oh lovely things

Illustrator: Mega

2012-02-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

Awesome work from illustrator extraordinaire Mega. Check out Mega's book called Girls Girls Girls which is now for sale.

Shop

Mega is on Facebook (yaaay.)

... and also on Twitter.

William Miller, Ruined Polaroids

2012-01-21T08:10:00.000-08:00

Seriously amazing work by photographer William Miller. They look like abstract glaciers or landscapes and they also remind me of the Northern Lights. To see more check out this link.

F-Troupe

2011-12-31T04:23:00.000-08:00

There's an amazing sale over at F-Troupe and I strongly recommend you go and make a purchase! NOW! I'm going to try and pop in when I'm back in London.... and buy like three pairs of shoes.

Happy New Year

2011-12-30T14:29:00.001-08:00

Didn't this year just fly by or what?! Anyway see you all in the New Year and let's hope 2012 will be a good 'un.

Karolin Schnoor

2011-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

I was having a gander on the YCN website when I stumbled across Karolin Schnoor's profile. Gorgeous illustrations, I love how she uses patterns and colour in her work.

Ana Victoria Calderón

2011-12-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

Beautiful illustrations by illustrator Ana Victoria Calderón.

Etsy

Facebook Fan Page

Eleanor Hardwick

2011-12-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

I am totally mesmerised by Eleanor Hardwick's photos. She is so talented!

Flickr

Cartier Panthére Collection

2011-12-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Yes PLEASE!

To see more of Cartier's amazing Panthére Collection go here. Just don't look at the prices is all I'm going to say.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T08:52:00.001-08:00

Wrap Up Warm

2011-12-21T07:04:00.000-08:00

1. Donna Wilson- Graph Mittens. £38.50
2. Toast- Knitted Fair Isle Slippers. £39.00
3. Urban Outfitters- Fox Face Scarf. £26.00
4. Yokoo- The Scoopascarf in Burgundy. $155.00 (approximately £101.10)
5. Les Queues de Sardines via Tatty Devine- Schneewittchen Tights. £46.00
6. Topshop- Knitted Textured Stitch Cardigan- £40.00

Melancholia

2011-12-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

Must watch Melancholia, I've heard great reviews about it.

Gift Guide- FOOD!

2011-12-11T13:01:00.001-08:00

Food related gift ideas! Yummy!

1. Shopper tote bag Fish Supper screen print in turquoise, £12.46 by MrPS
2. Sweet selection. One giclée print, £19.67 by Joël Penkman.
3. Chocolate digestive screen printed cushion, £28.00 by Nikki McWilliams (What Nikki Made.)
4. Tea and biscuits greetings card, £2.00 by Sally Illustrations.
5. Wooden Jammy Ring Brooch, £6.00 by Nikki McWilliams (What Nikki Made.)
6. EXTRA LARGE - Detailed Pig Butcher Diagram - "Use Every Part of the Pig" cuts of pork poster, £29.51 by Drywell: Quality Meat Art.

Donna Wilson

2011-12-01T10:28:00.001-08:00

Fun things from Donna Wilson. I love her illustrated products they just go so well with everything!

SPARKLE AND SHINE

2011-12-01T10:18:00.001-08:00

Bling, bling, bling!

I love bags

2011-11-27T04:00:00.001-08:00

I can't take my eyes off you.....

Mulberry

Givenchy

Alexander Wang

Olga Filaktou

2011-11-27T03:51:00.001-08:00

Nice work from artist Ola Filaktou. Her Etsy shop is also full of amazing paper goods.

Urban Outfitters Winter Look Book

2011-11-26T11:47:00.001-08:00

Just looking at Urban Outfitters winter look book is making me want to wrap up warm and drink tea all night long!

Whistles AW11 Collection

2011-10-09T12:11:00.001-07:00

Whistles.

Mulberry

2011-09-30T09:26:00.001-07:00

Mulberry

Gareth Rhys

2011-09-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

For a while now I've been loving film photography particularly fashion and portraiture. I love the muted, hazy tones and the grainy quality you get with film cameras.

I stumbled upon Gareth Rhys Flickr stream and immediately had to check out his website. Stunning photos aren't they? Pretty sure he's going to do well in the future.

Jimmy Turrell

2011-09-22T09:01:00.000-07:00

Nice work from illustrator Jimmy Turrell.

calendar 2012 cover

2011-09-19T05:42:00.001-07:00

calendar 2012 cover, originally uploaded by Camilla Engman.

Image of the day.

Urban Outfitters Fall Catalogue

2011-09-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

I'm loving the visuals for Urban Outfitters Fall Catalogue.

Anna Higgie

2011-09-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Friday inspiration is illustrator Anna Higgie.

Blog
Twitter
Etsy

LPP's Featured Artist of September 2011- Fredrik Åkum

2011-09-05T13:57:00.001-07:00

LPP's Featured Artist of September 2011- Fredrik Åkum, originally uploaded by littlepaperplanes.

oh I love this image. Isn't it pretty?

Alexander McQueen AW11 Campaign

2011-09-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Beautiful visuals from Alexander McQueens AW11 Campaign. Dark, mysterious, gothic and seriously nice clothes!

