Label for Glebe Honey bees, highlighting the nectar local to 2037 Sydney. Brief was a flexible design for jars and gift boxes, bit of urban edge that needed  to stand up to being printed on eco-paper.

Very pleased to be included on Pigeonhole Books interesting blog of illustrator and author interviews. Pigeonhole aims to promote books for children which address the family and living situation realities of the 21st century.  Dynamics overlooked by decades of children’s stories; yet the aim is not to highlight these situations as unusual, but bring them into the mainstream in print, reflecting their increasing visibility and normality in daily life.

Illustrator interview

Blend of cartoon and illustration for 350.org.au – campaign to reduce global emissions to 350ppm, and generally to stop the march to climate change and environmental degradation in the name of profit. With 12 hour notice, brief was to promote campaign of divestment from Australia’s ‘big four’ banks. Image needed to read quickly yet also appeal to more engaged viewer, to both lure in the unconverted and bolster the troops. So successful locally, now to be used nationally.

Nuanced project for Byron Shire Masterplan coordinated by People, Place and Partnership in Sydney.  Delicate balance between stereotype and the quirky nature of the community.  Destined for online but also 10,000 coasters around town, to entice visitors and locals to engage with the Masterplan site.

Illustrations had to reflect a quiz result and be sharable.  Last-minute deadline and four days of storms zapping power in Sydney inject some frisson.  Delivered day early, minimal revisions – happy result for all (not to mention relief one week out from xmas).

Inspirational break in Kyoto..

Chance to re-engage with woodblock aesthetics, visit the temple of all things Manga and sketch on the Kamogawa at sundown, One Cup to hand, lovers in kimono and geta sprawled decorously on the invisibly and effectively (if vaguely uncomfortable) propped up grass.  Cranes in the water… the sound of the city recedes, it is easy to see the past.

Just finished a great initiative for Medicare Local in the Northern Territory. Boab Design commissioned two illustrations, one urban, the other specifically tailored for the indigenous community. They had to reference the place, but be anonymous enough that a wide range of people could relate to the image; while also including very specific details from Medicare.

Each state has its own version of the program, but for the diverse NT, Boab boldly – and effectively – chose to use illustration rather than a generic stock photo. Resulting promotional campaign is strong and stands out.  Really pleased to have been involved.

Few roughs from 37 page graphic novella Cut Print.  Story hanging together – and crucially, ending works.

It’s said we are attracted to that which scares us, which in my case must be hands and cars.  All that was needed was a side story involving a horse.. Months of inking ahead, in between other work. Fresh brush and pens – and with quick trip to Kyoto coming up, chance to source some alternatives as well.

Cut Print is a cautionary tale of technology.  The anchor piece of a book of three, alongside Something Wicked and one other short.

City on the harbour – Sydney a few days off winter. Sparkling night spent down by the Opera House as VIVID lights up. In town for an event at the MCA – a film made up of interviews with Byron Bay creatives about the perils and pleasures of making a sea change. Happy to have contributed some small grains of, if not exactly wisdom, considered thought about being an artist based outside of a metropolis. Good roll up – even if some of the audience came for the view. Really, who wouldn’t? There were 15m glowing rabbits on the headland.

Just wrapped up couple of concept drawings for Toxic Raccoon, a commissioned animation and graphic novel proposal. The project pitch will provide context to the images, so was able to take liberties with content.

Brief was to make the raccoon engaging and approachable, to contrast with her toxic and fierce Incredible Hulk-like transformation in the face of evil and environmental corruption.  Good fun to do .. and with a valuable message.