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 . . .
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 . . .
Artistic Dirt
As much as I enjoy finding street art gems while strolling along the streets, I cannot stand tags and graffiti on unwanted surfaces. Here's one that I saw on my street the other day. Curses to the derelict that did that. However, here's an act of 'vandalism' that I definitely approve of. Moscow-based Russian illustrator Nikita Golubev sees a canvas where others just see dirt. He uses . . .
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 . . .
Trading Tattoos
I first came across Miso during my visit to the Philip Shaw winery in Australia, and immediately fell in love with her style of illustration. Ukrainian artist Miso (also known as Stanislava Pinchuk) is based in Melbourne, Australia. She started her career as a street artist but later moved her attention to mediums such as paper and installations. Although her ideas bubble up wherever she . . .
Organised Chaos
A great picture of costume designer Isabel Toledo in her studio, photographed by Biel Parklee. via W Magazine . . .
Random Word Doodles
Sydney-based concept artist and illustrator Charles Santoso decided to start a project called Random Word Doodles to strengthen his brain muscles. What you can do is to give him a word via his Twitter feed, he picks one and does one of his adorable illustrations. Each one takes around 30 minutes to an hour and a half, done digitally via Photoshop. Which is your favourite? I'm voting for . . .
Paper Fun
Illustrations with paper and collage have always impressed me - the effort taken to cut each of those layers of paper to create and illusion of depth and shadows. Estonian illustrator and graphics designer, Eiko Ojala, does just this with his work... He studies the forms of shapes and works closely with light and shadow, keeping his illustrations minimal and well-advised. According to his . . .
Bright Colours & Baby Hedgehogs
The illustrations I just stumbled across are seriously adorable. And when I say adorable - I mean the type that makes you all warm & fuzzy, even when it's freezing outside and you're in desperate need of a hot chocolate. Probably the same reaction as when you first saw a baby hedgehog (just to refresh your memory, have another look at it). Okay back to the illustrations. via Laura George . . .
Pencil Magic
Perhaps it is because I am quite the Daft Punk fan but I was rather blown away by the works of Ontario-based illustrator and tattoo artist, Andrew Wilson. He creates magic just using ordinary coloured pencils on paper, and his illustration actually managed to catch the attention of the French electronic music duo themselves. Impressive, I'd say. The man at work: Some of his other . . .