Catillest

Tumbling through my work, old and new, and everything that inspires me.CatillestTumblr (3.0; @catillest)http://catillest.tumblr.com/Life Drawing<p>I’ve done my fair share of life drawing in the past - at college we used to go every week, and I had a couple of intensive days of it on my foundation course at Wimbledon UAL. I really believe it’s the best way of improving drawing skills, working under different time constraints and challenging my sense of perception. So, with plenty of reasonably priced classes and drop-in sessions (some free!) I scoped one out and gave it a go. It’s been far too long.</p> <p>I found <a href="http://www.meetup.com/lifedrawingsociety/" target="_blank">Central London Life Drawing Society</a> on Meetup, and went along to a session in Camden. It was above a pub and only cost £11 for 2 hours - win win win! It was great, super model and Tony, who led the class, was never obtrusive and gave great feedback if asked.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1939" title="ld4" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld4.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1936" title="ld1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1116"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1937" title="ld2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1938" title="ld3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/ld3.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="479"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/life-drawing/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/29545020136http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/29545020136Thu, 16 Aug 2012 11:32:51 +0100tumblrizeartclasseslife drawingThe Secrets to Success in Illustration<p>I just experienced one of the most useful Saturdays I’ve had in a long time, all thanks to the Association of Illustrators. They held a day of talks on from some very talented and experienced illustrators and people working in the children’s book industry, and I was a lucky crowd member. It’s a scarily competitive world if you step foot down the path of children’s book illustration and publication, but it’s also my dream world. I’m a full time web designer and I’m super fortunate for that to be my day job, but I do still have ambitions to illustrate, especially for kids, and this conference gave me some invaluable advice.</p> <p><a href="http://vegetablefriedrice.com/" target="_blank">Chris Haughton</a> and <a href="http://www.childs-play.com/contributor/boldt_claudia.html" target="_blank">Claudia Boldt</a> were first on the line-up; two award winning illustrators who have recently cracked the industry code. Haughton has this amazing ability to make characters from simple shapes and bright colours that are full of personality and are pretty damn hilarious too. His story about an owl who has fallen out of his tree and lost his mum has just the right about of cute and comedy:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1903" title="ill-2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-2.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="409"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1904" title="ill-3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-3.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="409"/></a></p> <p>Boldt similarly has the ability to make images full of character and have the ability to make both children and adults laugh. She gave some great advice on the importance of making dummy books to show publishers. I also love the fact that she’s embraced non-digital methods of image making, like linocut, and has explored bookbinding, something which is sadly (I think) getting lost now that self-publishing can be done so simply online.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1905" title="ill-4" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-4.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="249"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-5.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1906" title="ill-5" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-5.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="258"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.theaoi.com/blog/?p=636" target="_blank">Fig Taylor</a>, portfolio consultant at the AOI gave a talk which seemed to fill a ridiculous number of pages in my notebook. She really gave some great advice on what to show agents and publishers, and I do feel more confident and motivated in getting my work out. For example, I had no idea how different the European and American markets are, and to really impress publishers your work should ideally work on a universal level. Also, I never realised how different illustration can be for trade purposes to educational. If you want more priceless nuggets of industry secrets I’d check out her <a href="http://www.laurenceking.com/product/how+to+create+a+portfolio+---+get+hired%3A+a+guide+for+graphic+designers+and+illustrators.htm" target="_blank">book</a>.</p> <p>Next up was Deirdre McDermott, picture book publisher for <a href="http://www.walker.co.uk/" target="_blank">Walker Books</a>. I really loved how passionate she was about the books, and it made me remember how important it is to pour my own passion into the illustrations I do.</p> <p>Then lunch. I took this opportunity to visit the <a href="http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/" target="_blank">Whitechapel Gallery</a> seeing as I was so close and I’ve never been before. It was another barrage of inspiration, but I’ll have to save that for another post. After pocketing some more free biscuits, we were back in our seats for <a href="http://alextsmith.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Alex T. Smith</a>, illustrator of <em><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eliot-Jones-Midnight-Superhero-Cottringer/dp/1407105280" target="_blank">Eliot Jones, Midnight Superhero</a></em>, and the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Claude-Holiday-Alex-T-Smith/dp/0340999012/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_4" target="_blank"><em>Claude</em></a> series. I loved hearing about how he finds his inspiration, which ranged from his Grandfather to saucy sea-side postcards to strangers on the street.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-6.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1907" title="ill-6" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-6.jpg" alt="" width="610" height="460"/></a></p> <p>To close the show, the legend that is <a href="http://literature.britishcouncil.org/tony-ross" target="_blank">Tony Ross</a> took the stage. I clearly remember being home sick from school one day, and a cartoon came on, featuring a little princess who needs her potty. The ending had me and my mum in fits of giggles, and she managed to surprise me with the book a little while later.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-71.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1909" title="ill-7" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ill-71.jpg" alt="" width="554" height="558"/></a></p> <p>So I knew he was a pro from that, as well as the <a href="http://www.horridhenry.co.uk/" target="_blank">Horrid Henry</a> series, but I had no idea quite how talented he was – he showed tiny 1” square watercolours he had made for a book published in the 1980’s,<em> <a href="http://ukbookworld.com/book-for-sale/bossomc/127052/stone-bernard-tony-ross-tale-admiral-mouse" target="_blank">The Tale of Admiral Mouse</a>, </em>which blew me away. He was just the perfect example of a legendary illustrator who has been prolific (2,000 books!) and he really made me want that career even more.</p> <p>Enough writing! Time for some drawing :)</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/the-secrets-to-success-in-illustration/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25776337003http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25776337003Sun, 24 Jun 2012 12:26:05 +0100tumblrizeadvicechildren's bookchris haughtonclaudia boldtdeirdre mcdermotttfig taylorhorrid henryillustrationportfoliopublishingtony rosswhitechapel galleryRoyal College of Art Show 2012<p>I was lucky enough to get a guest invite to the opening to the the <a href="http://www.rca.ac.uk/Default.aspx?ContentID=515474&CategoryID=36780" target="_blank">Royal College of Art’s annual summer show</a> (June 20th–July 1st) and thought I might share my favourite find. <a href="http://www.samanthadonaldson.co.uk/" target="_blank">Samantha Donaldson</a> is an incredibly talented artist who specialised in ceramics and glass for her Masters at the RCA. Her curiosity and fascination with rock collections and the interesting cross-sections of volcanic rocks is instantly evident in her work. Rather than trying to re-create the quality of a sliced rock, she goes way beyond this to create something, I think, is a higher/more refined form. As much as I do love a good sparkly geode, there’s something more desirable about these glass objects. It’s like, what rocks should look like in a utopian fantasy world. Anyway, I’ll stop pondering and show you the arts:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/samd1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1894" title="samd1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/samd1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="532"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/samd2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1895" title="samd2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/samd2-1024x681.