Restless Colour

Oz Comic-Con: Tips from Australian Comic Artists

2012-04-03T23:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Readers, I had a chance to attend the Oz Comicon which was held in Adelaide on the weekend hoping to take home some creative vibes and I was not let down.

There was some amazing art on display and an array of panels filled with a bunch of creative minds who all had something different to say. I gained a lot of valuable knowledge from many of the panels but the Aussie Comics Panel proved the best one for me. It consisted of five Australian comic artist practising in the industry today. Doug Holgate Queenie Chan, Dave DeVries, David Yardin and Jon Sommariva. I've attached a link to each artists website so be sure to check their work out.

There was a lot of information to take in during the panel discussion but there were a couple of things that really stuck with me that I felt would be useful to any illustrator trying to find their way into the industry. The first piece of advice came from South Australian illustrator, Dave Devries, who stated that there were three essential keys to getting jobs as an illustrator. They are:

Exceptional work

Nice

Reliable

He continued, stating that you only need two of these three keys to succeed. If you are reliable and a nice person, but your work isn't the greatest you can still find a job. Likewise, if you're an exceptional illustrator and reliable but a complete jerk, people will find a way to work with you, and so on.

The other piece of advice was the importance of having an online presence. Every member of the panel shared how they promote themselves online and all agreed that having a presence on the internet is an essential part of becoming a successful illustrator. Each artist had a different method of sharing their work to an online audience including blogs, personal websites, social networking websites like facebook and twitter and creative community websites like deviantART. One of the panel members stated that sharing some of your personal interests like favourite movies books and other hobbies helps the audience that is viewing your work to connect with you. I wish I could have recorded the whole panel to post up on Restless Colour because it was really interesting and helpful but alas, I have given all I can remember. I hope you can take something from this post. Keepitcool.

Restless Colour 2012

2012-03-26T17:49:00.001-07:00

Hey Restless Readers, sorry about the lack of posts recently. 2012 has been a real busy year for me so far and it doesn't look like its getting any quieter. My plan for this year is to focus on my illustration and film projects which leaves me with little time for Restless Colour, but I will still post as often as I can, it may just be less frequent. My aim this year is to make Restless Colour more of a visual learning environment. This means more video tutorials with a heavy focus on communicating my knowledge of illustration process and practice. Looking forward to this year. Thanks heaps for your support.

Restless Colour Production Stamp

2011-09-28T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Readers, check out Restless Colours new production stamp that will appear in all future video productions. Animated by local Adelaide illustrator Jordan Pote

Restless Talent: Lauren Graham

2011-08-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless readers, check out the rich textured fabric and paper cut style of this months very talented Adelaide illustrator, Lauren Graham.

Hi all, my name is Lauren Graham and I am an illustrator currently living in Adelaide. I’ve always loved to draw. I used to be an avid ‘Archie and Friends’ comic collector when I was in primary school (I was cool like that) and I remember spending hours drawing the characters, hoping one day to be a comic artist. Over the years I have gone through a few different career aspirations (animator, fashion illustrator, graphic designer, and now Illustrator) but ultimately they have always revolved around drawing. I can be a bit of a dreamer and illustrating is my creative outlet.

Alannah Hill Fashion Illustration, cut paper and fabric

Mediums

I generally use cut paper/material technique. Its something I randomly tried in my first year of university and enjoyed (I weirdly find cutting up little of pieces of paper therapeutic). I love it how an illustration can evolve as I introduce new materials and types of papers. I am also a bit of a hoarder and love to collect lace, paper and fabrics, so it makes sense to create something out of these. My latest collecting fixation is old books covers from second-hand stores, which I use as backgrounds for my pieces.

Nightfall in the Ti-Tree, cut paper and fabric

Inspiration

Anything- Music, memories, lyrics, friends, fashion, family, quotes, movies, experiences, other pretty illustrations. Most of my recent illustrations have been inspired by my amazing trip over seas last year.

Take Me Away, cut paper and fabric

Achievements

Being apart of the recent Sweet Nostalgia exhibition with my talented friends Chloe McGregor and Sarah Grove. The opening night was so much fun and the feedback I received on my illustrations were really encouraging. Other recent achievements include a series of ‘colour me in’ placemats for an Adelaide restaurant and designing a series of wedding ‘save the dates’ and invitations.

Frog Playing Banjo, cut paper and fabric

Influences

Have you ever read ‘The unicorn and the Sea’? It’s a children’s book illustrated by Fiona Moodie and I have had a copy since I was 8 (probably stolen it from the school library). The illustrations are just so beautiful and I have always wanted to create something just as lovely. Other influences include illustrators Yulia Brodskaya and Patrick Gannon (who do some pretty darn amazing things with paper) and my close-knit university illustration class/lecturers (aka family) for their support and guidance.

Calling Home, cut paper and fabric

What the future holds

Ideally I would love to do children's book illustrations. So in the mean time, lots of cutting and creating.

