Moira Millman

Paper Crave

2012-01-24T16:03:00.001Z

I just found out from a fellow blogger that my gocco prints were featured this week on the Paper Crave blog, take a peek here. It was a nice surprise and thanks Kristen for featuring my work. I am busy working on some new designs at the moment and hope to get goccoing again very soon....

(Suit)case Histories

2012-01-22T12:43:00.000Z

Here are those luggage labels I mentioned in my previous post. I have had these for a long time and they came from my late great uncle Robert along with lots of other ephemera from his travels abroad in the 1950's. I have one of his old suitcases too which has remnants of labels stuck on it and I find it fascinating to imagine all the destinations he visited back then. I love the design and typography on these old labels and I think the Norwegian viking is particularly fun!

Destination Weddings

2012-01-20T22:06:00.002Z

I recently worked on some illustrations for Destination Weddings Magazine in the US and they are just published in the Jan/Feb issue. I always enjoy working with them, well who doesn't love a wedding!

I love old luggage labels too and it was fun to draw some for this. I have a small collection of labels which I recently rediscovered in one of my old boxes of 'treasures' so I'll scan them in and post them up here soon...

Illustration Friday - Prepare

2012-01-16T22:07:00.002Z

This little illustration is just published in Woman & Home and I thought it would be a good fit for this week's IF topic. It will soon be that time of year to start preparing for the gardening year by sowing seeds... I really enjoy gardening but lately all I seem to be cultivating is weeds!
I'm hopeful to get the garden back on track this year though so we can all get outside and enjoy it...

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T21:55:00.002Z

Here's a recent illustration for Woman and Home, apparently you can help flowers open with the aid of a hairdryer. I can't say I've ever tried it but it's amazing what you learn in this job!

On the subject of flowers one of my cacti is in full bloom, so I thought I'd post a pic to add a dash of sunshine to cheer up this stormy January day!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T15:38:00.005Z

Wishing everyone a fabulous Christmas and New Year break! We couldn't resist this little elf costume and Jimmy certainly looks like he enjoyed dressing up! It's his first Christmas so we're all excited, but this year Lee and I will be the ones having fun opening his presents...

I'm looking forward to some more blogging in 2012, see you next year....x

Post Early for Christmas

2011-11-19T08:01:00.007Z

These are my latest illustrations for Woman and Home just out in the December issue.

I saw a Christmas tree up in someone's window yesterday which is a little bit early for me! It's just around the corner though so it's time to think of getting organised...

The last international posting dates this year are: Australia: 5th December, USA and Canada: 12th December, and for the UK: 2nd class 17th December, 1st class 20th December. So if any of you lovely people want to buy something from my etsy/folksy shops for Christmas you'd better get your skates on!

btw Folksy has just had a revamp! check out the new look site here

Illustration Friday - Stripes

2011-11-09T23:43:00.004Z

I haven't posted anything on Illustration Friday for ages, but I thought this old one might be a good fit for this week's topic. It was done a while ago for an article about stretch marks, and to emphasise it I added stripes to everything in the illustration. It's also quite topical for me now with the recent arrival of Jimmy, although I don't look quite this skinny!
Well he isn't standing up in his cot just yet so I guess there's time!

Pink Ladies

2011-10-10T15:55:00.007+01:00

Here are my latest illustrations for Woman and Home, just out in the November issue. This month's tips are how to avoid losing your keys and how to ice cupcakes.

5 a day

2011-10-03T23:38:00.000+01:00

These are part of a set of illustrations just published in the October issue of Best Health Magazine, about different foods and how they affect your mood. Apparently pumpkin seeds help you relax and bananas help you concentrate.

I'm quite fond of drawing vegetable characters so when we spotted this broccoli soft toy in Ikea we couldn't resist. As you can see Jimmy is already a fan, let's hope he still loves broccoli when he's older!

Woman and Home

2011-09-12T18:29:00.005+01:00

Here are some illustrations I did recently for Woman & Home magazine, for a new regular monthly feature on making life easier. These are about using peppermint tea as a stomach remedy, keeping fit while doing the housework and using apps to save money at the shops. I always like drawing women and using a simple colour palette so I'm enjoying working on these....

