Odd Socks

Close up

2011-09-05T09:15:00.001-07:00

Another close up bit of photography with a short poem i created.

Bubbles Bubbles I like Bubbles!

Bubbles are like snow flakes!

But more fun.

Because Bubbles pop,

Boom Bubble Boom.

Baby Bouncing Bubbles Bop in Boats.

Bang goes the Bubble then its gone.

BOOOOO I want more Bubbles.

Angels Recommend

2011-04-06T01:49:00.000-07:00

I don't know if the group that put this blog up are still using it or not but i have been working hard on my personal one. There is alot of new stuff to check out and we have started a worth a looks page where we are posting up a different artist link every day for the next 100 days. Different artist from around the globe.

We like to connect people togeather so if you like fresh ideas and love different styles of art work follow the link to my blog then hit up the worth a look section.

http://angelsrecommend.blogspot.com/

We have also started helping the Peace and Human rights act so if you have spare time why not help us out with that just by clicking the link and answering some questions.

If you like our work then you can also join our fan page @

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Angels-Recommend/110602438953776 Our fan page has this that the personal blog may not have such as videos and new T shirt designs which we sell and promote through the fan page. Thanks and keep creating!!!

Funky Fish

2010-10-18T05:09:00.000-07:00

A mate of mine wanted a funky looking fish for her boy friends birthday so that she could get the design printed on a hat. She wanted a one off design so that it could be speical for his birthday so here it is the one of design never to be printed or re-used ever again.

If people do want designs created for them I am happy to do them.

Please keep enjoying Angels Recommends work.

We are worth more than that!

2010-09-20T02:09:00.001-07:00

Found this here...
http://www.society6.com/studio/rabbitportal/Use_your_Lance

A very valid point, and something the A.O.I also discussed up at New Designers when we were in London. How students/professionals working for free for exposure devalues the industry and Ive witnessed this first hand now. We are worth more than that, and need to share the message if we are going to make a living from our passion. Value yourselves and your skills!

How to draw anything in one step

2010-08-24T05:03:00.001-07:00

This blog post on how to draw anything in one step is worth a look...

http://aviary.com/blog/posts/how-to-draw-anything-in-1-step

sweet easy animation

2010-06-19T05:30:00.000-07:00

Contemporary Craft Fair coming soon!

2010-05-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Went last year it was fab...with a real mix of stuff, from illustration to jewellry, bespoke handmade wallpapers, textiles etc Lots of fun stuff for the kids too...
http://www.craftsatboveytracey.co.uk/

shadow animation

2010-05-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

researching shadows at the moment for my final major project...found this, am sure I'll find more...

lovely animation

2010-04-15T11:57:00.001-07:00

Tom on graphics found this great animation...

jillian tamaki

2010-04-10T18:13:00.000-07:00

A pretty excellent illustrator, I took out her book 'Skim' from the main library in plymouth recently, I'll be taking it back in on monday so I suggest you pick it up too :)

fun!

2010-03-20T09:38:00.001-07:00

Odosketch!!!

2010-03-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

This is amazing! Software creates animation of your drawings...Such good fun, and so simple...have a go, you know you wana!

http://sketch.odopod.com/

Mix and Match album covers!

2010-03-16T02:47:00.000-07:00

Somebody sent me a link to this and I thought it was a brilliant idea! Lots of potential to use this sort of idea in other ways too...go have a peak.

http://thedesigninspiration.com/articles/amazing-album-covers-mix-and-match/

Joao Ruas

2010-02-20T06:11:00.000-08:00

Stumbled across this guy, thought his work was beautiful and varied...some of it really reminded me of Brian Froud, other stuff reminded me of various comic book artists. all of it is stunning...

http://souvlaki.jp-ar.org/

Beautiful Bookbindings

2010-02-03T05:46:00.000-08:00

Came across this site whilst doing perfume book cover research, just thought they were stunning...

http://www.grabink.com/ASP/gallery.asp?category=rel

aids stuff

2010-01-26T15:15:00.001-08:00

The new aids campaign 'Graffiti'.

This guy's good, here are the prelim sketches and concepts for the video, pretty interesting.HERE!

Have a look at the rest of his blog too!

