Most illustrators I’ve come across use pencils to sketch with, so when I first saw Joe’s work I thought it was totally refreshing. Not only are his pencils finished pieces, he also animates using this method. Beautifully grotesque, Joseph’s work is an ongoing exploration of the absurd. In his own words:

“All my personal work is based around a long standing research project which focuses on the absurd and its relationship to visual and written communication. I am interested in How fantasy, nonsense and the inexplicable can take on the semblance of ‘normality’. The language of science is one element which I look at extensively in my work, exploring how this language can be used to represent the absurd and what effect this has on the narrative. I explore these subjects using narrative illustration and illustrative animation, creating printed books and short animations.”

Visit Joe’s website to see more of his excellent work.

London based illustrator and designer Ruben Ireland uses contrast to brilliant effect in his dreamlike illustrations. He uses a blend of traditional and digital techniques. He has a great Society6 shop, and you can find his illustrations on anything from phone skins to clothing. His Behance page is a great place to see a big selection of work.

Gary J Lucken is a self-confessed pixel junkie also known as ‘Army of Trolls’. He was born in London, and now works from Switzerland drawing inspiration from video games, toys and pop culture. His clients include BBC, Honda, Sony, The Guardian and Nestle.

The first thing you’ll notice about Monique Jivram’s illustrations would probably be the striking lines often created by using hand and machine embroidery. She draws on inspiration from nostalgic objects, overheard conversations and her Latin American roots.

“The use of commonplace objects throughout the work prompts a sense of familiarity and recollections. The work taps into a universal visual language and communication of objects through prior experiences.”

Clients include The Big Issue, The National Alzheimer’s Society and Ameilia’s Magazine.

Lianne Harrison is from the Malvern Hills, and now works from London. Most of her illustrations use a collage technique, and she also makes great use of her handwriting to give her work a unique feel. She’s created book jackets, illustrated maps and some great editorial illustrations. Clients include GQ Magazine, Spiral Productions and The Vegan Society. She was shortlisted for The Penguin Design Award in 2009 and in 2011 her work was selected by The Association of Illustrators to exhibit at the London Transport Museum. Visit her website to see more…

Today we have vector artist James Oconnell aka ‘Anonymous Mag’ to share with you. James is based in Manchester, UK where he creates his stylish graphic illustrations. James has a good understanding of typography and applying that to his designs. Thanks to Alison Watmough for the suggestion. See more on his website, Anonymous Mag.

Jodie and David have been working under the name of Peskimo since 2004. Since they started working together, the duo have created a series of toys for Kid Robot, their creations have appeared on t-shirts, billboards, in newspapers, magazines and more. Thier fun and friendly style has won over big clients such as Sony, Barclays, MTV, BBC and Vodafone.

Peskimo contacted us a short while ago to tell us about their ‘Special Brews’ prints.

“We have just launched a new set of fine art screenprints featuring illustrations of 4 different tea varieties. They all feature animals / creatures and the prints are hand printed in 4 and 6 colours. We are fascinated by vintage packaging and we thought that the range of tea varieties a great world in which to explore this.”

They look great, so thanks for getting in touch!