation
Elementary school teacher Anthony Dusko makes adorable animations to drive home specific lessons to his students. Dusko was self-taught at first but went on to study with the Academy Award
nominated Paul Fierlinger.  via DrawnPosted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, July 31, 2008 5:59:36 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, July 14, 2008
Iconic
Illustration
Monday, July 14, 2008 3:41:27 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, July 11, 2008
I Love Totoro
The Totoro Forest Project is an effort by a group of artists to raise money for The Totoro Forest Foundation created by famed animator Hayao Miyazaki to save this huge urban forest just outside of Tokyo. Miyazaki was inspired by the forest to create the wonderful film " My Neighbor Totoro," (which is in my list of Top 10 all-time faves.) Visit the gallery to see a selection of fun, gorgeous, disturbing images inspired by the forest.  via DrawnPosted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, July 11, 2008 7:10:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, July 03, 2008
Illustrated Subway
Illustration
Thursday, July 03, 2008 2:23:20 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
An Alphabet Of Chairs
What's better than a nicely illustrated ABC poster? One that celebrates modern design by pairing chair sillhouettes with letters. This lovely poster by Blue Art Studio can be purchased for $35. I'm seriously considering a purchase.  via Core 77Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 3:49:49 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Creative DNA
Chris Sickels of Red Nose Studio (who recently spoke at the HOW Conference to much acclaim) just completed an illustration assignment for DNA Finland, a telecommunications company. The series of illustrations feature a pink super-hero type DNA
character that physically morphs into helpful tools for cell phone
users. In various ads the character’s arms turn into scissors, a ladder
and clippers, liberating the cell phone user from classic cell phone
troubles.
  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, June 17, 2008 1:52:06 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Interactive Illustration
Illustration
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 4:00:04 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, June 04, 2008
American Illustration 27 Winners
The hardcover American Illustration 27 book won't be available until November, but for a limited time you can see a slideshow of the winners, including this disturbing gem from Nick Dewar.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, June 04, 2008 8:22:58 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, May 12, 2008
Shaken Illustration
Illustration
Monday, May 12, 2008 7:17:18 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, May 06, 2008
So Do I
This inspiring typographic drawing was created by 22-year-old design student Will Bryant.  via BySoAndSoPosted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Tuesday, May 06, 2008 6:24:16 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, May 01, 2008
Never Been
I can't stop looking at this panoramic illustration by Stuart Kolakovic. It started as a 9 meter long installation at a gallery and then his brother helped him turn it into an interactive web page. The meandering image tells the story of a small Eastern European village over the course of one year.   via DrawnPosted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, May 01, 2008 2:11:08 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, April 24, 2008
Uh So
I'm drawn to this set of ambivalent coasters by Canadian illustrator Ray Fenwick.  Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Thursday, April 24, 2008 4:21:39 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Vintage Illustrations
Illustration
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:29:44 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, March 31, 2008
Pink Pearl
Jordon Crane, one of my favorite illustrators, just released a new print called Pink Pearl that celebrates the humble eraser in a limited edition 3-color screen print. The huge image is 26-by-40 inches and would be stunning and inspirational framed on a studio wall.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Monday, March 31, 2008 3:12:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, March 27, 2008
Collage Illustration
Illustrator Julia Bereciartu, based in Spain, creates lovely collages with vintage images and ephemera.    Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, March 27, 2008 1:27:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Bright Young Thing
Illustration
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:06:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, March 06, 2008
Iconic Designs
Illustrator Sherwin Schwartzrock (yeah, we love his name, too) sent art director Bridgid McCarren a little email promo today, with some cool icons he's done for SuperTarget. The project evolved to include 70-some of these little goodies. 