Nice

2010-01-16T04:27:00.000-08:00

Jump Trump Rump Bump-Mollasses Murphy

2010-01-05T01:51:00.000-08:00

JumpTrumpRumpBump from Molasses Murphy on Vimeo.

The Astronomers Dream- Malcom Sutherland

2010-01-05T01:49:00.000-08:00

The Astronomer's Dream (2009) from Malcolm Sutherland on Vimeo.

Thom yorke

2009-12-04T00:22:00.000-08:00

From The Eraser album....

Ramona Falls music vid...Amazing!

2009-11-06T01:08:00.000-08:00

This video blew me away!

evergreen

2009-10-27T02:32:00.000-07:00

Kevin Van Aelst

2009-10-16T12:51:00.001-07:00

This reminded me of what we were doing a couple of weeks ago with the earthquake illustrations, using unusual materials and objects to communicate information. This one illustrates the different types of cloud using mugs of coffee, I thought it was very cleverly done. To see more of his work, go to http://www.kevinvanaelst.com/art.html.

Lazy Oaf

2009-10-12T10:44:00.001-07:00

Ive stopped buying so much stuff, so I often forget about Lazy Oaf and how fabulous their clothes and other bits, looks like theyve added lots more since i last looked on their site!
http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/

Dave McKean

2009-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Saw this on Dave McKean's twitter and loved it. It's a reporter's investigation in to how badly AIDs patients are treated in China. Really thought provoking stuff.

Pages 1/2: http://twitpic.com/kgr4c
Pages 3/4: http://twitpic.com/kgr5f

Make sure you view it full size!

Damon soule

2009-10-12T02:53:00.001-07:00

Wow! Id never seen this guys work, its incredible, If you check out the art archive on his site, you can see the evoloution of his artwork over the years...Good interview on the blog too...

http://damonsoule.com/
http://www.fecalface.com/SF/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1284&Itemid=92

Ken Wong

2009-10-12T01:09:00.001-07:00

Ken Wong has a impressive portfolio. His work is so varied, but always very beautiful, and themes range from fairytale to character design, go see!

www.kenart.net

Ana Galvan

2009-10-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Terrible Yellow Eyes led me to the website of spanish illustrator/cartoonist Ana Galvan. Lots of stunning illustrations on here. She appears to work predominantly on Comics (but her contribution to the Maurice Sendak tribute is pretty awesome too), so nice to find stuff like this with the current projects we are working on. Isaac...you must have some cool comic stuff you can share on here for us?!

www.anagalvan.com

Terrible Yellow Eyes

2009-10-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

I came across this today....A website by illustraor Cory Godbey (check out his work!) anyway-Terrible Yellow eyes is a beautiful collection of artists tributes to Maurice Sendak and that classic story 'Where The Wild Things Are'. I thought as the film is released here this month (I think) it was a interesting post to make. There are hundreds of beautiful illustrations on this site, and its fabulous to see the same story translated into many different styles. I'd like to have a go at this with a group of students/artists maybe?...All attempting the same subject in our own language-reckon that would be fun! Anyway check it out...

http://www.terribleyelloweyes.com/

http://corygodbey.com/

Christoph Niemann

2009-10-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

Someone sent me this great article about Illustrator Christoph Niemann and how he works. Quite interesting for us at the moment I thought with our shake up of quick turnover briefs! Have a look, its worth it honest, then go check out his website.

http://the99percent.com/articles/6003/Christoph-Niemann-Short-Deadlines-Make-You-Think-Straight?utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=All%20Behance%20%2810/6%29

http://christophniemann.com/index.html

Rinpa Eshidan

2009-08-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

I read a good interview in this months Juztapoz about a very talented group of japanese artists making time lapse films of their evolving artwork. This is one vid I found, Im off to find more... Amazing...

