Josh Cochran
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|Josh Cochran’s illustrated world is full of hard-edged shapes, coarse textures and clashing colors that somehow seem to fall into place. Just. We asked him in what ways his illustration style has evolved over the years: ‘My style really came from a general frustration I had towards painting while I was in school. I started drawing early on and have always felt fairly comfortable about it. Teachers at Art Center would constantly encourage me to make my work look more like my sketchbooks, which got me thinking of ways to produce finished looking artwork, using a more linear style. I took a printmaking class fairly late in my education, which really changed everything for me. Silkscreen and flat color provided a much needed contrast to my obsessive line work’.
‘I wasn’t confused by having an infinite amount of colors, and had to make the best out of three or four colors. I started looking at older printing techniques found in turn of the century children’s books and cheap reproduction materials like propaganda leaflets and posters. My family has been a big influence as well. My Grandmother is an accomplished Chinese watercolorist and calligrapher, and my Mom’s been working in graphic design since the early nineties. I have to also put this in: my wife Jenny has a crazy critical eye, with way better taste, and is a major influence on what I put into my portfolio’.
Tagged: colourful illustrations, line drawings
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We checked in recently with illustrator Josh Cochran and asked him how he kept the creative process fresh and stimulating, despite producing so much new work: ‘I try hard to keep pushing new ideas in my work. Of course, there are often times when I feel tired and stale and produce work that isn’t that isn’t challenging. Generally, though, I try to keep building on things I’ve accomplished in my work. To me, that’s what keeps my work consistent as well gives me room to grow. After a while a certain direction will feel boring to me and I’ll start pushing out to try something different’. Read more
Rod Hunt’s colourful cityscapes
I love the vitality of Rod Hunt’s illustration work. The London-based illustrator has ‘built a reputation for retro tinged work and detailed character filled landscapes with UK and international clients in publishing, design, advertising and new media’. Most notably, he illustrated the cover of Change The World 9 To 5, the best selling environmental book by We Are What We Do. Read more
Catherine Slaymaker is an artist whose unique illustration style I’ve been really enjoying lately. Read more
Also by ILANA KOHN
With a passion for design and a love for sewing, I’ve been creating clothing for myself and friends as far back as I can remember. I really relished the thought of being able to share my creations with a wider audience and take my passion to the next level. That said, this Summer marks the debut of my first collection for my clothing line, Ilana Kohn. Read more
Despite his name, I’m guessing German illustrator Frederik Jurk must be a cool guy because his images, his limited palette and gorgeous textured line work are awesome.
I was immediately taken with the work of California artist Zack Paul. Especially the images created on various bits of driftwood and found natural objects. The most perfect backdrop to his clean, geometric images.
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Game designer Junkboy recently posted a bunch of these amazing 8-bit ‘demakes’ of contemporary video games. Read more
Terry Rogers is one of my favourite photorealistic painters. He used to work with huge linen canvases which he filled with captivating people, bored by their spoiled life and focused on satisfaction of their vices. His art talks about the new society of the young, rich, and beautiful. I appreciate the under-handed criticism that is always a constant in his artwork. Read more
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On my recent visit to Barcelona, my love for Animal Farm led me to the Plaça de Geroge Orwell. There I discovered Oviso. The tiny café features hand painted walls and low wooden benches, where inhabitants enjoy great coffee for €1 and discuss music, beer, photography and the hordes of tourists that bustle just beyond the quiet square.
The New York Times recently posted a selection of Mad Magazine fold-ins from the past 40 years of the magazine’s history. The feature allows you to actually fold the images to reveal the decoded message and picture.
London-based DJ, Kelpe, has just recorded a diverse electro mix for the Allez Allez blog, which you can download, turn up to eleven, and nod yo’ head to. It’s just the tonic for an early afternoon kickstart.
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My friend Josh Van Horne, a local Baltimore artist, did this amazing mural in our neighborhood that depicts the history of this warehouse-laden area.
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The problem with awesome things like these pencils made out of recycled newspaper is that you almost don’t want to use them.
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