Goldenponies

2011-09-02T09:42:00.001-07:00

I definitely need more shoes. Goldenponies should do the trick.

Burberry

2011-08-26T15:36:00.000-07:00

I love Burberry. And I don't care if people call it 'chavy.' They just don't have any taste haha.

Ginette Lapalme

2011-08-23T13:22:00.001-07:00

Ginette Lapalme is indeed a very cool illustrator.

Tartaruga Feliz

2011-08-17T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Who are you and tell us a bit about yourself?

Hello! My name is Deborah (aka Tartaruga Feliz - which means Happy Turtle in Portuguese). I'm a self-taught Brazilian illustrator and I live in Paris for 2 years with my husband and 3 cats.

What inspires you and your work?

There are always a number of things that can inspire me and consequently my work on a daily basis, but I can say that I'm very influenced by kids culture and video game. I play a lot of video games and I'm actually one of the founders of a small video game studio called Farsides.

As an illustrator and animator how do the two disciplines go together?

Very well! When I draw something I like I immediately start thinking how this character or situation can gain life. As I watch a lot of cartoons, the ideas I normally have are made to be animated.

How do you promote yourself?

On websites that I like, such as Hire an Illustrator, SIB (which is the society of Brazilian Illustrators), I'm also part of the French Society of Illustrators, called Maison des Illustrateurs, selling prints of my artwork at inprnt (http://www.inprnt.com/gallery/tartarugafeliz/)... I also have a blog (www.tartarugafeliz.com/blog), where I publish all the artists that inspires me to create my work, and its very good because I share a lot with people that are interested in illustrations and animations, and with the people that inspires me too.

But I believe the most powerful promotion is the people that you work with. Most of my clients came after me because they liked something I did for someone else.

Any news you would like to share with us (e.g. projects, commissions, collaborations, exhibitions.)

I'm working on a project that I'm completely in love right now, its a game for kids on the internet called Card Stories (www.cardstories.org). Its still in beta, we're working on a different version to improve accessibility, but it will be released soon and I'm feeling happy as never before. If anyone is interested by this project, please contact me (tartaruga@tartarugafeliz.com) and I'll be really happy to show more and even make a playtest!

And lastly any words of advice for the creative peeps out there?

I found this piece of advice from Ira Glass that I'm taking with me for some time and I think it can help a lot of people:

"Nobody tells this to people who are beginners. I wish someone had told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it's just not that good. It's trying to be good, it has potential, but it's not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase; they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn't have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know that it's normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you finish one piece. It's only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I've ever met. It's gonna take a while. It's normal to take a while. You just gotta fight your way through."

Nick Morley

2011-08-12T13:46:00.000-07:00

Great work here by artist and illustrator Nick Morley. I especially love his moustache men!

He gave us a book binding tutorial for the day when I was at uni (third year to be exact.)

I'm back...

2011-08-05T09:09:00.001-07:00

Sorry folks for the slight hiatus. I went on holiday a few weeks ago and since coming back I've started a new job, which means squeezing in illustration, this blog, Little Constructs, my shop.... oh yes lots of things.

If you'd like to be featured on the blog please feel free to email me!!!!

LE GUN

2011-08-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

LE GUN'S magazine covers are like cells from a black and white film. Only a bit more bizarre.

The Arabian Gulf, March 22nd, 2011

2011-07-29T06:51:00.001-07:00

The Arabian Gulf, March 22nd, 2011, originally uploaded by The Gentleman Amateur.

Inspiration from Far Away Places

2011-07-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

Images from my Pinterest board.

Nick Mann

2011-07-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

Isn't there just something so magical about Nick Mann's paintings? (Aka Doodles on Flickr by the way.)

It's like looking into the distant future and somehow the human race is reborn again. And we're surrounded by mythological creatures and connected to the stars, the earth and nature.

My current reading book at the moment is American God's by Neil Gaiman. Bloody brilliant book.

Precious Objects

2011-07-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

Friday Etsy selections!

From top to bottom:

1. Action Bunny with Gold Pants by Cordoury, $18.00

2. Bear Head Pendant Necklace by Handy Maiden, $26.00

3. Ceramic Wood Pecker by Matayo, $105.00

4. Knob- Fox by Kims Little Monsters, €10,50

5. The Strange Planet by thegoodmachinery, $49.00

6. Glow in the Dark Magnets- Gluehmonster/ Glowmonster by Caroline Gaedechens, $19.00

Untitled

2011-07-01T05:43:00.001-07:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by DANIEL≈.

Trippy work.

The PoundShop

2011-06-28T02:46:00.000-07:00

Thief&Bandit

2011-06-28T02:08:00.000-07:00

I'm currently loving Aztec and geometric printed things. Thief&Bandit have an amazing collection of hand printed scarves and cute crop tops too. It's always refreshing to see unique shops on Etsy.

Homako

2011-06-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Unique, handmade fabric accessories from Homako.

ASOS SALON Collection

2011-06-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

All things romantic, nude, shiny, embellished and delicate. Shop the beautiful ASOS SALON Collection.

