Hennie Haworth has released a risograph print through independent publisher Landfill Editions. This print features a piece from Hennie's vending machine series. To purchase the print, visit Hennie's online shop.
Haworth for Nu Agency
Hennie Haworth collaborated with a Swedish company to create a series of home decor wallpapers. Her light, airy designs modernize the traditional floral and medallion patterns of English decor.
Haworth Joins One Thousand Cranes for Japan
Hennie Haworth recently contributed her designs to One Thousand Cranes for Japan, an organization that benefits the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Fund. The project draws its name from the Japanese idea that folding one thousand cranes grants the origami artist a wish.
Roumieu for The Walrus Laughs
Graham Roumieu illustrated for a recent collaboration between Stella Artois and longtime client, The Walrus Foundation. The Walrus Laughs is a digital project where registered members vote to determine the most humorous entries in three different categories. The first category contains collaborations between some of Canada's wittiest writers and veteran comedy producer, Perry Rosemond; the second is a selection of humorous articles, comics and essays from The Walrus magazine; and the third is where Walrus online editor Matthew McKinnon will be posting public submissions in the form of prose, poetry, illustration, photography, collage, audio, live-action video and animation. Members can vote up until July 1st, 2012.
Haworth for Real Simple Magazine
Hennie Haworth illustrated for the Playbook section of Real Simple magazine. Hennie's hand-lettering and quirky spot illustrations make up this fun spinning wheel of 10 conversation starters sure to liven up family dinnertime. It appears in their Family Fall 2011 issue.
Press for Graham Roumieu's Highly Inappropriate Tales
Graham Roumieu recently collaborated with acclaimed author Douglas Coupland (Generation X) on an illustrated novel called Highly Inappropriate Tales for Young People. The book, populated with characters like Donald the Incredibly Hostile Juice Box, Hans the Weird Exchange Student, Brandon the Action Figure with Issues, and Kevin the Hobo Minivan with Extremely Low Morals, is a collection of tales about suburban life turned upside down.
The book was released on October 25, 2011 and is currently available through Amazon.com and Random House Canada. The trailer for Highly Inappropriate Tales is also available on YouTube.
Reviews for the book have been published in The Edmonton Journal, The Toronto Star, Globe and Mail, The Guardian, and MacLeans. The following are excerpts:
“Roumieu’s dark, twisted work reminds me of Quentin Blake’s beautifully perfect illustrations for Roald Dahl’s classic children’s books.” (The Edmonton Journal)
“Graham Roumieu’s illustrations are equally as inventive, loose and surprising, and the result is a charming and also unsettling reading experience. The publisher likens them to the works of Edward Gorey, Tim Burton and Hillaire Belloc, which is fitting. But I’m also reminded of Charles Addam’s famous cartoons by Roumieu’s washes of ink and the sketchiness of his lines.” (The Toronto Star)
Read more of the reviews here:
The Edmonton Journal The Toronto Star The Guardian The Globe and Mail: Tales of Twisted Miscreants The Globe and Mail: Kidlit noir The Globe and Mail: Slideshow
Hennie Haworth Featured on Graphic Bird Watching
Hennie Haworth is today's featured designer on Graphic Bird Watching, a graphic design site that focuses on highlighting the careers of female designers. It is a socially driven international organization that takes its name from the slang term for woman, "bird." Hennie Haworth on Graphic Bird Watching
Pilar for Papyrus
Papyrus has released their latest greeting card collection, Gallery Greeting by Bella Pilar. Featuring a series of fashionably dressed young ladies, the new cards are the most recent installment in Bella's increasingly popular line of Papyrus stationery. Check out Papyrus' updated masthead to see Bella's latest cards on display.
Roumieu for the New York Times
Graham Roumieu illustrates "iToo...Could Have Known Steve Jobs. Or Did I?," an opinion piece by Nora Ephron for the New York Times Sunday Review. In the article, Ephron muses about missed opportunities -- hers, his, those of Jobs' biological parents. Roumieu's illustration of a woman sniffing Jobs' iconic black turtleneck captures the whimsy of Ephron's remembrance of things past.
