Creative Chemistry: The Art of Collaboration for O&M, by Ellustrate

This was a project of cum. for Ogilvy & Mather. We were to produce the illustrations for the articles in their up and coming 11/12 issue at their DO.com webpage. The illustration for the lead article was to be 709px x 493px and it was titled, "Creative Chemistry: The Art of Collaboration". Keywords for the illustration include collaboration, creative mix, chemistry and convergence. One of the entry points into the execution was to take on the part where the article mentioned that the key reasons towards success was more than just the good mix of skills and people but also the inclusion of a strong leader with clear directions.

The idea was to have a central image that takes after the "leadership" component and to have illustrative visuals converging towards the centre. The visual elements to symbolize the chemistry and creative mix was not to take a literal standpoint but metaphors that resembles collaboration. Below is the starting sketch I did on a bus ride. I was given an apple as the central image and told to do a "tornado" that is spinning into it using my illustration style and "swirls".

Following that were versions of digital sketches with numerous revisions. Some areas of caution was to be weary of the shape of the apple turning into more of a cherry and a careful integration of the photograph into the illustration so that it does not look like it was just stuck onto the illustration. There was the option of including typography which I took out eventually to remove excessive visual factors to work with. There were also careful consideration to remove certain details and to include more "interesting" visual elements and hence the hands that resembles collaboration and teamwork. Even with the last draft, the illustration was still looking very messy with too many things everywhere.

Instructions came from the client to remove certain elements and to really simplify the whole illustration. Hence, over a good sub, the following draft was churned out where parts were carefully and instinctively removed and the rest refined further. It was with the idea of "simplifying" that the illustration finally started to work!

With the addition of a textured background and the building on and refinement of colors and strokes, the final draft was completed and sent to Ogilvy and they loved it, thankfully!

The illustration is found live on web now at http://ogilvydo.com/
Do have a read at their articles as well, rather enlightening! And for the illustration, I guess sometimes less is really more.

View more work by Elena Yeo aka ellustrate at http://ellustrate.net

PORTRAITS AFTER DARK -9th Dec 2011, 7.30PM

Happy Holidays Everyone! We’ve made it! It’s December!  Join us for the last session of 2011- The Christmas Cup Cake Session!! Let’s make it memorable! Dress up as Santa, a santarina or elf, bring a good friend/ soul mate/ family member/ pets and share this edition of “PORTRAITS AFTER DARK” with us! This is where you can meet the most interesting illustrators in Singapore and get your portraits drawn on a Friday night!

Twit and spread the word- @oicsingapore PORTRAITS AFTER DARK – http://bit.ly/oicdark04

Registration for ARTIST – Register here! ( Click Link )

Are you an Artist / Illustrator or Doodler!? Come draw with us! Polish your drawing skills & catch up with your OIC buddies at the same time. Everyone gets 20 minutes to draw the “patron/ sitter” at the same time. You get $10 for each drawing sold . Make it PLAYFUL and COLOURFUL, all skill levels welcomed. OIC Portrait Day is about artists having fun and experimenting with new ways to capture an interesting image and making new friends.?You don’t have to be an OIC member to take part but you have to register and please read the FAQ. Come and draw, make friends and spread good drawing vibes.

Artists Registration is S$10/- each ( with 1 complimentary yummy Christmas cupcake per registered artist from www.cupcakes.com.sg /https://www.facebook.com/cupcakeswithlove* )

Posting your work for view & sale (compulsory ) is a sign of appreciation to the patron/sitter/ poser .

Registration for SITTERS/ POSERS:

You want your Portraits drawn? Pose for us!! We will love to draw YOU!! Email us and book the time slots you want.

email “info [at] oicsingapore.com”

subject: “I want some portraits!”.

State name/ mobile number/ email address/ couple or 3-some/ your preferred timing ( 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm )

Posing is FREE, each artwork is S$10 available for purchase- all proceeds goes to the artists.