It's a boy!

2011-09-03T14:34:00.004+01:00

I am excited to introduce the new addition to our family! Jimmy Lee was born on August 24th weighing 8lb 12oz. He was due yesterday so was a little early and is absolutely wonderful, Lee and I are over the moon with our little boy:)

Hogging the limelight!

2011-07-28T15:02:00.001+01:00

I couldn't resist posting this little pic of our hedgehog visitor earlier today. We had 2 coming to see us for a snack every evening last summer and I was wondering if any would come back this year and lo and behold this little cutie stopped by at lunchtime for a drink and a bite to eat from our cat's bowl! It's quite unusual for them to be out and about in daytime so I was quite surprised and I guess now he knows where the food is, he'll be back....

Nesting!

2011-07-22T10:47:00.006+01:00

Sorry to be a little quiet on my blog of late, I've been busy nesting and preparing for a new arrival...
We are expecting our first baby, due in 6 weeks! So I've been sorting through a ton of my stuff to make some room for our new family member, and found lots of old work in the process. This little couple in a nest were part of an old commissioned piece on family trees in the days when I used to make 3d work. They also slightly resemble me and Lee,
if we were made of wooden pegs!

I'm also sorting through a lot of my old 'treasure' from the loft, much to my husband's delight, some of which I'm hoping to sell in a new vintage etsy shop, opening soon......

Safety First!

2011-06-23T14:12:00.002+01:00

I recently worked on a safety advertising campaign for the Salt River Project, a utility company based in Arizona. It was a great project to work on and the illustrations were used on animated web banners, in print media and on billboards too! I haven't seen them all yet but here are a few samples of some of them in context, I was pleased with the background colour too as I'm quite a fan of orange!

Flower Power

2011-06-21T13:47:00.001+01:00

I've been making a few more felt brooches, one as a little extra birthday gift for my Mum, and one of them is on its way to Australia as part of a brooch swap organised by Susie at the flowerpress blog. I hope my secret swapper will like her brooch and I'm looking forward to seeing what I get in the mail in return...Thanks Susie for organising a fun project:)

Seaside Soirees

2011-06-19T19:32:00.002+01:00

I recently illustrated a feature on beach weddings in the July/August issue of Destination Weddings and here's the front page and one of the spots. I enjoyed working on these, especially as I don't have any real weddings to go to this year!

Matchbox Labels No 10

2011-05-28T17:30:00.006+01:00

I haven't posted any of my matchbox label collection for a while so I thought I'd pop this little Czech set up, all featuring different occupations. I was curious about the text and with the help of good old google found out: ' 'take care of your feet, wear rubber boots in the wet'

Well it is a holiday weekend here in the U.K so whatever job you do I hope you enjoy the extra day off on Monday. The weather isn't looking too bad so hopefully there won't be any need for the wellington boots!

Illustration Friday - Safari

2011-05-18T10:36:00.002+01:00

I've been a bit quiet on my blog of late so I just thought I'd post this image, which I did for Vegetarian Times magazine a little while back about taking a volunteer vacation. It seemed to be a good fit for this week's topic Safari!

Illustration Friday - Journey

2011-04-16T11:22:00.000+01:00

Here's a little spot illustration just published in the April issue of Cincinnati Magazine. I thought it would be quite appropriate for this week's topic, as it's about the journey from green coffee bean to cup!

I have a little obsession with drawing faces on mugs and cups, probably inspired by my love of the Bourn-vita advertising campaign from the 1950's. The bakelite sleepy faced mug was produced as a promotional item at the time and I had wanted one for ages, I finally found one without its hat and then a few years ago my brother in law bought me a complete one as a gift and I love it!

Illustration Friday - Bottled

2011-04-10T22:19:00.002+01:00

Just a quick entry for this weeks topic. I'm working on some illustrations for a wedding magazine at the moment and that's probably what inspired this little pink love potion doodle!

Mother's Day!

