A house warming card inspired by the houses of Richmond (welcome to your new home Philippa & Cutie)!

Scuba gear pattern inspired by Equipment from the 60s and 70s. Brands such as Cressi have a rich history in such product and have invented some iconic items throughout their 70 year history. And were one of my sources for researching this piece.

The Association of Illustrators recently joined forces with London Transport Museum to run a competition about cycling as an emerging form of transport in London.

“Whoever you are and wherever you look a revolution is taking place. Cycling is quickly becoming a part of the fabric of everyday life in London. During Summer 2010, Transport for London will will join the revolution with the launch of its Cycle Superhighways and Cycle Hire Schemes as well as a host of other initiatives to improve cycle safety and security. In conjunction with these programmes, London Transport Museum and the Association of Illustrators are delighted to announce a call for illustrations featuring cycling as an emerging mode of transport in London.

Students and professionals are invited to submit entries that demonstrate the environmental, health and/or recreational benefits of cycling. It is the task of entrants to create an illustration that shows cycling as a fun and efficient way to get around the city.”

Source: www.theaoi.com

I looked at a few solutions in regards to the brief but kept returning to the word revolution. The connotation of circular movement is linked with so many elements on a bicycle. I also imagined the idea of cyclists reclaiming the streets from a sort of tyranny imposed by motorised transport .

The Cycle Superhighways will create their own map of destinations across the city, and I though it was interesting how the cycle sign sat well as an interchange on our existing underground map.

Results are announced 31 May so fingers crossed!

This week my studio has been transformed into a print room as I turn my hand to a skill I lasted used at art school some 16 years ago.

I wanted to create an image that would be relevant as a Christmas card but also to stand up on its own as a print.

The first stage was to sketch out the image and then refine it to something that would be workable on the lino that I would be using to create a printing block.

This image was then in turn, transferred onto the lino ready for cutting.

My cat Iha was happy to oversee my progress.

Then the printing began. I rolled the mixed ink onto the lino with a rubber brayer, carefully placed the card or paper onto the lino, covered and applied pressure with a baren. Normally you would use a large printing press that acts just like a mangle, squeezing the paper against the lino but the baren is cheaper, saves space and keeps your arms in shape!

Once the first run was complete, I cut into the lino more, repeating the rest of the process for the second colour.

And there we have it, hung out to dry! The prints and cards will soon be available to buy online but in the meantime if you are interested in picking one (or some!) up, send me an email, I’d love to hear from you!

As well as design, music is my passion. My latest project combines the two, designing this flyer for I night I will be playing at in November.

Al Mackenzie has been busily recording his new album “In Memory Of…” for D:ream who reformed last year.

The iconic image of Gregory Peck seemed both iconic and perfect for the ‘black sheep’ concept I was after.

Despite all the postal strike problems, my new business cards finally arrived today. Hopefully these should add some colour to meeting clients!

If you want an illustration of yourself, please do contact me.

Following on from my Puma Pile illustration back in July, I also created this gift wrap to accompany it. I am currently experimenting with various stocks with the view of releasing some designs for sale.

Check my next post to see the vector art closer up.

A while ago, I created Puma Pile illustration, a collection of Puma mid-tops piled one upon the other in glorious Cyan, Magenta, Yellow & Black.

With this weeks Illustration Friday topic being pattern, it was a no-brainer to submit the development of this original illustration into a gift wrap concept. You can see how the wrapping  paper turned out on my previous post.

It’s my birthday in September and I was lucky to receive cards and gifts from my friends and family.  This was just something I sent them to say thanks.