The use of stock art is prolific in the graphic design world, you only have to visit websites such as www.istockphoto.com to know that there is a huge demand for stock art, and it’s not just the punters asking for it.

By punters I mean customers and business owners, excuse the crass wording, but it just felt right at the time ;-))

(more…)

A very charming web design was recently pointed out to me. I visited the website and was immediately struck by the relaxed and friendly atmosphere, in addition the high quality of the overall design and colour scheme.

Not only that, but the website is that of a fashion pattern designer/illustrator of the highest calibre, and the portfolio itself was a treat to view let alone the website. Designer and website owner Katie Mantle has kindly agreed to allow me to showcase some of her work for you.

(more…)

Illustrations and photography have been used extensively in marketing and sales for eons, and whilst one or the other have tended to dominate the commercial design world at times (in the 50’s for example, the use of illustration was profilic compared to today), both remain popular methods of visually communicating a brand message via advertising and marketing.

(more…)

This year the peace symbol celebrates its 50th anniversary, and Happy Birthday Peace.com has been launched to celebrate the symbol and it’s roots.

(more…)

I recently came across an interesting blog called ‘gaping void‘. What first grabbed my attention were the amusing comics littered throughout the blog - after delving further I discovered that these are described as ‘cartoons on the back of a business card’, I soon realised there were more interesting things to discover…

(more…)

I was contacted recently by email by someone from Salford University who thought I might appreciate some unique, creative Christmas cards and asked if I could spread the word about them.

(more…)

A while ago I saw details of a website called Illustration Friday on another blog and thought it was an interesting concept but did nothing more for some months.

(more…)

Sorry, this is my Bono moment (Sir Bono now, and quite rightly).

I’m sure you all enjoy visiting this blog (I hope!) to look at the pretty pictures and gain inspiration and guidance for your business (I hope!), can you please take a moment from working hard at your business goals to think about directing a little bit of that passion your have for your business to helping out others much much less fortunate than yourselves.

(more…)

I finished an illustration this week that I’m particularly proud of.

It’s for a new business called ‘Mums On Call’, which rather cleverly offers to ease the workload of busy mums, so this includes babysitting, shopping services and more. We all know that mums need help (I’m a mum of two young children - 3yrs and 6yrs, and I could cry sometimes from lack of time!).

(more…)

I thought I’d post some of my own art today, which was for a business called Lotus Education. I created the following logo design for Lotus a few months ago;

(more…)