2011-04-03T15:57:00.004+01:00

I couldn't resist posting this cute pair of piggy banks as it's Mother's Day today!
Funnily enough I bought the big one from a charity shop recently and then just the other day in a different charity shop in another town I found the little one, seems like it was waiting to be reunited with its mum don't you think?

I really like this type of cute and kitschy vintage pottery and these are now happily at home on my studio shelf!

Illustration Friday - Stir

2011-03-17T15:57:00.001Z

I wanted to submit something for this week's topic but ran out of time to do anything new so I thought I'd put this image up which was a recent job for Reader's Digest Magazine. I seem to get asked to draw food quite a bit, and always enjoy it but not quite as much as I enjoy eating it!

I've got a little promotion over in my shop for free shipping until 31st March, take a peek here.

Illustration Friday - Sweater

2011-02-15T16:39:00.000Z

"Oh well, at least you can grow into it" said Grandma!

Just a quick one for this week's topic and my first submission this year!

On the Record

2011-02-06T15:57:00.004Z

Two posts in one day, whatever next! Anyhow I found these old 45 rpm records in a charity shop yesterday and was drawn to them for their groovy graphics, probably from the 1940's.
I do have an old 1960's portable record player so I will have to dig it out to have a listen... I particularly like the abstract design on the green cover and may just pop it into a frame...

Matchbox Labels No 9

2011-02-06T11:45:00.008Z

I've been a bit slow with my blogging this year, must make amends, so in honour of Chinese New Year here are some Chinese animal themed labels from my collection.
I couldn't find a rabbit but I think these are really stylish and I love their simplicity, but I think the abstract black cat is my favourite!

Sew much fun!

2011-01-16T12:42:00.003Z

I started making some felt flower brooches last year as little stocking fillers for my family and friends and I think I may have caught the sewing bug!

It's a great way to use up my large collection of old buttons and the recipients were happy which was nice. I also made a rather strange brooch at the request of my husband which you can see here. He was rather pleased with it, but has yet to be seen wearing it around town!

I received this rather lovely shiny red sewing machine for Christmas and I am looking forward to having a go on some slightly bigger projects this year... Many years ago I did a dress-making class but found it all a bit too technical and I have various half finished garments in the loft!
I think I'll probably start with making things for the house as you can never have enough cushions in my opinion!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T14:46:00.012Z

Happy New Year everyone, although it's probably a bit late to be still saying that! I always think that January is a good time to have a good ol' sort out and start afresh with a tidy desk and therefore an organized mind - I'm still working on mine!

Here's a little illustration I did for the January issue of Today's Parent magazine which fits in with that as it's about giving your handbag a good clearout. Apparently us women carry far too much about with us and the client wanted me to include some 'over the top' items to emphasise the point.

Well I'd better get back to the decluttering so I can start putting all my exciting work plans into action....

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-15T14:10:00.005Z

Here's my Christmas card design for friends and family. I thought it would be fun to draw myself, my husband and our cat as baubles on the tree. I used a bit of artistic license as I'm not big on wearing hats and Lee's chin isn't quite that big! Apparently I've made him look like he's in the band Devo with his red hat but that wasn't intentional!
Wishing everyone fabulous festive fun over the holidays and I'll look forward to some more blogging in 2011...

Matchbox Labels No 8

2010-11-30T12:21:00.011Z

I haven't posted any of my vintage matchbox labels for a while, so here's a cute little Dutch set featuring alcoholic drinks for your delectation - enjoy!

Illustration Friday - Sneaky

2010-11-23T22:57:00.004Z

Temptation proved too much for Tim and he couldn't resist a sneaky peek!
I've not had time to submit anything to I.F for a few weeks but here's a quick one for this week's topic.
I can't believe it's only a month now until Christmas, I suppose I'd better get on with making my cards and buying presents etc!

Open All Hours

2010-11-14T13:26:00.005Z

I have just opened another little shop for my gocco prints on folksy, the U.K version of etsy.
This birdie and some of my other prints are looking for new homes. You can check it out here.
There are lots of lovely handmade shops to discover there, just in time for Christmas shopping!

