Monday 26 November 2012

Observer Review: Books of the Year 2012 illustration

So, as many of you may have seen on twitter, last week I was commissioned by The Observer to create an illustration that would accompany a round up of the best books of 2012. You can read the article online here. When my agent, Kelly (who I cannot thank enough for making my dreams come true) rang me to tell me about the commission, I was in complete shock. Doing an illustration for a big national newspaper like this has been a dream for a while. The deadline was incredibly tight, but I proved to myself that i can do it. I love illustrating so much!

I loved the brief as well - they asked for a young woman reading in a winter scene. When they suggested she should be wearing a hat, scarf and winter coat I was even more excited. They also said they wanted it to be cold and not too girly. I loved the opportunity to experiment a bit with background elements, something I usually steer clear of, and really challenge myself. I hope you like the final piece. I don't think I've ever been more proud of an illustration. I also want to say a massive thank you to everyone for all your lovely comments, it means so much to me. So here it is!


Just thought I would share a couple of the roughs with you. After sending the first rough, the art director asked that I added some books amongst the trees on the left, just to add a little more interest in the corner. I really love how this addition worked out!




I sometimes worry that I sound like I'm showing off, but honestly, I never thought I would work on anything as wonderful as this, I feel so humbled by the whole thing and am so thankful for everybody who supported me through my career so far, you're incredible. It was an incredibly special moment when I opened the paper and saw my work.



Loved seeing my illustration as a thumbnail on the front page of The Observer Online too! Something I never thought I would see.




And finally, I wanted to share some more detialed pictures of the illustration. Thank you again to Kelly and those at the The Observer for commissioning me!

20 comments:

  1. Congratulations! The illustration looks great and I love the details too, like the texture in the scarf : ) I hope many more commissions like this come your way!

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  2. Congrats Abby! Yet again stunning work! I think my favourite bit is the footsteps in the snow, love the little details in this :)!

    I don't see it as bragging by the way, it's inspiring to the rest of us :)

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  3. Thank you both so much! I'm glad you liked the illustration :)

    I'm glad you think so, it's very nice to hear it inspires you! Thank you!

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  4. Congratulations! The overall image is wonderful - you are so talented and you deserve to do well.
    xxx

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  5. Thank you Carly! That is such a lovely thing to say, means a lot! xx

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  6. Congratulations Abby, I'm sure it's the first of many more to come! The illustration is absolutely stunning x

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  7. Congratulations! Your illustration is beautiful and looks so good in print. I love the book details in the background. xx

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  9. Hi Abbey I'm a student on an art and design foundation course. Its great to see the work you have done and I love the description of your piece in the Observer. Its great to see what can be achieved... an inspiration.

    Good luck with your work

    Ray Harris rayharrisfad.tumblr.com

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  11. Thank you all so much!

    And Ray, that is wonderful to hear. It's always wonderful to know my work can inspire others, nothing better than knowing that! Thank you!

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