Poster illustration contributed by Yap Kun Rong, see more of his amazing work here: http://yapkunrong.net

Cupcakes kindly provided by

To order more yummy Christmas cupcakes : “Click here”

* while stocks last, 1st come 1st serve basis.

MessyMsxi’s Breakfast Barter

“MessyMsxi’s Breakfast Barter” is my most recent personal project, it is an interactive concept, whereby visitors can draw their ideal breakfast or a breakfast representation on the standard template which I prepared, in exchange for one of my breakfast postcard. Despite the project being non-profitable, the biggest reward was having our roles swapped; it was the visitors illustrating their breakfast for me. This approach has allowed me to connect friends and strangers over the subject of breakfast, which I deeply enjoy.

Below are images taken during my second breakfast barter, to view more of my first breakfast barter you can check it out here .

Postcards for barter

Booth was initially set up for about 3 participants

In the end we had almost 6-8 drawers in a go..

Below are a few selected drawings I received

A pop-up gallery was set up to act as a photo taking backdrop and to engage with other visitors who have interest in taking part.

I have recently created a MessyMsxi Facebook page where I can more easily share updates of my work and activities with public, so “like” it if you’d like to hear more from me : facebook.com/MessyMsxi

OIC Interview with Dawn Tan

This is an interview with Dawn Tan ( now based in Melbourne, Australia ) by Kaiyee ( ( now based in London/UK ) organised by Fei ( now based in Lausanne, Switzerland )!  All graduates from Temasek Poly too!  Looking forward to more interviews like this!

As part of our “OIC share what you love”  effort, we encourage illustrators / artists to share not just their own work but also conduct interviews, and introduce the work of other illustrators they admire or like!

Kaiyee’s Interview with Dawn Tan

Melbourne artist and crafter Dawn Tan is a self-confessed foodie with a penchant for all things yummy and beautifully packaged. Her work embraces her inspiration with home-cooking, packaging and grocery shopping. Some of which have been translated into large over-sized sculptures, art prints and accessories such as tea towels, aprons, and market tote bags.

In her spare time, Dawn authors a blog called Handmadelove. She also runs adult and children art workshops in a number of schools and private art studios around Melbourne.

Dawn and her work have been featured in various publications including Frankie Magazine, Uppercase Magazine, Gourmet Traveller and The Age Newspaper.

Website: www.dawn-tan.com

Blog: www.hand-made-love.blogspot.com

Shop: www.handmadelove.bigcartel.com

Ky: Hi Dawn! What are your favorite subjects to draw? Why? Do they represent you as a person?

D:
I LOVE drawing food! Well, I love food, I love cooking and all that comes with it. The recipes, the grocery shopping… So I think it’s only logical to combine such passion into drawing!

Ky: I know you teach alot of children art and painting, which is an awesome job, do you find teaching helpful in personal development ?
How so?

D:
I really enjoy teaching. I find it helps me to relax actually. Whenever I am tired or need a new inspiration, I find myself turning to teaching.  Working with children helps me to generate lots of crazy wild ideas. I’m often inspired by them and their creativity and their willingness to make ‘crazy art’.

Ky:How is the illustration scene like in Australia? Having lived there for a few years, you must have a few opinions and how is it different from Singapore?

D:
I love it here in Melbourne, where I live. It’s vibrant and inspiring every different day. You get weather changes, nature changes happening all year round. Not so much like Singapore where it’s just summer all year round. Here you get all 4 seasons. It even snows up in the mountains!

I guess because of these differences, the culture, nature bits..somehow the style is just totally different? Not sure how to describe it. You’ve got to see it for yourself. But yup, both countries’ illustration scenes have their own goodness! I’m in love with both!

Ky: Talk about a piece of recent work you are proud of, and why?

D:
I recently did a burger and French fry illustration. It’s fairly simple, nothing too crazy but it’s been made into a melamine cup and plate! To be able to see my art on nice dinnerware makes me smile like a girl in a candy store!