Wedding Music

2010-11-13T10:48:00.013Z

I recently illustrated an article on choosing wedding music in the latest issue of Destination Weddings and Honeymoons Magazine.

The issue is just published, although I haven't seen a copy so I thought I'd post my 2 favourites. Ipod dj or live band? We had a band play at our wedding and they definitely added something special to the day for us so I would choose live music every time.

Kids Drawings

2010-11-11T19:44:00.007Z

I recently went to visit my little nieces, they both love to draw and did some lovely pictures for me while I was there.
This is Daisy's princess, it's her 4th birthday tomorrow so Happy Birthday Daisy!

Here's Pricilla, a very special bird indeed! Drawn by 6 year old Louisa. I love the colours and all the details, she has even got eyelashes!
They both look at my blog so I'm sure they'll be excited to be published artists!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-28T23:08:00.006+01:00

Here's my entry for AGM's annual pumpkin carving contest. My agent in the US runs this every year just for fun and I always like to try and take part.

I had fun carving him this afternoon, a rare chance to dig out my old lino tools and make a mess! The trickiest part is trying to get a decent photo when it's alight and this is my best effort!

Take a peek here to vote for mine and lots of other fun and quirky pumpkin creations. Have a great time this Halloween weekend:)

Illustration Friday - Spooky

2010-10-20T14:43:00.005+01:00

Grizelda the witch was preparing to dish up the soup for her supper and she couldn't resist admiring her beautiful reflection in the soup ladle!!

Just a quick one for this week's topic and another chance to play around with hand lettering which I always enjoy.

Teacher's Pet

2010-10-20T00:09:00.004+01:00

A little spot just published in the Nov issue of Family Circle magazine, about students who keep a pet while they are away at college. Here's 'Pi' the cat who must belong to a student of maths, never my favourite subject it has to be said!!

Featured Artist

2010-10-15T19:28:00.005+01:00

It was a nice surprise today to see that I was featured on a lovely Australian design and inspiration blog.
If you like your design with a dash of retro then it's definitely one to check out... Thanks Diane for featuring my work:)

Today is also my 1st 'blogiversary'!! I've really enjoyed my first year of blogging and it's been so nice to connect with other creative people all over the
globe. Here's to many more....

Illustration Friday - Transportation

2010-10-11T23:57:00.008+01:00

An older image this week, an editorial commission I did for a short story about a retired couple downsizing and wondering what they would do with all their old crockery.

I thought it was a quirky fit for this week's topic. 'Gravy boats' are the latest form of transport don't you know!

A stitch (back) in time!

2010-10-07T16:50:00.003+01:00

Here's a new illustrated proverb from my hand lettering series in progress... I'm not much good at sewing but I've always loved sewing ephemera and have a collection of old knitting patterns, mending cards, buttons and needle books etc. I love the graphics on these and I've framed them in my studio for inspiration.

Illustration Friday - Beneath

2010-10-05T23:56:00.003+01:00

Ted looked like a tough guy but beneath that hard shell he was a real softie!! Just a quick one for this week's topic, I always enjoy turning objects into characters.

Illustration Friday - Old Fashioned

2010-09-26T16:16:00.002+01:00

I've been working on some more hand lettering designs for my portfolio based on old proverbs and sayings. Apparently this one which refers to mediaeval falconry first appeared in print in 1670! Pretty 'old fashioned' then, so I thought it would be quite fitting for this week's topic.

Pika Package

2010-09-20T23:30:00.006+01:00

I'm pleased to be participating in the latest pikapackage project over at the fabulous Pikaland blog. It's a gocco themed package featuring 17 artists in total, and there's a free zine which you can download at the site with a short interview with each of the artists involved. There are packages for sale in the shop and there's also a giveaway!
Take a peek here for a chance to win one of 2 lovely packages with lots of gocco goodies including some of my prints...

Illustration Friday - Proverb

2010-09-16T14:35:00.008+01:00

I always enjoy an opportunity to draw some hand lettering so here's a little illustration for this week's topic. I don't eat too many apples myself but does it count if you eat them baked in a crumble? Now that I could eat every day!!