Jeff Soto

2009-08-16T03:57:00.000-07:00

I love his work and love what he has to say about his inspirations and how he works. A bloody good interview...

http://www.jeffsoto.com/

Paddy field art

2009-08-06T00:55:00.000-07:00

Just saw this on telegraph website about a village of farmers turning their fields into art, go have a peek...If the link wont work just google 'paddy art'.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/howaboutthat/5965421/Paddy-art-farmers-create-colourful-rice-murals-in-Japan.html

Aakash Nihalani

2009-08-05T01:57:00.000-07:00

Just came across this guy Aakash Nihalani. I'll be honest Im not usually impressed with the sort of geometric fashion that everyone seems to be adopting right now in art and illustration, not because I dont like the aesthetics, I think there are just too many people doing it for it to be interesting anymore. But this guy is a total breath of fresh air. I can see why he's using these shapes, how they have meaning and making a genuine statement/reaction to their surroundings, they are beautiful and they just 'fit'. It feels a bit humbling-Im not sure why-like your able to view the world through another artists eyes. Anyway I never thought Id appreciate this type of art but it really makes me smile :D
http://www.aakashnihalani.com/

Shynola Interview

2009-07-31T01:17:00.000-07:00

Just found this great interview too!...

Shynola

2009-07-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

I dont listen to coldplay much these days, but my sister told me to check out their new music video...wow! I think it's amazing, and I wasn't suprised to discover it was directed by Shynola the same bunch of guys that met at art college, and have made a great success from making music video's including the fantastic Queens of the Stone Age video I used in my research last year. Check them out...

Reverse Grafitti

2009-07-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Artist Paul 'Moose' Curtis creates street art with the use of large scale stencils and cleaning fluid. I think its not only looks beautiful, but the idea a beautiful one too, opening debate to what graffiti actually is, and challenging people to question their judgments on it.

http://www.reversegraffitiproject.com/

Ink Bleed Calendar

2009-07-22T04:33:00.001-07:00

I spotted this on design milk and think it's reeeeeeaaaaallly cool. I want one!

The Keystone Design Union on collaboration

2009-07-17T02:13:00.000-07:00

Came across this video, I thought it was really interesting how the the practice of freelancers within the design industry is evolving. There are some great quotes about collaboration in the video too.

acc

http://www.thekdu.com/

sketchbook

2009-06-18T14:02:00.000-07:00

Found this video on youtube and liked it basically! Am sure I will find more to put on here. I never go anywhere without my sketchbook, but usually stick to pen or pencil. I think Im going to have a go at taking water brushes loaded with different watered down inks and try this, as it really seems to bring some of the sketches to life...

If drawings were photographs

2009-06-13T14:01:00.001-07:00

I thought this was amazing! Rob Matthews had the fantastic idea of transforming illustrations into photographs...go check out his website for more info and images, Love it, I want a go! Also, check out tom Edwards illustrations.
http://www.rob-matthews.com/index.php?/project/if-drawing-were-photographs/

http://www.edwardstom.com/

Looking into the Past

2009-06-10T05:36:00.000-07:00

I got this link from the postsecret twitter page, and think it's awesome. It's much more interesting than having the two photos side by side, don't you think? I'd love to give it a try if I can find some old photos - the rest of you guys should do it too! :p

Link: http://www.flickr.com/groups/lookingintothepast/pool/

Google Maps Typography

2009-05-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

I came across this randomly and thought it might interest some of you designer-type peoples. You could go on some kind of alphabet pilgrimage!

Link: http://www.heavy-backpack.com/archives/general/google-maps-typography

MONOFACE

2009-05-14T07:26:00.000-07:00

found this website, it amused me for aaaages. thought id share it with everyone as its a really clever idea!!!!!!!! :]

http://www.mono-1.com/monoface/main.html

M.C.Escher

2009-05-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

The theme of metamorphosis for part of our self promotion exhibition reminded me about the works of M.C.Escher. I think seeing this work when I was little was the first time I had been amazed by drawings. It still amazes me now and thought it was worth a post. I'm impressed by the range of work he did maintaining is genius and standards throughout the various ways he worked.

Lucy Izzard

2009-05-11T01:11:00.000-07:00

Lucy Izzard has done some fantastic illustration/animation work, have a peek...

http://www.lucyizzard.co.uk/

shapemaker animation

2009-05-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

Thought this was really simple but really creative!

Nieves Books

2009-04-29T01:11:00.000-07:00

Nieves is an independent publishing house based in Zurich, Switzerland.

Founded in 2001, Nieves' focus is on publishing Artist Books and Zines.

