FMP- Fat Cat

As part of my final work I am working with an illustration of a .. 'plump' cat. I started with a very confident shape so now I am not sure how to move him forward.

I decided to use some pattern's from my sketch book and decorate him, this looked good. But I think he needs something else...

I thought he could need some text to accompany him so I looked into some cat poems by T.S Eliot to find some quotes.

"Curious Cat" - The Rum Tum Tugger.

"He can play any trick with a cork or spoon and a bit of fish-paste".
"His manner is vague and aloof, you would think there was nobody shyer- but his voice has been heard on the rood when he was curled by the fire. - Mr.Mistoffelees.

So, I then decided to simplify and have fun with the cat!

Promotion

Another productive day on the promo side, I reworked my logo and then applied it to all social media linked with Emma Thorpe Illustration. I also have had new business cards and postcards printed, hopefully they will be delivered in time for the show.

And version 2:

My business and postcards follow the similar style. Being a bit different with my business card and having portrait ones made.

 

My postcards will also be double size, more fun!

I am now moving this onto my portfolio and having all pages reprinted with the updated logo, barrels on fun that will be on Thursday!

My logo is changing:
 

Animation- Stephen on a bike ride

Big Illustration Party - Ep 8

 

For today’s class we were asked to listen to episode 8 of Big Illustration Party, hosted by Kevin Cross and Joshua Kemble, both specialize in comic book and cartoon illustrations. In all episodes they post onto their blog http://www.illustrationparty.com/ they talk about their experience, share advice and related stories about how to be a freelance illustrator.

In Episode 8 they discuss promotion and networking, they raise and interesting points about how to contact clients. The discuss the benefits of cold calls, something I would never do myself as I prefer to email and find cold calling to be pushy and give of an instant dislike impression. The mention that in some cases it is worth doing, mostly when illustration an event or gig. Where as emails are less pressure, can be worded correctly and less intrusive.

They go on to detail how they would create the right emails for the right people by splitting them into two groups, first emails ‘blast’ to clients you would like to work for and who you think your style would benefit, in this email you should briefly and friendly state who you are and that you would like them to keep you in mind for future work if they like what they see. Kevin and Joshua both advise against image attachments, seeing it as another step/link the viewer has to do, which I don’t know what they mean by this, maybe its as simple as adding a link to you website or they think its better to design an email with embedded images?

After this first email if you receive a positive response from someone that would be interested in you work then should add them to a mailing/favorites/subscribe list where you send them emails as newsletter with updates, usually every 3 months but nothing less. You should also include an option at the bottom stating that if the reader would like to be removed from the mailing list they could just email you the word ‘stop’ etc. Also, not to keeping email a contact after no response.

They also spoke about sending clients greetings or as they call them ‘holiday’ cards, which I think is a great and fun idea, I was advised against them by Rose Lloyd when I met her in the start of my second year, she had an experience where she spent a lot of time and money in producing Christmas cards one year then when contacting after she was told that they receive so many that its not a very original idea and they don’t have time to respond to many of them, although that is just somebody’s experience I would still try this. In the broadcast they give ideas to not being so obvious with card designs- avoid the obvious colours (red and green for Christmas) and imagery (Santa) as clients will find it refreshing and witty to bring festive cheer with more thoughtful ideas.

Also, after working with a client you should always send a thank you email after, just reminding them that you enjoyed the experience, was fun and good working with you. I think this works for any contact with others from the industry, after by meetings in London I regret not sending a thank you email just for the time they had taken to see me or consider my work.

Kevin and Joshua go on to discuss web and networking, how valuable are illustration housing websites/industries. I don’t think they suit everyone so its hard to say whether they will benefit some people. I do see how if an illustrators website is hard to come across if you have never heard of their name, but maybe if you haven’t heard of them then they haven’t put enough effort into self promotional work, but with these websites there is a charge and finding the right website to house your work may be hard. Personally I think as a freelance illustrator I will try to stick to doing everything my way and by myself. With networking becoming so popular and easy way of meeting new people I think it can only be positive for artists and designers, in the broadcast they mention how you could meet someone through odd circumstances through Flickr, Twitter, Instagram and they like to find vintage ads that they use to inspire their work. 

