The Design Files Daily

Graphic Design

Friday, July 22, 2011

Interview – Letitia Buchan (+ print giveaway!)

Illustration by Melbourne-based designer / illustrator Letitia Buchan

Illustration by Letitia Buchan

Repeat pattern design by Letitia Buchan

Prints by Letitia Buchan – similar ones available at Signed & Numbered

Letitia is a great name isn’t it!?  I think anyone called Letitia should be famous.  This particular Letitia should definitely be famous, as her life-story so far certainly sounds to me like a movie-plot, or at the very least, a best selling paperback!

Letitia Buchan grew up in Perth.  When her Mum moved to South Africa, Letitia went to boarding school.  After school, She joined her family in South Africa, working for 5 years on a tourist resort near the Kruger National Park! Then she came back to Australia (twice),  moved to Melbourne and did a design course whilst living in a backpackers!  But… she wasn’t quite ready to settle down.

SO she went travelling again, back to South Africa, then onto London…. and then to Mallorca in Spain.  During this time she held down a variety of slightly wacky jobs – including a stint on the Stargate, the royal family of Qatars’ superyacht!  As you do.

When she finally came back to Melbourne for good in 2004, Letitia decided it was time to follow her true passion for graphic design and illustration!  She re-aquainted herself with Adobe, and got to work.  And as we all know, formidable talent + sheer drive = a winning combination!  Her innate skill, determination and passion for illustration has landed Letitia an impressive client base and regular commissions – her work has been seen in The Australian, Peppermint Magazine, and I am particularly starstruck that she created hand-drawn lettering for Carman’s Muesli packaging!  Mmmmm. Carman’s Muesli.

I also especially love Letitia’s incredible hand-drawn type – her beautiful typographic prints are available to buy at Signed & Numbered!

Lucky for YOU GUYS, Letitia has sweetly offered a very special typographic print giveaway for one lucky reader!  She has generously offered a set of 7 limited edition prints, total value $480.00!   This includes the stunning ‘Love Life’ print pictured below, and 6 others from her limited edition range over here!

*UPDATE – A winner has now been drawn!  The winning comment was # 157 – congrats to Kerry P!  This giveaway is now closed.

To be in the running, simply leave a comment on this post before 10.00pm today Melbourne time!  A winner will be selected at random and contacted by email over the weekend.

Huge thanks to Letitia for her time with this interview and for the super generous giveaway!  Do pop over to her website and blog to see more of her work!

Tell me a little about your background – what path led you to what you’re doing now?

I was born with a primitive and instinctive love of all things chaos and art!

I lived & travelled abroad for 8 years after completing high school. I had some interesting employers whilst away: Terence Conran, the Royal family of Qatar and met designers such as Karim Rashid in my travels, all inspiring me in ways of their own. It wasn’t until I ended up falling into the role as a creative agent in Melbourne on my return, that I felt confident to settle down and pursue my own creative career. My first design job was menswear designer at Target Australia, having no fashion background! The same amazing Creative Director who employed me and saw potential in me then, I work with today designing prints for his agency based in London.

Where might we have seen your work?

My graphic design work can be seen in various retailers on a range of childrenswear and menswear labels & fashion websites. While my illustrations & hand type can be seen in some publications such as The Sunday Times Magazine, The Australian Magazine, the latest Peppermint Magazine…. and published in Amelias Anthology of Illustration, and the Luerzhers Archive 200 Best Illustrators Worldwide 2011/2012.  Commercial clients have included Carman’s Muesli (hand-drawn brand statement), Marcus B, Kmart, Minihaha.  Prints of my work can also be purchased from a great little gallery on Greville Street – Signed & Numbered.

This beautiful print available to buy online at Signed & Numbered. OR leave a comment today to be in the running to win this print and 6 more of Letitia’s prints!

Your work seems very varied!… you make patterns, illustrations,  hand-drawn type and even the odd collage…! Do you have a favourite type of brief?

It is the more organic illustration and hand lettering that I positively love, along with a beautiful product that may require surface or repeat patterns. Mostly I just enjoy the opportunity to work with an innovative product or client that intensifies my excitement! At the moment, my own wedding invitations are what’s keeping my mind ticking when I should be asleep! Colour palettes more specifically!

