Its the Inkygoodness exhibition opening tonight (see post below). Here are some sneak previews of the exhibition. Come along!
Thanks to Carlos Garde-Martin for the photos :)
I ink therefore I am
Soupa catches up with Carys Ink to talk inspiration and latest projects
Tell us a secret – is there one thing you find difficult or can't draw?
Not sure it's really a secret, but I do find people generally difficult to draw. I tend to cheat and go for a stylised or naive approach.
How do you work? Do you have a set work space or do you work in various locations?
I currently have a small workstation in the corner of our living room, it's not really ideal as I don't have space to spread out or have too much inspirational stuff around me. Thankfully we're having a bit of building work done at the moment and this is going to create a little area just for me, which can be hidden away when I'm not working.
Who are your top 3 illustrators/designers?
This is a tough one. There are so many amazing illustrators/designers whose work I discover and follow on Twitter, they are all a daily inspiration to me.
If pushed to narrow it down though, my top 3 would be:
1. Ben Newman - www.bennewman.co.uk I first came across Ben's work last year when I was starting out as a freelance illustrator – I love his style, characters and use of colour and shapes –brilliant work.
2. Serge Seidlitz – www.sergeseidlitz.com – some mad compositions with so many elements it makes your head explode
3. Sanna Annukka – www.sanna-annukka.com – beautiful, iconic shapes and designs
When illustrating a complex composition like the Whole Nine Yards illustration, where do you start?
The client is an event management company, they wanted to incorporate the different types of event they are involved with into one illustration which would act like a portal on their website – a 'hippy' style festival, a city event and a large scale, stadium ceremony. First step was mapping out the composition, where each section was going to be and where the logo would sit. Then I basically honed in on each section – drew the main elements first and just kept adding the smaller details – layer heaven in Illustrator!
I created 1 main illustration and 8 banner-style headers on various themes, all for use on the Whole Nine Yards website – www.wnyproductions.co.uk
Are you interested in collaboration? Have you undertaken and collaborative projects? If so, how have they differed from working on your own?
Yes, I am interested in collaboration. I have submitted work to a number of collaborative projects – Colonel Windpipe, Happy Journey Collective, Toe Fluff and most recently 'Thinking Caps' an upcoming exhibition of custom cycle caps ( I also have a few more on my list for when I have time.) I like the fact that these projects essentially offer up a brief, which can be interpreted in any which way – it is always fun to see what others do with the same brief.
I have not yet collaborated directly with another illustrator/artist on a project, though it is something I would be interested in. In my years working as a designer, I worked collaboratively a lot, within a small team of designers, directors, animators on a wide range of projects.
Check out more of Carys' work at www.carys-ink.com
Inkygoodness exhibition - [pv next thursday 2 sept]
Inkygoodness invite you to come and play!
Entertaining new artwork, limited edition prints and lively installations all lovingly created by a specially selected group of international artists and illustrators, inspired by the theme of ‘Play’.
Featuring: Steph Baxter/Dave Bain/Good Wives & Warriors/ Jason Devine/Seb Burnett/Camelia Dobrin/Colourbox/ Hannah Baber/Docvek/Marcus Butt/Stephen Chan/DBO/Sarah Dennis// Christiane Engel//Lisa Hassell/Kate Hindley/ Mister Millerchip/Carlos Garde-Martin/Mc Bess/Simon David Mills/George Mitchell/Moot/Olive47/Tom J. Newell/Vicky Newman/Steve Rack/Steven Silverwood/Log Roper/Juan Salas/Matt Saunders/Leila Shetty/Karin Söderquist/Ben Steers/Michelle Turton/Toy Factory/Simon Wild/ Mark Wilkinson & Gizem Vural.
Private View: September Thursday 2nd 2010 Venue: EAST Gallery, 216 Brick Lane, London Time: 6pm – 9pm RSVP to: inkygoodness@easy.com The Exhibition will run until September 12th 2010 Open: Tuesday – Friday 1pm – 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am – 6pm
Exclusive AMMO ‘Play’ Issue Launch! To celebrate their debut London show, Inkygoodness have teamed up with AMMO Magazine on a special ‘Play’ themed issue of the magazine. Featuring many of the ‘Play’ artists, Inkygoodness are proud to present an exclusive preview of this limited edition issue, available to purchase on the opening night for just £5!
Shop The exhibition features over 120 one-off artworks and limited edition prints, many of which are available to purchase in the gallery or on our new online shop after the gallery preview at www.inkygoodness.bigcartel.com, prices start from £50.
Deck the walls
Soupa was invited to the private view of the Decked project exhibition, which is currently taking place at the Coningsby Gallery (just off Tottenham Court Road, London) which showcases a fantastic array of hand painted skateboard decks.
A really original exhibition, it was fascinating to see such a variety of styles all sitting side by side.
Carlos Garde-Martin of Soupa said: "Brilliantly curated, this exhibition features some of the best contemporary illustration on show. Go see it while you have the chance!"
