Christiane Engel - Scrapbook

Radio Times - The Enchanted Island

2012-01-21T16:51:00.007Z

Radio Times have asked me to create an illustration for their Opera on 3 - Live from the Met season. Something spooky and enchanted like my Flamingo Guiterrez covers for The Enchanted Island by Jeremy Sams.

I decided to show the four shipwrecked lovers of A Midsummer Night's Dream as they land on this bizarre island, where Placido Domingo is Neptune!

It's on BBC Radio 3 tonight at 6pm.

Happy 2012 - January calendar

2012-01-04T13:43:00.003Z

Hello 2012!
Have you been out stargazing on Christmas? I read a kids' book on the subject and actually spotted a few planets and Orion!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Editorial work - Kids Need Bullerby

2011-12-09T16:14:00.003Z

An editorial illustration I made for Leben+Erziehen, the German parenting magazine.
Great subject for me as I LOVE Bullerby and most other Astrid Lindgren stories, books and films.
This feature is about how kids can become more confident if they are allowed to have more freedom, like the Bullerby kids! And what I found particularly interesting: that activities organized by parents couldn't substitute for the loose, independent play time between kids.
Good point!

I've hidden Emil of Loenneberga in this picture, can you find him?

The Three Little Pigs + Red Riding Hood

2011-12-08T10:17:00.001Z

Some new cover images of the 2 books I illustrated for Cowley Robinson Publishing.

Happy Nikolaus!

2011-12-06T13:29:00.004Z

Today, the 6th of December, is St. Nikolaus Day, a big tradition in Germany in case you didn't know...:o)
I forgot to put my snow boot outside the front door last night otherwise I would have found the above this morning!

Hawaii & Kentucky

2011-12-01T18:45:00.003Z

2 new states are done and available to buy as prints/framed prints/Tshirts at Society6!

December Desktop calender

2011-12-01T11:26:00.001Z

Happy December!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Parents' Pages - illustration + handlettering

2011-11-30T14:19:00.006Z

A fantastic publication I worked on with Surrey County Council and Preface Studios is out now: Parents' Pages - winter issue (download pdf).
Below are a few of the illustrations and some of the lettering I created throughout the magazine.
I have worked with Surrey County Council before a few years ago, illustrating parenting publications and creating a logo/identity that involved more child-like handlettering.
This time the illustrations are slightly more grown-up, and some cover more serious subjects, all very interesting and worth a read!

The cover. Drawing onto photographs is something I don't do very often for commissions but which worked well within this context, a girl in a wellie-throwing contest as part of the Decathlon Feature.

The Health Check feature. Lettering and a few spot illustrations plus what I've used a few times throughout the magazine - photo collage illustration, here for Dr Mark who works in A+E.

Another very inspiring feature about childcare and learning, with Rebecca and her daughter Billie-Dee.

The Surrey Focus autumn/winter page, I will create more seasonal banners for the next issues.

One of my favourite handlettering pieces I've created in this job, see the full feature on fire safety via the pdf download link if you want.

A very touching feature about self-harm and mental health, a self-written account from daughter and father.
I used a diary style handlettering for the quote up in the sky and the whole feel and look was supposed to be similar to my Northline book jacket illustration which the commissioner really liked, and it fits well I think.

These are 2 of the featured GB Olympic hopefuls, both runners, and these medal-like photo collage illustrations stand alongside their Q+A's.

New State

2011-11-28T12:20:00.003Z

Can you guess which state it is?

Aliens, Rio Grande, Albuquerque and Pueblo Art -
....it's New Mexico, of course!

Open Studio Weekend

2011-11-22T10:24:00.002Z

Thanks to everyone who came to SFSA's Open Studio event and stopped by my studio this weekend!
Here are some pics of the US postcards (these seem to be popular - lots of requests to finish further ones!) hanging on a laundry line,
and copies of my kids' books which I kept signing and selling until 2 of them sold out!

There's my lucky horseshoe, my oil pastel art, my drawing desk and a mood board of the Western States in the background.

New States - Alaska, Kansas, Florida

2011-11-16T09:40:00.004Z

SFSA Open Studio Days

2011-11-09T14:38:00.003Z

Come along to the Open Studio Days, details above in the invite!

It's Showtime...

2011-11-09T14:29:00.004Z

...with Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs!
Here are some pack shots of the two Showtime books that I illustrated.
It's a book and a theatre in one with slide-in scenes and characters on sticks, designed and created by Sally Symes for Cowley Robinson Publishing.

