Sarah Stephenson

Marcus Walters

2010-02-26T14:00:00.000Z

http://www.marcuswalters.co.uk/

With an impressive list of clients; including Coca Cola, Royal Mail, Pizza Express, Howies and Barclays, Marcus Walters is certainly very hot in the design world. His illustrative style is warming, gentle, sensitive and positive. His work makes me smile!

Atmospheric Illustration

2010-02-26T13:30:00.002Z

http://www.kellybryne.com/

Kelly Bryne. I came across this illustrators work whilst undergoing research for my current project. Her visual style is just what I was looking for- it captures the imagination and has a beautiful atmospheric quality. I love her use of imperfect shapes and inconsistent/textural backgrounds. Her website is rather splendid...

Go check it out!

How It Is

2010-02-23T20:40:00.000Z

I spent Valentines weekend in London and took full opportunity to take in a couple of galleries. The Tate Modern is somewhere I love to go because the work it contains is challenging and controversial. In the Turbine Hall lies Miroslaw Balka's installation. You are confronted with a huge monstrosity. Hand in hand, I walked with my boyfriend under the container. Up the ramp we went and then we were faced with darkness and an onslaught of visitors coming our way. It really was a rather frightening experience, but a very clever concept.

"Underlying this chamber is a number of allusions to recent Polish history – the ramp at the entrance to the Ghetto in Warsaw, or the trucks which took Jews away to the camps of Treblinka or Auschwitz"- Worth a visit, I'd say.

Mysterious lines

2010-02-22T21:30:00.001Z

The Nasca Geoglyphs, Southern Peru: The Monkey, The Dog, The Condor, The Spider, The Whale

Etched into the arid plains of southern Peru, these geoglyphs are truly incredible and make stunning aerial visuals. Over 1,000 lines stretch for miles, forming giant human, animal and geometric shapes. They are one of the Earth’s biggest mysteries: “Are they ancient road maps or messages from Aliens?” Visit National Geographic to find out more!!

The Date Farmers

2010-02-22T21:05:00.001Z

The Date Farmers- http://thedatefarmers.com/

"Using found materials such as discarded signs, wood and corrugated metal, their work echoes Mexican-American heritage rooted in California pop culture".

I am drawn to the duo's edgy, imperfect and textural approach. By appropriating and combining popular imagery with spiritual and native subject matter, their work targets issues such as consumerism and the greying of our culture.

Sigur and Clive

2010-02-22T16:40:00.001Z

Sigur Rós- Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (2008), The Boys are Back (2009)

I have longed to see The Boys are Back since I heard rave reviews about it on Radio 2. It was definitely everything that I hoped it would be- emotional, sensitive, spiritual and captivating. Sigur Rós provides a wonderful accompaniment to the story and the stunning scenery of South Australia- it really is a delight and I urge you to watch it! Although, make sure those tissues are close to hand.

Album artwork at its best

2010-02-22T16:00:00.000Z

Bombay Bicycle Club- I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose, Metronomy- Pip Paine, Hockey- Mind Chaos, Little Dragon- Machine Dreams, New Junk Aesthetic- Everytime I Die

I just wanted to share some of my favourite album covers from 2009. Whether it be simplistic shapes, blue Futura type layered on top of a black and white photograph, D.I.Y. cut and paste methods or the abstract painstakingly detailed illustration approach, these album covers each carry the artists unique energy, soul and a clear statement.

Christmas memories

2010-02-08T22:51:00.005Z

Gift bag from the German Market, Birmingham 2009

I found this recently. At the time I remember keeping it because it just oozes everything folk and craft-like. The German Market in Birmingham is absolutely delightful. We go every year and make sure we buy something to get us in the Christmassy mood- usually a hand-decorated candle. Not forgetting the garlic bread, which is outstanding!!

2 Tone Graphics

2010-02-08T22:20:00.001Z

The original 2 Tone graphical elements were created by The Chrysalis graphic designer, David Storey.

