dusty wilderness

NEW WORK SITE UP

2011-08-24T19:06:00.004+08:00

OFFICIEL SINGAPORE JUNE

2011-06-14T13:24:00.004+08:00

KULT - ANIMAL FACTS ISSUE

2011-06-12T13:17:00.000+08:00

My contribution to Kult's Animal Facts issue. " Cats have over 100 vocal chords. " Thank you Kult and Dewi Marie for the coordination.

OIC SINGAPORE X A CURIOUS TEEPEE

2011-05-07T00:13:00.006+08:00

This my interpretation of Idolism, a fashion illustration themed show organised by OIC Singapore and A Curious Teepee. My illustration draws inspiration from British designer Gareth Pugh and his unusual depiction of fashion using very sculptural forms to distort the human body. His ability to make use of geometrical shapes, with a very restraint colour palette is what stands him out as one of the more innovative young designers today.

A tweed jacket, lobster claw heels, four little white stitches, a red gown…Iconography that has been etched into our psyche wittingly (and unwittingly) through the delirious world of fashion.

For this exhibition, illustrators draw inspiration from these objects of desire and their inventors, creating original artworks in the process. Using different mediums, participating artists include Mindflyer, Mr B, Fleecircus, Sokkuan, Cherie The Mrr, Eeshaun, AnnGee, SanSan, Noreen, Miel, Annie Tan, Twisstii and Mriz Sidah just to name a few. With varying backgrounds and styles, from political cartoons, to abstract surrealism, several take their first foray into fashion as subject matter.

With the inaugural Singapore Men’s Fashion Week just past and the upcoming Audi Fashion Festival this May, A Curious Teepee and OIC aim to convey another side of fashion, as seen through the eyes and hands of an artist.

All artworks are on display and available for sale till Sunday 22nd May at :

A Curious Teepee
2 Orchard Link #02-24
Singapore 237978
T: (65) 68201680
12pm to 9pm daily.

Email : info@acuriousteepee.com
Website : acuriousteepee.com
Facebook : facebook.com/acuriousteepee

OIC WEDDINGS

2011-03-09T17:28:00.003+08:00

Here is my example piece for OIC's upcoming wedding illustrations category. Along with other members of OIC, we will be offering custom illustrations, hand written fonts for wedding cards and events. for updates and further info please check here.

PAPERCUTS

2011-01-12T11:09:00.006+08:00

Now available, Oliver in cards as he goes on his journey in the woods. Printed in limited quantities of 100s. Ditch cold emails, send a card to someone you care for today. Available at Woods in the books at Club Street, MAAD at Red Dot Design Museum every first Saturday of the month or alternatively you can contact me for further arrangements. Thank you !

THE TOILET MONSTER - ILLUSTRATIONS

2011-01-11T19:36:00.005+08:00

Some stills from animated iphone app storybook The Toilet Monster targeted for children aged 2 to 6. Part one of a series of books aimed at children and situations encountered growing up.Written by Simone Erasmus. Now available for free download at the Apple app store for a limited period.

ILLUSTRATIONS FOR MONKEY MAGIC - THE GREAT WALL MYSTERY

2010-12-22T22:00:00.011+08:00

Second adventure in the Monkey Magic series by Grant S. Clark, published by Monsoon Publishing. Cover illustrated by ST Leng. Entire inner illustrations by me.

PHILIPS KIDSPLACE LAMP PRODUCT CATALOG

2010-12-14T01:11:00.017+08:00

Agency : DDB Rapp
Art Director : Ginny Lim

Philips kid's lighting series designed in picture storybook format, with the lamps integrated as part of the storyline with various hands on interactive activities like foldables and stickers to have fun with. It was an interesting project, experimenting with various colour schemes, shapes and placement of objects, overall I took off with a very eye opening experience.

Many many thanks to Enling, Chuiying, Ginny, Thomas Yang and Mindflyer for the guidance during the project :)

XMAS !

2010-11-30T16:07:00.001+08:00

Oliver now comes in Christmas edition white!
Plushie pre-orders starts now. This Christmas, get your special limited edition white bear for your special loved one :)
To order, drop me an email ;)

OIC PORTRAIT DAY DECEMBER 2010

2010-11-29T15:36:00.005+08:00

The Xmas mood is in the air again! I had the pleasure of doing the poster for December's OIC Portrait Day. It was great fun. Do join us for a day of fun and spend spend spend your cash away!!

