Originally hailing from the prairies of Canada, Jeannie Phan is a freelance illustrator now based in Toronto. Jeannie’s works have been published internationally with features in North America, Europe and Asia. When she’s not drawing, Jeannie hops into her second life as a designer and zine-maker.

We Can’t get enough of Jeannie’s rich and whimsical illustrations.

» Jeannie’s Site
» Jeannie’s Blog
» Follow Jeannie on Twitter, Facebook& Instagram

Q1.   How do you approach starting a new project?

I am big into planning; I like to have my steps plotted and figure out ways to get them done. If I’m working on a client project, I start off with written notes that eventually translate into illegible thumbnails which I work into roughs. The rest is just about putting a brush to paper.

Personal projects are slightly different in that I’m more open to spontaneity. A lot of the times I don’t even bother with roughs and dive into painting without much planning. I feel like if it’s a personal project there is literally no risk but a bad drawing.

Q2.   Weapon of choice?

Acrylic gouache is my favourite type of paint because it’s versatility to lay opaque or transparent layers. I also really love black india ink and a nice brush.

Q3. Do you have a favourite place outside of your workspace that you like to go to sketch?

I actually don’t do a lot of sketching outside of my workspace. Motion sickness prevents me from doodling on public transit and cute dogs distract me from sketching in parks.

Q4.   Your favourite procrastination pastime?

I have to say I’m lucky enough to have access to a swimming pool literally a few steps from my work/live studio. Because of this, every time I’m overworking or feel like my ideas aren’t happening, I just throw on a bathing suit and take a swim. Amazing things happen when you’re underwater and I end up having most of my revelations in the middle of doing a front crawl.

I also go through waves of obsessive gaming. Some of my favourites include Minecraft, Starcraft II and Skyrim.

Q5.   What do you like to listen to while you’re working?

Podcasts. If I’ve got my work all planned out and I just need to execute it, I’ll listen to something like This American Life where I can concentrate on the stories. If I’m at the rough stages, I have to listen to something a bit more casual that doesn’t require my full attention like Stuff You Should Know. If I feel like I need a creative kick in the shins, Your Dreams My Nightmares is the best.

Q6.  What are some of your sources of inspiration?

Candid conversation with friends and finding interesting perspectives on boring things. I actually find a lot of inspiration in mundane living because it takes more of a careful attentive eye.

A HUGE thank you to Jeannie for taking the time to do this interview.

Be sure to stop by Jeannie’s site!

All images ©2013 Jeannie Phan

Thoka Maer is a freelance illustrator and animator from Berlin. I came across Thoka’s work a while back on Booooooom. Instantly I fell in love with her whimsical, and often humorous animations. Thoka is a multi-talented artist, working in many styles and media. Her illustrations are equally wonderful and intriguing: often a collage of visuals, textures and shapes, creating an image with an abstract textural quality that is stupendous.

» Thoka’s Site
» Thoka’s Blog
» Follow Thoka on Twitter
» Follow Thoka’s Looping Animations on Tumblr!

Q1.   Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Well, I’m 166cm high, 54kg heavy, held together by skin, decorated with hair, and usually framed in the city known as Berlin. I have a mood scale ranging from grumpy to extremely happy, that is strongly correlated to sleep and success in my daily work. The residual 15-16 hours are usually spent on the following, in order of importance: drawing, eating, reading, and being sociable.

Q2.   How do you approach starting a new project? What is most important to you when working on a project/illustration/animation?

It depends on the nature of the project. If it’s a personal project, I come up with ideas best when I’m not straining for them. Like under the shower for example. As my ideas for personal projects emerge somewhere from my subconscious, I try to foster this subconscious artist-me by feeding it with information and by avoiding evil distractions. To describe this a bit more vividly, it’s like a big wobbly bubble filled with ‘idea-liquid’, always on the verge of bursting, yet remaining intact because of its über-elastic membrane. This membrane is semi-permeable too. In addition to the natural creative soup it stores, it absorbs inspiration and information. Every now and then, the bubble gets poked and some of the liquid slowly drips out, before the hole swiftly closes itself again. And then I start to work with what came out.