As an avid fan of anything to do with British music history, this story of the music label 2 Tone, which features in the recent NME Magazine, is a must-read. The article talks in some detail about Jerry Dammers aspiration to create graphical elements that were so simple, yet they captured the very essence of the label; “The black and white checkerboard harked back to the mod era, but provided the perfect symbol of the racial integration the label proudly boasted”.

A must-see!

2010-01-31T22:15:00.003Z

I went to see 'Up in the Air' last night. It completely surprised me. I sat there for the first half wondering why I hadn't chosen to see 'It's Complicated' or even 'Did you hear about the Morgans'-something that would be a guaranteed feel-good. But then I suddenly got what the film was all about: its essence, its point. I've always said if a film has the ability to move me: to make me cry, and really pull on my heartstrings, then it's something special. Well, Up in the Air did make me shed a tear, or three. I really recommend it- but you have to stick with it. I can't stop playing a song from the soundtrack- 'Help Yourself' by Sad Brad Smith. George Clooney's character goes on a journey of self-realization. It's a really poignant film, and leaves you thinking about your life and what's really important.

Devastation

2010-01-19T00:10:00.002Z

Haiti Earthquake: January 12th, 2010 (7.0-magnitude)

Images courtesy of National Geographic

Catastrophic scenes. I can't even begin to imagine the fear and

the chaos.

No limits

2010-01-14T00:00:00.001Z

Divine examples of the endless possibilities of typographic usage in advertising. These ads are just so clever. Every single detail is carefully considered. Images courtesy of Smashing Magazine. Particularly a fan of TRASH- any typography drawn with the beauty of the human hand is a favourite of mine.

Greg Ferris

2010-01-13T20:00:00.000Z

I sometimes feel starved of creativity, distracted by thoughts of angst and worry. But outside inspiration is something I look for to get my mind off such self-pity. Greg Ferris' creations are epic and indeed, inspirational. His fusion of different mediums and appropriation techniques has created sensational layout designs. I don't care to understand them, but I admire these pieces of work because they are bursting with energy and life. Check out his website here.

Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

2009-12-16T00:15:00.002Z

Album Covers: Casiotone for the Painfully Alone

Top: Vs Children (2009)

Middle: Etiquette (2006)

Bottom: Advance Base Battery Life (2009)

Even if you aren't familiar with a band, I really believe you should get an essence of their spirit from the album artwork. I love these charming illustrations, and they confirm Casiotone for the Painfully Alone's dreamy, rich and sensitive sound. Go check them out on Spotify... I did!

Beautiful Illustrations

2009-12-15T16:00:00.001Z

Amy Dover- Images courtesy of the Behance Network

Haven't posted for a while, but having got back to my beautiful home for the Christmas period, its time to get back on track! Just been scanning the net and came across Amy Dover. Using the simplistic medium of graphite pencil, her illustrations are detailed and dramatic. I love her work, and these pieces inspire me to draw... The horse is stunning. I love it when illustrators draw on to textured/used paper; i love the contrast between the layers and depth, against the perfect drawing. Check her website out here.

Hawkins Bazaar

2009-11-22T22:35:00.001Z

Matthew Hawkins

Top: Christmas Cards (2009)

Middle: Booty Love (2009)

Bottom: Snæfellsjökull (2009)

These illustrations are just marvellous! The Christmas card woodcuts are very cute indeed. Matthew Hawkins embraces hand-drawn imperfections and textures of differing mediums, creating artwork that resembles adventure and mystery.

what a feast!

2009-11-22T22:00:00.001Z

National Geographic

Aren't the colours of the ocean just utterly phenomenal?! I love nothing more than to swim amongst the tranquility of the big blue. However, Jellyfish have to be my biggest fear! Take a look at these images taken by Omri Bronstein... Here, a predator coral (termed 'Mushroom Coral') devours a jellyfish! Well, nothing really is impossible. If only the ocean was made up of a blanket of these creatures!