Wedding invitation created for friends by Letitia Buchan

What has been a favourite recent commission / client and why?

The Sunday Times Magazine is a loyal and wonderful client. I receive the brief, I do it overnight and there are rarely any changes. We have a trusting relationship that allows creative freedom, and always fun, whilst slightly obscure topics to illustrate.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Working from my home studio, I normally check emails in bed, wander out to grab a coffee and check the post, then back in to the studio. Work isn’t limited to 9-5, so I might get some store window/ retail inspiration, meet up with a friend, client meetings and then work at night.

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?

I am inspired by so many talented friends and family pursuing their dreams. Terence Conran, artists such as Donna Wilson,Tim Biskup, Jessica Hische… Marimekko designers..  and also I love history in design – mid century modern design, Frida Kahlo, Florence Broadhurst.. and more!

Where do you look for inspiration when first tackling a new brief? – ie books, magazines, blogs… art, travel, nature?

I have folders of collected inspiration and imagery on my desktop that I always browse through first, then depending on how much time is allocated to research I would search the net, brainstorm with pen and paper, go for a wander and absorb the things around me. Travel, and the trivial daily things in life also really do inspire me, but mostly talking to the client can create visuals in my mind of possible solutions.

Hand lettering by Letitia Buchan

What are you most proud of professionally?

Being shortlisted for an award really surprises and satisfies me professionally. I have worked so hard in the early hours of the morning dedicating myself to my work, and it is nice to see others enjoy it!

What would be your dream creative project?

Many come to mind, but I would love to collaborate with local and international brands on designing some one off prints, or a homewares range.

Illustration / branding for Marcus B

What are you looking forward to ?

Moving into our new studio in Port Melbourne, and possibly becoming a mum to a miniature daschund!

Another gorgeous illustration wedding invite by Letitia!

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

Oh so many! It ranges depending on my mood. As I am from Perth I don’t feel biased to one or the other. I love North, I love South.

Where do you shop in Melbourne for the tools of your trade?

Mostly I look for pieces of inspiration as my ‘tools’ from homewares stores up on High Street. I love Windsor, and Greville Street and surrounds (as its close to home), and Deans Art.

What and where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

A delicious breakfast bap at St Edmonds, cnr Edmond & Greville St.

‘L’automne est ici’ collage by Letitia Buchan

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

At home, with a coffee picked up from Market Lane, The Age and an insanely delicious home cooked breakfast. Or out with friends for the same!

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

It’s not a secret, but I love a ham and cheese croissant and coffee from Haus Frau – Albert Park. Also amazing, cheap, fresh Lebanese from Tiba’s on Sydney Road.

Hand drawn details by Letitia Buchan
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Graphic Design, Illustration, Interview, Uncategorized Comments (241)
Friday, June 10, 2011

Interview – Penguin Book Designer Allison Colpoys

Penguin books designed by book designer Allison Colpoys

Amazing Face by Zoe Foster, published by Penguin, designed by Allison Colpoys – out June 27th! (*random trivia – author Zoe Foster is Hamish Blake’s girlfriend)

Shack by Simon Griffiths, published by Penguin, designed by Allison Colpoys – SO BEAUTIFUL isn’t it?!  Just a few weeks ago this stunning book won Allison ‘Best Designed General Illustrated Book’ at the annual Australian Publishers Association (APA) Book Design Awards 2011.  Very well deserved!

Being a book designer is an odd thing.  It seems to be a somewhat quiet, modest… even ‘hidden’ profession.  You rarely note the name of a book designer when admiring even the most beautiful book – and yet, a cover design can make or break a book’s success!  Lets face it, a striking cover is the main reason most of us pick up a book when leisurely browsing Readings or Metropolis or Ariel or Kinokuniya… BUT how many of us could name our favourite book designer?  Well you can NOW!   It’s Allison Colpoys at Penguin!

