A BIG congratulations to illustrator Eric Chow for being featured in Communication Arts Illustration Annual 2018! Eric's work for The Infinite Bad, a role-playing horror comedy podcast created by Definitely Human Productions promotes the series online and through social media.
Nothing symbolizes Spring quite like a cherry blossom. When you walk into any LCBO this month you will be greeted by the bright and simple beauty of this bloom. Brad MacIver, creative director at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario, had worked with illustrator Katy Dockrill in the past and knew the wow-factor her lines could create.
The bold signage for the 'Hello Spring' campaign adorns the shelves and windows of the stores, beckoning you to pick up a bottle of something for those evenings on the porch.
See more of Katy's beautiful work. Represented by i2i Art Inc.
It was great to connect with our longstanding client, art director Wade Gilpin at Rossignol Design, for this special assignment. Illustrator Greg Stevenson, with his ability to create an uncanny likeness, was the natural choice for this poster of Fiona Reid as Queen Elizabeth II in the upcoming Mirvish production of "The Audience". Not a small feat, to create two likenesses in one portraiture, but Greg pulls is off beautifully. With the use of luminous, rich color the illustration is undeniably regal and with that smile Fiona's character shines through.
View more of Greg Stevenson's illustration. Greg is represented by i2i Art Inc.
Recently we sat down with Eili-Kaija Kuusniemi to get more insight into her process. She shares with such openness--we found it really insightful and think you will too.
i2i Art: Tell us about where you get your inspiration from?
Eili-Kaija (EK): The best inspiration would be traveling. However for budget inspiration (which is most of the time), I scan through magazines or the Internet. Getting out there to see urban life is very important too. Everyday life can be so challenging but getting inspired lifts me beyond that. Music also plays an important role in my inspiration.
i2i Art: What do you do in preparation before diving into an assignment?
EK: When I begin a commission I don't usually start with a pencil sketch. To warm up, I just paint anything I like--mostly flowers and women. Watercolors are so demanding and organic, as you can imagine. That's why you need a lot of practice. Sometimes I use more line with my metal tipped pen and sometimes I go for a more painterly look with just my watercolors.
i2i Art: Once you're warmed up, can you tell us more about your process?
EK: I don't like to predetermine the outcome of a new project. I like surprises and a less controlled process so as not to lose the look of spontaneity. It's scary and exciting at the same time. I work in the field of commercial illustration and I understand this is not fine art, but if an art director or a client 'sees' the illustration before I've created it, I do get concerned. Luckily most of my clients understand that the best results are a combination of themes and creative freedom with brand guidelines.
i2i Art: Once you've completed the hand drawn/painted components of an illustration can you tell us what's next in order to prepare the final art files?
EK: I polish my work digitally. I never aim for a flawless finish, but digital post-production is a good servant to me. It's a part of the process that is more in my control. The possibilities of 'undo' and 'paste and copy' and color modification are priceless. It's an essential step of my illustration creation.
This video is an opportunity to see Eili-Kaija in action as her pen and brush move and flow creating a work of art for the Red Cross--in one (awesome) take.
Check out more of Eili-Kaija's inspiring work.
Here we are mid summer and what better time to do a little of this... 'Rr' for Relax is another ad in the 'alphabet card' campaign for The Teacher's Credit Union. To see more of Rémy Simard's lighthearted illustrations check out his updated portfolio here.
When the Riverdale Farm's Stewardship Group first approached i2i art to commission a whimsical yet functional map of the Riverdale Farm, Tim Zeltner was chosen for his rich hand painted folk art style (actually painted on wood), and the journey to discover and depict the Farm in all it's wonder began! Below you will see Tim really captures this gem in the heart of downtown Toronto. The map illustration will be used on marketing materials and a give-away map for visitors. To see more of Tim Zeltner's magical paintings visit his updated portfolio here.
Recently I attended the wonderfully successful Riverdale Farm Aid 2014 benefit, which thanks to all the enthusiastic support and dedication of it's volunteers and the community, raised the grand sum of $24,000! At the event, the map (commissioned by the RFSG) and created by Tim Zeltner was unveiled. and large archival prints were auctioned off to benefit the farm.
Below is one of the large archival quality prints Tim donated being auctioned off at the event!
There was a terrific crowd and the fundraising was a big success!
An awfully cute wooly resident of the farm, not too bothered by the crowd that night nibbles on some fresh local produce.
The fabulous Lemon Bucket Orkestra: A big hit!
Tour the Farm, visit the animals and chat with the farmer during daily chores. It's a delightful way to spend a day in the 'country' without leaving the city!
Congratulations to the Riverdale Farm Stewardship Group and thank you for caring so much and working so hard to preserve this very important part of the city of Toronto!
In her fresh impressionistic style, Eili-Kaija created this great summery watercolor piece to promote Kiehl's facial sunscreen for Facebook. Don't you think Eili-Kaija successfully conjures the feeling of dappled sunshine through her softly mottled background. See Eili-Kaija's updated portfolio here!