Willa Gebbie

Promotional Mailer - have a look!

2012-01-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

Week 3 of Zero to Illo's Promotional Challenge - and some tips for Promotional Mailers

2012-01-11T01:53:00.000-08:00

Promotional mailers are tough. I have done a lot of research into finding the best, most cost efficient way of reaching art directors. The truth is, I don't really like it. I think that it's outdated, expensive, bad for the environment and I wonder if most art directors throw most of them in the bin. (Although I'd be happy to hear from art directors - and hear their opinion on this).

But, you have to promote work somehow.

And, here is what I have gleamed from my research.

Postcards are great, simple and cheap... and it seems that the best advice when you are starting out is to stick to postcards.
But... a word of warning! Royal Mail love to stick big stamps all over the back of them. Make sure you have postcard guidance to avoid your message being covered up. I found this one quite good.
You want to send something a bit more special? Great! Art Directors are creative people, so it makes sense that they should appreciate great design. But, my suggestion is that if you can avoid it, don't put it in an envelope. I've heard that a busy art director might not take the time to open it. The mailer has to catch their eye straight away. If you have to put it in an envelope, consider a see-through envelope, or drawing on the outside.
Something worth keeping. This is an expensive option, but maybe consider a small gift, like a magnet, badge, calendar or poster. If they like your work, maybe they will stick it on the wall.
Include a business card. Maybe your art director has a file of business cards? Sounds worth it.
Some art directors prefer hard copy mailers, some prefer e-mail, some prefer finding their own creatives through online directoriess. Try to spread the risk by using all three methods.
Phone up afterwards. Try and drop in to their office and speak to them. Meeting them face to face is worth a million postcards.

So, leading onto week 3 of the Zero to Illo challenge

I have decided to go with 2 different mailers.
I will be sending out 100 mailers to my key clients
and another 100 postcards to my basic clients

My key clients will recieve a tri-fold A6 mailer something like this:

Thus will allow me to show a little more than a standard postcard. My aim is to make it look like a little magazine, so I will be creating a theme which will allow me to show 3 things: portraiture, beauty, fashion.

To avoid having to put it in an envelope, I will make it into a postcard style. When it is folded, the back will have the address and message. The leaflet will be held together with a perforated sticker, so that people can easily access the illustrations inside. I guess to get this to work, the paper that I choose will be important. It will need to be tough enough to weather the Royal Mail system. So, I'll need to pop round to the printers and see what's best.
I have started to pull together some compositions, but it will be hard to show you before I have the illustrations.
Now, to get drawing!

Company Magazine - Highstreet Edit Competition

2012-01-11T01:46:00.000-08:00

I recently entered Company's High Street Edit Competition with these fashion illustrations:

Alexander McQueen - Beauty s/s 2012

Alexander McQueen - catwalk s/s 2012

Proenza Schouler Camera Bag - my favourite item/ trend in s/s 2012

Disappointed not to be shortlisted for the final selection, like I was last year. But, it was lovely to see the other illustrators work; there are some very talented peeps out there!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T01:04:00.000-08:00

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I've been lucky enough to be spending time with friends and family in Scotland - wonderful!

Chanel s/s 2012 Fashion Illustration

2011-12-09T09:57:00.000-08:00


Chanel s/s 2012

A fashion illustration from the new spring summer collection by Chanel. Loving the shimmery jacket: perfect for the shiny, aqua trend for next summer.

"Zero to Illo" 4 week promotional challenge - Week 2.

2011-12-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

This week I've been asked to think about 2 things:

Plan how you’ll measure the success of your mailing and implement any necessary actions that will enable you to do this.
Go through your portfolio site to make sure the work in it reflects the direction you want your career to go and the clients you want to land in 2012. Plan any additional pieces that you need to work on and work out a schedule for completing them over the Holiday season.

How I’ll measure the success of my mailing.

I already have a client list with Mailchimp which is really useful. But, after looking at this, I realised how out of date it was. So, I have spent a lot of time going through all of my client directories and splitting them into 5 priorities:

Previous-clients
Interested people (friends and those that have signed up to my newsletter)
Key clients
Basic Clients
Not Suitable.

I don't want to spam art directors that would never use my work (for example children's books). By separating them out, it means that I will be able to focus on the clients that would be more likely to hire me, and hopefully be more cost effective.

Pre-paid response cards?
This is something I have never done before - has anyone had any experience with this? Is it worth the additional cost? have you ever used a questionnaire? I guess that this is probably worth it for your key clients, and certainly would be great to get some response from them. I'd love to hear other people's opinions on this.

Follow-up phone call
I kind of know that phone calls are probably the best way of getting clients and, it's cheaper than fancy mailers, but it is a bit scary, and easy to put it off. This year is going to be my year of self promotion, and the telephone is going to be my best friend!

Make sure the work in my portfolio reflects the direction I want my career to go and the clients I want.

I am generall quite happy with my portfolio, one thing, is that my website is predesigned by cargo collective which means that I can't change much about the design/ layout. But this is a sacrifice that I am willing to make, and a price that I am willing to pay to avoid taking the time to create and up-keep a website.
I have pulled together a list of illustrations that I would like to do to polish my portfolio. Art directors will find it easier to hire you if you have already created work that looks like what they are looking for. So? What would I be most likely to be hired for?

beauty and make-up guides and step-by-steps
spot illustrations of products and brands
portraits of current celebrities
lifestyle illustrations (think chick-lit covers)
fashion illustrations of current catwalks / products

Inspiration Wednesday - Fashion and Fashion Illustration by Anne Sofie Madsen

2011-12-07T03:38:00.000-08:00

Beautiful and slightly creepy fashion illustrations by the talented illustrator and designer, Anne Sofie Madsen. I love how her work is underwordly, spiritual and anatomical. Somehow she manages to make visceral bodies and organs look like ornaments.