Matchbox Labels No 7

2010-09-10T18:17:00.008+01:00

It's Friday so I just thought I'd share some of my favourite matchbox labels, check out these cute Polish tv cats! No doubt I'll be watching some (rubbish) tv later! Wednesday is the only decent tv night here now that Mad Men has started again! Hooray!

Here are some more cool cats, don't ask me why they are smoking pipes and I wouldn't recommend it but I love these graphic images!

Talking of cats, check out my new website side link, it's my cat drawing now animated and pink! Thanks to my husband for putting it together for me:) He now works for Pixar, can't you tell, ha ha!

Illustration Friday - Dessert

2010-09-07T21:19:00.007+01:00

Bernice was busy studying the main menu but all she could really think about was dessert!
Just a quick one for this week's topic. I couldn't resist drawing another woman with a wacky updo!

I just did a little interview over on Bee's fabulous blog, take a peek here. Thanks Bee for the feature!

Gocco Giveaway Winner!

2010-09-01T20:27:00.004+01:00

Thanks to everyone who entered my giveaway:) I asked my husband to do the honours with the assistance of Hank, the cowboy beaker! The winner is..... Amy Alisha! 'Miss Beehive' will be on her way to her soon....

I do hope to do another giveaway soon, so watch this space!

Interview

2010-08-28T08:29:00.004+01:00

I just did a little interview over on the 'Popartrockgirlyeah' blog, you can take a peek here! Cheers Michaela for the feature:)
Hope everyone has fun this Bank Holiday, it looks like we may have the sun back!!

Giveaway Reminder

2010-08-25T21:37:00.005+01:00

My 'Spring is in the Hair' print below has just been featured on the 'experts agree' blog with some other lovely prints available on etsy. Thanks Samantha for the mention:)

Just a reminder that you can still enter my giveaway, please leave me a comment on my previous post by
the 31st of August for the chance to win a print of your choice...

New Gocco Prints and Giveaway!!

2010-08-17T16:57:00.017+01:00

Here's my latest print hot off the gocco press! I've just been busy updating my etsy shop with new prints and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for my first ever giveaway! I really appreciate everyone who takes the time to check out my little corner of blogland:)

To enter please take a peek at my etsy shop and pick your favourite print. I'd love it if you would add my shop to your faves too, if you have an etsy shop/account:)

Please leave me a little comment below to let me know you're in and which print you'd like to win! Cheers!

I'll pick a winner out of the hat on the 1st of September...

Matchbox Labels No 6

2010-08-05T15:15:00.003+01:00

I haven't posted any matchbox labels for a while, so here's a little Czech set featuring fab fifties furniture. How's that for alliteration!

New Gocco Prints

2010-07-30T19:30:00.004+01:00

Here's a little peek at Miss Beehive, actually she didn't misbehave too badly and printed quite well. She could also be called Miss Register! I always try to achieve a slightly misregistered feel to my digital work and I've enjoyed creating a similar feel with these new prints. There is something so nice about printing work by hand and it's such a shame that Gocco have ceased production. Now that I've got the printing bug I'm hoping supplies will be available for a little while longer...

New Gocco Prints

2010-07-29T20:17:00.004+01:00

I've been busy gocco printing today, fun and frustration in equal measure! Here's a sneak peek of my first new design 'Custard the Cat' hanging up on the drying rack fashioned by my handy husband. I'm participating in the latest gocco pika package project so a few of these will be included in my contribution and the rest will go in my etsy shop. I'm planning to print some more new designs tomorrow, watch this space.....

Illustration Friday - Double

2010-07-27T20:38:00.007+01:00

Well I've been neglecting my blog a little of late, so I must make amends!
Here's a little image for Illustration Friday. This week's theme is Double, so being an identical twin myself I had to draw twins! My sister and her family were up for a visit this weekend which was lovely. Despite living quite some distance apart and leading very different lives we still have a very strong bond although it's a long time since we looked like this and we don't do much skipping these days!

Here we are in glorious 1970's technicolour. Just look at those cool
matching outfits and ragdolls! That's me on the right, so now I know where my love of orange comes from!

