Hey guys how’s it going? I’ve been very busy in the last few weeks and months working on new commissions (that I’m showing you today – exciting!), updating my website with new shop items, and of course marketing myself to get more work through the door (an ongoing job).
If you missed my previous blog post on how to create an outstanding graphic design portfolio, I highly recommend you check it out! Graphic Design is something that I have learnt throughout my years as a freelance illustrator, and I wanted to share my experience and knowledge to help you succeed. I’ve worked with numerous clients on design projects, such as a visual identity for National Museums Liverpool. Take a look at the post to help you create a portfolio that makes others take notice!
Within this blog post I’ll be showcasing my new publishing illustration for Londonist Drinks. I was asked to create a map illustration of Gentlemen’s Clubs around London for the publication, and you’ll find all about it within this post! I’ll go into detail of how this commission came around, the steps I took to make sure the project was a success and detail shots of the illustration too. I’m super happy with how this project turned out, so let’s get cracking!
The Beginning Stages Of The Illustration
I’ve always had a big passion and interest in publishing illustration, and it’s something that I have heavily focused within my portfolio. It’s always been a satisfying feeling to see my illustrations in a printed or digital publication, which gives you the excuse to say – “I did that” (the feeling never gets old!).
The great thing about this project is that it combined my interest of publishing illustration and map illustration into one. I love producing map illustrations, and it’s something which my illustration portfolio is full off ( that I’m always keen to increase).
The brief asked me to create a map illustration of the Gentlemen’s Clubs in London, using my go-to style of gouache, watercolour and digital. The publication will showcase at least 25 hand-drawn maps, featuring around the theme of drinking in the capital. Concentrating the illustration on something clean and stark (something which my illustration style is geared towards), I’ve created a vibrant and eye-catching map illustration to be shown within the publication.
It was a very fun project and everything ran smoothy from start to finish, so many thanks to the amazing client! I’m looking forward to working with you again!
How This Map Illustration Unfolded
Like I start any personal or commissioned project, I always begin in my sketchbook. This is the place where I sketch ideas, concepts and thumbnails to develop the illustration.
Combining with thorough research to fuel confidence in my ideas, the sketchbook is a place where the illustration is formed.
The great thing about this project was the Gentlemen’s buildings, some dating back to 1693 and offer stunning architecture. With great pillars, large windows, and impressive sculptures, it was pure joy to re-create this within a map. Buildings largely feature within my map illustrations anyway – so this was a big plus!
As you can see from the images above I created lots of sketches to work on the composition of the illustration. From here I created colour tryouts so I can see what colour combinations work best (and so the client can select their colour combination of choice). This adds confidence to the client so they know exactly what they’re getting when they receive the final illustration. Communication back and forth is important within this stage to ensure everyone is happy.
After sign off from the client, I created the final artwork with gouache, watercolour and digitally editing the piece in Adobe Photoshop (a lifesaver sometimes!). I usually use watercolour as a base first, with gouache added on top of this to create the illustration.
I’m very happy with how it’s turned out, and I hope you agree!
What Do You Think Of The Illustration?
The final artwork showcases a bright, friendly and engaging map illustration showcasing all of the main Gentlemen’s Clubs around London.
It was fascinating finding out these particular Clubs, were people like Sir David Attenborough, the former Prime Minister David Cameron to T.S. Eliot have entered.
See more of the illustration on my portfolio.
If you liked this illustration give me a comment below, I’ll love to hear what you think (good or bad!). Hit me on the social media links below, or if you’re unfamiliar with my illustrations, check out my portfolio. Packed with lots of different projects, themes and images to get your teeth into!
I also publish regular content on this blog to help you with freelancing, illustration and design to showcasing my latest projects. There’s lots of past articles to help you succeed.
Many thanks for listening and visiting my news page today. You can follow what I’m up to on my Twitter, Facebook or Google + pages, I’ll really appreciate it if you do, and don’t be afraid to say hi to me! Many thanks again, and have a great day!
4th May 2019
