Bibelot » Illustration

Nov 29

by bibelotm_wp in Illustration, Interview 0 comments tags: Illustration, Paper, Paper Art

Malin Koort – Interview

Illustrator and artist Malin Koort lives in Uppsala, Sweden, and spends her time creating miniature enchanting worlds out of paper. We couldn’t wait to find out more… 1. What made you want to become an illustrator or artist? I was studying to become a teacher when I started drawing in my early 20s and realised that I really wanted to do something creative. So I went to art school and pretty early on I decided that I wanted to work as an illustrator. Most of all it was my love of drawing and storytelling that made it such an easy decision for me. 2. What is it about paper as a medium to work with that appeals to you? I really like making illustrations in 3D. I like that so much can happen with the mood and everything else just by changing the light and focus when you’re photographing. You can move around the different objects in the illustration, and in that way tell a different story. I also like the simple things, like cutting a perfectly round shape with the scissors. 3. What is the most challenging aspect about working with paper? Be honest […]

Mar 26

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: 60s, 70s, Illustration, Lunabeam, Sinead Yau, Travel

Luna Beam – Sinead Yau – Interview

We chatted to multi-disciplined and multi-talented designer Sinead Yau to talk travel, the 60s and 70s and dreams of being a mortuary make up artist! 1. Vintage style has clearly influenced your design process. What is it about the past that captures your imagination? My Nan was a young adult in the 60s and 70s and when I was little she used to let me try on her old dresses. My Nan’s house was like stepping into a time warp and I remember hanging out in her lavender coloured bedroom, admiring the floral patterned bed linen and towels that she had kept from that era. Looking at photos of my family, I always admired how much effort they put into their styling and makeup just for everyday outings. Past treasures such as book jacket covers, the smell of vintage shops, bold lined illustrations, curvaceous font styles to music had so much soul in comparison to some of those things today, and even though I didn’t grow up during that time, I always feel a sense of nostalgia. 2. Describe your perfect day. Getting up early to a perfect, cloudless blue sky. Having a clean and tidy house. Eating a well balanced breakfast that […]

Dec 07

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: 60s, 70s, Artist, Graphic Design, HarleyandJ, Illustration, Retro, Vintage

Harley and J – Interview

Aussie based illustrator and graphic designer Jasmin Meier from Harley and J takes us on a trippy journey into her wonderful psychedelic world, where flowers flow through the hair of dreamlike figures in surreal settings of stars, moons and kaleidoscopic patterns. Bibelot joined Jasmin to talk about her inspirations, growing up in a creative family, and surfing the waves of Byron Bay. 1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making? Apart from little bits and pieces, my first strong memory is probably my year 12 major art (that’s going back well over a decade now). I did four women for the four elements (fire, earth, water and wind). Huge A1 pieces hand inked with water colour, all naked with long flowing hair in all their glory (my main influences of women and nature are still the same, so not much has changed.) 2. Who or what were your early influences and how has your life/upbringing influenced your work? Without a doubt it has all been my mother. She is a wonderful painter and worked as textile designer for over thirty years. My father is a carpenter and although his work isn’t pen to paper he has an incredible creative mind as well. […]

Jun 15

by bibelotm_wp in Uncategorized 0 comments tags: 60s, 70s, Colourful, Draw Pilgrim, Illustration, pattern, Pilgrim Hodgson, Psychedelic

Pilgrim Hodgson – Interview

We were invited into the kaleidoscopic world of Pilgrim Hodgson of Draw! Pilgrim. Who’s work, to quote Chief Blue Meanie from Yellow Submarine, is a tickle of joy on the blue belly of the universe. Her arms are embellished with illustrations from this film, and her work is reminiscent of Heinz Edelman, Peter Max and John Alcorn. We wanted to find out more about the multicoloured marvel from Melbourne, so caught up with her to talk interior design, sausage dogs and psychedelia. 1. What do you want people to feel or think of when they look at your work? I want people to feel uplifted either at the initial impact of my work or because it stirs a sense of nostalgia in them. 2. The 60s and 70s clearly influence your work. What is it about the past that captures your imagination? I love the sense of exploration of the era. From the visual language of the time it’s so obvious there were huge cultural shifts happening, and although they appropriated some older styles like art nouveau it was made new by bold colours and edgy contexts. I’m also fascinated that counterculture icons like psychedelic mushroom patterns and wild […]

