Artist 149: Artur Borejszo / Aleksandar Hrib

We have a real treat in store for you guys today with some exceptional sculptural illustrations from multi-talented duo Artur Borejso and Aleksandar Hrib who's work brings in a variety of influences and techniques to create something incredibly unique, a blend of 3d and 2d with sharply perfect polys butting up against linework and character design. Their collaboration is called  (IN OTHER WOR(L)DS) and the first thing that is so striking about the duo's work is the unparalleled sense of scale that comes with the territory of 3d design and expert architectural knowledge. This is one of the strongest features of their work as it breaks down horizons and unwraps the possibilitys of digital and graphic design.

There is something epic about their work. It breaks skies and bends worlds in a way that only 3d can but the 2d is not forgotten or detracting it is the subject, the canvas is a unique world the subject unreal characters and expressions. This may be a product of duo but it feels every bit like a single moulded unit. These two are not dabbling they mean business and exude talent. Someone will snap them up and we wish them the very best in the future.

Who are you:
Artur Borejszo / Aleksandar Hrib

What do you do / How did you start:
Artur Borejszo obtained his architecture and architectural engineering degree from the Technical University of Lodz, Poland with distinction. In addition to that, he developed special 3D CAD computer skills through completing courses and seminars at expert training centers.

Aleksandar obtained his master of architecture at the Belgrade University in 2010. Aleksandar’s skills and interests range from architecture to film and photography.

A Personal statement about you or your work:
We are combining 2D and 3D work. We are blurring boundary between architecture and graphic design, painting and sketching, computer and hand drawing. The result is a unique technique combination of sketch elements like trees, plants, characters inside 3D that is used as a tool for creating surreal scenes of dreams and poetry. Since the introduction of 3D software everyone has been producing images through computers massively. After an era of digital excitement the hunger for craftsmanship was bigger than ever.

In this image we do not exclude neither techniques, but merge both.

Links:
Artur Borejszo

Email

Hrib Aleksandar

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Artist 148: Masha Manapov

Next illustrator up, and we have now the super talented and brilliantly alliterative Masha Manapov. based in sunny Tel Aviv Masha's work has an instant likeability that stems from it's excellent construction. Masha has a great eye for composition and a focused approach that creates a well rounded and visually satisfying image. She puts just enough to tell the story without being sparse and at the same time her work is rich but never over complicated or contrived. Her work both exudes clarity of vision and marries together found elements without resorting to the standard vintage kitsch that is so prevalent. Her work is like a breath of cool air, refreshingly different but with a chilling edge that becomes more apparent as you stay longer as the viewer. Very technically accomplished and one that will surely find her place with her distinct yet saleable style. So with the best of wishes for all she does, and no more faff from me it's Masha Manapov.

Who are you:

I am Masha Manapov. Designer and illustrator currently based in Tel Aviv, Israel.

What do you do:

Graduated from the Bazalel Academy of Art and Design with a major in illustration (BA 2009) my work focuses mainly on editorial illustration for the press. Recently I finished working on my first children's book that will be published soon. I also participated in a group exhibition and in a collaborative project that produced an illustrated booklet.

In the near future I would like to focus on self initiated projects with social and environmental character.

How did you start:

As many others, I started drawing at a very young age but as a very pragmatic person, I've never considered to make a profession of it. When I had the urge to express myself I translated it into words, photography and artistic paintings. Only at my senior year at university, I started to use illustration as a tool and to see everything in pictures. After graduation and a one year cooling period I made a portfolio and started working.

A Personal statement about you or your work:

I believe that the visual always needs to be more than just a decoration, therefore for me an idea is always a starting point. I work in a collage technique because I love to "glue" different objects and ideas together; there is always a great discovery. I use dreamy and surreal elements to talk about daily and relevant issues and try not to take myself too seriously.

Links:

Portfolio

Blog

Flickr

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Artists 147: Anoik

A massive welcome to our next illustrator Rui Torres otherwise known as Anoik, who hails from Portugal our brand new base of operations, he has talent to burn and seriously needs everyone's attention right now. His work bursts out at you with that divine fusion of colour and line work that gives the viewer a sweet treat and a slap in the face wrapped into one slick package. Anoik has a versatile style that can turn to any project with a grim determination and a light touch, his work has a real clarity despite the often complex lines he never mixes his message and always delivers a live wire experience that not only draws you in but gets you pumped up. Its like a fusion of graffiti and graphics that stands up and asks to be counted. It's great to see someone turn their significant skill to such good use, so I for one think that everything needs the volume turned up and Anoik is the culture amp that will kick your asses and burn your beards.