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="425"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/samd3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1896" title="samd3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/samd3.jpg" alt="" width="922" height="692"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/royal-college-of-art-show-2012/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25588333334http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25588333334Thu, 21 Jun 2012 19:38:56 +0100tumblrizeartartistceramicsexhibitionglassEast London Comic & Arts Festival (ELCAF)<p>This weekend saw the first ever <a href="http://www.elcaf.co.uk/" target="_blank">East London Comic & Arts Festival</a> – and unsurprisingly, it was a massive success. I’m not sure if the organizers expected a queue to form that stretched the entire street, but I definitely didn’t! Luckily we were kept entertained by admiring McBess’s epic mural:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mcbess-590x263.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1882" title="mcbess-590x263" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/mcbess-590x263.jpg" alt="" width="590" height="263"/></a></p> <p>(<a href="http://www.elcaf.co.uk/" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>Anyway, it was well worth it. I walked into an interview with Blexbolex, whose work I was familiar with having seen previous publications via <a href="http://www.nobrow.net/273" target="_blank">Nobrow</a>, and it was great to hear how his illustrated tales came about. I thought it was pretty cool that many of his plots, including his latest book, <a href="http://www.nobrow.net/8403" target="_blank"><em>No Man’s Land</em></a>, come about from the images he creates, as opposed to the other way around. Here’s one illustration from No Man’s Land which I love just as much as a standalone piece:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NMLpre_slide05.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1883" title="NMLpre_slide05" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/NMLpre_slide05.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="466"/></a></p> <p>(<a href="http://www.nobrow.net/8403" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>I’d love to be able to create such deceptively simple illustrations; from geometric shapes and limited colour palettes, that still portray real characters and personality without the need for detailed lines and text.</p> <p>I also caught a series of short interviews with some more illustrators who I’ve had my eye on, and after seeing and hearing them in the flesh I think I love them more!</p> <p>Jack Teagle was one, again I love his use of simple lines and colours that still manage to get across incredibly creative characters and lots of humour.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/autumnposter.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1884" title="autumnposter" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/autumnposter.jpg" alt="" width="670" height="976"/></a></p> <p>(<a href="http://jackteagle.co.uk/" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>His comics are so creative and really do have a universal appeal. I also found it interesting he took inspiration from Mayan gods and legends when creating some of his characters (which feature in his latest comic <em><a href="http://www.nobrow.net/category/comingsoon" target="_blank">Fight 2</a></em>) mainly because I also had fun researching the ancient Mayans for my first zine, <em><a href="http://catillest.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=6&zenid=dc616d6cc9b0ut5r0n4sto1457" target="_blank">A is for Afterlife</a>.</em> My favourite thing about the Teagle has to be his awesome superhero sculptures though!</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/eyeballsculpt_jackteagle.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1885" title="eyeballsculpt_jackteagle" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/eyeballsculpt_jackteagle.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="400"/></a> (<a href="http://www.jackteagle.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p><span style="color: #000000;">I got ridiculously excited when I realised </span><a style="color: #000000;" href="http://www.kristyna.co.uk/About" target="_blank">Kristyna Baczynski</a><span style="color: #000000;"> was one of the artists to be interviewed – I remember finding her work and feeling utterly in love with her style – and super jealous of her talent! I hadn’t seen her as a comic book artist though, and it was great to hear her views on the cross-overs between illustration, comic creation and animation. It’s all story telling really, visually communicating a character or scene or entire plot as effectively as possible. Very inspiring! I couldn’t resist getting my own copies of <em><a href="http://kriski.bigcartel.com/product/nine-lives-pre-order" target="_blank">Nine Lives</a></em>:</span></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Nine_Lives_-_Promo_Image_WEB.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1886" title="Nine_Lives_-_Promo_Image_WEB" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Nine_Lives_-_Promo_Image_WEB.jpg" alt="" width="607" height="1000"/></a></p> <p>and <em><a href="http://kriski.bigcartel.com/product/another-week-seven-days" target="_blank">Another Week, Seven Days</a></em>:</p> <h2> <a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/AWSD_-_Promo_Image.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1887" title="AWSD_-_Promo_Image" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/AWSD_-_Promo_Image.jpg" alt="" width="556" height="1000"/></a></h2> <p>In fact it was difficult to restrain myself from buying something from pretty much every exhibitor’s stall. One who really blew me away was <a href="http://ngngdesign.com/about-us/" target="_blank">No Guts No Glory</a>, a community of artists and a <a href="http://ngngdesign.com/shop/" target="_blank">shop</a> based in Exeter. <a href="http://www.philipharrisillustration.com/" target="_blank">Philip Harris</a> is just one of the talented bunch, and his work was unforgettable:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/191-Philip_Harris_-_Marketplace_Print.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1888" title="191-Philip_Harris_-_Marketplace_Print" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/191-Philip_Harris_-_Marketplace_Print.jpg" alt="" width="383" height="550"/></a> (<a href="http://ngngdesign.com/portfolio/" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>So many more artists I want to shove in, but then that’s what events like this are for – finding new artists to love, share and support. Definitely feel inspired to get comicbook creating!</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/east-london-comic-arts-festival-elcaf/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25380265113http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25380265113Mon, 18 Jun 2012 20:45:06 +0100tumblrizeAnimationcomiccomicbookexhibitfairillustrationlondonPussycat, Pussycat<p>I’m currently working on a series of prints and tees featuring some of my favourite childhood nursery rhymes. It started with my submission to <a href="http://www.doodlersanonymous.com/entry.php?entryID=1754" target="_blank">Doodlers Anonymous’ colouring Book Vol. 2</a> (of which I’m eagerly anticipating the release!)</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/heydiddlediddle-v1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1875" title="heydiddlediddle-v1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/heydiddlediddle-v1.jpg" alt="" width="612" height="792"/></a></p> <p>Still to come are the thrilling tales of <strong>Jack Horner, Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty and Cock Robin</strong>. I have just completed a personal favourite (and very topical, what with the Queen’s Jubilee weekend having just been – unfortunately Catillest was not able to visit her majesty…) But this kitty did! Introducing <strong>Pussycat, Pussycat</strong>:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/pussycat2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1876" title="pussycat2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/pussycat2-723x1024.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="906"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/pussycat-pussycat/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25030358728http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/25030358728Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:23:52 +0100tumblrizecatschildren's bookcompetitionillustrationnursery rhymesA Blessing of Unicorns<p><a href="http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/gswithenbank/collnoun.htm" target="_blank">Collective nouns</a> are fun. Some of my personal favourites:</p> <p>• A mischief of mice</p> <p>• A fall of lambs</p> <p>• A band of gorillas (bet that would sound amazing)</p> <p>• A prickle of porcupines</p> <p>Aaanyway… back to the unicorns! I’ve been working on this repeating pattern (trickier than I thought) and thought I’d give a sneak preview:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Picture-23.png"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1871" title="Picture 23" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Picture-23-1024x640.png" alt="" width="640" height="400"/></a></p> <p>More colours to come! I’d quite like to make it available as a wrapping paper… anyone have a recommendation of where I can get that done?