Ripple Project - Hope Floats

2010-06-27T23:23:00.006+01:00

I've just contributed this image to the Ripple blog set up by illustrator Kelly Light to raise funds to help the birds and animals affected by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Please take a look at the blog here. Artists from around the world have contributed small works of art which can be purchased by donating $10 to one of 2 charities helping with the clean-up operation.

It's so terribly sad to see all the wildlife affected by this manmade disaster and I hope my contribution will raise a little for this very worthy cause.

Illustration Friday - Paisley

2010-06-22T16:09:00.006+01:00

The Paton family from Paisley were a close-knit clan!

Here's my contribution for this week's Illustration Friday topic. I had fun working on this one and learnt a few interesting facts too! The paisley pattern which originated from Kashmir was used on shawls which were made in Paisley, Scotland in the 19th Century.

Shelf Life No 2

2010-06-16T00:05:00.006+01:00

I was the lucky winner in 2 blog giveaways recently, so I have a couple of new additions brightening up my studio windowsill: a fab Nelly the elephant card from Bee which I framed and a cute stained glass egg man from Flora. I think they both sit nicely with my 70's cat mug, a recent charity shop find. Be sure to check out their lovely blogs and head over to Bee's for a new giveaway this week...

Vintage Children's Books

2010-06-15T18:07:00.006+01:00

I recently spent a lovely few days visiting my parents and while I was there I found these 2 fab books which I had collected years ago and forgotten about. It was great to rediscover them and bring them back to the studio to join all the rest of my books.

I particularly love the bold illustrations in this one, and I've just found a flickr group dedicated to the work of Bernice Myers. Take a peek for some fantastic vintage illustration...

Know your onions!

2010-06-03T13:01:00.006+01:00

I love it when the alliums burst into life in my garden, and am always amazed by their firework like brilliance. Here's a photo that I took last week when they were in their full glory. Luckily even the seedheads are fantastic so when they start dying off they are just as beautiful.

I've just worked up this little drawing from my sketchbook, the little bulb vase is looking very pleased with herself for putting a such a display!
I might print this design on some cards with my gocco....

Football Heroes Gold

2010-05-28T17:56:00.002+01:00

I've just received a copy of the book that I worked on last year, it's a great collaborative project featuring the work of 45 illustrators and portrays famous footballers from World Cup history.
I chose to draw 2 players from the 1950's, I can't claim to know much about football or even to be a fan but it was nice to be asked to take part in such a fun project and I enjoyed the chance to draw some 'real' people!

Matchbox Labels No 5

2010-05-21T09:44:00.007+01:00

It's such a beautiful sunny day here today, not a cloud in the bright blue sky! Summer is here:)
I thought I'd share this little set of Czech matchbox labels from my collection. These have such a great summery feel and I love the bold graphic style.

Featured Artist

2010-05-11T15:20:00.002+01:00

I'm featured artist this week on my US agent's website, you can read my little interview here!

Sweet Shop Stickers

2010-05-07T10:55:00.002+01:00

I worked on a little book of stickers for Galison/Mudpuppy last year and it's just been published. I haven't seen a copy yet but here's a sneak peek from their website.
It was a real treat to be asked to draw lots of cakes and sweets!

Craftsville

2010-05-05T14:24:00.004+01:00

My birdie gocco prints have just been featured on the fab new website Craftsville. It's definitely going to become a great new port of call for lovers of all things handmade. A big thank you to Helen for featuring my work and good luck with the new venture.

I'm busy working on new designs for prints and hope to get gocco-ing again very soon....

Illustration Friday - Cocoon

2010-05-04T18:28:00.004+01:00

Nancy is busy knitting herself a cocoon for winter, it may take her some time so she's starting now!
Just a quick one for this week's topic. I always enjoy any opportunity to play around with hand lettering, so I had fun with this one.

Matchbox Labels No 4

2010-05-03T18:38:00.010+01:00

Here's a few more matchbox labels for your delectation! These are food/drink themed and from Germany. I love the fisherman with the pot belly, I think he may have eaten too many herrings! Cute little cat too! Hey, my illustrator husband has just started his new blog, take a peak here...

