June Sees: Illustration

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration Book Tour!

2011-05-09T15:22:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Previously as I try to search in vain for British street parties, I was slightly disappointed at the lack of them in my community. Or it could be the fact its all hidden away, and only invites only??

However, one thing I am invited to, and I am delighted to take part in 'Five of the Best' in Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration Book Tour! Which starts in Convent Garden with Tatty Devine on Tuesday 10th, 6pm-10pm. I will be there with lovely fellow illustrators Jo Cheung and Gemma Millie, chatting, merriment and doing some live drawing!

The book tour will travel around Edinburgh, Brighton, Oxford, Bristol and back to London again.

There's more information and you can book your place here.

Also I was super chuffed to see a feature about me on Grafik Magazine website! It is a really sweet write up and perfectly describes the way I work. Better than I can describe myself at times, so I can thank Amelia enough. Check it out!

It seems to be an exciting night and come by if you can.

Regardless, will keep you posted. xx

Happy Bank Holiday Bonanza!!

2011-04-29T02:55:00.001-07:00

Hi, I want to wish you a happy bank holiday bonanza! Whether you're watching the Royal Wedding or Having a day off from it all, hope it's good one.

For me, I will tuning into the Royal wedding and going to search for local community spirit, for street parties! Will post up photos, hopefully I will be successful.

Have a lovely day! Xx

London Fashion Week: Kirsty Ward

2011-03-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

Of lately, I've been having a hard time, due to myriad of events. (Most people, I think, would know what it is, especially if you're on Twitter). Which have made me reflect and question for a long time, being freelance, whether I am worthy enough or good illustrator/ artist, y'know, etc, etc. It's not been meant to be self pity post, as I got over that already. However what happened, did make me lose my confidence and I think it's best to honest with you and to myself. Otherwise this Blog won't be put to good use. :)

L O N G O V E R D U E . . . .

I created Illustrations for this year's London Fashion Week for Amelia's Magazine! Alongside lots of talented illustrators in that post. The designs of simplistic and (I love ornamental jewellery) of Kirsty Ward.

This is slight different approach to how I normally do my illustrations with more of the Mixed Media input than using acrylics as the primary medium. Also a minimalist background! instead of masses of sporadic colours. In conclusion, It's always good to try out new things, further my practice.

By the way, I just want to say,

Thanks for reading

xxx

Voluptuous 21st Century Girl

2011-01-31T05:03:00.000-08:00

Just a little simple illustration for you all. Based slightly on true conversation between me and a colleague at work. He was describing female body types, as you do! Out of curiosity I asked his opinion on what he thought was my body type. He said, " I was "VOLUPTUOUS..."

And he described that word very well including funny hand gestures. After all that, I was flattered and it's a really nice word to be described. Lot more oomph than described "curvy," no? So there's lots of kinds of Voluptuous-ness and here is mine. We come to accept all body types and I am happy to be "Voluptuous." Mmmm

The Launch! Of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration

2011-01-29T15:28:00.000-08:00

It is the morning after, and it's a great feeling Im feeling, after attending the launch of Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration and meeting really talented and fabulous people. The venue was 123 Bethnal Green Road, and the party started downstairs in the lower floors, with live band. It was bustling and lively atmosphere if you can tell them the photos!

Also I had chance to meet my fellow illustrators who are also in the book! I found it's really nice to see the face behind the illustration. I also met jewellery designers, Maxine of Little Miss Delicious with amazing blue hair cute bracelets and Maggie Angus who seagulls/ship earrings I really love! So check them out!

L-R: Me, Natsuki Otani, Lesley Barnes

Me with Zarina Liew

Jenny Robins and her man.

With Andrea Peterson

Rachel De St. Croix

With Joana Faria.

With the lady herself, Amelia Gregory who worked hard all night.

Amelia cutting a delicious cake from Lily Vanilli. So much white chocolate!

It was a great night out, on another note,

I wish I had chance to meet everyone I missed. Perhaps another illustration meetup in order, methinks...Mmmm.

If you not had chance to buy the book, you can always link here xxx

Moi in Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

2011-01-11T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's here it's here it's finally here! The brightest star in a form of book. That is called Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration. As most of you know, the journey from the Open Briefs, selection process, proofs and now I have physical print in my hands. ^_^

My illustrations is featured along with many talented illustrators. The book got a really natural pearlescent cover which perfectly suits Andrea's work. Also throughout the spreads, there is a organic feel, which carries through to promote ethical fashion designs.

Self Portrait

I really like the jazzy backgrounds and the layouts, which Amelia worked hard to produce. On a final note, I am extremely happy and proud to be part of the journey and it's a great start to 2011.

Maxjenny Illustrations

The Compendium is perfect for illustrators, designers, fashionistas and the coffee table. You can buy a copy, clicking on the link here (where it includes free postcards). Alternatively, you can buy it from Tate Galleries, Design Museum, Magma Book Shops.

xxx

Bring on 2011! Happy New Year!