</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/a-blessing-of-unicorns/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/24738855131http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/24738855131Sat, 09 Jun 2012 11:47:18 +0100tumblrizeillustrationpatternrepeating patternunicornsvectorwrapping paperD is for Demonology<p>The fourth installment of my ongoing zine series is here! 25 copies of A4 b/w riso printed goodness. This issue compiles 12 illustrations of demons I made up (previously posted in there beginning stages <a title="Demons in the works…" href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/demons-in-the-works/">here</a>) with a map and bio’s lovingly created for each one. I really enjoyed the process of illustrating these guys – it came at a time when I hadn’t drawn exaclty what I wanted for a while, and had been neglected the pen ‘n’ ink in favour of the Adobe suite. Its also awesome to see them printed, and the risograph printer has done a fantastic job at capturing the fine lines while still keeping its nice hand-made feel.</p> <p>Available to buy of course! Nudge nudge wink wink… <a href="http://catillest.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=11" target="_blank">catillest.com/shop</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-front.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1861" title="demon-front" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-front.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1069"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1860" title="demon-in1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1862" title="demon-in2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="600"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1863" title="demon-in3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in3.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1096"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1864" title="demon-in4" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/demon-in4.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1000"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/d-is-for-demonology/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/23406572226http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/23406572226Sun, 20 May 2012 11:33:41 +0100tumblrizedemonologyillustrationprintingrisographshopzineThe Other Art Fair<p>For once, a worthwhile Groupon purchase! <a href="http://www.theotherartfair.com/portfolio/all/" target="_blank">The Other Art Fair</a> began last year and returned again this week, a fantastic showcase of unrepresented artists, with work that you can actually afford to buy. It’s held in P3 Ambika, Marylebone Road, which was a great space to see, plus it isn’t just art – there’s a bar set up from Le Pain Quotidien (wine makes art even more fun, no?) as well as a stall from <a href="http://www.theotherartfair.com/toms-at-the-other-art-fair/" target="_blank">TOMs</a> where you can design your own shoes! Plus music, talks, tours… basically I recommend you visit while it’s there! You still have today and tomorrow…</p> <p>I didn’t make any purchases, as tempting as that was (especially <a href="http://www.danhillier.com/" target="_blank">Dan Hillier’s</a> beautiful prints) but I did pick up a wad of business cards and postcards from my favourite artists (click through to the artist’s site):</p> <p><a href="http://markpowellartist.com/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1847" title="toaf-markpowell" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-markpowell-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195"/></a> <a href="http://www.keirarathbone.com/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1842" title="toaf-keirarathbone" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-keirarathbone-300x181.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="181"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.timleeart.com/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1845" title="toaf-timlee" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-timlee-733x1024.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="894"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.giorgiogranozio.com/"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1846" title="toaf-giorgiogranozio" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-giorgiogranozio-722x1024.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="907"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.lizziemarycullen.com/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1840" title="toaf-lizziemariecullen" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-lizziemariecullen-300x186.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="186"/></a> <a href="http://rebeccamolloy.co.uk/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1844" title="toaf-rebeccamolloy" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-rebeccamolloy-300x182.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="182"/></a> <a href="http://www.delphinelebourgeois.com/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1841" title="toaf-delphinelebourgeois" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-delphinelebourgeois-e1336840863840.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="460"/></a> <a href="http://kateknight.org/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1843" title="toaf-kateknight" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-kateknight-e1336840939343.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="520"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://ninafowler.com/home.html"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1839" title="toaf-ninafowler" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-ninafowler-300x199.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="199"/></a> <a href="http://www.dameon.co.uk/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1838" title="toaf-damienpriestly" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-damienpriestly-300x146.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="146"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://josephgartell.com/"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1837" title="toaf-josephgartell" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-josephgartell-300x195.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="195"/></a> <a href="http://web.me.com/sunok/Sunok/welcome.html"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1836" title="toaf-sunokkang" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/toaf-sunokkang-300x160.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="160"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/the-other-art-fair/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22909706359http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22909706359Sat, 12 May 2012 17:45:43 +0100tumblrizeartartistsexhibitiongalleryinsplondon'Hypnagogia' by ROA at Stolen Space<p>This bank holiday weekend I headed east to soak up a bit of culture – and do some market shopping. Brick Lane was buzzing; I didn’t think it was possible to simultaneously desired a curry, donut, t-shirt, scarf, leather bag and fried plantain quite so much before. Anyway, I distracted myself from spending my months wages by checking out the <a href="http://www.stolenspace.com/" target="_blank">Stolen Space gallery</a>, in the Old Truman Brewery. Stolen Space has featured some of my very <a href="http://www.stolenspace.com/section.php?xSec=463&xPage=1" target="_blank">favourite artists</a> and ROA is definitely up there with the best of ‘em.</p> <p>His style is super distinct, and I’ve noticed his work countless times on the streets of East London, but he’s painted in cities all over the world. Scroll away through <a href="http://roaweb.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">this beaut</a> to see some of it. This show explores a transitional state between the conscious and unconscious, and we see sleeping animals, as well as animal carcasses and bones. ROA sources found objects from each environment he comes to, and brings these into his work, and the animals featured in this are all typically found on the streets of London.</p> <p>The pieces that seemed most central are the ones of animals painted on a collection of wooden cabinets, which open in various ways to reveal the inside/cross section of that creature. I loved the interactivity of the space and the odd collection of found objects on display. There’s something so beautiful about delicate bird skulls and feathers. I also got a feeling like I was invading one of these street animals homes. I mean, the streets are technically their homes but they don’t solely belong to them… this space felt like it <em>belonged</em> to those animals.</p> <p>The show also supports the release of his first artist book ‘<a href="http://www.whitewallssf.com/blog/2011/11/roa-an-introduction-to-animal-representation/" target="_blank">Roa: An Introduction to Animal Representation’.