Jun 12

by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: 3D, Illustration, Model Making, Paper

Georgie Monica – Interview

We chatted to 3D illustrator and model maker Georgie Monica to talk about and paper, Greek mythology, and how to survive a zombie apocalypse. 1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? My work is a mixture of modern and traditional themes and styles, often featuring women and/or animals. I would like to think they are pictures that offer a snapshot of a wider story and that the 3D nature of them lends itself to that. And they’re all made out of paper of course! 2. What is it about paper as a medium to work with that appeals to you? Paper is sort of the original medium and so it’s fun to try to use it in different ways. I have used clay in the past and still very occasionally to sculpt certain elements of a model if I think it will add something valuable to the piece, and you can pretty much do anything with it. Conversely, paper is exciting to build with because it has limitations and will ultimately do what it wants. I have to work with whatever shape the paper wants to be in and sometimes that […]

May 15

by bibelotm_wp in Art, Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Cats, Illustration, Morwenna Farrell, Norwich, Print, Screen Printing

Morwenna Farrell – Interview

Illustrator, artist and maker Morwenna Farrell chats family, fishermen, film and finding her passion. 1. Do you think growing up in Cornwall has helped shape the kind of work you do? I come from a very creative family, so I think I’ve been influenced by everyone a little bit. My mum is a wonderful painter and used to make the most amazing clothes. She made me a yellow Beauty and the Beast dress and everyone at my birthday party was jealous. My big sister, auntie and cousins are talented painters and potters. My stepdad was an incredible musician who used to play his harmonica while doing a headstand, and my great granddad was a beautiful photographer. My Uncle is also a collector. We’re very proud to have a link in the family to Alfred Wallis, so it’s most definitely in my blood and shows in the way I produce lots of different things – from film and photography to printmaking. I love to dabble in a bit of everything! My family is also very eccentric which influences and shapes my work. I see the little things and want to cherish them and bring them out in my work. I enjoy a quirky character and a good story. There […]

Nov 30

by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Cats, Fairytales, Illustration, Japan, Miss Ella

Inside the Artist’s Studio with… Miss Ella

Find out what happened when we chatted to illustrator, craft market organiser and jack-of-all-crafts Miss Ella. It’s a great read if you like cats, the moon, reading on mountains and fairytales to name a few things. 1. Homeware, jewellery, cards… You make so many different things! How did you end up being a master of so many different craft skills? Sometimes I think I diversify too much! As a teenager I was forever making my own clothes and accessories, so when it came to further education, I did a Fashion Diploma. I then went on to study an HND in Theatrical Costume at London College of Fashion, and started work making dance costumes in London. Embroidery was a part of that and as the industry evolved I was soon digitizing for computer embroidery too. This led on to an interest in digital and motion graphics, so I finally did my degree in Animation followed by a Masters. So to cut a long story short, I’ve always been somewhat of a multi-tasker, eager to experiment with different techniques and media. My business has been the perfect platform to bring everything together under the name Miss Ella. At the moment I’m also […]

Sep 26

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Illustration, Marta Monteiro

Marta Monteiro – Interview

Marta Monteiro is an illustrator living and working in the beautiful Portuguese town of Penafiel. A self taught artist, Marta boasts international clients, distinctive style and numerous awards. Her color-splashed, seemingly kinetic depictions of characters in every day life and dream world situations, couldn’t help but catch our eye! We wanted to catch up with her to find out more about the girl behind the colour palette… 1. What do you want people to feel or think of when they look at your work? I’ve never asked myself about it, but if I could wish for some kind of reaction I would like them to be inspired. That’s what I look for in other people artwork, whether it is a short story, a film or a drawing. 2. Your colour palettes are so vibrant and distinctive – from where do you draw colour inspiration? The use of colours is inspired by screen printing. I use a digital process that replicates screen printing color overlaying, where different layers of colour are printed separately on the top of one another. For me it works better with two complementary or with primary colours. 3. What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? If it’s not to cold I like […]

Sep 07

by bibelotm_wp in Art, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Eddie Perotte, Illustration