Advice

Don’t let yourself be lazy (even I have trouble keeping this advice sometimes). Set up projects to keep yourself motivated. Also practice your technique (yep, that old nutshell). I have only being illustrating with cut paper for a few years but its pretty cool to look back at my original work and see how much my technique has developed since

Email- laurengraham.illustrations@gmail.com

Contact- +61412575597

Website- laurengrahamillustrations.blogspot.com

Restless Learning: REFERENCE LIBRARY pt.1

2011-08-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Readers, welcome to Restless Learning the newest segment of Restless Colour designed to explore the many elements of illustration.
This is part one of a series looking at some of the resources you could consider adding to your reference library. A reference library is basically a set of resources that you as an illustrator or artist could refer to when looking for inspiration, ideas and understanding.

PART ONE

Comics and graphic novels are an extremely valuable resource for any artist or illustrator. There are a multitude of comics filled with beautiful illustrations and compositions waiting to be found.
Each comic panel is a mini canvas filled with dynamic compositions and colour pallets that all contribute to the mood and feeling of the story. If you analyse each panel you'll find the quality of line plays a big role in emphasizing certain elements of a scene to convey emotion and create a focal point. The exaggerated anatomy of characters are another element that assist in portraying the extremes of emotion in a scene. It is handy to keep in mind that everything on a comic page is there for a reason and is mapped out to tell a story which will help you're figure out what it is you like about certain illustrations.

With such a massive range of comics available in stores and online it's hard to even know where to start, but don't let this overwhelm you. I would recommend going into a second-hand bookstore or book exchange and grabbing a bunch of cheap comics that catch your eye and just immerse yourself in the illustrations. After studying a few comics you'll probably get a better idea of the comic styles and artists you like. Then you can head to your local comic store with confidence, or if you don't want to spend any money just head to the library, most library’s now keep a range of comics and graphic novels and all you need is a library card.
Every artist and illustrator can gain something from this amazing resource which is why comics and graphic novels are an essential part of your reference library.

Sometimes in Technicolour

2011-07-18T21:59:00.000-07:00

Hey restless readers, clear your calendar on August 5th and come check out Sometimes in Technicolour, a diverse mixed media exhibition for SALA 2011 exploring the facets of all things creative in black and white, and sometimes in technicolour. Featuring illustration, makeup artistry and photography. Starring illustrators Brooke Walker, Chloe McGregor, Daniella Caruso, Gemma Buratto, Ned Rogers, makeup artist Bec Buratto, and photographer Claire Edwards.

Sometimes in Technicolour is on at Two8Four Rundle (Red Cross) upstairs in the gallery from August 5th-30th.

Opening night on August 5th from 6:30-8:30.

Open all store hours:

Mon - Thurs: 10-5:30

Fri: 10-9

Sat: 10-5:30

Sun: 12-5:30

Restless Pro-File: Gimiks Born

2011-07-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless readers, welcome to the new segment, Restless Pro-Files, which brings you interviews with practicing industry professionals. To kick it off we speak to Gimiks Born, a Brisbane based illustrator and designer who was recently here in Adelaide. Enjoy!

Could I ask to share a little bit about yourself and why you're down in Adelaide at the moment?

Yo what's up!. Well basically I'm a Brisbane based illustrator/designer with a healthy love of graffiti. I'm predominantly self taught from an artistic sense but I studied graphic design which I now practice full time. I'm also co-founder/creative director of "Picture Wheel Company" as well as one of the founding members of "The Bay", which is a skateboarding collective with roots in the Southside of Brisbane. So yeah that's about it, I practise art and I like to skate. I'm down in Adelaide at the minute catching up with the CH and GM fam aswell as attending a show that Jimmy Jam Fingers is curating at Magazine gallery this weekend entitled "Indelible". I was stoked to be asked to be a part of this show as the line up of artists is bananas! Also while I'm here I think I'll be partaking in a Ironlak sponsored wall of some description too....it's a mad busy trip but they always are when I'm down here in ADL ha!

What attracted you to illustration and graffiti?
Just a pure love of comics, being creative and drawing characters I think is what really enticed me to illustration. When I was young I use to read and collect heaps of comics, collect cards, you know that sort of ish, I watched plenty of cartoons too so I think that definitely inspired me to draw a lot. I always use to draw whenever and wherever I was, always practising, trying to emulate the comic artists I looked up too. I didn't start writing graffiti though until 2004, around the same time I started traditional painting properly too. From early school days graffiti however was something I looked up too and admired, the pure style and funk of the movement was a visual feast for the eyes. Even though I was inspired by graffiti I never actually thought of trying proper pieces until later in the game, I was always preoccupied with either skating or sketching to really have time to pick up a can. Now though it's an essential part of my own personal style and skill set development, it helps with everything. From digital art and graphic design all the way to high brow fine art and omelette making!

What mediums do you use when creating your work?
Spray paint, acrylic, pastel, pencil, pen, charcoal...yep that's about it I think.

Where do you draw inspiration from when creating artwork?
Alot of things inspire me, music is a big one, hip hop most definitely too. I'm inspired by pretty much everything though, like an inspirational sponge haha naa that sounds kind of gross. Movies, everyday life, dreams, music, cartoons, skate and snow, comics, graffiti, Japanese culture, red wine, good coffee, bad coffee, pizza, bonsai, bamboo forests, oriental red maples, mountains, sausage dog led chariots....everything and anything.

