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London-based illustrator and set-maker Hattie Newman is the genius behind these lovely 3D paper art. She has an impressive portfolio that combines 2D and 3D work for various clients, including Sony and Universal Records!

What I love about her is the fact that she has transformed illustration from being something that use to solely exist in the land of flat planes to the land of flesh and bones; via paper and folds that are worthy of artistic merit.

Oh, and she has a shop as well!

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We’re going to bid you adieu for the week, but not before I leave you with some updates on what’s happening on the backend!

Our Chotto Omoshiroi poster by Mogu Takahashi for the Pikaland’s Japan Tsunami & Earthquake fundraiser is selling fast! We’ve collected USD$820 so far, and while the original plan was to have the fundraising until the end of the year, our supplies might not last that long! So we are going to push the fundraiser until the end of next week, after which we are going to make our donation to the Red Cross. If you haven’t picked up yours yet, you can head over to our Pikabooks shop to do so!

Also, in a few more weeks the Pikaland Artist Bootcamp #2: How to survive and thrive as an artist online will be in session, so I’m busy preparing for that (if you haven’t considered taking it yet, how about reading some of our glowing reviews and come see for youself? 😉

Happy weekend everyone!

It’s very rare that I would post the work of one artist, but taking the space of two. Today, all spotlight is on Aino-Maija Metsola, an artist, illustrator and graphic designer whose work has been seen gracing Marimekko’s dresses, cups, and stationery.

The sheer variation of her work is amazing — she can go from sophisticated, ultra chic to soft, sweet and whimsical. Case in point? The above patterns look almost like linocut etchings that seem to derive inspiration from folklore. Her striking colors and composition take focus against familiar and organic lines that seem to transcend time! Compare them with her other style:

Using watercolors, she effectively bring elements to life — animals, people and plants. This particular style of hers is perfect for the children’s market (she’s already illustrated a children’s book!) I’m in love with her Juhannustaika print (see above) that evokes summer, flowers and everything sunshine.

With her delicate touch and beautiful color palettes, it’s safe to say that watercolor is a one of her favorite mediums — she once said that one of her most treasured items is “a scraped-up old watercolour case, which has been my most important and reliable tool since I was fourteen.”

Socks, like underwear is a near necessity (this totally depends on where you are though!) And like underwear, it’s usually hidden; which is unfortunate because socks can be huge fashion statements (I know, just like underwear…)

For those who like to spice things up a little further down south — think way, waay down — there’s Ashi Dashi, a little shop that sells socks in the craziest patterns and is the canvas to some fun illustrations! Started by Ken in 2007, his shop currently houses some of the most interesting socks around — especially this pair by Ana Benaroya!

Seeing as spring is almost here (for some of you!) it’s time to dress up your tootsies with a pair and let the conversation fly!