November - Desertfriends desktop calendar

2011-10-31T22:58:00.003Z

Happy November!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Where I've just been

2011-10-29T11:38:00.010+01:00

I just had a really nice autumn break in Germany to walk along the North Sea, woods and corn fields and to catch up with family and friends, and even with Willy Vlautin and Richmond Fontaine on their show on a boat near to where I'm from!

Nearly Halloween

2011-10-27T13:07:00.001+01:00

A crazy werewolf on his way to the next house...

Lettering - new work in progress

2011-10-13T14:11:00.003+01:00

What I've been working on...a little preview of the sketch-work for a great lettering + illustration project for a publication, more on that later this year when this is out.

Rocky Campground stuff

2011-10-10T16:37:00.004+01:00

Rocky Campground prints, canvas, skins and more are now available to buy in the Society6 shop.
Follow this link...
Rocky Campground is made with oil pastel+pencil on wood.
To see more oil pastel artwork, click here.

Studio update

2011-10-05T18:07:00.003+01:00

Some snapshots of the studio I have at SecondFloor Studios + Arts in Woolwich, SE London, and it's surrounding areas - good for lunch breaks at the river or in Greenwich Park!

DesertFriends desktop calendar - October

2011-10-02T22:31:00.004+01:00

Happy October!

One of my favourite months and so far it's been sunny + hot with leaves falling and long shadows and warm early dark nights - a very untypical combination for London!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

see the whole set here

Latchkey Kids duvet pattern

2011-09-20T16:59:00.002+01:00

I just found a duvet cover set from my childhood which has a warm 70s colour scheme and cowboy+cowgirls theme, then I saw a piece of paper in my bin with some latchkey kids prints on and thought it was the pillow cover with the cowboy kids....
So I just had to make up a pattern of my LatchkeyKids drawings to see how it would look like as a kids' duvet set:

Recent Work

2011-09-13T17:45:00.003+01:00

A recent commission that I have just worked on and am quite excited about,
I can only share snippets at the moment and here they are:

Autumn Patterns in Cardmaking magazine

2011-09-13T17:27:00.005+01:00

Here are some autumnal patterns that I was asked to design for the October issue of Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine:
Apples and blackberries, autumn leaves and flowers and a polka dot one - they can be used by readers for scrapbooking, cardmaking etc., out now.

Knick Knack Paddy Whack animation

2011-09-13T13:42:00.004+01:00

This book I illustrated has now been released by Barefoot Books with a new CD that includes an animated version, so you can singalong or listen/watch.

Watch the animation here:

New Studio

2011-09-10T18:47:00.005+01:00

I just moved my studio from home to here - Second Floor Studios & Arts, directly at the Thames, with views of the Thames Barrier, a ship wreck (?) and city banks. Photos will follow soon!

DesertFriends desktop calendar - September

2011-08-31T23:26:00.008+01:00

Hello September! Adrift on a muddy river...

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

see the whole set here

Images 35: Best of British Illustration 2011

2011-08-31T17:26:00.003+01:00

This urban fox of mine is part of this exhibition and UK tour:

26 August - 2 September 2011
Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9JH

The Association of illustrators presents Images: Best of British Illustration – the most prestigious and comprehensive illustration competition, award book and touring exhibition in the UK.

The exhibition showcases a selection of the best works featured in the Images 35 annual, including this year's winning entries from the eight categories: Advertising, Books, Children's Books, Design, Editorial, New Media, Self Promotion and New Talent.

Images 35 tour dates and venues
Darlington Civic Theatre and Arts Centre: 26 Sept-30 Nov 2011
University of Derby: 5 Dec 2011-5 Feb 2012
Viewpoint Gallery, Plymouth: 13 Feb-14 April 2012
Aberystwyth Arts Centre: 30 April-10 June 2012
Prescot Museum: 3 August - 16 October 2012

Map of Cape Peninsula

2011-08-18T20:00:00.002+01:00

One of my favourite places, Cape Town and the area around it - perfect for wildlife spotting (in water and on land), hiking in mountains and even driving out to a semi-desert!