I would love to journey on that ship

2009-11-21T17:30:00.001Z

Matt Lyon

Top: Game Over

Middle: Sweetroot

Bottom: The Magic Ship of Freyr

Here's just a small selection of my ultimate favourites from Matt Lyon's collection. If I looked at these everyday, I'm sure that it would fill my day with inspiration. The Magic Ship of Freyr is beautiful: I long for a world so colourful and bold as this...

Good winter

2009-11-20T09:30:00.000Z

Bon Iver- 4AD

Top: For Emma, 2008

Middle: For Emma, Forever ago, 2008

Bottom: Blood Bank, 2009

I forgot just how magical Bon Iver's music is, until I started listening to it again this morning. I adore the album cover photography too, which encapsulate Justin Vernon's winter hibernation in Northwestern Wisconsin, following the break up of his band.

Black and white secrets

2009-11-19T18:15:00.002Z

Jason Langer- Secret City, Michael Hoppen Gallery

Top: Go-Go Girl, 1994

Middle: Moonlight over Montmartre, 2002

Bottom: Woman in Window, 2002

These photographs by Jason Langer are mysterious and exceptionally wonderful. His impeccable layouts create stark lighting contrasts that intensify the powerfulness of black and white photography. I was lucky enough to visit the beauty of Paris in August, and viewing 'Moonlight over Montmartre' takes me back to that sublime city- Paris was another world, and Langer manages to encapsulate the feelings that I felt when I was there in this stunning and sensitive composition.

Just in time for winter

2009-11-19T13:00:00.000Z

Brighton- Phone Camera

I travelled to Brighton on Friday to visit my best friend who's just moved down there. She took me shopping around the wonderful lanes and we spotted this- Banksy?? Probably not... but it is rather delightful and mysterious!

Epic Scenery

2009-11-18T11:15:00.005Z

District 9 Film Poster

I watched District 9 last week and thought the scenery within it was absolutely fantastic. Although I found the film a little disturbing in parts, I would definitely recommend it purely for the dramatic scenery!

Coca-Cola throughout the years

2009-11-18T10:38:00.000Z

The history of the coca-cola bottle... Image courtesy of Stumble Upon

Left to Right- 1899, 1900, 1915, 1916, 1957, 1986.

This just shows how far a brand develops and changes over a period of time. Gosh, 110 years has gone by and still, Coca-Cola is dominating the world!

A floating tap?!

2009-11-18T10:17:00.011Z

Tap Fountain, Santa Galdana- Menorca

My first thought- 'How on earth is this standing up'! Well, of course I was subsequently enlightened by a friend of the pole, situated in the middle of the gushing water. This may have seemed obvious to you, but I'm sure that in a few years they will be able to create sculptures like this that do defy the laws of gravity. Watch this space...

Bizarre Buildings

2009-11-18T10:16:00.000Z

Top: Dancing Building, Prague

Middle: ING Headquarters, Amsterdam

Bottom: Archigram- Moving City

These caught my eye today. I have a keen interest in architecture, and in particular buildings that resemble space-like forms. The ING Headquarters immediately reminded me of Archigram's work. The Dancing Building is just superb. I do hope what ever goes on inside this building resembles its energetic and twist-like exterior.

I'm still an animal...

2009-11-07T10:27:00.002Z

Luishock- We are Animals

Behance Network

"I change shapes just to hide in this place but I'm still, I'm still an animal"- (Animal, Miike Snow)

Luishock has created these stimulating, energetic and detailed illustrations where various animals have been incorporated into human form. I love the stained background, and the ink splatters that bring these illustrations alive.

Nonsensical, but beautiful

2009-11-07T10:22:00.001Z

Chad Hagen- Nonsensical Infographics

We have absolutely no idea what the information being presented is, but visually these look incredible. Layers of colour, shape and exquisite layout attract.

Remember remember...