In terms of commissioned projects, I first decipher the guidelines of the client and off I go. I usually develop ideas quite easily there, particularly under restricted circumstances. A quality I inherited from my father: creative problem solver.

Q3.   We love your looping animations, what is it about animating that you love so much?

Firstly, I am, like many artists I suppose, rather numb to my own work after it is finished. But for some reason, my animations escape this fate. They make me laugh even more after completion. Secondly, I love them for being so universal, so easily understood. Since they come without words, everyone interprets them for themselves. Neither of these were ever intended since they always were and are a pastime for me. But ultimately, they make sense, so I guess that’s why they turned out the way they are.

Q4.   What’s the role of the sketch book in your creative process?

It has a role of no further importance. My sketchbook mainly contains written words. Pretty boring to look at.

Q5.   Weapon of choice?

If it’s analogue I clearly choose pencil. Digitally, I mainly work with Photoshop and After Effects. Everything I use is quite classic, but it fulfills my purposes the best.

Q6.   What’s your all-time favourite procrastination pastime?

Easy one: cooking, followed promptly by eating. Pretty recently, I got my piano back and so I’m now spending quite some time with it as well.

Q7.   What are some things you do for inspiration? Do you have any specific rituals, sources or habits that help inspire you?

Exhibitions always drive me to draw and develop ideas, but I wouldn’t consider going to exhibition call as ritual. Most of my inspiration I derive from my considerably normal every day life.

Q8.   What are five things you couldn’t live without?

Oxygen – water – food – the complexity of existence (I suppose) – drawing.

A HUGE thank you to Thoka for taking the time to do this interview.

Be sure to stop by Thoka’s site!

All images ©2013 Thoka Maer

Here’s a collection of videos with illustrator/author Oliver Jeffers talking about his work, process and stories.

Check out his site: http://www.oliverjeffers.com/
Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliverjeffers

Levi Bunyan, otherwise known as aekido, is a designer and illustrator currently based in Aberdeen, Scotland. His passion for design includes screen printing, letterpress, custom typography, laser cutting, illustration, geometric shapes and print design.

We love how he uses diverse materials and textures to make his designs tactile, playful and honest. Here he shares a bit about his process.

» Levi’s Site
» Levi’s Blog
» Follow Levi on Twitter
» Levi’s store – Buy some of his amazing prints!!

Q1.   Please tell us a bit about yourself.

Hello *waves* I’m a 24 year old designer, illustrator & printmaker living in Aberdeen, Scotland. I graduated last year with an honours degree in Graphic Design from Gray’s School of Art, RGU, in Aberdeen. Since I have been working on my own projects as well as working as a designer in residence at the Gray’s. I am a bit of a typography geek, and recently have started to get really into sneakers / sneaker design… much to the worry of my parents. I also have a bit of an obsession with paper.

Q2.   How do you approach starting a new project?

I always start off brainstorming, picking out key words or sentences from a brief and start jotting ideas down from there. After that I look at different stock sites for reference ideas if it’s for objects, if not I just go straight into the computer and start playing around in Illustrator. I sometimes sketch out very basic layouts or structures, but that’s mainly on graph or squared paper as I’m a bit of a sucker for structure.

Q3.   What is most important to you when working on a project?

I watched a Jon Contino process video for Jack Daniels recent where he said ‘When creating anything the key is to make it special. Make it something worth having & if it’s not worth having what’s the point?’ which I think best sums up my feelings to working on a brief. Yes it’s important to stick to the brief, and try hard to give what the client wants, but in the end of the day, if it’s not special or worth having, what’s the point in doing it?

Q4.   What’s the role of sketching in your creative process?

As stated previously; not very important. It’s something that I rarely do, but wish I did more of. I recent created a bunch of hand printed & bound sketch books for a pop up shop, and have found myself doodling in some of them more recently.