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

Hello! And a Happy New Year!
Like the title, bring on 2011! Quick post for now, been working few shifts lately during the holiday period.

Now into the seasonal spirit, I had brief moment to reflect and clarity. Which is why I like New Years celebration then Christmas. New Years like everyone is a fresh start, clean slate and a progression. Sorry to repeat hehe, what can I say, that you all haven't heard from everyone else already.

On a brighter note, I've celebrated last night with old friends with an impromptu limo drive to Brighton! It was wicked! The photos I've taken are not so good. If you wanna see the limo, click here.

So a resolution, take more risks and go on to many more adventures! ^_^

Hope you all have a great start to the New Year and let's see what 2011 may bring. xx

Proofs from: Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration!

2010-12-04T08:35:00.000-08:00

Hello!

On very bleak snowy week, hope you all wasn't disrupted too much by the weather. With winter firmly in place, especially the bitter wind slapping my face. To be honest, I've been having the blues. Rants about the travel and government not preparing, etc, I really wanted to see how other countries cope with the snow.

Anyhoo, what brought a smile to my face was the proofs (courtesy of Amelia) from Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration. And it looks.... A M A Z I N G. Filled to the brim with colour and very talented illustrators. I was fortunate to have my neighbours, Kellie Black, Erica Sharp with me on the spreads.

Gorgeous spreads of Jo Cheung, Natsuki Otani and Jenny Robins

I can't wait to get my copy and open it up on Christmas Day. Like a giddy child. Put it on your Christmas List, get your copy. Proof is in the flesh, why not order the real thing. Finally, Thank you Amelia, for working so hard on making this happen.

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration

2010-11-23T04:06:00.000-08:00

It's here, it's here! After all the anticipation for last months, Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration is here and ready to Pre-Order! Definitely the right timing to put it on your Christmas list, ;) It features a wave of talented illustrators (Including yours truly) and inspirational ethical fashion designers. From the cover (by gorgeous ArtistAndrea) to back cover, it is a treat for the eyes. You will be spoiled. xx

Buy a copy here.

Happy Halloween! Flamingo Magazine

2010-10-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!!

In the spirit of Halloween, I created an illustration recently for Flamingo Magazine of Zola Jesus. An atmospheric singer with a unique voice. Her videos are thought provking, eerie and gets you to the point of specific memory. Because of this, I wanted to portray her as a ethereal entity, a shadow, a mist, the wind. As a result, it looked a bit suitable for this celebration.

In vain, I brought sweeties for the kids, lets hope they don't knock on the door and egg the house..... Mwhahaha xx

Amelia's Magazine: Basso & Brooke

2010-10-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

For London Fashion Week, illustrations of Basso & Brooke. Check it out and see the full article here. A bit more rainbow Technicolor effect, I think works better on white background.

Also a bit of NEWS, I recently did a video interview with Amelia (herself) for Amelia’s Compendium of Fashion Illustration with more fellow illustrators. Finished an illustration for a client. Time does flies,

So Watch this Space... xx

Mooncup, yes...

2010-09-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

Evening! It's been awhile from my last post, and foremost

See 'the Ideal Period' here

Quick illustration update. Another beauty for Amelia's Magazine, one about the...ahem Mooncup. See the full article here.

An alternative to tampons, and my best friend uses it religiously. This was a challenge, especially my first impressions of this product feels icky. So I thought the retro 'pin up' girl theme advert would be suitable, making it less icky and more sexy hehe.

Finally, I'm on my internship at Penguin Group with Dorling Kindersley, and I am loving every minute of it. I am learning so much how publishing works and also how illustrators are commissioned/ working within the team, etc. Also really truly understand how much of the work goes into these amazing extensive books. So it explains my lack of presence on the good ol' internet.

Let me know if you enjoy this and I speak to you soon! Have a lovely week xx

Hello! It's Veja Darkroom

2010-09-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Just finished this illustration yesterday for Amelia's Magazine, yet to be posted up onto the web. Nevertheless I couldn't wait to show you all, especially I am so pleased with the colour schemes. Also it came out well especially the type. The illustration is of a shopfront selling limited Veja Ethical bags. Hope you like it. Lots more to come!

xxx

3. "Wish you were here"

2010-09-03T13:28:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of House of Fraser

Last but not least, part three. And it's another addition to Amelia's Magazine, for her article pre thoughts on recent Vintage Goodwood Festival. It's really fascinating read and especially the debate emerges on how festivals should really market itself to the audiences. From the press photos, I would have loved to experience it myself and lapped it up (the advertisers. creators would love that) But I am digressing....

Work in Progress

For awhile now, I really wanted to try more retro colouring/style to my images. Using limited colour palette, the blues and yellows, hints of red reflecting a past history. With this illustration I wanted it to reflect on lifestyle painting illustration you see in Women's Homes Magazine. There are some bits I would improve otherwise I really enjoyed working this way. I hope it shows.