Slink magazine - plus size fashion illustrations

2011-11-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

Some illustrations for Slink magazine....

I've been working for Slink magazine for all 4 of their issues. And love some of the work that I have created for them. Slink have now been nominated for a Plus Size Award. Please vote for them to win here.

"Zero to Illo" 4 week promotional challenge - My Illustration Promotion in 2012.

2011-11-25T05:03:00.000-08:00

About a year and a half ago, I started to take part in the Zero to Illo 12 week challenge. unfortunately I didn't finish it, because I was working full time at the time. But, what I did was great! These was a real community around it, and I learned a LOT about focussing my illustration intentions. If you're starting out as an illustrator, I really recommend Zero to Illo.

So, when I found out that there was going to be a 4 week promotional challenge, I was delighted. Over the next few weeks, I'll be blogging about the challenge, my thoughts, ideas and images.

1. Take time to really think about the direction you’d like your career to go in 2012 – decide what type of work you want to be creating, in what medium and who for (x magazine, x publisher etc?)

This is an important question, and something that I really thought about in the 12 week challenge. My work is aimed at fashion, lifestyle and beauty. I have a feminine handwriting, I love to draw people. I am strong at drawing likeness and would also like to draw portraits. Moving forward, I would love to create quite high-end, sophisticated yet simple illustrations.

Earlier in the year I went for a portfolio review with the AOI. We had a great discussion about what markets I should be focussing on, and how my style can be easily adapted to be commercial and on trend.

I think I can narrow down my market like this:

lifestyle / fashion / beauty illustrations for editorial/ websites. Mainly women's magazines, but also film, music and other lifestyle magazines
portrait illustrations for editorial/ websites. Mainly film, current affairs and other lifestyle magazines
lifestyle / fashion / beauty illustrations for advertising. Packaging illustrations for beauty products, store fronts, promotional material
lifestyle / fashion / beauty illustrations for publishing. Chick-lit and beauty fashion non-fiction

It real is quite varied, but I need to focus on the female market.

2. Start building your targeted mailing list of contacts – research online, in magazines and make phone calls if you have to, to make sure you have the right person to send your mailer to.

I already have a basic client directory from AOI and Artist and Graphic Designer's Market but I'll be heading to a local bookstore this weekend to pull together more suitable contacts.

I have gone through my lists and separated the entries into 3 catagories:

Dream clients / Perfect match clients: these guys will be my main target
Suitable clients: less likely to hire me, but maybe a job will come up?
Unsuitable clients: unlikely to hire me, so I won't fill their inbox with spam.

3. Work out a realistic schedule of promotional activity for 2012 (bi-monthly, quarterly, every six months) and stick to it. Work back from the date each new mailer is due to be sent out and note on your calendar steps you need to take to make this deadline (create the artwork, print lead times etc).

Whoo, this is tough. Does anyone have any ideas for this? I'm very aware that Art Director's get huge amounts of unsolicited mail. Is it better to send it a key times of the year? i can only imagine that they get billions of promotional Christmas cards! To send a hard copy every month would be very expensive, but maybe you could alternate between e-mail and hard-copy?

Okay, well, I will start my next round of promotion in the New Year. So, here is my plan (I'll also be creating a google calendar for this):

January: Hard copy mailer sent only to limited Art Directors AND promo e-mail
February
March: Promo e-mail / newsletter based on my current work
April:
May: Hard copy mailer sent only to limited Art Directors AND promo e-mail
June:
July: Promo e-mail / newsletter based on my current work
August:
September: Hard copy mailer sent only to limited Art Directors AND promo e-mail October:
November:
December: Christmas card sent ONLY to previous clients.

*Promotional e-mails will be a round-up of my recent work
*Hard copy mailers will be be new work, created especially and tailored to the art director

What do you think? Are you taking part in the challenge too? What does your plan look like? Please link your blog below, I'd love to share the the experience

Inspiration Wednesday - The photography of Solve Sundsbo

2011-11-23T12:08:00.000-08:00

I spotted Solve Sundsbo's work on fashionising.com, and wanted to keep it in my inspiration folder, but when I visited her website, I stumbled across a smogasbord of beautiful fashion photography. Definitely worth a look.

Solve Sundsbo's photography for Vogue Nippon December

Life Drawing in Angel - some sketches

2011-11-23T05:48:00.000-08:00

Got back to some basics on Monday, when I went to life drawing classes at Candid Arts in Angel. It's the best place I've found in London. Laid back, simple and only £7 for 2 hours and it's on most nights.
I really enjoyed it, so hope to be getting back into life-drawing as a regular thing.

Inspiration Wednesday - 2011 Face mask trend.

2011-11-16T03:52:00.000-08:00

OK, weirdly enough, this isn't as grotesque as it sounds. When I saw the mannequins in topshop last week with spiky, sequinned facemasks, it seemed to pull together a trend that's been hanging about for a few months now (Mainly hanging all over Lady gaga's face). And while it's not very wearable; it's great to draw.

Clockwise. Topshop mannequins via Eclectic Prodigy, McQueen, Louis Vuitton, Claudia Schiffer on Vogue, Gaga, Olsen twins on Vogue, Gaga, Jason Wu

s/s 2012 Alexander McQueen

Inspiration Wednesday - Exciting Photoshoot with Bjork and Dazed and Confused

2011-11-09T10:25:00.000-08:00

I spotted this fab photoshoot of Bjork, by artist Sam Falls and had to share it with you. It's messy, it's abstract expressionism meets photography.
Via Zero1 magazine

Some of the things I've been working on

2011-11-04T07:56:00.000-07:00

I've been a busy little bee. Here's a sneak peak of some of the things I'e been working on.

Wednesday Inspiration - Stella McCartney s/s 12 tropical prints.