Who are you:
My name is Rui and I'm also Anoik, I'm a portuguese illustrator and I'm into doom/drone/stoner music, blond busty girls and I love to work in illustration as different character, witch results in a "healthy-state-of-Schizophrenia". Add me on facebook and get to know all my "other"

What do you do:
I'M A ILLUSTRATOR - So good to write this and imagine that I'm yelling it at Portuguese Prime Minister's face.

How did you start:
I started on illustration right about the age of 20, after I've met my Illustration teacher in college. By that time I realized that with illustration I could communicate without being literal, or add more layers of meaning to my speech. Before that I was a kid with some little drawing skill.

A Personal statement about you or your work:
Nice-looking-built-for-speed-brunette-girls, hentai and hot busty blonds (Milf level) make my day, but when the previous don't show up, illustration is enough.

Links:
Portfolio
facebook
tumblr

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Artist 146: Jennifer Saul

Another London based artist for you now with the sublime line work of Jennifer Saul. Jennifer has a pared down style that instantly conjures up the feel of the grime revolution, clean lines and dirty music, sharp style and graphic lines like the curve of a hat peak, give you the idea and the context without the extraneous detail. It must be her photography background that gives her this edge, her work is framed well with crisp composition and poses that draw the viewer away from the concept of the drawing and into the character of the subject.

Her work is like a photo, mechanically etched a record of the London scene, makes me miss it, though not the mornings after.

Jennifer is one to watch and I'm pretty positive that with the right exposure her images will be ripping up 2013.

Who are you:

I'm an Artist and Illustrator born & based in South London.

What do you do:

I draw beautiful people, buildings, animals & anything else that takes my fancy and regularly take commissions. I'm currently working on a series of porn-esque images for a future exhibition. Plus a gallery of beards, because beards are cool.

How did you start:

I started drawing out of frustration of getting nowhere with my photography.

A Personal statement about you or your work: 

I have always created things, from a young age, whether it be with fuzzy felts, play-dough, paint or colouring pencils. I always found it hard to study art, and didn't enjoy being told a particular way of doing things. I'm learning to experiment with my vocation to the absolute maximum, as I look to create images that provoke an emotional reaction. I want to be producing art that is effective, original and constantly evolving.

Links:

Portfolio
facebook
@saulartphoto

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Artist 145: Luka Va

Hello all and welcome to another one of our trademark artist features where we get to dish the love over the latest up and coming illustrators, we really do have some great artists here on the Rally and our latest feature is no exception as well. Luka Va from the beautiful Lithuania now living in the equally but differently beautiful Melborne is a great breath of fresh air with her unique characters and cheeky animals. Luka has a great sense of composition and how many elements to include in a piece and this as much as her subjects is a defining feature of her work. You can tell Luka draws a lot, she has some great stylistic choices to her work that give her a shortcut into delivering a unique narrative feel. she uses exactly what she needs where she needs to give a great uncomplicated delivery that can't help but to charm the viewer and bring them into her world. She has an eagle eye for colour and this is the final touch to her well formed style that is such a great all round package. I'm sure she will do well in the future and here at the Rally we wish her the best of luck.

Who are you:
(It is probably one of the most philosophic questions...)

My name is Luka Va. I'm an illustrator and a graphic designer from Vilnius, Lithuania, now living in Melbourne, Australia.

What do you do:
I draw animals. That's what I do :)
OK, OK, I also draw people, buildings, patterns... I love experimenting with different techniques and some crafts. Most of them are hobbies of a week or two and then I find a new one, so probably it is not so important.

How did you start:
I drew animals, people and crazy architecture since I could hold a crayon in my hand. And I couldn't do anything else. And it is not finished. I think, I'm just starting.

A Personal statement about you or your work:
Inspiration comes from everyday life. You just need to catch it and capture it in your own way. Every artwork is telling stories and every character becomes alive. Sometimes I can feel them sitting in sketchbooks, hanging out on post-its and watching me. Am I going crazy?

Links: 
www.luk.lt
facebook
flickr
etsy

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Artist 144: Katy Hudson

It's a sweet pastel treat for you now with the delectable work of Katy Hudson. Katy is one of those illustrators who posses that rare property of genuine mechanical skill that gives her so much freedom in how to express herself. The result of course is her beautiful realisations of animals that have character and also believability. Her work uses a gentle palette that compounds her watercolour style and gives a gentle strength to her work. Her work is of course charming, and she achieves this well without becoming to saccharine to believe. She has a great set of prospects ahead of her with this strong and convincing style and we wish her well in the future.