What artists and people have influenced you work and how?

Wow there is heaps of artists that I look up to and that give me an influential kick up the arse no doubt! There is just sooo many talented people out there. Some of my close friends who are artists influence and inspire me too. Artists whose artwork is just soo dam good and I totally admire, then you get those freaks that are stupidly next level good that they make you want to vomit!! There is really too many to list but heads that come to mind are Nic Plowman, Alex Louisa, Vans the Omega, Palms, Mystik, Yours, Sofles, Bliggs, Teneille Napoli, Meks, Shida, Kidd Zoom, Kofie One, Dems 333, Globe, Aaron Nagel, Haser, Berst, Greg Craola Simkins, Nate Van Dyke, Jeff Smith, Joe Queseda, all of these people defiantly influence my craft and inspire me to no ends. Also Alphonse Muchas work really intrigues me, such an awesome mix of strong line work and subtle rendering, so good. The great Jim Henson influences me hugely as well, he was and still is a true master of storytelling, someone whom I definitely really look up too.

Could you tell us about some current projects you are working on? Well....currently I'm working on pieces for the upcoming 12X12 show in Melbourne that Beastman curates, 12 artists, 12 works all 12' x 12', will be a dope show. Also working on some small works for Terri @ 19 Karen Art Gallery, Gold Coast. I'm also involved in a laneway painting gig down the Gold Coast too called Street Cube that will be awesome - I'll be painting with Beastman, Jae Copp and Shida too so it will be dope! I'm drawing up a full sleeve tattoo design for my boy Palms that has taken only two years so far - sorry my bad mate haha! Also excited about an upcoming collab I'm doing with a well known musican/artist from Brisbane for Picture Wheels, this will be freakin cool! To finish it off I'm still plugging away at my Bitter Winds graphic novel which is still in early development stages. This project will be a long haul but I know it will be worth it. I've been waiting too long to create my own graphic novel series so hopefully people will be as psyched as me when it drops. Yep, busy huh...

Where has your art taken you in the world?
I've been lucky enough to travel to Toronto ON and paint with some of the GH crew there which was great, freakin cold though, minus 22 cold!! Jamaica was pretty awesome, and heaps warmer haha! My artwork has travelled more than myself really, Canada, USA, UK, France to name a few. To be honest I've travelled more places to go snowboarding foremost than for my art, though I try to paint where ever I end up going. That's one of the best things about graffiti I think, where ever you go you always run into a friend of the movement. I recently went to Japan which I'd love to go back to, the people and the place is truly amazing. But in regards to travel, yeah, there's still alot more spots I want to hit up so I'm not finished yet by any means.

Could you please explain the importance of the story telling aspect in your work and how you communicate themes and ideas?
The visual story telling aspect of my work is very important as every piece needs to fit into position within a larger narrative, this is where the "Bitter Winds" world comes into place. Every piece, canvas, character that I depict is a snapshot from the greater story of the Bitter Winds narrative, so foremost it has to be visually readable. Since my first solo show "6 degrees of Sinister" in 2007 I have been creating works that all interact and relate to each other, all characters and scenarios. The idea being that it will all be revealed in its true correct storyline when the Bitter Winds graphic novel is unveiled. So how I communicate the theme or concept isn't of the greatest importance really, as long as I can get all the right puzzle pieces into the work/canvas/piece that I need to its entirely left for the viewer to interpret.

What advice could you give to young artists and illustrators? Keep drawing, keep practicing, do life drawing classes even though they sound really boring! Study anatomy, use references, learn different mediums and don't only do digital art - photoshop is cool but pixels will send you blind. Don't bite peoples hard work. Create want you want to create, not what is popular or selling. Finally, listen to Bob Marley. Peace.

Website: www.gimiksborn.com

Sweet Nostalgia Opening Night

2011-06-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

Friday night marked the opening night of the Sweet Nostalgia exhibition which was well attended by industry professionals, friends and family who were taken by the amazing standard of work and diversity that each artist presented. The success of these paintings and photographs where clearly illustrated by the red dots that began to line the walls as the night went on. The cosy venue and friendly faces all contributed to a exhibition that could only be described as giving you that feeling of sweet nostalgia.

Sweet Nostalgia is open until the 29th of June at Two8Four Rundle.

Restless Talent: Chloe McGregor

2011-05-25T00:45:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless readers, check out the typographic, illustrative styling of Adelaide based illustrator, Chloe McGregor.

Greetings readers, I am Chloe McGregor and I am classed under the creative title as an ‘illustrator’! Residing in the eastern ‘burbs just a stone throw away from town, is where I sit slumped in strange and somewhat uncomfortable postures on the couch painting or drawing, without fail spilling and staining myself with said materials on a daily basis. My earliest memories from day dot include me wasting ridiculous wads of paper with my ‘portraits’, spending 50 times longer on titles of cover pages in school over the actual work, making cards for family and friends, sitting slumped in the position on the couch I still do to this very day; I was lucky enough to be born an illustrator. Not knowing exactly how to execute my love for drawing and painting into a legitimate job other than a graphic designer, I discovered the word ‘illustration’ in a different context other than the stigma of just ‘children’s book illustrations’ whilst searching for university courses.