ICON7's Gorgeous Conference Poster
Registration for ICON7 has begun, and The Illustration Conference has officially released this year's poster. Art directed by illustrator and board president John Hendrix, this year's poster combines the typographic expertise of Jessica Hische and the illustrative brilliance of Chris Buzelli. To read more about this "unusual collision between a design-ustrator and illu-signer," check out John Hendrix's blog post on art directing the two-sided poster: John Hendrix: Drawing on Deadline.
“I encourage every illustrator, whether newbie or experienced, wallflower or well-connected, to attend ICON7 and soak up the knowledge, camaraderie and enthusiasm that flourishes there. While I currently serve as the Ethic Chair for this year’s conference, my advice is not promotional. I attended ICON2 - ICON6 and look forward to attending future ICON illustration conferences, wherever they are held.”
- Agency Director, Chrystal Falcioni
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BELLA PILAR
For Los Angeles illustrator Bella Pilar, work begins with a latte, a sketchbook, and a large stack of magazines. Her local cafe is her favorite spot for a dose of inspiration. Pen in hand, she flips through well-worn issues of Vogue to rev up her internal database of poses, prints, and silhouettes. Once an idea catches her fancy, she turns her thoughts to paper, sketching her signature, long-limbed ladies with practiced ease. Then it's off to her studio, which she keeps well stocked with the tools of her trade: 29 tubes of gouache paint, 18 watercolor brushes, and plenty of Arches hot press watercolor paper.
"Drawing and painting have been with me as long as I can remember," Bella says. "My mother started taking me to art classes on weekends when I was nine years old. I immediately caught interest and quickly discovered how happy it made me. I knew then that creating art would be a part of my life forever."
Educated in fashion design at F.I.T. and Massachusetts College of Art, Bella's first job out of school was as a window dresser for Macy's in Manhattan. "I started out painting the makeup (using grease paints) on the faces of the display mannequins," Bella recalls. "After that job, I moved on to painting real faces - working in New York and then L.A. as a freelance makeup artist. Now I paint faces on watercolor paper." She moved to Los Angeles with her documentary filmmaker husband, and continued her work as a freelance makeup artist. While most makeup artists used photographs as a reference, Bella used her own illustrations. One of these illustrations caught the attention of a magazine editor, which ultimately led to her first editorial illustration job.
Bella brings her style to life with a paintbrush and a bit of gouache. Then, with the guidance of an art director, her work appears on the pages of magazines like Marie Claire, Glamour, Uomo Vogue (Italy), Vogue (Mexico), Hamptons, and Modern Bride (China). Bella's client list is long and diverse, and, to date, her work has appeared in locales as varied as Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany, Latin America, and the UK. One glimpse at her body of work demonstrates the universal appeal of Bella's illustrations.
Many of Bella's campaigns have taken place in Italy, where her character Fleur acts as the mascot for the highly regarded retail chain La Gardenia. With over 160 stores, La Gardenia is Italy's largest makeup and perfume retailer. Bella's televised campaigns have aired throughout Italy, and her artwork has received national attention on multiple occasions.
The success of her line of greeting cards has made her Papyrus' all-time top selling artist and has brought her art into hundreds of thousands of American homes. Her limited edition greeting cards in particular have become collectors' items, and fans bring them in for Bella to sign at artist signing events in New York and California. The range of products that Bella has licensed her art on has expanded to include tote bags, gift boxes, tee shirts, children's toys, bookmarks, journals, and a line of fabrics. "I like to see my artwork on various products," Bella says. "I hope to see many more products with my artwork on them in the future."