</a> It has ended now but you can find ROA’s work in plenty of places; if you’re in London you can check out the birdies on <a href="http://g.co/maps/5vnf9" target="_blank">Pedley Street</a> and the insides of a bunny on <a href="http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=curtain+road+london&hl=en&ll=51.524499,-0.080338&spn=0.009065,0.022724&sll=51.522897,-0.066605&sspn=0.009119,0.022724&gl=uk&hnear=Curtain+Rd,+London,+United+Kingdom&t=m&z=16" target="_blank">Curtain Road</a>.</p> <p>[gallery link=”file”]</p> <p> </p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/hypnagogia-by-roa-at-stolen-space/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22771814052http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22771814052Thu, 10 May 2012 09:54:39 +0100tumblrizeanimalsgallerygrafittiinspirationlondonstreet arturbanV&A: British Design 1948-2012 (part 2)<p>Following up from <a title="V&A: British Design 1948-2012 (part 1)" href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/va-british-design-1948-2012-part-1/">Part 1</a>, I present you with more British design-candy for them eyes:</p> <p><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/diad/article.php?title=233&year=1968&article=d.233.30"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1798" title="vna8" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna8.jpg" alt="" width="744" height="1024"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.vads.ac.uk/diad/article.php?title=233&year=1968&article=d.233.30" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.textilesociety.org.uk/events/event-details.php?textile-event=137" target="_blank">Shirley Craven</a> ‘Simple Solar’ fabric</p> <p><a href="http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-sources-of-psychedelic-art/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1800" title="vna9" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna9.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="857"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/the-sources-of-psychedelic-art/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Sharp" target="_blank">Martin Sharp</a> ‘Mr Tambourine Man’ poster</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna10.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1801" title="vna10" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna10.jpg" alt="" width="312" height="450"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=12045&xSec=558&navlock=1" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Maybury" target="_blank">John Maybury</a> ‘Even to spark out now would be no pain’ poster</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna11.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1802" title="vna11" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna11.jpg" alt="" width="432" height="500"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.1000top.com.tw/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.brazier-jones.com/profile.aspx" target="_blank">Mark Brazier Jones</a> ‘Lyre Chair’</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna12.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1803" title="vna12" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna12.jpg" alt="" width="440" height="302"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.barneybubbles.com/blog/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://barneybubbles.com/" target="_blank">Barney Bubbles</a> ‘Blockheads on Tour’ poster</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna13.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1804" title="vna13" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna13.jpg" alt="" width="569" height="361"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.elleuk.com/fashion/news/v-a-shows-the-best-of-british-fashion-and-design" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.philiptreacy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Philip Treacy</a> - Orchid hats</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna14.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1805" title="vna14" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna14.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="1023"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://sixsixsick.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/hats-off-to-stephen-jones.html" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Jones_%28milliner%29" target="_blank">Stephen Jones</a> – Myra Hat</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zZ2-9v3YfY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zZ2-9v3YfY</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna15.png"><img title="vna15" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna15.png" alt="" width="500" height="351"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://blog.ounodesign.com/2011/08/07/playplax/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.retrowow.co.uk/retro_britain/toys_and_games/playplax.php" target="_blank">Patrick Rylands</a> - Playpex</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/va-british-design-1948-2012-part-2/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22647113383http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22647113383Tue, 08 May 2012 12:04:04 +0100tumblrizedesignexhibitioninspirationlondonDirectors Chair Upcycled<p>This chair has been around since I was wee – back when my sis fancied herself as the next Spielberg. Moving into my room (furnished with just a shelf and a wardrobe) I did realise bed frames are not a necessity, but a desk and decent chair is. Unwilling to spend any more at Ikea (<a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/20210894/" target="_blank">this</a> just depresses me) I got this chair dug from the recesses of the Neligan attic – a terrifying place on the sunniest of days.</p> <p>Portable, foldable, no plastic – and quite literally a blank canvas (the back and seat are canvas…) I got to work on jazzing it up. Result:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/chaibk2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1794" title="chaibk2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/chaibk2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1067"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/chaibk3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1795" title="chaibk3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/chaibk3.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="400"/></a></p> <p><strong>What do you think? Does anyone else have an upcycled chair story to share?</strong></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/directors-chair-upcycled/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22439422003http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22439422003Sat, 05 May 2012 12:03:23 +0100tumblrizecraftdiypaintingupcycledV&A: British Design 1948-2012 (part 1)<p>With the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics taking place this year, it’s a pretty exciting year to hail from the Kingdom of GB. Boosting national pride that bit further is the <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">V&A</a>, which currently has a <a href="http://www.vam.ac.uk/" target="_blank">fantastic exhibit on British Design</a> from the past 64 years. I love the V&A a silly amount (simple explanation: it’s the ultimate place to see lots of stuff for free) and when it holds a paid entry exhibit, you know its going to be a cracker.</p> <p>No photography allowed but I took copious notes on designers to look up and add to my collection of amazing people. Now to show just a <em>few</em> (I lie… I got a little carried away, so there will be a part 2…) of the works by these incredible Brits:</p> <p><a href="http://designmuseum.org/design/jock-kinneir-margaret-calvert"><img class=" wp-image-1786 alignnone" title="vna3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna3.jpg" alt="" width="482" height="417"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.designweek.co.uk/home/blog/award-winning-british-design/3033529.article" target="_blank">source </a></p> <p>Children Crossing road sign – <a href="http://designmuseum.org/design/jock-kinneir-margaret-calvert" target="_blank">John Kinneir and Margaret Calvert</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lfhilluminatingbrands.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/southbank-centre-is-currently.html"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1788" title="vna4" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna4.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="691"/></a><a href="http://lfhilluminatingbrands.blogspot.co.uk/2011/05/southbank-centre-is-currently.html" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p>Festival of Britain – poster artists: <a href="http://www.abramgames.com/bb.htm" target="_blank">Abram Games</a>, <a href="http://vintageposterblog.com/2011/05/16/cigarettes-germs-and-paper/" target="_blank">Reginald Mount</a>, <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/house-and-home/interiors/designer-marriage-robin-and-lucienne-day-2312443.html" target="_blank">Robin Day</a> (also part of textile furnishing design team/marriage with Lucienne Day)</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1789" title="vna5" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna5.jpg" alt="" width="760" height="551"/></a><a href="http://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O110796/furnishing-fabric-plankton/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerald_Holtom" target="_blank">Gerald Holtom</a> – Plankton</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna6.