Summary Of My Summer

2011-08-18T18:01:00.003+01:00

This is how I spent most of the summer, none of the usually running, boxing and cycling - let alone drawing. But actually sitting outside in jeans and trainers is an improvement from being confused and dizzy indoors due to a concussion, whiplash and more which I got when I was knocked over by a car in July. Upwards from here I hope! :o)

They Draw And Travel

2011-08-04T10:12:00.003+01:00

A nice little post about my postcards of US states and my other work is on the They Draw And Travel blog! Thanks, guys! I hope I can do a map for this project at some point soon, I love maps and it's a great site for showcasing those unique and unusual ones!

DesertFriends desktop calendar - August

2011-07-31T12:01:00.008+01:00

Hello August! Imaginary regeneration on a summer island...

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

see the whole set here

New work preview - Kids' Book

2011-07-28T10:27:00.004+01:00

A little preview of a picture book for a new US client, I worked on this since late last year. More info will follow on publication.

New work - parenting magazine

2011-07-28T09:59:00.005+01:00

A while ago I illustrated a feature for the August issue of Leben + Erziehen, a German parenting magazine. This one is about how to deal with naughty kids without punishing them...

North Dakota

2011-07-13T17:20:00.002+01:00

Roadside attraction is a cow named Sue, state beverage is milk and more sunflowers are grown here than in any other state!

part of this project

Alabama

2011-07-07T17:00:00.002+01:00

Sweet Home Alabama!
I'm getting closer to completing them all...only 32 to go.

DesertFriends desktop calendar - July

2011-07-01T13:45:00.002+01:00

A strange appearance at midnight for July.

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

4th of July GiveAway!

2011-06-30T10:15:00.003+01:00

Just in time for 4th July:
Enter my US states print giveaway by leaving a comment on this post about your state and one special fact about it ( can be anything - even a myth ).
I will draw one lucky random winner from the commentators just after 4th July.
The prize is one print of any US state from my painted postcard project, you choose!
(This includes all states, also the ones not showing here yet as they're all in various stages of completion)
So, let me know whatever you find interesting about your state!

**********NOW CLOSED **************
THE WINNER: ........Kelly J. R........!!!

Oklahoma / Wisconsin / North Carolina

2011-06-28T20:47:00.003+01:00

Out of these 3, I have only been to Wisconsin and I did not sample beer even.
I would have, but I was only 4.
The more I find out whilst doing the research for this project, the more states I want to visit: Asheville, Driftless Region, Ouachita Mountains - all very interesting!

Tennis season!

2011-06-24T13:45:00.005+01:00

Are you following it? I like Tennis, I used to play in a club when I wasn't actually in to it much. Now I am a little, but I can tell you it doesn't mix well with holding a pencil and draw for a living!
See that bull terrier there? I once hit a ball over the fence and it bounced off this bull terrier's nose with a loud plopping sound and he showed no reaction!

View more oil pastel art like 'Ex Tennis Pro' here.

Crazy Friend

2011-06-10T16:26:00.005+01:00

California Kid's friend with two of his pets (he keeps more at his home but only takes these two out with him), Ernesto and Esmeralda. He sometimes says corny things like that* unfortunately.

DesertFriends desktop calendar - June

2011-06-01T10:48:00.001+01:00

Roadside Friends for June!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

California Kid

2011-05-30T22:30:00.003+01:00

California Kid is the kind of kid who made you wish your parents would let you allow to do cool things, too. He's fueled by pop tarts and Swiss muesli and his dog is part vegetarian. (But why does it rain on him?)

Ronja the Robber's Daughter

2011-05-30T18:45:00.002+01:00

Do you know her? Was she as popular as she was in Germany in both books and TV?
I was a big fan and a while ago I sketched all my favourite childhood characters in my sketchbook and now I'm colouring a few of them up inbetween jobs.
In case you don't know Ronja Raeubertochter, it's an Astrid Lindgren kids' fantasy story.

New pillow cases on Envelop

2011-05-26T16:45:00.004+01:00

New designs for pillow cases - would suit a log cabin or a sleeping bag next to a campfire.
(I think I might get one for my studio which is unfortunately not a log cabin)
Available in my Envelop shop.

Pattern Observer

2011-05-24T15:54:00.002+01:00

A little post about my work in pattern design is up on the Pattern Observer Blog today! A very interesting Portland based blog exploring textile trends. Thank you to Michelle!

Have a closer look and click on the image above.

New US States

2011-05-23T14:12:00.008+01:00

Here is the latest batch of my US States map postcards: Vermont, California, New Jersey, Maryland and Missouri. A few of my favourites here are the Chesapeake bay Labrador, Lake Tahoe, the Ozarks and the tub of Ben&Jerry's!
Only 36 to go...!