Bella's whimsical feminine illustrations have appeared in advertising and marketing campaigns for companies like Bloomingdale's, Tiffany & Co., Timex, La Perla, and Lancome. "I love the variety of work I do, and I hope I'll continue to grow in all areas." Targeting fashion-forward women, Bella's "By Invitation Only" campaign for Tiffany & Co. and fall designer handbag promotion for Bloomingdales called upon Bella's talent for conveying glamour and sophistication. Her figures have been called "sassy and [...] coy" by some, "exquisite, exotic and chic" by others. Bella's distinct style has also helped her woo corporate clients like Target, Viactiv, and Hewlett-Packard. Whether it's releasing limited edition vintage tees (Target), announcing a yearlong partnership with the Susan G. Komen Foundation (Viactiv), or publicizing a web-based party invitation app (Hewlett-Packard), Bella's illustrations have played an integral role in making corporate projects memorable, accessible, and successful. "To be in this profession, you must be confident, with a unique style of your own that only you possess," Bella says. "I feel like I am always competing with myself, to improve each piece of artwork to be stronger than the last."
Bella also works regularly with clients that target a younger demographic. In 2011, she illustrated the Petal Pushers series (Scholastic) by Catherine Daly. The books, designed for girls eight years and up, focus on four young sisters and their family flower shop Her illustrations have also appeared on magnetic paper dolls (Mudpuppy), children's apparel (My Vintage Baby), and books geared toward teens (Chronicle Books). Bella's cover for Sarah O'Leary Burningham's How to Raise Your Parents: A Teen Girl's Survival Guide captures the book's tongue-in-cheek take on teen rebellion and family relationships. Bella's fresh-faced illustrations have also appeared in a number of teen magazines, which include YM, Sweet 16, Girls' Life, and Marie Claire. When asked about the source of her inspiration, Bella reveals that everything she does is dedicated to her two daughters. "This has a special place in my heart. Just like those art classes that my mom brought me to that molded me and my fascination with creative work, I hope to inspire my little girls."
Bella has developed a highly recognizable style that has been noticed by clients and the media. In 2010, her Papyrus greeting cards were sewn into an 'origami dress' for Los Angeles' Fashion's Night Out. The dress was modeled by Project Runway finalist Rami Kashou and was featured on a number of fashion blogs, creating a splash among Los Angeles trend spotters.
In January 2011, Vogue Mexico and Latinoamerica published a four-page feature on Bella, describing her figures as, "graceful, feminine women with endless legs [and] swan necks," "the ultimate personification of chic." The interview coincided with Bella's work for Vogue Shopping Experience, an all-day charity event that took place in Mexico City's fashion district. Bella's illustrations ran as advertorials in the Mexican editions of Vogue, Glamour and AD Magazine.
Then in February 2011, the Mexican women's magazine Femina interviewed Bella for a full-page article about her career as an illustrator. During the interview, Bella stressed that individual style is what makes artists stand out from other professionals. "It doesn't matter how many other illustrators there are out there looking for the same work. As long as you are true to your individual style, competition is never a thought. How can you compete if you're the only one that does what you do!"
Bella Pilar's love of fashion combined with a sweet whimsical aesthetic make her the go-to girl for the fashionista and girl-next-door alike. To see more of Bella's work, along with behind-the-scenes images of her illustration process, visit her blog at junipervalentine.blogspot.com.
Click here for downloadable items - desktop wallpapers and a high-res printable letter sized promo.
Q&A with Bella Pilar
What's the best part of being an illustrator? I have a great excuse to hang out in coffee shops. I camp out with a latte at a window seat and sketch jobs on the days I am not in my studio painting.
Flight or invisibility? Invisibility.
If you could change one thing about your studio, what would it be? Can we make it bigger please.
What is your go-to karaoke song? Hit Me With Your Best Shot, Pat Benatar.
Your ideal vacation spot? Anywhere with new and interesting foods. It could be a fast paced urban jungle where I'm eating at the best restaurants or the most exotic street vendor foods standing on a busy corner. Or it can be a quiet desolate beach or countryside where I'm eating the local specialties in the peace and quiet. My dream vacation is a food tour of the world. We recently stayed on a farm in Sonoma where we milked the goats and collected eggs from the hen house. That next morning we were eating fried eggs and goat milk yogurt. Pretty ideal.
What do you do when you're not working? Hang out with my kids and husband.
What is one tip you want to share with other creative professionals? I'm practical - buy in bulk. No, seriously. You never want to reach for that watercolor paper or that lead for the pencil, and find that... uh oh, there's no more! And it's 2 am! So all you fellow late night workers, keep a good supply of supplies in your studio.