Ky: Looking through your portfolio there are many drawings of food, any tips when it comes to illustrating foodstuffs?

D: Just enjoy! Take it easy and paint while you’re eating the item itself! Makes it more fun this way. Not only will you get to draw and smell it. You’ll also get to taste it! Haha!

Ky: Any good tips for new illustrators who are starting their career?

I’d say..Stick with your gut, and just go with what you like best and try to convince the client! Don’t just do souless stuff to please others. You need to love what you’re doing, in order to keep the whole illustrating thing sustainable!! No one stays long if they do what they hate all the time.

Thanks to – the interviewer: Kaiyee (  http://cargocollective.com/kaiyee ) , the co-ordinator: Fei ( http://havesomefei.com )

11.11.11 was another eventful Portrait After Dark session! Great vibe! Great crowd and Great music!
We really salute the parents who braved the sound and crowd to pose for us with their little ones! We are also very blessed with artists who participated and make the best use of the tight space – they can draw standing up or sitting on the floor. And of course- nothing happens without dedicated helpers – seasoned illustrators who forgo drawing for the evening but just help out with running the show! We are looking forward to the next great drawing session – 9th Dec 2011! See you there!

Artists can start booking here: http://www.oicsingapore.com/event-rsvp.php?id=39

Sitters /posers can start booking their slots via email:-
Email us quick“info [at] oicsingapore.com” /subject: “I want some portraits-Dec 9th !”.
State name/ mobile number/ email address/ couple or 3-some/ your preferred timing

See and share all the photos here! http://on.fb.me/w2NkEW

PORTRAITS AFTER DARK -11th Nov 2011, 7.30PM

November’s Portrait session is here!  Bring a good friend/ soul mate/ family member/ even pets! and share this edition of “PORTRAITS AFTER DARK” with us! This is where you can meet the most interesting illustrators in Singapore and get your portraits drawn on a Friday night!

Twit and spread the word- @oicsingapore PORTRAITS AFTER DARK – http://bit.ly/oicdark03

Registration for ARTIST – Register here! ( Click Link )

Our web server seems to be having some intermittent technical problems.  If you cannot register at the link above, please register manually by sending an email to info (at) oicsingapore (dot) com

Are you an Artist / Illustrator or Doodler!? Come draw with us! Polish your drawing skills & catch up with your OIC buddies at the same time. Everyone gets 20 minutes to draw the “patron/ sitter” at the same time. You get $10 for each drawing sold . Make it PLAYFUL and COLOURFUL, all skill levels welcomed. OIC Portrait Day is about artists having fun and experimenting with new ways to capture an interesting image and making new friends.?You don’t have to be an OIC member to take part but you have to register and please read the FAQ. Come and draw, make friends and spread good drawing vibes.

Artists Registration is S$10/- each

Posting your work for view & sale (compulsory ) is a sign of appreciation to the patron/sitter/ poser .

Registration for SITTERS/ POSERS:

You want your Portraits drawn? Pose for us!! We will love to draw YOU!! Email us and book the time slots you want.

email “info [at] oicsingapore.com”
subject: “I want some portraits!”.
State name/ mobile number/ email address/ couple or 3-some/ your preferred timing ( 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm )
Posing is FREE, each artwork is S$10 available for purchase- all proceeds goes to the artists.

Poster illustration contributed by Vernnie Chong, see more of her work here: http://vernnie-c.tumblr.com/

PORTRAITS AFTER DARK -7th Oct 2011, 7.30PM

Back in the day in October 2006- OIC was “born”!!! OIC’s is now FIVE!! Thanks for all the love and support we have been getting! We will continue to spread good vibes, make illustrators known and make DRAWING FUN!!

Meanwhile do come down and celebrate with us! Nothing fancy- bring a good friend/ soul mate/ family member/ even pets! and share this special OCTOBER Birthday edition of “PORTRAITS AFTER DARK” with us! This is where you can meet the most interesting illustrators in Singapore and get your portraits drawn on a Friday night!

