I came across some highly cool artwork by New York based Leif Parsons. One of the re-occurring elements of his work is the capture of movement and action within his compositions, which enlivens the work he does. I sent over a few questions about his stuff to learn more.

How did you get into illustration?

I came to New York as a older student to study illustration, but I disliked it so I switched to part time and studied design.

While there I would also audit / sit-in on other classes that seemed interesting. Near the end I took a independent study with Bleckman and Nieman that re-ignited my interest in illustration, and upon graduation I just hustled and hustled!

What is the work process and tools of the work you do?

My illustration process is idea driven -I usually lie in bed and make notes trying to think of an idea that makes me happy.

I then get reference and sketch it up hoping I have cool editors / art directors that don’t want to make it more literal. For illustration I am essentially just drawing with a pencil though in my art practice I am using paint, collage, and assorted other materials.

What are you working on right now?

I just finished doing a op-ed collaboration with my friend Josh Cochran which was a first and fun. I am also working on the monthly editorial illustration I do for LA Magazine.

© Leif Parsons, 2010

What is your one self-promotion tip?

Make something nice enough (and interesting enough) that you would want to keep it, then perhaps an art director will want to do the same…

Liz Sterry has suggested the work of Monkey Death Cult:

Ive been watching MDC’s art on deviantart for years. I feel he’s one of the few artists to have really push old school tattoo flash into a standalone art form. His work has the authenticity of Ed Hardy or Sailor Jerry. His work easily translates to a tattooable piece of flash but equality it can be admired as a work of art in its own right.

**Winners Announced!**

Congratulations to all winners and runners up who each receive  four posters from the Brand Nu studio. The winner receives the four posters, as well as a set of iphone stickers.

Winner
Oliver Hoff – Norwich, Norfolk

Runners up
Stacey Olsen – Fleetwood, Lancashire
Cameron Singh – London, Middlesex
Wayne Johnes – Southampton, Hampshire

**

It’s unlikely that you haven’t yet come across the creative, vibrant, highly technical and highly satisfying illustration and design work of Radim Malinic. Radim is an award winning art director, illustrator and graphic designer based in London, UK, operating under the studio name, Brand Nu.

Through his work on various household brands and key advertising campaigns, including the recent prolific London Film Museum brand identity seen all over London, Radim has become one of the most well known and successful commercial illustrators active today.

I was recently sent a copy of his recent book: ‘Book #Three by Brand Nu’, which is a sleek and inspiring account of much of the work he has produced over the last 18 months.

Beautifully designed and printed, the book offers a refreshing collection of illustrations that should not be absent on the book shelf of any aspiring and dedicated illustrator, graphic designer and student. Photographs of the book are further on.

Brand Nu has provided Ape on the Moon with an exclusive offer, giving away four sets of four A3 posters worth over £400/$575 in total to one winner (who receives a set of iphone stickers in addition to the four posters) and 3 runners up each receiving four posters. Photos of the posters are below.

To be in with a chance of winning the posters and stickers, enter into the ‘notes’ box the code apeonthemoon when you buy the new book (BOOK #THREE).

This offer is available on Ape on the Moon until June 16th 2010, when winners will be announced.

Ape on the Moon is now officially open to suggestions! We now give readers the chance to recommend an illustrator of their choice, as long as it is not themselves. The post features a selection of the chosen illustrations, a link and a link to your own stuff, if you want it included. See the new Suggest page for more information.

Andrew Le, a graphic designer from Mississippi, USA is the first person to suggest another illustrator at Ape on the Moon. That person is Will Bryant, and this is what Andrew has to say about him:

Will Bryant is an artist I became friends with during undergraduate school, and he remains to this day one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He is currently a member of Austin, Texas based collaborative, Public School.

His style is consistent, yet he his not confined to a specific medium. You can see Will’s work on t-shirts, signage, magazines, packaging, and various products just to name a few of his endeavors. Will says, “I make stuff because I get sad if I don’t.”