In keeping with the ‘quiet achiever’ stereotype, Allison isn’t one to shout her achievements from the rooftops.  After only three years at Penguin, Allison already has an incredible list of awards under her belt… and yet she’s so modest I actually had to coax the list from her!   In 2009 she won ‘Young Designer of the Year’ for a body of work, and ‘Best Designed Children’s Cover’ for Something in the World Called Love by Sue Saliba at the Australian Publishers Association (APA) Book Design Awards.  In 2010 she won ‘Best Designed Reference and Scholarly Book’ for Grand Obsessions by Alasdair McGregor, and just a few weeks ago she was lucky to win ‘Best Designed General Illustrated Book’ for Shack by Simon Griffiths – a truly exquisite book which I’m sure many of you will have admired in bookshops (I have!).  Every page is just so perfectly embellished in keeping with the ‘rustic’ subject matter of the tome… truly stunning.  I can’t imagine I would have picked up a book about garden sheds otherwise!

When looking at her full body of work, it’s clear Allison loves experimenting with illustration, hand drawn type and layering of different textures and irregular patterns – yet each publication entrusted to her has been given it’s own unique treatment – none looks the same at the last.   BOLD colour and splodgy eyecatching shapes for Zoe Foster’s Amazing Face.  Subtlety, restraint and meticulous attention to detail for Brenda Walker’s memoir, Reading by Moonlight and Alasdair McGregor’s Grand Obsessions.  Any writer would be so lucky to have Allison allocated to their manuscript!

Massive thanks to Allison for her time and for sharing her beautiful body of work with us!  Huge thanks also to Arwen Summers at Penguin, who works with Allison and sang her praises so loudly I was compelled to learn more!  Thanks so much for the tip-off Arwen!  She’s not so secret anymore :)

Tell me a little about your background – what path led you to what you’re doing now?

Hello. I did a Multimedia Design degree at Monash and I absolutely loved the course – 3 years of experimenting with different mediums using all the university’s facilities – what could be better?  I particularly loved Animation and two of my elective subjects: Typography and Illustration.  After a few years freelancing in the multimedia field and a move to London, I began to miss the tactility of print. I got my lucky break when Simon & Schuster in the UK took a punt on me (I didn’t have much print experience at the time) and hired me as a cover designer. I was there for 8 months until my visa ran out.

When I moved back to Australia, I worked at Morrison Media, a magazine publisher in Queensland for a short period, which was brilliant experience as I hadn’t done much text layout for print before. That was a great advantage for when I moved back to Melbourne and had the fortune of getting my current job as a senior designer at Penguin.

A couple of covers designed by Allison before she joined the team at Penguin – Harvest Magazine, and a stunning deco-inspired cover for The Beguilings, a poetry book written by Allison’s friend Jessica Raschke.

You’ve won many awards for your beautiful work – including ‘Young Designer of the Year’ at the Australian Publishers Association Book Design Awards in 2009, after only a 18 months at Penguin. Congratulations!  Can you give us a little more info about these awards?  How are they judged, and have these awards marked a significant turning point for your career, your confidence, or both?

Book designers are very lucky in Australia because we have the generous support of the Australian Publishers Association, who organise the annual Book Design Awards. The APA select a varied group of industry professionals to judge the awards each year. ‘Young Designer of the Year’ is awarded to a designer under the age of 35 based on their body of work.  In my case, that included two young adult novels and three fiction titles. I hadn’t thought about it till now, but I think winning this award must have helped my confidence a great deal.

Something in the World Called Love by Sue Saliba – winner of ‘Best Designed Children’s Cover’ at the Australian Publishers Association (APA) Book Design Awards 2009 in Allison’s first year at Penguin.

Grand Obsessions by Alasdair McGregor – winner of ‘Best Designed Reference and Scholarly Book’ in 2010.

I am sure many book lovers would be interested to know a little more about the ‘process’ of designing a book at Penguin! Can you give us an insight into how this happens? Who briefs you, how open or tight is the brief, how long do you get to come up with initial ideas and then create the finished work?

We design both the covers and internals of the books here, and usually there’s a separate brief for each. Some can be very open and others more prescriptive. Our briefs are written by the editors and publishers. They include an outline/synopsis of what the book is about, the manuscript, some key words, what kind of market it’s aimed at, and they’ll also have some suggested cover treatment ideas. These ideas are by no means definitive, more just a guide so we can gauge what the publisher and editor are picturing, or even something to push off against.

Deadlines really vary from project to project as they themselves are so varied, and we usually have many books on the go at the same time. Also, there can sometimes be some super urgent books that get dropped in at the last minute. But if I was to hazard a guess just for covers, on a normal schedule, I would say we have a few weeks to come up with first-round concepts.