That's it for now. But I got loads more illustrations to show off soon. So I won't neglect this blogspot. Have a good evening and speak soon xxx

Final Result

2. The Progress of Ziad

2010-09-02T07:26:00.000-07:00

Hello, how are you? As promised, it's part deux!.

Another illustration for Amelia's Magazine, this time it's for interview article with Ziad Ghanem (Matt's ultimate favourite designer). I jumped at the chance to do the illustrations for this article because, just look at Ziad's pieces, they are just beautiful and dying to be illustrated.

From the sketch to painting. The Work in Progress.

I drew the portrait of Ziad and I have to admit I was a bit of perfectionist with this piece. After several attempts and eraser markings, I decided to go against my usual "colour explosions" (as some might call it hehe) and experiment with classic black and white with limited colour palette.

See the full article here

The final result is quite intense, stark background and dynamic. This is one of the portraiture I enjoyed painting. Especially with the limited colour palette, I'll continue to do just that and possibly more men's pieces and portraiture.

Many thanks to Ziad who really loved the article and the illustrations and gave a shout out on his Facebook page. Gotta head out again to work so I'll see you again in Part Three! xxx

1. "Don't forget to..... blog"

2010-09-01T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hello! How are you all?

It have been awhile and lots of things been happening. Most of you know, I have been juggling with my illustrations and day job alongside. While I have been illustrating, I have neglected my poor blogspot.

Therefore I am spoiling you with not one, or two but THREE illustrations! Hope you like it, lets get started before I head off to work!

Hot off the press, I created my submission for lovely Balladof, "Dont forget to write."I had a lot of ideas while brainstorming, (my sketchbook looks very much like mad ramblings.)

Overall I am pleased with it, after several drafts. I am emerging into the editorial essence of illustration. Quick post, I will see you at part deux! xxx

To Protector, with Love

2010-07-28T12:25:00.000-07:00

Hello there! What do you for love eh? It's my beloved boyfriend's birthday and I thought I make a handmade birthday card (right under his nose) without him noticing. The illustration is of the protector surrounding his arms with love.

P.S The animals are us based on our Chinese Year.

Until then, xxx

Maxjenny Forslund

2010-07-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

All finished! My submissions for Amelia's Magazine Open Fashion Brief. I have chosen to illustrate talented and dynamic Maxjenny. Couldn't help myself, such luscious colours. Nevertheless I really enjoyed painting them while holidaying in Wales :)

Back from Wales!

2010-07-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

Hello! How have you all been?

I am back from my trip to Aberystwyth, Wales. Finished the Coastal walk challenge to raise money for kids for learning difficulties, it was hard, steep and LOTS of variety of poo, cow poo, sheep poo, goat's poo. You get the gist.

However the view was marvellous, a sight to see. With me on the challenge was my best friend and her family, with charity box in our hand, our part of the challenge is finished and next partakers can go on from where we have left of. Go on and donate even just a £1, we raised nearly £200 ourselves! Donate here.

Unfortunately there was a slow wifi connection at the cottage we were staying so it was quiet on the internet duties :(

Coffee table studio in ABERYSWYTH

While I was at Wales, I was ambitious to do four paintings to submit to Amelia's Magazine Open Fashion Brief. Packing most of my acrylics, paper and brushes I stupidly forgot my mug and palette, gah, So I brought a souvenir mug and party plates. Here a little sneak peek of the WIP.

My best friend's family never had seen an artist paint before, so it was odd having an audience, I didn't mind. Had a bundles of companions while I was painting, a litter of cats!

Croaked

2010-07-09T16:15:00.000-07:00

Quick post for tonight before leaving for Wales. (I'll miss my beloved) Random clearance of my art materials, I might as well put to good use with this sketch or paint express as I call it. Been so busy lately this week, by next week I will be doing my charity walk for kid's with learning difficulties! So excited and hectic Until next time. xx

Somewhere Sometime: Brick Lane!

2010-07-05T15:49:00.000-07:00

Herro!

Went to the Somewhere Sometime exhibition in East Gallery in Brick lane which exhibits many talented illustrators I know, especially they are in the year above me at Westminster's University.

Rachel of Precious Little

It was really lovely to catch up and see "Life AFTER Uni," the graduate's life. Also as a plus, it was great to see Rachel of (@precious_little) who previously done work for Amelia's Magazine. Check it out! Also check out Rachel blog on Private view. Loads of people to browse and be inspired.

Riccie, me and Rachel

Including Riccie, a designer/illustrator using collage and papercuts especially of food and litter dropped in various locations of London. The asparagus was my favourite. Yum.

Exhibition on until Weds 7th July. So head over and see! While you're there enjoy Brick Lane. If you haven't been to Brick Lane, to define: it's exhilarating, smelly and exotic and chaotic. Me and my beloved keeps stopping every time there was a stall with odd trinkets, vintage items. He wanted to impulsively buy Plane googles to look bad ass. So next time we'll go to Brick Lane instead of Oxford St.