2011-11-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

Loving these luscious, exotic prints from Stella McCartney. I'm seeing three trends here:

exotic colours
tropical flowers à la Hawaii
reflective prints.

The Stylist Magazine 100th issue

2011-10-14T07:52:00.000-07:00

I was gutted to miss the deadline for The Stylist magazine competition to design their front cover, but I misread the entry details... which meant that I finished 2 illustrations for their front cover that will sadly not even be considered. Ba!

The Stylist is a fab mag for a few reasons.
1/ it's free
2/ it's probably the only mag at the moment that isnt completely obsessed with celebrity culture
3/ it fits nicely into my 25-30 demographic, ie the articles lie somewhere between "how to get boys to fancy you when you have spots" and "how to burp your baby without getting a dead arm".
4/ it has had some incredible artists design the front cover, like Quentin Blake and Rob Ryan. In my opinion, there is not enough art on magazine covers.

Still, the work was done, and I thought I would share my lovely pics for you.

What do you think? Would you pick up The Stylist if it had my illustrations on the front cover?

Stuart Whitton's Origin at Exposure Gallery

2011-10-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

Last night I was lucky enough to be at the opening night of the talented Stuart Whitton's first solo exhibition. His work is beautiful! With careful use of pencil he manages to capture perfect likeness of his subject and overlay it with subtle textures like crumpled paper.
Here are some of my favourite images from his show - a portrait of his brother. Made even more special by the fact that I met him at the show, in all of his Welsh loveliness.

Image taken from Handsome Frank - Stuarts agent

Origin is running at Exposure Gallery, London until 31st October. Catch it while you can!

New Illustration Process

2011-09-05T13:02:00.000-07:00

As I write this, 60 postcards, each with my new self-promotional illustration, are whirling their way through the Royal Mail system, hoping to land on a willing Art Director's desk. >>>

Maybe you were one of the lucky few that recieved one of these postcards?

If not, don't dispair, I have shared my illustration and the working process with you.

My Inspiration.

A lot of my inspiration comes from the internet and more specifically, my google reader account. I find beautiful images, I spot trends and sometimes something just catches my eye.
Here is the picture that started it off.

A model from Jil Sander's 2009 collection, who cried as she walked down the runway.
There is a number of reasons why the girl could have been crying, but it struck me as quite tragic and ironic that a beautiful and successful girl would appear to be crying, when so many girls would want to be in her shoes.

Planning

I wanted to create a backstage image, something that look deeper into the psyche of models, and the fashion industry. Also, I wanted to use the bright block blue seen in Gucci a/w 2011 collection. I love the texture of the blue fur capes.

Thumbnail sketch.

After getting my idea roughly laid out on paper, I move to Photoshop, compiling some source images, to help me finalise the composition. Photoshop allows me to try out new compositions and colours quickly and easily.

Illustration.

Now that I have my composition finalised, I print out my photoshopped mock-up and use it as the basis of my illustration. I start with pencil, to shape the face, and arms. I use pen and ink to define the lines and the darkest shadows. Then I add colour with a paintbrush and coloured inks and fabric detailing with Indian ink.

By this point, the image is almost finished... but I take it into Photoshop, and clean it up. remove imperfections, tweak colours and add texture (see the snakeskin?).

Voila! The finished piece.

Speak soon, Willa

Flamingo Arts Project

2011-08-28T14:33:00.000-07:00

This week I was at the launch night of Flamingo magazine's Flamingo Arts Project. A small exhibition, showing work from the illustrators that have work with the magazine; it was a great chance to meet new people and catch up with some illustrators from twitter.

Flamingo magazine's second issue is due to be released. It is a bi-annual illustration, arts and music magazine that celebrates doing-it-yourself. Can't get a hold of a copy? Well, check out their online site. It has a great listings sections for all things arts in London.

Here are the illustrators from the exhibition:

Maggie Li
Hattie Stewart
Hayley Warnham
Joey Dean
Donya Todd
Jo Cheung
Jen Bailey
Shaun Lynch
Emma Brown

Shaun Lynch

Jo Cheung

Schon Magazine

2011-08-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across Schon Magazine while doing my internship and I think it's worth a mention because I think it will be a great source of inspiration for me.

Collection of mag's at Schon's reception

If you like a magazine full of interesting, fashion photography but you are hoping for something more art than hipster, then check it out.
Schon is the brainchild of Raoul Keil who originally started nineteen74; a networking and collaboration site for creatives. Schon magazine was the natural progression started for nineteen74 as it acted as a a showcase for it's members. Now, photographers, designers and stylists are keen to work with Schon because of it's reputation.
Beautifully laid out, with quality paper; make it your monthly coffee table book.

Photographer / Bo Brinkenfalk

Artist: Karina Marandjian.

Inspiration - photography by Jamie Nelson

2011-08-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

Throw some shapes. Model Dinara Chetyrova by

photographer Jamie Nelson for Elle Vietnam July 2011

As good as gold - inspiration

2011-07-31T11:48:00.000-07:00

I went to an "S and G" fancy dress 30th last night, and used the opportunity to get out the bling and dressed as Solid Gold..... think gold lame leggings, gold stilettos, gold wig and of course gold leaf eye make-up.

It was great fun; lots of rum, balloons and laughs with a seriously great group of friends that I simply don't see enough.

So, inspirations follows in the form of a mood board. Enjoy!