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

It could be anything from laying out the pages of an illustrated book to working up cover concepts (which a publisher or editor will then look at and provide feedback on), to creating a sample setting for a book (how the pages will look, from chapter headings to page numbers, fonts etc), working on final cover art, a bit of illustration, sketching out ideas in my note book, hassling the production department about finishes (like having a glossy, matte or uncoated cover, or foil on the author’s name), and the occasional photoshoot.

Wild Food by Juleigh Robins, published by Penguin, designed by Allison Colpoys.

What do you love most about your job?

There’s so much to love…

Creating the package to represent the end product of someone’s time, love and passion (I so admire anyone who can write, so I love this aspect of my job).

When what can sometimes be months and months of work turns into a shiny new book that lands in my in-tray.

My colleagues from the design, production, editorial and publishing departments and former Penguin art director Deb Brash.

The manuscripts.

Designing spines.

Illustration. (This is something I’m really passionate about and also something I’d like to improve on! So I love that my job occasionally gives me the opportunity to experiment and include illustration in my projects.)

Working with other creatives, such as photographers, stylists and illustrators.

Alaska by Sue Saliba, published by Penguin, designed by Allison Colpoys – out June 27th! (how beautiful that Allison added the beautiful little illustrated note with publication date especially for us!)

Which designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?

So many people inspire me, I don’t know where to start! I’ve always had a natural leaning towards quite serious artists and painters, but I think working in publishing has broadened the range of my artistic appreciation – both in the visual arts and in literature. For example, I love the dark moodiness of Morgan Allender’s work, but I now equally love the crazy and exciting world that Marc Boutavant creates in his children’s illustrations.

But I’ve gotta say, my best friend (and talented designer/art director at MOR cosmetics) Kasia Gadecki is the most inspiring person I’ve ever met.

Where do you look for inspiration when first tackling a new brief? – ie books, magazines, blogs… art, travel, nature?

The first places I look for inspiration are editorial briefs and the manuscripts themselves, but after that there’s no set place – all of the things you suggest in your question and more! Friends, family, music, fashion, markets and secondhand book stores.

What are you most proud of professionally?

I think I’m most proud of both editions of Brenda Walker’s memoir, Reading by Moonlight. I really love Brenda’s writing and admire her greatly so that could be influencing my decision here…

Brenda Walker’s memoir, Reading by Moonlight.  Published by Penguin, designed by Allison Colpoys.

What would be your dream creative project?

Designing a literary series and illustrating a children’s picture book (I’m not actually sure I’m even capable of the latter, but I’d love to give it a go one day).

What are you looking forward to?

A big book that I worked on for months and months to come back from the printers.  I’m looking forward to it, but I also feel very nervous and, to be honest, a bit ill.  I always feel anxious when I send things off to the printer – I don’t think this will ever change.

The White Woman on the Green Bicycle by Monique Roffey, published by Penguin, designed by Allison Colpoys.

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite bookshop in Melbourne to browse beautiful books?

The Paperback Bookshop.

Where was the last great meal you ate in Melbourne?

Rumi, Lygon Street Brunswick East. Amazing!

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Bleary eyed, dragging myself around Preston or Vic market to do the weekly grocery shop, cursing myself for sleeping in and not getting there just that bit earlier to avoid the crowds.

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

The Melbourne Penguin offices are located in Camberwell and I’ve been here for over 3 years now, and only discovered Collective Espresso about 10 months ago. Hands down the best coffee in Camberwell! And to think, all those wasted years…

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Graphic Design, Installation, Interview, Uncategorized Comments (50)
Friday, June 03, 2011

Interview – Heath Killen

Various fictional movie posters by Heath Killen

‘Dreamtime 79′ – another fictional film poster by Heath Killen

Re-designed CD cover – Heath Killen’s tribute to Australian jazz ensemble The Necks

LOVE THIS ONE!  Another fictional / speculative movie poster by Heath Killen

Last week I went to TEDx Sydney and sat next to the very lovely Siobhan Curran (Newcastle-based multi-tasking Mum, foodie and recent TDF guest blogger!).  She’s organising a TEDx in Newcastle in November… and we chatted about her much loved new hometown (she’s originally from Sydney).   Shamefully, I’ve never visited Newcastle myself, but I am convinced there a many great things bubbling up there, because I keep coming across all these incredibly talented creative ‘Novocastrians’.  One shining example is Newcastle-based illustrator / designer Heath Killen! (Thanks for the tip-off Siobhan!).