Random Portrait

2010-10-30T17:32:00.000+08:00

ACROBATS

2010-10-20T19:49:00.008+08:00

Rejected idea sketches which I thought were fun to complete :)

Kalkitos Full View

2010-10-16T11:12:00.003+08:00

Kalkitos Sneak Preview

2010-10-05T23:45:00.003+08:00

This October I was given the privilege to participate in the Kalkitos X OIC Artists Series. Kalkitos, a rub down game popular in the 70s is now proudly assembled in Singapore. Do drop by at the National Art Gallery Open House (City Hall , 1 Saint Andrew Road) on the 9th and 10th October at the Kalkitos booth to get your very own Kalkitos X OIC Artist Series including Anngee, Mindflyer, Wanton Doodle. If you wish to get them signed we will be honored to :)

Much thanks to Ai Wei from Kalkitos and Mindflyer for making this possible.

October !

2010-10-04T12:31:00.012+08:00

Finally after weeks of planning and sewing, my customized plushies and keychains are out. This time round I had the privilege of collaborating with Mindflyer for this series of keychains. Designed by him and entirely sewn by me. They will be out on sale at the National Art Gallery Open House , City Hall, 1 Saint Andrew's Road on the 9th and 10th of October. Apart from plushies, there will be various other merchandise by Organisation of Illustrator's Council (OIC) and not forgetting to mention Kalkitos ! Do look out for the various exclusive designs by Kalkitos with many artists including me :)

りんご

2010-09-22T22:41:00.004+08:00

Tai- tai

2010-08-17T20:06:00.001+08:00

Lola

2010-04-21T23:43:00.006+08:00

Sneak preview: Character design for iphone app children book.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy

2010-04-16T11:27:00.016+08:00

My contribution to the group show Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy featuring many awesome artist like Mojoko, Mindflyer, Fleecircus, MrB, Andy Yang , Adeline Tan and many others. The exhibition runs from 15th April to 21st April at #02-02 BloodGroup+ Space, 32 Aliwal Street, Singapore. Do drop by if you are in the area to check out our intergalactic visions. Big thanks to Steve for organizing this event.

Print is for sale, please contact me if you are interested. :)

NERDS

2010-03-03T12:09:00.006+08:00

ILLUSTRATION FRIDAY - CONFINED

2010-01-14T11:36:00.005+08:00

It's been a long while since I posted on IF. Now that this is a new blog, I thought I should start to give it a go again :)

REJECT-O-SKETCH

2010-01-12T22:30:00.000+08:00

NEW BADGES

2010-01-09T14:06:00.001+08:00

2009-12-28T12:47:00.004+08:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS ALL!

2009-12-25T19:59:00.000+08:00

Christmas is here again ! May Peace and Joy be with everyone this Christmas :)

WABBIT

2009-12-22T09:34:00.003+08:00

Coming up! (Photos taken by Fleecircus)

タヌキ

2009-11-14T13:11:00.007+08:00

The Tanuki ( タヌキ) is Japanese for raccoon dog, being part of Japanese folklore. The Tanuki can often be seen outside Japanese restaurants and temples, bearing a big grin, adorned with a straw hat, a sake bottle and extremely huge testicles. There are meanings physically in the anatomy and the way it is portrayed, as well the objects they carry.

From Wikipedia:

The eight traits are (1) a bamboo hat that protects against trouble, (2) big eyes to perceive the environment and help make good decisions, (3) a sake bottle that represents virtue, (4) a big tail that provides steadiness and strength until success is achieved, (5) over-sized testicles that symbolize financial luck, (6) a promissory note that represents trust, (7) a big belly that symbolizes bold decisiveness, and (8) a friendly smile.

A common schoolyard song in Japan (the tune of which can be heard in the arcade game Ponpoko and a variation of which is sung in the Studio Ghibli film Pom Poko) makes explicit reference to the tanuki's anatomy:

Tan Tan Tanuki no kintama wa,

Kaze mo nai no ni,

Bura bura

Roughly translated, this means "Tan-tan-tanuki's testicles, there isn't even any wind but still go swing-swing-swing.

HERO

2009-11-09T02:05:00.002+08:00

GICLEE PRINTS

2009-10-20T17:21:00.007+08:00

A4 giclee prints available at Woods in the Books, 58 Club Street or email me for details.