Illustration
Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:56:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, March 03, 2008
Douglas Jones Illustration
Illustration
Monday, March 03, 2008 3:16:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, February 25, 2008
Big Cheese
A few years ago, during a drip to Madison, WI, I came across a set of adorable mugs with catchy word/image pairings. I chose one that paired the word "big" with a cute drawing of a wedge of cheese. But when I got home, the mug was broken (due to some bag packing on my part). So I was excited today to see a post about Jane Jenni on the Drawn! blog. I thought her style looked familiar so I checked out her site and there it was: big cheese (plus a bunch of other designs that I like even more.)   Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Monday, February 25, 2008 8:49:52 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, February 15, 2008
Shop In Style
If you're tired of boring canvas shopping bags, BlueQ has a line of bags that are as stylish as they are sensible, including this one illustrated by mixed-media artist Charles Wilkin.  Posted by Megan
Gifts and Goodies | Illustration
Friday, February 15, 2008 1:43:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, January 17, 2008
Theispot Gets A New Look
Theispot.com, which links designers to stock and assignment illustration, just unveiled its new site design. It features more and better ways to search portfolios and stock, including by multiple keywords, artist’s name and most recent uploads; plus art director accounts to save searches and lightboxes, license stock illustration, track new uploads by their favorite artists and review licensing history.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Thursday, January 17, 2008 4:24:33 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Hello Illo
Illo is a new quarterly magazine dedicated to illustration. The first issue can be ordered from the Illo website and the second issue is set to debut soon.  via Boing BoingPosted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 6:10:08 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Sur-Reality
CSA Images just announced a new collection of mod art called Mexlore, which are as weird as they are wonderful.   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 3:25:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Dealing With Deadbeats
Illustrator Tom Richmond offers some great advice about dealing with slow- and no-paying clients that will work for freelance illustrators, designers, writers, etc. Some people are a little uncomfortable talking about money and payment
before any work has been done. I know I would rather get the details of
the job and get busy on it needing nothing more than an agreement on
total payment, but this is not a smart way to do business… especially
with clients you do not know. I get over it by knowing that once the
money part is settled the client will get 100% effort on my part on the
actual job. Still I want things to be very clear with no room for
misinterpretation between myself and the client when it comes to all
aspects of the job, including payment. Agree on how long after you
invoice them you can expect payment, whether they have an internal
contract or purchase order they need in addition to your invoice, etc.
 via DrawnPosted by Megan
Design Resources | Illustration
Tuesday, January 08, 2008 3:10:02 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, January 04, 2008
Handwriting On The Screen
I love movies, so I saw several during my Christmas vacation. My favorite, by far, was Juno. It was sweet and heartwarming, but not icky or overdone. And one of the coolest things about it was the opening titles designed by Shadowplay Studio.    Posted by Megan
Illustration | Typography
Friday, January 04, 2008 2:07:03 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Type + Image
San Antonio-based artist/illustrator Jason Limón creates original images with acrylic on canvas for publication and exhibition. A former graphic designer, Limón often incorporates hand-rendered text in his work. Original paintings can be purchased starting at $225.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, January 02, 2008 5:03:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, December 14, 2007
Color Palette
This print by illustrator/artist Matte Stephens has a wonderful combination of colors. (It's for sale on Etsy for $35.)  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, December 14, 2007 2:00:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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A New Yorker Cover
Illustrator Bob Staake recently posted an article on his website explaining how he got started illustrating covers for The New Yorker, something he thought would be very difficult to acheive. It offers some great insight into how to establish a relationship with an art director and how early ideas can be transformed into stronger ones later.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Friday, December 14, 2007 1:21:13 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Photo Op
Illustration
Tuesday, December 11, 2007 2:04:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Stop Motion
Designer (and friend of HOW) Steve Gordon just emailed us a link to a creepy, cool stop-motion animation. I poked around the web and found the site of the clip's creator, BLU. His site has a great collection of his drawings and animations which I find disturbing, yet compelling.   Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, November 14, 2007 3:30:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Bunnies!
An exhibition of the work of illustrator Gary Taxali, including a new vinyl toy, is opening this Sunday at the DvA Gallery in Chicago. I've always been a big fan of Taxali's work, particularly his bunny-head characters.  Posted by Megan
Illustration
Wednesday, November 07, 2007 1:35:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, October 29, 2007
Art Spotting
HOW Magazine | Illustration
Monday, October 29, 2007 1:05:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, October 18, 2007
Hire An Illustrator
Looking for an illustrator for you next project? There's a new resource on the web to help you find fresh talent. Hire An Illustrator was recently started by Darren Di Lieto, editor of the illustration news portal LCSV4. Here's what Darren has to say about the site: "The aim of the Hire an illustrator website is to provide art directors
and commissioners with an easy to use point of contact for job seeking
or available freelancers, along with an easy to use interface for the
freelancers to issue immediate updates and edits to their profiles.
Hire an illustrator is not just a portfolio portal. We contact art
directors and companies directly via the telephone to promote
individuals. We collect samples (postcards or other promotional
material) from profiled members to be included in targeted mail shot
packs, and a bi-monthly email newsletter is sent out to promote
our clients."