Eddie Perrote – Interview

Eddie Perrote is a prolific and distinctive illustrator and designer, his creativity currently emanating from Brooklyn. His high-contrast colourways are to be envied and his resume reads like All The Best Things You Can Possibly Hope To Do As An Illustrator. He’s got an amazing body of work, several awards under his belt and has worked with some of the coolest brands around. This isn’t the picture of a wallflower who waits for things to happen to him, nor someone who is afraid of hard work. We wanted to find out a little more about this exciting artist, to learn what makes him tick, and get his perspective on his own work… 1. As a Wisconsin chap, what are your best and worst things about living in Brooklyn? How convenient the city is as a whole, as well as how late everything stays open. Worst is probably having to go to the post office. 2. What type of artwork do you like to have in your own home? I enjoy having artwork of friends almost entirely, but I also keep a large stash of art books and small zines to flip through. 3. You’ve achieved some amazing goals and won so […]

Apr 29

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Reviews 0 comments tags: Children's Books, Illustration, The Printed Peanut

Playing with Food – Book Review

You already know Louise Lockhart, you actually know her very well. The name might not ring a bell and you might not know this pretty face, but trust me, you have seen her work all over the internet, in all good stationers, popping up in your Instagram feed and on the covers of none but the coolest magazines. She makes the work you wish you made. She designs and illustrates in a way that makes you want to seize a roller and become a printmaker. Her work is reminiscent of Eric Ravilious, but through a joyful 1960s Technicolor telescope. Can you tell we are her biggest fans yet? You have most definitely been acquainted with her first book, the quirky concertina book Up My Street depicting a romantic notion of a 1930’s high street and she is now preparing to launch her second, more substantial publication; Playing with Food. Proudly labeled ‘an activity book’ – and well, she’s not kidding. Just flick through the first few pages and prepare to make involuntary gasps of joy. It’s a hefty release, making its precursor seem like a delightful amuse bouche in comparison. Now Lockhart has fully opened the doors to her world and […]

Apr 25

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Carolyn Gavin, Eco, EcoJot, Environmentally Friendly, Illustration

Carolyn Gavin – Interview

We caught up with designer Carolyn Gavin, one half of the brother and sister duo behind eco-friendly company Ecojot. Here’s what she has to say about flowers, plastic and kids’ books. 1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? Happy, joyful, colourful with a twist of fun and the unexpected. 2. Which book illustrations have stayed with you from childhood/influenced you? I adored Roger DuVoisin especially Petunia. Richard Scarry, Dick Bruna and Brian Wildsmith. 3. Flowers feature a lot in your work. If you could be a flower what would you be? That’s a difficult one but I would choose to be a Poppy. 4. Describe your perfect day. A perfect day is the sun shining on me, feeling healthy and strong, creating beautiful work that I’m happy with and realizing that I have such beauty and love all around me. 5. What’s the best thing about being creative for a living? At the moment I love making creative decisions about my life and being in the drivers seat. I’m so lucky to be doing what I love. 6. You studied as a graphic designer; do you […]

Apr 18

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Alice in Wonderland, Andrea D'Aquino, Children's Books, Illustration, Mixed Media

Andrea D’Aquino – Interview

There is a sense of power and energy that flows through the multimedia work of illustrator Andrea D’Aquino. Fantastical animals enact strange rituals against intense sheets of colour. Anonymous, dreamlike figures move through vibrant patchwork landscapes which seem to mirror the terrain within ourselves. Influenced by everything from Mark Rothko to medieval art, and depicting subjects from spirituality to summer outfits, Andrea constantly reinvents her creative techniques, resulting in a freshness that has made her work much sought-after. Bibelot met up with her to discuss the imporance of playfulness and making mistakes – and the ultimate dog walk. 1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? I feel I should have a very succinct answer to this, but not sure I’ve come up with it yet. I usually say it is playful, but not child-like. I use a mix of medias and have a spontaneous approach. It’s often collage, but not necessarily photo-based. I draw and paint, then I cut things up and see what happens – though being contrary by nature, I don’t like to stay inside any box that is too pre-defined. Whenever someone calls me a “collage artist”, I […]

Apr 08

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Comic Book, Illustration, Ryan Heshka