Why gouache? I find it soothing to paint with. I don't struggle or battle with it. It's quite comfortable and natural for me to express ideas in this medium. And I love the texture you can create since it can be transparent as well at opaque. Great for a good splatter.
Who are three artists you admire? My daughters and my husband. My husband's drive and love for his filmmaking is quite an inspiration. As for my two little girls - I scream with joy over every little art project they do. Each one is it's own little masterpiece. The thing is, is that they see greatness in every piece they create, without hesitation or doubt. They are confident in all of their creations. I admire that.
What are some sites you have bookmarked in your browser? www.epicurious.com Cant cook dinner without it. www.etsy.com I mean, really, so much talent out there. I love to shop here late night when the kids are down. www.illustrationmundo.com It's all there. www.pinterest.com Lots of eye candy.
Your favorite member of the '80's Brat Pack? Molly rules.
You're a born and bred New Yorker. When and why did you decide to move to Los Angeles? I've been in Los Angeles much longer than I had ever planned. We moved here simply for a change of pace, a new experience. But its hard to slow down the pace of this New Yorker, and I basically jet back to NY every free moment I can. I live in LA, but my heart belongs to NY. You can take the girl outta NY, but you cant take the New Yorker outta the girl, isn't that what they say?
In an ideal world, you would have a lifetime supply of...? Chocolate. Rest. Love.
Roumieu + Coupland's Highly Inappropriate Tales for Young People
Graham Roumieu's recent collaboration with renowned Canadian author, Douglas Coupland, is now available from Random House. The book, Highly Inappropriate Tales for Young People, is a collection of seven hilariously improbable (and maybe even a little inappropriate!) tales following in the grand tradition of Edward Gorey's Gashlycrumb Tinies, Tim Burton's Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Hillaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales for Children.
With characters like Donald the Incredibly Hostile Juice Box, Hans the Weird Exchange Student, Brandon the Action Figure with Issues, and Kevin the Hobo Minivan with Extremely Low Morals, this highly anticipated book is sure to be an instant classic. Click here for an animated sneak peek.
GRAHAM ROUMIEU
Toronto-based illustrator Graham Roumieu's characteristic style, consisting of inked lines and watercolor washes, always accompanies an offbeat and often irreverent sense of humor. Whether it's a bee flirting with a gardenia over a glass of wine, God asking Adam to become his Facebook friend, or a housekeeper vacuuming the tomb where Romeo mourns Juliet, Roumieu's images consistently provoke both thought and laughter.
Roumieu regularly works with a number of publications throughout the U.S. and Canada. His clients include the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, Business Week, and the Washington Post. He has also authored and illustrated six books: Some Really Super Poems About Squirrels (Andrews McMeel), 101 Ways to Kill Your Boss (Plume), Cat & Gnome (Blue Q Books), and the cult classic Bigfoot series - Me Write Book: It Bigfoot Memoir (Plume), Bigfoot: I Not Dead (Plume) and In Me Own Words: the Autobiography of Bigfoot (Manic D Press).
His most recent publishing project is a creative collaboration with postmodern author Douglas Coupland, titled Highly Inappropriate Tales for Young People (Random House Canada). Coupland, who authored jPod, Life After God and the international bestseller Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture (which popularized the terms 'McJob' and 'Generation X.'), are well matched in their irreverence and love of social commentary. In the book, Roumieu and Coupland combine their talents to create seven hilariously improbable tales, featuring characters like Donald the Incredibly Hostile Juice Box, Hans the Weird Exchange Student, Brandon the Action Figure with Issues, and Kevin the Hobo Minivan with Extremely Low Morals. The highly anticipated book lands in stores October 25, 2011.
In 2003, Roumieu published the first in a series of Bigfoot autobiographies. Written from the perspective of a jaded, egomaniacal ex-legend whose hobbies include terrorizing forest critters and composing screenplays, the books have quickly become a cult favorite. Bigfoot's antics have inspired readers to write Bigfoot songs, make Bigfoot dolls, and even bake Bigfoot cakes. The very hairy leading man has thousands of followers on Twitter, where he regular charms fans with sayings like, "Secret to great smile is use Lee Press On Nails as veneers" and "Wearing two sashes and a cummerbund. It just feel right."
