This month has also seen some exciting developments in the careers of some of our graduates. Fristly we are delighted to say that 2019 graduate ISHAA LOBO is now being represented by the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Since 1981 Andrea Brown has worked to bring to light the voices and perspectives of new writers as well as to nurture and develop the careers of experienced authors.
The studio works with clients to explain their work, engage their audiences and strengthen their brands. Working in a broad range of disciplines (including 2D animation, infographics and stop motion, their goal is to bring fresh creativity to any project.
In this post we’ll be looking at some recent commissions, campaigns and new releases from our past students.
THE CANDY MAFIA
Graduate DANIEL DUNCAN was commissioned to illustrate Lavie Tiehar’s new early reader’s book THE CANDY MAFIA. Released this autumn by Peachtree Publishing this book also marks the 10th that Dan has worked on since graduating from the course!
Each of the 150 artists who contributed to the project created a world inspired by four randomized prompts (a little toss of the cosmic dice) and developed a place that encompasses the attributes, beliefs, weather patterns, government, or other given parameters. In addition to developing a new landscape, each artist wrote a story about this new world. The illustrations were then compiled into a 200+ page book featuring the final outcomes;
This Summer graduate and GAA SHAZLEEN KHAN successfully crowdfunded the second print volume of her award-winning web comic BUUZA!! with the kickstarter campaign reaching its goal within 9 hours of launching.
BUUZA!! is a comic about found family, diaspora and religion, set in an urban fantasy 90’s middle east and central asia in which a misdialed number leads to an unexpected, long distance romance. It is available to read on both tapas and webtoons and was the winner of Broken Frontier’s best webcomic of 2019.
Graduate and GAAALEX MOORE was one of the illustrators commissioned to work on Vauxhall’s SWITCH IT UP campaign for the new Corsa E. Each artist drew a frame to create a 360 degree loop showcasing the car;
We are delighted to share the news that student LORRAINE ANSELL was longlisted for the 2020 Templar Illustration and Design Awards with her cover design for Isla Fisher’s Marge in Charge.
Now in its third year, the Templar Design and Illustration Award is for illustrators and designers who are new to the children’s book industry. The 2020 award for the first time included categories for children’s non-fiction illustration and children’s fiction cover design (For which Lorraine was longlisted), alongside its picture book illustration category. The aim of the award is to celebrate new talent in children’s book illustration and design and looks for bold, innovative art and design for books that will turn children and younger people into lifelong readers.
Here’s a look at some of the projects our graduates have been commissioned to work on in the recent weeks;
Graduate JAMES OSES Created this illustrated poster for TNT to help promote the second season of THE ALIENIST which sees a Newspaper illustrator and criminal psychologist joining forces to investigate a serial killer in New York during the late 19th century.
Graduate CHLOE SMITH was commissioned by creative agency ADJUST YOUR SET to create this illustrated guide to digital dating in the age of Covid for DUREX.
Graduate CHARLOT KRISTENSEN created this illustration for September 1st’s GOOGLE DOODLE. The portrait celebrates Jamaican-born British doctor, humanitarian, & activist Dr. Harold Moody who dedicated his life to helping others, advocated against discrimination, & helped pave the way towards a more equal future.
The Newblood Festival is a celebration of emerging design talent and an opportunity for new graduates to not only showcase their work but also receive guidance and mentorship from leading figures in the industry.
The 2020 SENIOR SHOW was an international online exhibition organised by Minneapolis-based art gallery Light Grey Art Lab in response to the Covid 19 outbreak. As arts courses around the world were forced to cancel their end of year shows the gallery organised a digital alternative with sponsorship from the likes of Adobe and mentorships from leading illustrators and art directors. We are delighted to say that outgoing students BEATRIZ MARMELO and KATIE O’DONNELL were both selected for the online showcase
Guides to gouache, picture books and self care- this Summer sees a number of new releases from our graduates. Read on to find out what’s coming up in the publishing pipeline!
“Gouache is a beautiful, versatile medium that’s been much neglected, it’s rarely taught at art school and there are very few books on the subject. I absolutely love using this medium, it’s been hugely influential on my work and my style. I’m so excited to share this beautiful paint with people. The book introduces the the materials needed, the basics of colour theory, and fundamental techniques like drybrush, layering, diluting gouache, working on coloured paper, using negative space and wet on wet technique. This book teaches you to paint everything from people to plants, and every project teaches you a new skill or technique.”
Get Started with Gouache will be released by Watson-Guptill on 7th July in the US and 7th September in the UK.
YOU ARE POSITIVELY AWESOMEis a colourful and practical book for an everyday burst of positivity and an extra dose of self-kindness from Graduate STACIE SWIFT and Pavillion Books.
“We all weather some difficult days, sometimes we need a reminder that nobody really has it all together all the time. This book is for all those days – a rainbow of good vibes, full of self-care prompts and words to live by.”
As part of her 2nd year work student LORRAINE ANSELL created a series of illustrated cards documenting the life and partnership of Gilbert and Sullivan. Below are a selection of images from the project;
The WIA Awards are organised by the AOI (Association of Illustrators) in partnership with the USA-based Directory of Illustration. This high-profile, international competition recognises innovation in the field and showcases the best the industry has to offer. It is judged by distinguished professionals from the global illustration industry.
Fred Campbell’s large scale illustration and animation work for Gingerline’s immersive, interactive theatre experience THE GREAT EXPEDITION has been long listed in the site specific category;
Now in its fourth year, the Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition celebrates work by new talent and established artists who have not previously published a graphic novel.
Alex Moore’s book, The Fine Art of Destruction was her Final Major Project, written and illustrated as part of Middlesex’s Children’s Book Illustration and Graphic Novels MA.The book tells the story of a man’s ill-fated attempts to save his father’s art gallery which inadvertently set the fractured remains of his family, and those closest to them, on a devastating collision course;
During his time at Middlesex, graduate DANIEL DUNCAN‘s picture book SOUTH was both selected for the Macmillan Children’s’ Book competition and AOI awards. Shortly after graduating he signed with the Bright Agency and has been producing picture books ever since! Here’s a look at of some of the titles he’s recently worked on;
“Writer Bridget Heos and illustrator Daniel Duncan welcome you aboard Captain Parrot’s pirate ship! Captain Parrot is here to tell you about the life of a real swashbuckler from the Golden Age of Piracy (1650-1730).”
“Mr. Posey is feeling gloomy. Everything seems dull. Maybe he needs new glasses? Perhaps a trip to the Cheer Up Thrift Shop with his energetic young neighbor, Andy, will help. But when the duo try on the glasses in the shop’s barrel, they’re in for a big surprise…”
“Otis P. Oliver is taking a stand. He is NOT taking another bath–ever. But when your opinions matter to the rest of the family about as much as the opinions of the family dog (who, it’s worth mentioning, only has to bathe once a month), you have to get serious. So Otis borrows a spiffy suit from his dad and rouses a rabble of neighbourhood kids to stand up for what the know is right: a bathtub ban!”