Self Portrait

Mediums

I’m what you would class as a ‘traditional’ illustrator; I use pencil (lead and coloured), paint (previously oils but have now moved to acrylic) felt tip pen and sometimes marker (particularly for my typography work). Portraits, people, objects, and of course typography are what my illustrations consist of.

Whatever Hippie Bitch

Inspiration

As clichéd/lame it may be, music takes a huge chunk of my inspiration pie chart as such; if I didn’t have arty abilities I would be further pursuing myself into a music realm (particularly with my drumming). I find the music I adore really influences visuals and concepts for me. In an ideal world I would love to be always illustrating for bands, to submerge my two greatest assets/passions. I also heavily draw inspiration from all things nostalgic; having a longing for the past (whether it be memories, people, places, objects) deeply influences my concepts, colour palette etc. I am lucky enough to work in the Red Cross’ concept vintage/retro store on Rundle Street, Two 8 Four Rundle, which is riddled with beautiful patterns/styles/objects from the 50s to 80s, which make me melt with ideas every day. Sexy illustrated typography is a great deal of inspiration for me too. Forever have I been in utter love with type, whether it be from a psychedelic 60s poster, traced Helvetica or even a wall of beautiful street art makes me tick. Other inspirations include humour/irony, slickly designed street/arty magazines, current illustrators who display similar inspiration I have, pop culture, celebs; which all sort of intertwine into one big ball through my work. Even small fleeting things I draw inspiration from, just seeing a certain colour, or a blank page in my hip Moleskine can get my mind all mooshy and dreamy, wanting to start something new.

Here Kitschy Kitschy (for Tin Cat Cafe relaunch)

Achievements

In 2009 I did the entire graphic design/illustrations for band Laura Hill and the Tuesday Bandits' debut album, which was such a learning experience for my first legit job; from working very closely with a client and their ideas, to working with a printer. I have also been a freelancer over the past 2 years every so often for Brisbane based clothing brand Klub Retro; these illustrations incorporate digital elements such as colouring which is’nt my usual style, but invaluable experience nonetheless in being given a brief, to making separations ready for print. Recently in the past 6 months I have also made a few contributions to Adelaide Uni’s student rag, On Dit, which has been exceedingly important experience as editorial illustration is just one of the areas I hope to one day break into.

The Sartorialist

Influences

As most illustrators have already mentioned below and I am too getting on the Robin Eley bandwagon; being taught such simple yet key techniques through uni such as colour palette, ways to create concepts, even what surfaces to paint on, will undoubtedly forever have an effect on my craft. Also Geert van Keulen and David Blaiklock, my other two lecturers for giving me countless advice and guidance throughout uni, and not to mention (as already mentioned), the ‘illustration family’; our tight knit class who will forever be buddies, always providing each other with feedback, support and advice. Us illustrators have got to stick together, right?

From a more historic perspective, artists of the Art Nouveau/Art Deco movements intrigue me with their different and bold perceptions of line, which I portray particularly in my typography work.

Rage 3am (for upcoming exhibition Sweet Nostalgia)

What the future holds

Hopefully lots of success in the long term. In the meantime, I’m currently saving for the Illustration Academy in the US for June 2012, until then I’m also having two exhibitions in the shop’s upstairs gallery; ‘Sweet Nostalgia’ for the month of June with fellow illustrator Lauren Graham and jewellery/photography aficionado Sarah Grove. The other being for SALA in August, ‘Sometimes in Technicolour’, with fellow illustrators Gemma Buratto, Daniella Caruso, Brooke Walker, Ned Rogers, photographer Claire Edwards and makeup artist Bec Buratto.

Exciting/stressful/uber busy times ahead!

Advice

Don’t be afraid to try new things; you wont find out what works and what does not. Use every website that showcases illustration; people actually look at them. Accept feedback; it helps you build. Talk to people; people know other people. Give yourself tasks to work towards; not having any can be very unmotivating and uninspiring. Seek the things that drive you; it will help your ideas immensely. Last but not least, don’t ever give up (lameo sounding but very wise).

Email: chloemcgregorillustration@hotmail.com

Ph: 0401 444 772

Web: chloemcgregor.com

Blog: chloemcgregor.blogspot.com

Sweet Nostalgia

2011-05-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Readers, if you have a yearning for the past and a love for art, check out Sweet Nostalgia, a mixed media trip down memory lane, both old and new, by Lauren Graham, Sarah Grove and Chloe McGregor. Places, people, experiences, objects and sayings are the hazy memories portrayed into the mediums of illustration, photography and jewellery.

