The second of two flyers for a student union bar up north. This guy was actually based on a friend-of-a-friend who seemed to fit the student stereotype look perfectly. However, I don't think he knows he's been immortalised in advertisement form yet...
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Bar flyer 1 of 2
Funnily enough, this was done for the same student bar that wanted the food images below...thankfully, they also requested these flyer designs have student-based characters in them, and having just been at uni for three years I had plenty of reference!
Food!
This remains my oddest commission to date - doing eleven drawings of foodstuffs based around a menu at a student union bar in the north of England. Whether or not I'll get anything wierder than this in the near future is anyone's guess!
Army Of Freshmen
A gig poster for an American pop-punk band, as requested by my old local music venue at Swindon where I studied at uni. This took a relatively short amount of time to do seeing as the characters are supposed to be college students, so it wasn't really a stretch of the imagination to picture what an army of them would look like...
Lipstick Revolution
A t-shirt design for a local electro-punk band...I was given a brief that indicated a preferred Eighties approach, so I just went all-out on the style and colours and had enormous amounts of fun doing it!
Lost In Sound
I've been using pen, ink and Photoshop for a fair while now, so understandably the prospect of picking up my brushes and acrylics for a canvas piece was more than a little daunting - that said, I did end up enjoying it, and I'm planning on doing more in the future. So watch this space...
Dash Render
Although the band never materialised in the end, I'm still happy to have grabbed this opportunity for a spot typography-based design...I went for a cheesy retro glam look, and considering I haven't had a bash at doing this properly before it didn't go quite as appallingly as I thought it might!
Wind Power
The third and final of a set of novel illustrations for an exhibit in August. I wanted to explore the artworks of children's books, so I picked one of my favourite stories from when I was a kid - Roald Dahl's 'James And The Giant Peach'. This was a joy to draw and colour, if a bit wierd after the detail of the previous two pieces, but it's ended up being my favourite of the three.
The Secret Garden
The second of three novel illustrations for a gallery showing a few months back, and this time, I explored the visual potential of Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'The Secret Garden'. The leaves were a bit of the pain, and referencing what I could from grainy turn-of-the-century photos proved a slight challenge, but generally speaking I was loving the opportunity to indulge in a bit of extra detail!
Nemo's in for it now...
One of three example illustrations for famous novels, produced for a gallery exhibition in the summer - this one being for Jules Verne's '20,000 Leagues Under The Sea'. From doing this, I have come to the following conclusion: squid tentacles are a NIGHTMARE to draw...
Thursday, 21 August 2008
Science Of Sleep
The fifth of a bunch of posters for a final year project. My housemate introduced me to this film earlier this year, and I thought it was brilliant! The poster design was based on the bedroom of one of the characters, who was clearly a massive hoarder and provided ample inspiration for someone who loves detail like myself!
Seriously though, buy this film. Or rent it if you can't afford to buy it. If you liked Eternal Sunshine, you'll think this is awesome.
Seriously though, buy this film. Or rent it if you can't afford to buy it. If you liked Eternal Sunshine, you'll think this is awesome.
Type Museum
The fourth of a bunch of posters for a final year project. One of the things I've really wanted to try out over the last year was typorgraphy, and this gave me the perfect opportunity...I wanted to keep a purely hand-drawn aesthetic with the poster, so I ended up having to copy the text by eye from my computer screen to my sketchpad.
Which was a total pain in the ass, but I got there in the end!
Which was a total pain in the ass, but I got there in the end!
The Tempest
The third of a bunch of posters for a final year project. I wanted to do something from classical literature, and after much deliberation and inability to think of anything, my housemate suggested this! This is one of two posters where I used a proper brush instead of PITT brush pens, so you can understand how much I was tearing my hair out doing this...
Alex And The Ra's
The second of a bunch of posters for a final year project. This is actually a friend of mine, who follishly agreed to be immortalised forever in poster form - so I stuck her in a massive lilac dress! Who wouldn't?
This was based on one of her songs, called 'Rennaissance' (hope I spelled that right), which I selected because it gave me the chance to experiment with pattern and practice my 'flowing gown effect' abilities...
This was based on one of her songs, called 'Rennaissance' (hope I spelled that right), which I selected because it gave me the chance to experiment with pattern and practice my 'flowing gown effect' abilities...
All Families Are Psychotic
The first of a bunch of posters for a final year project. This was based around the idea of book promotion, so I chose Douglas Coupland's 'All Families Are Psychotic' and this was an idea that popped into my head almost instantly.
