Winter OlympicsThis years winter Olympics coverage in February was advertised with this amazing animated film for the BBC. Talented Illustrator Jon Klassen teamed up with renowned director & designer Marc Craste of Studio AKA to produce an amazing piece of animation about an inuit hero who has to use all his skills to restore light to a dark and troubled world. Watch it below...Great stuff!

Wilfrid Wood

I suppose you could describe Wilfrid Wood as a 3D illustrator. Made entirely by hand his figurative models have Wood's distinct style which steams mainly from a great sense of humour. Originally a graphic designer and after working on TV programme spitting image as a model maker he decided to ditch the 9-5 jobs and just create what he wants. His subject matter often comes from people he's met or seen in his day to day life. He has created some great fun characters.

It would be an understatement to say that Wood's work leans towards the naughtier side of life. "Sex is such a great subject for art," he says. "What I try to do in my work is look at the tension between pornography and primness, realism & cartooniness and hopefully the work ends up somewhere in between those things."

See more of Wilfrid Wood's wonderful work here.

Rune Söderqvist

I love this Album sleeve which was also the design of the poster for ABBA the movie designed by Rune Söderqvist in 1977. Rune also designed the famous ABBA logo with the backwards B - the b's representing Bennie & Bjorn facing their respective partners Agnetha and Anni-Frid & went on to design every subsequent album sleeve for ABBA.

Tim Flach

Dynamic animal portraits from photographer Tim Flach. His images - predominantly of animals are original to say the least, his use of cropping and choice of unusual angles and composition adds interest to the subject matter often creating striking and almost abstract photographs.

Marta Cerdà

Wonderful typography & illustration from Barcelonian Marta Cerda Alimbau. With an impressive list of clients under her belt Marta's style is strong and seems both modern & retro at the same time - Although her work is her own I wondered if perhaps she had been influenced by fellow Spanish designer Alex Trochut who incedentally , it appears, happens to be her boyfriend...what a dynamic duo indeed!

Andreas Gursky

Andreas Gurskey makes large-scale, colour photographs distinctive for their incisive and critical look at the effect of capitalism and globalisation on contemporary life. I love his use of pattern & colour. Seeing them here doesn't really do the photographs any justice as when seem full scale in a gallery Gurskey's work is truly superb.

ZebraI happened upon this great drawing of a zebra by Scottish poet, songwriter & humorist Ivor Cutler (1923 - 2006). Among his many talents Ivor also wrote & illustrated many childrens books in the 80s.

Jon Klassen

I'm absolutely loving the work of Canadian born Jon Klassen, his simplistic scenic artworks contain so much atmosphere & his hints at narrative make for some very stunning images.I love the texture & subtle details. Great use of subtle colour too! See more of Jon's fantastic work at Burst of Beaden.

Picture PuffinWhilst raking through some vintage children's picture books recently I rediscovered the playful puffin logo from the picture puffin books. Remembering loving this logo as a child - further research led me to find many different incarnations of this cute little guy & his friends in the form of various give aways & merchandise from the puffin club & puffin post magazine.
The original logo and almost all the other illustrations from these were lovingly created by the talented New Zealander Jill McDonald during the time Kay Webb ( who started the puffin club) was editor in the 60's & 70's & early 80's. More on the puffin club can be found at this great blog - puffin club archive.

Matt Sewell

These great watercolour birds created by Matt Sewell are part of his 'bird of the week project' for Caught by the River. I love how although they are approached in a more realistic technique than his usual work he still remains to get his great sense of characterisation in there. See more of Matt's work here.

Alex TrochutAmazing typographical illustrations from Spanish designer Alex Trochut. He delivers some amazing works with remarkable fluidity & style.