Be sure to take a look at their huge back-catalogue of printed matter!

www.nieves.ch

Beautiful Abandoned Buildings

2009-04-06T02:47:00.000-07:00

These are the photographs I was talking about yesterday. I'm sure I must have found it through someone else's blog or twitter but it was quite a long time ago so I really can't remember. First, a link to the article on time.com, and a link to the photographers' website with more of their work.

I wish I could find places like this, but I'd probably be too scared to break into them anyway! :p

we love paper!

2009-03-29T02:50:00.000-07:00

I came across Su Blackwells work (bottom image) last year when researching for one of the modules, she makes beautiful sculptures with paper. (www.sublackwell.co.uk) I'm always drawn to paper engineering and am considering it as something to explore in the third year. I found another link to her work through this stunning blog www.mein-inspiration.blogspot.com which is jam packed with amazing work by numerous artists. Here is a peek of a few things, now go check it out for yourself! http://www.mein-inspiration.blogspot.com/

More John Hendrix

2009-03-29T02:41:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite illustrators produced this brilliant page for the New York Times last July and won a Society of News Design Award of Excellence. I think its fabulous!

Back in the day

2009-03-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

I remember doing part of my foundation up in this building in wolsden street about 15 years ago! but we didnt look as cool as these guys, go have a peek...

http://www.cyberheritage.com/pcad/

Our Gallery!

2009-03-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

Oh Dear, Apologies...I just went to sign the petition myself and the deadline has ended for signatures and the government were unable to carry out requests of the petition, so in honour of Tony Hart why don't we all send in a bit of work we have done that we are proud of? Post on here if you are an author or email to anyone of us or annapearce76@yahoo.co.uk and I'll post it up! come on you guys..do it for Tony!

A big Fat Thankyou to Tony!

2009-03-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

Student Union recently sent out this message to students but I thought I would post it on the blog in the hope more of you saw it...

Recently the Telegraph newspaper ran an article on the artist Tony Hart - best remembered for his art programme Vision On and 'Morph':

He was in his eighties and had suffered several strokes which had left him unable to draw or paint anymore, up until his death last month.

He has given so much to the art world and for many of us was the first inspiration to pick up a pencil or paint brush and give it a go - he made Art Fun.

I would like to see Tony Hart honoured for his contribution to Art especially the 50 years he has given to television and promoting art.

As students of 'Art' it would be wonderful if you could join the 500 names already on the petition to get Tony Hart the recognition he deserves.

The link is below - please take the time and trouble to add your name to the list and pass it on to as many other friends and colleges as possible.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Tony-Hart/

Doodling may help memory recall

2009-02-28T00:44:00.000-08:00

Doodling could help the mind remain alert during dull tasks

Doodling may look messy, but it could in fact be a sign of an alert mind, a study suggests.

Plymouth University researchers carried out memory tests on 40 volunteers, asking them to listen to a phone call and recall names and places.

Doodlers performed 29% better than non-doodlers, the team found.

Experts said doodling stopped people from daydreaming, which was a more taxing diversion, and so was good at helping people focus on mundane tasks.

During the study, half of the volunteers were asked to colour in shapes on a piece of paper while they listened to a 2.5 minute telephone message.

The other half were left to their own devices while they listened. Both groups were told the message would be dull, the Applied Cognitive Psychology journal reported.

Daydreaming distracts them from the task, resulting in poor performance

Jackie Andrade, lead researcher

Afterwards, both groups were asked to write down eight specific names and eight places mentioned.

The doodlers on average recalled 7.5, while the non-doodlers only managed 5.8.

Lead researcher Jackie Andrade said: "If someone is doing a boring task, like listening to a dull telephone conversation, they may start to daydream.

"Daydreaming distracts them from the task, resulting in poor performance.

"A simple task, like doodling, may be sufficient to stop daydreaming without affecting performance on the main task."

Professor Alan Badeley, from the British Psychological Society, said: "Doodling is a relatively undemanding task so this makes sense.

"The temptation during meetings or telephone conversations that you are not particularly engaged with is to start thinking about things. You visualise things such as holidays.

"That then takes you away from the task at hand. Or you may even end up nodding off.

