The Design Files Daily

Illustration

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, July 08, 2011

Interview – Illustrator & Cartoonist Oslo Davis

Cartoon for The Age by Oslo Davis
Illustrations for Melbourne’s favourite Indie bookseller Readings, by Oslo Davis

Sneezy people by Oslo Davis

Illustrations for the M Mag in the Sunday Age, by Oslo Davis

Ha ha!  Cartoon for The Age by Oslo Davis

Illustration doesn’t really get more MELBOURNE than Oslo Davis*.   Oslo’s quirky cartoons and overheard musings grace the pages of The Age every single week, (more than once!), so even if you’ve never heard his name, if you live in Melbourne, chances are you’ve probably chuckled at one of Oslo’s jokes or observations.  Alternatively, perhaps you’ve spotted his familiar sketchy characters on a Readings shopping bag, or in Meanjin, or or some other unmistakeably Melbourne-centric independent business?

Having SAID all that, you really SHOULD know Oslo by name because a) how many people are called Oslo? – and b) he has been interviewed a bazillion times by so many people and publications (here, here and many more!).

Oslo’s work is so freaking understated, it’s amazing how much he is able to communicate with a simple facial expression and one caption.  It seems that what is edited out of an Oslo illo is just as important as what is left in.  It’s also interesting to hear that given the chance, Oslo would go back and change almost every single drawing he’s ever done!   In today’s interview it’s really incredible to gain an understanding of just how much thought and revision (and regret!) goes into each seemingly simple cartoon!

When he’s not beating himself up about a clumsy caption or the angle of an eyebrow, Oslo is eavesdropping.  In actual fact, his real gift isn’t in the drawing at all – it’s his unique ability to recognise and tease out the most mundane yet hilarious moments of comedy in everyday life.  Irritating kids, nagging wives, gas-bagging mobile phone users, cricket-obsessed husbands – it all makes for perfect Oslo ammunation.  After all, Davis says ‘people come out with some pretty amazing crap.’  SO next time you’re on a tram, or in a shopping centre, or at the library, just WATCH OUT, Oslo has ears everywhere.  Don’t say anything stupid!

Oslo draws cartoons for Meanjin, The Age, The Big Issue, amongst many many others.  He has published a couple of excellent graphic books.  His work has also appeared in The New York Times!  Oslo has an old website here and a really cool new one here, and he’s represented by the Jacky Winter Group. HUGE THANKS for his time with this interview!

(*Although he is technically from Tasmania).

Tell me a little about your background – did you always want to be an illustrator / cartoonist? what path led you to what you’re doing now?

Jesus led me to drawing … Only joking! In my twenties I wanted to be a cartoonist and so I worked hard at being one. Now I am one. Easy! I haven’t studied drawing or art. Maybe I should? Must be expensive …

As a teenage boy I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the Airforce. Somehow things changed over the years and I went to the University of Tasmania to study Shakespearean acting, as you do. I was in a few plays including Twelfth Night and Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie in which I played Tom. After realising I was shit at acting I became a high school English teacher, then I worked overseas as an aid worker. Later I became the Cultural Relations Manager at the Australian Embassy in Hanoi. Now I draw cartoons. Go figure!

Where might we have seen your work?

My main gig these days is doing three gag cartoons a week for the back page of The Age, and doing Overheard, a reality cartoon about eavesdropping in M Magazine in the Sunday Age.  Meanjin have been publishing my drawings for the last few years and I’ve done some work for the New York Times and random magazines overseas. I did a bunch a drawings for Readings Bookshop last year including some for their totes. Not so long ago I was addicted to contributing to magazines and journals. I managed to draw a tonne of very satisfying work for Tango, Is Not Magazine, Sleepers, Going Down Swinging, Torpedo and The Big Issue.

‘Overheard’ – Oslo’s hilarious cartoon about eavesdropping, in the M Magazine every weekend

Oslo’s New York Times illustration!

Being a cartoonist is a kind of double-whammy because you need to have a funny idea AND you then need to be able to draw it. That is a lot harder than just illustrating someone else’s idea. How do you come up with and record all your cartoon ideas? Do you ever struggle for ideas? Do you ever think something is hilarious and look at it the next day and go ‘what was I thinking that is not even 1% funny?’