So, during class we discussed some interesting points from the broadcast, I was mostly interested in setting up mailing lists and designing emails for people who want to be updated with my new work, Ian suggested Mail Chimp which I am now signed up to and trying to work out, all I need know is a mailing list who want to hear my news :)

We also talked about the contradiction between some stuff that was said in the broadcast and things we have been told to do my Ian and the rest of the tutors. I think everyone prefers different things as I have hear different advice from all contacts I have had this the industry this year about mail and portfolio's, different things appeal to different people, the same with illustration style. Maybe research somewhere you are really interested in there response first and get a feel for how they like things structured of their website might help into how and email might stand out to them.

Lesley Barnes

Another favourite illustrator of mine that has helped me through this semester and final project is Lesley Barnes.

Graphic Guru

 Graphic Guru- Ben Jones.                                                                                 

Today I bumped into my graphic guru, Ben Jones, in the studio and was able to get his feedback on my work so far and some advice.

We talked about promotion, I mentioned my business cards and Ben recommended I also use postcards as promotional work and mail outs, the detail in my work would benefit from the larger scale and they are better for people to pin up on notice boards and have as decorative pieces. He also advised me to keep all my details on front, although it doesn’t sound that much effort for someone to turn the card over but the details can be incorporated into the design and if someone does pin it up or keep it on their desk my details will also face them.

Ben also had a look at my website and noticed a few new pieces and style change. He really liked me bike poster ‘Coast to Coast’.

I showed him work for my FMP, he mentioned that I have been worked on a lot of things, which was nice to hear, he really liked my ‘fat cat’ piece, and suggested it would look good screen printed, adding quality. I haven’t finished my ‘fat cat’ yet so haven’t thought of printing processes, I think he needs some text to accompany him.

Animation-Research

For my animation class I have been looking at what type of animation and ideas I want.I have decided on stop motion animation using collage, i will use an aspect of my final major project that I have already produced and make it come to life.

While researching these are some of my favourites:

Coast to Coast

I didn't produce the final poster to be submitted as part of the initial competition, I wanted to produce the poster to be part of my portfolio and I liked this brief as it required bike illustrations and text.  I didn't include all the required text from the original brief as I felt it would take up to much space and I wanted my figure to be prominent. 

The teacher who originally set the brief saw my image and contacted me to say the she wanted to use it and I would rewarded with print credits (for the printers at uni). She also requested that I illustrate a second, female figure to represent her who will also be taking part in a bike ride. I was really happy to hear this and as the bike ride date as been postponed I have time after graduation to complete it.

I love my image, I enjoyed doing it and I like the style, slightly different technique to how I usually do it but I think it suits it well, the only thing I don't feel 100% on it his eyes, but I feel after so many attempts at them they are the best I could do.

Agata Dudek

I came across Polish illustrator, Agata Dudek while on a trip to Poland. I found a book (pictured below) which in English is called ' The Crows of Pearblossom' by Aldous Huxley. The illustrations use lovely textured and collage elements, all positioned perfectly to create fun and wacky scenes.

When I got back from Poland I research Agata Dudek to find she illustrates in such an inspiring style.

 (above) I love this guys legs! Agata really plays with her elements and makes them fun without being sinister and scaring children readers.

I could upload all of Agata portfolio as each image is as unique and amazing as the last. I think my favourite illustrator of the year goes to Agata Dudek.

Coast to Coast Brief

Also, during this module I have worked on a poster brief set by a Graphics teacher. A poster is aimed to raise support and awareness for an upcoming bike ride for charity. I liked the idea of illustrating bikes and figures so took it on as part of my FMP. 

I found this brief to challenge me at each stage, first was to create a figure shaped like he was riding a bike- not too informed but to my own style. I tried a few sketches, representing different emotions while cycling, the care free stroll, the final sprint and a struggling figure.