Amelia's Magazine: GET CAPE. WEAR CAPE. FLY

2010-07-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

Another addition to Amelia's Magazine. Lucky Amelia went to Climate Camp at Glastonbury and blogged her daily events on the happenings and going ons. See it here. Much Better than World Cup methinks.

Illustration of band GET CAPE. WEAR CAPE. FLY! Using more summer, sun-kissed colours me hopes. What do you think?

Amelia's Magazine: Art of Mentoring

2010-07-02T03:12:00.000-07:00

Hey y'all.

Going to hit you with loads of illustrations. An addition to Amelia's Magazine, Jon Young leader of Wilderness Awareness School. Teaching others an deeper connection to nature and the community around us. Which is much needed in today's climate, societies, etc. Check them out playing 'bones' too.

See the article here and see what Amelia have learnt!

Jon Young

Playing "Bones"

Giveaway Time: WINNER!

2010-06-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all who have entered my giveaway treats!

Thank you for all the kind words, I had a lovely birthday spoiled with cakes. Tiramsu, Strawberry Gateau and Light Choco Chip Cake... to name a few hehe.

Time to announce the winner of the Giveaway Winner!

It is...........

ANDY!

An email on your way and bag of goodies, congratulations ! Also two runners up are .......

Sandra Dieckmann

Stephen Minty

You two, will get a print of choice on your way :)

Thank you so much again and Happy Days! xx

+ If I were Patrik +

2010-06-29T04:19:00.000-07:00

Hullo!

I was Patrik of Piktografika for the "If I were you project" founded by lovely Sandra Dieckmann.

Go ahead and click here! To take a look at the lots of talented illustrators contributing.

Also take a peek at Patrik's works. After a lot of thoughts "what would I do if I were him."

Combine his love of David Bowie with weird visual and sounds.

Answer is simple:

"If I were Patrik, I will star in my own Kabuki Theatre, rescue the Mistress and defeat evil villains."

Giveaway Time!!

2010-06-14T05:26:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone and to my new followers!

Hope this will bring smile to your face!

To celebrate my birthday on Thursday 17th, and I treating you guys to giveaway treats!

Treats include 1) a original handmade Canvas bag, 2) colourful badges, 3) original Lino cards and 4) One Print of your choice!

If you fancy winning, all you have to do is follow my blog and leave a comment.

If you're already following my blog, then just leave a comment. :)

Also the comment should state which print you like from my website: www.junesees.com

It's that easy, I will put all your names in a hat draw and will announce the winner on 30th June on Twitter and on this blog.

Good Luck! Happy days to all! xxx

Raw Moleskine Sketches

2010-06-10T03:14:00.000-07:00

Pieces of my sketches from beloved Moleskine. Been experimenting with all pens around the house, biros. But ultimately, I am loving the Muji Brush pen. Methinks I need to sketch more from life. Also, I am treating you to my first giveaway goodies! So watch this space, more info on the blog post to come!

+ Amelia's Magazine: Sleigh Bells + Pretty Young Things +

2010-06-02T06:13:00.000-07:00

Afternoon!

Hot off the press, my latest illustration for Amelia's Magazine on the Great Escape Festival review. Also it includes Fabulous illustrations from Abi Daker and Donna McKenzie.

Many thanks to Cari Steel for letting me illustrate for her. xx

Donna McKenzie

Abi Daker

The weather been really pleasant and postman been giving me gifts from Fritha Strickland. I was really looking for to this! A bag of goodies, with button badges, hair clips and her works of art. Thank you hun, your work are lightening up my desk wall. Xx

Sneak Peek of my Desk.

Amelia's Magazine: Little Death

2010-05-26T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hullo! How are you today?

After what I deemed a 'short interlude' from illustration, I have been working on illustrating a band, "Little Death" at the Stag and Dagger Event for Amelia's Magazine. Check out the full article here. Also includes illustrations from Kevin Bradshaw and Abigail Daker, who recently collaborated with Jo Cheung on website background for Amelia's Website. Looks so pretty no?

Their music is pretty cool, quite a contemporary sound with a psychedelic tint. Check out their sound here.

Quite pleased with the results, especially last minute background colour change. Brought some new paints, Lime greens, Brilliant blues, wanted to try my tools out hehe.

I'm going to change the blog layout, been meaning to do so for a while. Change the heading, etc. Got a lot of wish list 'To dos' but it'll be so worth it! Please bear with me :)

Have a great day today xx

Amelia's Magazine: Makepiece

2010-05-09T13:16:00.000-07:00

Evening!

Hope you are all well. Quick post tonight, my illustration for a lovely ethical fashion designers, Makepiece for Amelia's Magazine. See the full interview here.