Twit and spread the word- @oicsingapore PORTRAITS AFTER DARK – http://bit.ly/oicdark03

Registration for ARTIST – Register here! ( Click Link )

Our web server seems to be having some intermittent technical problems.  If you cannot register at the link above, please register manually by sending an email to info (at) oicsingapore (dot) com

Are you an Artist / Illustrator or Doodler!? Come draw with us! Polish your drawing skills & catch up with your OIC buddies at the same time. Everyone gets 20 minutes to draw the “patron/ sitter” at the same time. You get $10 for each drawing sold . Make it PLAYFUL and COLOURFUL, all skill levels welcomed. OIC Portrait Day is about artists having fun and experimenting with new ways to capture an interesting image and making new friends.?You don’t have to be an OIC member to take part but you have to register and please read the FAQ. Come and draw, make friends and spread good drawing vibes.

Artists Registration is S$10/- each ( with complimentary special OIC birthday edition yummy cupcake for each artist from our friends Roy and Charmaine at http://www.cupcakes.com.sg )*

Posting your work for view & sale (compulsory ) is a sign of appreciation to the patron/sitter/ poser .

Registration for SITTERS/ POSERS:

You want your Portraits drawn? Pose for us!! We will love to draw YOU!! Email us and book the time slots you want.

email “info [at] oicsingapore.com”
subject: “I want some portraits!”.
State name/ mobile number/ email address/ couple or 3-some/ your preferred timing ( 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm )
Posing is FREE, each artwork is S$10 available for purchase- all proceeds goes to the artists.

Poster illustration contributed by Sophi Tan, see more of her work here: http://www.sophi-chrome.com/

Cupcakes kindly provided by

* while stocks last, 1st come 1st serve basis.

OIC Interview with Kaiyee Tay

Kaiyee Tay is a graphic design/illustration student, currently studying in London. Graduated from Temasek Polytechnic in 2007.

OIC:  Hi Kaiyee! Tell us about your background and how did you choose to study Central Saints Martin?

Kaiyee: Hi fei! I am graphic design/illustration undergrad Kaiyee Tay, formerly from Temasek Polytechnic Singapore, most friends/tutors remember me as the boy who illustrated cartoon genitals for a sex education/children’s book i made for my final year project. After spending two years in the army, i figured the only thing i would really love to do with my life is continue to draw and/or be creative and make a living from all that. I chose to study at Central Saint Martins because of it being located at the heart of london, it’s reputation of being a school for risk takers and experimentation, i knew i’d push myself in many ways in such an environment.

Read the rest of this entry »

OIC Interview with YAP KUN RONG

Kun Rong is a new breed of Singaporean concept artist. He interned in IFS ( Imaginary Friends Studio – www.imaginaryfs.com/ ) before going to Japan for 3 years, learning the language/ culture and obtaining his diploma in Musashino Art School. He worked in Tokyo during his time there as a concept artist and illustrator, doing commissions and projects from magazines to background art to Anime Series.

1) How long have you been an illustrator and how did you get started?

I have been drawing from a very young age, copying and rendering from references of anything that appealed to me. From then on i slowly moved  on to painting as well as discovering my personal direction. I kept on experimenting, learning, and pushing my works as i really enjoy creating. I was lucky enough to get acquainted with professional works through the net, starting out from card game illustrations when I was in the army. From there, I started building more contacts in this area, and have been doing freelance projects for 3-4 years now.

2) Who/what are your inspirations?

I am very inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, MC Escher and Syd Mead in their meticulous approach to art and design. I believe that creativity and imagination is the result of repetitive labour of playing with forms, volumes, geometry, shapes and colours, rearranging, reconstructing and re-evaulating them a thousand times. I am very inspired by things i see around me because i feel that any possible form that exist in one context can be brought to exaggeration in another. I like to keep an open mind  and accept everything as I feel it is very important for growth.