The show is on until 28th August – so be quick!
New work by Soupa's Jamie Littler
Check out the Soupa profile of Jamie Littler to see some fabulous new works. Click here.
Decked - hand painted skateboard exhibition
Flyer illustrated by Camillie
The Decked Project, is now in it's second year and is a collection of illustrators, designers, photographers, graffiti artists and tattoo artists all hand inking a skate deck showing from 16-28th August at the Coningsby Gallery (just off tottenham court road, london). They are holding a launch party on the 18th August from 6.30 pm where they will be inviting the greats from the artistic, publishing and skateboarding industries to celebrate the exhibition.
This year they also have Vans sponsoring them and proving 16 pairs of Chukka boots for the artists to work on, these will then be hung by the laces though out the show.
Perfect papercuts – Q&A with Mr Yen
We've been talking to, and admiring the work of Jonathan Chapman aka Mr Yen via Twitter over the past few months and as a recent graduate, Soupa wanted to ask him a few questions about his practice, how he disciplines himself and what inspires him.
How long have you been paper cutting? I started papercutting just over a year ago and have been doing it ever since. While at University I tried to incorporate it into as many briefs as possible or adapt it to fit what I was doing.
Papercuts seem to take a lead in your portfolio - what influenced you and keeps you going? My initial influence for papercuts were Rob Ryan and Peter Callensen. I loved the detailed and delicate designs of Ryan’s work and the 3D element of Callensen. The need to explore paper to its full potential keeps me going and as there are so many things you can do with paper I don’t think I will be stopping anytime soon! I have lots of ideas that I would like to try out. Once I create a design I like to see how many ways it can be reproduced in different contexts and how this affects the design. So far I have experimented with book covers, bookmarks, greeting cards, posters and notebooks and feel as though I have barely scratched the surface.
When designing a papercut, how do you consider the 'absent' space? Does light come into it or do you make a design and go with it? When initially designing an idea I don't think about the space as I feel this limits my creativity. I start to think about the negative space in the design and how things connect, once I have my idea down on paper and that is the interesting part. If something needs to stay as part of the design I will tweak the design slightly, but it is only ever slightly needed.
How long does it take you to cut something intricate such as a spirograph design or lettering? To actually cut an intricate spirograph design can take me about an hour depending on the size of the design. I find intricate pieces can be cut quicker if they are larger as no matter how detailed a design it is always easier to cut something on a larger scale. Lettering is the same, especially serif fonts as the added extra bits on a typeface are the bits that cause the most trouble as they are likely to get accidentally torn or ripped on a smaller scale.
What happens if something rips? I start again! I always start with the most detailed, intricate parts of a paper cut, as this is where accidents are likely to happen, that way if something does rip I haven’t almost finished a design but only just started it.
Where do you source your paper? Do you use a specific weight or type to avoid ripping or wear and tear? At the moment I source my paper at a local art shop and I use 150gsm Daler Rowney Canford paper at an A1 size. I buy the paper at this size so I can cut it down to the required measurements for each paper cut I create which are all usually either A4 or smaller, making sure I get my moneys worth out of the paper. At the moment I am looking for sources where I can buy paper in bulk as now I am doing this fulltime I need a more reliable, more economic source for paper.
Do you have any plans for future projects or anything you would like to share? In the future I plan to experiment with getting my designs onto as many different paper products as possible, such as notebooks and greeting cards. I also created a series of typographic lampshades at University that I would like to develop to a professional standard.
How did you come up the name 'Mr Yen'? I have always had an affinity with Japanese design and simplicity in the Japanese lifestyle which is where the ‘Yen’ part came from and the ‘Mr’ part was added as I felt it made it sound more friendly and approachable, while being professional.
When commissioned - what is your design method - do you draw your designs first and ok with the client, or do you go straight into cutting? When I receive a commission for a paper cut I create initial ideas to show my client, which then get developed and altered to work for a paper cut – making sure all the bits that need to be connected to make the design work are all connected and this is then sent to the client for approval. Once the illustration is approved I start cutting the design. The illustration and the developmental stages are the most important bit, as this is where flaws will appear and can be rectified. Once a design is cut there is no going back, so I need to be sure about the whole design before I get out my scalpel.
You have only just graduated? How did you discipline yourself whilst studying? As a lecturer myself I know a lot of students find it hard to discipline themselves. Having recently finished University I am now trying to keep myself in a routine to make sure everything that needs to be done gets done on time and as I am the only one to do it there is no one pushing or helping me to do everything, it is all about being self disciplined. I find that if you know the best times you feel creative you should take advantage of this, if that is in the early hours of the morning or late at night, go with it. To me this is one of the best parts of working as a freelance designer as I get to choose my hours and do certain types of work when I feel I will best get them done.