Shelf Life No 1

2010-04-30T18:06:00.008+01:00

I thought I'd share a little photo of a few of the cute characters who sit on a shelf above my desk. The one on the left is a Carlton Ware pepper pot and the middle character is a strange mouse, rabbit hybrid, wearing blue eyeshadow! I spotted it in a charity shop many years ago and had to bring it home with me. They certainly make me smile on a daily basis!

Illustration Friday - Ahead

2010-04-27T23:17:00.004+01:00

Celia woke up from a bad dream calling "Ship Ahoy, Danger! Stormy weather ahead"

My take on this week's Illustration Friday, I do like drawing ladies with big hair!

Matchbox Labels No 3

2010-04-22T17:36:00.007+01:00

The sun is shining and the birds are singing so I thought I'd share another set of my vintage matchbox labels, this time with a bird theme. I wasn't sure of the language on these but with the help of google found out it's Lithuanian. I just love the orange backgrounds and simple graphic shapes.

Art Exchange

2010-04-17T08:42:00.005+01:00

I recently took part in an art exchange and as a result received some nice surprises in the mail: a lovely drawing and book by Kristyna Litten, a chirpy gocco print from Andrea Smith, a cute string of paper boats by Tamryn Bennett, some fun stickers from Michelle Vandermeer and some sweet cards by Nina Seven.
Thanks everyone for brightening up my post!

Pikaland

2010-04-16T18:38:00.004+01:00

I was featured on the excellent Pikaland blog yesterday. I just stopped by to leave a comment and Amy got in touch, thanks Amy! Thanks also go to Julie for featuring me on her blog and to Julissa for awarding my blog a 'Sunshine Award'.
I've been illustrating for a long time but only recently started my blog and it's been great to meet so many nice people out in the blogosphere!

Illustration Friday - Linked

2010-04-11T10:33:00.006+01:00

A slightly older image for this week's topic. I illustrated this little spot about choosing an engagement ring a while ago for You magazine. It seemed to fit the 'linked' theme quite nicely so here it is!

Happy Easter!

2010-04-01T21:18:00.002+01:00

Spring is officially here! Although surprisingly enough the weather has yet to take note! Just a quick pic of some girls in their spring hats to wish everyone a great time over the Easter break....

Illustration Friday - Rescue

2010-03-27T20:25:00.002Z

Barbara was hopeful that the 'Hair Rescue' would work its magic on her unruly barnet!

A quick sketch for this week's Illustration Friday. Actually, this is a bit reminscent of my hair before I discovered straightening irons!!

ShopSmart Magazine

2010-03-25T21:17:00.005Z

These illustrations have just been published in the April issue of ShopSmart Magazine, a consumer magazine in the U.S.
This one was to illustrate 'Cash for Clunkers' a scheme where you can trade in an old appliance for a shiny new one.

This one is about the difference between men and women when it comes to shopping. Apparently men are hunters and target what they want straight away, while women are gatherers and like a good old rummage. Pretty accurate in my experience!

Illustration Friday - Expired

2010-03-23T21:54:00.005Z

The milk was past its best so Earl Grey was feeling a little off colour!

A quick illustration for this week's topic, a tricky one but this was the first thing I thought of, so I decided to run with it!

Woman Magazine 1956

2010-03-20T18:05:00.004Z

I was browsing in a local junk shop this week when I found an issue of Woman magazine, strangely enough dating from this very week, but in 1956! I had to add it to my collection and it makes fascinating reading. I like this advert for Calpreta cotton and I thought the palette was quite similar to my wedding illustration in my previous post. I can't quite make out the signature but I'd be interested to find out who the illustrator was....

St Louis Magazine

2010-03-20T17:17:00.004Z

I just received a copy of St Louis Magazine which I worked on late last year. I did 4 illustrations to accompany stories in their wedding feature, and this is one of them. The bride broke her foot just before the big day and had to be carried by her new husband, apparently he wasn't too impressed!