The Strange and the Beautiful

2011-06-25T03:27:00.001-07:00

The Strange and the Beautiful, originally uploaded by Jo Cheung illustration.

My favourite things on Flickr

Belle and Sebastian- I Didn't See It Coming

2011-06-24T14:44:00.000-07:00

Illustrator and animator Lesley Barnes directed this amazing video for Belle and Sebastian. It's just an explosion of colour, shapes and funky animals dancing around!

Do read Lesley's blog behind the video by heading over to I Didn't See It Coming. Oh and don't forget to enter her giveaway while you're there.

Enjoy folks.

I found Magic on my way home.

2011-06-24T14:21:00.001-07:00

I found Magic on my way home., originally uploaded by i s a ☮.

Toddland

2011-06-22T08:57:00.000-07:00

Toddland probably do the best wallets, like, ever. I love novelty food stuff so this is right up my street! oh and do check out the burger wallet and fries wallet while you're at it.

Suzanne Carpenter

2011-06-17T08:58:00.000-07:00

Suzanne Carpenter is an illustrator from Wales and her work is super good! Colourful, bold and bright I love how she composes her images using simple shapes. Really like all her bird illustrations, okay everything actually. You can find Suzanne on Flickr here.

Thanks Suzanne for adding your lovely illustrations to the oh lovely things Flickr Group!

Ruth Joyce

2011-06-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Ruth Joyce is a freelance artist who's just moved down to London. Her work is based on loose figurative paintings of human compositions to tattoos.
Extremely passionate about what she does Ruth even organised a collaborative art exhibition in Melbourne during her travels! Aside from painting Ruth is also a cartoonist and has her own cartoon characters Wuss 'n Boots.

For more of Ruth's work visit her website , Facebook Fan Page and you can also follow her on Twitter. Oh and do read her blog as well! She'll be exhibiting at the New Artist Fair coming up in September, so why not pop along if you're going to be around?

Apologies for the lack of posts! I was busy with Sorted exhibition and now it's all over. Sad times. So if you do send anything in please be patient with me or feel free to send me a reminder!

Untitled

2011-06-14T03:16:00.001-07:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by o_lie.

Like.
Like. Like.
Like. Like. Like.

Sorted London

2011-06-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

Hurry down to East Gallery people! Sorted will be finished tomorrow, boohoo!

Brian Vu

2011-06-08T14:58:00.000-07:00

Brian Vu is pretty awesome isn't he?

Westminster Illustration 2011 Private View

2011-06-04T05:45:00.000-07:00

http://www.wminillustration.co.uk/

Art Event: Paint It! Make It!

2011-06-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

A rather awesome event hosted by Illustration Rally (Natsuki Otani) and the details are as follows:

When:

Saturday the 25th of June 10am til 5pm

Where:

The Book Club, 100-106 Leonard Street, City of London, Greater London EC2A 4XS

What:

Live drawing

Mr Millerchip and Kristian Jones will be creating some slick visuals and giving us some original art before your eyes!

Zine Making

Assemble and bind your very own zine, from a collection of pages from some top artists:

Andy Coucil
Tom Bagshaw
Bubblefriends
Bubi Au Yeung
Dave Bain
Gemma Correll
Bex Glover
Lou Lou & Tummie
Mr Millerchip
the boy fitz hammond
Toy Factory
64Colors
Lesley Barnes
Seb Burnett
Pascal Campion
Camellie Dobrin
Jonathan Edwards
Fon The Pern
Ruben Ireland
Jthree Concepts
Chris Leavens
Carlos Garde-Martins
Thereza Rowe
Robert Shadbolt
The Tree House Press
Zutto

Carlton Hibbert

Erica Sharp

Lea Wade

Natsuki Otani

Stephen Chan

PLUS:

Charity Pop Up Shop

Origami Folding

Charity Raffle (more products from ToDryFor)

New art products to test! Kuretake Pens

Cakes

... and possibly more!

Designers Makers

2011-05-27T14:35:00.000-07:00

Designers Makers

Illustration swap with Gizem Vural

2011-05-26T10:36:00.001-07:00

I recieved my lovely illustration package from the very talented Gizem Vural. I'm so happy, feels like its my birthday again!

Birthday Time!

2011-05-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

Pug montage, sorry had to be done!!!

Bowie - Lilly Piri

2011-05-22T13:07:00.001-07:00

Bowie - Lilly Piri, originally uploaded by Lilly Piri.

Cute!

More of Lilly's work can be found here:

http://www.littlegalaxie.com/
http://lillypiri.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lilly-Piri/126253057421370
http://www.flickr.com/people/lillyandheiko/

tba

2011-05-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

Love tba's SS2011 Look Book.

Sorted London- Private View

2011-05-22T04:25:00.000-07:00

SORTED

We will be opening it's doors to you lovely people on Thursday June 9th from 6.00 - 9.30pm for a private view you won't forget!

We will be displaying a variety of artwork from ten of Britain's finest up and coming artists and illustrators.
Limited Edition prints of our work will be on sale as well as lots of FREE goodies for you and your friends to take home with you!

