It's always a wonderful thing to see people use old mediums in new ways. Jules Tardy doesn't just draw on paper to create illustrations - he uses the paper itself to create doodles of people and animals. In a project titled 'Papiers Dechirés' created in 2017, the ripped coloured pieces of paper create shadows, highlights, contrasts, and depth. Originally from Paris, Jules Tardy . . .
Make Beautiful Things
Who knows what's going on in the world these days? I would've thought that we'd be taking steps forward instead of leaps backward. During times like these, it's easy to get into a spiral of negativity, gloom, and doom. However... Instead of focusing on the negative, we should do what we can to make our own positive impact in the world. Play our part in making the world a little better each . . .
An Absence of Colour
Who created this wonderfully detailed black & white piece, you ask? It’s Chris Yee – otherwise known as Yee the East. He’s a Sydney-based artist & illustrator who has a background in graphics design, but what he’s really known for are his traditional “pen and paper” methodologies. Some fun facts about him: He’s a twin. His childhood consisted of a whole lot of Dragonball and . . .
Embrace Your Crown
The grass is always greener on the other side. I've got dead straight hair (blame it on the Asian genes!) so when I see someone rocking an afro or an entire head of curls, I stare in amazement. Looks like I'm not the only one though, it seems to also happen vice versa. Hence, Gerrel Saunders aka. Gaks made an illustrated series revolving around the topic titled 'CROWN'. It is described by . . .
A Eulogy for Crayola’s Dandelion
It was a sad moment all around when Dandelion was announced to be retiring after 27 years - the bright yellow in Crayola's crayon set. This was decided in order to make room for a new blue shade. *cue sad music* "Our beloved Dandelion decided to announce his retirement early! There’s no taming an adventurous spirit! #NationalCrayonDay" - Crayola This isn't a first-time occurrence for the crayon . . .
My Halloween Favourites
Halloween is probably my favourite time of year. It used to be Christmas - now it's a close tie. That's because in Australia, we don't wear funny outfits and roam the streets. Come on. Dress ups, parties, creepy artwork found across Instagram - what's there not to love. Here's me. Here's a collection of wonderful Halloween posts I found while scouring across my Explore feed. From . . .
Watercoloured Words
I came across June Digan during my Instagram stalking a couple of months back and so it was a nice surprise to spot her work on Design You Trust. She's a Manila-based graphic designer and artist who picked up watercolour painting as a “daily therapeutic activity after work” - we all need some of that every now and then. How else would adult colouring books become so extremely popular? The . . .
A Flower For You?
I went to the Tim Burton exhibition in Shanghai and for those of you who are based in this city, please go and visit it. It's one of my top three all-time favourite exhibitions together with Yayoi Kusama and Cai Guo Qiang. The amount of work that he's created throughout his years is incredible and so inspirational. A smorgasbord of whimsy, creepy and magnificent - all in one place. One of . . .
Patterned Pages
When things get busy, it's hard to find the time to sit down and start drawing. Once in a while, you need a little inspiration and when I see things like this...it certainly works magic on my motivation. Throughout Angela Chan's notebook are beautifully detailed hand-drawn patterns. There's something about patterns that is so therapeutic...and suddenly the world seems bright and shiny . . .
A Colourful World
I love everything about these maps by Brooklyn based illustrator Libby VanderPloeg. Colour, illustration and hand lettering with a touch of whimsy! Her work comes out of her deep affinity for storytelling, music, letterforms, printed ephemera, and wildlife. The illustrations she has created have been featured in Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Time Out, Condé Nast Traveler & Harper . . .