"However, by comparison, doodling is not that taxing and keeps you more alert so you are more likely to absorb what is being said."

I think maybe we should share this with Paul Mattock, bless him!

Books at the Victoria and Albert museum

2009-02-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

We went to the V+A Museum in London last year, and were lucky enough to see some of the amazing collection of very unusual books they have. If you can organise a visit with them, try and get a look at some...It challenges your ideas of what a book should be.

http://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/prints_books/features/artists_books/visiting/index.html

Guest blogger and some good sites...

2009-02-15T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hi all, I thought as I am busy with 4 modules and a couple of external projects right now, not only have I have been neglecting myself, and my family, but also the blog :( (sorry blog) (sorry family) (no apologies to myself I think I killed a goat or something in a previous life). Anyway, I thought it might be a good time to invite guest bloggers, and have invited artist Christopher Green to post anything interesting on here as he finds it. I also think its a nice way to get a real mix of tastes within the blog. Chris is in the middle of preparing for his next show at the Hannah Barry Gallery in London http://www.hannahbarry.com/exhibition.php?page=FUTURE, but hopefully may find some time soon to put something on here. In the meantime Chris did recommend some good sites with listings of current exhibitions which I thought would be really useful to check out before our London trip, and also a good website for supplies! Cheers chris! Also if you know any Artists/Designers/creatives that may be willing to contribute to the blog please invite them, if your not sure how, give me or siobhan a shout.

His website: http://www.christophergreen.org.uk/index.html

http://www.artrabbit.com/all/home?country=uk

I want to check out this one...
http://www.artrabbit.com/uk/events/event/10017/a_group_show_of_members_of_brent_artists_resource_exhibition_in_print

http://www.artupdate.com/

http://www.greatart.co.uk/

secret doodle boxing community!

2009-02-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

here you go Mel...it seems there are boxes among us (wonder if this has anything to do with marks redundancy?)

2009-02-09T17:50:00.000-08:00

2009-02-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

Winning is for Losers

2009-02-09T03:23:00.000-08:00

On Deviant art I have come across or rather invited to look at this interesting page Winning is for losers. It is were several cartoonists or rather their cartoons battle it out in a tournament. The battles are voted for by the public.

My entry is Magnus the Battle Hamster
They have also asked me (and other cartoonist) to illustrate the battles this is a battle between Snowfire and Marsh&Mallow
It is a very interesting idea, check it out and don't forget to vote for Magnus

Draw for the Ting Tings!

2009-02-04T05:48:00.001-08:00

My sister told me to check out this news post on the Ting Tings website...Looks like fun and a good opportunity to have video footage of you creating drawings projected as back drop in their gigs, as your named as an artist at the end of the show. I'd like a go if If I can get the time to do something, just thought some of you guys may be interested too!
http://www.thetingtings.com/gb/news/gb/2009/02/03/contribute_to_the_ting_tings_live_show_

Humberto Ramos

2009-01-24T04:52:00.000-08:00

Another illustrator who inspires me, comic book artist Humberto Ramos. I really like the exaggerated features and the character of facial expressions. For more information visit his offical site www.humbertoramos.com

Amazing storytelling skills!

2009-01-22T02:12:00.000-08:00

I came across this video, and was stunned at how such a little one can have such incredible storytelling skills! Its also really interesting to hear some of the details she points out, and get an insight into how little minds work, the depth of what they are able to understand and what they see when they are in a story! A good story is not always in its content, it's how you tell 'em! Beautiful...

'A breathtaking story by Capucine. Starring baby monkeys lost in frightening trees, a witch, crocodiles, a tiger, a "popotamus" and a lion, and even a "tremendously very bad mammoth". There are also magic powers and an orange ring, but sometimes, "something goes amiss".
Bring your popcorn and enjoy the show'

Once upon a time... from Capucha on Vimeo.

History In The Making

2009-01-20T11:35:00.001-08:00

Well, I'm not very trusting of politicians, but I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama this afternoon, and at least felt a sense of some sort of hope, and for the first time a little bit of trust in a politicians words... What has been achieved today would have seemed inconceivable not just 200 years ago with slavery rife, but also the treatment of African Americans only a few decades ago. I did feel a little emotional in this feeling of hope. That if this can be achieved then maybe we should be a little more optimistic about what is achievable. On that note, I thought this a fitting theme for illustrations today!