Also alongside is another gorgeous illustration from Becky Glover, I love the sparkles and the green on her.

Makepiece have really intricate garments that reminds of the Romanticism and elegance that period had.

See more on their website.

Take care for now!

Happy Journey!

2010-05-04T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hiya! I designed my piece for the Happy Journey Collective, began with the minds of Thereza Rowe and Lesley Barnes on Twitter. It's a really good idea for a project, especially the range of talented people involved. The epitaphs, the designs are witty, poignant and light hearted. My epitaph came from the heart. It is a Joy to see and be involved it. :)

"My Heart Soars, Just to see you Smile."

Pick Me Up London

2010-04-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Hello!

Today was a lovely day when I met lovely fellow illustrators by harnessing the power of Twitter!

I went to the Pick Me Up! Contemporary Art Fair at Somerset House with Thereza Rowe, Simon Wild, Kate Slater, Jo Cheung and Emma Cowley, also I met Amelia Gregory for first time! Whom I illustrated for London Fashion Week and other various projects. The fair was highly inspiring, learning all the types of printing methodology and also it was amazing meeting in real people, real time as oppose to virtual "kind of second life" Twitter.

Twitter: 1 VS Facebook: Nil

Oh and Thereza gave me her lovely goodies! So generous ^_^

*Update*: Lovely Amelia posted a review of the Pick me Up London With a Group Photo!

Jo Cheung, Me! Kate Slater, Simon Wild and Thereza Rowe

Quote the Raven, "Nevermore!"

2010-04-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Good evening! How have you been?

I am guilty for neglecting my blog lately. For that please forgive me *cute face.*

Anyway, I have been working on private commission to illustrate Edgar's Allan Poe: "The Raven."

I have always wanted to do this, especially after watching the Simpson's parody heehee.

Although taking it seriously, the poetry is intense and a slow burner, it builds up the suspense and leaves it to the reader's interpretation. Many illustrators have portrayed this great piece of writing, even the great Gustave Dore, whom I've admired.

Here is just a quick preview of the work in progresses for this project.

From sketchbook to the final illustration, oh yea, includes the mess on my desk.

I really like WIP, really shows the journey that really makes the cycle from having a brief to the final outcome. Maybe it's good for me to show it off, once in a while.

Sketchbook

Step by Step Painting a la Juney

Final Outcome:

Took all day and this morning to finish this painting. So chuffed, because I am never that quick!

Happy Easter! Sketchbook Pop Up Store! Susie Bubble!

2010-04-04T14:54:00.000-07:00

Hello!

This week has packed with news and fun filled trips to London. I was chuffed to be invited to the Sketchbook Pop up Store and find my Susie Bubble illustrations are exhibited right up in heart of Carnaby Street.

Definitely come along, a map can be found here.
Its open until 19th April with loads of talks, events and music happenings. So check it out!

I also met talented illustrators, PR officers and many hardworking team of Sketchbook who worked THREE days to make the shop a success.

Jack Teagle, Amazing lad, beautiful comics.

Annie Driscoll, Mesmerizing collages of Text and Image.

Window Display from the minds of Serene Khan and Stephen.

Also there was a talk at the exhibition, a debate between Print vs Online. The panel was made up of blogger Susie Bubble, graphic designer and writer Adrian Shaughnessy, trend director at Style Sight Sandrine Maggiani and Becky Smith, previously of Lula Magazine and now of Twin Magazine.

It was a healthy argument and it was concluded that online blogging and print magazine has to co exist along one another. While both has pros and cons, methinks people love them both. It was very insightful talk, one to think about.

All of the creative professionals were lovely to speak to and as I have illustrated Miss Lau, it's only right I gave her my original prints of her. Initially I was nervous but Susie was lovely, very open and warm to speak to. And I'm glad she liked the illustrations.

I wanted to thank everyone at Sketchbook family, Rachel, Wafa, Luma, Beth, Laurel, Norah, Siobhan, Ekaete and everyone I have missed out. Made my week, you all should be chuffed.

Happy Easter xxx

Come see me! In LONDON Carnaby Street!

2010-03-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

My Susie Bubble Illustration about to be exhibited.

Hello,

Quickie post, I'm so chuffed about, my illustrations will be exhibited in London's own Carnaby Street, off Newburgh Street at Sketchbook Pop up Store! From 31st March -19th April. Ah! Super super excited. Heen.

Click on the image for more info.

Also I finally updated my business cards and postcards courtesy of Moo.com
Take care and I'll see you in London!!

London Fashion Week: Hermione de Paula

2010-03-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Good Evening! How are you today?

Have you ever had to juggling jobs and wonder when your job ends and your life begin?
Seems like I been neglecting my illustration for little bit. However Amelia of Amelia's Magazine through me a lifeline and asked me to illustrate Hermione de Paula's collection at London Fashion Week.

Planning to organise myself bit more, my projects, sketching trips so lots more to look forward to on the horizon. It's not all "Work and no play" ;)

Check out the full blog here!