The California one is available as a print in my Etsy shop.

Read Your Mind

2011-05-19T17:15:00.000+01:00

the soup boy from LatchKey Kids

Northline Book Jacket illustration

2011-05-14T11:45:00.005+01:00

this is a self-promotional mock-up
my version of this special book by Willy Vlautin.

New book jacket for Adrian Mole

2011-05-13T19:03:00.009+01:00

this is a self-promotional mock-up
We read this in school, I recovered the book and it was in need of a new look :o)
Quite funny how he writes about the Royal Wedding of 1981...bunting and patriotism and street parties and Sainsbury's and the Singh Family, something we couldn't really relate to as German school kids. I wonder if our teachers could. I was told I watched the Royal wedding of 1981 in Chicago as a four year old, I don't remember that particular detail of the holiday though...

New Portfolio section - Book Jackets

2011-05-11T15:57:00.004+01:00

book cover fun! In my Americana style plus a London themed one!

Diary 1

2011-05-11T14:47:00.003+01:00

I coloured in a few pages of my diary...this one - clothes I bought or received within a year.

May DesertFriends desktop calendar

2011-05-02T22:28:00.005+01:00

Happy May!
For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Eloy on the Trail

2011-05-02T19:29:00.003+01:00

Americana sketches and the first character sketch of Eloy!

City Of Dogs

2011-05-02T19:23:00.003+01:00

created for Uppercase Work/Life, published now.

Easter update

2011-05-02T19:12:00.002+01:00

I'm back from my break in Germany where I have been eating stick bread, burning the ghosts of winter at the Easter bonfire and working on pattern designs for an editorial job, more on that in October!

New work - parenting magazine

2011-04-09T10:44:00.002+01:00

New editorial work for the German parenting magazine leben+erziehen,
this one is about old myths and well meaning tips that new parents get to hear and explains alternatives. Some of the tips are so old and useless they belong in the 'Mottenkiste' which is a German expression for a box where you keep unused clothes together with mothballs.

DesertFriends desktop calendar - April

2011-04-01T14:35:00.004+01:00

I can't think of a better place to spend April than on a pine beach with a lonely campfire! crackle.

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Spring update

2011-03-23T15:31:00.002Z

What I have been up to...above are some snippets of recent work I have done for new clients, more on that will follow very soon, and the picture of the sleeping girl is from a dummy book of mine - I'd love to colour the whole book in - but it needs a publisher first! :o)

DesertFriends desktop calendar - March

2011-03-01T09:57:00.002Z

Finally, a spring month!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

This boy

2011-02-21T12:11:00.005Z

The boy in this oil pastel piece looks a bit like a character I'm illustrating a little story around, it's for the BBC and a very cool story, too. It will be in my linear style with some colour like this.

Canine in the studio!

2011-02-08T16:31:00.004Z

My temporary canine assistant decided to do some unauthorized coloring work.
Incredible how he thought of wetting his paw before he built himself a ladder to my desk. I have never mentioned I'm actually a real good dog trainer, but this is the stuff he's up to when not supervised! :o)
this one's quite creative:

Year Of The...

2011-02-06T13:27:00.003Z

Rabbit! I haven't been to Chinatown recently so haven't noticed much celebration around here...
This is an alteration of an illustration I did a while ago for a Mystery Heritage Hunt story for a US publisher.

DesertFriends February desktop calendar

2011-02-01T10:33:00.004Z

Happy February from the Arctic Sea ;o)

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

***featured on Poppytalk!***

New girl

2011-01-23T17:31:00.002Z

Say Hello in Russian!

Map Of Iceland

2011-01-21T13:17:00.000Z

The map of Olaf's country!

Horse Friend + Country Fish pattern

2011-01-18T16:48:00.005Z

some new pattern work based on the Country one I made last year,
and a friendly horse I know.

A new state

2011-01-17T15:08:00.004Z

New Hampshire - never been there but from what I gathered - mountains, lakes, no income tax, apple orchards and an overall outdoor feel - it does sound good to me!

Available as a print in my Etsy store!

Olaf from Iceland

2011-01-06T20:07:00.002Z

Olaf is from the land of volcanic ash, he's a good storyteller and has got a few other surprising skills like ice-skating!

Chief Anton from Switzerland

2011-01-05T13:38:00.005Z

Chief Anton is into wood-carving and hiking of course.
Part of a few character pieces I'm doing at the moment. I'm also starting work on a new kids book today!