Q5.   Weapon of choice (favorite materials)?

Recently I’ve been really getting into ‘Magic Color Liquid Acrylic’. I bought it by accident one day from the local art shop, and when I had free time started experimenting with it. I use them now a lot for when I want a good transparent pastel colour, by mixing about 8 or 9 drops in with some high vis clear base screen printing medium, the results are rather dreamy; it’s what I used for my recent fashion series prints.

Q6.   What’s your all-time favourite procrastination pastime?

For anyone who follows me on either Twitter or Pinterest this one’s a bit obvious. I can lose track of time looking / posting on both. Along with these, just generally looking up new designers / illustrators, or looking on blogs. I also enjoy cooking, so I can spend hours tinkering away in the kitchen.

Q7.   What are some things you do for inspiration? Do you have any specific rituals, sources or habits that help inspire you?

As far as getting inspired, I guess this is a bit of a cliché thing to say, but, I just open up Spotify and blast out some good music. For working I almost always listen to Hip Hop, there’s something about a real good beat that can really put me in the zone to get work done, and things just become naturally listening to it, anything by Blackalicious, Big L, Gang Starr, Jaylib and Mos Def especially.

Q8.   What are five things you couldn’t live without?

Internet, iPhone, iMac, Bacon (the proper British back bacon, none of this streaky bacon rubbish) and Irn Bru (Google it ^^)

Q9.   In an alternate universe you’d be…

A hiphopopotamus

A HUGE thank you to Levi for taking the time to do this interview.

Be sure to stop by Levi’s site!

All images ©2012 Levi Bunyan

Wilmer Murillo is a doodler, designer and illustrator. He was born and raised in Honduras where he studied graphic design. His keen interest in drawing inspired him to start developing his style of illustration while in university. He has worked with many people from all over the world on illustration projects, collaborations and personal/collective exhibitions. His work has been featured in many international magazines, books and exhibitions.

We love the bright, bold, graphic style that we’ve come to recognize as Wilmer’s work. Here he shares a little about his process and things that inspire him.

» Wilmer’s Site
» Wilmer’s Doodle Blog – Wilmer updates his blog every day with a new doodle.
» Follow Wilmer on Twitter
» Wilmer’s store – Buy some of his amazing prints!!

Wilmer Murillo – Speed drawing video from Wilmer Murillo on Vimeo.

Q1.   How do you approach starting a new project?

Getting in deep with the concept. Searching for references.

Q2.   What is most important to you when working on an illustration?

To keep a consistent style and make my work the most visual appealing possible.

Q3.   What’s the role of sketching in your creative process?

Maybe the most important part, I usually make dozens of sketches before working on the final piece.

Q4.   Weapon of choice (favorite materials)?

Sharpies and Wacom tablet.

Q5.   Your favourite procrastination pastime?

Music blogs.

Q6.   What do you like to listen to while you’re working?

Chillwave music mostly, I’m also into downtempo, synthpop and any kind of experimental music.

Q7.   What are some of your sources of inspiration?

Chillwave music mostly, Music, people, other artists’ works.

Q8.   If you weren’t a professional illustrator, what would you be doing?

That’s a good question at this point, because after being a freelance illustrator for more than 3 years, just a few months ago I took the decision to join a company as a full-time UI designer for a while and I’m really enjoying my work over there. I think it has been a good personal stage and a chance for personal growth. However, I’m still making art by nights and always involving in light artsy projects and collaborations.

Wilmer Murillo – Doodling Part II from Wilmer Murillo on Vimeo.

A HUGE thank you to Wilmer for taking the time to do this interview.

Be sure to stop by Wilmer’s site!

All images ©2012 Wilmer Murillo

Sarah Dennis is a freelance illustrator living in Bristol. She completed a BA Hons in illustration in 2008 at the University of The West of England. With an interest in narrative, drawing and collage, Sarah’s artwork is inspired by themes of nature and childhood. Her work combines traditional collage with contemporary techniques to create a bold unique and stylised imagery thats bursting with charm.