Just have a LOOK at Heath’s incredible body of work!  I am in awe.  Such an brilliant, vibrant and varied collection… from graphic posters to web design to iPhone apps and illustration for publishing, advertising and editorial.  He even does a bit of freelance writing!  But Mr Killen is not one to be pigeonholed.  He’s not just the film poster guy.  He’s not just the Sydney Festival website guy.   He says he’s actually keen to expand his repertoire even further - he’s got his sights set on environmental graphics, large scale design and interactive design.  WELL WHY NOT?

Heath has a fantastic website here, and a blog here.  AND predictably, like all the bestest illustrators in the land, he is represented by the Jacky Winter Group.

Please read on for an insight into Heath’s stunning work and creative influences.  In addition to being a design whizz, he is awfully articulate.  I did not  even have to correct one single spelling mistake.  Not one. Unheard of!  Thanks Heath!

Tell me a little about your background – what path led you to what you’re doing now?

My background is long and winding – but I’ve always had a strong interest in art and design.

Strangely enough my path to design really began while I was working at The Wilderness Society. Through that experience I met a group of people who were producing zines and collage art – and something about their work really switched a light on for me. I found the idea of recycling culture and self publishing extremely exciting and I quickly started producing my own work.

My ambitions quickly outweighed my technical skills – so I went searching for formal education and ended up in a Sydney art school. Design was actually a very small component of my course, but it was thing that made most sense to me.  I started freelancing at the end of my second year – and have really learnt just about everything I know now from making countless mistakes along the way!

Where might we have seen your work?

I seem to have a lot of work shared on Tumblr these days – which is lovely. Around my home town of Newcastle my work for Tantrum Theatre over the last two years is probably my most visible. Beyond that I’d say some of the work I’ve been doing with digital design studio The Nest - including my contributions to the Sydney Festival website. Oh and I helped design the Grafik relaunch issue cover.

Grafik relaunch issue cover

You are a very versatile chap aren’t you!?  You produce work for a huge range of clients including music, publishing, advertising and editorial.  ALSO, your work spans graphic design, freelance illustration and freelance writing!  How on earth does all this work.  Don’t you have a favourite?  Which are the projects that really get you out of bed in the morning?

I’m actually quite keen to start expanding into new areas! This year I’ve been doing a lot of digital work – including iPhone apps – but I’m quite eager to move into environmental graphics and other large scale design. I’m also keen to get into interactive design and data driven graphics. Ultimately I just love to explore new ideas and techniques. I tend to want to do something quite different to the last thing I did too – so if I’ve just completed a colourful, intricate illustrative piece I’m probably going to want to move onto something quite minimal and typographic.

What genuinely gets me out of bed is the prospect of meeting a new client, or being presented with a new brief. The opportunity to do something even better than the last project.  I do enjoy it when I have a new personal project too. I’ve usually got a few nebulous ideas in the  background, but it’s great when they becomes a fully formed idea that I can work on.

What has been a favourite recent commission / client and why?

I recently worked on a quick but fun branding project for the Powerhouse Museum. Great bunch of people. Seb Chan in particular is brilliant.

I really enjoyed putting together my Lost Films series a few months ago, which is a collection of hypothetical film posters for directors such as Jean Luc Godard and Dennis Hopper. Sort of an alternate history project. This was completed for Print Process, an online print shop in the UK run by Mark Blamire – also a brilliant individual.

Some of Heath’s prints for his Lost Films series, available to buy through Print Process

An ongoing project that began last year that I really love is my work for New Weird Australia. Stu Buchanan (brilliant) commissioned me to design and identity for his FBi radio show, and since then the project (and thus the work) has expanded into a full record label, tour promotions and more. Lots of fun and a great opportunity to collaborate with some amazing Australian musicians.

Quirky artwork for New Weird Australia by Heath Killen

Artwork for New Weird Australia by Heath Killen. I quite love that diamond + tennis ball +  banana combo!