Ryan Heshka – Interview

Vancouver-based artist Ryan Heshka’s penchant for pulp art and 1930s monster movies is reflected in his delightfully dark and surreal pop art illustrations. We were invited into the weird and wonderful underworld of prehistoric giant insects, David Lynch soundtracks, and a chaos causing cat called Louis. 1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? “Pulp Surrealism”, or possibly “Neo-Pulp”, although those terms might be too narrow. My work is rooted in comics and old magazine illustration, but also integrates industrial and architectural design, natural history, typography, and so on. Maybe “Displaced Retro” is the best summary for my art. Trust me, I have a tough time narrowing it down for people when they ask me what I paint. I usually just tell them “Weird Art”! 2. Which book illustrations have stayed with you from childhood/influenced you? Dr. Seuss first and foremost, in terms of book illustration. Specifically, the wonderful fish paintings from “McGelligot’s Pool”. The sci-fi covers of Frank R. Paul from the 1920’s to the 1940’s also burned themselves into my memory, and have remained a strong influence throughout my life. Also, numerous still photos (not illustrations, but still important) […]

Apr 06

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Guests 0 comments tags: Books, Children's Books, Coco Chanel, Frida Kahlo, Illustration

Beautiful Books: April

As I am writing this month’s Beautiful Books list, everything feels very different from last time. It’s now April, Spring has officially sprung and there is a feeling of positivity in the air. Having gotten over the end of the Winter slump and recovered from the obligatory Easter chocolate coma, the start of Spring always comes with an excitement as to what the rest of the year has to offer. The publishing world has reacted to this exciting time by releasing a plethora of fresh and inspiring titles aimed at building on your general knowledge and sparking the imagination of your inner creative. As it’s such a jolly month, April feels like the perfect time to learn something new and here are my picks of the best titles to help you do just that… Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure Continuing on their war against dull textbooks, Flying Eye Books recently published Professor Astro Cat’s Atomic Adventure, which takes the reader on an education adventure through the incredible world of physics. Written by Dr. Dominic Walliman and illustrated by Ben Newman, the book is as entertaining as it is educational. If you are anything like me, boring science classes at […]

Mar 07

by bibelotm_wp in Art, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Illustration, Megan Reddi, Screen Printing

Megan Reddi – Interview

We caught up with Birmingham-based illustrator Megan Reddi to find out more about her passions for print, pens and her adorable pooches. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before?  Probably quirky and colourful, with lots of texture. I try to avoid depicting things exactly as they should be – I like my work to be a bit playful! What feelings, subjects or concepts inspire you as an artist?  I’m really inspired by printed textures. I work a lot with screen printing and I love going through my old mis-printed items and squirrelling them away to cut up and use within my illustrations! Other than that, I’m inspired by those weird little thoughts and ideas that pop into your head during the day when you’re not really thinking about anything in particular. How does your creative process work?  I still feel a bit ‘new’ when it comes to illustration, so my process is constantly developing at the moment! Right now, I’m trying to find a comfortable balance between working traditionally and digitally. I usually start with my brush pen and my sketchbook where I’ll work really loosely to flesh out some basic […]

Mar 04

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Guests, Read 1 comments tags: Books, Branding, Children's Books, Design, Illustration, Interiors

Beautiful Books: March

Hello again! I’m back with the second edition of my Beautiful Books column – a monthly round-up of some treasured titles from my ever-growing collection of illustrated books. The first two months of the year always feel like a bit of a slog to me – it’s cold and wet and not in the fun festive way I love at Christmas. This section of the year just seems to go on and on… but then March comes. Bringing with it promises of Spring and an air of positivity and excitement, the start of Spring is the perfect time to launch a design project and I hope my March book list inspires you to go on your own creative adventure this Spring! How to Style Your Brand A few weeks ago I launched my very own creative venture – a new design blog by the name of Headless Greg – and whilst designing the new site, I found Fiona Humberstone’s How to Style Your Brand to be an invaluable resource. When planning any new design project with lots of elements to think about it can be easy to get mentally overwhelmed but worry not as Fiona’s best-selling book guides you […]

