CARTOON AND JUNK

Illustration and Cartoons

Illustration, well specifically cartoons.
I've always been an arty person ever since I can remember. I think a lot to do with why I was so into it was because of all the kids arty programmes that were on (Art Attack, Rolf Harris, Tony Hart). Not that I really attempted to make the models, but tips on drawing and such really stuck with me.
It's always been cartoon illustration for me. I attempted 'real' life drawing but .. It just didn't look right and it just caused me stress. If you're creating a cartoon it doesn't matter if an eye is lop-sided or an arm is in a strange position. Maybe it's a cheats or lazy way of creating, but whatever it is I'm always going to illustrate in this way.

It's probably genetic when you're a child that you're attracted to cartoons. Most people grow out of it (I'm not talking family guy, I'd class this as more of an adult show) I'm one of those who haven't.
I still watch cartoons a lot I think its research, if there's a new cartoon on I'll try and check it out, take note of the style. Though now days the whole computerized graphics seems to be most popular.
I myself am all about the 2d.

The style I seem to find myself most attracted too now days is "cute Japanese" and "vintage" styles. Mainly because I think I fall into these categories when I illustrate.

Cute Japanese
The best way to describe this style would be the words "Hello Kitty".
I find you can usually spot Japanese cute graphics or Japanese inspired cartoons. The characters are usually anatomically inaccurate, usually large heads, no nose, either a curve or dot for the eyes.
I love this style, its pretty popular with girls. But I find in recent years this style has found it;s way into the whole graffiti scene. So when I create these certain Japanese inspired cartoons I like to mix it up with graffiti styles too. A contrast of smooth lines with a textured background usually works a treat.

 

Vintage Style.
So growing up I was completely addicted to Popeye, pink panther and Hanna Barbera cartoons. The whole experience of like jazzy, swing music and the cartoon style really stuck with me. When I got older the recourses' on the internet were more and more accessible I found myself checking out old cartoons illustrated and animated. Cartoons around the 20s to the 40s I most love. Such as Felix the cat or Mickey mouse. Black and white, and I even loved the ageing the cartoon has taken over the years. Grain, film scratch and all that stuff I love to input into my illustration and cartoons.
I'd like to state before I write this next paragraph that I am not at all racist...
I really love the style of the old 20s/40s cartoons when the lead roll either takes a trip overseas to Africa or there are African Americans within the cartoon. I'm not sure if it was supposed to be racist at the time. But I look at it as a caricature of an African American / African person. Big lips, and a New Orleans accent usually takes place. It's quite difficult to find this sort of stuff now days. I don't think its offensive, it's just a part of history and it should be met with open arms, rather than sealed away for no one to see.

 

Recently with the growing rate of music being shared over the internet this is great for me. I have a bit of a soft spot for Japanese music. I came across a CD by a band called Little Fats & The Swingin' Hot Shot Party and a few compilations they appear on called "Get Hip Showcase". The label this compilation and band is off is a label called "Get Hip". Most of the CD art work that comes off this label is by a company called "Rocotoon". They are completely inspired by vintage style. All of their art work is spectacular and inspiring.

It's also worth checking out Cole Closser who is a comic book cartoonist. His comic books are vintage inspired. It's some great stuff.

 

Ok, going to wrap this up now. Be it pen to paper or pen to tablet I'll always be producing and featuring cartoon illustration in my work. If you like my style, let's talk.