 Illustration by Israel Sanchez. Posted by Megan
Design Resources | Illustration
Thursday, October 18, 2007 6:32:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Sketchbook Envy
Swedish illustrator Mattias Adolfsson captures his amazing drawings in Moleskine notebooks. You can see a great selection of creative images on his blog. 
via Neatorama Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:16:57 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Inside The Look Book
Illustrator Chris Sickels has just started posting about The Look Book (published by HOW Books) on his blog. The illustrations are both dark and beautiful at the same time, and Chris has posted a couple of the early sketches that inspired the project. Of course I'm biased, but I have to say that this book is even more amazing than I ever imagined it might be when Chris and I first talked about it.   Posted by Megan
HOW Books | Illustration
Wednesday, September 26, 2007 6:43:30 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, September 24, 2007
Delightful Maira
Last week, The New York Times ended its Times Select program, which had reserved for paying customers access to opinion columns, archives and other content—including Maira Kalman's yearlong illustrated blog, "The Principles of Uncertainty." Now, the rest of us get to see it. 
Illustration
Monday, September 24, 2007 4:13:20 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Monday, August 20, 2007
Stuff We're Working On
The HOW gang is hard at work on this year's Business Annual, and we're super psyched about how it's shaping up. Especially because it's going to LOOK terrific, thanks in large part to the work of Seattle illustrator Dave Wheeler. We love his dimensional/drawn style; here's the illo that first caught our eye: 
Illustration
Monday, August 20, 2007 4:15:22 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Illustrator Of The Rings
Cool illustration blog The Little Chimp Society has a great interview with John Howe, who is best known for his "Lord of the Rings" images.
John Howe is a Canadian-born illustrator, now living in Switzerland, who is best known for his iconic Tolkien artwork. He first began depicting scenes from The Lord of the Rings trilogy as a teenager and since then has not only given us his vision of Tolkien’s world but has also illustrated many other books and tales. John also worked as a conceptual artist on Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy of films, as well as The Chronicles of Narnia and King Kong.
Read more. 
Posted by Megan
Illustration
Tuesday, August 14, 2007 5:33:55 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, August 09, 2007
Paper Cuts
Illustration
Thursday, August 09, 2007 6:39:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, July 17, 2007 Monday, July 16, 2007
A Trip To Jeremyville
Posted by MeganAustralian illustrator Jeremy Andrew, the man behind Jeremyville, recently launched a new store on his site. Now you can get your hands on cool t-shirts, toys, posters and more.
Illustration
Monday, July 16, 2007 2:58:16 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Design Inspiration
Posted by MeganWe just came across a great blog the focuses on interviews with creatives like illustrator Glen Mullaly. Each Q&A on Design Inspiration is accompanied by a selection of work.
Illustration
Wednesday, June 20, 2007 6:23:42 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Time Lapse Illustration
Posted by MeganIn the ultimate kid fantasy, illustrator Jan Willem Wennekes (aka Stinger) recently drew a huge mural on his new studio wall. Watch the illustration come alive.
Illustration
Tuesday, June 05, 2007 3:19:51 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, June 01, 2007
We Love Nature
Posted by Meganvia NotCot We Love Nature is a new collection of 4 illustration sets—blooms, leaves, stems and flowers—from Kapitza. 
Illustration
Friday, June 01, 2007 4:52:35 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, May 04, 2007 Wednesday, May 02, 2007
HOW Conference Speaker
Posted by MeganThere's a great interview with Danny Gregory, a 2007 HOW Conference speaker, over on Illustration Friday.
"I love to work, to make things, to learn. I spend my spare time with my
wife, son and dogs, usually making stuff or just horsing around. But I
get up early and stay up late and try to cram as much as possible into
each day."
Illustration
Wednesday, May 02, 2007 2:22:27 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, April 12, 2007
Layer Cake
Posted by Meganvia NotCot Juxtapoz magazine has a great story about illustrator Tara McPherson's latest print. She sent them a step-by-step blog of the 18-layer print she recently created with her friends at The Decoder Ring Design Concern in Austin, TX. 