R.I.P Tony Hart

2009-01-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

Artist and legendary children's presenter Tony Hart has died at the age of 83. Some of you are old enough to remember the awesome kids art programme back in the late 70's and 80's, and the infamous gallery. R.I.P Tony Hart

Bobby Chiu

2009-01-17T09:13:00.000-08:00

As I am new to Odd Socks, I have been ordered by Anna Pearce, to post something interesting on this blog, so here it is...

...an illustration by one of my favorite illustrators Bobby Chiu. He has a very similar sense of humor as me, but has the ability to produce really nice pieces of work. You can see more of his work on http://www.imaginismstudios.com and http://imaginism.deviantart.com

Dulwich Picture Gallery

2009-01-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Have two great exhibitions going on at the moment, the 'what are you like exhibition' showing the responses from 45 people in the public eye (see post below for more info), and also the Saul Steinberg exhibition. Well worth a look if you can get up there I reckon. More info on the website http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/exhibitions/now_on_show.aspx#non

What are you like

2009-01-03T05:47:00.001-08:00

Found this brilliant competition on the house of illustration website, which has finished now but I still thought it was a really nice idea, and wondered if anyone else was up for...well...cant really call it a challenge as it just sounds like good fun to me! I'll copy some text from the site....
The idea is taken from a Victorian game of describing yourself with images of your favourite things: like a self-portrait. Illustrate their 8 favourite things from a list of 12 – their favourite animal, book, clothes, comfort, food, pastime, place, possession, music, shoes, weather and pet aversion (the thing they love to hate!) They have been encouraged to use their favourite medium. The artists’ names will not appear on the artworks, to give visitors the chance to have fun guessing who they are.

Fable II: A Hero's Tale

2008-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is part of the promotional website for the game Fable II. It's a very short interactive story where, like the game, you have the choice to be good or evil. The loading times were painfully slow on my connection but I really like the combination of traditional and digital techniques and the general quirkiness of it!

Link: www.fable2.com
(I had some problems getting it to work in Firefox, so if yours is the same just try it in Safari instead! :P)

Siobhans video for 'The Faint'

2008-12-15T04:05:00.000-08:00

Siobhan has been blowing us away with skills on the motion module, bearing in mind we have only made one animation previous to this, and its not the main focus on our illustration course,makes it even more impressive! Youtube trashed quality so will try and upload better version soon. She's not one to blow her own trumpet, so im going to blow it for her (sorry Siobhan!) ;) She has also just finished her website and blog www.tinrobo.co.uk

clever drawn animation!

2008-12-14T09:48:00.000-08:00

I think this is very clever...Id love to have a go at something like this...

something for the ladies...

2008-12-13T14:46:00.001-08:00

SCAD Shorts

2008-12-11T02:00:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok so its not graphics or illustration, but this ones got a pencil in it! Does that qualify?! I think making video for current module means we've been looking at alot of film/animation this term...I came across this blog created by students of Savannah college of Art and Design and:
1. Thought it had some very creepy but brilliantly creative short films on it
2. Thought it was good to see how students can promote themselves effectively.
www.scadshorts.com

Jim the Illustrator

2008-12-09T02:02:00.000-08:00

Jim Stoten has some really nice drawings and some nice zines with lots of hand drawn type which Im really into at the moment.
www.jimtheillustrator.co.uk

Looking Back

2008-12-08T11:50:00.001-08:00

Easy to get sucked in by all the new illustrations popping up around us, but I recently came across an illustration by Coby Whitmore from the 50's, and went on a bit of a tangent finding some cool old 40's and 50's illustration. Its nice to see stuff other than kids illustration and pin up girls. There was some really great stuff, and a good place to find inspiration for composition and colour ways. A few faves were Bob Peak, Coby Whitmore and Al Parker, go find some. Theres quite a bit on this website, but its really strange to navigate?!
http://www.leifpeng.com/id10.html