There will also be a bar stocked up to the brim with ice cold beers and wine - Mmm... Just what you need after a long hot Thursday at work.

FREE ENTRANCE

£1 Suggested Donation per drink

For more information head over to the Sorted Facebook event and you can also forward it on to anyone who might be interested.

And from all of us we hope to see you on the night!

Bitching and junkfood Headdress

2011-05-21T14:05:00.001-07:00

.....Love or hate them???

Via Urban Outfitters.

Scout & Catalogue

2011-05-20T09:27:00.000-07:00

All things tie dye and festival inspired check out Scout & Catalogue. Really loving the scarves, perfect for those long summer days.

Aaaah I want to go away now.....

Jazmin Berakha

2011-05-20T03:54:00.000-07:00

Delicate and intricate hand embroideries from Jazmin Berakha.

Jazmin's blog is so colourful as well, I love it.

Flickr Inspiration: Ra Ra S'Va

2011-05-17T09:56:00.001-07:00

IMG_2845-s, originally uploaded by Ra Ra S' Va.

Let's go walking..........

A great Flickr find (oh I love you Flickr!)

Rocks, Minerals and Beautiful Objects

2011-05-15T08:58:00.001-07:00

Rocks, Minerals and Beautiful Objects, originally uploaded by Jo Cheung illustration.

oh lovely things: Flickr Group!

2011-05-14T09:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone.

I've set up a Flickr Group so you can add your images to it and who knows you might be featured on the blog! And it's also a great way to check out other people's work.

And you can add a link to your website/ blog by posting it here.

Last Night at ACOFI Book Tour at Tatty Devine

2011-05-11T03:06:00.000-07:00

Well I arrived a tad late at Amelia's Compendium Of Fashion Illustration Book Tour at Tatty Devine last night. When I got there the shop windows already had lots of doodles and I was itching to get the Posca pens out. Although I was feeling a little bit flustered from travelling Amelia offered us some lovely mini cup cakes from Cute as a Cup Cake which made me feel a million times better! (No photos of the cup cakes unfortunately but they were good!)
I said hi to Gemma and June and then we went inside as Amelia was going to give a talk.

I found the talk to be really interesting and informative as Amelia spoke about the history of Amelia's Magazine, how it all came together and why she decided to finish it and the importance of the website whilst it was in print and after. I liked how she was also honest about the publishing and business side of it as she stressed although it was a true labour of love but so much hard work from start to finish!

In relation to the previous book and the ACOFI book Amelia also talked about how she uses social media to promote the website and illustrator's who contribute. For instance by making a hash tag on Twitter so people can follow up to the minute news about ACOFI. And she's always up for trying new social network sites such as Pinterest, a virtual pin board where you bookmark and share your images to people/ followers. So also like FFFFOUND and We Heart It. Amelia was saying how she uses Pinterest to pin images in relation to ACOFI from illustrator's websites and else where. Amelia stressed the importance of artists (students and graduates) to have some sort of website/ blog/ Twitter so that people can see your work. Even the smallest things like blogging about the process of your work is important as it shows like a small part of your daily life.
Like myself, and many others, I use Facebook and Twitter a lot to promote my own work and technology and social media has completely changed the way we communicate and interact with one another. We're able to form small communities and network with other artists and obviously you have to spend some time doing it. But once you get into the swing of things by having an online presence you can reach a far greater audience, and potential clients too!

...... and how pretty is the window??? If you're around Covent Garden do pop into the Tatty Devine shop. They have most amazing jewellery like ever!

Lot's of postcards and freebies from Dr. Hauschka. At this point I must have had about 5 cup cakes.

Here's my birdy traingle doodle on the shop window.

For more information and details about ACOFI Book Tour please go here. And why not join in on Twitter using the unique hash tag to follow up ACOFI (apparently one of the illustrator's came up with it!) #ACOFI

Cute as a Cup Cake are also on Twitter too @cuteasacupcakes. Yay!

Sage Vaughn at LAZARIDES Gallery

2011-05-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

The good thing about London is that you'll always find something new to do and to see. So yesterday me and Sam were on a proper mission to go to the Vivienne Westwood shop down at Conduit Street (by the time we got there it was closed.) And as we walked past LAZARIDES Gallery, quietly situated at Rathbone Place away from Oxford Street, I was immediately drawn to the large paintings of cute little fat birds, so of course we had to go in and have a look!

The current exhibition features artist Sage Vaughn Children of a Lesser God. I recommend going if you're around the area it's totally worth it (it's free too.) The exhibition runs from 6 May - 4 June 2011 open from Tuesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm.

Oh and I did get my shoes from Selfridges! All in all it was a pretty good day!

Address:

Lazarides Rathbone
11 Rathbone Place,
London
W1T 1HR and
8 Greek Street,
Soho,
W1D 4DG.

Links

Sage Vaughn's Website

Website

Facebook Page

Images taken from Lazarides Gallery website.