Happy 2011!

2011-01-02T17:27:00.003Z

Happy New Year! I'm back from my snowy winter break and ready for 2011,
starting with new DesertFriends desktop calendars! Here's January, hope it's gonna be a good one!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar.
Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Happy Holidays - DesertFriends Xmas card

2010-12-14T17:17:00.003Z

...well, almost!
You can print + use this card as your Xmas card if you want.
Private use only. (Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported)

Iowa, Indiana and Utah

2010-12-09T14:42:00.002Z

Greetings from three new states!

WIP 50 States

2010-12-07T11:35:00.003Z

Here's a quick snap of my 50 States painted postcards project. There are certain states that I know nearly nothing about so this is a bit of an educational project for me...the western states were relatively straight forward as I could draw on experiences I made there myself but I didn't want to wait 'til I have visited all 50 states to carry on with this, so I have to continue reading and looking up on more interesting or quirky facts or myths about all other states - nerdy stuff, but I like it.

Thanks for recent blog features and mentions about my work to these guys:
seriousplay / frohlockend / cutelittlelife / lanastepul / Poppytalk / designi1 / waysideviolet / suzysarcastic / Design Crush /

Other good news is that my work got selected to be in the AOIs Images 35 book, which will be out in September 2011.

St Nikolaus

2010-12-06T14:02:00.002Z

Today is St Nikolaus Day in Germany, which is kind of a big deal if you're a kid and like sweets, much like Trick or Treat over here. I went dressed as an angel once with clingfilm covered wings and silver-blue snow boots, that was in the eighties.

December DesertFriends desktop wallpaper

2010-12-01T13:19:00.006Z

So 2010 is over - again, I can't believe it and this time I mean it! ;o)

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar, every month of 2010. Get the whole set here.

Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

***Featured on Poppytalk - thank you, Jan!***

Here's a review of the whole year:

Straw Stars

2010-11-29T16:29:00.002Z

The ones we had in the early 80s, they're back!

Jimmy said...

2010-11-29T13:56:00.001Z

Beginning of a story...

Rocky Campground

2010-11-26T17:46:00.005Z

One of my latest oil pastel on wood artwork

Xmas patterns

2010-11-24T17:22:00.002Z

2 colour versions of this year's Christmas designs!

Unwanted Dogs Pattern

2010-11-23T16:12:00.000Z

The kind of dogs you'd find at a dog rescue home.

DesertFriends Button Badges

2010-11-11T00:55:00.003Z

7 unique sets of badges are now available to buy at my Etsy shop!
I can recommend wearing them on jeans jackets and log lady cardigans. Or handbags.

Painted Postcards work-in-progress

2010-11-09T18:38:00.002Z

Hello there!
Here's a quick update on my painted postcards, I'm working on the lettering for all the 50 states right now. Western states are the most fun - had all my US road trip pictures for inspiration on handlettered road signs and cowboy saloon lettering - Yeehaw!

Studio Insight

2010-10-31T14:29:00.003Z

Studio Insight features studio info and pictures of me at childrensillustrators.
Here's me on my non-comfy studio swivel chair. I'm thinking of getting a gym ball to sit on.
This picture has notes if you view it on Flickr.

There's also progress for the US postcard project (see desk 2): I painted all the 50 states and now drawing details and writing stories begins!

November DesertFriends desktop calendar

2010-10-28T16:19:00.003+01:00

One of my top favourite months is almost over,
so here it is - the November calendar!

For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calendar, every month of 2010. Get the whole set here.

Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Q&A at Proxart

2010-10-25T12:24:00.003+01:00

There'a a little Q&A feature on the Proxart Blog with me talking about suburbs and 'An Ideal World', click on the picture above to read it! Thanks to Gia at Proxart!

Illustration Friday - Spooky

2010-10-21T19:17:00.005+01:00

I got bad news for you, said the ghost.
You know, when you're having a campfire on your own and then things like this happen.

Spooky Prints, iphone / ipod cases and skins are available to buy via Society6:

Shrimp Love

2010-10-20T12:23:00.003+01:00

Hello Shrimp! This is one of the first oil pastel/pencil/paper tests I made when I had new Sennelier oil pastels, smooth like butter or quality beauty products!

What I am up to right now:
colour-coordinating the 50 states postcards for which I'm painting the backgrounds today and realizing that 50 is quite a high number and I might need to spread the project to non-work areas of the flat which could be a hazard (for the postcards).