Illustration Friday - Brave

2010-03-09T20:57:00.003Z

Bunny was feeling brave when she approached Leo at the costume party!
My take on this week's Illustration Friday. I thought it would be fun to play with the idea of the brave lion and put a twist on it!
I've gone for a very pared down palette too which I'm going to try and do a bit more often...

Matchbox Labels No 2

2010-03-05T15:10:00.007Z

Yesterday was World Book Day, so in honour of that I thought I'd share some Czech labels with a book theme. I particularly like the swallow carrying a book in its beak!

Illustration Friday - Perspective

2010-03-02T22:14:00.003Z

A quick illustration for this week's Illustration Friday.
My take on the theme is 'putting things in perspective', try as she might she can't help making a mountain out of a molehill!

Matchbox Labels No 1

2010-02-28T10:23:00.009Z

I've loved vintage matchbox labels ever since I discovered my Dad's album which he collected growing up in the 50's. I caught the collecting bug and have a small and growing collection of my own which I thought I'd share.
Here's a German set which I recently bought, great colours and such fun designs. I think the sailor is my favourite!

Green Scene

2010-02-24T20:07:00.014Z

A little spot on gardening for teens which has just been published in the March issue of Family Circle magazine. I don't often get to see the actual issues that I work on as I'm in the U.K, but the art director kindly sent me a pdf.
It makes me feel like getting stuck into some gardening myself, but I'm going to wait until the weather warms up a bit!

Illustration Friday - Propagate

2010-02-20T17:14:00.008Z

Here's a little doodle that I've coloured up and posted on the Illustration Friday site. It's the first time I've participated in this project but I really enjoyed working on a quick image just for fun!

Studio Collections No 1

2010-02-19T12:20:00.016Z

I've been a collector for as long as I can remember and recently found the perfect letterpress type tray to display my tiniest treasures in my new home studio. I love looking at it and thought I'd share some of the photos.

Some of the handmade wooden characters are relics from the days when I used to make 3d illustrations.

I had fun juxtaposing objects together and particularly like the way the woman on the playing card is covering her modesty in front of the sailor on the cigarette box!

I've had some of these objects since I was a child, in fact the tiny toby jug was bought from a village fete when I was about 10 years old for all of 3 pence!

Mail Me Art

2010-01-31T15:39:00.015Z

I love to receive things in the post, apart from bills!, so thought it would be fun to contribute something to Darren Di Lieto's Mail Me Art 2 project. The deadline has just passed but there's some great entries posted up on the site. For my submission I drew some characters on stamps, all jostling for attention on the envelope. Of course they all had to be wearing hats in front of the Queen!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T17:04:00.007Z

It's a new year so time to get organised!

Here's a couple of illustrations for the January issue of Prevention Magazine about organising recipes.
I love to turn objects into characters so had fun working on the top image and the bright orange wall in the other one is inspired by my own kitchen which I recently painted this fab colour!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T16:40:00.015Z

Here's my christmas card design for friends and family. I couldn't resist drawing a cat in a party hat! Wishing everyone a purr-fect Christmas and Happy New Year!

Fly like a Beagle

2009-12-03T18:12:00.005Z

Here's a little spot illustration published in the December issue of Baltimore Magazine. Pets can now travel in style with their own airline!

Flower Power!

2009-11-11T21:40:00.010Z

Here's my latest self promotional piece, for AGM my US agent. They produce a collection of coasters each year, and this year's theme is the 1960's/70's.
I just had to draw a hippy chick! I wanted to keep the colours simple to tie in with the monochrome design, a bit of a change from my usual technicolour.

The intertwining hair inspired my blog banner above!

Catching Sounds

2009-10-21T17:03:00.006+01:00

Here's a recent editorial illustration for an article about high frequency hearing loss. It was just published in the October / November issue of 'One in Seven' magazine.

Pumpkins

2009-10-15T16:54:00.017+01:00

It's almost Halloween, but there is still time to carve a pumpkin and join in the fun at my agent's Pumpkin Carving Contest, enter here. Please vote for my retro inspired 'Jackie O Lantern'.

New Website!

2009-10-15T16:32:00.009+01:00

I've just updated my website with lots of new images and a long overdue hand lettering section. You can take a peek here