Bigfoot's charm stems from a stubbornly juvenile outlook that is by turns abrasive and endearing. In one chapter, Bigfoot admits that his less-than-eloquent speech patterns made him the target of bullying in high school. His confession accompanies a flashback of teenage Bigfoot tearing down the opposition (literally) at a high school debate. A decapitated head lies on the linoleum as two recent amputees cower in a pool of their own blood. Red ink, smeared and spattered throughout the page, vividly relays the relish with which Bigfoot dismembers his competitors.
Roumieu's wildly energetic, and sometimes gleefully gruesome, brushwork sometimes seems at odds with his underdog sensibilities. In a recent interview, he says, "I think I have a tendency to gravitate to subjects that are sweet, naive and innocent in nature because it gives more impact when I inevitably throw them into situations that are bizarre, human and dire." With Bigfoot, Roumieu has combined all of the above, producing a creature whose displays of ego rival only his bouts of crippling insecurity.
Roumieu's 101 Ways to Kill Your Boss has been universally applauded and published in many countries worldwide. Imagine eviscerating your boss with a giant laser pointer, quitting your job via ninja courier service, laying a trap by way of urinal guillotine. Roumieu takes office politics to the next level with increasingly extreme tactics for boss-icide. His illustrations find the bizarre and the funny in even the most mundane office environments. Linked together by a deep yet twisted look into the human psyche, Roumieu's work continually surprises viewers with its insight and its ability to elicit gut-wrenching laughter.
In addition to illustrating for publications and graphic novels, Roumieu has worked on a number of successful ad campaigns, including "Ink Amnesty" for HP, "Early Bloomers" for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada, and "No Peeking Event" for Sears. "Ink Amnesty" for HP featured an out-of-control squid character that warned against using third-party ink cartridges in HP printers. The Big Brothers Big Sisters campaign used Roumieu's humorous peer pressure illustrations to encourage people to mentor a child though the Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School Mentoring program. The "No Peeking Event" for Sears took place in downtown Toronto and featured a 2,200 square foot maze, an electric train, ice sculptures and plenty of free giveaways. The event took place at a major Toronto intersection and went live right before the holiday season. Roumieu's work for the well-publicized campaign was animated and projected on a several-stories-tall screen above the maze.
His work has been honored by American Illustration, Communication Arts, Society of Illustrators, Applied Arts, the HOW International Design Awards, the Advertising & Design Club of Canada, the Coupe International Design Competition, the SPD Spots Annual, and the National Magazine Awards. His site Roumieu.com was recently named one of HOW Magazine's Top 10 Sites for Designers. When he's not illustrating, Roumieu teaches at OCAD University, Canada's oldest and largest art and design school.
Click here for downloadable items - desktop wallpapers and a high-res printable letter sized promo.
Q&A with Graham Roumieu
Best way to end a long day of work?
Satisfied. Waist band full of money. Wait. Wrong job.
Favorite way to spark inspiration?
Sometimes if I am stumped by something I...
If you weren't an illustrator, what would you be?
Probably a gardener. When I was a kid I was obsessed by a show called The Victorian Kitchen Garden which was a BBC series documenting the restoration of a derelict manor house garden, and re learning techniques that resulted in people being able to grow tropical fruit in dreary English conditions.
When I was in college I spent some summers planting trees. Sometimes thousands in a day. That cured me of wanting to garden for a while, but it did eventually come back. It's only been fairly recently that I live in a place that has a back yard where I can mess about with plants and to put it quite simply, I enjoy it quite a bit.
Why do you prefer ink and watercolor over digital media or other forms of traditional media?
It's what I am used to and it best approximates what is in my head. Plus the idea of making something meaningful with a piece of paper and a stick covered in some stuff that stains the paper is pretty awesome. Trying to do the same thing with a machine that can also plot the orbits of spacecraft is pretty awesome too, but in my opinion, somewhat less so.
