Well 2012 is getting off to a bang. I'm very pleased to announce that I've been made a new member at the KDU ( Keystone Design Union). For those that don't know, the KDU is a design society, striving to recognise and unite the worlds top creative talent.
I think it's incredibly important that as image makers we never get complacent and always look to learn and develop. The best way I've found to do that is to experiment, share, and collaborate. Until recently collaborating was a part of the jigsaw I was severely lacking. I started to pursue creative collaboration with other image makers to help introduce different experiences, references, and knowledge into the work. The Going Gone Gorilla project I created along with Ged Palmer is an example of that coming into effect.
A couple of years ago I was asked by the inimitable Steven Heller if I'd like to contribute to one of his up-and-coming publications, 'Typography Sketchbooks'. It so happened that around this time (late 2009) I was starting to really get going with hand-lettering, having been mainly digital up until then. What you see in the book are some of my very first attempts. I sometimes find it hard to stomach seeing old work popping up, I imagine it's the same for most, and these pieces are especially formative and revealing. However, we all have to start somewhere and sometimes taking a long hard look at where you've come from can help you see where you are with greater clarity. Also, it can help you understand that practice, patience, and determination are the key to developing skills.
The book is a treat for anyone interested in seeing how different artists develop their work or play with letterforms. I recommend you pick up a copy.
