Serious Drawings

My copy of Marc Johns' brilliant book, Serious Drawings, just arrived this week. I'm a big fan of Marc's work. I've been thoroughly enjoying the book. For a taste, go to Marc's website. It is a never ending supply of amusement and witty insights.

Making of a Comic

I am always in awe of the talent of comic book artists. I was inspired by this behind the scenes look at Hellboy Darkness Calls. It shows the script, sketch, ink, color, and lettering stages of a few pages from the comic.

The Tan Man

Earlier this year, idiot er... design student, James Titterton offered his body up as a canvas. He ran a design contest to offer his skin "as a light sensitive material, upon which I am willing to have appropriate visual content 'developed' as a suntan". The winning design was submitted by Finnish graphic designer, Janine Rewell. James documented the stenciling, tanning and exhibition process on his Tan Man blog. Oh dear.

BBC Blast Studio

The BBC currently have a great website up that allows you to play with interactive art in their studios. The BBC Blast Studios connects you to a live stream of the BBC studio (available 12pm-12am) where they have 3 interactive art pieces. Online users can choose an art piece to play with and then follow the instructions to participate.

My favorite is Mark, which gives you three paint gun shots at a large canvas. It is accompanied by a dragable timeline which allows you to see the artwork being created over time.

Fantastic idea. The combination of online visitors with real participatory art exhibits is almost too good to be true. This experiment in creativity will be available until June 9th.

Seconds

Jason Miller makes imperfect porcelain dinnerware. His collection of plates, bowls, cups and tea sets all celebrate the art of imperfection. The collection is called Seconds. Each piece is made up of multiple patterns, misaligned graphics or uncentered decorations... things that would generally be considered seconds. Jason argues that the unusual is more valuable, not less. In Jason's own words: Conventions are for suckers.

Available for purchase on Greener Grass Design.