Sweet Nostalgia is open from June 4th to 29th at Two8Four Rundle, 284 Rundle Street, Adelaide, open all store hours (listed below):

Mon-Thurs: 10-5:30

Fri: 10-9

Sat: 10-5:30

Sun: 12-5:30

Restless Talent: Justin Lear

2011-04-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Colour Readers, check out the work of Justin Lear, a promising young Adelaide illustrator keeping traditional media alive.

Hi there, my name is Justin Lear, and I’m an illustrator/ artist living in Torrens Park. I was born in Coonawarra, SA and ever since I was little I have been drawing. This eventuated into moving up to the big smoke to commence studies at UniSA. I discovered a love for painting in my second year of Visual Communication and haven’t looked back. I've been drawing ever since I can remember so from the age of 5 I always knew I wanted to do something involving this. Looking through career guide books in high school I stumbled across ‘Illustration’ and that was it for me.

John Butler, Acrylic on Masonite

Mediums

Occasionally I’ll use mix media and pencil but the majority of the time I’ll use acrylic paint. I’m a sucker for acrylic, it’s just so easy to use, and the fact that it dries so quickly really lends itself to my loose and somewhat erratic style of painting. It’s awesome that I can just settle down with my palette and a dryer and just be in for a big continuous session at the easel.

Michael Caine, Acrylic on Masonite

Inspiration

I draw inspiration from traditional artwork and media, I tend to avoid digital, partly out of inability to use it, but also I find the use of traditional media more authentic and personal, more human. I’m not hating on digital artists, I have a lot of respect and envy for those who can do it well. I also draw inspiration from pop culture and celebrity, and like to combine that with portraiture, my favorite form of art. I like the idea of trying to capture the likeness (physically and in essence) of a universally recognizable and famous figure. I love editorial illustration, the whole process of brainstorming and combining key ideas to create a single image that acts as a visual narrative is really cool. These are the illustrations that not only call on your illustrative technique and skill, but also your creativity and ideas.

Achievements

There haven’t been a lot yet but it’s still early days... Uh, I’d say completing both an undergrad and postgrad in illustration is up there. Also selling a piece at my first exhibition was a great feeling and achievement. At this stage completing an illustration/artwork I’m happy with is an achievement- cherish the little things!

Dad at Robe, Acrylic on illustration board

Influences

I have to give a shout out to the entirety of my class during my uni course... the lecturers and fellow classmates. David Blaiklock, Robin Eley and Geert van Keulen are brilliant, great illustrators and very passionate about what they do. This came through in the way they taught and was extremely beneficial for us students. My fellow classmates (affectionately known as the illustration family) have influenced my work too. We were (and still are) a close knit group who help each other, give feedback and suggestions regarding our work. It’s really important to have a network of like minded people, who understand what you’re doing. So that’s the people who have influenced my work, as far as the artists go, there’s a pretty extensive list, I’ll just list a few...

Robin Eley- His work and the way he conducts himself is amazing. I was lucky enough to have him as my mentor in my graduate diploma. I learnt a hell of a lot. Robert Hannaford- His work in portraiture and his loose yet realistic style is one I admire and aspire to. Anita Kunz- Not only the illustrative technique and skill, but also the fantastic concepts behind her works. I’m also inspired by art of the Renaissance, particularly Leonardo. The work and style of Van Gogh and Edvard Munch is influential as well. There are plenty more illustrators / painters I admire and am influenced by, but we’d be here all day...

Addiction-Excess, Acrylic on masonite

What the future holds

Hmm, how deep. I would like to think the future holds success haha. My plan at this stage is to continue to develop my technical skills in illustration whilst saving money for the illustration academy, an intensive course of huge benefit to the career of an illustrator. That boding well, I would be very happy with a life where I can make a comfortable living solely from illustration. I would like to focus on portraiture and editorial illustration. Anything where concept plays a big part is pretty exciting.

Addiction-Secret, Mixed media on illustration board

Advice

Keep at it. Put yourself out there. Lifelong learning. Promote yourself. Build a network. There is nowhere to go but up, you’re only gonna get better at what you do. I think that’s a pretty awesome prospect.

Email: justinlearillustration@hotmail.com
Phone: 0488 773 849
Blog: http://justinlear.blogspot.com/

Watershed Art Prize 2011

2011-04-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Readers, if you have a passion for the environment and a share a love for the brush and canvas then check out the Watershed Art Prize.

The City of Salisbury, along with sponsors ICE WaRM, have created the Watershed Art Prize, an art exhibition that encourages the awareness of issues surrounding wetlands and the sustainability of water as a precious natural resource. Salisbury is home to more than 50 constructed wetlands covering over 300 hectares which provide a rich habitat for native plants and animals as well as a recreational ground for the community and an alternative water supply for the future. To celebrate Salisbury’s sustainable approach to water management, the Watershed Art Prize open’s it’s doors to all South Australian artists, awarding a $5000 first prize for artwork depicting wetlands, biodiversity and/or water sustainability.

Entries into the exhibition close on the 1^st of June and the art prize will be awarded at the exhibition opening night in the John Harvey Gallery at 6:30pm on the 8^th of June.