I’d go back and change almost every single drawing I’ve ever done if I had the chance. Change a comma in a caption, an eyebrow on a child’s questioning face, or the way a shadow falls across a lady’s wig. Maybe just rip the wig right off! Less than ten drawings, I estimate, out of the thousands I’ve done over the years, would remain untouched. I’m deeply dissatisfied with much of my work.

I can draw, but I can’t draw draw, if you know what I mean. I can hold a pen and move it about a page, put it that way, but that’s about it. Still, doing drawings is infinitely easier than coming up with ideas. The ideas part is tricky. And when I say ‘tricky’ I mean ‘liable to crucify you’. I wouldn’t be a gag cartoonist if I haven’t stared into the pit of hell and seen my own decrepit, creatively-ravaged soul.

Having said that, drawing can still be a big bowl of fun, and coming up with ideas is a fun game of cat and mouse: basically drawing’s all crockery and animals!

What has been a favourite cartoon you’ve made in recent years?

Earlier this year someone suggested I draw a cartoon for the Age about a little-known American singer-songwriter called Justin Bieber (I had to Google him). Without too much mucking about I came up with this one:

Justin Bieber grows a beard!

What does a typical day at work involve for you?

Oh, you know, the usual: wake, eat, muck about, read, surf the net, shower, draw, make some calls, write some emails. Repeat, with the order shuffled around a bit. It’s a good day if I don’t have to communicate using my voice.

Oslo’s workspace at home in Footscray

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

Lots. Both the late Saul Stienberg and Charles Addams. Barry Blitt and Bruce Eric Kaplan are great. As is Ben Katchor and Roz Chast. And William Steig and Istvan Banyai and Glen Baxter and George Booth and Jean-Jacques Sempe and Christoph Niemann. In Australia I like Bruce Petty and Michael Leunig and Mandy Ord, amongst others. Outside of the drawing world I like photographers Nobuyoshi Araki, Mitch Epstein and William Eggleston, and writers Jack Handey, Kurt Vonnegut and Flann O’Brien, to name just three.

What would be your dream creative project?

In many way my back page cartoon in the Age is as good as it gets: relative freedom and a chance to experiment. Not to mention a good chance to inflict the world with my humour.

But coming up with ideas for jokes that thousands of people see, and judge me on, every day, has meant my nerves are shot to buggery. So the best projects are when there’s no deadline, no client or editor, no audience, no rules. (I’d be a graffiti artist if it wasn’t for the unreasonable working hours and the cargo shorts.) I did a Creative Fellowship at the State Library of Victoria last year and for three months I just drew. Drew people, the chairs, walls, books, computers – you name it. Filled up a bunch of sketchbooks, I did. There’s a high possibility that later this year I will exhibit it all at Perimeter Books in Thornbury.

Drawings from the State Library of Victoria

What are you looking forward to ?

A holiday. Also a secret project I’m working on for the Melbourne Writers Festival in August. I can’t give away too much except to say I’m editing a collection of cartoons featuring some of my heros and heroines. Stay tuned …

Melbourne Questions

Your favourite Melbourne neighbourhood and why?

This is boring but I really like walking around all the tall buildings in the CBD. I grew up in a small town in Tasmania so Melbourne’s skyscrapers and canyons impress me. I take a lot of photos of people for Overheard and to use as source images for drawings. I like to see the worker bees in suits and think how weird it is that people still wear neck ties and high heels and cufflinks and spend millions or dollars on haircuts and makeup.

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

West Art Supplies in Barkley Street Footscray. They are surprisingly well stocked for a Mom and Pop enterprise. I also import boxes of stationary from Japan, including my watercolours and nice brush-type pens.

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

Dosa Hut in West Footscray has a goat biryani that can be good, if they don’t add too much chilli, which they often do, so I wouldn’t recommended it.

Where would we find you on a typical Saturday morning?

Taking my gorgeous five y.o. daughter to jazz ballet class in Seddon, then up to Tottenham station to pull some cones. (Another joke – sorry mum!)

Melbourne’s best kept secret?

There’s a cafe in the Atrium in Fed Square that has copies of the New York Times you can steal …

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Illustration, Interview Comments (10)
Thursday, June 30, 2011

The Australian Ballet v Kat Macleod T-shirt

Kat Macleod and Ortolan have designed this limited edition T-shirt in conjunction with The Australian Ballet

You know I have a little soft spot in my heart for The Australian Ballet.  And then of course I also have a well documented soft spot (read ‘girl crush’) on the supremely talented and ridiculously lovely illustrator / designer Kat Macleod.