BEATS IN THEIR HEADS

2009-10-06T20:01:00.001+08:00

OIC 3X3X30 CONTRIBUTION

2009-10-06T02:12:00.006+08:00

Contribution to OIC's 3X3X30 exhibition at Asylum. Artwork on 3"X3" paper.

OIC 3RD ANNIVERSARY SILKSCREEN CONTRIBUTION

2009-10-05T20:49:00.003+08:00

My submission for OIC's 3rd anniversary silkscreen edition. Awaiting spanking new bags, sketchbooks, anything really to be silk screened! come on down to MAAD to have it done :)

OIC ANNIVERSARY STAMP CONTRIBUTION

2009-10-02T00:00:00.006+08:00

My contribution for OIC's 3rd Anniversary stamp collection. Free stampin' available this Saturday at Red Dot Museum. Remember to bring along stuff you want stamped ! :)

TIGER TALES

2009-09-14T02:04:00.005+08:00

For Tiger Airways Inflight Magazine Tiger Tales September 09

2009-09-10T01:47:00.001+08:00

FEATURED- CULTUREPUSH

2009-07-07T11:23:00.004+08:00

Had the privilege to be featured in Culturepush for their banner shuffle. Thanks Michele!

RED

2009-06-30T15:46:00.001+08:00

MEOW

2009-06-28T19:44:00.002+08:00

CLICK CLICK

2009-06-28T16:17:00.000+08:00

HYPERCOLOR - ALICE

2009-06-26T01:13:00.005+08:00

Contribution to Hypercolor exhibition at Loft & Public at Haji Lane. A0 sized canvas print and A2 size prints are available for sale.

HYPERCOLOR PREVIEW

2009-06-25T19:00:00.001+08:00

Find out who owns this sinister grin at Hypercolor. See you there !

HYPERCOLOR PREVIEW

2009-06-11T21:59:00.003+08:00

Hypercolor is an upcoming exhibition that I will be part of, along with 9 other awesome artists, including Mojoko, Mindflyer, Kuanth, Sokkuan, Eeshaun, Sheryo and more. We were given an opportunity to interpret on alphabet each on the theme Hypercolor for the invite as a preview and it was all fun ! Do drop by on the day to to check out the full version or say hello !

Venue : Loft & Public , 16A Haji Lane
Date : 25th June 2009
Time 7pm till late

10TH MAY

2009-05-11T15:36:00.001+08:00

ALL SET

2009-05-01T20:14:00.005+08:00

All set and ready to go !! Available at MAAD tomorrow :D

PEONY

2009-04-30T16:52:00.002+08:00

BATEY WEBSITE

2009-04-28T15:59:00.004+08:00

A series of illustration done for Batey Singapore's website in collaboration with Fleecircus. Big thanks to Flee !

BUTTONS SNEAK

2009-04-25T15:29:00.004+08:00

Going on sale 2th May at Red Dot Design Museum. Many other buttons to chose from, including those from Fei, Mindflyer and MrB. Do check them out ! :)

ANIMAL VOCABULARY

2009-04-16T18:34:00.019+08:00

OIC PORTRAIT DAY POSTER MAY 2009

2009-04-15T15:33:00.003+08:00

Illustrated poster for OIC portrait day May 2009.

MONKEY MAGIC - THE CURSE OF MUKADA BY GRANT S CLARK

2009-03-25T22:02:00.013+08:00

Some illustrations I did from the book Monkey Magic - The Curse of Mukada by Grant S Clark , Monsoon Publishing. All Rights Reserved to Monsoon Publishing. A percentage of the royalties for the sale of this book goes to conservation charities for orangutans. Please help to spread the importance of conservation. Many thanks to Grant and Phil for the opportunity.

PAR AVION

2009-03-11T00:12:00.004+08:00

Postcard set of 6 for sale. All proceeds go to feeding the artist :D . Please enquire within by dropping me an email if you are interested.

RABBIT <3

2009-02-25T17:14:00.002+08:00

WISE WORDS

2009-02-05T17:07:00.000+08:00

Came across a helpful post by Frank Stockton, replying an email enquiry on how to get better in illustration. Thought it was an interesting post, it reminds me of how us as illustrators focus too much on the end product of a project instead of enjoying the process.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

How to Get Better

Hey Everyone,

I received the following email a while back from a student artist/illustrator. I thought it was a helpful exchange, so I've decided to post it here for anyone to read.

enjoy

Hello Frank,

I saw this posting of yours on the flight forums:

“Lastly, make sure you really believe that you're a great artist.

