Ape on the Moon: Contemporary Visual Culture » Spray Paint

Editorial Illustration by Adam Quest

Philip Dennis — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 15:56:12 +0000

Here are some examples of Poland-based Adam Quest’s tactile illustrations. He uses scanned-in, mix media surfaces and harsh edges in his work. We caught up with him and asked him to tell us a little about himself and what he does.

So, as you already know, my name is Adam Quest. I live in Poznan in Poland. Before I started doing digital art, I was a graffiti writer for a very long time. I think that graffiti is still in me, which can be seen in my work. I love to make pictures with spray effects, textures, sometimes I mix media, which, in the end, makes my work look kind of old. Doing illustration, I try to show the problem in the easiest possible way so it can be understood by everybody.

Most people call my art, ’50s cartoons’ or ‘lounge’ and, in fact, there is a kind of truth in this affirmation. I’ve watched many old cartoons with Betty Boo, Bugs Bunny and others so, like graffiti, it has made me who I am today. I do commercial work, mostly editorial for different magazines, posters and children’s books. You can see more on my blog and website.

The Weird World of Nima Ehtemam

Katherine Holt — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 22:01:03 +0000

Like scenes from a weird dream, Nima Ehtemam’s illustrations are characterised by their limited pallet and fluid black key-lines. Nima creates his images using ink, spray paint, acrylic and markers on wood, canvas and paper. He spoke to Ape on the Moon about his influences.

What got you into illustration?

While growing up, boring classes and loads of school assignments are what pushed me to get involved into drawing for personal entertainment.

What influences your work?

My influence comes from music and movies. Growing up in several different countries has definitely had a lot of impact on my work. I have a lot respect for street art, because it goes back to ancient times and it is part of the human’s expressions today. I am impressed by how these people put the time in to create a piece of art for the public in the society.

What is it about a black key-line that appeals to you?

I usually have the feeling that my illustrations look unfinished if they don’t have that black outline. The black is a bold and dominant element in my drawings. It brings out the perfect contrast I am always looking for and it is actually the most amusing stage of the process when I draw.

What excites you most about a piece of work?

I really appreciate getting people’s feedback and reactions. The joy comes to life when I find the solution to improve or correct a mistake when I am creating. In my mind or in my sketchbooks, I have a list of ideas that take time to develop. Simply because I can’t do them all at the same time, but when it is time for me to work on “the idea” that has been sitting around for a while, then I get really motivated. If the piece is successful, I technically have to put on music and dance!

Where do you see your style going in the future?

My goals of progressing my style are to be part of a contemporary generation. I will never stop exploring for new techniques. Art is part of evolution and I want to be part of it.

Pietari Posti Illustrations

Alex Mathers — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 20:49:38 +0000

I’ve been following Finnish illustrator Pietari Posti’s work for some time, and it’s been fascinating to peer into his extremely accomplished and refined portfolio.

Using a range of traditional and digital mediums, Pietari’s work exhibits a profound understanding of the value of well balanced composition; using colour, varying line thickness, shape and tone to create congruent artwork.

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Illustrations of Grant Coghill

Alex Mathers — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 18:18:05 +0000

I’m really liking the spray painted effects, interesting line work and strong colours used in the illustrations of Scottish illustrator and designer Grant Coghill.

He gets it just right when it comes to minimal colour choice and the gradients created through texture.

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