Penguins in London

As it says on the tin really! Off to London tomorrow to find some penguins for visual reference for my new project which I've neglected to say anything about yet!

http://www.silentbookcontest.com/silentbookcontest/index-eng.html

The International Illustrated Silent Book Contest - really excited to be working on this. I have a huge interest in silent picture books (obvious example being Shaun Tan's 'The Arrival') and have always wanted to dabble my feet in the field. Quite a short deadline for this...full book, completed and sent off by January so will be spending most of my time on this one really.

London will be providing the majority of my primary research and will be chiefly responsible for depleting my bank balance after I visit Forbidden Planet

Vote for my design!

Hello everyone! My entry for Threadless' Sesame Street competition has been approved, if you could give it a quick vote I'd very much appreciate it, thank you!

http://beta.threadless.com/sesamestreet/the-after-years/

Threadless Sesame Street Competition

So here was something fun!

www.threadless.com ran a little competition based on Sesame Street. The task? Create a t-shirt design featuring either Elmo, Grouch or Cookie Monster. Merchandising and t-shirt have never really been of great appeal for me, but, I fancied something different for a change, and a chance to try out a new style. The results were extremely pleasing!

I've had some great feedback from this already, and I'll be advertising my entry like crazy, so, you never know...finger crossed and all that. This could actually be my unknown calling in life!

Poignant Words

As part of illus 341, a module entitled 'Your Professional Contexts' I have been emailing artists and illustrators about their work and experiences in the industry. This was a little daunting, especially when it came to asking them to look at your own work for advice.

We were told to expect little to no response (they are after all professional working illustrators with little to no time to respond to lowly students) but, I'm pleased to report that I have been getting some feedback. I won't name anyone specifically but its surprising how receptive and supportive people are being, no matter how rich and famous they are. One in particular had these words of advice to me:

"Don't look for the experiences of others to compare with your own. There is no master, no method to follow, the way is unique and the responsibility too."

Very poignant words that struck home with me. I've always measured my life against others whether it be comparing my successes to that of my brothers or my colleagues. But in the end, the way we live should not be judged against others. We are individuals and we each should live life by our own rules and standards. I may have to put that quote up on my desk and look at it whenever I need encouragement or solace.

So right now, and feeling good about myself and my work. Which reminds me, I've got some  tshirt designs in the works for www.threadless.com as part of their 'next big tee' and 'sesame street' competitions so expect to see my entries up here soon!