Entry forms and conditions of entry for the Watershed Art Prize are available online at http://cweb.salisbury.sa.gov.au/manifest/servlet/page?pg=20238

Restless Talent: Anthony McKeown

2011-03-24T02:04:00.000-07:00

Hey Restless Colour Readers, check out this months feature profile on Adelaide concept artist and illustrator, Anthony McKeown.

My name is Anthony McKeown and I am an artist living in the Northern Suburbs of Adelaide South Australia. Like most artists, my first attempts at drawing involved fan art of my favourite TV shows like Dragonball Z and Gundam Wing. At the time, it was never really a strong hobby and I almost entirely lost interest in it throughout high school. It wasn't until in 2007 upon finishing first year of studying graphic design at university that I decided graphic design as a career wasn't for me. Rather than quitting University and wasting an entire year of study, I decided to change my major to illustration. Beginning in 2008, going into a class amongst cool and talented people made me realise how hard I needed to work. Although I struggled with illustration at first, it was more rewarding and enjoyable than anything I’d studied before. The class was a fun atmosphere and everyone was encouraging and helped each other out.

Blackbeard

What draws me into illustration (pun intended) is the creative process. I enjoy coming up with a concept and trying new ways to convey a story and to really push myself. I find a finished illustration to be very rewarding as it is something that I have created myself. If it wasn't for illustration I would be lost and would have no bloody idea what I would be doing in my free time.

Mediums

I like to work in HB Pencil and Photoshop. Usually my drawings will start with a pencil sketch (either loose or detailed), where I work out the composition and lighting on paper first. Working on paper allows for much more control and to see the drawing for what it really is. If I start the drawing in Photoshop, I’m more inclined to try and 'save' a drawing rather than just starting a fresh one.

After the initial pencil sketch, I will scan it into the computer and begin rendering it up in colour using Photoshop. Photoshop allows for experimentation of colour and lighting, and essentially you can change the mood of your entire drawing by just playing with the colour balance and hue/saturation controls. There is less risk involved than if you're working with acrylic or oil paints.

Although saying that, I do love working with oils - even though it is so damn messy to work with!

Blackbeard Character Design

Inspiration

I draw my inspiration from a range of different creative mediums including film and music. I find the Sergio Leone western films such as the Dollars Trilogy and Once Upon a Time in the West to be some of the strongest influences in regards to my character and story development. The films are driven entirely on character development, with simple plots. I like to bring this idea into my work. It's not the scale of an epic story which is important, but the characters and the challenges they face. Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef both have amazing characteristics, and are kings when it comes to playing the 'anti-hero'.

I also find music inspiring. Listening to work by Tchaikovsky can be a really good source of inspiration with the range of different instruments and the emotion and mood in each of the pieces. It enhances the imagination! Other than that, I just listen to Kiss, Phil Collins or MJ.

"His name is Manco"

Achievements

My greatest achievement in my work is the amount of improvement I’ve made in just three years. Being able to complete an illustration without being embarrassed or disappointed is a really good feeling. While it is not healthy to be entirely satisfied with your work, I have learnt that it is important to be satisfied in the context of where you are in your learning development. Developing confidence in being able to explore different styles and techniques is something that I have achieved recently. Going into a picture and not caring about ruining the piece is very difficult, but I’ve learnt that if you can draw it once, you can draw it again. I now don't mind showing my work to my friends, or submitting on online forums such as conceptart.org. I think the greatest achievement an artist can have is being proud of your own work ethic, and feeling satisfied that you have created something that is special to you, while at the same time, having a passion to get better.

Untitled

Influences

The artists which have personally influenced me in my work are Robin Eely and Simon Scales. I had Robin as a tutor in first year of studying illustration. As I was relatively new to drawing and painting, I took his advice on many things in regards to the process of developing a painting. Even now I still use the same colour palette that I was introduced to when first painting in 2008. Simon Scales who works as a children’s book illustrator and concept artist first introduced me to digital techniques when I attended his four week concept art workshop in early 2009. Many of these layer and concept development techniques i still use in most of my work.

What the future holds

Hopefully I will continue to develop my technical skills and score a position as a concept artist/illustrator in a games or animation studio. At the moment I’m doing a four month internship at a studio in Adelaide which has really helped me to improve my concept development and to move out of my comfort zone.

In the future I hope to finish writing a script for an animated series my brother and I have been writing for the last year.

If work and money wasn't a concern in the future, I'd love to attend the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and spend all my time drawing and writing.

The Prisoner

Advice

Keep all your sketchbooks, and number them. I've kept all my sketchbooks from 2008 and when I’m feeling really crappy about my work, I pull them all out of my shed and have a look at them. It’s encouraging to see how much you have improved over the course of 6 months or a year. On a day to day basis it is hard to see the improvement, but over the course of a year, while you may not be happy with your progress, there is bound to be some improvement somewhere.

Another piece of advice - Don't use moleskins. They are expensive rubbish.