Check out Mr Yen at http://www.mr-yen.com/ or follow him on Twitter. You can also buy his paper cuts from his Etsy store
Introducing photographer Christina Theisen
Christina is a portrait and social documentary photographer, currently based in Amsterdam. After seven years in London, she moved to Amsterdam for a short adventure looking for new experiences, clients, photographers and projects. Besides working on new personal photography projects, she is assisting other photographers and working for clients including Strawberry Earth, Noord-Zuidlijn, Time Out Amsterdam and London and BBC Worldwide's Lonely Planet Magazine.
Available for collaborations, commissions and other projects based in Amsterdam, London (and in between), Christina can be contacted on: ct@christinatheisen.com
Pretty Little Things - new stockist for Harriet Gray
Soupa member Harriet Gray is delighted to announce that her wares are to be stocked in Huddersfield by Pretty Little Things.
Located in the Byram Arcade in the town centre, this Victorian shopping arcade is perfect for a little spot of shopping, stocking lovely items from artists (including Harriet) vintage homewares and gorgeous brands.
The grand opening event is on Saturday 31st July - 9am till 5.30pm. And there will be bubbly and cupcakes to celebrate, so if you're in the area, pop in.
Find out more on Facebook
Lazy Oaf and Tate present Let’s Face it
Matthew The Horse PV at Nobrow Gallery Thursday 22nd July
Matthew The Horse and Jon Boam will be showcasing their marvellously outlandish take on the absurd, the humorous and the colourfully horrific in forthcoming show Doom 3.0 at the acclaimed Nobrow Gallery, London. The exhibition will feature new work including original paintings, screen prints, 3D and digital work and runs from 22nd July- 23rd Sept.
Nobrow Gallery 62 Great Eastern St. London EC2A 3QR
Private View: Thursday 22nd July, 6.30-9.30 pm
Blisters blackout - Print Club London (call for submissions)
Print Club are bringing together a mixture of established and emerging illustrators for BLISTERS BLACKOUT a winter feast of hand pulled, screen printed posters.
This year they are asking every one to add a ‘glow in the dark’ element to their poster design. They will be ‘Blacking Out’ the venue at points during the opening night so your posters can really GLOW!
Click here to find out how you can submit your work.
No place else - Illustration exhibition
Birdwatching - women in graphic design
BirdWatching website launch party!
Friday 16th of July 2010
BirdWatching is a socially driven, young organisation that connects, shares and recognises the work of female graphic designers.
They are ruffling their feathers for the launch of the new website and will be hosting a celebratory event on Friday, 16 July in the heart of London’s creative nest.
Second Floor - Netil House 1 Westgate Street E8 3RL London
The event on Facebook
Ok-Jo's custom cover for Wallpaper
So, I tweeted a while back about my Wallpaper mag custom cover. Well I received my cover in the post yesterday (as did few other thousand people) and what a treat! The paper stock is lovely, and it was very cool to have the self designed Wallpaper - with the help of design elements from James Joyce, Nigel Robinson, Hort, Anthony Burrill and Kam Tang. Check out the project here http://www.wallpaper.com/custom-covers
Here is the final product. I was also chuffed to have my cover printed in the back on the Wallpaper favourites' page!
Jo (www.okjostudio.com)
The Doodlecar at the Doodlebar - tonight!
Tatty Devine - Covent Garden boutique mini instore festival!
If you are in Bristol this week - check out Snap Minis
If you are in Bristol this week - then head down to Snap studio to their preview of Snap Minis - an edition of small prints from illustrators such as Lucie Sheridan and Alice Melvin.
I have been a big fan of Lucie Sheridan for a good few years now after commissioning her back when I worked at Time Out. I commissioned this illustration, which we were very pleased with indeed: Eating out. And Snap is a great place to visit if you've not been there before! Go check it out.
The artists have donated their work for free in return for a box set that includes all the other participating artists work. The remaining prints will be sold at Snap, and the profits will go toward improvements to the print facilities and the characterful but slightly crumbly Snap interior. The prints are for sale at the very reasonable price of £25 each, or £60 for three.
The show runs from 8th July until 31st August.
Opening Times Tues to Sat, 10am to 6pm. Monday by appointment only.
SNAP, 20-21 Lower Park Row, Bristol, BS1 5B
Inkygoodness exhibition: 4: PLAY:
Artists confirmed: Hannah Baber/Steph Baxter/Dave Bain/Camelia Dobrin/Colourbox/ Docvek/Marcus Butt/Stephen Chan/DBO/Christiane Engel/Good Wives & Warriors/Lisa Hassell/Kate Hindley/ Mister Millerchip/Inkymole/Simon David Mills/George Mitchell/Moot/Olive47/Tom J. Newell/Vicky Newman/Steve Rack/Steven Silverwood/Log Roper/Juan Salas/Matt Saunders/Leila Shetty/Marcroy Smith/McBess/Ben Steers/Jonathan Thomas/Michelle Turton/Toy Factory/Simon Wild/ Mark Wilkinson & Gizem Vural.
OFFSIDE - Good affordable art from Print Club and Artswipe