3) Describe your typical day as an illustrator.

I usually wake up to do a few sketches before doing work. They may or may not make sense, its more of a habitual thing. After that I may dive into work, but depending on the kind of projects I am working on I would say my days are not exactly typical. Sometimes i spent alot of time researching depending on the topic. The one thing typical about my day is that i definitely will be doing sketches every now and then as i find them the most important process in the honing of a thought.

4) How was your work experience in Japan and how different is their illustration scene

I was sent there to study and was again lucky enough to manage to get freelance work experience while studying. It is a very inspiring place with many passionate people. There is really a great deal of artists out there, working part time in restaurants while trying to do their own exhibition because they just want to. Not to mention the quality of work produced, but the Japanese passion for creation is really respectable. Their are works of all kinds, people of all kinds, and the thing that bring them together is their passion for creation. Success is not so much defined by recognition but more by their earnest wish to create.

5) What is the best thing you have learned while working in Japan?

I believe Singapore is more influenced by western culture and Japan is really on the extreme scale of Eastern Culture and that alone was the biggest learning experience for me. To speak in art terms, I have been more interested and inclined to the western’s style of mass and volume approach, whereas for the Japanese, the lack of perspective and the emphasis on lines is something I could never have grasped. Through the time i spent there, I slowly got to understand why and how their approach came about, making me appreciate things from a whole new perspective. This swift in my perspective was the most valuable thing I have learnt while I was there. The broadening of mindset meant a whole great deal of possibilities to me as a creator.

6) What advise would you give to an aspiring illustrator?

There is more often than not a great deal of hard work behind any illustrator or artist. A lot of practice and training is required and it is definitely not acquired in months or a few years. The reward is the empowering ability to bring visions to life. Never give up practicing no matter how bad you may be because the ability to see space and dimension can eventually be achieved with practice. Eliminate technical limitations and the rest is for anyone to create!

See more of his amazing work here:  http://yapkunrong.net/

PORTRAITS AFTER DARK -9th Sept 2011, 7.30PM

September!!! OIC’s is back with another “PORTRAITS AFTER DARK” session! This is where you can meet the most interesting illustrators in Singapore and get your portraits drawn!

Bring your friends/ love ones ( and pets too! ) for some cool portraits!!

Twit and spread the word- @oicsingapore PORTRAITS AFTER DARK – http://bit.ly/oicdark02

Registration for ARTIST – Register here! ( Click Link )

Are you an Artists / Illustrator or Doodler!? Come draw with us! Polish your drawing skills & catch up with your OIC buddies at the same time. Everyone gets 20 minutes to draw the “patron/ sitter” at the same time. You get $10 for each drawing sold . Make it PLAYFUL and COLOURFUL, all skill levels welcomed. OIC Portrait Day is about artists having fun and experimenting with new ways to capture an interesting image and making new friends.?You don’t have to be an OIC member to take part but you have to register and please read the FAQ. Come and draw, make friends and spread good drawing vibes.

Artists Registration is S$10/- each ( with complimentary yummy cupcake for each artist from our friends Roy and Charmaine at http://www.cupcakes.com.sg )*

Posting your work for view & sale (compulsory ) is a sign of appreciation to the patron/sitter/ poser .

Registration for SITTERS/ POSERS:

You want your Portraits drawn? Pose for us!! We will love to draw YOU!!  Email us and book the time slots you want.

email “info [at] oicsingapore.com”
subject: “I want some portraits!”.
State name/ mobile number/ email address/ couple or 3-some/ your preferred timing ( 7.30pm, 8pm, 8.30pm, 9pm, 9.30pm )
Posing is FREE, each artwork is S$10 available for purchase- all proceeds goes to the artists.

Poster illustration contributed by Syafiq aka Psyfig, see more of his work here: http://cargocollective.com/psyfig

Cupcakes kindly provided by

* while stocks last, 1st come 1st serve basis.