Hello blog!

   Ive had so much good news recently! Last week I received an email from the Press and New Media Manager of 'Nineteen Seventy Three' just to say that the Marketing Director was really impressed with the pheasant I made for them. He wants to use it on their website and brochure and is also sending me a gift box of 1973 products. For some reason it made me really happy, that someone had gone out of their way to say they liked my work. You hear so much about being unappreciated and 'don't work for free', it was lovely to have some nice feedback. It also means I can make more birds!

    Then a few days later I got news that my design had been chosen for the 2012 Cambridge Folk Festival! So bloody happy. I'm not sure if I should take it offline... but I'll leave it up for the time being.

    Started my new job in the Library today. Had such a great day! Everyone I met was so so lovely and friendly. Can't wait to go back tomorrow. Ive already got my mug in the staff tea room ;D

Best put some illustration in here somewhere... 

Mark Hearld, your work is amazing

As is yours Owen Gatley!

Gocco Printing Press

Finally had a chance to try out my new Gocco printing press! 

Love it so so much. I asked for it for Christmas and didn't actually think i'd get one.
Its basically a small compact Japanese printing press, originally made as a toy. They stopped making them awhile back and now have to be imported from Japan.

Made this silly pattern just to see how it prints. I think it would make quite a nice wrapping paper or fabric design.

Some of the details were lost, but I don't mind 

haha check out this video tutorial I found..

Next step is a 2 colour print.. or maybe 'Rainbow effect' haha

My first prints!

Paperdermy Pheasant

I was recently asked by Nineteen Seventy Three to make something creative from a selection of their papers. This is what I came up with!

I'll post the link once its up.

I really loved making him. I think I might have to make some more.. maybe a female pheasant all in one colour. Or a fox if im feeling adventurous...

"This friendly chappy has only ever been sighted once in the wild. Unfortunately his bright feathers made him an easy target for predators and he is now said to be just a creature of folklore"

Ssshnow

This isn't entirely art related but I'm pretty happy about it so its getting a post..

Ive just received an unconditional offer for a Library Assistant job!

I can remember Pikaland posting this article about life as an Illustrator and the need for a part-time job. It was reassuring to hear that im not alone!

Its a university library and I'm pretty excited. Theres loads of amazing books, journals, e-books, DVDs etcetcetc and maybe if I'm lucky (and sneaky) I can worm my way into the print rooms..

So mild mannered librarian by day.. mad illustrating taxidermist by night it is!

Currently working on this guy...

Aaand listening to...

A new illustration for the Cambridge Folk Festival design competition. 

 Took the opportunity to use a limited 3 colour palette again. I wanted it to look earthy and almost like woodgrain but not be too cliche.. It was really tempting to make something full of guitars, trees and bikes.
The idea was also to make it look slightly like little blocks of wood cuts..

(..and the roosters in there just 'cause I love chickens)