Can you see the rainbow from there- Japanese Earthquake/ Tsunami Artwork Donation

2011-05-07T05:08:00.000-07:00

I created three black and white drawings for "Can you see the Rainbow from there" a Japanese Earthquake/ Tsunami exhibition. You can see my profile here.

I wish I was there to see it, what a good cause.

Interview: Gabriella Barouch

2011-05-07T04:53:00.000-07:00

Ah at last it's Saturday (thank goodness...) Today I I'm going to spend some time relaxing and hanging about around London! Most likely shopping!

Anyway let's get the weekend started by introducing illustrator Gabriella Barouch. I LOVE Gabriella's work; so intricate, delicate and beautifully illustrated. Every piece has a story to tell.

Hello there! Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Gabriella and I'm a 26 old illustrator. I'm on my last year of B.DES in graphic design major in illustration in Bezalel academy of art and design. I’m a designer’s toys collector, and I especially love vinyl figures. I have a great passion for vintage toys, objects, pattern and colors. I own a lot of books, most of them are children’s books, graphic novels, and basically every book that is illustrated would fascinate me. I collect Alice in wonderland versions because it is my favorite book.

What inspires you and your work?

The ranges of elements I find inspires me is huge. I can find interest in everyday situation, Books-especially poetry and nonsense, other artist I admire, old sketches I made, music, surrealism, emotion, other cultures, toys and my room.

How do you promote yourself?

I owe a lot of the work and exposure I get as an illustrator to the internet - online portfolio is a great way to showcase your work to a large audience. More than that a lot of illustration agency and magazines open for quick submission online; so it’s really easy to send your portfolio this days. I think this accessibility is a huge advantage.

Any news you would like to share with us (e.g. projects, commissions, collaborations.)

I'm working on my final project this days, a booklet of illustrations for nonsense poems by Edward Lear.

And lastly any words of advice for the creative peeps out there?

Work hard you can always get better!

Website

ACOFI's Book Tour at Tatty Devine in Covent Garden

2011-05-06T05:59:00.000-07:00

Linky Dinks.....

ACOFI Facebook Event. Or head over to Amelia's Magazine for more detail and lovely photos of the book accompanying the post.
Amelia's Magazine Facebook page
Amelia's Magazine on Twitter. You can also follow up to date news (just by doing a search) or tweet about the event using the hash tag #ACOFI. Clever huh?
Tatty Devine's post about the event can be read here. (Oh and you need to RSVP as to which date you want to attend at admin@tattydevine.com)

See you there on the night!

Happiness.

2011-04-24T13:36:00.001-07:00

Happiness., originally uploaded by Jo Cheung illustration.

Untitled

2011-04-19T15:35:00.001-07:00

Untitled, originally uploaded by die dié.

Cos I like bears. A lot.

(Illustration is by die die via Flickr.)

Lusting over NIKEiD

2011-04-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

I have been jogging, oh yes. For someone who was unfit I've actually started because it's slightly embarrassing having to catch up with the N29 bus and being totally out of breath. I even made remarks about joggers (don't even get me started.) But having been swayed by the idea I decided to brave it out and get on with it. And I've already noticed a difference within a short space of time.

And with that all I need is to look the part.

NIKEiD is the way forward. Customise your own pair of trainers is my answer. Hell yes. (Bare in mind Adidas also do this and probably there are other sports brands which offer this but let's just stick with NIKEiD.) I don't think it's anything new but nether less the website is a total time killer. You can spend bleeding hours on it and try and come up with an original, witty statement. I want my own pair of bright pink trainers to say 'Jo Jo' (not that witty or original.)

Those clever people have blocked out rude words but there are ways to get round this. Either way I want a pair!

Sorted London- Brick Lane Exhibition

2011-04-13T01:54:00.000-07:00

Right folks the waiting is over! Here's our rather lovely flyer for our exhibition designed by me :) Me and a few people are having an exhibition at the East Gallery down at Brick Lane, probably the best place to get bagels.

The opening night is Thursday 9th June from 6.00 - 9:30pm onwards. So bring yourselves down there it's going to be a fun evening! The exhibition is running for a week from the 9 - 16th June so if you can't make it to the opening night I recommend you go down anyway.

// Website //

// Facebook //

// Twitter //

Pick Me Up

2011-04-01T03:48:00.000-07:00

Had a really good day out with some of my friends the other week, sorry for the crappy photos! I did bring along my SLR camera but was way too lazy to get it out. Unfortunately I missed out the middle section where Print Club was!

Natasha Baker

2011-03-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

Really, really love Natasha Baker's hand made approach to making images. Would love to see more work from her!

Karen Walker Sun Gods 2010

2011-03-13T07:25:00.000-07:00

Karen Walker campaign for the SUN GODS 2010 eye wear collection. Aren't they just great?! To see more go to the Karen Walker website.

Mulberry Spring Summer 2011 Campaign

2011-03-13T07:09:00.000-07:00

.....because it's all about the beautiful flowers, English rose, great big country house and lush interiors.
And the bags of course. And I want one. End of!

Check out the Mulberry website for more lovely stuff.