Who are you:

I'm Katy Hudson and I'm a freelance Illustrator based in the UK currently represented by Bright Art Licensing

What do you do:

I work predominantly in ink, pencil and lately watercolour then sometimes piece these drawings together with collage on my mac to produce illustrations for greeting cards, editorial, publishing and advertising.

How did you start:

I was always drawing as a child, drawing characters from storybooks and films I decided from a very young age that when I was a grown up I would work at a big drawing desk with a spinny chair! So after A levels and an Art foundation course I did a BA Hons in Graphic Communication specialising in Illustration at Bath Spa University.

A Personal statement about you or your work:

I love to tell stories and play with the elements within my drawings, animals seem to be a constant source of inspiration possibly for their different shapes and textures. A little obsessed with mark making, my favourite tools are my ink pen and an old paintbrush I've had since college that always seems to give me the right marks.

Links:
www.katyhudson.co.uk
blog
@katyhuds

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Artist 143: Eddie Vegas

Artist feature time rolls round again like the thunder of an English summer's day and this time we delve in to the electric work of Eddie Vegas. Tattoo artist, Illustrator and all over creative dynamo, Vegas produces work that sits in that place between outsider art and Mexican day of the dead chic that is absolutely right on the money in terms of style. As the world crashes down around our ears inspiration shines out with an approachable beacon of easy to digest style wrapping a fiery brick of rich colour and evocative almost primal imagery that smashes into your frontal lobe devouring up the mediocre work and giving the viewer a scorpion bite full of venom and lasting meaning. Vegas has the style and the substance, and you can see in his work the life that it evokes, like an archaeological dig revealing graffiti influence, alt culture and house parties, that bring us to this point in time. His work is ace, no doubts about it and it's great to see the depth of ingenuity behind the "republic of Vegas" which is damn savvy in this uncertain age. As we lurch into the neo dark age Eddie Vegas should adorn your arms and your mind.

Who are you:
I am Eddie Vegas.

What do you do:
I am an illustrator, tattoo artist, and creative at “Republic of Vegas”, a family company solving Left Brain Dilemmas with Right Brain Solutions.

How did you start:
I have always cm wRNãte about drawing and designing different artefacts, since I was a kid to be more specific, however, after studying engineering for 6 years, I decided to go back to my roots and start creating again, it’s been 6 years since I became a professional tattoo artist and today I used my artistic skills in different areas such as illustrating, graphic design and painting.

A Personal statement about you or your work:
My work is mainly the materialization of my philosophical and controversial points of views, I drive words into images, concepts into compositions. I believe we must express ourselves, whether is drawing or painting, sometimes language is not enough for passing on the divine message of inspiration, I love saying it in colors.

Links: 
www.republicofvegas.com

@republicofvegas
facebook

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Artist 142: Paulina Suarez Vazquez

Hot on the heels of our last artist feature we have another great illustrator now with the wonderfully fantastical work of Paulina Suarez Vasquez. Paulina produces some excellent light touch illustrations with a great line quality and imaginative subjects. A Roald Dahl like quality gives her work a gentleness of tone despite the intense fantasy subjects. Her work is highly successful due to great choices in palette that give a depth to her mythical subjects and also a transparent quality that gives her work a real otherness that setting her apart from the rest. Paulina creates great fantasy scenes and her style is definitely both strong and memorable. It is great to see that not only does she have a good eye for composition but her mechanical skill with drawing is also strong enough to bend the rules but keep her work cogent and legible. She does have a really bright future ahead of her and with such an individual style I'm sure she will go from strength to strength. It's a real pleasure to introduce Paulina Suarez Vazquez!

Who are you:
Born and raised in México, I am a restless artist and travel addict. I am surely obsessed with drawing and I like to party from now and then.

What do you do:
Currently I am a freelance illustrator who keeps on exploring mediums and techniques (mostly printmaking)

Personal statement:
Ever since I was a kid I couldn’t help the urgent impulse to recreate and draw all I saw, whether it was nature, cartoon characters, animals or abstract shapes. The works that I produce are a blueprint of my mind and thought process. The topics I represent in my artwork are based off nature, a pure recollection of all the things I’ve seen filtered through the lense of a fantastic Universe. The artwork I have developed focuses on a friendly style combined with a colorful language and endless imagination.