This was also a good chance to experiment with colour and atmospherics, i.e. the neon signs, the sunset, the hazy landscape in the background, etc.
This was also a good chance to experiment with colour and atmospherics, i.e. the neon signs, the sunset, the hazy landscape in the background, etc.
Sticker Design
Also part of the series of self-promotional stuff for my final show...based on one of the posters in my second final year project, I chose it simply because I liked how the typewriter came out the first time round, plus it gave me a chance to mess around with typography again :)
Promotional Postcard Design 4
The fourth of a series of self-promotional aids, and the second one based on a graphic novel project I undertook in my final year...
This is probably my favourite out of all the postcards. I love detail, people and urban landscapes, and this one combined the three! Perfect.
This is probably my favourite out of all the postcards. I love detail, people and urban landscapes, and this one combined the three! Perfect.
Promotional Postcard Design 3
The third of a series of self-promotional aids...based on one of the gig posters I created for a venue in Swindon earlier in the year (which also went on to be a part of one of my projects).
I was a little rusty doing this as I hadn't drawn children for almost a year at the time, so it took a bit of practice to get it right!
I was a little rusty doing this as I hadn't drawn children for almost a year at the time, so it took a bit of practice to get it right!
Promotional Postcard Design 2
The second of a series of self-promotional aids...this was based on one of the posters I created for another project in my final year, which I chose because I enjoyed the detail...
Promotional Postcard Design 1
The first of a series of self-promotional aids - initially printed for my final show at uni, with whatever was left then used for an exhibition in london...
I based this on a design on the inside covers of this graphic novel I created as one of my projects (which I'll post a few pages of at some point in the near future).
I based this on a design on the inside covers of this graphic novel I created as one of my projects (which I'll post a few pages of at some point in the near future).
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
Outcry Collective II
It's been a while since I had to draw a child, so this was a challenge in itself - but the fact I had to draw riot gear, which I had never done before, AND make it proportionate to the kid made it an absolute nightmare! I'm not even sure if I got it right even now, but onto the blog it goes...
It's what the guy wanted!
Skulls? Check. Heart? Check. Sideswept hair? Check. Yes, it was only a matter of time I put up something like this hoody design. But if you were to cast your eye onto the boy-wonder that is Kane, you'd understand!
Don't go on first impressions though - once you get past the fountain of black hair and jeans that should by all right be cutting off the circulation to his legs, he's a lovely guy :P
Don't go on first impressions though - once you get past the fountain of black hair and jeans that should by all right be cutting off the circulation to his legs, he's a lovely guy :P
Best Friends Forever!
If you knew my friend Charlotte, then one of the things you'd find out almost straight away is her unashamed infatuation with a certain brand of orange juice and hazelnut spread. That and she has an enormous seaside scene made of wrapping paper, tissue and foil. Yes indeed.
This is an apology drawing, for being terrible at keeping in contact for about a month. That's just how much of a dedicated and loving friend I am.
Ahem.
This is an apology drawing, for being terrible at keeping in contact for about a month. That's just how much of a dedicated and loving friend I am.
Ahem.
Optimus Kong
Funnily enough, my parents had just finished watching Transformers on DVD when I came up with the idea. Don't ask me where the oh-so clever notion of replacing a certain giant ape with Optimus Prime came from though.
All I'll say is it's best thing that popped into my mind at the time, considering it was about midnight....
All I'll say is it's best thing that popped into my mind at the time, considering it was about midnight....
Sunday, 3 February 2008
Catgash
One of the guys I know from my village has this awesome music thing called Catgash...it's basically just mash-ups of contrasting songs, but they're really good! Especially considering he's several years younger than me (17).
I listened to his songs and knew I had to do this for him pretty much straight away. He didn't even know about this until I sent the poster to him...
I listened to his songs and knew I had to do this for him pretty much straight away. He didn't even know about this until I sent the poster to him...
Outcry Collective Poster
Most of you will probably be thinking by now, "Man, this guy can draw alright, but can he draw GORE?"
And the answer is....well, kinda.
The idea of someone scraping their fingernails down a concrete wall still gives me the chills, so imagine what I was like when I was inking and the darn thing!
And the answer is....well, kinda.
The idea of someone scraping their fingernails down a concrete wall still gives me the chills, so imagine what I was like when I was inking and the darn thing!
Love Rockets Poster
Of all the posters I've done up until this one, and since then, this is my favourite by a long shot. Don't ask me why, chances are the only answer you'd get are "because I like the colours" or something like that. I dunno...I just think everything turned out how I wanted it to, which really doesn't happen as often as I'd like!