2009-11-07T10:15:00.001Z

Barry Island- November 5th, 2009. Phone Camera

You can't beat a firework display at the seaside. It was bitterly cold, but the stars were out and the fireworks did not disappoint! The accompanying music was extremely eclectic, however!

Dancing Sea Dragons

2009-11-04T01:16:00.001Z

Images courtesy of Life- BBC iPlayer

This was by far, the most beautiful part of Monday nights' episode: dancing sea dragons in springtime courtship. The cinematography is first class, and what is captured within the sequence is stunning: these delightful, quirky creatures surrounded by the hazy blue water and vivid colours of the coral. The top image reminds me of hopping kangaroos!

Magnificent Montage!

2009-11-04T00:36:00.002Z

James Dawe: Rojo Magazine, Illustrated Ape

James Dawe creates visually rich and elaborate imagery. His collage and layering techniques incorporate textural, photographic, diagrammatic and schematic forms of communication: the result is these monumental illustrations!

Sometimes the sky is just incredible...

2009-11-03T23:43:00.001Z

Phone Camera, 16:00

I took this photograph on my phone today as I walked home... The sky looked absolutely epic, and I just had to share it with you all!

What a find!

2009-11-01T19:30:00.002Z

Meat Magazine- Issue 8

I recently went into Borders to purchase my monthly edition of Creative Review, when I spotted this beautiful, understated magazine. Meat Magazine is filled with gorgeous black and white illustrations: each article is introduced with a bold header in Impact TT. This magazine is stripped bare: it embraces do it yourself, 'bedroom publishing' techniques. I absolutely love the 'Contributors' page. The illustrator David Sparshott has captured the personality of each of the individuals- we see through the eyes of David. When I first saw this page, I was instantly reminded of my primary school: when the whole year would each draw an illustration of themselves and these would be positioned together on a tea towel! The results would be charming, unique and cherished forever!

Beautiful Badger

2009-10-29T20:24:00.001Z

Golden Badger- Ghostpatrol

During the summer, I caught a glimpse of Ghostpatrol's work on the monitor screen next to me. This beautiful piece of street art is one of my favourites! The badger appears as if in human form. We empathise with this creature: it looks so vulnerable and alone. I adore the juxtaposition of Ghostpatrol's crisp drawing style against this highly textured and distressed background: this enhances the realness of the scene.

Ronald Searle embraces the typed mistake...

2009-10-28T16:30:00.003Z

“It must be true, it was all in the papers”- Denys Parsons

I found this true delight when I was browsing in the depths of a second hand bookshop in search of inspiration, and I simply couldn’t resist it! This 1950’s gem contains a selection of comical misprints from newspapers, magazines and books. A charming and delightful array of illustrations by Ronald Searle enhances the humorous tone of the book. It seemed fitting to discover this during the process of dissertation writing and understanding the importance of proof reading. These are fine examples where simple errors have completely altered the content of a written passage.

Hidden Truths

2009-10-28T10:30:00.000Z

Taryn Simon: White Tiger (Kenny)

Chromogenic Colour Print

As a result of selective inbreeding, Kenny is mentally retarded and has physical limitations

I discovered the work of Taryn Simon when I watched her TED talk in September, 'Taryn Simon photographs secret sites'. Her photographic exhibition, ‘An American Index of the Hidden and Unfamiliar’ is groundbreaking and astounding. She embraces photography’s ability to uncover hidden truths.

Within the last 3 months, I have been examining Malaysian Radio Broadcasting, in an attempt to establish the extent to which the West dominates the East within contemporary society. It has become apparent that within this subject exists a separate topic that could succeed as an investigation purely on its own: the idea that an incredible amount of information is kept hidden from the masses as it is filtered out to ‘protect’, or lead society astray.

Wadah Khanfar is the director general of the al-Jazeera Network and was interviewed as part of the Guardian’s ‘Weekend’ edition last week. Q “What is your greatest hope for the next 10 years? - A “To see Journalism liberate itself from the chains of political influence and commercialism, and to see freedom of expression become sacred without any suppression by governments or authorities”.