Inbox (12) Launch Party

2011-03-11T03:17:00.000-08:00

Inbox (12) are having a launch party to celebrate their Fanzine. It's taking place on the 19th of March at The Slaughtered Lamb pub at Clerkenwell, so make sure you put that date in your diary folks!

You can follow them on Facebook here for other news and events.

They also featured my work which you can have a little gander here!

I really like this.

2011-03-08T13:34:00.000-08:00

I just stumbled upon We Are BusyB's blog and I saw this illustration and completely fell in love with it. There's something really sweet and sad about it; everything about the image describes the changes experience of motherhood. I don't know the illustrator so that remains a mystery but I always feel a bit chuffed with myself when I find an image/artist/bag I like.

Nina Chakrabarti

2011-03-08T13:25:00.000-08:00

Another favourite illustrator of mine is Nina Chakrabarti , very beautiful and pretty line drawings. I love the simplicity of her drawings and often using different textures and shapes to contrast with the line drawings. Great stuff.

......and hope you all ate loads of pancakes, I did.

Mydeadpony

2011-03-04T09:06:00.000-08:00

So good times a million.

http://www.mydeadpony.com/

Nike Air Macropus Lite QS Mexican Blanket

2011-03-04T05:50:00.000-08:00

I want these so badly even though they're for guys.........

Good Wives and Warriors

2011-03-02T03:22:00.000-08:00

Great work from the creative duo Good Wives and Warriors (aka Becky Bolton and Louise Chappell.) I really love how their illustrations fit around installations and generally 3D mediums. Brings the work to life.

Totally unique style and jaw dropping. In other words AMAZING.

Elevated Artfair Sunday Social

2011-02-24T04:03:00.000-08:00

If you live in the London area (or close by) why not check out the Elevated ArtFair which will be running on the first Sunday of every month at Leadenhall Market. I was going to do this the year before but unfortunately my sucky major project was in the way :(

For more information contact Nick Johnston at Nick_Johnston@cityoflondon.co.uk

AllSaints SS2011: Prints and all things nice.

2011-02-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. (Will make a massive hole in my purse if I have to......) See here for new collection.

Minifanfan New Year Postcard

2011-02-12T05:48:00.000-08:00

Minifanfan sent me a Happy New postcard, how cute is it??! Anyway it's made my day as I've got a proper bad cold (sniffles.)

Mischief Champion

2011-02-10T08:11:00.000-08:00

Got a minute to spare? Head over to Mischief Champion for some rather entertaining doodles by illustrator Katrin.

I love the dog sketches of course!

Humor by Mischief Champion

And finally.......

Humor by Mischief Champion

Jazz and Draw

2011-02-06T06:28:00.000-08:00

If you love jazz, drawing, painting, doodling etc. then why not take part in Jazz and Draw. It's a great project run by Philippe Debongnie who wanted to share his passion for jazz (obviously!) and more importantly bringing together artists from different creative background. It's always fun doing online projects and it's a great way to share your work to the art community.

Illustration by Blaise Dehon

The submission guidelines for the project are as follows:

*Choose any jazz artist you'd like to illustrate.

*Send a link of your website

*And send a link to the piece of music

Easy!

More information about the project can be viewed here. All submissions must be 72dpi and roughly 600 x 400 or any size you prefer to work. Please email submissions to Philippe at philippe@jazzanddraw.com. You can become a fan of the project by visiting the Facebook group or alternatively follow Philippe on Twitter.

A belated Happy Chinese New Year!

2011-02-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

A day late but anyways happy Chinese New Year folks! Which means it's the year of the Rabbit equals I'm going to be 24 this year and the next time when it's the year of the rabbit I'll be 36...........

Yay for Friday!

2011-01-28T06:45:00.000-08:00

Woohooo it's Friday! It's been a bit of a long week... yesterday I was down in Kennington helping out with Gia London with their autumn/winter 2011/2012 look book.
To end the week this evening I'm off to Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration launch party at 123 Bethnal Green Road. For once I'm going to look a bit smart and so I bought an All Saints dress for tonight. Double yay! Looking forward to meeting everyone, swapping business cards of some sort and having a right good old time.

And the final stop for tonight is heading down to Brick Lane for a salt beef bagel (if we're completely intoxicated with beer/ Strongbow for me.......) With mustard of course!

Anyway to get to you in the mood for the weekend have a listen to Flying Lotus can't stop playing this at the moment. He is most awesome.

I'm going to get ready pretty soon because it'll take me freakin' ages...... x

Interview: Laura Carey

2011-01-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

I love artist Laura Carey's mix media approach to her work. She uses space, blocks of colours and shapes really well to form these surreal landscapes of suburban areas.

Her work reminds me of my home in Doncaster; the same kind of houses all uniform and perfect and really quiet too (which is probably why I moved to London!)

Hello! Who are you and what do you do?

My name is Laura Carey. I am an Irish artist who now lives in Sydney, Australia. I studied printmaking in Dublin and work mainly in screenprinting and mixed media combining photograph, painting, collage and digital work in a similar style to how I print. I have also stared to illustrating since coming to Sydney and meeting some great illustrators here.

What inspires you and your work?

