Ali J Art & Illustration

Blog has moved

The blog has now moved to wordpress.  No point in paying for typepad to host my blog when those funds can be put to better use elsewhere.  Like buying more paint!

The new blog still needs tidying up, but it is a start.  See you there.  x

 

http://alijart.wordpress.com/

or

http://blog.alijart.com/

Exciting news!

via www.flickr.com

I can't contain my excitement. I'm going to be illustrating a book, slated for release in May 2012.

Just wait until you find out what, and who for. Sadly my lips must remain sealed for now.

Great to see that my hard work is starting to pay off in so many different directions. I'm working on a number of client jobs, exhibition work and applying for various opportunities to get my art out there. On a personal note Eloise is close to walking and I'm doing really well with my netball umpiring. It feels great.

A positive mind definitely brings positive rewards.

Now, back to the studio...

Concepts, mockups and failures

Creating art and illustrations is a journey.  One that has successes, but also one that has many failures.  The works fail for various reasons.  Some are overworked, the themes are tired, the mediums don't work together, the work is rushed or quite simply the work just doesn't work.

I was always taught that for every 20 items you create, one will be a star, most of them meh and at least ten will be failures.  I will admit that there are many artworks that I don't have the courage to reveal.  Ever.  To anyone.  These however I will.  All of them are concepts, very raw and still needing a lot of work before they are finished.  However they'll never progress further.

First up is some concepts playing around with the idea of waiting & listening to music.

This next series was created a few years ago, unfinished and unrefined as the client disappearred midway through the job.  It tells a story about two people hooking up through a dating website.  The concepts weren't great, the ideas were presented by the client who was quite firm with what they wanted.

Looking at these now makes me chuckle.  My work has changed so much since then, all I can see is the faults.  It would be a completely different story to start illustrating any of these concepts again with fresh eyes.

Illustrators Australia A3 print show

I've got two A3 prints in a group show coming up for Illustrators Australia.  That is right - the first time I've ever had large prints!

The prints are -

I Don't Drink Tea

If I Had One Wish

to see all the prints in the show, check them out on the Illustrators Australia website.

Cover for *bespoke* zine

via bespokezine.com

Finally I can reveal another piece that I've finished. This illustration was for the cover of *bespoke* zine. I was asked to illustrate a girl in a pretty dress with a winter feel. I really enjoyed creating this illustration, hope you like it too.

2011 range is now available online

 

I can't contain my excitement.  The new 2011 range is now available and available online.

Visit the shop online to view the full range.

PLUS

make your own tiny polaroid magnets

via www.ambrosiagirl.com

Got some spare time this weekend? Make yourself some mini magnets = such a cute idea!

Process: bringing puppets to life with Geahk Burchill

via vimeo.com

Beautiful post all about a puppeteer and his puppets, how they are created and how he brings them to life.

I directly connect with him when he speaks of how he brings his characters to life. Everytime I paint I do what he does, I paint what I see in my mind, often the eyes are looking at the viewer because I want them to look back at me. It's eerie but an absolutely enthralling video to watch. I can't believe how incredibly real the puppet becomes at the end.

His craft is inspiring and something that is an amazing artform. I have total respect for him and there is no way anyone can put a price on his artform. The labour, the intensity, the time, it is sheer love that enables him to create his puppets. They have so much life.

giant markers + colour me in wall

via www.booooooom.com

this looks like such a fun exhibition, who wouldn't want to attend? giant markers + a giant colour me in mural. count me in!

miso at no vacancy gallery video setup

via ghostpatrol.net

I love seeing setups of exhibitions, there is just something about the space coming alive.

Trying to entertain myself right now. It's 10.09am and the baby is still sleeping. My studio is right next to her room which means I get to have fun being as quiet as a mouse.

New Wholesale Catalogue available

Just finished, hot off the press. The brand new 2011 wholesale catalogue that has been in the works for many months now.  Interested in wholesaling my products?  Contact me for a copy of the catalogue or view it online here.  The catalogue showcases the entire range available to retail shops internationally.  Pricelist and terms/conditions available when you contact me directly.

Type High - a lesson on typography

via vimeo.com

A stop motion video that is a lesson on typography through letterpress. It certainly makes learning exciting.

doilies, vintage books and crochet = awesome granny style

via www.etsy.com

Gorgeous product photography by whiteowl. Makes me swoon.

Bunny Magic

I miss having a rabbit.  Since having a child I find I'm starting to draw and paint animals again.

This is acrylic paint on canvas with a bit of digital work, 2011.

and a bit of colour

next step - introducing a bit of colour