SO when this recent Ballet v Fashion collaboration popped into my inbox on Monday it really was a match made in TDF heaven. :)

Kat and her clever colleagues at design studio Ortolan have designed this limited edition T-shirt in conjunction with the Ballet… but if you think it’s just another stock standard T-shirt print you’d be wrong;  Kat was intent on doing this collab a little differently.  Hence the repeat pattern, rather than a more obvious front and centre motif. Kat also had a large part to play in the shape of the tee itself – she worked with the ballet to ensure the fabric and fit was perfect for those who like a soft, shapely, feminine fitted tee! Beautiful work! Loving the grey marle too.

They’re $60.00, they’re available here, and I’ll be damned if I can get through today without ordering one.

OH ps. Kat shares a little background info about this collaboration on the always excellent Behind Ballet blog. Do check it out!

Kat’s illustration for the T-shirt depicts a group of dancers in relaxed poses, with intricately patterned tutus.

Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Fashion, Illustration Comments (3)
Tuesday, June 14, 2011

New from Erm Books! (+ limited edition print offer!)

Observable Universe by Unchalee Anantawat and Bad Driving by Louis Porter, plus limited edition print by Louis Porter. Two more limited edition artist books from Melbourne indie publisher Erm Books!

Melbourne’s favourite indie book publisher Erm Books are at it again with two more limited edition artist books for your collection!  You might recall Erm Books kicked things off last year with Kat Macleod’s stunning Sequins and Sequence… they’ve recently launched two new titles in the same series – Observable Universe by Unchalee Anantawat and Bad Driving by Louis Porter.

Unchalee ‘Lee’ Anantawat is a Thailand-born artist with strong ties to Melbourne – she studied Animation here at RMIT and is known for her work with Melbourne art collective Tape Projects. Louis Porter is a UK-born, Melbourne-based photographer with a somewhat warped sense of humour!  As a non-driver himself, Bad Driving documents Louis’ morbid fascination with minor automotive mishaps!  His photos are sure to raise a nervous giggle!

If you’re REALLY paying attention you’ll remember the clever people behind Erm Books are Marc Martin (whose work we admired recently here), with Dan Rule and Justine Ellis, the multitasking husband & wife team who also run the very gorgeous Perimeter Books in Thornbury.  Erm do a rocking job of uncovering and publishing the work of both emerging and established local talent.  It’s brilliant to see three young creatives so passionate about good old fashioned independent publishing (on paper!).

Both Observable Universe and Bad Driving come hand numbered and stamped, in a limited edition of just 500 copies each.  I am not entirely sure how such truly beautiful full colour hardback books can be produced for just $20.00 RRP!?  Let’s just say it’s a labour of love!

Erm has a very limited special offer for Design Files readers!  Louis Porter has created a limited edition of 10 signed and numbered ‘bad driving’ prints to give away with the first 10 of his books sold today!  (prints pictured above).

Snap ‘em  up while you can!

Thankyou Mr Porter & Erm Books!

Illustrated pages from Observable Universe by Unchalee Anantawat

Quirky urban photography in Bad Driving by Louis Porter.
Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
Categories - Illustration, Melbourne, Photography, in print Comments (11)
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)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Amy Walters

Lovely illustrations by Amy Walters

Handmade things by Amy Walters, available in her Etsy shop

Amy Walters is a Melbourne-born illustrator currently living in London.  I love her sweet retro-inspired motifs and block-colour illustrations and patterns… and she also does brilliant slightly more messy pencil sketches which at times remind me a little of the amazing Quentin Blake!  Too cute!  More to admire on her folio site here.

Amy also has an Etsy shop where she sells a few super cute illustrated creations – including brooches and jewellery made using ‘shrinkies’! WOW – blast from the past.  That takes me right back to 1990!

Ms Walters is lucky enough to have her work featured in quite a major way in Frankie Magazine this month – the current issue (#43) includes a huge fold-out post featuring Amy’s pink kitchen utensils illustration! (pictured below).  Amy is super excited about this and hopes lots of Frankie readers will put it up on their walls – if so,  she would love to see a PHOTO!

Amy’s blog is ace too.

Amy’s illustration features in the current issue of Frankie Magazine
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Posted by Lucy at 6:00 am
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