Golden ponytails with Aveda @Jason Woo a/w'11 (via temptalia.com)

Golden heels @ Christian Louboutin for Rodarte a/w'11 (via shoeporndaily)

Gustav Klimt's Madame Bauer

Stella McCartney's gold oversized and overshaped a/w '11 (via anothermag.com)

Gold nails (via weheartit.com)

Golden everything @Comme De Garcons a/w'11 (via peartreediaries.com)

Dramatic Gold at Vivienne Westwood a/w'11 (via dazeddigital.com)

Enjoy and we'll speak soon, x

Indian Wedding - Colours and Textures

2011-07-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I was lucky enough to be invited to a wedding in India a few weeks ago. I had such an amazing time, and it was incredible to be able to share this special day with my friends. As you can imagine, the colours and textures were vibrant and exotic. Here are some pictures I took to pop into my inspiration book.

and of course, the gorgeous saris! (and my beau looking good in his kilt)

speak soon, x

Spotted: cute illustrations for Artisan Biscuits

2011-07-16T05:13:00.001-07:00

Cute illustrations for Artisan Organic Biscuits. Wonder who the artist was?

Doodling in the park - perfect day

2011-06-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

Weather is beautiful. Ice cream devoured. Doodling in the park is so much better than being stuck inside.

Location:Highbury Crescent,Islington,United Kingdom

Inspiration - Mikael Schulz photography

2011-06-25T17:29:00.000-07:00

This beautiful series of photographs was created for Plaza Kvinna magazine

by Mikael Schulz. . Taken from Fashionising.

Illustration for my friend's engagement

2011-06-24T05:45:00.001-07:00

Rather than buy a card, I made this for my friend's engagement.

I decided to try an inky picture - because I've been working in pencil a lot recently.

Lots of birthdays coming up. Better get started now.

x Willa

Fashion Illustration - Personal Project

2011-05-11T07:12:00.000-07:00

I'm putting together a new series of work for another round of promotion.
Here's a little sneak peek.

Illustrated homage to my lovely wee bike

2011-04-28T06:46:00.000-07:00

My poor little bike was stolen over the weekend. Im really very sad, we went everywhere together :(


Life is like riding a bicycle - in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving. ~Albert Einstein

I have been looking at bikes, now that I need to replace my baby. I always loved my racer. Especially her red curved handle bars - see illustration below. She was a Dawes Racer. And she was fast and reliable. Even though I deliberately kept her pretty shabby in an attempt that she wouldn't get stolen. Typical that I bought some new shiny pedals a week before she got nicked (pah).

But, now, I am a little undecided. Maybe I could get a beautiful ladies town bike? I always spot people cycling around London wearing skirts and with their shopping in their baskets.
Maybe I could pop down to Bobbin's bicycles. And get myself one of these beauties:

Bobbins bicycles left and centre. My old faithful Dawes racer right.

If you've not heard of Bobbin's bikes, get yourself on their website. They have the most amazing range of traditional and quirky bikes, suitable for the English gent or the fancy lady.

keep your hands warm

yes, this is infact a cycling helmet!

somewhere to put your shopping - or your little dog.

A little bit torn. A town bike or a road bike. Any suggestions?

Sketching in the park

2011-04-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

Had to get out of the house and enjoy the sunshine, even if just for 30 minutes. I used it as an excuse to go sketching some stuff from Elle mag.
Been a while since I pulled out the sketchbook... everything I have been drawing recently has been with a purpose, so good to just draw for drawing's sake.

x
love, Willa

Beautiful illustrations by Francesca Waddell

2011-02-22T07:47:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend is a dear. He always picks up lonely, abandoned magazines and brings them home for me to cherish.
Imagine my delight when he cam home from New York with the US Tatler's Special collectors' issue!! He has good taste :)
And what a find!!!

Inside, I discovered a range of illustrations by one of my favourite modern illustrators, and fellow Scot; Francesca Waddell. A 5 page spread promotion for Harry Winston jewllers, what a fantastic project that must have been. The illustrations depict a "Love Story, a couple, the proposal, the wedding... ah how chic, how romantic. Francesca has made a great job. The illustrations are gorgeous. Love her work? Check out her blog and follow her on twitter

Francesca has just has a beautiful baby girl too. Congratulations !!

As a side, the magazine also had an article about a celeb heiress called "Willa Keswick". Gotta say, it is always weird to find someone that shares my name. I don't know if I like it.
I like my name.
I like that noone else has it (except my mum).

But it turns out that she is opening an up-market nightclub called Willa's. Nooooooooooooooo.
I mean, I'm sure it's nice, but a nightclub!?
I just hope we dont start getting red-top newspapers commenting about semi-naked, drunk socialites's staggering out of Willa's. lol

Speak soon.
WG

Sign up to my illustration newsletters

2011-02-14T06:15:00.000-08:00

If you are interested in keeping up to date with everything that's going on with me and my studio, you can now register for e-mail newsletters.
As well as newsletters, you will be able to hear about giveaways and competitions. If you sign up before Easter, you will be automatically put in a prize draw to win a print of your choice from my portfolio!

Subscribe here

Visuals for the film, Half a Heartbeat.

2011-02-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

I was recently approached by the film director Thomas Tyrwhitt, to create some of the preliminary visuals for his up coming film, Half a Heartbeat. The film will start filming this Spring and needed some visuals to support the process of the film and to use as a visual guide for various stakeholders of the film.

"Half a Heartbeat" is a story about a woman who is faced with the reality of killing a child, through the atrocities of war. On her return, she soon finds herself falling pregnant. The film deals with the emotional struggle she faces as a soldier, as a woman and the idea that she could be responsible for a child's life.

It has been an exciting project, but a challenge to try and represent the creative thoughts of someone else's vision. I've not had much experience with storyboarding before, so this was a good chance to try something different. Half a Heartbeat occupies both real and imagined spaces and so it was important to portray the sometimes dark atmosphere of the film. I have done this by using many of the metaphorical images that run through the film through my illustration.

I also created the preliminary poster for the film!

New website

2011-02-13T15:27:00.000-08:00

I've recently made the move over to cargocollective. Their simple design layouts make for a beautiful portfolio site. Go and have a look here.
I am working on creating a beautiful new banner, and logo for willagebbie.com, so drop by again soon to see the changes!