I really love houses, I have become more and more drawn in by them along with all images of what seems like banal landscapes I think they inspire my work by because when I look at them I see so much more than just the ordinary and start to re imagine them as I want to create them.

Can you explain your creative process?

When I am printing I have a very loose creative process. I dont have a finished piece worked out. I have a basic idea and starting point and then I take alot of images ( I'm constantly collecting images) and make up as many screens as I have available so that I have alots of options that I want to work with. I just start piece bits together like a jigsaw puzzle and it just grows into what its supposed to be. I know alot of other people work out the whole image before they get to the point of printing anything but for me the process of printing is part of my creative process.

Why is that suburban areas form a major part of your work? There's something quite surreal about how you present these buildings, probably because no one is around.

I just grew up surrounded by housing estates with nothing else to see around me and I always saw that these old famous artists like Monet etc painting landscapes and thought what do I have to look at, these beautiful nature scene are not what we are surrounded by anymore. I think it was that thought that made me start to stop and look at them and then I began to see all the quirky details of each one that people give them try to put the individual stamp on them and I started to be intrigued by it all. From there I just found myself captivated by these banal images and what more there was to them. I like to think I take the banal and pick out the beautiful parts and then add to that to make my own surreal new versions somewhere in between the real image I started with and complete fiction. I never put people in my work because I want to make the buildings themselves the characters like its their portraits.

I love your prints by the way :) Do you spend a lot of time making things for your shop?

Thanks I'm so glad you like my work .All the work in my shop is based around the originals I make for exhibitions or jobs so I have just started to make some of these into small reproductions for my etsy shop. I would like to make some other item for the shop, like screen printed handmade notebooks or cards but im still working on that at the moment. I am just a maker, I spend a lot of time doing things with my hands if not new work or etsy stuff im knitting etc.

What other ways do you promote yourself? I'd love to know!

To promote myself I try to keep updating my blog, submit to online magazines like Blanket Magazine. I have several new shows coming up this year in Sydney, a group show called This little Teapot in Paper Planes Gallery on March 23rd and a solo show called Suburban Dreams in the Chrissie Cotter Gallery on April 6th. I am new to etsy so to get people to see my shop and work I have started approaching people like yourself and Pikaland etc with creative blogs who might mention my work or shop. I have joined soem teams on etsy to get involved with the community. I hope if I keep plugging away it will pay off.

Any advice for the lovely peeps out there?

Advice would be the same you just have to keep plugging away.

Laura's prints are beautiful, see for yourself by visiting her Etsy shop! And you can read her blog here.

Cuore on Etsy

2011-01-21T03:31:00.000-08:00

I really can't stop looking at Cuore's (Mika Y.) Etsy shop. I think I stumbled across her shop whilst I was looking for Christmas presents and I bookmarked it as a favourite for future reference. All of her handmade items are super sweet and fun. If you're stuck with what to get for your loved one for Valentine's Day then why not have a look at Cuore's shop for a bit of inspiration?

I love the Valentines's Day Stewart Owl Card and the dachshund felt plush (how cute?!) Ok, I like EVERYTHING in Cuore's shop!

Valentine's Day Stewart the Owl Heart Blank Polka Dots Note Card Paper Applique Felt Hearts with Envelope

Barbeque the Dachshund Weiner Dog Wool Felt Applique Plush Doll Pillow

I'd be a happy lady if I received this pug card for my birthday (*big hint.*)

Mimi the Pug Heart Birthday Blank Note Card Paper Applique Felt Heart with Envelope

To catch up with the latest news and other bits head over to Mika's blog here.

Broadcast- Trish Keenan

2011-01-20T05:37:00.000-08:00

I would like to dedicate this post to Trish Keenan, from Broadcast, who recently passed away. If you're not familiar with Broadcast I'd strongly recommend you give them a listen because they're absolutely mind blowing.

I saw them at Warp20 and they were hypnotic. Haunting, mesmerising, atmospheric and sounds from a different world.....

xx

Video from Warp.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration

2011-01-19T03:17:00.000-08:00

I've been meaning to write up about Amelia's new book it but I've been a tad busy with some small commissions and my day time job.....anyhoo I received my copy of Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration a few weeks ago as I took part in the open design briefs (a big fat woohoo!!!) Along with the book I got a selection of 12 limited edition postcards which I've framed and they're proudly sitting on our Ikea bookshelf!

The open brief was to select an ethical fashion designer so I decided to illustrate Leila Hafzi S/S 2009 Utopia Collection (lots of floaty dresses) and Ciel. I also illustrated some articles to co-inside with London Fashion Week such as Antipodium S/S 2011 and Eun Jeong S/S 2011 collection.

It's a really beautiful book featuring some amazing illustrations. What I love about the book is the variety of styles and how each illustrator has their own individual page. Below are my spreads.

I'll be going along to the launch party on Friday 28th January, I need to buy a new dress for it and I'm most likely going to pop into Selfridges and get someone to do my make up.......! Looking forward to meeting everyone who took part in it i.e. those who use Twitter, though I don't know their faces probably be one of those things where I'll recognise their username!

