The Very Interesting Thoughts of Edward Monkton

Edward Monkton is a strange man. He is an illustrator who writes what seem random thoughts about anything from potatoes, shoes and ninja biscuits. I like them for their simple innocence and 'doodle', quick sketch style. Some really are quite funny.

The Penguin Of Death is really bizarre, reading:

Things you need to know:
1. He is strangely attractive because of his enigmatic smile.
2. He can kill you in any 1 of 412 different ways.

Sophie Toulouse, Illustrator

I really like how Sophie Toulouse uses a range of different medias to create her illustrations, including: photographs, scanners, ink, watercolour and stamps. Her images are delicate, aqueous illustrations, like a 'post-disco spectacle'.

Buzzwlli Kime

Kime Buzzelli is describes her work as “transforming the hideous into something with glamour” and the idea of “lost innocence, teen lust- that making out in the back seat, kinda feeling.” What I take inspiration from in Buzzelli’s work is her vast use of media. Often creating illustrations from make-up, watercolour, thread and fabric. The combination of these materials creates an intriguingly beautiful effect. What I find of particular interest is the way Buzzelli creates an image with various emphasis. Some aspects are extremely detailed and intricate, using deep colours, yet this conflicts with often sketchy pencil drawings. I like the contrast. Looking at illustrations as this makes me want to be more daring in my own work, using a variety of materials and creating images that are layered and built upon, to create something which is full of colour and activity.

Keiji Ito

Keiji Ito is an art director and painter from Tokyo. His work is often characterised by brightly coloured illustrations combined with photographs. He uses colour copies, vintage prints, coloured pencils and acrylic to create his art. Ito describes his work as “very natural, like a sponge… I observe the world and spit it out in an art form.” What appeals to me in Ito’s work is the use of both illustration and photography. These are the two areas that I am particularly interested in terms of design, and I find it inspiring to see an artist use both. By looking at Ito’s work it inspires me to incorporate this collage idea in my own illustrations and has given me ideas for my self-initiated brief.