Links: 
http://www.paulinasuarez.com
http://www.groovyfayuca.blogspot.com
http://www.chibicuentacuentos.blogspot.com

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Artist 141: Danielle Lovett

It's been a while, but as our favorite thing is promoting great artists so it's a real treat for us to have the superb Danielle Lovett who brings us her fresh sharp patterns constructed from a plethora of found images with a great eye for their construction and placement. Danielle has a real strong sense of how many elements are needed to make a pattern that is both visually appealing but not overwhelming. the main thing about pattern design is that it is an exercise in balance. One that Danielle does really well in. Screenprint is a really lovely thing and we are always happy to see it done well and this is one of the things that sets Danielle out from the rest as a good finish and a sharp rendition can make all the difference. Danielle has a strong sense of style, her wok is very current and with her eye for a good shape or interesting nick-knack her work will only get stronger with time. Wishing her all the very best of luck in the future, it's the fab Danielle Lovett.

Who are you:
Danielle Lovett, a freelance illustrator/screenprint artist, based in Manchester, up ‘North, but with an urge to explore what the rest of world has to offer.

What do you do:
Go on hunts for ramshackle old books, magazines, postcards, tattered animal encyclopaedias and the like. I spend time with my little cat Zelda, searching for charming images to then form surreal patterns. I love to go on bike rides, adventures to parks and getting my hands muddy in the wilderness, which probably explains why i love getting my hands messy screenprinting and painting. I have also constructed my own screenprinting studio in my basement, which I am humbly proud of.

How did you start:
As a young one I always felt the need to collect things; bric-a-brac, old tat, tacky ornaments, teddies, nice looking twigs, leaves etc. I used to go with my grandparents to car boot sales to find things to add to my ever-expanding collection. I filled draws; shelves and walls full of old tat. I always wanted something stimulating to look at, whilst daydreaming away in my room for hours on end. This hasn’t changed; my room still looks like an overrun emporium of commodities. I think my work reflects this compulsion to hoard things that I have always had.

A Personal statement about you or your work: 
I feel my work is in its development stage, and needs some tweaking and adapting still. The general path it has been taking satisfies me, I want my work to be fresh and exiting, and for people to interpret their own story into my piece’s. I feel my work is flourishing in wallpaper designs and textile patterns, and this is what I really have a passion for. When I finish a collage and then repeat that over and over, my work finally blooms. I love the bringing in age-old mysterious elements, and combining those with a cosmic style. By bringing together found imagery, which already have many stories to tell, I feel I am creating a new story, and adding to the many layers.

Links:

Blog
Website

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Special Interview: Alex Mathers

A special interview now with Illustrator Alex Mathers, founder of the amazing Red Lemon Club and Ape on the Moon. He juggles this with a ferocious creativity that drives his illustration and his many epic side projects. Alex has a cool clean style which makes use of strong colour control whilst giving a free and delicate hand drawn style, his lines are smooth and flowing and his semi naive characters have a distinctive charm that is hard to match. Alex developed Red Lemon Club which delivers hot tips of the trade and is a great way of finding out how to make your way in the world of illustration. With Ape on the Moon he expresses his love of contemporary visuals in a super slick site which has to be one of the sweets spots on the web to reside. We have a great interview with Alex here so please check it out.

1. Who are you?
I'm a Tokyo-based illustrator from London, currently here to absorb Japan and learn the language.

2. What do you do?
I'm primarily a freelance illustrator, but I also write for, and run websites.

3. How did you start Red Lemon Club and Ape on the Moon?
Ape on the Moon started as a means to share my own work in early 2009, which grew into a site sharing the work and work processes of quality artists from around the world. Red Lemon Club is a place to share useful information for creative people.

4. You live in Tokyo now, how's life there as a creative?
I really like it here. Tokyo is a very inspiring place, especially for the kind of work I do, and I'm learning and seeing so much every day. There are plenty of events and things for creatives so it's great.

5. What is the plan for the future?
I plan to get vaguely fluent in Japanese, and keep growing my two sites. I'm also planning on creating electronic music as soon as I find a little more time...

6. Any messages for our readers?
Hi readers, keep doing what you're doing, and stick with it if you enjoy what you're making. You will reap many rewards if you stay with it.

For some core ideas on how to win more projects as a creative, have a read of Red Lemon Club's free guide here.


Links:
Alex's portfolio
Red Lemon Club
Ape On the Moon
@moonape
@redlemonclub

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