You can purchase the book on Amelia's Magazine website here and to get the latest news and updates on Twitter you can join in with the live conversation by adding the hash tag #ACOFI . Amelia's Magazine can be found here on Twitter @AmeliasMagazine and be a fan on Facebook by click here.

That's all folks! Hope you're all having a smashing week!

You stole my heart by Lu Green

2011-01-13T14:53:00.001-08:00

You stole my heart, originally uploaded by Lu Green.

Via Flickr. Love it!

Sale! continued

2011-01-06T08:25:00.000-08:00

1. Firework Brooch in Green £40.50 2. Cockatiel Ring £9.00

3. Future Mystic Cluster Necklace £16.50 4. Pierrot Heart Earrings £15.00

Tatty Devine are now having a half price sale, wooopeee! See their sale page for more lovely goodies. These are my favourites!

1. Lazy Oaf Rosy Bear Girl's Sweatshirt £25.00 2. Lazy Oaf Wolf Cameo Necklace £10.00

3. Lazy Oaf Crayon Oversized T-Shirt £10.00 4. Lazy Oaf Dawg Cap £8.00

Want more? Check out Lazy Oaf's sales stuff here.

1. Bright Eyes Rabbit Ring £20.80 2. Love Bites Vampire Teeth Necklace £12.00

3. Love Bites Vampire Teeth Ring £11.20 (Gold/Red and Silver/Pink) 4. Giant broken Heart Necklace £17.60 (In Gold and Silver.)

Sparkly, shiny and fun jewellery head over to Me & Zena sale section for more bargains.

1. T-Rex Necklace in Orange £5.00 (Comes in orange, green and pink.) 2. Ghost Invader in green Necklace £6.00 3. Trashy Charm Bracelet £20.00 4. Nu Rave Bear in Yellow £2.50

For more special offers head over to Junkie Lovers website.

Sale time!

2010-12-31T08:22:00.000-08:00

I've been given quite a lot of Red Envelopes over Christmas (for all those who can read Chinese it's a 紅包 according to Wikipedia) phonetically it's read out as "Lei See." The simplest explanation is that they're red envelopes usually with a gold embossed design (or Hello Kitty as my Auntie gave me one this year!!!) with money inside and traditionally it's only married couples who hand them out during Chinese New Year, birthday's, Christmases, generally any special occasion really. So I still have a few years to go until I have to hand them out.........!

Although I should be saving for something useful and sticking with my News Years Resolution I've had my eye on a few things....

1. Visage Racer Dress £136.50 2. Gasper Legging £38.50

3. Suede Zaramar Bag £112.50 4. Suede Bonny Boot £112. All from All Saints

1. Freda Shirt £68 2. La Agence Stirrup Leggings £116

3. Macrc by Marc Jacobs Wedge Ankle Boots £200

4. Balenciaga Antique Gold Studded belt £158 All from Matches Fashion

1. Sparkle & Fade Cable Hooded Sweater £25 2. Something Else Zip Sided Shorts £40

3. Pretty Tights £5 4. Brown Fur Cuff Wedge £50. All from Urban Outfitters

1. Oversized Floral Dress by TV** £90 2. Fringe Biker By Boutique £100

3. PARA- Metal Toe Caps £60 4. Metal Diamond Elastic Belt £10.00. All from TOPSHOP

New Years Resolutions 2011

2010-12-28T12:11:00.000-08:00

Since everyone's been doing it I might as well join the bandwagon and get on with mine.... and in no particular order....

To keep this blog updated with lots of interviews, reviews and other fun things over the year!
Start planning for travels for the summer and beyond! (will blog more about it later.)
Buy a nice and fancy printer, think this was already last years resolution.
Have a pet (probably NOT going to happen...)
Learn to drive because I can't keep asking for any more lifts from people. I have been saying for the past 5 years.
Be a better cook (haha!)
Make more nicer things for my shop....
...and screen print too.
I should visit my parents more.
Cut down on takeaways in relation to point 6 which totally makes sense.....
Get a tattoo because I keep on talking about it.
Stop buying clothes so excessively. Oh and shoes.
Re-do my website and get lots of nice work up.
and find an agent who will look after me.
Related to point 2 but travel around England more. Like Blackpool :)
Need to be a positive person, lately I've been a right miserable git due to traveling around London in the snow.

There's some which I can do and some, well we'll see.

Have a happy new year folks and see you all in 2011!!

Jo xx

Merry Christmas!!

2010-12-22T03:31:00.000-08:00

I've not had much time to update due to work and rushing around for Christmas presents haha. However one of my New Year's Resolution is to continue to post new and exciting things I've seen so let's hope 2011 is going to be a year full of amazingness! The blog is starting to grow slowly which is my plan anyway, although my aim for next year is to update it a bit more and to get more artist interviews/ review os exhibitions around the UK.

I'd just like to say thanks to all the followers and artists who have been featured on the blog. And if you have any news to share with me please do email me, see the Contacts page for more details.

Well that's that and I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas and New Year! Be merry, eat loads and have fun!

See you in 2011!!!

Jo xxxx