This week, I thought I would share my process in the development of the 2 page spread featuring my work in Uppercase's illustration directory, Work/Life 3.
photo credit: Uppercase
Last year, I had stumbled upon Uppercase's first two Work/Life directories. I loved the illustrators represented in them. I thought, "Wouldn't it be wild if I ever made it into their next illustration annual?" That crazy notion crossed my mind, but I was quick to put my nose back into creating more work.
Fast forward a few months to February 2013. I read about their call for entries on Twitter. I immediately entered to be considered for their curatorial process. To my surprise, I heard back that very night that I had been accepted. Not only was I surprised that I was accepted, but I was so impressed with editor, Janine Vangool's, promptness and thoroughness with preliminary book information. I knew right away that Uppercase was a publishing house that was incredibly professional and would be an honor to work with.
To describe the book, I'll use the words Uppercase has released:
With the third edition of the UPPERCASE directory of illustration, we are pushing the personal nature of Work/Life to a new level. This edition's theme is "An Illustrated Life" in which we explore the ups and downs of illustration and what it takes to stay creative 24/7. Each participant offers their unique take on this theme and have created an original illustration based on a bespoke assignment specific to their interests and story given to them by UPPERCASE editor Janine Vangool.
Unlike awards annuals or traditional illustration directories, our publication is personal. One hundred artists from around the world were individually interviewed about their creative focus and artistic technique as well as their inspirations and aspirations. Additional imagery (sketchbook pages, studio shots, inspirational objects) are integral to each participant’s spread, allowing the reader to take a peek into their entire working lives.
All other Photos Credited to Tom Takigayama
I'm looking forward to sharing more about the process with you readers this week. Everyday, I will post something different, the interview, the photos, the illustration process, and I'll even share the personal items I represented in my illustration. Hope to see you back tomorrow.