Doodling matters

I have a small confession: I am self-conscious about doodling, but I really want to do it. I can approach many illustrations or paintings with a degree of confidence, but the thought of making a page of doodles makes me balk. Not because I am prejudice against doodling, but because I was convinced I couldn’t … Continue reading Doodling matters

A beautifully illustrated chronicle of now by illustrator Vic Lee. Wow!

I came across The Corona Diary, by illustrator Vic Lee while rummaging around the internet looking for illustrated diaries. The video below is a flip through of the limited edition printed book with commentary by Vic Lee himself, found on his own YouTube channel. I am as much attracted to the typography as to the … Continue reading A beautifully illustrated chronicle of now by illustrator Vic Lee. Wow!

Great Southern Land

I acknowledge the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia and pay my respects to their elders, past and present, and extend my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. I've been spending quite a bit of time re-acquainting myself with, and journaling about, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural history. Aboriginal … Continue reading Great Southern Land

Playing with my favourite pen and subject

Claudia Nice is the first artist that inspired me try working with pen and ink with several books, including Drawing in Pen and Ink. I like to engage fully with what I'm doing and ink requires a level of commitment that appeals to my nature. I like detail and I enjoy how tight and clear … Continue reading Playing with my favourite pen and subject

The Art of Looking Sideways, by Alan Fletcher

If you're looking for a book that is all about visual and creative thinking, but you feel like going on a tour of the unexpected, look no further than Alan Fletcher's, The Art of Looking Sideways. Unless you've already heard of it (it's been around for almost 20 years) and have one or two copies … Continue reading The Art of Looking Sideways, by Alan Fletcher

The Sketching from the Imagination series

I like to recommend the books that most inspire me, especially books that can be enjoyed in more than one sitting. This time it's a whole series of outstanding and highly addictive books from independent publisher 3dtotal: The Sketching from the Imagination series. There are currently six titles in this series, I have two in … Continue reading The Sketching from the Imagination series

Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer; A Recommendation

This isn't a book review, it is a recommendation and a tribute to what might possibly be one of the best books ever imagined for creative people. First published in 2013 and revised in 2018, Jeff Vandermeer's Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction is a must read for anyone interested in creativity. You … Continue reading Wonderbook by Jeff Vandermeer; A Recommendation

Recommended reads: An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory

If you love illustrated journals, anything by creative superstar and co-founder of Sketchbook Skool, Danny Gregory is a must. A good place to start is his compilation of pages from the sketchbooks and art journals of artists, illustrators and designers. In his own words, Danny Gregory searched for a book just like this since he … Continue reading Recommended reads: An Illustrated Life by Danny Gregory

Lynda Barry on Creativity

When thinking about inspiration and creativity I always turn to cartoonist, artist /illustrator, writer, teacher and all-round creative superstar, Lynda Barry. Her unique style and body of work reveals an innovative, but relatable mind, and it always gives me great pleasure to listen to and observe her work. I could write pages expounding her extensive … Continue reading Lynda Barry on Creativity