Valentines love

2011-02-08T02:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentines Day to everyone!

But know that love is about understanding, respect and trust

and not about chocolate and flowers.

Illustration Meet-up London

2011-01-20T09:07:00.000-08:00

Im going to a new meet up tonight, a chance to meet some illustrators in London and share stories of freelance, clients and opportiunities.
It would be great if you would like to come along and meet up. It's all very friendly :)

Here are the details:

Thursday 20th January 7.30pm
The Yorkshire Grey 2 Theobalds Road
London
WC1X 8PN

The meet-up is run by Rob Barrett, inspired to start a meet-up through an AOI lecture. You can find his website at http://www.yoillo.com/

Fashion Illustration - Up and coming designer Anja Mlakar

2011-01-11T12:54:00.000-08:00

I love Fashion Illustration

New illustration for Amelia's magazine

2011-01-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

Here's a new illustration for Amelia's magazine. This is for an article on the film maker Tom Hunter and his film, A Palace For Us.

Mad Men Joan Illustration

2011-01-08T06:29:00.000-08:00

I only recently started watching Mad Men. And now I understand why they banned smoking on TV; it makes smoking and drinking whiskey look so damn sexy.
For me, the beauty of MadMen is the feminist sub plot, which subtley reminds us that despite the clothes and make-up and glamour of the 1950s, we have come a long way. So here is my homage to Joan; a sexy, strong and independent woman.

Movement

2011-01-07T09:07:00.000-08:00

Deco Beauty illustration

2011-01-07T06:37:00.000-08:00

Dior Spring/Summer 2011

2010-12-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

I have created these illustrations as part of a competition for Company magazine, looking for fashion illustrators for their next edition of Company High-Street Edit.

let me know what you think, and keep your fingers crossed for me. x

Giveaway - Vintage Fashion Greetings Cards

2010-12-10T08:56:00.000-08:00

I have created a new, beautiful range of greeting cards especially for an online giveaway!
Each illustration has been inspired by vintage fashion and created in pencil and watercolour.
The cards have been left blank inside for your own message.

Winners will receive all 6 cards in the range.

I'll be giving away 2 packs:

One prize will go to someone for retweeting this blog post, with the hashtag #willustration.
The second prize will be given to one of my facebook followers when I reach 50 followers.

Please retweet and share my facebook page for the chance to win :)
They are individually wrapped and ready to go!

Spotty swimsuit fashion illustration

2010-11-03T14:17:00.000-07:00

Prints, Illustration and Textile Design

2010-11-01T15:18:00.000-07:00

Some work I was asked to do for a London client. Unfortunately they wont be used, I would have loved to have seen them in print, but it was fun to do.

Promotional Mail-out.

2010-10-21T14:36:00.000-07:00

I have recently sent out a promotional mailer to various potential clients.
I was really pleased with how they turned out. I used a printer on Essex Road in London, Hanway print. They were great, taking the time to understand what I wanted.

I ended up choosing the eco friendly, recycled paper. I loved the texture that is gave.

Its not been an easy job, researching clients, filling envelopes and sending them out, but I hope they have brought some joy to the people who have received them. If you would like me to send you one, drop me a line and I will pop one in the post to you.

Mlle Apollonia Jewellery

2010-10-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was asked to create some illustrations for the new jewelery company, Mlle Apollonia.
They were looking for sophisticated and glamorous illustrations that would define their brand and sit on their website.

Here they are....

Pencil, watercolour, finished in Adobe Photoshop

Watercolour and ink fashion illustration

2010-10-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

Having a try at putting a little more movement into my work...

This didn't scan as well as I had hoped... anyone got any advice for getting watercolour to scan better? It lost a lot of its colour... ended up working it up with photoshop (shame)

Beauty Illustrations

2010-10-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

I spent today creating some more inky illustrations. I wanted to create a theme, showing my illustrations in situ, and showing the whole story, so I have mocked up a page from a magazine.

I am really enjoying getting my hands dirty with traditional art materials. I am moving house again next week, so once I am settled down, I am going to have to get my oils and acrylics out and mess up some canvases.

Necklush - a scarf meets necklace

2010-10-05T06:57:00.000-07:00

I discovered Necklush through twitter, and couldn't resist buying one. Not quite a scarf, not quite a necklace, this is the ultimate casual jewellery and essential for the autumn.
Necklush was started by Stephano Diaz and Troy Mattison Hicks in New York. Their handmade necklushes were sold on the streets, before starting an online Etsy store. And now, an amazing success, their product has been shown in magazines such as LA Times, Glamour and Time out New York!

My favourite thing about Necklush, is that it is a handmade, independent business. When I had some problems with my order, it was Stephano and Troy that contacted me, giving me a first class, personal and super friendly service.

Here are some illustrations that I have done for Necklush.

Pencil, photoshop

Illustration Friday - Beneath

2010-10-03T14:01:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I have done an Illustration Friday, so I thought I would work up one of my recent sketches. I found this series of photographs on Flickr, and loved them so much; I couldn't resist doodling them. The photographer is SilverSaga, her work is heavily influenced by fairytales, soft and feminine and full of loveliness. Go have a look. Flickr has always been a great source for my sketching and I have discovered some fabulous photographers along the way.

pencil, moleskin sketchbook, photoshop

Lady Gaga inky illustration

2010-09-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Pencil and indian ink, cleaned up in Photoshop

I am still loving the ink.

biro pen drawing

2010-09-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

Louis Vuitton's new collection

2010-09-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

I love the new collection from Louis Vuitton.

It is so sophisticated.

Need to get myself a midi skirt.

Inky drawings

2010-09-03T05:13:00.000-07:00

pencil, ink and masking fluid, finished on Adobe Photoshop.

It is amazing being able to spend more time drawing and illustration.