We caught up with Sarah to talk about her new series of paper-cut illustrations for an exhibition celebrating Edward Lear’s 200th anniversary called ‘Tales from a pea green boat’.

» Sarah’s portfolio
» Sarah’s Blog 
» Follow Sarah on Twitter
» Sarah’s store 

Q1.   Can you tell us a bit about this project?

It all started when my friend Holly Clifton-Brown, a talented painter and children’s book illustrator, invited me to take part in an exhibition she was organizing. The exhibition illustrates Edward Lear’s literacy nonsense and celebrates his 200th anniversary year. It’s called ‘Tales from a pea green boat’.

I was already familiar with a few of his poems, especially The Owl and the Pussy Cat. I was particularly excited about this project as Lear’s poetry is so visual, it’s bursting with inspiration. It also a gave me an excuse to develop a technique that I have been using more and more in my work: paper cutting.

Q2.   What role, if any, did sketching play in this process? Is there a lot more planning you need to do before starting on such a work intensive medium as paper cutting?

Once I have an idea, I make a rough sketch of the composition. Then I draw straight on the paper that I will eventually cut. I try to capture the excitement and magic of a new idea as quickly as I can. Once the idea is formed, and I am confident with It, I boldly take to the paper with my craft knife and add the intricate detail.

Q3.    I really like the Old Man piece with all the animals living in his beard. What is it about Edward Lear’s work that appeals to you, and how did you decided which stories to illustrate?

It was a such a luxury to be able pick what I wanted to illustrate. I was spoilt for choice as all of Edward Lear’s poems are jammed packed with creative imagery, it was a complete joy going through the book. I ended up choosing poems that had emotion and humor, where an idea came to me instantly.

Q4.   What were some of your sources of inspiration?

I have always been intrigued by oriental artwork. I took a trip to Bristol museum one day where I discovered the most amazing Chinese paper craft exhibition. This work was the most intricate and detailed crafted imagery I had ever seen. This opened my mind to the possibilities of paper cutting. I have been inspired by artist called Sealee Oh. I discovered her in an article in Giant Robot magazine a while ago and found the artwork that she had created with paints and papers enormously heart warming and magical. I have recently been blown away by the technical ability of an artist called Elsa Mora she is a master of paper cutting and her work inspired me further into my own journey of paper crafts.

Q5.   What are some of the tools required to make paper-cut illustrations? Which are your favourites?

One self-healing cutting mat, a set of sharp blades, a good craft knife (with cushioned grip to ease the pressure on the old index finger), an array of acid free papers, glue and a mechanical pencil.

I love working with paper and I love discovering vintage/floral patterns, envelopes and wallpapers. Whatever I can find. It’s also a great excuse to make make lots of mess!

Q6.   Are there any tips that you can give someone just starting out?

Work in a medium that comes easily, don’t rush or compromise your work, be confident to share you work with clients, friends and art organisations. Don’t give up, be confident and enjoy yourself!

Q7.   Many of these pieces are wonderfully intricate and detailed. What were some of the challenges you faced on this particular series?

The piece Lady in White was the most challenging as I was cutting the design out of the paper rather than cutting away the background. I was terrified that I was going to make a wrong move and the whole piece would fall apart after days of cutting and an aching index finger. Lucky it all came together.

Q8.   What’s your favourite procrastination pastime?

This Easter I have given up facebook for lent. I know it sound ridiculous but it was a great excuse to live without it for a bit. I do love discovering new artwork, reading illustration blogs and buying old blouses on eBay. Also, I have recently got into pinterest: I’ve been looking though lots of the interior design pictures and visualising my dream home.

A HUGE thank you to Sarah for taking the time to do this interview.

Be sure to stop by Sarah’s site!