What's the last book you read?
Hot Art by Joshua Knelman, a mind-blowing investigative book on the world of international art theft.
In your Bigfoot series, the protagonist is a narcissistic megalomaniac with impulse control issues. Is his story inspired by your own life experiences?
No, unlike Bigfoot, I am pretty much perfect.
What is your ideal studio like?
Self-cleaning, well stocked, workshop-like, prone to interesting visitors that bring me lunch and news of the outside world.
Who is the funniest person you know?
Funny 'ha-ha' or funny 'hmmmmm'? Or both? Like that clown I know that is always muttering stuff about the government.
Which fictional character do you most identify with?
Sometimes, C3PO, sometimes, HAL. Sometimes Arthur Dent, sometimes Dave.
When did you decide to become an illustrator?
Aside from going to art school to study illustration, I think I kind of just became one. I do have a vague recollection of originally wanting to be an animator.
What's one tip you want to share with other creative professionals?
If you're moving the pen around and nothing happens it probably means it is out of ink or the cap is still on or you are holding it upside down or you have mistaken a hot dog for a pen.
Also, having the discipline to sit down and work at something until you get it right is a surprisingly rare trait in people, so if you have it, or feel you have the potential to have it, make use of it. Protect it like your life depended on it.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Teleportation.
What do you do when you're not working?
Hang out with friends.
Look out your window. What's the first thing you see?
Darkness. It's night time. My own image reflected back at me. Hey there handsome. See question 6. (Wow! That there was some poetry.)
If Hollywood produced a movie based on your life, which actor would play the leading role?
Best decided by a winner takes all no rules casting call death match.
Grosch Interviewed on Philly.com
Eleanor Grosch is thrilled to be featured on Philadelphia website, Philly.com. In her interview with Caroline Tiger, Eleanor shares all sorts of interesting tidbits about her career, crediting a plush seal she favored as a child for her lifelong fascination with animals and an ex-boyfriend who first encouraged her to submit her work to a popular design website for her current success as an illustrator. Click here to read the entire interview.
Photo courtesy of Ron Tarver.
Hennie Haworth for Hite
Korean beer company Hite hired Hennie Haworth to design a promotional tote bag. The bag promotes the deep, rich flavor of Hite's 100% barley beer.
Magnet Reps on Twitter
Chrystal Falcioni ventures into the land of micro-blogging with her very first tweet. Shoot her a howdy and a welcome @magnetreps!
Pilar Appears in Stationery Trends
Bella Pilar appears in the May 17, 2011 issue of Stationery Trends magazine, the official daily publication of the National Stationery Show. The magazine covers events, awards, and educational seminars for the duration of the national trade show. Bella is featured in the "Seen on the Floor" section of the magazine and is shown signing autographs at the Papyrus booth.
Grosch for Shutterfly
Eleanor Grosch was recently commissioned to create this adorable ABC photobook for Shutterfly. Her graphic animals and bold embellishments allow you to preserve your child's most cherished moments in an inspiring, playful format that is sure to be treasured for years. Shutterfly is one of the leaders in digital scrapbooking, allowing you to upload your own photos to create unique stationery items which are then delivered straight to your door. The photobook is bound and printed in the U.S. using the highest standards for paper and printing and recently won Shutterfly the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for the best website for photobooks.
Haworth for Joolz
Hennie Haworth recently collaborated with Amsterdam-based company Joolz on a new campaign promoting their line of ergonomically-designed strollers. Hennie's black and white line drawings can be seen in an animated spot on the company's website, as well as on a promotional wall mural in one of their retail stores.
Grosch for STIR Magazine
Eleanor Grosch recently created pet-themed patterns for a special issue of STIR magazine, a Sherwin-Williams publication for architects and interior designers.
Grosch's art was featured alongside an article about consumers' growing taste for custom design materials -- from upholstery to wallpaper to flooring. Digital textile printing companies like Spoonflower and Fabric on Demand market their ability to create anything from bacon-inspired patio furniture to greyhound-themed wallpaper, color-picked to match Fido's favorite chew toy.