Email: amck89@gmail.com

http://anthonymckeown.blogspot.com

Comic Cover Art Exhibition

2011-03-10T23:59:00.000-08:00

Adelaide based Pulp Fiction Comics presents Instantaneous 7, a comic cover art exhibition. Each year Pulp Fiction Comics provides young artists, illustrators and comic enthusiasts with the chance to exhibit their work as part of the Instantaneous exhibition held at The Grace Emily. This year is no exception with the 7^th instalment of Instantaneous showcasing outstanding artwork by a wide range of South Australian artists in all fields.

The previous 6 exhibitions have seen 150 artists submit 270 pieces of art which have collectively raised over $20,000 for the Magdalene and Vincentian Centres in Adelaide.

This time around, Instantaneous will showcase original comic book covers created especially for the exhibition that will be professionally auctioned on stage, with all profits going to animal shelters in South Australia. So head down to the Grace Emily Hotel from May 3-17 and show your support for these local artists.

Opening Night: Tuesday May 3rd 2011, from 6:30pm.
Location: Upstairs at the Grace Emily Hotel, 232 Waymouth St Adelaide.
Auction Night: Tuesday May 17th at 8pm

The exhibition will then be running for two weeks from May 3-17, opening each night from 5pm-8pm.

www.pulpfictioncomics.com.au

Restless Talent: Candice Papagiannis

2011-02-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Hey Restless Colour Readers, Check out this profile on the very talented up and coming Adelaide illustrator, Candice Papagiannis.
Hello! My name is Candice Papagiannis and I am an illustrator and designer. I currently live in Adelaide’s metro south but grew up in the foothills of Adelaide with my mum, dad, big sister and 2 poodles!

From as far back as I can remember I was sitting on the floor, with my coloured pencils, in my PJ’s, in front of the heater, drawing away, and really, not much has changed! I think from the moment I could hold a pencil my father was teaching me to draw. My subjects of choice were ladies in pretty dresses, cars, dolphins and anything Lion King. I was the coolest (ok, maybe not)!

Illustration from Modern Moroccan Cooking.

stamps and vector images, digital collage

Throughout high school my art teachers were always pretty encouraging, one suggested I skip a year to challenge myself, but when it came to the end of school when I had planned to study visual art at uni, my dad said I should probably study a ‘real’ profession, and so I applied for architecture instead.

After a year and a half at the school of architecture, I realized it didn’t really have my heart, but I had developed an interest in design, and soon came to the conclusion that I enjoyed making the posters for my presentations more than I did designing the buildings! I switched from architecture to a visual communications degree (specialising in illustration) and the rest as they say, is history!

Australian organic baby products.

cut paper, digital collage

Mediums

I think my indecisiveness led me to collage. I just loved working with all mediums, and differing textures within a piece of work seem to float my boat! Lately I have been using a lot of cut paper in my work, and also making my own stamps out of sticky foam and cardboard and using acrylic to stamp them with.

Inspiration

I draw inspiration from everything! I can walk down my street and see a bright magenta bougainvillea against an old metal fence and that will inspire me. I was in the lunchroom of a crappy building where I work and there were two really old vinyl chairs next to each other, one orange/tan and the other was emerald green, I got so excited I took a picture! Travel is like sensory overload to me, I love seeing the way other cultures use colour, and the way they dye their textiles and the traditional crafts. Also music is a huge inspiration and can instantly change my mood unlike anything else can. There is so much inspiration out there, you just have to be open to it.

Australian organic baby products.

cut paper, digital collage

Influences

I think my all time fave has always been Gustav Klimt. Those rich jewel colours with soft greys and nudes, and the intricate patterns of differing scales within his work are just so beautiful. His work just looks so passionate, the expression in the subject’s eyes, long limbs and intertwined, floating bodies, and the mix of realism with simple bold shapes. Sigh. Egon Schiele is also an influence, his work looks so contemporary, even now.
As far as illustrators go I love, love, love the work of the late Charley Harper. He illustrated a lot of the golden books and has an amazing style. I really enjoy late 1950’s and 1960’s illustrations, the kinds that you would see on an old cover of esquire, or at the start of I dream of Genie! Jim Flora is also an influence.

Owning your first Home (Editorial).

pen and ink, watercolour, digital collage

What the future holds

My immediate future involves more study, as I have been accepted into a masters program and start next week! I’m also hoping to squeeze some more travel in there somewhere. Maybe later I’ll get some more poodles!

Advice

My advice to other young illustrators would be to just enjoy what your doing. There’s nothing wrong with a bit of healthy competition, but try not to compare yourself with your peers, everyone is unique and every style works in its own way. While on the topic of style, I was convinced up until a few months ago that I didn’t even have one! Don’t worry about it, it will just develop on it’s own (with a lot of hard work of course)!

Also network, and actively promote yourself, no one will come to you if they don’t know you exist!

Love at First Sight (Editorial)

pen and ink, textile, coloured pencil.

Email: hello@candiceolivia.com
www.candiceolivia.com

"Hot Out The Oven"

2011-02-07T19:22:00.000-08:00

Restless Colour is proud to promote "Hot Out The Oven", the Fringe 2011 exhibition starring three upcoming illustrators; Leigh Harder, Ryan Baranikow, and Chloe McGregor. As only graduating from majoring in Illustration within the past year, this exhibition will consist of fresh and exciting baked goods of the illustration kind. All three have diverse interests in illustrative style, from portraiture to typography, so be sure to experience a wide range of flavours Hot Out The Oven.

