Ape on the Moon: Contemporary Illustration » Technology

Geometric Abstraction: Illustrations of Andy Gilmore

moonape — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:06:19 +0000

Andy Gilmore is a rare breed of artist. It’s not often one comes across an extensive portfolio dedicated to merging technical ability with aesthetic beauty; and with consistently invigorating pieces.

With what comes with undoubtedly great amounts of practice, time and skill are illustrations that stand out for their ability to create seemingly touchable textures, shapes and light effects.

From Rochester in New York, Andy has had work associated with Wallpaper Magazine, Wired UK and Warp Records. I’ve asked him a few questions about his background and process.

What kind of training or background have you had in your art?

I attended a handful of state schools for illustration before the computer was in the classroom: over four years of figure drawing. Upon graduation I was hired at Fourstar Distribution, Forum Snowboards, C1rca footwear, Special Blend and Foursquare, as an Ad Technician.

I worked with a team of designers, photographers and athletes that I am truly indebted to. My education as a designer and illustrator began with them.

Once he is done with planning his work using pencil work, Andy uses pens, Photoshop and Illustrator to more accurately compose his technical illustrations using ‘very careful measurements‘.

You’re clearly an innovator. What nourishes your innovative creativity?

Well, thank you. I always have a sketchbook or two in my back pocket. One is for my left hand and one for my right.

I also play guitar and assorted acoustic instruments. Having a number of creative pursuits keeps me well nourished.

Andy is keeping pretty quiet about what he’s working on at the moment, but you can keep track of what work he’s completed month by month at his blog.

Thanks, and best of luck for the future Andy!

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Experiments with a Photocopier: Illustrations of Jeffrey Bowman

moonape — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:21:16 +0000

I’ve seen Jeffrey Bowman’s refreshing work frequently in the past in various magazines, adverts and articles. It’s understandable why art of his making has found it’s way to such exciting projects as with Converse, Urban Outfitters, Nike and the BBC.

Jeffrey has managed to create an expressive and playful style that is unique to his name. I’ve chucked some questions at him to find out more about his background and his work process behind the textures and style involved in his work.

How did you get into illustration?

I originally studied graphic design and worked for different studios, in a designer role. I used my free time to develop my illustration and to see how far I could push it.

I’ve got to a point now where one drives the other. I’m fortunate enough now that the illustration has allowed me to go full time freelance.

Can you explain a little about how you achieve those grungy effects, halftones etc in a lot of your work?

Every few months I’ll head down to the local library with a bunch of new patterns and scuff marks and go crazy on the photocopier, experimenting with the different levels and outputs creating lots of different textures and marks.

From this I’ll scan them in and start having a play in photoshop, mainly with the bitmapping perimeters creating different halftone effects.

What is your prized illustration tool?

My Pilot Fineliner!

What are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just finished up customizing different awards for Converse’s Marketing Awards ’09. I’m also helping organize a live art night in Huddersfield which is in a few weeks, as well as a ton of personal work including a typeface, some new tee’s and hopefully some giclee prints, as well as an exhibition which is in its very early stages.

Excellent stuff, Jeff!

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Virtual Goods in a Virtual World

moonape — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:02:50 +0000

I was contacted recently by one Jeff Clarke, who describes himself as a “Design Evangelist at Viximo”. He promised that his Viximo Elves had decided that my work was worthy of inclusion in the Viximo community. Was this something i should take any notice of?

If you are not aware of the company yet, Viximo is a provider of virtual goods, digital illustrations effectively, and can range from birthday cakes to puppies to digital animations. Their intention is to provide a virtual goods network in the same way that online ad networks distribute and place ads, like Google.

The way this would work, and I don’t think the system is fully comprehensive as yet, would be to provide publishers like Facebook and Gaia onl ine, a complete virtual goods selling platform.

CEO of Viximo, Rob Frasca, at the Virtual Goods Summit in San Francisco, says that Facebook is earning upwards of $35 million a year on members who are sending virtual goods to each other (source). Jumping over to the Far East, we find Tencent, one of China’s largest internet portals with over 250 million user accounts. Looking at their Q3 2008 results, shows that the company generated $296 million (up 27% from just the quarter before that), with over 65% of their revenue coming from virtual goods. It certainly seems there is a market there. And that market is growing fast.

So, for illustrators and graphic designers with a bit of a dab hand at digital media and looking to make a few bob, this might come as some interesting news.

Moon Ape