Andy Smith Illustration

I love receiving things in the post and here is a recent package I received from a quirky illustrator called Andy Smith. As well as designing delightfully bright postcards, zines and posters he has also screen-printed a number of little books- and the one I'm tickled with is called My Nose Smells Funny. Filled with a lovely cast of animals all with grumbles not too dissimilar from humans this little book has been hand printed in an edition of 200 with vibrant colours and fun drawings. Suitable for all ages and perhaps in particular for a grumpy somebody in your life! Check out Andy Smith's work over on his website here.

Share |

Whatcha mean what's a zine?

Just wanted to share a coupla' books on zine/self publishing that I've come across recently! Whatcha Mean What's a Zine by Mark Todd and Esther Watson is a great publication on the art of making zines and comics packed full to the brim with illustrations, drawings and doodles all neatly bound in this inspiring book. If you haven't discovered zine making then this is a must-read - included are helpful tips on stapling, making and photocopying as well as snippets from over 20 creators of indie comics and zines- it does not disappoint and is easy to flick through and inspire!
The other book is called Indie Publishing- How to Design and Produce Your Own Book by Ellen Lupton- another hands-on book which leads you through the process of getting your book made and out there- from how to get started, to formatting, printing, and finally marketing and distributing. Included are lots of nice photos of other artist's publications and little diagrams showing you different ways to blind your book!
Both books are widely available online and I'd say definitely value for money on the advice you can glean from their pages!


Share |

Take a Peek at this Pika-Package!

A couple of weeks ago I received this lovely selection of Zines and cards from 4 of the participants in the Zine Pikapackage 2010 Project- curated by Amy Ng 16 artists/illustrators were involved in this international exchange. The artists sent to me were:

Beavory

Lori Dean Dyment

Minifanfan

Missy Kulik

As much as I love browsing artist's work online nothing beats having the real thing to hold and flick through- it was a delight to take time to read and digest all the lovely drawings and stories.

The Pika Zine package is available to buy for you too- hop over to Pikaland Shop and choose from receiving a number of zine surprises!

Share |

Watching The Lake Poets

CreatureMag have used my illustration along with a few other artist's work for their latest music review of upcoming band The Lake Poets.  I took inspiration from one of the band's songs- Windowsill- about a girl who just watches the world go by from her windowsill- not quite connecting with life. Read the review and see the other illustrations here.


Share |