Fourth Colon/Bobkins "Double Header" (fictional)
Out of the whole uni project (I had to create two made-up bands and promote them, Fourth Colon being a metal band, Bobkins being Indie/Alternative), this is the part I enjoyed the most. By far. Despite the fact I stayed up for an ENTIRE NIGHT scanning it then colouring the damn thing.
That's what I get for having it A2-sized. And using an A4 scanner to load it onto the computer in tiny sections...
That's what I get for having it A2-sized. And using an A4 scanner to load it onto the computer in tiny sections...
Quickie #3
The third, and last, entry from a short-lived illustration battle between my housemate Joe and I.
I'm sure most of you have been in this situation. More likely so if you are male and have already gone through puberty. You know the thing, you're walking through town minding your own business, then BAM! Surprise erection!
No? Just me? Okay then.
I'm sure most of you have been in this situation. More likely so if you are male and have already gone through puberty. You know the thing, you're walking through town minding your own business, then BAM! Surprise erection!
No? Just me? Okay then.
Veer Luth Poster
This is possibly the only politically-based poster or piece of work you'll see from me in a while. It's based on the goings on at Tiannamen Square in China back in the 80's, when a student protested by standing in front of a squad of tanks during some riots. Or something like that. You've probably seen the photo anyway...
...and why I drew a guy in China holding a Tesco is totally beyond me.
...and why I drew a guy in China holding a Tesco is totally beyond me.
Liddington Poster
It's a shame I couldn't spend longer on this poster - I literally got asked to do it on an evening, so this what happens when I panic!
I've had a fair few positive comments on this, despite it being one of the quickest posters I've done...no idea why. Fluke? Yes, definitely a fluke.
I've had a fair few positive comments on this, despite it being one of the quickest posters I've done...no idea why. Fluke? Yes, definitely a fluke.
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Knights Of The Abyss poster
Whoop! Another one of my favourite posters! The colouring was a bit of a gamble - the idea of having purple as the dominant colour would normally send shudders down my spine, but I genuinely like the outcome! Bit of a surprise, considering I'm usually my own worst critic.
So you know, I got the idea from a Rugrats episode when Tommy Pickles ventures into the basement, naturally dragging Chuckie along with him.
Classic.
So you know, I got the idea from a Rugrats episode when Tommy Pickles ventures into the basement, naturally dragging Chuckie along with him.
Classic.
Quickie #2
You know that illustration contest between me and my housemate? The one I said lasted three days? No?
Anyway, uh...this is the second one.
Nothing much to it really, I wouldn't bother trying to 'look into' it for any kinds of hidden subliminal messages or meanings, because there aren't any. I'm just that much of an idiot.
And how robots go about drinking tea is anyones guess...
Anyway, uh...this is the second one.
Nothing much to it really, I wouldn't bother trying to 'look into' it for any kinds of hidden subliminal messages or meanings, because there aren't any. I'm just that much of an idiot.
And how robots go about drinking tea is anyones guess...
Jon Trowbridge poster
Poster for a band from Swindon (where I go to uni). To be honest, I have NO idea why I chose the Soviet look. No idea at all. I mean, It's not like I'm pro-communist or anything - guess I just wanted to do portraits of the band themselves and that's the first thing I thought of...
Those portraits were a bugger to do by the way.
Oh and see that building in the background? It's Swindon's famous Brunel Tower! You've heard of it, right?
Those portraits were a bugger to do by the way.
Oh and see that building in the background? It's Swindon's famous Brunel Tower! You've heard of it, right?
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Oh Pee Em
Hey, remember this band? They did that song about skating and heaven about seven years ago? You know, the one that went 'At least in heaven I can sk......oh never mind. Well, I did the poster for them anyway.
Many would be embarrassed by this - but it's a very proud moment of my life, and one that I will cherish forever.
Cough.
Many would be embarrassed by this - but it's a very proud moment of my life, and one that I will cherish forever.
Cough.
Quickie #1
We've all been there, right?
This was part of a daily illustration contest-thing between my housemate Joe and myself, which lasted about three days before we got bored.
TRIVIA TIME:
The main character in this underwent a few modifications before also becoming the main character in a graphic novel im currently writing. Tell that to all your friends, I'm sure they'll be impressed.
This was part of a daily illustration contest-thing between my housemate Joe and myself, which lasted about three days before we got bored.
TRIVIA TIME:
The main character in this underwent a few modifications before also becoming the main character in a graphic novel im currently writing. Tell that to all your friends, I'm sure they'll be impressed.
