GUEST LECTURERS

We were lucky enough to have 2 guest lecturers and professional illustrators Salvatore Rubbino and Marcus Oakley in this week, who both gave interesting, insightful talks about their personal experiences.
Children's book illustrator Salvatore Rubbino gave an in-depth talk focusing on his work process and the process he goes through to create his illustrations. He gave advice on getting yourself out there and contacting publishers you wish to work for, as well as the pros and cons of having an agent. Although his work isn't at all in my style or an area I wish to work in, I found it interesting to see his way of working and how he got to where he is.
Looking through his sketchbooks and final published books I could really see why people would like to use his work, he has a very distinctive style, and isn't scared to make mistakes or draw things in a way that isn't traditionally 'right'.

Marcus Oakley, another illustrator with a very distinct style gave an in-depth talk about his journey from a young age to where he is in this present day. His talk was based on all of the things in his life that had affected and inspired his way of working, starting from the house he was brought up in, to the jobs he has worked on during his 10years as a working illustrator.
I found it interesting that he worked in the fashion industry as a print maker for Paul Smith for 3 years, before working as a freelance illustrator. Fashion is always an area I have wished to work in, so I feel a job like this would suit me perfectly as a way of learning about the industry and combining the areas of design that interest me.
Marcus went through a lot of his illustrations, which mainly consist of animals, famous characters from the 1970's, music, abstract shapes and magical creatures. Saying the reasons for creating these images were because they fascinated him and were what he liked.
I found this talk really inspiring and felt eager to work after leaving the talk, which is partly due to Marcus' personality and his exciting, exploratory artwork.