Pikaland

Hannah Warren

Discovered lovely illustrations from Hannah Warren today. She’s an artist based in the UK who has put out quite a bit of her work out there, and she has lots of personal projects too (something that I feel is really important for independent artists!) What I love about her is that her work can be deceptively simple – limited color palettes and great lines (according to her bio, she creates bold, colourful digital illustrations inspired by the strong graphic aesthetic of mid-century design); or it can take on a whole new dimension that incorporates a little complexity whenever the need arises – like this NOMA book from Phaidon, where she was commissioned to illustrate maps and create hand-drawn type.

Pikaland x Light Grey Art Lab = an exhibition!

Ever since I’ve started the blog, I’ve had this tiny little secret wish that I could curate a real live art show. It could be anywhere at all in the world – I don’t mind one bit. I have to say that I didn’t really approach anyone – yes, I’m painfully aware that I didn’t – because this little thought of mine slowly retreated to the far recesses of my brain with all the ideas that I’ve been busy cooking up.

But lo and behold – five years later (aha!) – Lindsay of Light Grey Art Lab (owner of a gallery & art events space in Minneapolis, Minnesota) emailed me one day, and asked me if I’d be up for curating a show. And of course I said YES! The theme was titled SMART: an exhibition of wit, ingenuity and guile; and was meant to challenge artists – one that would have them work with materials, ideas and narrative beyond what they’re comfortable with; to create something that’s really crafty and clever – something that was so clever, that people would exclaim “I wish I thought of that!” or “I see what you did there!”

It stems from my thirst for things that intrigue me, and makes me ponder – more so as I travel along this journey. I find that I enjoy dissecting and disseminating ideas; and look forward for the unexpected in the everyday. Collaborations, and the remix of ideas propels my imagination to no end, and so I’m just so excited to see what artists can come up with!

I’ve already put together a list of 20+ artists (who are already sneakily creating something for that right now!) but we’re also having an open call for artists who would like to participate in the exhibition over at Light Grey Art Lab. So, if you’d like to be a part of it and make us go all “WOW!” here’s your chance – head to this page here, and leave us your name, email address and website so that we can go over your work and whip up a list!

Call for entries close by March 27th, and your piece needs to be there in by 26 April 2013 (the exhibition will be held at Light Grey Art Lab from May 17 – June 7th), so scoot on over and raise your hand if you’d like in on this!

Dear students: Don’t do seconds.

Bumblebee is my favorite Autobot!

Here’s a little conversation I had with a student a few weeks back:

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*A student was showing me his sketchbook for the assignment*

Me: Why do your robots look like the ones in Transformers?

Student: No it doesn’t.

Me: Yes it does. Are you telling me that your robots look better than Transformers – right now?

Student: Yes.

Me: Right. You think your robots are better looking than Transformers, when it’s not done nearly as well, but it has the same elements as their robots?

Student: Yes.

(At this point I almost wanted to gnaw at my fist which was hovering near my mouth)

Me: Why don’t you try drawing them in a different way? Why must your robot be the same as everyone else’s? Look at things differently. Why not offer your own opinion of what it should look like instead of following them to a T? Where’s your take in all this? What are you trying to say?

Student: Hmmm.

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I have more of these sort of hilarious exchanges (kids these days…) but, my point is this:

The challenge isn’t to be the second best at something. Why copy other people’s style and drawings – like manga? (I know some of you are going to shake your head at this, but it’s the easiest example I can muster!) Why should you try your darndest to produce a drawing that’s as close as realistically possible to what you see?

You’ll never be as good as a camera, that’s for sure.

You’re not going to be better than the best replicator out there, that’s for sure.

So why should you continue on a path that will set you to be the second best?

Why not be the best that YOU can offer? A different view. An interesting angle. A story. Something that’s uniquely yours – that no one can take away.

Get into the habit of creating so that others can only be second best when they’re up against you.

Now that’s something to shout about.

[ Bumblebee wallpaper via Wallsave ]

[box icon=”heart”] Every week, I teach about the creative process of illustration at a local college. And when I come home, I realize that I’ve forgotten to point this out, or to remind them about something. Dear Students serves as my own personal compilation of thoughts, and is a series dedicated to students around the world who might find my musings useful. To read the entire series, click here. [/box]