Illustration
Thursday, April 12, 2007 2:50:17 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Epiphanies with Drawing
Posted by
Carmen
So, back to the Y Conference I had the chance to attend about a week and a half ago. If you’ve never had the chance to check out this West-Coast event, one thing to say for it is that it’s a really great size for 1) getting to know people and 2) getting to experience everything that goes on. They keep the size at a couple hundred, and everyone watches every speaker together in one big lecture room. (The conference took place this year on the University of San Diego campus.) And another aspect of this bigger-isn’t-always-better mentality is that everyone participates in what’s called a “Thinkshop” on the second day of the conference. There are multiple sessions to choose from, and many imply a hands-on aspect that takes information into a DIY-atmosphere. There were Thinkshops about stamp design, collaborating with photographers and hand lettering. About a week before I headed out to San Diego, I got an email telling me I still needed to register for one of these Thinkshops. There were five to choose from, and I narrowed it down to Stefan Bucher’s “The Beauty of Multiples,” because I was familiar with and admired his work (he’s designed one of our covers and illustrated a fun, interactive worksheet/feature for us about discovering what you love and how to steer your career that way). Evidently, I didn’t read the description too closely, though. Because when I showed up, I discovered that I—with no drawing abilities beyond hearts and stars and swirly letters (I’m an editor, remember)—had selected the Thinkshop that required you not to draw just one item—but 100. Now, last year, you may remember that HOW’s August 2005 issue was themed “All About Design & Illustration.” Danny Gregory penned a feature about drawing in a journal everyday to energize your creativity. And he cautioned to not edit your drawing—to just draw. That was impetus enough for editors Bryn and Megan: On papers, one would sketch an impressive picture of her Starbucks cup or draw what someone in the room was wearing. Soon, doodles would fill the page. I, however, didn’t bite. So imagine me sitting in a room full of professional designers and being told, for the next two hours, to draw (what they, in the brochure, referred to as “zen drawing”). The thought crossed my mind to get up and leave. But then I wondered what I’d do instead, so I decided to give the old college try. I considered the things I typically doodle in meetings (because we all do it): Usually it consists of outlining headlines with puffy clouds and jagged lines. The most exciting it becomes is adding in flowers and leaves and maybe a unicorn (seriously). (Evidently, my drawing never really progressed past 6th doodling.) So I decided to start there, drawing what Stefan described looked like “an herb garden.” (I thought that was very nice of him to say.) At my table, the guy next to me was drawing a panoply of intricate hearts (which made me think of a Valentine’s Day mailer by Marian Bantjes). Across the table, one girl was drawing a slew of eyes and another girl 100 faces. Other people in the class were drawing gerbils and cupcake homes for them; all kinds of airplanes or jet fighters; and another drew 100 things she missed about home. Suffice it to say my “herb garden” was quickly paling in comparison. But then (because I couldn’t think of any more reiterations of leaves and flowers) I started to pay attention to my tablemates and the way they were working. I started to see how they weren’t merely drawing 100 things, but how they were using those 100 things to tell a single story—how they pulled them all together to form one narrative. For instance, I saw how the 100 hearts didn’t just stand alone, but how they fit together, one atop the other, in an intricate sort of dance. The 100 faces all melded together, as a collective sort of memory—a medley of moments in time. (Stefan’s posted images of everyone’s drawings on his blog.)  So, I started looking at my clusters of sprouts and fallen leaves and four-leaf clovers differently. I tried to figure out how to bring them all together and make them stand as one, not 100. I started weaving in huge, curly-cue ferns and flitting insects and oversized fronds that wrapped around the flora, and an idea that spoke to the wilderness and mystery that’s an essence of nature.  I still don’t consider myself prone to take up drawing as a regular hobby, but this experience gave me a new, realized perspective, and truly I think that’s what it’s all about. (These photos were taken by new conference pal Kirby Yau; you can see others from the Y Conference on his site).
Creativity | Events | HOW Magazine | Illustration
Wednesday, April 11, 2007 3:31:39 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, March 23, 2007
Maira Kalman
Posted by Bryn
I'm sitting here on this Friday afternoon, listening to Debbie Millman's interview with the wildly talented Maira Kalman on Design Matters, with my copy of her lovely illustrated edition of " The Elements of Style" by my side. From "The Elements of Style"-- "Well, Susan, this is a fine mess you are in." 
Illustration
Friday, March 23, 2007 7:46:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Danny TV
Posted by MeganIllustrator Danny Gregory has just started filming demos of his drawing and watercolor techniques. You can check them out on his website.