Many Thanks for recent blog features of my work to these guys:
DesignWorkLife
DesignCrush
Pingg
Visualingual
Picture Book Junkies

Sketch + Features

2010-10-08T18:00:00.004+01:00

Big thanks to these sites for blogging about my work this week:
Meet Miss Jones
Mo Pie, Please
Poppytalk
Illustration Design & Stuff

October DesertFriends desktop calender

2010-10-01T09:20:00.004+01:00

Happy spooky October!
For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calender, every month of 2010. Get the whole set here.

Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

New oil pastel pieces + new website

2010-09-26T22:07:00.003+01:00

These are two of my new oil pastel + pencil pieces that I had at the Inkygoodness 4 Play show, HeartBreak Lodge and Ex Tennis Pro, plus a detail of the guy from HeartBreak Lodge.

There's lots more new stuff on my updated website which I re-built completely using Indexhibit, check it out -> DesertFriends.com

True Up - Digital Fabric of the Week

2010-09-09T23:13:00.005+01:00

A while ago some of my fabrics designs were featured as Digital Fabric of the Week on the True Up blog - for the fabric obsessed. You can read it here. Many thanks to Kim!

Mini Portfolio <-> Moo minis

2010-09-09T22:48:00.003+01:00

I ran out of business cards, postcards and Moo minis... My most favourite ones were the Moo mini cards because they also serve as a mini portfolio that you always have on you, plus having multiple choices for people to pick from is nice!

Digital Artist - Successful Illustration

2010-09-09T22:21:00.005+01:00

I answered some questions about my children's book work in the current issue (11) of Digital Artist.
My pictures feature my recently illustrated books Grow & Recycling and Ooh La La Polka Dot Boots.
Thanks to Poz Watson and April Madden!

September DesertFriends desktop wallpaper

2010-09-01T13:17:00.005+01:00

Happy September!
For you to download to use as a desktop wallpaper calender, every month of 2010. Get the whole set here.

The design this month is from a oil pastel illustration called Playing Hookie which will be on show at Inkygoodness PLAY at East Gallery until Sept.12. It's based on a Raymond Carver short story (Nobody Said Anything).

Please note that this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 Unported License.

Sneak Peek - Inkygoodness PLAY

2010-08-31T21:54:00.009+01:00

Filling in the pencil details on 'Ex Tennis Pro', one of the pieces I will have on show at East Gallery. I could continue non-stop telling stories via crazy oil pastel paintings...
Especially like in the case of my bigger piece, 'Texas Hold'em', which is drawn on a 61x55cm rough wooden board. It centers around three down on luck poker players - the Crab Shack waitress, a single mum in a log lady cardigan and a trucker whose past I feel particularly sorry for...maybe you can figure out their stories, hopes or dreams by looking at the details that sort of flow in and out of the scene like a road map of their lives.

details of Texas Hold'em

My Lost in the Woods themed button badges that will be on sale (along with some of my prints) at the show when the shop is open!
I have saved one with the trout and a Log Lady one for myself, as these are one offs and no set is the same.

The exhibition will run until September 12, East Gallery 214 Brick Lane

So, come and play:

Locals/Only - London

2010-08-26T19:29:00.005+01:00

Society 6 - Locals/Only collaboration
The strange place that I've been calling home for six years now - London!
Available as a print (+more) at Society6.

Button Badges + Inkygoodness Show

2010-08-24T20:08:00.004+01:00

some of these badges and a few of my prints will be on sale at the Inkygoodness PLAY exhibition,
3.-12.9. East Gallery, 216 Brick Lane, where I will also have some artwork on show.

Postcards to Alphaville - Chinatown

2010-08-24T10:30:00.003+01:00

Jack Nicholson as JJ Gittes in Chinatown, my contribution to Postcards to Alphaville, which is a project featuring illustrations of film characters - and I'm glad I could choose this one as I like the film and of course, the setting! Check out more contributions by film character here, there's a few more Jack Nicholsons on there!

Hey Poppytalk!

2010-08-22T12:27:00.003+01:00

My calender and some of my patterns made it onto the great Poppytalk blog. Check it out (if you haven't already), it's a Vancouver-based design blog full of inspiration and beautiful/decayed/handmade stuff. Thanks to Jan at Poppytalk!

Illustration Friday - Star gazing

2010-08-20T14:12:00.006+01:00

troubled kid sees shooting star