I love my ongoing collaborations with Tantrum Theatre too – yet more brilliant people. I have been working with them for two seasons, and just completed the 2011 season artwork and identity earlier this year. That job provides just the right amount of fun and challenge, and I get to work on both illustration and design. It’s a rewarding job because they’re completely independent, the staff is so dedicated and they provide such a great service to the community.

Bold posters for Tantrum Theatre

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

It really varies day to day, week to week. Being a freelancer some days are just taken up with trying to hunt down new jobs. My schedule can be sporadic, and tends to bleed into nights, weekends and holidays -  but over the last six months or so I’ve been trying to separate my work and home life more, and stick to a 9-5 type schedule. Of course I’m still prone to getting ideas in the middle of the night and working on them there and then.

My process is pretty typical I suppose – starting off lots of coffee, reading blogs and Twitter, and daydreaming – but when I get into it I am very focused. I do lots of research, sketching and thinking. I tend to spend a lot of time agonising over very small and seemingly inconsequential details. Music plays a big part in my process. I always have something on in the background.

Another piece by Heath Killen for New Weird Australia

Which other designers, artists or creative people are you inspired by?

There are too many to mention. Julian House. Kim Hiorthoy. Mark Farrow. Neil Kellerhouse. Ben Drury. Isidro Ferrer. TDR. M/M Paris. Tomato. And that’s just a few names off the top of my head. Adrian Shaughnessy is a huge source of inspiration too.

I also love Australian design and illustration . I think we have an amazing industry. So many inspiring studios and people. Kate Banazi. W$YK. Racket. Zawada. The list goes on and on.

More recently I’ve been drawing inspiration from other fields. Ferran Adria’s crazy molecular gastronomy. I’ve been getting into architecture too. But mostly I’ve been focusing less on visual inspiration and drawing from ideas. Philosophy. Nature. History. Folkore. Anything unusual or interesting.
Where do you look for inspiration when first tackling a new brief – books, magazines, blogs… art, travel, nature?

All those things. Definitely. It depends on how long I have to spend on a project. Blogs are great because they’re so immediate and accessible. I tend to spend a fair bit of time in second hand bookshops, and like most designers I have a fairly stacked bookshelf. Inspiration is everywhere – a short walk down the street can provide it, even if it’s just to clear your head.

These days I try and look as deeply as possible at the information in front of me. The solution should be in the brief – but external sources can definitely help coax it out.

What are you most proud of professionally?

Simply having made it this far. It’s been a bumpy road, and I’ve threatened to throw in the towel many times – but I’m proud that I haven’t… yet!

I’m also proud of my progression. I still have a long way to go till I’m where I want to be, but I’ve come a long way from where I started.

Re-designed CD cover – Heath Killen’s tribute to Australian jazz ensemble The Necks

What would be your dream creative project?

I have many. I’d love to design a Criterion Collection set – or something similar. As I mentioned before I’d love to do some environmental graphics. I think I’d like to design a range of products of some kind too.

There are lots of clients I’d like to work for – most of them seem to be music related. If I could do a cover for an artist on a label Warp Records, Smalltown Supersound or ECM – I’d be very happy.

I’d also like to do some more work for cultural groups, environmental groups and non-profits. Anyone with a strong, positive message that deserves to be heard.

What are you looking forward to ?

Moving. And travelling.

Newcastle Questions

You live in Newcastle!  I must admit I don’t know enough about Newcastle.  Tell us your favourite Newcastle neighbourhood and why.

I don’t know if I have one. Like anywhere there are surprises to be found all over, but if I had to pick one I’d probably say Cooks Hill – where I used to live. It’s right near the city and great for a walk. Beautiful old houses and trees. Close to cafes and shops. Lots of very amusing cats around the place too.

What and where was the last great meal you ate in Newcastle?

There are a few places that I enjoy eating in Newcastle, but I have to say the very best in recent memory has been at East End Enoteca. They do a seasonal menu, and everything is always absolutely delicious. I can’t even recall everything we ate last time. Polpette. Arancini. Duck breast with brussel sporuts, hazelnuts, bacon and radicchio. Sourdough with roasted garlic and the world’s most amazing olive oil. All washed down with some Italian red wine. Lovely staff and atmosphere too.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

It’s quite possibly that I’ll still be in bed – but if I’m up I’ll most likely be having breakfast with my wife somewhere – drinking coffee, talking and watching the world go by.