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1790" title="vna6" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna6-801x1024.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="818"/></a><a href="http://countrylivinged.com/2012/04/21/inspired-by-british-design/" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.planetslade.com/masquerade1.html" target="_blank">Kit Williams</a> ‘Hare Jewel’ (<a href="http://www.thefoolsparadise.com/masquerade/bitter-end.htm" target="_blank">Masquerade</a>)</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna7.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-1791" title="vna7" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/vna7-988x1024.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="663"/></a><a href="http://www.johnmakepeacefurniture.com/john-makepeace-furniture-designer-maker-sylvan-chairs.html" target="_blank">source</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.johnmakepeacefurniture.com/" target="_blank">John Makepeace</a> ‘Sylvan Chair’</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/va-british-design-1948-2012-part-1/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22125588279http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/22125588279Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:42:14 +0100tumblrizedesignexhibitioninspirationlondonLearning Linocut<p>Recently I had a birthday. Woop woop and all that. One of my presents was a starter kit for Linocut printing – and I have every intention to get some use out of it (rather than adding it to the list of birthday presents that never made it past the honeymoon period). So, introducing Cat the linocutter! Ahem…</p> <p>My reasons for wanting this new skill in the first place:</p> <p>1) I like the idea of hands-on printing. Screen-printing was damn good fun to learn, and I intend to do much more of it – when finances allow of course. At the <a title="Pick Me Up" href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/pick-me-up/" target="_blank">Pick Me Up</a> exhibition I recently visited, I saw a table of linocuts where you were invited to make your own print – a charming idea and they were very cute stamp-like prints.</p> <p>2) I want to start selling some more items in the shop, in particular prints, greeting cards and there’s no reason I couldn’t transfer some designs onto tees, totes, cushion covers… Ooh I’m giddy thinking about the possibilities. The way I figure, it will be cheaper than sending things off to print, and I love the fact I’ll have done it all myself.</p> <p>3) I love woodcuts. My university course fully taught me the greatness of the printing arts and it’s nice that in this pixelated era there are still people keeping them alive. Like this pro, <a href="http://againstthewoodgrain.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Alex Gillies</a>:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/alex2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1750" title="alex2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/alex2.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="1024"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/alex1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1751" title="alex1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/alex1.jpg" alt="" width="767" height="1022"/></a></p> <p>I figure linoleum is cheaper (possibly more eco-friendly!?) than wood and an easier thing to cut into with my bargain tools. So, a good starting point.</p> <p>I also thought – before I begin on my gouged path – to learn me a bit of history about Linocutting. Die Brücke, a group of <a title="German expressionist" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_expressionist">German expressionist</a> artists are the ones responsible for fooling around with linoleum and</p> <p>Their aim was to create art that would ridge the gap between the past and the future - hence the name ‘Die Brücke’ - literally ‘the bridge’ in German. So while they appreciated the work of past great’s such as <a title="Albrecht Dürer" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer">Albrecht Dürer</a>, they also had an affinity towards the contemporary <a title="Avant-garde" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avant-garde">avant-garde</a> movements happening at the same time. I would assume most artists, especially now, look both to the past and keep their eye on the present, in order to create something new and move forward – at least I know I try to. Hopefully my linocuts will achieve something like this… and not just become a thing of birthday present’s past ;)</p> <p>Here are some other lovely lino finds I’ve discovered for a little inspiration:</p> <p>[caption id=”attachment_1769” align=”aligncenter” width=”600” caption=”Landon Sheely ‘Feejee Mermaid’”]<a href="http://society6.com/LandonSheely/Feejee-Mermaid"><img class="size-full wp-image-1769" title="landon1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/landon1.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="800"/></a>[/caption]</p> <p>[caption id=”attachment_1770” align=”aligncenter” width=”568” caption=”Schra ‘Abstract Tree’”]<a href="http://schra.deviantart.com/art/Abstract-Tree-1-50589378"><img class="size-full wp-image-1770" title="Abstract_Tree_1_by_schra" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Abstract_Tree_1_by_schra.jpg" alt="" width="568" height="800"/></a>[/caption]</p> <p>[caption id=”attachment_1773” align=”aligncenter” width=”600” caption=”Banana Paste ‘Good Luck’”]<a href="http://banana-paste.deviantart.com/art/goodluck-53478687"><img class="size-full wp-image-1773" title="goodluck_by_banana_paste" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/goodluck_by_banana_paste.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="800"/></a>[/caption]</p> <p>[caption id=”attachment_1775” align=”aligncenter” width=”600” caption=”ROTTeneggy ‘Gear Matrix’”]<a href="http://rotteneggy.deviantart.com/art/gearmatrix-L1-55390391"><img class="size-full wp-image-1775" title="gearmatrix_L1_by_ROTTeneggy" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/gearmatrix_L1_by_ROTTeneggy1.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="604"/></a>[/caption]</p> <p>[caption id=”attachment_1776” align=”aligncenter” width=”600” caption=”Graven Images 426 ‘Prehistoric’”]<a href="http://graven-images-426.deviantart.com/art/Prehistoric-56280910"><img class="size-full wp-image-1776" title="Prehistoric_by_graven_images_426" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Prehistoric_by_graven_images_426.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="433"/></a>[/caption]</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/learning-linocut/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21638530564http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21638530564Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:32:55 +0100tumblrizelinocutlinoprintnew mediaprintingscreenprintingLet's have a Tee Party!<p>I’m such a fan of <a href="http://www.ohhdeer.com/catalog" target="_blank">Ohh Deer’s products</a> and artists who contribute to the collective. Naturally, I want to be a part of this awesomeness so got straight to work when I heard about their <a href="http://www.ohhdeer.com/competitions/tee-party" target="_blank">Tee Party competition</a>. The winner gets their t-shirt design printed and sold in their store! Winning and glory aside, I’d love to get this printed for the summer either way, and would love to know what people think. You can check it out <a href="http://www.ohhdeer.com/competitions/tee-party/844/summer-loving" target="_blank">here</a> – and I’d be ever so grateful for a little tweet or thumbs up while you’re at it! ;)</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ohhdeer.com/competitions/tee-party/844/summer-loving"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1780" title="catillest-summer-loving" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/catillest-summer-loving.jpg" alt="" width="795" height="530"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/lets-have-a-tee-party/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21587033880http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21587033880Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:29:13 +0100tumblrizecompetitionillustrationshopt-shirtPatterns for all!<p>The sunshine is putting me in a generous mood… so why not giveaway some repeating patterns from the Catillest archive?</p> <p><strong>Five Free Fridays!</strong></p> <p>Each Friday for the next 5 weeks I’ll be making a pattern available – free to use on websites, blogs… just keep up the karma with a link back to the <a href="http://www.catillest.com/portfolio/pattern/pattern.html" target="_blank">creator</a> ;)</p> <p>Starting with… Tree Cat! In the .zip you’ll get 5 colour alternatives of the pattern, enjoy! <a href="http://catillest.com/freebies/catillest_treecat.zip" target="_blank">Download here</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://catillest.com/freebies/catillest_treecat.zip"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1762" title="treecat1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/treecat1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="1024"/></a></p> <p>All patterns in <a title="Free Stuff" href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/free-stuff/" target="_blank">Five Free Fridays</a>.