For me it is important to do some research before any brief, for this I wanted to know how to represent a bike with as little elements as possible, I want to show a bike with 2 wheels and least lines as possible as I want the figure to be more important than the bike.  I also wanted a way of representing the figure in the correct posture, I don't want it to look like the bike and person have just been layered, I want them to flow as one movement. 

For my brief I get the feeling that the people involved are not professionals and are going to struggle with 140mile cycle. I want to represent them as being fun people that like a challenge but I don't want to show that they can cycle with ease, I want to show that they are pushing themselves for charity.

I took inspiration from:

Blanca Gomez.
Blanca Gomez makes cycling and illustrating look so easy and sleek with hypnotizing wheels.

Nick Stevens

In this landscape piece the cyclist are represented with few information but still clearly resemble cyclists on bikes, their curved backs show determination while the small bend in knee show ease, I don't think they are cycling fast but are just strolling with care.

It has dream-like quality to it with vintage colours, all blend together so well. Making cycling looks so fun or you can take a nice hot air balloon ride and watch from the sky, dreamy.  

Justin Mezzell.

FMP update- Web

I have recently concentrated on my image archive and sketchbook and at the moment this stage is slowing for me. I feel I need to move forward or move to another aspect of this module.

So instead of dwelling on this and to stop myself from panicing, which then makes me less productive, I have turned my attention to the admin side of my illustration brand. I have recently updated my blog page to a more sophisticated layout, simple and professional. I have also worked on my website to make that of a higher standard by changing my account from Cargo Collective to Wordpress so I have more control over the look.

 Updating my facebook page:

I have also been buying many supplies for my crafts :) hoping to have a large range at my final major show to sell. 

FMP Update

There is now 5 weeks left on this project, scary stuff! And so far I have been concentrating on filling a sketchbook with useable and loveable designs to put forward onto 3D crafts.

Sketchbook scans.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

I recently worked on the Little White Lies brief set by D&AD, I thought it would be a challenge to work to a context that is unfamiliar to me-film. I selected the new Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy film from a selection of 2012 top films and set my self a week to complete the magazine cover requirements.

I managed to complete the brief quickly, I really enjoyed it. I did a few rough sketches for my design but straight away I knew what elements I wanted to include, I created a few sketchbook pages for useable elements. The brief required the main character to be large and prominent. The provided layout featured a large logo centered at the top so I didn't have much space.

I took this opportunity to feature my type and to represent a real figure.

I am really pleased with my image, if I could change anything I would spend some time thinking of how to use the space- Although giving myself more time on planning gives me more time to over judge positioning and sometimes takes away the fun.

FMP update- other projects

While doing this project I have tried to work on some smaller and quick briefs as well to stop me from getting bored with this one and to build up my portfolio.

 I have started them by creating sketchbook pages filled with elements related to each project. 

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.

 

Coast to coast  

London Part 1- Contacts

 

Contacts

I recently came back from a professional practice visit in London. During this visit I arranged to visit a range of businesses including publishing, advertising and design agencies to get feedback on my work and portfolio standard.

  

DDB.

My first contact while in London was with DDB Advertising Agency. We went to see their art buyer Daniel Moorey. He took us through what DDB do and gave us some advice. As an advertising agency they only commission illustrators occasionally and mostly use photography work, in house if possible. They source their illustrators from books, album covers, exhibitions, links of similar websites, D&AD awards and emails. Like many art directors have told me, they get a ton of emails each day that they look through so Daniel Moorey gave us hints on how to structure an email, like most say he prefers: plain, simple, addressed appropriately and easy to navigate. He informed us of a few agencies that they like to refer too, Big Active, Pekka and Breed. Unfortunately he didn’t have time to give us feedback on our portfolio, which was unfortunate as I was looking forward to having my first feedback.

Tiger Print.