The feedback I have been getting from my business cards is that everyone loves my ink work, so I thought I would create a series of them. Plus, it is good practice for me to get those inks and watercolours out.

Today:
got up and did some yoga

then sat in my jim jams drinking tea with rice milk

listening to Nitin Sawhney

Illustration Friday - Immovable. (The wonders of hairspray)

2010-08-30T07:32:00.000-07:00

With a good shot of hairspray, her hair will never move!

Annie Mac illustration

2010-08-27T11:31:00.000-07:00

I love Annie Mac.

Raving, never behaving

Sketch Book Project - If you lived here - you would go out of your mind

2010-08-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

I applied to take part in the sketch book project; a travelling exhibition of thousands of sketchbooks which eventually will enter into the permanent collection of The Brooklyn Art Library, where they will be barcoded and available for the public to view.

It is an open exhibition, anyone can take part. There is a number of themes which you can choose from, but I decided to go with a random selection. Made me chuckle to receive "if you lived here". Seems apt when you see the state of my current living arrangements (see previous post). Thought it would be a nice idea to document my big move and my experiences with cardboard boxes, suitcases and blow-up beds.

Moving house, moving to London, going freelance

2010-08-18T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have not been posting much recently. I have been manic getting ready for my big move to London; renting my flat and moving my stuff out. My poor mum, I have ended up dumping all of my stuff at her's. I promise it is only temporary until I have a permanent place in London. In the mean time, I will have to squeeze all of my art materials, wacom and laptop and clothes into a suitcase and set off in my new adventure.

It is a bit terrifying, and liberating when I see all the things that are happening:

Giving up my job. After working as a scientist for 6 years, I'll maybe never wear another lab coat or safety goggles ever again
Moving out of my flat. I've been living on my own for the last 2 years, will be a bit weird to move into a shared flat
Moving to London. yay! Finally, I will be living in the same city as my beau
Working as a freelance illustrator. yay!
Working as a yoga teacher. Ha, yes, I am now a qualified yoga teacher as well.

New illustration

2010-08-08T10:45:00.000-07:00

Going freelance

2010-07-26T01:52:00.000-07:00

Well, as you can see from the change in profile, I am taking the plunge; leaving my job as a scientist, moving to London and making my career in illustration. I have no doubts that it is going to be tough, but I am ready for the change.
So, I'll be spending the next few weeks getting my business cards, mail outs and website ready. Keep an eye on my blog for updates.

another illustration

2010-07-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

I am having a little bit of a play about and trying different things. This was going to be a bit of a look at line work, but I ended up adding some colour and texture. I'm not so sure that the lines are obvious now. But I prefer it this way that b&w.

roses fashion illustration.

2010-07-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

New fashion illustration

2010-07-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

Illustrations for Amelia's magazine

2010-07-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of illustrations that I was asked to do for Amelia's magazine. There was a short deadline for these, but I am pretty pleased with how they turned out. The illustrations are illustrating an article on the Art of Mentoring course run by the Wilderness Awareness School.

"He carries the mushrooms home in knitted

orange bags that allow the seeds to fall to the ground;

that way ensuring a crop for the following year"

"The youth today carry the subconscious

weight of their woes in over-sized clothes"

Self portrait WIP

2010-06-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

Started a wee self-portrait... something to put on my website.
Now, I need to go to my bed, so I thought I would pop my work-in-progress up for you to see.
more to come.

Illustration Friday - Satellite

2010-06-28T14:18:00.000-07:00

This week's Illustration Friday topic is Satellite. Her hat is like a big satellite dish. A quick pic, took me about an hour. Pencil and Photoshop painting.

Illustration Friday - Paisley

2010-06-24T14:24:00.000-07:00

I live in Glasgow, very near to a town called Paisley. The town after which Paisley pattern is named.

so, there you go, interesting fact of the day.

I didn't have much time so tried a quick style. Hope you like it. xx

Illustration Friday - Trail

2010-06-06T06:48:00.000-07:00

first thing that popped into my head. Snail Trail

Pattern design

2010-05-30T05:01:00.000-07:00

I keep seeing the competitions at Tigerprint and quite fancied taking part, but had never really done much in the way of pattern and surface design. So thought I would have a wee practice. Quite good fun to get working with illustrator again, it has been a while.

Creating great composition in illustration part 2.

2010-05-29T04:16:00.000-07:00

My last post on composition talked about using composition to create the story.
This post, will look at using composition to make an illustration more appealing to the eye. There are a few rules, and these can also be used in graphic design and abstract illustration.
As I said in the last post, I am scouring my books, and whatever I learn, I will share it with you. It is just a chance for me to make more sense of what I learn. All of these pictures are taken from my copy of the famous artist course, which has been the most amazing reference, well worth a look if you can find it.

Use the whole picture area.
Too much white space can be distracting.

Don't line things up on a horizon
Vary the layout of objects. Make sure that objects overlap, giving depth and interest to the piece. See the difference in the 3 images below. Off-setting keeps an image fresh.

Don't let objects "kiss"
This often has the effect of making the objects appear to be resting on top of each other and prevents the illusion of depth.

also, if the lines of the image run into one another, then the image can become quite confused. See the images below. In the first one, the lines of objects overlap and become confused. The second one is offset and is much more relaxing on the eye.

Use line to direct your focal point
Think about your focal point and use other objects within the illustration to draw your eye to it. Look at the pictures below. The first image has good composition because the focal point is strong. In the second, the eye does not have the same focal point.

Don't allow your lines of direction to drift off the page. Keep the viewers interest on the image.

Adara Sanchez's Illustrations

2010-05-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

I have just been introduced to Adara Sanchez's pencil and watercolour illustrations. Her lines are simple and beautiful.
You can see more of her work at her Behance and her Flickr portfolio. Inspirational!

I was trying to find out a little bit more about Adara through Google, and it seems that she shares her name with a South American porn star.