</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/patterns-for-all/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21429126203http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21429126203Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:11:22 +0100tumblrizefive free fridaysfreepatternCharles Bukowski (1920–1994)<p>I could write an essay on why I love this man’s writing, but all I want to do is share what I think will convince you of his genius:</p> <p>1. He was an epic poet.</p> <h2>The Genius Of The Crowd</h2> <p>there is enough treachery, hatred violence absurdity in the average<br/> human being to supply any given army on any given day</p> <p>and the best at murder are those who preach against it<br/> and the best at hate are those who preach love<br/> and the best at war finally are those who preach peace</p> <p>those who preach god, need god<br/> those who preach peace do not have peace<br/> those who preach peace do not have love</p> <p>beware the preachers<br/> beware the knowers<br/> beware those who are always reading books<br/> beware those who either detest poverty<br/> or are proud of it<br/> beware those quick to praise<br/> for they need praise in return<br/> beware those who are quick to censor<br/> they are afraid of what they do not know<br/> beware those who seek constant crowds for<br/> they are nothing alone<br/> beware the average man the average woman<br/> beware their love, their love is average<br/> seeks average</p> <p>but there is genius in their hatred<br/> there is enough genius in their hatred to kill you<br/> to kill anybody<br/> not wanting solitude<br/> not understanding solitude<br/> they will attempt to destroy anything<br/> that differs from their own<br/> not being able to create art<br/> they will not understand art<br/> they will consider their failure as creators<br/> only as a failure of the world<br/> not being able to love fully<br/> they will believe your love incomplete<br/> and then they will hate you<br/> and their hatred will be perfect</p> <p>like a shining diamond<br/> like a knife<br/> like a mountain<br/> like a tiger<br/> like hemlock</p> <p>their finest art</p> <p><em>Charles Bukowski</em></p> <p>2. This book will make you love your job.</p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Post-Office-Charles-Bukowski/dp/0753518163/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334487199&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Post Office</a></p> <p>3. There’s a film about him (I’d suggest watching this after you’ve read some of his stuff and decided how much you love/loath it)</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwMwej1W6Kg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwMwej1W6Kg</a></p> <p>4. His gravestone reads ‘Don’t Try’. He explained this line (from one of his poems): <strong><em>“Somebody at one of these places […] asked me: ‘What do you do? How do you write, create?’ You don’t, I told them. You don’t try. That’s very important: ‘not’ to try, either for Cadillacs, creation or immortality. You wait, and if nothing happens, you wait some more. It’s like a bug high on the wall. You wait for it to come to you. When it gets close enough you reach out, slap out and kill it. Or if you like its looks you make a pet out of it.”</em></strong></p> <p>So I made this:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/donttry-v1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1766" title="donttry-v1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/donttry-v1.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="990"/></a></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/charles-bukowski-1920-1994/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21263157155http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21263157155Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:47:37 +0100tumblrizebookscharles bukowskifilmliteraturepoetryNinety's Nickelodeon Nostalgia<p>Confession time. I had a serious addiction to Nickelodeon, the children’s TV channel, between the ages of 6–12. Before school I could get through a couple of cartoon over breakfast, and after school I would pack in 3 solid hours of Nick until the dinner – which would happily coincide with the last show on air each day. At the weekends I would try to get away another 3–4 per day, depending on external family TV preferences (often these situations would end in tears and tantrums. I blame no one.) The worst part is I wasn’t just watching new cartoons – a new series would be great news and all but I was happy (possibly more comforted) by the repeats. I could replay episodes in real time in my head if I got bored… Basically when not entranced by the screen.</p> <p>Anyway, it didn’t do me any harm right? Yes, I had a seriously under-active childhood (I blame my weedyness and dyspraxic tendencies on this) and yes, my eyesight is below average… but in return, I have an ability to create odd cartoon creatures with a level of personality (I hope). Even the specific lumpyness <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klasky_Csupo">Klasky Csupo</a>’s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugrats" target="_blank">Rugrats</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaahh!!!_Real_Monsters" target="_blank">Aaahh!!! Real Monsters</a> has fed its way into what I think is my ‘style’… very much a thing that will continue to change but I do naturally fall back into this particular line style:</p> <p>Without further ado, here’s a little rundown of my most watched and loved shows:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nicktoons.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1754" title="nicktoons" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/nicktoons.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="988"/></a></p> <p>1. <strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doug" target="_blank"><em>Doug</em></a></strong></p> <p>The first show to be aired on Nickelodeon back in 1991, along with <em><a title="Rugrats" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugrats">Rugrats</a></em> and <em><a title="The Ren & Stimpy Show" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ren_%26_Stimpy_Show">The Ren & Stimpy Show</a></em>. I loved the shaky quality to it, especially in the earlier episodes. And Doug was such a sensitive soul… no wonder <a href="http://guyism.com/entertainment/tv/the-6-most-feared-bullies-in-nickelodeon-history.html/attachment/roger-klotz-doug" target="_blank">Roger</a> had it in for him. And the names! Skeeter. Patti Mayonnaise. Porkchop the Dog! Awesome. Don’t mention the Disney series of it. Cartoon characters should not have to grow up. They are a constant. Hence my love of repeats… Check out creator Jim Jenkins current studio, <a href="http://www.cartoonpizza.com/1.html" target="_blank">Cartoon Pizza</a> (cute flash site).</p> <p>2. <em><strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rugrats" target="_blank">Rugrats</a></strong></em></p> <p>Close behind Doug on that blessed first day of Nick; this was actually my gateway to the channel as I got into it on Saturday mornings on terrestrial TV (hating it at first… oddly fickle child) and then loving it and discovering I could watch multiple episodes EVERY DAY on Cable. As I said, the masterminds behind it, <a title="Arlene Klasky" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlene_Klasky">Arlene Klasky</a> and <a title="Gábor Csupó" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%A1bor_Csup%C3%B3">Gábor Csupo </a>clearly have had a massive influence on my work and I’m still amazed at their achievements and creations (they’re also part of the team behind the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Simpsons_shorts" target="_blank">original Simpsons shorts</a>… <3)</p> <p>3. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aaahh!!!_Real_Monsters" target="_blank"><em><strong>Aaahh!!! Real Monsters</strong></em></a></p> <p>Another epic cartoon from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klasky_Csupo">Klasky Csupo</a>. Never 100% happy about <a href="http://sexyuglypeople.wordpress.com/2010/09/27/oblina/" target="_blank">Oblina</a>’s voice but the general idea of the show was perfection. And the style of animation was even lumpier and squidgier (new words, always good) than Rugrats – plus a show about monsters is always going to be a little darker and more appealing to me than, well, babies.</p> <p>4. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rocko%27s_Modern_Life" target="_blank"><em><strong>Rocko’s Modern Life</strong></em></a></p> <p>He’s a wallaby with an Australian accent. He has a dog named <em>Spunky</em> (always messes with my head when animals own pet animals… it’s like the concept of infinity. I try not to think about it). His best friends include an obese cow and a shy turtle. This show embraces stereotypes and lets face it, kids LOVE a good stereotype. I’ve just found <a href="http://www.kaboingtv.com/" target="_blank">KaboingTV</a> is the creator, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Murray_%28animator%29" target="_blank">Joe Lawrence’</a>s most recent project and it’s definitely worth a looksee.</p> <p>5. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ren_%26_Stimpy_Show" target="_blank"><em><strong>The Ren and Stimpy Show</strong></em></a></p> <p>AS IF I could leave this bad boy off my list. It still shocks me today and I literally have no clue how it was ever aired as a show for kids. I did give the adult version, a go, but come on – was it not extreme enough without the swears, über violence and romantic relationship between my lovable cat and dog duo!? A bit OTT but worth a look. I love you, <a title="John Kricfalusi" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Kricfalusi">John Kricfalusi</a>, ya crazy nut.</p> <p>6. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kablam!" target="_blank"><strong><em>Kablam!</em></strong></a></p> <p>One of my later Nick loves, this was a cool concept show – comic book style, lots of shorts (kind of like Robot Chicken I suppose) and presented by cartoon characters <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kablam!#Henry_and_June" target="_blank">Henry and June.</a> Wasn’t convinced all of their characters and shorts, but I still enjoy these ones:</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azTEw_IDh18">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azTEw_IDh18</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMu4KJ8Zo5w">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMu4KJ8Zo5w</a></p> <p>Hope you enjoyed my trip down fuzzy memory lane!</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Nickelodeon_Splat_Logo.gif"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1755" title="Nickelodeon_Splat_Logo" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Nickelodeon_Splat_Logo.gif" alt="" width="400" height="300"/></a></p> <p> </p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/ninetys-nickelodeon-nostalgia/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21090404640http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/21090404640Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:58:47 +0100tumblrizeAnimationcartooninspirationNickelodeonTVPick Me Up<p><a href="http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/pick-me-up-2012" target="_blank">Pick Me Up</a> is a showcase of some of the freshest talent from designers and illustrators worldwide, held at Somerset House, and 2012 was it’s 3rd year running. I went last year too, and it was literally the biggest eye-feast I may have ever had. Some of my favourite creators were all shown in one place, I could talk to people who worked in fantastic studios and buy some reasonably priced arts. Love.</p> <p>This year was just as eyegasm-inducing, and I spotted even more of my top designers’ works – I’m such a graphic groupie. (<a href="http://www.zimandzou.fr/" target="_blank">Zim and Zou</a>, <a href="http://www.anthonyburrill.com/" target="_blank">Anthony Burrill</a>, <a href="http://www.siscottstudio.com/" target="_blank">Si Scott</a>…) Some of my new finds included the following:</p> <p><a href="http://www.nikipilkington.com/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Niki Pilkington</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.nikipilkington.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.nikipilkington.com">www.nikipilkington.com</a></a></p> <p>The stats: First Class Ba (Hons) Degree : Fashion Promotion/Illustration from Ravensbourne Academy of Design & Communication</p> <p>Clients Include: TOPSHOP, Crabtree & Evelyn, UGG, Laurence King Publishing, ELLE, Psypop, MTV, Ted Baker…</p> <p>Seething. But that’s what you get for producing beauties like these:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/niki-2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1735" title="niki-2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/niki-2-744x1024.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="880"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://mcdonaghillustration.com/" target="_blank"><em><strong>Tim Mcdonagh</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://mcdonaghillustration.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.mcdonaghillustration.com">www.mcdonaghillustration.com</a></a></p> <p>Tim is an illustrator based in Brighton, and holds the title of Best D&AD New Blood 2010 no less. So much of what I do (or try to do) aspires to his level of intricacy and fantasy-like visions.</p> <p><a href="http://www.tim-mcdonagh.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Check out his blog</a> for some delectable free wallpapers.</p> <p>His blog also taught me my new favourite word: <a href="http://wordsmith.org/words/petrichor.html" target="_blank">petrichor</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tim1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1736" title="tim1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tim1.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="508"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tim2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1737" title="tim2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tim2.jpg" alt="" width="680" height="835"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tim3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-1738" title="tim3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/tim3-1024x756.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="472"/></a></p> <p><em><strong><a href="http://www.kristjanaswilliams.com/" target="_blank">Kristjana S Williams</a></strong></em></p> <p><a href="http://www.kristjanaswilliams.com/" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.kristjanaswilliams.com">www.kristjanaswilliams.com</a></a></p> <p>Born in Iceland, a graduate of Central St Martins, and now the creative director at <a href="http://www.beyondthevalley.com/collection/" target="_blank">Beyond The Valley</a> (London fashion/design shop). Not only can you see her work on prints, but she’s also made it onto products such as silk scarves and tea trays – and it makes everything beautiful. I don’t need a tea tray, but if I did it would have this printed all over it:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kris3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1740" title="kris3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kris3.jpg" alt="" width="521" height="302"/></a></p> <p>I also love this quote from her I found:</p> <p><strong><em>‘Sometimes you see something so absolutely the opposite of your usual style that it stops you in your tracks and makes you smile. And perhaps even makes you question what you thought you liked.’</em></strong></p> <p>So true about her work, compared to many others I saw at Pick Me Up, her wall was clearly one that was grabbing people and keeping them gawking.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kris2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1741" title="kris2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/kris2.jpg" alt="" width="521" height="353"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zeloot.nl/main/index.html" target="_blank"><em><strong>Zeloot</strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.zeloot.nl/main/index.html" target="_blank"><a href="http://www.zeloot.nl">www.zeloot.nl</a></a></p> <p>Zeloot is a Dutch designer and illustrator with an impressive range of work; in particular her gig posters are amongst the best I’ve ever seen. Recently I’ve managed to produce some for a club night, and seeing these made me realise how high I need to set the bar:</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zeloot1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1742" title="zeloot1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zeloot1.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="600"/></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zeloot2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1743" title="zeloot2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/zeloot2.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="600"/></a></p> <p>Can’t wait for next year’s show!</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/pick-me-up/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/20478505387http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/20478505387Wed, 04 Apr 2012 20:19:36 +0100tumblrizeexhibitioninspirationprintscreenprintingstudioA Prescription from Dr Seuss<p>Stumbling around the interwebs on a sleepy Saturday morning, I found a heart-warming-mind-motivating-soul-soothing illustration of 30 Dr Seuss quotes:</p> <p><a href="http://www.mamiverse.com/30-dr-seuss-quotes-to-live-by-4920/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1724" title="30DrSeuss_quotes" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/30DrSeuss_quotes.jpg" alt="" width="620" height="1900"/></a></p> <p>So much better than ‘Keep calm and drink tea’ etc etc. So that put me on a Dr Seuss appreciation hunt, and I think I’ve found a new love. Quite a character. For proof, here are my</p> <h2><strong><em><span style="color: #800000;">Seven Somethings about Dr Seuss</span></em></strong></h2> <p>1) He literally wore a thinking cap</p> <p>2) He made motivational war films during WWII, one won an Oscar (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_for_Death" target="_blank">Design for Death</a>.) He did have an unhealthily racist approach to Japanese people unfortunately. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Job_in_Japan" target="_blank"><em>Our Job in Japan</em></a> was apparently rejected for showing the Japanese in too positive a light (really? You can watch <a href="http://archive.org/details/OurJobInJapan1945" target="_blank">here</a> and be the judge.)