All images ©2012 Sarah Dennis

I’m a huge fan of illustrator John Hendrix and love his sketchbook series ‘Drawing in Church’.  Here are just a few of his wonderful pages. Be sure to stop by John’s site to check out more of his fantastic work. He’s very generous about sharing his process, which you can see on his blog. Also, he has a great Q&A on his site if you’re interested in learning more about him.

From John’s Blog: “Drawing in my sketchbook is the very best part of my work. I love it because it is linear improvisation. Much like jazz, it is unpredictable, exciting and unfiltered. Often with very good and very bad results. I attend church every Sunday, and I draw during the sermon. All of these pages were done in a pew (though I don’t bring my watercolors with me- that waits till I get home). Simultaneous drawing and listening transforms familiar language into something new- a feedback loop of symbols, theology and wonder.”

» John Hendrix’s site
» Follow John on Twitter

EN MASSE is an ongoing project, that under the direction of Jason Botkin, brings together emerging Montreal artists drawn from the diverse fields of the ‘high’ and ‘low’ brow arts (the later including graffiti, alternative comics and illustration). Through a continuing series of event-based ‘live’ projects, Botkin mobilizes groups of to create highly spontaneous, collaborative, large-scale black-and-white murals and public drawing installations.

The EN MASSE mandate is twofold; firstly, to increase the visibility and marketability of Montreal’s new young artists, both collectively and as individuals, and secondly, to foster community-oriented art events/programming, built upon a specific form of collaborative interaction and immersion between the chosen artists. Our events are greatly enhanced through partnerships with a wide range arts/educational organizations (ie Art Pop Montreal, English Montreal School Board, Montreal Jazz Festival, various galleries, etc), and the public.

» EN MASSE’s Site
» Join EN MASSE on Twitter
» EN MASSE Videos

Smart Design Mart 2009

A video documenting a crazy two day drawing bonanza at the SDM, a beautiful weekend arts/craft creation spearheaded by the fine folk at Headquarters Gallery (Tyson and Angie)

Simons — Ste Foy Quebec

En Masse drove up to Ste-Foy, Quebec, to work on 4 walls of 16′ x 16′. Including 2 members from Quebec City and 4 of the Montreal side of the project, the En Masse crew worked on a period of 5 days to accomplish this piece of work.

Safewalls

On 7 November, 2010, a team of 10 En Masse artists assembled in the 7ième ciel (“seventh heaven”) room at Cirque du Soleil Montreal headquarters. They flipped through a provided assortment of Cirque du Soleil books, examining images from the company’s productions to get their imaginations flowing, and then approached a bank of canvases, five metres squared, with paint and brushes in hand.

En Masse Project

This video has been shot at the Botkin Palace last february. The week before the Nuit Blanche event, twenty-four artists met up to produce over thirty 5’0″ x 3’0″ sheets of back lit velum that would be featured at the “Arts Sousterrains” showcase.

The DICE Show – Headquarters Gallery

Bryce Wymer is a visual artist currently based out of Brooklyn, New York. His personal works address human social progression and the driving relation between the powerful and the powerless. Bryce currently works as freelance creative director around the world. This title incorporates all facets of live action direction, graphic design, illustration, fine art, 2D/3D animation, and post production.

» Check out Bryce’s portfolio
» Follow Bryce’s Blog 
» Follow Bryce  on Twitter
» Buy something amazing from Bryce’s store 
» Bryce Wymer Videos

Q1.   How do you approach starting a new project?

I like to start with a story. Almost all of my personal work is a snap shot of a moment within a narrative. At times, these narratives develop during the painting process as the line, color and content take form on the page.

Q2.   What is most important to you when working on an illustration?

What’s really important to me is character development and thinking about what happened before and after the moment that I chose to depict. For instance, I’m currently working with designer Farrah Sit (http://www.farrahsit.com/) on a collection of illustrative ceramics. To start, we created the ‘zine ‘How to Draw Animals” that for me is a stylistic exploration of the characters that will appear in our series. This will serve as a guide as we develop the collection.

Q3.   What’s the role of sketching in your creative process?