Isn't that a nightmare for marketing? Your name is such an important tool. In today's world of social networking, when your name can be shared with hundreds of people across the globe, you have to hope that you are the most famous.....
... there are a lot of benefits to having an unusual name.

Horoscopes Fashion Illustration part two

2010-05-27T13:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, Here are the next four!!

Horoscopes fashion Illustration part one

2010-05-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

I have challenged myself to do a whole range of horoscope characters and it is really quite fun. Here are my first four, can you see who they are meant to be?

I am a Virgo, on the cusp of Leo. I like to think there is a little bit of a wild side in me, but really, I am a Virgo through and through.

Let me know what you think guys... as always, I appreciate the advice.

Cheers,
Willa

Creating great composition in illustration

2010-05-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

In my attempt to get better, I am going back to the basics.
I am going to scour my books, and whatever I learn, I will share it with you. It is just a chance for me to make more sense of what I learn. All of these pictures are taken from my copy of the famous artist course, which has been the most amazing reference, well worth a look if you can find it.

So, to start, lets have a look at composition...............................

Good composition in illustration, like in design, should help to lead the eye around the important parts of the story.

Plan and Prioritise.
What are you trying to say? What are the most important aspects of the image? The focal point should be the main character, or action. Anything else in the picture should add to this focus, not distract.

So how do you achieve this? I have used Austin Brigg's illustration, of a wounded soldier, from my copy of the Famous Art Course as an example.

1. Weight.
The balance of the picture should reflect the importance of the characters and their relationship between them and the rest of the picture. Austin Brigg has managed to do this, by making the main character very large in the picture. The other soldiers in the background help to build the story.

1. Depth.
Depth is the three dimensional space that your character lives in. By creating depth, and utilizing perspective, you can make things in your picture seem closer or further away. Important things can be made bigger. Less important things can be placed in the background. Perspective is created by making the soldiers in the background appear very small.

2. Line.
As well as the outline shape of your image, line also refers to the lines of movement that you eye takes around the page; "the line of direction". Here you can see how the lines of direction help to create the story. The horizon line and the smoke carry the eye to the wounded soldier's head. On the right, the leg draws our eye back in from the edge of the page. On the left, the water shoots up towards him. Even the rifle draws our eye up to the soldiers, which in turn leads back to him.

3. Value.
Value is the levels of light and darkness. It is possible to make the character stand out and seem more important by making him the opposite value from the rest of the picture.

Fashion trends that don't work in Glasgow

2010-05-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

White Tights

Mud splattered up the back of your legs is not a good look. Although, I have tried to get away with it many a time.

Maxi Dress

Long dresses and skirts tend to soak up the puddles. This look is limited to the absolute height of summer.

Sandals

open toes = cold, wet toes

Dr Sketchy - some more

2010-04-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

We had the most beautiful model on Sunday, with such a beautiful, long neck.

Elle UK has an illustrated front cover

2010-04-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have been following Australian, fashion illustrator and blogger, Kelly Smith, for some time now. I was pleased to hear that she has been signed up to the agency, Illustration web, so I am sure that we will be seeing a lot more from her. Congrats to Kelly!

She was the one who drew my attention to the Harper's Bazaar illustrated cover, and today I read on her blog about another illustrated front cover.
Elle UK has produced a limited edition cover illustrated by Garance Dore.

It is absolutely beautiful!! Great news, because I wasn't familiar with Dore's work before now. So now, I have subscribed to her blog for some inspiration!! Have a look:

Dr Sketchy Glasgow - new pics

2010-04-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

Some of my sketches from Dr Sketchy's this week.

Willa, x

Harpers Bazaar Illustrated front cover - Lily Allen

2010-04-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

It's really nice to see that Harper's Bazaar Australia have put an illustration on their front cover. The illustration is by self-taught artist David Bromley. His painting of Lily is typical of his work of females, seductive and bare breasted.

Serge Gay - fashion illustration

2010-03-31T05:50:00.000-07:00

I found this great fashion illustration / photoshoot on the Design Scene blog. Award winning photographers Michelle Matiyow and Lians have developed a beautiful story using the dynamic pencil drawings of Serge Gay.
It is well worth going to visit Gay's portfolio website; he has an extensive collection of work. Or you can follow his blog here.

Illustration Friday - Expired

2010-03-23T14:59:00.001-07:00

Expiration - Inspiration

I am always looking for some crit on my illustration work.
Let me know what you think, thanks.

love, Willa

Good Friends

2010-03-19T02:47:00.001-07:00

It's important to have good friends

Taken from Wonderbuzz

Sketchbook Exhibition, Welcome Home and Glasgow PodcART

2010-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of pulling together my sketchbook for an upcoming exhibition. I am focussing on a fashion illustration style sketchbook and I am enjoying scouring through my back catalogues of Vogues and Elles, ripping out pages and being inspired.

The exhibition is run by GlasgowPodcART, an organisation that networks of a vast array of artists, musicians, photographers and writers in Glasgow.

The exhibition will run from 16th to the 25th april at Welcome Home, a multi-disciplinary gallery and retail space, based in Glasgow's west end.

p.s. I just bought myself a year's subscription of Elle magazine on my nectar points. yipee. thanks nectar

love you,
Willa

Marie Claire IED Fashion Illustration Competition 1st May 2010

2010-03-11T13:30:00.000-08:00

Marie Claire, in association with IED, are calling for submissions to their fashion illustration competition.
The winner of the competition will win a scholarships for a summer 2010 course in Creative Illustration or Introduction to Fashion Design at the IED.

The exciting thing about the competition is that it has to be hand-done; watercolour, acrylic, felt-tip pen or pencil. NO COLLAGE, NO PHOTOSHOP: no computer program is allowed! This is a real chance to get those paints out.

The theme has to be Ethnic Trends Spring/Summer 2010

The deadline is 1st May 2010.