</p> <p>3) He had some strong social and political views which are evident in many of his works: <em><a title="The Lorax" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lorax">The Lorax</a></em> (1971), about environmentalism and <a title="Anti-consumerism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-consumerism">anti-consumerism</a>; <em><a title="The Sneetches and Other Stories" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sneetches_and_Other_Stories">The Sneetches</a></em> (1961), about racial equality; <em><a title="The Butter Battle Book" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Butter_Battle_Book">The Butter Battle Book</a></em> (1984), about the arms race; <em><a title="Yertle the Turtle" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yertle_the_Turtle">Yertle the Turtle</a></em> (1958), about <a title="Hitler" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hitler">Hitler</a> and <a title="Anti-authoritarianism" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-authoritarianism">anti-authoritarianism</a>; <em><a title="How the Grinch Stole Christmas" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/How_the_Grinch_Stole_Christmas">How the Grinch Stole Christmas</a></em> (1957), criticizing the materialism and consumerism of the Christmas season; and <em><a title="Horton Hears a Who!" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horton_Hears_a_Who%21">Horton Hears a Who!</a></em> (1950), about anti-isolationism and internationalism. (<a href="http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2002/12/23/021223crat_atlarge?currentPage=all" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qkqzdgL3wo&feature=related">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qkqzdgL3wo&feature=related</a></p> <p>4) His full name was Theodor (Ted) Seuss Geisel and Seuss is in fact pronounced to rhyme with ‘voice’, a funny poem was written by one of his collaborators, Alexander Liang:</p> <dl><dd><strong><em>You’re wrong as the deuce</em></strong></dd> <dd><strong><em>And you shouldn’t rejoice</em></strong></dd> <dd><strong><em>If you’re calling him Seuss</em></strong></dd> <dd><strong><em>He pronounces it Zoice</em></strong></dd> </dl><p>5) His mother was a top-class pie seller, and would memorise the names of the pies that were on special each day, chanting them to her customers. Seuss, famous for frequent use of <a title="Foot (prosody)" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foot_%28prosody%29">trisyllabic meter</a>, credited his mother “for the rhythms in which I write and the urgency with which I do it.”</p> <p>6) Had no children of his own :( which is amazing considering how well he seemed to know how to write so well for them - lovely quote from him “You make ‘em; I’ll amuse ‘em.”</p> <p>7) <em><a title="The Cat in the Hat" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Cat_in_the_Hat">The Cat in the Hat</a></em>, Seuss’ biggest seller to date, came about because of an article published in Life Magazine about illiteracy amongst school children. It was believed children were finding books too… boring. William Ellsworth Spaulding, an education director, formed a list of words he felt most important for young children to know. It was Seuss’ task to cut the list down and create a book that “children can’t put down”. With 9 months in Seuss’ creative oven and just 236 of the original 348 words, <em>The Cat in the Hat</em> was born.</p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/a-prescription-from-dr-seuss/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/20221415071http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/20221415071Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:38:21 +0100tumblrizechildren's bookDr SeussinspirationpoliticsThe Scaredy Cat(illest) Challenge Part 1<p>This challenge was inspired by an article in the first issue of <a title="Zines in the mail" href="http://www.lionheart-mag.com/" target="_blank">Lionheart Magazine</a>, (<a title="Zines in the mail" href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/zines-in-the-mail/" target="_blank">full review here</a>) entiteled ‘7 Steps to Utter Fearlessness’. Freya Hardy set herself a series of challenges to complete in order to prevent her inner scaredy cat taking over (including trying jellied eels, catching a spider and walking a scarily big dog) and she did indeed tackle all of these like a true lionhearted gal. I plan to do the same. It’s like the anti-bucket list – things I don’t actually want to do. But hopefully I’ll be better for it afterwards. Or just a shaking bag of nerves from the trauma…</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1713" title="f1" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f1.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="640"/></a></p> <p><strong>1. Go Swimming.</strong></p> <p>Ok so I used to know how to swim, I swear! But somewhere along the line (not enough beach holidays clearly) I lost my swim skills. I can just about keep afloat and splash my way around… but once I’m out of my depth (and breath) I hoist myself out and dry off lickety split. This won’t do. I’m getting swimming lessons after Easter and will go for a paddle every week. Armbands may or may not be involved…</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1714" title="f2" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f2.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="424"/></a></p> <p><strong>3. Hand out some Catillest promo material</strong></p> <p>I’ve made plans to do this on countless weekends but I can come up with some pretty elaborate excuses as to why I can’t possibly do it each time. The weather certainly isn’t an excuse now, so I will be littering London with some shameless paper promo soon. Who knows, may be if I put a hat on the floor I could make some cash on the side.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1715" title="f3" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f3.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="720"/></a></p> <p><strong>3. Wear a skirt with no tights</strong></p> <p>I’m such a tight fiend. The weather rarely gets hot enough to warrant shedding them, but I have a silly fear of showing my pasty legs in the summer. Time to start stocking up on the ‘gradual summer tan’ creams and get them calves out!</p> <p><strong>4. Ban teh interwebs after work for one week</strong></p> <p>This scares me shirtless. Obviously I need to check mail and research certain things (and blog of course) but I (like many others) get sidetracked way too much online, and can spend a full evening on a fruitless quest from link to link, not really gaining or achieving anything useful. My evenings will be so productive in this week… Or I’ll just stay at work late and go to bed early.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f4.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1716" title="f4" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f4.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="674"/></a></p> <p><strong>5. Go to a gig alone</strong></p> <p>I can definitely tolerate my own company. Sometimes I prefer it even. But only in certain tasks (travelling, working, arting… ) anything super fun I like to enjoy with people. Eating in a nice restaurant or seeing a film alone were other options for this task – but babysteps are necessary, at least for Challenge Part 1. Oh and I need to get involved too, that means befriending strangers and not pretending to look busy on my phone. Yeah, I’m waiting for my pals… naaat.</p> <p><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f5.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1717" title="f5" src="http://www.catillest.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/f5.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="706"/></a></p> <p><strong>6. Ride a Boris Bike</strong></p> <p>In general I do want to start cycling, but like the swimming task, I haven’t done this since I was 7 and I may have lost the ability. I know, I know, once you learn you’ll have the skill forever… but I really am a little special. More babysteps, and Boris Bikes seem to be pretty <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p2AgQ_7aTfo/T1kYL-pSsSI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/--nZ33PuprY/s1600/boris-bike.jpg" target="_blank">foolproof</a>.</p> <p><strong>7. Get a colonic</strong></p> <p>I’ve only heard good things about enemas. Seriously. Did you know the Ancient Egyptians used to practice colon cleansing? Well if they did it, it must be a good idea. They worshipped cats.</p> <p><strong>8. Get a (full) bikini wax</strong></p> <p>I may even go as far to say french, but I’ll see how my (pathetically low) pain threshold is coping. the main fear here is the going to a salon part and letting some beautician pimp my pussy. I’ll leave my pride at the door (well, if I do this after the colonic it will already have been flushed down the pooper…)</p> <p>Wish me luck!</p> <p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong>Are there any scary challenges you’d like to fear? Post ‘em below!</strong></span></p> <p class="tumblrize-permalink"><a href="http://www.catillest.com/blog/the-scaredy-catillest-challenge-part-1/" title="Go to original post at Catillest Design Blog" rel="bookmark">Original Article</a></p>http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/19888334989http://catillest.tumblr.com/post/19888334989Sun, 25 Mar 2012 12:50:32 +0100tumblrizebraverychallengefearlessproductivityscarytask