Illustration
Friday, March 23, 2007 1:15:34 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, March 22, 2007
This Makes Me Love Spam
Posted by MeganAnother reason to love spam provided by illustrator Kipling West and her Fresh Spam blog. This one is called "Want to be a hero in bed?"
Illustration
Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:19:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, March 15, 2007
I'll Stop The World And Melt With You
Posted by MeganI Melt In Your Presence, New Paintings by Gary Baseman runs March 15th-May 5th, 2007 at Modernism in San Francisco. But even if you can't make it to the opening tonight, you can buy a limited edition letterpress poster at garybaseman.com.
Illustration
Thursday, March 15, 2007 3:40:36 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, March 09, 2007
Real Heroes
Posted by MeganNBC's hit-drama Heroes
is living up to its name by auctioning artwork by renowned graphic
illustrator Tim Sale in two separate auctions
to begin on March 26 and April 2. All proceeds will benefit the
Epilepsy Foundation. Each
week's auctions will feature two full-size autographed limited edition
prints and drawings of artwork used in the show. The list of artwork
includes "Exploding Man," "Eclipse," "Claire on the Stairs" and "Hiro
and T-Rex."
 
Illustration
Friday, March 09, 2007 2:14:41 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, February 27, 2007
These Keds Aren't For Kids
Posted by MeganThe Men's Triumph Hawk Slip On is part of the Birds of Prey collection
designed by rock poster illustrator Eleanor Grosch. Eleanor's use of animals as
graphic elements inspired the etched Hawk print on this leather slip on. 
Illustration
Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:12:28 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, February 12, 2007
Zombie Valentine
Posted by Megan
This is pretty much the coolest valentine I've ever seen. EVER! And I'd like to thank illustrator Kipling West for having such a deliciously dark imagination. 
Illustration
Monday, February 12, 2007 6:03:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, January 18, 2007
Killer Wood
Illustration
Thursday, January 18, 2007 6:36:58 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, January 11, 2007
Gorgeous Meets Gorgeous
Illustration
Thursday, January 11, 2007 5:44:20 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Sticker Mania
Posted by Meganvia NotCot Wallspankers is a quarterly PDF sticker zine featuring the work of hundreds of illustrators. According to the site, "The Wall Spankers Project was founded by MWM Graphics and Knuckle Sandwich Press. The goal is to bring together international artists and designers in a collaborative, sharing environment. By releasing the PDF Sticker-Zine at a printable resolution, we hope
that participants and supporters will take advantage of it and produce
the stickers on their own. Spreading each others work all over the
globe." Download issue 3 here. 
Illustration
Tuesday, January 09, 2007 2:55:30 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Friday, December 08, 2006
Friend Of HOW
Posted by MeganCarmen Pease, HOW's associate editor, just sent me a link to one of her college pals' portfolios. Dimitri Simakis is a (former?) DJ turned professional designer and illustator who has a great style that runs from the ridiculous to the sublime to the downright cute. Check it out. 
 
Illustration
Friday, December 08, 2006 1:46:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, December 07, 2006
Furry Friends
Posted by MeganKAPITZA SHOP, a new online shop specializing in picture fonts and illustrations, just released two new animal silhouette fonts Furry and Feathery. Furry contains 35 animal illustrations and Feathery, 45 bird illustrations. Both fonts consist of high quality, detailed silhouettes. 
Illustration
Thursday, December 07, 2006 3:08:19 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Monday, November 27, 2006
Dunces
Posted by
BrynYou can never get enough of Gary Baseman, especially now that he's launched a new website and new Dunce toys. 
Illustration
Monday, November 27, 2006 1:59:53 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Apropos of the Holiday
Posted by
Brynvia DrawnNow that Macy's owns (practically) all the department stores in the entire country (sorry, Chicago), it's doubtful that you've not seen this image for the big parade. In an interesting, "what's it like to work with a major client on a project that everyone will see" kind of case study, illustrator Dan Santat takes us behind the scenes in its creation. (In other words, how do you satisfy not only your client, but also the license-holders for all the characters depicted in the illo???) 
Illustration
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 2:45:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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an illustrator we love
Posted by TriciaI just got an email from the artist's rep for Gordon Wiebe. His self-portrait that appeared in the August 2006 issue of HOW was a Society of Illustrators winner. It will go in the annual and one of their shows at the New York Gallery. Congratulations!