Newcastle’s best kept secret?

Maybe East End Enoteca? There’s also a brilliant Asian grocer on King St. It looks so tiny and non-descript on the outside that you’d just walk past if you didn’t know it was there – but it’s massive inside and they stock just about everything you can imagine.

For me Newcastle is all about the time of day and year you go somewhere. I like to pop down to Newcastle baths at around 4 or 5 o’clock in the afternoon. Over autumn you get the most amazing panoramas. Pink skies and steely blue ocean meeting at an endless horizon.

Fictional movie poster for The Jacky Winter Group!  (It totally fooled me!)
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Graphic Design, Illustration, Interview, Newcastle, Uncategorized Comments (10)
Thursday, April 28, 2011

Marc Martin – The Curious Explorer’s Illustrated Pocket Companion to Exotic Animals A-Z + Print giveaway!

The Curious Explorer’s Illustrated Pocket Companion to Exotic Animals A-Z’ – a book and A-Z illustration project by Marc Martin

Melbourne illustrator Marc Martin is a quiet achiever.  He created this incredible collection of bold and beautiful A-Z illustrations for a very special self initiated project – a little book entitled ‘The Curious Explorer’s Illustrated Pocket Companion to Exotic Animals A-Z’.  It is TRULY so exquisite – though the book itself is rather little(!) – so if you REALLY want to admire Marc’s amazing animal illustrations, you should definitely pop over to the online shop and nab a limited edition A4 giclee print!  Beautifully printed in vibrant colours, they’re a steal (most are $50!) – and such perfect painterly pieces for any little person’s bedroom!

Marc would also love to give you opportunity to WIN one limited edition print (of your choice!) and a copy of his sweet little book!

FIRST please share the love by visiting Marc’s website and having a browse through the full collection of prints!

THEN pop back here, and leave a comment letting us know your FAVOURITE illustrated exotic animal.

A winner will be selected at random and notified by email tomorrow.  How lovely!  Thanks Marc!

I asked Marc a few questions about this beautiful little project -

What inspired you to create the ‘Curious Explorers’ book?

The idea behind the book was to do a bit of a world safari of animals. I like the ‘old world’ idea of bizarre, unknown creatures in far away lands, when people weren’t very familiar with a lot of animals and the notion of the ‘exotic’ was still new. I drew a lot of inspiration from old books on flora and fauna – Ernst Haeckel’s ‘Art forms in Nature’ is a big influence, as are my illustration heros Eric Carle, Charley Harper and Bruno Munari.

How long have you been working on this project?

The idea for this project started over a year ago when my lovely partner Skye and I were traveling overseas. I did a lot of drawings whilst we travelled, and some of those drawings (especially the drawings of Borneo and Indonesia) somehow developed into this book. The feedback from the first book I did (A Forest) was really positive, so I knew that there was an opportunity to carry that momentum through to another book.
Which is your favourite print!?

Hmm, I think the Loris is probably my favourite – I love their big eyes. I actually spend way too much time on Youtube looking at videos of them!

L is for Loris – illustration by Marc Martin

What is next for Marc Martin?

I’ve got another, larger book coming out later this year through Erm Books, which is really exciting. It will probably be more of an artist book rather than a narrative or conceptual based work, so I’m looking forward to cutting loose and doing something really amazing. That should also coincide with a show in September at Lamington Drive, so it’s going to be a busy few months leading up to that!

And for all the animal lovers, there’s also an A-Z poster due for release in a couple of months, and more animals added to my webstore.

AND, most importantly, a friend and I are teaming up to form a new studio – LANZ+MARTIN. We’ve just finished an identity for Perimeter Books in Thornbury, and we’re on the lookout for new creative clients to work with!

The Curious Explorer’s Illustrated Pocket Companion to Exotic Animals is, as the name suggests, perfectly ‘pocket-sized’ and assembled by hand, with a soft cover.  What would be AMAZING, I reckon… is for this beautiful project to be published properly, with a beautiful hard cover… and distributed to all the best book shops in the land!  Now I KNOW there are some clever publishing people reading… if Marc’s stunning work has struck a chord with you today, he would love to hear from you! That’s all I’m SAYING.

