Illustration of the Day! Zita The Spacegirl

Hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas. I know I enjoyed mine with new year still to come. Well not to keep you in suspense to day illustration of the day comes from Ben Hatke.

                                                               http://zitaspacegirl.com/

Actually this book is about a spunky young girls who by her own blunder ends up in a galaxy far away. Thanks to the mistake she has made she ends up getting her best friend's head on the chopping block literally as aliens want to sacrifice him. This book is adventures and a lot of fun. Also, this book is great for those young ones who like novels.

Piece of the day

For those of you who don't know- today  I am glad to to introduce to you the featured piece of the day . It comes from an artist/designer. Known by many only as Sano.  San is a Japanese American born in Cleveland Ohio who's work has graced us while collaborating with such famous members of Public Enemy and MC Serch. Sano does graphic design work but recently has been becoming more popular for his wall murals (graffiti art), and screen printing screen printing.

www.sanoizm.com/

Merry Christmas

Taking this weekend off because of the Holiday. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

Design Throwback

I was out shopping for the holiday season when I came across a movie that was the bomb back in the day. The "Rush Hour movie". Besides that, was the fact that I came across the "Rush Hour" original soundtrack by Def Jam recording. Now, I don't know who did the visual imagery for this cover but I hope that this is something in the future digital artist will recieve credit for ( if you know who please comment in). Anyhow, since this is an oldschool throwback let's talk about some elements of  this design that are a little outdated, and plus talk about why it works. For example, look at how symmetrical this piece is. In most modern design today, images are balanced  but not total all the way around.  Artist will normal play a little more with the positive and negative space. Second there are two focal points in the image (Jackie Chan & Chris tucker).  I know they are both stars of the film but the composition is just way to balanced between the two of them. Now the reason why this design works.  Well, it's simple, the artist understood how to use typography- in fact, that is what saved this piece.  Look at how the bright letters contrast against a darker background.  Also notice how the top half of the image has a little more weight than the bottom- this is because of the placement of the text which is ment to lead you eye to the nect important objects (the characters). Third, creatively look at how the artist used a font style that felt Orient ,since it was an Orient ifluencned movie. The artist was able to make the image work just because he used the text properly and that is why this is All-City's throwback design of the day.

I was out earlier today finishing that last minute Christmas shopping when  I  kept thinking about what will go up on the blog today. A series of question started to go through my mind like... What book would it be?  Would it even be a book today? No, no how about a review or an article on the latest release.  Maybe I would do something totally  different I thought.  Then it hit me I mean literally hit me right in the back my wife smacked me with this book. Yes! Just because  it was found it in a thrift store and yes because it has a cool cover that changes when you move it back and fourth today's book of the day is...

  The Adventures of Captain Underpants 
                                              by Dav Pilkey

This is a book about kids that get into  a lot of trouble at school and to cope with the situation they come up with this hero called captain underpants.  Why, because that's what all the heroes look like they are wearing. This book is great for that non- stop 4 or 5yr old.  Plus this book is pretty funny so an adult could appreciate it as well. You can check out more of Dav's stuff here http://www.davpilkey.com/

Illustration of the Day! Down by the Cool Pool

Down by the Cool Pool is by Tony Mitton, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. 
It is a book about the most happening place in town (if you are a farm animal that is) the pool. There's dancing, singing, splishing and splashing, going down by the cool of the pool.  Join frog, Duck, Horse, Pig, and the rest of the gang as they have a watery good time. Perfect for energetic toddlers!

Typography Books You Can Not Avoid

Whether if you are an illustrator, a straight up graphic designer, or even a 3d artist -one can not over look the importance of typography (that is if you are serious about the world of visual communication). Heck even film crews have someone who is well versed in how typography is used to display cast members and intro credits and so on. Now, with that being said here is typography book list that not every designer should have- but one that at least every designer should know about. However if you go out and get one or all of these books it will definitely increase you skill level as an artist. I will more than likely revise this list in the future as newer books and type styles come out

1.Thinking with type by Ellen Lupton
   (This book is essential as it gives you insight in to how type works and why)



2.Designing with type by James Craig, Irene Korol Scala, and William Bevington
   (This book talks more about the process of how to design with type (crucial).



3.The world PieceBook by Sacha Jenkins and David Villorente
   (The thought process of graffiti writers all over the world)



4. What is Typography by David Jurry
    (In depth explanation of typography)



5. Typography workbook by Timothy Samara 
    (lesson design to help you work with and understand type better)



6. Just My Type by Simon Garfield
   (A book all about different font sets)

Piece of the day

Today design piece is an oldie but  still is a goodie. I am sure that most of you have
 probably herd of Cey Adams and if not then you need to be shot.


Cey Adams has been in the game for over 3 decades. It doesn't matter if it is traditional painting,branding, or straight up digital ,Mr. Adams can  just keeps doin it .  Cey worked and
exhibited alongside such influential artists as the late Jean Michel Basquiat and Keith
Haring. Cey has also worked for Russell Simmons and like every major music artist that
is alive today, plus film, and TV.

                                                              http://www.ceyadams.com/

2012 SCBWI Winter Conference

I am sure most of you have herd of this conference but in case you haven't  it's held every year and is one of the best networking resource for writers and illustrators. This year the conference will be held at the Grand Hyatt in New York City January 27th through 29th. The conference we will be offering three optional pre-conference intensives for writers & illustrators.   Following the intensives are 2 days of rubbing elbows with agents, editors, publishers, and workshops. If you are in the area or want to become more involved in the world of illustration and young people books attend one as soon as you can-you can't afford to miss this opportunity!  For more info go to http://www.scbwi.org/

This year's conference art is by Julianna Brion, winner of the 2011 Student Illustrator Scholarship and honoree at the 2011 Summer Conference Portfolio Showcase.



                        

That very 1st piece!

Man! The very first featured deigner on the blog is only 18 ( Ooooooohhhh!!!), comes from Toronto Canada , and this girl is going to bring it. Ladies and gentlemen introducing Karla Moy.

http://www.karlamoy.com/

Illustration of the day! A Shelter in our car.

A Shelter in Our Car

Written by Monica Gunning
Illustrated by Elaine Pedlar



It is a difficult time for a lot of people right now- and "A shelter in Our Car" that reflects that.  Zettie and her Mama Travel to the United Sates from Jamaica looking for a better life. With Papa gone, It is up to Mama to sustain them and when she can't find work  they are forced to live in their car. This story is a beautiful hope store with lot's of wonder.  This book it  shows how with love and determination you can conquer anything.

Monica Gunning's moving and authentic story about homelessness in an American city was
 developed with the help of the Homeless Children’s Network in San Francisco.
Here is a link were you can find this book:

 http://www.amazon.com/Shelter-Our-Car-Monica-Gunning/dp/product-description/0892391898

There is also a musical traveling around NY about the award winning book.