Take care and Don't work too hard XxX

Sketching Interlude

2010-03-07T15:28:00.000-08:00

Hiya! How are you all been this week?

Just a quick post for tonight. Been sketching and putting good use to my Moleskine.

And I have to say, drawing from life, especially while on a LONG train journey was definitely therapeutic and inspirational. Today, it was worth learning from drawing from life than investing in costly life drawing classes.

Let me know what you think, which is YOUR preference:

DRAWING FROM LIFE. vs. LIFE DRAWING CLASSES??

Have a good night and a lovely week. xx

Welsh Designer Collective: London Fashion Week

2010-02-23T13:26:00.000-08:00

How are you all?

London Fashion Week is definitely keeping me busy. With Amelia's Magazine, illustrating the finest Welsh talented fashion designers, Elinor Franklin, Emma Griffiths, Josie Beckett. Check out the full article here.

Acrylics and Textures paper. Now to tidy up the painterly chaos that is my bedroom. ;_;

Ciao Ciao! xXx

London Fashion Week: Amelia's Magazine.

2010-02-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

Evening! How are you all?

After refreshed and ready for action, last night I finished these illustrations for the glamourous London Fashion Week for Amelia's Magazine! Illustrating crazy, psychedelic characters of the fashion show, check out the full article here at on Amelia's Blog! The article also features Bex Glover, whose illustrations are just pure beauty and works really well together.

Great excuse to paint that much quicker.

Need the practise xxx

I Heart Amsterdam

2010-02-17T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hallo! How is everyone? Did you enjoyed Valentines/Chinese New Year weekend?

Just arrived back from a lovely trip to Amsterdam, little *jet-lagged* maybe, confusion between which country I am in. Especially when Amsterdam is just as multicultural as the UK.

We landed in Amsterdam around 9pm and we got stupidly lost, however we saw the heart of the city. The giant Heinekken, Grosch neon lights and more lights, the long street names. It was intoxicating and very liberating especially you get that hit when walking past the coffee shops.

Numerous times, nearly got ran over if not by car, then by trams or even the cyclists, whose cyclist lanes are generously wider than the pedestrians. At times, the cyclists are invisible, until they will either shout at you or ding you last minute.

Of course, the Red Light District, the main curiosity of the trip. It is beautiful but such different atmosphere at night and in the daylight. I have to admit, it was bloody hard to find but as we walked down the main street of Damrak, and saw SEX SHOP neon sign, I looked like a proper tourist and got giddy.

It was tourist attraction with huge diverse groups and there was loads of Kebab shops, Chip shops, Coffee Shops. Of course I wasn't disappointed, loads of Sex shops, sex shows, peep shows on offer also there was the Hash Museum.

The Red Windows, (you couldn't hide from them), the girls looked at times bored and talking to their colleagues. While observing some tapped on the windows and teased the tourists. At one point I was walking down the street and the client just came out of the window and knocked right into me.

The cultural side of Amsterdam was epic, there was the Van Gogh Musem, Rembrants Museum, Rijksmuseum. The queues were unbelievable long (Tip: Anyone who's going to the mueums, buy online ahead or at Coster Diamond ;)

We went straight back and went to the Troppenmuseum instead, it was a tropical museum dedicating to the colonies and the slave trade that brought Amsterdam its resources. Pretty amazing museum.

I had such an amazing time, evening the cold snowing weather didn't stop the city from bustling. I had numerous amazing moments like Van Gogh's Sunflowers, the RLD and of course, I did all with Robert. It was our 6th Year Anniversary on Valentines and it was a pretty amazing one.

Thanks to everyone who recommended me things to do in Amsterdam, I nearly did them all. xxx

A R I S E Magazine: Helen Jennings

2010-02-04T03:59:00.001-08:00

Herro! How are you all today?

Keeping my resolutions, I've been manically busy and at times, been a bit schizophrenic. Today, I've got the day off to show you another illustration

The lovely team of Sketchbook gave me another talented editor, Helen Jennings of ARISE Magazine, to illustrate. Arise Magazine filled with vibrant fashion, culture and the arts of Africa. It's an amazing magazine, so visually appeasing to look at, from interviews with the Noisettes (Go baby go baby go!) and the Rise of Obama. Go check the magazine out!

Acrylics paints and ink on drawing and watercolour paper.

Twas great fun to paint and I sincerely hope she likes it. Nevertheless it was a pleasure to paint, especially using the browns, sienna and yellow ochre. Definitely makes a change from dark blues and blacks.

Even my paint brushes are so worn out. Need to buy new ones but I can't bare to part with them. (Chocolate is an essential too, especially Montezuma's.)

My Desktop studio. Paintbrushes, glue and chocolate, mmm.....

Next weekend, I'm going to Amsterdam!!!! Just realised and I am so so excited. Going to paint and draw and see space cakes. Also planning to do little valentines painting for my beloved.