YUKO SHIMIZU

2008-11-29T04:35:00.000-08:00

Lots of stunning illustrations to see on Yuko's website

http://www.yukoart.com/index.html

Saul Steinberg

2008-11-29T03:31:00.000-08:00

I came across a great book in PCAD library 'Saul Steinberg, Illuminations'. Hundreds of brilliant illustrations by this Romanian born illustrator/artist. At first glance there were just some unusual drawings that caught my eye, but when you look deeper, there are some very important/humorous/interesting messages within his work, some of which seem even more relevant to today than when he created the pieces.
Some great drawings inspired by the line, which i wish I had seen before we made the line journal! Also some great images where he has created what others have described as 'mental geography' such as 'view of the world from 9th Avenue' and 'stadium at night'. But if you get a chance, read some of the ideas behind his work as it really effectively 'illuminates' your understanding of his work.
go find his book in the LRC and check out his website link below, where I found this description that I think explains him best...

"In his pictorial imagination, the very artifice of style, of images already processed through art, became the means to explore social and political systems, human foibles, geography, architecture, language and, of course, art itself.

www.saulsteinbergfoundation.org/

The Story of Stuff

2008-11-29T02:36:00.000-08:00

This great little animation does the best job of summing up lots of little things much of which we may already know about, but explains it in such an accessible way. It definatley made an impression on me, and made me think twice about spending money on crap I don't really need. I also decided to find someone to fix my bike instead of throwing it away because the gears need fixing! Everyone should watch this!... wordshttp://www.storyofstuff.com/

Optimo Mag

2008-11-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

Keep your eye out for Optimo Magazine, the best magazine purely for Arts and Culture in Plymouth. Theres no better way to sum up the aim of Optimo than by quoting a letter from the editor himself, Rod Gonzalez (who is an awesome photographer by the way-check out his stuff on http://www.flickr.com/people/hypercontextualism/)

"Optimo magazine aims to create a focus for the arts in Plymouth and a forum and common voice for artists. Other local publications generally only feature very prominent artists and we have to wade through pages of mainstream listings to find details of local art.

We feel that Plymouth has enough artists and designers and those working in the arts and related disciplines to warrant a magazine dedicated to the arts in Plymouth. We also feel that local art should be given proper and extensive exposure – longer texts and bigger pictures.

We know that there are a huge number of artists working in Plymouth; indeed the south-west has the highest concentration of designer-makers outside of London. We also know that there are many successful (both financially and artistically) artists working in Plymouth - many frequently sell and exhibit nationally and internationally.

It’s great that the Arts department of the University of Plymouth has recently relocated to Plymouth from Exeter, bringing with it talent and national attention. Also, this year the Plymouth Arts Centre celebrates it’s 60th year. And we learned that Plymouth Arts centre was one of the first such organisations in Britain.

This year’s student shows at The University, PCAD, and FE colleges were great. All these establishments have shown a high standard in photography, fine-art, design, fashion and illustration. And soon there’ll be whole new set of art students starting at college."

Any contributions are welcome, please let us know if you have any ideas for articles or artists to profile. Any comments or ideas can be sent to:

magazine@optimo-images.com

http://www.flickr.com/people/hypercontextualism/

Marian Bantjes

2008-11-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Canadian designer, illustrator and typographer Marian Bantjes is one of my favourite typographers, elaborate calligraphic roots and intoxicating design. I love how the her text is not supporting image but in fact sometimes the other way around. Her letterforms quite rightly demand the space around it. Plenty to see on her website...
http://www.bantjes.com/

Its nice that and also very strange....

2008-11-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

sorry for those of you that follow the fabulous blog www.itsnicethat.com I just went onto their site for the first time in a while and discovered the last post was about Oliver Jeffers! Im not a lazy blogger honest!... twas pure coincidence and obviously just having bloody good taste! How mad is that!
www.itsnicethat.com

Oliver Jeffers

2008-11-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh...I bought the latest Oliver Jeffers book today for me (strictly research of course) and my daughters. The Great Paper Caper. I sat eating lunch in town, and had to get it out of the bag and have another look at it. Then suddenly became really aware of how crazy I may have looked giggling out loud whilst reading a young childrens book! There are so many endearing observations in this book, a really beautiful mix of humor, sensitivity and wonderful illustrations. Go and buy it for your nipper, niece or nephew this christmas!

www.oliverjeffers.com

Rotascope

2008-11-17T12:32:00.000-08:00

Just though this was nicely done...

santa's boots

2008-11-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

i've been playing drawing-without-looking all afternoon with the girls, and i had this idea for an xmas card.....do you think the resulting mental image is too horrific??!