Feb 29

by bibelotm_wp in Story 0 comments tags: Cat, Fiction, Illustration

Smoky and The Visitors

L. Street is a funny little crooked footpath zigzagging up the side of the mountain, connecting the houses that cling for dear life to its slopes. Halfway up the zigzag sits little Smoky. Her job is to sit on the fence near the mailbox and greet the visitors, and she takes pride in her work. Smoky is alert at the first sound of footsteps, and softly mews greetings. She has considerately stationed herself at an ideal height for petting. Her ash-coloured fur is so soft you’re not sure you’re touching anything – it’s like running your fingers over smoke. Despite her advancing years, she remains the size of a kitten. But she doesn’t frisk and bumble – she is on duty, after all – and carries out her duties with an air of solemnity. She sits there all year round, at any time of day; amusing sweaty posties under the shade of the trees on sunny mornings, or charming loudly affectionate merry revellers in the moonlight. She has graciously accepted attentions in this way for years, welcoming weary travellers who stagger up there, fling their shopping aside and spend a good five minutes fussing over this little animal. She […]

Feb 26

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview, Read 0 comments tags: Children's Books, Ella Bailey, Flying Eye Books, Illustration, Illustrator, Nobrow

Ella Bailey – Interview

Today we chat to Nottingham-based Illustrator Ella Bailey, who’s big break came when she wrote and illustrated children’s book ‘There’s No Such Thing’ for innovative publisher Flying Eye Books, the children’s imprint of award-winning publishing house Nobrow. She’s since published a second, ‘One Day on Our Blue Planet… In The Antarctic’, and has already collected an impressive client list under her belt. Ella talks picture books, cats and ketchup with Bibelot… 1. How would you describe your work to someone who hasn’t seen it before? I would say that I take a lot of inspiration from illustration and design from the 50s and 60s, so my work often has a retro feel to it. I love using limited colour palettes combined with fresh, contemporary colours. Wide-eyed characters, of both the human and animal variety, feature often in my illustrations. 2. Describe your working routine – studio, kitchen table, caffeinated beverage of choice, music, silence? I have a desk, which is mainly dominated by my computer and tablet, tucked away in the corner of a room. My work is mainly digital, so that is often all I need to get things done! There is always a minimum of one […]

Feb 10

by bibelotm_wp in Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Illustration, Illustrator, Nobrow, Paul Blow, The New York Times

Paul Blow – Interview

Provocative and thought provoking, Paul Blow is an illustrator whose work has a striking graphic style, and trademark wit. His work has appeared internationally in a variety of projects for an extensive and impressive client list. We had a chat with the award winning, dorset-based illustrator to learn about his childhood inspirations, skills for rapping 80’s hip hop tunes (Freeze… Rock!), and how juggling gets him out of a creative block. 1. What’s the first piece of art you can remember making? It was 1980 and the film Grease was out with John Travolta, all the girls loved him and all the boys wanted to be him. I made a drawing from the cover of the John Travolta annual. I didn’t trace it I just looked and drew. I was so pleased with it I pinned it to my wall next to my bed so that when I woke up it was the first thing I saw. I was 9. 2. Describe your working routine – studio, kitchen table, caffeinated beverage of choice, music, silence? I work from a studio in an old rope making factory, so the studios are long. When I’m working on ideas – silence and […]

Jan 22

by bibelotm_wp in Craft, Creative, Interview 0 comments tags: Ceramics, Clay, Illustration, Jen Collins

Jen Collins – Interview

Toronto-based illustrator Jen Collins’ work is expressive, narrative-rich and full of childlike charm. In fairytale fashion, Jen’s illustrations have more recently popped out from the flat pages of a sketchbook and into wonderful three-dimensional ceramic characters and objects. All made by hand and glazed using non-toxic materials. We caught up with Jen to talk about children’s books, guilty pleasures and the challenges she faced translating her illustrations into clay. 1. What’s the first piece of art you remember making? I can’t specifically recall the first piece of art I made, but I do distinctly remember that one of my favourite things about colouring books was the two empty pages found on the inside of the covers – this part was my chance to draw an image to colour in. 2. Describe your working routine – studio, kitchen table, caffeinated beverage of choice, music, silence? For the first time in 20 years or so, I don’t have my own desk set up at home. Our current apartment is too small for my boyfriend and I to have a desk each. However, since I spend my weekdays at a ceramics studio, it’s nice to come home and not feel the […]