Illustration | Industry News
Wednesday, November 22, 2006 12:55:03 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, November 16, 2006
Game On
Illustration
Thursday, November 16, 2006 4:53:22 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, November 02, 2006
Illustration Today
Posted by MeganOn Saturday, November 11, Parsons The New School for Design presents Illustration Today, an all-day symposium offering spirited discussions about the state of the art. More than twenty-four leading practitioners will share their ideas about a range of topics relevant to illustration in the evolving worlds of publishing and entertainment.
Among the day’s highlights are:
Keynote Address: Cultural critic Sarah Boxer.
Spotlight: George Hardie, the legendary British illustrator, with illustrator Christoph Niemann.
Graphic Novels: Father and son comics and animation pioneers Kim Deitch and Gene Deitch, with Dan Nadel.
The Illustrator as Author: Children’s book artist Peter Sis, illustrator and film designer Peter De Seve, and author/designer Maira Kalman.
Making Illustration Jump: Top practitioners Psyop, Aaron Stewart, and Paper Rad, with Kenna Kay.
Illustrating in Three Dimensions: British artist James Jarvis and Miami-based designer duo FriendsWithYou talk about transforming two-dimensional characters into three-dimensional objects.
Illustration
Thursday, November 02, 2006 1:43:25 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)
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Thursday, October 26, 2006
Hotchachacha
Posted by MeganThis skateboard, painted by illustrator Gary Baseman, is on auction at MOCA Santa Monica through October 29th as part of the Second Invitational Skateboard Silent Auction. Don't miss your chance to own an original Baseman creation.
Illustration
Thursday, October 26, 2006 2:04:09 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Sugar Frosted Goodness
Posted by MeganVisit the blog Sugar Frosted Goodness for the best in contemporary illustration. Blog members frequently post new work and prove that the art of illustration is alive and well.
Illustration
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 2:27:21 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, October 06, 2006
Eye Candy
Posted by
Bryn
Dear Lord, how many working hours does Von Glitschka extract from each day? Every time we turn around, he's got some new project up his sleeve—and it's usually something cool that he's made available to the rest of the creative community. (Let's see ... there's Illustration Class, Bad Design Kills, Doodle Archive and, oh yeah, his "real" job.) Noodling around on Designers Who Blog (hey, it's Friday, and I'm procrastinating), I came across Von's Three Thumbs Up Gallery, where designers can post illustrations, journal pages and other visual goodies. It's free to join, but you don't have to be a member to just browse. Being a Midwest girl (and partial to rural landscapes), I particularly enjoyed Tommy Kane's sketchbook post:
Illustration
Friday, October 06, 2006 7:53:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, October 05, 2006
The Art of Children's Book Illustration
Posted by MeganThe Society of Illustrators recently announced the winners of its 26th annual exhibition of children's book illustration. This year 630 books were submitted for consideration. Of those, 163 were accepted for "The Original Art" show, which will be on display at the Museum of American Illustration from October 25 to November 22. Three of the entries were awarded medals. The Gold Medal went to Elisha Cooper for Beach:  A Silver Medal was awarded to Craig Frazier for Stanley Mows the Lawn:  A second Silver Medal went to Jeanette Winter for Mama: A True Story: 
Illustration
Thursday, October 05, 2006 4:29:48 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Let It Snow
Posted by MeganSnow, a new release from Kapitza, includes 40 vector illustrations in EPS format. Each illustration is on a separate layer and can be overlayed with one or more of the others to create endless variations of unique snowflakes.
Illustration
Tuesday, September 26, 2006 2:40:54 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Friday, September 22, 2006
Animation in a Flash
Illustration
Friday, September 22, 2006 2:00:03 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Thursday, September 21, 2006
Nuevas Y Usadas
via Boing Boing
The illustrator Coop recently posted some snapshots of a hand-painted sign near his Los Angeles studio.
"One of the things that makes me truly happy to be a Angeleno is the
handpainted signage of this crazy city. Everywhere you go, there are
crudely-rendered depictions of bleach bottles, Mickey Mouse, and polar
bears drinking Coke. I have often thought about trying to document some
of my favorites, and produce a book/art object, Ed Ruscha-style." 
—Megan
Illustration
Thursday, September 21, 2006 4:59:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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Color Illustrated
Illustrator Peter Arkle shares his favorite colors with Apple.com.
—Megan
Illustration
Thursday, September 21, 2006 2:51:55 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
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