This final part is the most important and the most overlooked by people who decide to put in the time to become good at art (or anything, for that matter).

Some folks think they are AWESOME artists, but never put in time to really improve and move forward. This person will go through life thinking “my stuff is soooo bad-ass!“ but the rest of us all know its not really that good.

The other type of artist, who is in the minority, is a critique junkie that puts in countless hours in drawing workshops and reading books and learning from different teachers but inside doesn't truly believe he or she is a great artist. The irony is that this person believes himself better than the cocky guys mentioned above, but will never really reach full potential because of the refusal to believe that he is truly a great artist. This person's confidence dangles by a thread of compliments picked up here and there from folks going to those same workshops who are working on the same things. “

This comment really struck me because I believe I'm of the latter category, and I know a few other folks who are the same way. I've been told by teachers that being in either of these categories won't allow you to move forward in your work. Have you ever been in the position of not believing you're a great artist? And if so, how did you overcome it and how did it help you?

I spend a lot of time drawing and just practicing with the meager hopes of ever escaping mediocrity. Consequently I belittle my own work often and rarely show it to other people.

I would really be interested to hear your opinions on this, since I really admire your work and you always seem to have sage crits on the forum.

_______

Hi there,

I'm glad you asked me this; I've been thinking about writing down some of my thoughts on this for quite some time since it's an often over-looked and necessary factor in learning any new skill, not just in art.

One of my hobbies for the last year or so has been reading up on how our brains learn things--and have been sort of surprised--but also not surprised--to find that a lot of the ideas I had on my own about learning and improvement are more or less congruent with psychological studies into the process of learning.

Fortunately for me, I grew up with parents who would always tell me that what I was doing was AWESOME, and not only that, but that it was the BEST. And they actually believed it.

Looking back at the art I did as a kid, I've found that a lot of it isn't really that great in my eyes today. However that isn't important. What really was important was that while I was making it, I was continually reinforcing the idea in my mind that I was an awesome artist. Whenever I did a new drawing or painting I would step back and sort of “parent“ myself and go “wow, this is really great! look at what I did!,“ while simultaneously thinking “hmm, if I was to change this part though, it would be a little better..."

Fortunately, you can train yourself to think about your work in ways that will help you to improve by leaps and bounds.

1) Realize that art is a process, not a result. Illustration is a result, because we're talking about business and a product, and different rules apply. But you're going to have to get to a level with your art before you are able to make a product out of it. Are you following?
Whenever you make something, practice letting go of the end result. Allow yourself to LOVE how it feels to put ink on paper. LOVE the attention and detail that go into stretching a canvas, or even sharpening your drawing pencil with an Exacto blade. The details are what create the whole. If you love every moment of the artistic creation, it WILL come through in the final result. Conversely, if you dislike or rush the process it will also come through in the final result.

2) Ask yourself what you LOVE about this thing you've just created. Step back when you finish, and give yourself time to breathe easy and appreciate what you've done. If you have a difficult time enjoying your work, make a list of 10 things that you're happy with about the piece.

3) Ask yourself "what could be better?" about the thing you just created. Be very specific. Try to visualize the same piece with the changes you wish you could make. If you were to go back in time and re-do the entire piece, what would you have done differently? Sometimes this could be a “duh“ kind of thing like gathering better reference, or doing a better starting drawing, or allowing yourself to freestyle somewhere. The point is to be intimately specific about what you would change, and NEVER vague, thinking things like “oh its just terrible.“ Eliminate those useless and detrimental thoughts from your brain circuitry.

Those three things will take you very far with your artistic improvement.

When I was in school, every time I would do a new project or a life painting I would set it out in plain view, both to admire it (because usually I thought it was totally awesome), but also because I needed to see it multiple times to disconnect from how wonderful of an artist I thought I was and actually be able to think of what I could do to make it better.

Some other thoughts:
You mentioned that you belittle your art sometimes, and don't like to show it to people.