They are grateful to be exhibiting at two venues over the Fringe, the Metro Hotel, and the Dog & Duck.

Opening nights for the exhibitions are February 13 (Metro), and March 2 (Dog & Duck).

Ryan Baranikow

Leigh Harder

Chloe McGregor

Exhibition Dates:

Metro Hotel will be open from February 13- March 13,

Dog & Duck from February 18 - 12 March.

See you there!

Restless Talent: Gemma Buratto

2011-01-25T15:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Restless Colour readers, check out this interview with up and coming Adelaide illustrator Gemma Buratto.
My name is Gemma Buratto and I have joined in, in the past few years of my life, with the sort of people who like to draw; Illustrators, in other words. Drawing is what I like to do and illustrating is how I do it. I live in the Adelaide hills and have done for all of my twenty-two years on this earth and because of this I have never been able to walk to the shops in my pyjamas.

What attracted you to illustration?

The fact that I could kind of draw attracted me to illustration. It was basically something I was good at besides vacuuming. I was fascinated by the way that people could express feelings, events, landscapes etc in so many different ways. I was curious about the underlying meanings of pieces of art as well. It is also almost a compulsion for me to draw. I don’t know a time when I was not drawing. Where standing on a plastic crate and yelling at people in the street is one person’s way of expressing themselves, drawing is my way.

What medium do you use for your illustrations?

I cannot move away from pen and ink. It is a medium that I feel the most comfortable with and that I can use to show different textures etc. With line work, it can be unpredictable and imaginative. You can use a brush or a nib, sponge, or most objects really.

Where do you draw inspiration from when illustrating?

I like to portray things that have happened in my life, or things that I have been told about, or events that I could imagine happening. I truly believe that fact is better than fiction and even though it is great sitting back watching a film and running away from reality, reality will always be more fascinating and unbelievable than fiction will ever be.

What are some of your achievements?

If you mean any sort of achievement, even small ones. I think I have improved and developed my technique to a point where I am happy with it and have the confidence to experiment a lot more. I have now gone back to acrylics and using that as well as pen and ink, which has proved to be an interesting combination. I have also been easing myself into comics and have been doing some work for the comic book Decay. It has been a good experience and a friend and I have our own project happening now. We are writing and I will be illustrating a comic book about something or other. And I am writing one for myself about my friend Kate because she is my favourite friend and one of the most fascinating people in the world.

What artists and people have influenced your work and how?

I have a few but I’ll just talk about a few. I am completely fascinated by the works of Quentin Blake, Ralf Steadman and Alex Pardee. The way they all use line is what fascinates me. Ralf Steadman’s use of mixed media and Alex Pardee’s detail. Quentin Blake’s child-like illustrations are extremely beautiful. The way they all show a rough technique that looks as if the line is spontaneous even though it is carefully planned. Also in each of their works there is an amazing amount of imagination. I do try and achieve that in my own illustrations. Portraying a scene from real life is something but portraying it in a way that will stretch the viewers imagination is another.

What is your dream job?

I don’t have a dream job as such. I believe I would be perfectly happy doing a number of things. I love doing comics so hopefully I will be able to continue that. Storyboarding is another job I would love to do as well as picture books and maybe one day I will be involved in animation.

What advice would you give other young illustrators?

Be persistent. You may not believe it but nothing actually happens if you watch daytime television and eat chips most days. If you have done that I’m sure you’ve watch enough moral abundant American movies with the message that if you work hard you will be able to get to do what you would love to do. Also socialize! Find out where you can meet other illustrators/artists. Illustrators who have been in the industry for a while will give you the best advice and you can talk to people who are just starting out who you can talk to. Just socializing in general. Going out to see exhibitions, movies, bands, anything really, because you never know what will influence you and give you inspiration and fantastic ideas for your work.

Email: gemma-b@live.com.au

Mobile: 0439825648

http://gemmaburatto.blogspot.com/

http://www.theloop.com.au/GemB

Make a Cheap Lightbox

2011-01-19T23:39:00.000-08:00

Check out this Restless Colour video tutorial on How to Make a Cheap Lightbox using two picture frames. If you don't know what a light box is check out this video which show's just one of the many used, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oySFs85ZHX0 The light that I added in was just to display what you can use, as a safety precaution I would strongly recommend you DON'T rest a HOT light-bulb on a wood base. This is not meant to be a professional lightbox but rather act as an alternative to paying heaps of money for something that probably won't get used very often.

Hello

2011-01-19T00:47:00.000-08:00

Hello creative minds of Adelaide and the World. Welcome to Restless Colour, my name is Jordan and I have started Restless Colour to promote up and coming artists and illustrators in Adelaide. My plan is to upload interviews with local artists and illustrators each month as well as videos with professionals offering up some wise words and advice. Hopefully this site will get the creative ball rolling in Adelaide and connect like minded people from all artistic fields together in one place and act as a learning resource. Keepitcool.