You can find more details about the competition here

Illustration by Arturo Elena taken from MarieClaire.es

Fashion Illustration - Portfolio Piece

2010-03-11T13:24:00.000-08:00

Inky Love

New Illustration Work

2010-03-11T13:06:00.000-08:00

After picking up a little bit of design work, I have been pushed to try and get a portfolio together.
Step 1. I am now the proud owner of willagebbie.co.uk and willagebbie.com.
Now to get the website.

Anyways,
here is a sketch

Illustration Friday - Perspective

2010-03-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

This weeks Illustration Friday submission.
Just imagining things from the little mouse's perspective.

Graphic Design - working with clients

2010-02-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

Well, this week has been pretty manic. I have officially finished my distance learning Graphic Design and Illustration HND. And got the e-mail to prove it! It has been a hard 3 years, trying to fit it in alongside a full time job, but I am proud of myself. Anyway, the same week I was approached by a company to do some graphic design work for them. They were looking for 2 advertisments, one for The Herald newspaper, and one for Cruie International. I thought I would show you my designs, before and after the clients had made their changes.

The Herald.
The design was for a newspaper and so was to be created for 200dpi. The client wanted to include four images and quite a lot of copy. This helps to drive the design, because as a designer you are limited by the hierarchy of the information and the legibility of the type.

overall, the client was happy with the design, only asking that the logo would be made bigger.

Final design

Cruise International.
The deisgn was for a glossy magazine and so was created at 300dpi. The readership of Cruise International is more directed towards a luxury holiday. Here, there was a substantial amount of copy.

The client thought that design wasn't eye-catching enough. They wanted to use brighter colours, and to break the grid up by using wavy lines. Again, the logo and contact details should have been bigger. Also, the design was to be published on the right hand side, meaning that the logo would be crushed into the fold of the magazine. Here is the finished copy.

Overall, I am pleased with Intourist and I have achieved together. It is a straighforward, corporate design.

Sketches out of my new sketchbook

2010-02-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

I bought myself a nice new sketchbook when I was in Barcelona this weekend. This is a much better sketchbook; small enough to scrunch up and stick in my pocket - perfect!

Sunday night sketch

2010-02-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

I was shattered tonight. Couldn't move far from the couch, so sketched this whilst watching Coraline.

Illustration Friday - Focused

2010-02-02T13:57:00.000-08:00

A more cartoon-like picture from me this week.
Inspired by the paparazzi and hub-bub of the Golden Globes; everyone is focused on the stars.

Look what I got.....

2010-01-30T09:38:00.000-08:00

Yay yay yay! My Intuos 4 finally arrived!
I am so excited about playing with it.

My gran's vintage tea set.

2010-01-24T09:58:00.000-08:00

I have memories, from when my gran died, of my mum and I sorting through all of her things. Much of it, I thought was old fashioned and useless. How pleased am I now that my mum encouraged me to keep a tea set, "for when I get a house of my own". I remember, my gran had a couple of tea sets, which she never used, and I chose to keep the plainest set; thinking that pattern of any kind was naff. How wrong was I?

I had really forgotten all about it, until recently, when we went back into the loft and pulled it out. So, I am now the proud owner of a full tea set, with side plates and a large plates for cakes, sugar bowl and milk jug. I am only missing one saucer.

So, now I have an excuse to have people round for posh tea and cakes, yum.

Illustration Friday - Clumsy

2010-01-24T09:32:00.000-08:00

Clumsy cupcakes!!

I was inspired by the lovely cupcakes I baked for my friend's birthday yesterday.

Briggait WASP - Clydeside Regeneration

2010-01-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

I cycle along the clyde every morning on my way to work. Over the last year, I have watched the old fishmarket (Briggait) being refurbished. This beautiful building has been pretty much been lying derelict for 20 years, but now has had the horrible whitewash paint stripped off, sculptures restored and new ironwork and glass fitted.

I was speaking to my friend, Stephen, about it and it turns out that he has been working on the redevelopment. Excitingly, it has been bought by the WASPS studios. It will being used to house artist studios, arts events and will also have a public cafe (which if it is anything like the current WASPS will have excellent soup.

The space is excellent, with a huge atrium and big glass doors = lots of light.
You can follow the refurbishment of the building on WASPS flickr page. Or read more about the refurbishment on WASPS page

and.... I also heard a sneaky rumour, although I can't find any facts, that the building attached to it is going to house a circus school, with permanent aerial equipment, trapeze, silks, ropes, etc. Very exciting times.

Illustration Friday - Wilderness

2010-01-21T13:39:00.000-08:00

I totally messed this up first time, so this was a bit of a rushed attempt to get it finished before Friday. Still, I am pleased considering how little time I spent on it. I am happy to hear your criticism.

Self portrait in my moleskin

2010-01-17T13:18:00.000-08:00

Here is me. With my new cute bob. It was inspired by Eugenie Scrase from School of Saatchi; I just thought she looked pretty cute.

Illustration Friday - Confined

2010-01-13T14:52:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at Illustration Friday; a quick 30mins sketch. I hope to get my new Intuos 4 delivered this week, so I will be able to get working on my painting skills.

Life Drawing in the Botanical Gardens

2010-01-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

As usual, I have made a list of New Year resolutions, although this years are probably a little more achievable than last year (shoot a gun, wtf?). This year, though, I can really summarize them in one word - discipline. And, my biggest challenge is to be disciplined enough to get out of bed every morning for a short yoga practise and breakfast before I leave for work. It's all going remarkably well, insofar, I have even signed myself up for a 6.30am Mysore class on Friday. For those who know me, this is a mammoth effort. Wish me luck!

So, another part of my resolve will be regular art sessions. Insofar, I got back to my life drawing tonight. We had a beautiful model, hopefully my poorly scanned images will do her some justice.