Take care now and keep warm! xx

Sketchbook Magazine: Hide | Seek

2010-01-29T15:58:00.000-08:00

Morning Y'all!

Hope you are all well and having a lovely start to the weekend. I am going to show you all what I have been working on these past weeks. Couldn't wait to show you all hehe. Another contribution to Sketchbook Magazine, to the Third Issue; The Editor's Issue.

The team has given me two amazing and talented editors to illustrate: Tavi Gevinson (who started blogging at 11 years of age ahh) and Kristin Prim (editing and creating her own magazine at 15). Go check them out!

The brief was to tell a story between the editors and to capture their personalities, whether it be their clothes, accessories or gestures.

I like playing Hide and Seek, don't you ^_^

Resolutions

2010-01-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

Hiya and Good Evening.

It's a bit weird to start mid January talking about resolutions however I want to be honest. 2010 started off very soothing, bit of a "halting" feeling. The wonderings and pondering what 2010 might mean for everybody.

The year started with the SNOW AGE. The snow just p***ed me off, the traveling, the slipping on the ice (the embarrassment grrr), traffic and the disgruntled grunts. I just hate snow, hate it with a white passion, cried when I was a child and disliked it with a vengence.

But this time while I was at work the snow reminded me of this beautiful scene.

Maybe the snow just an hint of what's to come, to kind of 'start anew,' to cleanse the stresses, heartaches, the struggles the economy brought on or whatever the world had to face last year.

I got into a debate at work, regarding art and science and the person regarded artist as freeloaders with no real contribution to the world.

"How science makes everyone happy and can save lives, art can't save lives, WHY would anyone buy millions for Mona Lisa, blah blah blah"

Everything in the world is visual and perceptive, artists, illustrators and designers are there to bring the economy back up; creative advertising, design buildings, homes, magazines, visual aids.

Art aids Science. The left and the right. ONE BRAIN.

This person told me, that I'm bullshitting myself and everybody, to think (when you put your mind to it, you can do anything in this world.) Black and white.

This year, 2010, I'm going to use my blog more (with gentle push from my friends who know who they are) for myself. Thoughts, drawings and all. The work in progress to get from left to right, A to B. The final outcome.

I wish everyone, You guys, creatives, illustrators, writers, poets, fine artists, designers, artists, graduates, talented talented graduates, a happy 2010. You bring life into this world, colour, textures, concept, dreams, ideas and all.

I'm going to prove this person wrong. Suck on that ^_^

LA Fashionsnob

2009-12-25T05:29:00.000-08:00

Finished! Collaboration for the lovely Heather Petrey, author of the LA Fashion Snob Blog.

Go check her blog out! With an insight to the happenings of LA and the fashion culture out there! Wish I can go to LA...

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2009-12-24T14:43:00.001-08:00

What can I say this Christmas Eve except have a lovely time tomorrow on Christmas day :)

May you enjoy the luxurious food, your family fussing and the Boxing day sales ;)

Merry KISSmas! xXx

Sketchbook Magazine

2009-11-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Hiya!

It's been a odd gap of events and happenings to be honest, searching for jobs, getting three jobs at the same time and finally graduating.

However, what made my day was Sketchbook Magazine arriving and there! was my illustrations in a magazine!! I was so chuffed and it really did spur me on to complete my visual backlog. Even more I was featured on my Susie's Blog too. Her feedback meant a lot to me. Only to do is to say: Thank you so much! To the team at Sketchbook! Susie and the Editor in Chief, thank you!

Buy a copy here XD

Me @ Secretts Thailand Festival

2009-09-07T07:09:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Ok, a lot has been going on lately and usually it's one after another, applying for jobs, helping at Mum's restaurant and etc, etc. I using Twitter often, it's easier than blogging at times, however follow me!

Last week on the bank holiday weekend I was fortunate enough to share a stall space with a friend at the Annual Amazing Thailand Festival! I was selling my handmade bags, hand printed greetings cards, books, badges and prints of my work. As you can see above XD

It's was really hot, (apparently last day of summer that 31st Monday). The whole festival was held in a farm in Milford, Surrey, all the food stalls, arts and crafts, massages, fairground, the whole shebang and it was exciting.

Arrived early, to set up the stall in the middle of a field, with my Audrey Hepburn partition, desks and Mum's restaurant table cloths, worrying profusely, couple of the neighbours sensed I was a first timer. Despite all the hustle, bustle and worry and the intense sunshine, ( thank god for the coconut juice, iced coffees and Thai beer and cocktails) it was all good fun. I met loads of people, school kids, monks furthermore I sold loads and got really good feedback, about the products and the credit crunching prices. Woo hoo!

Oh my friends came to see me too! Jo, Emma, Chris, Sam and Ruth came by and it was so lovely to see them all. That made my day too, so I will do this all again, it was worth it.