X is for X-Ray fish – illustration by Marc Martin

W is for Walrus – illustration by Marc Martin

Z is for Zebra – illustration by Marc Martin
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Ortolan for K.W. Doggett stationery + giveaway!

Beautiful writing sets by graphic design team Ortolan for K.W Doggett‘s Rives paper range.  Photos – Narelle Brewer.

JUST LOOK at these simply beautiful writing sets by graphic design team Ortolan, to promote K.W Doggett‘s Rives paper range.  I’m sure you’ll spot the painterly work of Kat Macleod, who worked alongside fellow Ortolaner Narelle Brewer to design this exquisite promo. The outcome is a modern day stationery set featuring beautiful illustrations and quirky correspondence etiquette tips.   My favourite – ‘If you want to be invited back, think ink! An email is not a thank you note’.  Gawd.  Guilty as charged.

Sadly you cannot buy these :(  They’re for promotional use only.  But excitingly today you might win one!  K.W Doggett would love to fill the mailboxes of 5 lucky TDF readers with a package of papery designy etiquettey goodness.

If you’d like to be in the running, please leave a comment on this post today Thursday March 31st, before 10.00pm Melbourne time.  The winners will be selected at random tomorrow.

Thankyou and good morning. :)

*update – thanks so much for all your entries!  5 winners have now been randomly selected – the winning comments were #60, #206, #111, #230, and #58.  Congratulations Claire, Chloe, Angelique, Hailey and Margie!

Aw the cuteness of the gift tags!

All envelopes should be yellow on the inside.  Surely.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
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Monday, March 07, 2011

My Desktop in Desktop! (+ subscription giveaway!)

My Destop, in Desktop!

This is my desktop! (Actually, it’s my dining table, which is also my desktop). It was photographed a little while ago by James Braund, and features in the brand-new re-jigged Desktop Magazine, which launched just last week!

In reality, as you can see, this image is somewhat scarily enormous – a DOUBLE PAGE SPREAD in fact, with no border at all!  Yikes! Lucky I didn’t leave anything questionable on the bookshelves…! You can check out a slightly larger version of this shot on James’ website here, but I urge you also to grab a copy of Desktop this month for the full ‘I can’t believe Lucy has that book / artwork / bad Alessi corkscrew on her bookshelf’ experience! (Anything Alessi is my boyfriend’s, for the record).

Desktop Magazine has historically been a magazine for people who work in advertising / graphic design and print media. It has been around for 25 YEARS (crazy!), but has relaunched this month with a brand new look, a much broader design focus, and a brilliant new editor who is just 26 years old! Very ‘Press Gang‘ if you ask me, especially as the man in question, Brendan McKnight, bears a striking resemblance to Spike (played by Dexter Fletcher). This can only be a good thing, don’t you think?

Jokes aside, Brendan is clearly some kind of wunderkind brainiac – the new-look mag is seriously excellent. It now seems somehow far more relevant to design enthusiasts, as well as industry professionals, and feels thorough and kind of ‘meaty’ (up from 84 to 100 pages each month!). It’s also printed on beautiful uncoated matte paper stock. Well worth a look for all lovers of design on paper – I promise!

ONE MORE REASON to re-acquaint yourself with Desktop Magazine, is that they have KINDLY offered a very generous giveaway for two lucky Design Files readers! You can win one of two 12-month subscriptions to the mag – that’s 11 issues, delivered to your door! How lovely! :) THANKYOU DESKTOP! To be in the running, please leave your comment on this post before midnight tonight, Melbourne time. This giveaway is open to Australian residents only. Two winners will be randomly drawn tomorrow, and notified by email. If you subscribe to these posts by email, please don’t respond to your email, just pop over to thedesignfiles.net and leave your comment there! Thankyou!

*Psst – There is an excellent interview with Brendan McKnight over here on the fantastic Junior – Life at the Bottom blog. (FAB local blog you should definitely bookmark if you are an advertising / graphic design student / junior / wannabe).

*UPDATE – thanks so much for all your fabulous comment!  The winners have now been drawn – comments #215 and #186 were randomly selected.  Congratulations Katie and Ruth, hope you enjoy the mag!

Pages from the current issue of Desktop… LOVE those beautiful graphic posters in the ‘Edits by Edits’ feature!

The current issue! Go grab a copy!
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Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
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