Isaac Lenkiewicz

2008-11-16T09:44:00.001-08:00

Well sorry Isaac, but i love this illustration along with alot more of your work! so thought it needed to go up!

http://isaaclenkiewicz.blogspot.com

http://izuck.deviantart.com

Last Year's Animations

2008-11-16T05:44:00.000-08:00

Here are our fable animations from our first year of FD Illustration and Print. Should be interesting to compare it with the animations we're working on at the moment! Well, when they're finished at least...

The Hares and the Frogs by Anna Pearce

The Milkmaid and her Pail by Siobhan Brewer

Maarit Kemi

2008-11-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

Have only seen a small collection of her work, but worth a look...
http://www.maaritkemi.net/index.html

Lori Joy Smith

2008-11-16T03:56:00.001-08:00

Canadian Illustrator Lori Joy Smith makes some beautiful images, my favourites are her fabric pieces.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sosi/sets/72157594207884935/

www.Lorijoysmith.com

Mario Hugo

2008-11-16T03:14:00.000-08:00

New york based designer/illustrator Mario Hugo has a stunning array of work under his belt. All my favourite ingredients...Soul, great design, beautiful drawings and lots of experimental typography. Looking through his portfolio is like walking into some sort of illustration sweet shop heaven!
www.loveworn.com
http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_details.asp?individual_id=111196

digmeout.net

2008-11-13T01:47:00.000-08:00

digmeout is a Japanese website that showcases all kinds of illustrators and allows anyone to 'audition' to become a part of their collective. There's some awesome work on there, check it out!

Vic Reeves

2008-11-11T03:03:00.000-08:00

I love the range of cards Vic Reeves has created right now such as this one 'a badger with an afro throwing sparklers at the pope'. You can get them at the Art Centre in Plymouth, along with a range of other fabulous cards. Or here on the Polite Shop website (which also has some other cool stuff)...
http://shop.politecards.com

Rotascope Tests

2008-11-06T14:28:00.000-08:00

Thought I would finally have a go at using a tablet, and did this short rotascope of my daughter as part of research for motion module. Was about 130 frames, which meant 130 drawings and took me best part of a day! Very tiring!

Travelling Journals...

2008-11-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

The travelling journals having a momentary break from their travels...
[note: hole book is missing...and the small random book was found - randomly - in a pub by Corin in yr1 Graphics!!]

Alexei Vella

2008-11-01T02:46:00.000-07:00

I'm intrigued by Alexei Vella's illustrations. Electric candy colours combined with the darker and and deeper imagery, sit well with these 1930's cartoon inspired works, giving them a raw edge.

www.alexeivella.com

Mr Brainwash

2008-10-30T00:27:00.000-07:00

Had never heard of Mr Brainwash aka MBW, until i saw some of his latest stuff on the Juxtapoz site. So I went and checked out his website...there is masses of stencil art out there, I know, and although alot of us are starting to feel slightly nauseated by the constant exposure to banksy, MBW does have a better comical edge, raised a few laughs from me anyway...

www.mrbrainwash.com

Micah Lidberg

2008-10-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

Micah Lidberg has a feature in the November issue of computer arts, his website features a generous peek at his work, with some really interesting pieces such as his coded book, that i need another go at! www.micahlidberg.com

bunnygirl, not bunnygirl

2008-10-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Hello - it's me, mel brown and this is my first post on oddsocks. On the train on the way home the other day, I followed Siobhan's instructions to digitally break-up an image and this is what i got - from my bunnygirl to not my bunnygirl!

Disruptive Behaviour

2008-10-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

Anna and I went to the Disruptive Behaviour workshop this afternoon and contributed our mad illustrator skillz (okay, well I just made a horrible blue-green mess but Anna drew some eyes which were pretty cool) to this animation by drawing directly onto film.

John Hendrix

2008-10-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

John Hendrix drawings are intruiging, in a humorous yet slightly intimidating manner. Well worth a look...