Mapping the Dolomites

I was delighted to be commissioned to illustrate a map for the American Automobile Association, AAA Traveler Magazine.

The article describes a drive through the beautiful Dolomite mountains in Italy. Small spot illustrations mark the main towns along the way and the loose brush lettering was also used throughout the copy as a visual link between word and image.

I've travelled to Italy frequently over the last few years and was delighted to explore an area of it that's new to me - now I just need to visit!

You can see more of my maps on my image>maps folder on my portfolio site.

Jennifer Weiner Titles

I was asked to work on some hand lettered titles for talented designer/illustrator Lizzie Gardiner at Simon & Schuster Publishing. The lettering had to compliment Lizzie's stylish illustrations for an eye catching series of covers for Jennifer Weiner's latest novels. You may have seen the film of her book, In Her Shoes with Cameron Diaz.

The soft brush curves and playful flourishes give the lettering feminine appeal while still being bold and legible enough to stand out on the shelf. There's more in the set - so watch out for them in your local bookstore ...

You can see more of my publishing work in my word>publishing folder on my portfolio website.

BAA Welcome Campaign At Heathrow Airport

I've been working on the lettering for a series of large posters for a BAA Welcome Campaign at Heathrow Airport. The idea is for recognisable London characters to welcome passengers on their arrival - real people rather than models were used - this is a real Guardsman!

So far there have been 11 characters used - you can see the Carnival Queen and Chelsea Pensioner above, followed by the Doorman and the Policeman. I was asked to write the word Welcome in a style to reflect all their different personalities.

These posters can be seen along the Terminal 4 Travelator at Heathrow. So if you're flying into Heathrow this Summer look out for this eye catching series of cheery Londoners! See more posters in my word>advertising folder on my portfolio website.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine's Day!

This design is for a gift card for sale in Europe this Spring. You can see more of my greeting cards in the image>greeting folder on my portfolio site.

Talking Business!

Letter Exchange, the society for professionals in the lettering arts, has asked me to talk about my work this Spring. I'll be giving a brief overview of my career to date - concentrating on the fields of music, publishing, packaging, editorial, advertising and corporate design. I've been working as a professional lettering artist for over 20 years and have been commissioned by a wide range of clients. In that time there's been a radical change in the type of technology used which has meant I've changed from being primarily UK based to competing in a global market.

If you'd like to come along, the talk is on Wed 16th Feb at The Artworkers Guild, 6 Queen Square, London, WC1N 3AT. It starts at 6.30pm and tickets can be bought on the door - members £6, non-members £8 and students £4. I'll be sharing the evening with talented calligrapher Mary Noble who'll also be talking about her work. There will be drinks afterwards if you want to ask any questions or just say hello. If you've never been to the Artworkers Guild, this beautiful building is well worth a visit.

Hope to see you there!

jingle bells ... jingle bells ...

Wishing you all a magical Christmas and an inspirational New Year!

Get the festive spirit with Ruta 40!

Ruta 40 is a supplier of Argentinean boutique wines, all sourced from small and independent bodegas connected by the legendary road. I was asked by the Ruta 40 team to develop a logo to reflect this exciting new venture.

Ruta 40 is the name of the longest road in Argentina. From La Quiaca in the north to Punta Loyola at the southern Atlantic coast, it crosses every significant wine making region in the country and was the inspiration behind the visual work. My client wanted the logo to capture something of the raw beauty and energy of the landscape combined with their own drive and passion for the wine.

Along with the logo, I was asked to provide a set of imagery that could be used alongside it to unify the brand. The starkly beautiful landscape dictated my approach to the illustrations - rough, grainy pen marks for an earthy, textural quality and erratic, organic line work for the twining vines and mesmerising sun.

You can see more of my packaging work and logos on my website.