Festive Forbes of Kingennie

festive brochure web I’m always inspired in the great outdoors so being asked to create an illustration for Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort Festive Brochure was perfect match for me and my work. 

They wanted to do something different and part of my job is to capture the essence of the place and to bring their vision into reality.
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Peek at the V&A Dundee Hoarding

comic

Just back back from my holiday so I missed the reveal of the winner of the V&A Dundee Hoarding Design, I was itching to find out as I was in competition against them for the tender.  I drove past to get a peek.  Here’s a few snapshots.

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Well done to  comic illustrator Will Morris and graphic designer David Mackenzie for their ‘adventures in design’ comic idea.  I may not have won but I see it as a positive experience being able to showcase my work to both V&A Dundee and V&A London panel.
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I was delighted to be put forward by a panel, as one of ten designers chosen to tender to design the V&A Dundee hoardings.

With a clear brief, prestigious project, large scale, Dundee links and tight deadline it really got my creative juices flowing. Continue reading

Cards – Winter in Dundee

Winter in Dundee 1It’s that season again…….. I’m going to mention the Christmas word!  I’ve created an artwork called Winter in Dundee and made it into some cards which would make perfect Christmas cards!

Snowflake Dundee Blue web

They are A5, locally printed and blank inside for your own message.  Available to buy directly from me, please email me on hello@louisekirby.com or pop into the DCA shop in Dundee to get them.  They are priced £2.45 each.

I will be taking part in the Wasps Artists Christmas Sale on 30th November if you want to get some there, where I will be offering a special offer of  3 for £5.00.  For more info on the Artist Christmas Sale please click here.

They artwork has my signature style  using rhythmic mark making and merging patterns to represent the creativity happening in Dundee.

Winter in Dundee

Pecha Kucha Flyer

PKN 7 flyer 2Final Flyer for the upcoming Pecha Kucha in Dundee!  Thanks to Lyall for the graphics!

 A sample below of an earlier edition.a5 pecha kucha flyer final merged 72dpi webI’ve designed the latest flyer for the Pecha Kucha Vol 7.  In my illustration I really wanted to capture the creativity going on in Dundee using  my signature style.  Using pattern to represent the different creatives, cultural organisations and events happening in Dundee that blend and merge together to create such a rich tapestry of the city, using the iconic silhouette of The Law as a backdrop.  This event also links into the revealing of which city is to be crowned City of Culture 2017.

I’m a huge fan of Pecha Kucha nights organised by Creative Dundee, they are so inspiring!  They’ve always have a great mix of creatives on the line up from people I know to things that I didn’t realise was happening in Dundee and surrounding areas.  it’s a great concept, 20 slides and 20 seconds – it’s gives a fast snapshot!  I did one back in May 2012, a bit scary standing up in front of 200 people!  You can see my one here.

Pecha Kucha Volume 7 will take place on Thursday 21st November at the Bonar Hall in Dundee from 7pm – 10pm.  This is a ticketed event and tickets are available from Eventbright please click here.

If you like my artwork is available for licence or I can create something bespoke for you.

Vision for V&A Dundee

Vision V&A LouiseI’ve created some Patterned Artworks for my vision of what Dundee will look like when the V&A Dundee is built on the River Tay.  In my illustration I really wanted to capture the creativity going on in Dundee using  my signature style.  Using pattern as a metaphor to show the energy and creativity that weaves, blends and merges together with all the different creative people, cultural organisations and events happening in Dundee.

My Patterned Artworks have a natural flow that echo natures organic ability to sit in harmony to its surroundings and I see the V&A Dundee fitting into Dundees’ changing landscape very well.

Wool Delaine Louise Kirby small for web

This image is digitally printed on wool to create a wall hanging.  The Patterned Artworks could be printed on a multitude of products from tea towels, ceramics, cushions, scarves, prints, mugs, notepads… the list is endless!  I would love to be commissioned to create Patterned Artworks for the V&A Dundee.

My wall hanging will be on show at the Wasps Artists Open Weekend on the 19th & 20th October outside my studio on level 4, studio 404.  You can find out more about the Open Studio weekend on my previous blog.

Only in New York……this could happen!

 

I was so lucky to be in New York at just the right time, I came across a book signing by illustrator and writer Eric Carle at the Barnes & Noble book store in Union Square.

He was promoting his new book The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, this is to encourage confidence and creativity with children and he says that “you don’t have to stay within the lines and they are no ‘wrong’ colours”.  This was a great excuse for me to treat myself to 3 childrens books – The Artist Who Painted a Blue Horse, Animals Animals and Baby Bear, Baby Bear What Do You See.

There was quite a grown up audience there for the signing as he is a well loved illustrator mostly know for his book The Hungry Caterpillar.  I didn’t realise he had illustrated so many books and also has a museum dedicated to picture books.


Also while I was in NYC I also got some goodies in Powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn which was a great space to browse with a fantastic selection of arty design books and children’s section too with exhibition, events and graffiti.

They also stock Natalie Russells Moon Rabbit which is nice to see a Dundee illustrators books while on holiday in NYC.