Illustrators of Interest

Here I’ve made note of several illustrators that I’ve been looking at recently. There are several reasons why I like each of these artists be it their style or just because they have a somewhat political view.

Firstly, is the work of comic book artist Jock. I’ve enjoyed his work for a few years now since picking up an issue of DC Comics Batman in which he was the artist. His work is dark and somewhat chaotic, whilst always being controlled. Meanwhile he expertly fills his imagery with black for shadows that make you want to see more than you can. He also does movie related work, having made variant posters for films such as ‘Zero Dark Thirty’ and ‘Iron Man 3’. 

http://www.4twenty.co.uk

Variant poster for ‘Zero Dark Thirty’

Then there is Chris King, I’ve only just discovered his work, but I’m a big fan already. His work is commonly centered around movie related themes but his website shows other quirky imagery. I like his pieces because his line work is strong and somewhat angular whilst also being complimented by bold colour schemes.

http://www.chriskingillustration.com

Here is an extract from one of King’s Sketchbook

Another artist I have only just began to look at is James Jean. His work interests me as it shows a lot of experimentation; something that I am aware I need to do more of consistently as an artist. His work is also very very detailed, which I am envious of as I struggle to devote so much time to a single piece, preferring to finish and move on quickly.

http://www.jamesjean.com

An example of media experimentation from Jean’s Sketchbook

I was going to include Steve Bell, a cartoonist for The Guardian Newspaper on this list however whilst looking at his work I happened across a political cartoon by Dr Seuss! I didn’t know he had made these and I spent a good while looking at his intriguing pieces.

http://libraries.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dswenttowar/#ark:bb97619965

Dr Seuss political piece

Finally, there is Mitchell Macnaughton, an illustrator whose work is also politically related. His work is very sharp and you’ll struggle to find a curve in it; he uses this style effectively to create shading an depth. Its a technique I am interested in trying.

http://macnaughtonillos.com/political.html

Angular Politics