All of my finished work start from ideas rooted in my sketchbooks. I love that I can turn the page and not have to dwell on an I idea for a while. It keeps fresh ideas flowing in moments of inspiration. There is something less precious about a page in a book, so you are more willing to jump in without a safety net. Its freeing. At times, the sketch book pages do become the final piece . For me it’s the concept that determines a work’s value not the format, whether sketchbook, canvas or a digital file.

Q4.   Weapon of choice (favorite materials)?

India ink, gouache, mechanical pencil, collage , digital, and a arsenal of Microns

Q5.   Your favorite procrastination pastime?

Lately if I ‘m not working on visual works I have been working on music. I grew up playing bass in hardcore punk bands around south Florida and now I spend any free time I have working on a folk punk album for my project called The Jane Goodalls. I have also been working with other artists on a project called Sessions Club where I bring various artists/friends together to record a single cover song in one session. The songs chosen are used as a framework. Nothing is rehearsed or arranged ahead of time, It occasionally comes out pretty cool. There are quite a few currently on my blog.

St. James Infirmary by Bryce Wymer

Q6.   What do you like to listen to while you’re working?

My taste in music is pretty broad. Over the last couple weeks I have been listening to everything from Crass to Spoek Mathambo. Give me something with a decent pulse and some emotion and its on.

Q7.   What are some of your sources of inspiration?

I gather inspiration form my immediate environment. The people I encounter on the streets in the subway, the people I work with. I have always been fascinated with the human condition and everything that goes along with being part of this human race. The way we react to our surroundings has always been unique to me. I have lived in quiet a few different areas along the east coast and it seems each city has affected my palette. When I was living in Florida, my work was extremely bright and colorful. I moved to New York 5 years ago. The browns and greys of the city have found their way into my work.

Q8.   If you weren’t a professional illustrator, what would you be doing?

I suppose I would have become a oceanographer or a psychology teacher. I was always fascinated with the people and places. I would probably still be doing illustrations for my classes or drawing the sea life I was studying.

From Bryce’s Blog: Myself, Rama Allen and Ryan Mckenna Directed the RockBand3 open cinematic last year. This piece plays as the intro to the video game, and worked as a promotional device for the game’s release. We shot this over two nights on the streets and rooftops of Dumbo, NY. There was a ton of post work done on this one. Mainly because Dumbo is pretty stark. Check out the behind the scenes (Below) to get a quick glimpse into what went into the production. I had Mad fun working with my boys Rama and Ryan on this one! Big Ups to Digital Kitchen, The Harmonix team and of course the beloved Jon Hassell.Full credits list on my Vimeo Page.

A HUGE thank you to Bryce for taking the time to do this interview and for providing so many fantastic photos of his work and process.

Be sure to stop by Bryce’s site!

All images ©2012 Bryce Wymer

I really love these sketchbook pages from illustrator/cartoonist Joseph Lambert. If you’re not familiar with Joseph’s work I wholeheartedly recommend you check it out. I was first introduced to his amazing comics through the anthology Root Rot published by Koyama Press. Then later I picked up his book I Will Bite You published by Secret Acres. Most recently he had a short two page comic in Nobrow 6: The Double titled Wanna Play?!

» Follow Joseph on Twitter
» Buy something amazing from Joe’s store
» Check out Joe’s portfolio

Drawn with a brush pen, and a nib with black and red inks.

Drawn with a brush pen, and a nib with black and red inks.

Drawn with a brush pen, and a nib with black and red inks.

Drawn with a brush pen, and a nib with black and red inks.

Drawn with a brush pen, and a nib with black and red inks.

Drawn with a brush pen, a pink marker and a brush with yellow watercolors.

Drawn with a nib & ink and watercolor. For this page I made a bunch of unplanned smudges with a brush & watercolor and then tried to make wintery-clothed figures out of them.

Drawn with a nib & ink, and watercolors.

Drawn with a brush pen, and a nib with black and red inks.

Be sure to stop by Joe’s site!

All images ©2011 Joseph Lambert