UNSEEN AGENCY NEWS

The Wrap Magazine

2011-10-13T04:07:00.000-07:00

Beautiful new work from Ben Javens and Andrew Groves above, created for the latest issue of The Wrap magazine. The theme for this issue is 'Dark days, bright nights'. The magazine serves a dual purpose of not only being a beautifully designed magazine to read but can also be used as wrapping paper through the specially commissioned illustration. Genius. Check out their website here.

Andrew Groves for Google

2011-09-30T06:27:00.000-07:00

Commissioned by DHM London, Andrew Groves has created this striking image for inclusion in a booklet promoting Google's Display Network. The theme to the booklet was the number four and Andrew was given a fact to base the illustration on - 'Glossy magazines cause four times more accidents than chainsaws'. He was also restricted to using the Google 'colours'.
See more of Andrew's work here.

Cat Johnston - Poundshop for London Design Week

2011-09-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

It's been an industrious few weeks for Cat Johnston - she has created over 350 tiny medals and rossetes which are being sold via the pop up 'Poundshop' in conjunction with London Design Week. For full info on the event and details of how to buy click here.

Artist spotlight : Matthew the horse

2011-08-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

A selection of Matthew's sketchbook work.

For all you horse fans out there, Matthew has kindly taken time out from his busy schedule to answer our questions below. He's also treated us to a sneaky peek of his workspace, photo above. Who would have guessed his studio companion would be a rather fine fox who Matthew likes to keep perched on the wardrobe so he can keep a beedy eye on guests...

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How would you describe your work?

I'd like it to be seen as friendly, jolly and fun whilst maintaining some sort of voice beyond just cute. It's constricted heavily by the calligraphic line I draw in. This can make some lovely images but can also restrict my drawing. I'm trying find a balance between loose naive line work with a bold, inventive, graphic sensibility. Maybe a good way to describe it is an illustrative version of a child dancing around in the nude to the music in its head.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas?

I've always got a notebook on the go. I use it for little ideas, playful drawing, drawing for fun, exploring mark making and line, figuring out how to make something look interesting, that sort of stuff. I find that if you have an on going dialogue with yourself, there's more chance of arriving at new visual devices that you can really take ownership of and help shape your own voice. It's important to draw all sorts of things in all sorts of ways. Feelings are good and of course cool stuff like dudes.

Please describe a typical day:

Emails and admin. Say something deep on Twitter. Hate myself and question everything until lunch. Have lunch. Make a decision about the direction of the piece. Draw that idea at least 50 times. Change idea. Draw it another 50 times. Choose the first one I drew. Think about it. Scan it in. Photoshop it. Blog it. Repeat.

What is your working environment like?

I've got a nice space in the flat for working. I only have a couple of days a week to draw as I teach at the art school, so I can cope with working from home. I've got a desk with a Mac on it. Some big shelves full of comics and monographs and unread textbooks. Then my materials live in boxes and hung off nails at arms length. I've always had my desk space in the living room so I can crack on with work in the evening without having to shut myself away from the lady friend.

What are your top 5 influences / inspiration?

In terms of other art, I can fall in love with anything if it's got a bit of assurance, human nature, humour, skill and beauty. That's my goal, but it's not easy. I'm mostly inspired by meeting really amazing people who are doing it right.

What are your top 5 albums / soundtracks to a working day?

I try to draw without music or I get distracted. But if it's photoshop time I've currently been enjoying Robbie Basho, the new Bill Calahan album and (since I fixed my old drive drive) a shed load of grime from 2005.

What are your top 3 favourite websites / blogs?

There so much good stuff online it's mind blowing. It's like an ocean of boats and I get sea sick. I keep going back to haw-lin for the beautiful pictures. I've watched a lot of Adventure Time on youtube if thats not too much of an easy option and finally... www.redkites.co.uk

And finally, what is your favourite tea time biscuit?

We had some KitKats in the other day which went fast. I discovered you can make a nice bracelet and a fancy ring with the wrapper.

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Thanks Matthew!
To view more of Matthew's work click here.

Ben Javens for Real Simple Magazine

2011-08-17T06:27:00.000-07:00

Ben Javens was recently commissioned to illustrate an article about unusual holidays for American magazine, Real Simple. Here's a few of the illustrations but you can see the work in its entirety on Ben's website, HERE.

Artist spotlight: Joe Snow

2011-07-19T03:35:00.000-07:00

We all love a good snoop at other artists work spaces don't we? Well, lucky for us Joe Snow has taken this snap of his desk, for those nosey parkers out there here's a brief description of what you can see:

The books are a mix of reference and coffee table inspiration by such peoples as Jim Philips, Robert Williams, Frank Frazetta and Marvel. Some of the giblets are as follows:
Miniature Nintendo GameBoy key ring, authentic Basil Brush badge, My 10m swimming award, Vintage Picture Post magazines from 1952, loose Opal fruits and humbugs sitting on a repurposed Knight on horse back ash tray, a picture of my long dead family dog Skip in a 3D Canadian wolf picture frame, John Carter of Mars comic issue no1, Alabaster head of Poseidon from Greece, souvenir statue from The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a pot of blue paint in eggshell, a well scuffed and played with Matchbox BMW M.1 and a stars and stripes bandana that my dog hates wearing.