PS. Couldn't resist sitting on these 'FOOT' Stools and 'HAND' Chairs, XD

More photos of the lovely day here.

P.S.S Thank you to new followers and following my blog!

Take care now!

Goldilocks Flux

2009-07-31T14:39:00.000-07:00

Good evening! Long time no blog, I was very busy moving house and now I have moved, yay, but haven't quite settled in. However I did do a new illustration for a magazine based on a British Designer of my choice, Lu Flux. Also I have posted up photos of New Designers here. There were many talented illustrators there, including Robert Sae-Heng, Jana Diemberger, Leanne Wade.

Ben Cain Illustration @ New Designers

Once I settled, I am planning to do more illustrations. Also posting up more photos from events too. Good night and take care!

New Designers 2009

2009-07-16T12:26:00.000-07:00

Hello! Im living between two homes at the mo so it was really lovely to be invited to the New Designers Private Awards Night at the Business Centre in Angel. Loads of graduates have exhibited here from product design to illustration, also some illustrators I have recognised from D&AD New Blood not too long ago. Unfortunately my camera had no battery hence the lack of photos, but I will be going there again since it ends this Sunday 19th July. More info can be found here if you want to have a little look.

I have to admit New Designers pretty similar to D&AD New Blood with the exception of a hefty entry price to visit on the day. However it was fresh to see other graduates' work and feel really inspired at the end of the day. More photos to come.

Ohh and by the way, I met the lovely Amon fellow illustrator, whom is very happy with the free latest issue of Grafik magazine when you fill in a reader's survey.

See, See, See

2009-07-06T09:50:00.001-07:00

Hello! Hope all is well. This is one of the illustrations I have been working on. It's of a blogger, Susie Bubble and I have to say it was a pleasure to read her blogs and create an illustration of her. Hope she likes it to be honest. If not, then it was a pleasure still. It's nice to do something a little more light hearted and colourful for a change. More illustrations included on my website. Another subject, I will be moving homes. Fun times...

Not a Wallflower

2009-06-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Hello there! Hope all is well. This will be a quick post as I'm a little bit Sleepy Bird (Character from Pocoyo hehe) Only had 5 hours sleep, painting, drawing and creating. Here are some teaser illustrations.

I've been doing some patterns and wallpaper drawings, which was quite experimental and new for me. Thank goodness for Julia for her amazing tutorial. Definitely worth checking out. :)

Talk soon, I think I'll need some sleep mew mew

Work, Neverending Story

2009-06-21T07:46:00.000-07:00

Hello there again, two blog posts in one day! To make up for the lack of posts, I'll show you guys what I've been working on. Here are a couple of editorial illustrations. Quite different to the dark narrative stuff I'm used to working but it definitely makes a good change to be honest. The illustrations are about blogging and how to cope with negative comments on the blog or on the net

They are at the rough stages at the mo, so watch this space.

Feel free to tell me what you think of it :)

Who likes Cake??

2009-06-21T05:01:00.001-07:00

Hello there and good afternoon! It's been a busy week, preparing for the next show, D&AD New Blood, more information can be found here.

You have to register first, but it is free so please come and visit ^_^

Also on Weds 17th June, ( if you're curious, yes my parents did call me 'June' they won't forget my birthday :P) it was my 22th birthday! I don't feel that age though, I feel 19 at least..

Mum thought at first I was 24, d'oh.

After the age confusion and debates, I had a lovely day. After going to Uni, I went to Central, window shopped and I found some cute things on my travels. (I wish I brought those cupcakes.) I thought the 'Super Mario Bros' window display was super cool. I ate at 'Mermaid's Tail,' typical for a mermaid lover like me.

It was a simple day out really but was lovely. Even more lovely was the surprise I had the next day, when my lovely friends, Katie, Becky and Rashika presented me my own Bday cake hehe. It's was chocolately and indulgent cake and coincidentally, perfect present cos I didn't have any cake on my birthday.

Thank you!!!

Holga Experimenta

2009-06-15T14:31:00.000-07:00

Hello there this evening!

I just got these developed today from my holga camera which was an experimental buy. Anyway, the guy from Snappy Snaps had a rant to me, saying how crap the holga is and how you need to focus and lighting more. But it's not that bad, it's abstract and surreal at the same time. I will persist, suppose practice makes perfect. I won't give up painting soon ;)

I've been sooo bad, Komodo ate me

2009-06-12T03:50:00.000-07:00

I haven't really been a good blogger have I???

Well I will make amends.

Here's something that I was working on.

Development and the finished painting. Took about over 2 days whilst I was watching Britain's got Talent Final hehe.

Yep that is a komodo dragons..... about to eat a guy...

Right at the Start

2008-10-25T12:34:00.000-07:00

First thing's first, hello and welcome to my blog! Did a quick sketch on the power of "Monsters." How there is a monster within us and it is our choices that decide whether we unleash the "Monster" within.