Illustrators Pick: Kareena Zerefos

Kareena Zerefos is a London based artist from Sydney. I love how she uses blank space to frame the subject matter, nothing is over done just great water colour paintings and drawings.

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Jo

Featured Artist: Sarah Dennis

Hello there! Tell us a little bit about yourself.


I am a freelance illustrator living in London where I make and sells prints, badges and plush toys. I completed a degree in illustration in 2008 at the University of The West of England. I have an interest in narrative, drawing and collage, my artwork is inspired by themes of nature and childhood as well as old ledger books and evocative old prints


What are you currently working on right now?


I've got a solo exhibition at Prema Arts centre in Gloucestershire. I am creating some new art work and framing prints for the show. The exhibition starts on the 7th of November and is showing till the 11th of December.


Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Wow big question. I want to be creating unique art work and working as a commercial illustrator. Hopefully by that point I'll be living in a gorgeous palace where me and my family will live.

 What drew you to illustration?
I find that drawing is a great way to communicate  my imagination and ideas. When I was younger I use to love watching animations and reading comics book and I still do. That imagery inspired me to create my own story and characters.

Would you mind sharing a little about your creative process with us?

I like to hunt down different textures and pattered papers. Once I've got an idea or a commission I sketch down my ideas, I work from that sketch to create a collage digitally or finically.

Where are you located?

East London


Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sarah-Dennis-Illustration/133483266673489
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahDennis_
Website: www.sara-dennis.co.uk

Illustration 101 - The Interview

All the work on your portfolio has paid off, and now you have a job interview - it's game day. Time to make a great impression! So... how do you do that?

Erica - I always prep/conduct for interviews thusly (whether on the phone, or in person):

1.) Look nice. I spend extra time making sure I look as nice as I can for an interview. Pretend it's a date. You want them to like you, a lot, and you want to feel your best. Well, you won't look or feel your best if your hair is messy and you haven't combed your hair in a day. People will pick up on how nice you look, not only because they feel it, but because you have more confidence when you know you look good. The extra time is worth it. 

2.) Smile. Be happy. Smile a lot.

3.) Make sure you don't have any strays. Clean up any pet hair, papers, buttons, threads, lint, off of everything.  Your portfolio is impeccable, and so are you!

4.) Be early. If the interview is in person, show up a few minutes early. Accept a glass of water if they offer it, and be really nice to the receptionist. 

5.) Bring a clean, working pen and a notebook. Even if you don't need to write anything down you will be ready, and they may take notice.

6.) Breath mints. Coffee breath sucks.

7.) Make sure you are organized. Don't waste time (yours or theirs fiddling through stuff).

8.) Make sure your answers are practiced. Don't run on, but don't have closed answers (yes or no). Short, sweet, to the point, and happy.

9.) Be honest.

10.) Thank them for their time, and the opportunity. Close with confidence. Say something like "I look forward to speaking with you again soon." This exudes confidence while still being very polite.

Every interview will be different. Some go really well and some tank. Don't lose sight.

Jo- I like to do everything the night before because I hate leaving everything to the last minute. Some people can work  under pressure and pull it off. But me, erm, no! From past experience you learn to do things in your own way.

1. Double check your portfolio is looking good; no stains and certainly no spelling mistakes! And Google map where you're going and plan out the journey, give yourself plenty of time as public transport can be unreliable (well for me it usually is!) Trust me I have a smart phone but I still plan ahead because you never know your phone might break down on you!
2. What you wear is your own personal choice obviously so be yourself. There's no point trying to pretend to be someone you're not, choose something you'll be comfortable in (as long as you don't look like you've been on the lash!)
3. Try and think what they'll ask you and perhaps make a short list of answers. But try and balance it out so it doesn't sound too scripted or else you'll come across like a robot. You are talking about yourself so go ahead and impress them!
4. Have an early night.
5. Turning up early/ on time is always a plus.
6. Be friendly and shake hands! If you feel nervous try and relax and not worry too much about it, it's only natural to be like that.
    This is also an important time for you to ask them questions which shows you're interested in working with them and that you've done some background research into the company/ agency etc.

Thank them for their time and leave a promotional pack for them to keep (or even a business card will do.)

Illustrators Pick - Teagan White

Teagan White is an illustrator from Chicago. She has incredible detail in all of her work and can easily switch from incredibly well designed images to adorable animal illustrations. She also has some amazing typography.
Make sure you check out her work, if you don't already know about her.

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Society6

Illustrators Pick: Mydeadpony

Great work from My Dead Pony (okay also known as Raphaël Vicenzi). Raphaël is an illustrator based in Belgium and has worked for clients such as Taschen, Visa and Computer Arts. 

I love the combination of his doodle style hand drawn images and type. oh I like a lot. 

You can see more of Raphaël's work over on his blog and he also has an Etsy shop full of lovely things. 

Jo 

Issue one official release date!

As most of you know, Issue 1 is finally upon us! With the US and UK print runs both complete we can now announce the release date!
Monday October 10th is the official day! All pre-orders will be sent out on this day, so make sure if you already have yours in to keep an eye out for it!

Thanks again to all of our amazing artists who submit to Issue 1!

Remember, this is a limited run of 40 copies worldwide, so make sure you grab yours now. Grab your copy now in the pre-order before they sell out. 

Little Constructs Update: UK Edition is here!

Little Constructs UK Edition have arrived fresh from the printers! And they look flippin' good as well!

They'll be up in the shop pretty soon folks so watch out for an update. 

Would like to say massive thanks to George from Digital Ripe because he pretty much guided me through the whole process!