1) NEVER belittle your artwork. Only constructive criticism is allowed from here on out, until you die.
2) DO show your work to people. Show it to a mix of laymen, pros who you look up to, and artists in your peer group. Have people tell you what they think. Don't take anything personal. The point is to develop a thick skin to criticism. You'll notice, by the way that when you start to get good, your peers will tend to tear it apart, or say nothing. People are very insecure. If you're really good, you're going to be a threat to the ego of others who think they're good. Get lots of critiques and take everything with a grain of salt. When someone gives you advice or a critique, take some time to think it over, every time. Roll the advice around in your head for a day or two. Ask “do I agree with that?“ and decide, after your emotional response has subsided, whether or not you agree with their advice. I always avoid blindly taking advice.

Also, keep a sketchbook that you don't show to anyone, that's intended solely for playing in. Make it the opposite of anything you do for “practice.“ Work in it an hour a day and focus on letting go and being uninhibited. It's actually a good strategy to TRY and make some UGLY pages in it. The sketchbook is the garden where you plant the seeds that are going to eventually spring up into your unique and original artistic voice--but if you don't take care of them and let them get trampled by other people, they'll never grow big and strong enough to survive on their own.

I hope that was helpful.

sincerely,

Frank Stockton
_________________
“I do not get discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward“
--Thomas Edison

ABANDONED

2009-01-24T23:12:00.000+08:00

Illustration I did awhile back. Overall composition didn't work, more tweaking needed in so many places, failed in many ways then one. Back to the drawing board!!!

CLEO SINGAPORE FEBURARY 2009

2009-01-23T21:15:00.000+08:00

Background illustration for Japanese Hair Product
ACP Magazines

PRESTIGE LIFESTYLE SINGAPORE HOROSCOPE

2009-01-10T11:29:00.001+08:00

Closeups

Set of 12 Horoscope Illustration
CR Media

SKETCHBOOK NOV 2008

2008-11-28T17:17:00.001+08:00

WORKSPACE

2008-11-24T12:43:00.000+08:00

As neat as it gets

NOW YOU DON'T

2008-10-14T00:41:00.000+08:00

SHROOMS

2008-09-02T00:24:00.000+08:00

CRANE

2008-08-20T17:40:00.000+08:00

FOR APRIL

2008-08-11T11:52:00.001+08:00

For everything.

SIBYL

2008-07-14T18:37:00.001+08:00

" One should absorb the colours of life, but one should never remember the details. Details are always vulgar. "
Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray

Sibyl
Mixed Media

GRRRR

2008-07-02T21:05:00.000+08:00

WRITING TO REACH YOU

2008-06-15T21:01:00.000+08:00

Watercolor practice

WOOF

2008-06-13T23:16:00.000+08:00

SKETCHBOOK MAY 2008

2008-06-02T00:27:00.000+08:00

Snoozing Dad

TUBE

2008-05-15T11:49:00.000+08:00

Illustrator CS & Photoshop CS

MOLESKINE WATERCOLOR

2008-05-14T12:51:00.002+08:00

Sketch Journal May 2008

2008-05-13T13:11:00.000+08:00

LET THE SLEEPING DOGS LIE

2008-05-05T11:10:00.001+08:00

CATS

2008-04-19T21:10:00.000+08:00

Lunch sketches :)

SHAPE SINGAPORE APRIL 2008

2008-04-04T17:23:00.000+08:00

A collaboration with Mindflyer.

MORE CHARACTERS

2008-03-26T19:23:00.000+08:00

CATNAP

2008-03-25T13:24:00.001+08:00

MISS WOOLS.EARL,PUFFS,MR JUMBO,WALNUT

2008-03-25T12:02:00.000+08:00

SKETCH JOURNAL

2008-03-24T11:55:00.000+08:00

TIME OUT SINGAPORE FEB 2008

2008-03-11T11:59:00.001+08:00

CAFE CHARACTER DESIGN

2007-12-12T13:09:00.000+08:00

Cafe logo customised to be in the likeness of the shop owners.

TAKASHIMAYA PLATINUM AMEX CARD WATERCOLOUR ILLUSTRATION

2007-12-10T20:53:00.001+08:00

In collaboration with Fleecircus.

IDN FASHION GRAPHICS COLLECTION 2007

2007-08-22T12:15:00.001+08:00

Coverage of My Favourite Moleskine featuring more than 50 various designers and artist in Asia including China, Hong Kong and Singapore.

RANDOM

2007-08-08T23:19:00.000+08:00