the design alphabet: Retro Whale + Restless Things + Justin Richel

Wow, I don't know what is up with this week, but it has started out in a flurry of jobs, and meetings, and catch-ups, and things to do. In stark contrast to when the boys were on holiday and we lazed about not rushing anywhere!

We are full of illustrative goodness today - three completely different styles..let's get started...

Retro Whale

There are two really good reasons why you should buy artwork from Retro Whale...

1. Just look at it - it's fabulous! and,

2. "10% of proceeds from plantable cards go to two wonderful charities that are definitely worthy of your help.Ace of Hearts and Heal the Bay.

The help series is a series I started based off of the dogs from the Ace of Hearts that are in desperate need of a good home. $6 of each painting sold will go to the caring people who donate their time and love to make sure these dogs get medical attention and affection until they are placed into a permanent home."

Giving back is cool.

(images and quote from Retro Whale)

NOTES:
visit the Retro Whale store
visit the Retro Whale website
read the Retro Whale blog

Restless Things

I thought I had written about the work of Olivia Jeffries from Restless Things before, but I can't find it anywhere in my archives - and any way - would it really matter if I had? It's good to have a re-cap every now and then : )

Have you visited Olivia's store lately? Oh my! I am loving her use of salvaged paper and books!

Olivia graduated from Norwich School of Art and Design in 2000 with a BA in Printmaking and Photomedia. Her fascination with used paper and her enthusiasm for working on a surface that "has already been given a sense of purpose in a previous incarnation that has become visibly worn over time", means we are treated to a gorgeous collection of mixed media drawings.

My favourite print is shown last below. Her store is chock full of other works, jump over and check it out.

(images from Olivia Jeffries)

NOTES:
visit Olivia's website
visit Olivia's store
read Olivia's blog

Justin Richel

I've been over at Justin Richel's website, reading about the different category's of works he creates. I like it when someone goes into detail about the reasons and ideas behind their work, each category is well worth the read. For example - The Big Wigs series;

"These men sit ridged and firm in their positions of power and deeply entrenched in their glory, so much so that they essentially become “monuments” of their own making. As a result birds move into their hair and natural events such as fire take their toll, all the while the big wigs struggle to save face and maintain their proud and victorious posture, ignoring their surroundings and the ensuing predicaments."

A perfect explanation of some wonderful pieces of work. Pop over to Justin's website to read more!