Fourth Colon
Remember that fictional band I said I had to make up for a project? Well, I had to make up another one too - in this case I ventured into the world of metal, and produced a poster for a fake gig in London.
This was done at about 4am, a mere few hours before the deadline of the first portion of said project. I drank so much coffee that morning...
This was done at about 4am, a mere few hours before the deadline of the first portion of said project. I drank so much coffee that morning...
Two Sick Monkeys
I think these guys were a local punk band or something. Something to do with punk.
I normally put a fair bit of detail in my work, so it was nice to be able to just do something simple, colourful and cartoony...which seems to echo the Zebrahead poster a fair bit.
Bonus points for knowing where I referenced the hungover monkeys from...
I normally put a fair bit of detail in my work, so it was nice to be able to just do something simple, colourful and cartoony...which seems to echo the Zebrahead poster a fair bit.
Bonus points for knowing where I referenced the hungover monkeys from...
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
My first Photoshop™
Well, my first attempt at proper colouring at least.
There's not really much I can say about this...I was bored one lunchtime and decided to draw some guy. Who is dancing.
It's not perfect, but hey - baby steps...
There's not really much I can say about this...I was bored one lunchtime and decided to draw some guy. Who is dancing.
It's not perfect, but hey - baby steps...
Hung like a...
I pretty much thought of this design as soon as I heard I was to do a poster for the headline act. Not that I condone bestiality in any way, mind you...
I distinctly remember chuckling to myself and having a childish grin on my face whilst drawing this.
I distinctly remember chuckling to myself and having a childish grin on my face whilst drawing this.
Ladybirds: Silent But Deadly
As part of yet another uni project last year, we had to produce an illustrated 'cautionary tale' of our own choice...my tale of caution was about ladybirds, and how they have little bits of evil hidden deep inside each and every one of them.
In this case their anger has been roused by kids seemingly out to just look for them, when in reality they have darker intentions. Vengeful little sods.
It's yet be proven whether this is true or not. I can only pray that I'm wrong...
In this case their anger has been roused by kids seemingly out to just look for them, when in reality they have darker intentions. Vengeful little sods.
It's yet be proven whether this is true or not. I can only pray that I'm wrong...
Monday, 28 January 2008
Figments of the imagination
Before you go out to HMV or look an Amazon or the suchlike - this band is entirely fictional...but at least there's a genuine reason behind this.
Honest!
I had to make the CD artwork for a fake band for a uni project last year - so after asking numerous favours and arse-kissing a selection of people I knew, this little bundle of joy is the result! Well worth the lingering taste in my mouth.
The name of the album and all the pseudonyms of the members come from the often absurd titles of the junk mail in my housemate James's (a.k.a. Barney Tears) email inbox. Fact.
Honest!
I had to make the CD artwork for a fake band for a uni project last year - so after asking numerous favours and arse-kissing a selection of people I knew, this little bundle of joy is the result! Well worth the lingering taste in my mouth.
The name of the album and all the pseudonyms of the members come from the often absurd titles of the junk mail in my housemate James's (a.k.a. Barney Tears) email inbox. Fact.
T-shirt design (unused)
I got asked to do this a while back by a friend of my housemate's for his band - but this was almost a year ago and I hadn't heard back since, so I assumed it wasn't going to be used.
To be fair, I didn't really like this either at the time - but I've kinda taken a shine to it of late!
To be fair, I didn't really like this either at the time - but I've kinda taken a shine to it of late!
The first of many
My first ever venture into the wide world of gig posters - it should be noted that when it says 'April 7th' it's referring to 'April 7th 2007'. Plus the headline band doesn't even exist anymore, so you may have a hard time finding tickets...
The holiday from hell
This is kinda old, but also the result of a topic of conversation between a few uni friends and myself on films that haven't been made yet, but should be...
Bet you never thought of this eh, Romero?
Bet you never thought of this eh, Romero?
Alexandra McFamous - The Book
First off, hi everyone! This is my first post so I have no idea what I'm supposed to really say or do (my housemate helped me out). However, I CAN say - with a certain degree of confidence - that once I learn the ropes I'll be posting new stuff up on a fairly frequent basis...
For now though, you may gaze upon this picture. It started as a web conversation between me and my (Canadian) friend, about how she deserved to get a book written about or at least based on her.
She really doesn't, I was just being polite. But I did this anyway and it's turned into a potential future project...
For now though, you may gaze upon this picture. It started as a web conversation between me and my (Canadian) friend, about how she deserved to get a book written about or at least based on her.
She really doesn't, I was just being polite. But I did this anyway and it's turned into a potential future project...
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