The next day I had a meeting I was most excited about, with Tiger Print. Tiger Print supply exclusive cards and wrapping to Marks and Spencer. Their studio was dreamy. Lee Keeper was kind enough to see me and straight away looked through my portfolio. He gave me some positive feedback on both my portfolio and my style of work. He enjoyed the mix of 2D and 3D work in my portfolio and he mentioned that it flowed smoothly between styles, making it exciting view. He seemed pleased with me bringing some of my 3D samples, he left my portfolio open at my last page (Oldham poster) and arranged my objects around, presenting them quite nicely and showing enjoyment playing with them, I think the tactile element added further compliments to my work.

Lee Keeper complimented my collage style, identifying it as being bold and memorable imagery. He told me there is a that there is market for it (which was reassuring to hear) and that my collage technique was at a high standard, mentioning he sees a lot of poor quality collage so was refreshing to see mine (again very flattering!) he was understanding that I am still a student and saw the rest of my portfolio as being filled with my development in style, he suggested that I should blow up some aspects of my images to make further pages, he particularly liked my ‘Gary Oldham’ poster and suggested to zoom into the figure to create a page, resulting in a double page spread for my portfolio and showing texture quality.

Lee Keeper mentioned that work experience is very important, even if it’s unpaid. He also mentioned the importance of emails and ‘leave behinds’. He liked my new magpie image so much he suggested that I should make him part of my logo, so on all my promotional work the magpie would be the first representation of my style that you see. 

Serpents Tail

Towards the end of the week a selected few of us had a meeting with Serpent’s Tail publishing, Niamh Murray, the marketing director, talked us through what they did and what they expect from illustrators. She showed us a lot of examples of books were they have worked with illustrators in the past, she explained in depth the process, showed us examples of developing stages of imagery and explained the judging the images go through before making the cover, quite a few people’s opinion matter, from author the disrupters, i.e. Amazon, who require book cover imagery and title text to be seen on very small scale-thumbnails for their website also high street markets, who limit their books to a selected few so every cover must stand out.

Niamh Murray also demonstrated how important covers are for books, showing us examples of book covers that sold 3x more after having their covers reworked, which was a shock to me as I thought it was the story or title that sells a book, personally I am an example of that as I choose books with pretty pictures on cover and images that relate the book to me. We were also told what money to expect in publishing for an illustrator, it was interesting to find out about kill fee’s and learning there is no extra money for any changes that they ask you to make. I also learnt that they really admire illustrators who have their own language of type and can combine that into imagery.

Just as the meeting was finishing the art director, Peter Dyer entered the building and we were lucky enough to each have some of his time to look through our portfolio’s for feedback. During my meeting Peter Dyer looked through my portfolio quite quickly, but I was still appreciative of any time he could spare, he said he liked my style and my hand-made text (which they commission illustrators to do quite a lot), he remarked that my images are positioned well in context because I use a lot of space, I let my images breathe. Peter Dyer commented that my style is suited for a children’s audience and he told me to keep him updated with any images that I produce that I think he might be interested in. From this experience I am now hoping to add more context to my portfolio, hopefully some book covers to demonstrate to prospective agencies how my work could look for them.

St. Luke’s

My final meeting was with Roy Hyndman, Head of Creative Services at St. Luke’s advertising agency. I was recommended to visit by my tutor Gary as he has had experience of St.Luke’s before and felt they could compliment my work. Again it was a short and sweet visit, he mentioned my style would be suited for children’s products and he liked my style of collage.

From my feedback overall, the popular images where Toy Soldier, Zebra, Oldham and Magpie, which are also favorites of mine and now I want to look closer at them compared to my other images and find out what makes them so appealing and work so well. A lot of positive feedback for my 3D objects, especially my set of mug, I think having these in my portfolio helps the viewer see my work in action, giving meaning to my style and helps them imagine how my images can benefit them as a business.

This experience hasn’t made me want to pursue to certain path in design, it has helped me understand the market more, helped with confidence by receiving positive feedback to my style of work and give me a chance to see London.