And here's a photo of the aforementioned dog, Joe's gorgeous puppy Bunsen.

Here are Joe's answers to our artist spotlight questions below, enjoy!

How would you describe your work?
Largely inspired by the 1950s atomic era. I like to combine bold colours with meaty ink drawings.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas?
I bounce between my sketch book and the internet quite a lot. Brainstorming and collecting inspirational images.
I keep a sketch book and rough out ideas in there that I can work on later.

Please describe a typical day:
Depending at what stage I'm at on an image I'll either sit to the computer or the drawing table while listening to music or a podcast.
I'll ping pong between these two work stations over the course of the day stopping halfway through for lunch and afternoon walkies with our new staffy pup.

What is your working environment like?
I work from home so my studio doubles up as a cluttered spare bedroom.
It's all a bit cobbled together since moving house recently but I generally like to keep things tidy and practical.
The window doesn't offer much of a view but I do get all the afternoon sun which is really great on a sunny day and the Yorkshire dales are right on our doorstep.

What are your top 5 influences / inspiration?
1950s ads, bronze age (1970s-80s) comic books, words and phrases, Food and Science Fiction.

What are your top 5 albums / soundtracks to a working day?
I've been listening to a lot of podcasts lately such as Stones Throw, Low End Theory, Groovement, Adam and Joe, IGN.
Between those I usually have itunes set to random in order to be surprised.
I like a varied mix of music but it's mainly beat or psychedelic type stuff.

What are your top 3 favourite websites / blogs?
I'm not much of an internet browser really. Aside from using the old image searches I mainly use youtube for finding new music or Facebook to speak to friends and family. I like a website called ffffound.com. It's got a ton of interesting eye candy to get lost in.

And finally, what is your favourite tea time biscuit?
C is for cookie that's good enough for me. Oh! Cookie Cookie Cookie starts with C.
Or a nice brownie.

Thanks Joe!

To view more of Joe's work click here.

Welcome to new rep Kelly Angood

2011-07-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

Very pleased to announce that the super talented and super nice Kelly Angood has joined our team as an artist representative. Having graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Illustration this time last year, Kelly has since been working as a freelance set and prop designer, however her understanding and background in illustration compelled her to pursue a career as an artist agent. Lucky for us!

She will be pounding the streets with our artists portfolios and drumming up all sorts of exciting work - so watch this space...

Kelly's work can be viewed here and here.

Cat Johnston - photos from Centrespace Gallery

2011-06-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

'Recorder Beast'

'God of Wasps'

'God of Hair'

'God of Eyes'

The photos shown above are of Cat's models produced for the show 'Ask Before Handling' at the Centrespace Gallery in Bristol.
Cat decided to make effigies of her own personal gods for the show, each model is made up of a skeleton of wire, balsa wood and modroc. All the models faces have a balsa wood base with milliput on top and their clothes are painstakingly hand-stitched felt, with various embellishments including, leather, ribbons and intricate embroidery. Interesting fact - the God of Hair has real human hair and if you look very carefully you will notice that his crown is decorated with golden headlice and pearly nits and his combs have tiny golden moustaches. Amazing!
To view more of Cat's wonderful work click here and keep up to date with her blog here.

We are hiring!

2011-06-09T08:12:00.000-07:00

Do you have a passion for contemporary illustration? If so, you could be the person for us!
We are looking for someone with energy and enthusiasm to join our busy team at Unseen promoting the work of our 10 talented illustrators.

Your role would involve the organisation of and participation in face-to-face presentations with our existing database of clients and with new clients you have sourced yourself. Networking and attending private views would also be an important part of your role, so ideally you would be London-based.

The position is commission only (expenses covered) and would involve working independently, so a strong work ethic is imperative.This is a rare opportunity to join a unique and progressive company.
Please email your current CV together with a covering letter to info@unseenagency.co.uk.

Ben Javens for Zeit Magazine

2011-06-03T05:25:00.000-07:00

Ben was recently commissioned by German newspaper Die Zeit to illustrate 15 fairies to be used in a special edition of Zeit Magazine where the theme of the issue was new technologies and how they change our lives.

Cat Johnston - Centrespace Gallery

2011-05-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

Cat will be exhibiting a selection of work including some of her incredible models ('Recorder Beast' shown above) at the Centrespace Gallery in Bristol. The exhibition launches with a private view this Friday 27th from 7 - 11pm and will continue until next Wednesday 1st June, full details here. Definitely not to be missed if you're in the Bristol area!

Artist spotlight : Andrew Groves

2011-05-03T00:23:00.000-07:00

Andrew's desk, how jealous are we of the view...

A selection of objects on Andrew's desk.

The fallow deer skull Andrew found in the woods next to his house.

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Next up we have the very talented Andrew Groves who's kindly let us pry into his life as an illustrator. Have a read of his answers below and view more of his amazing work here and here. No irate commuters or delayed tube trains for Andrew, he lives in a tranquil spot in the South Downs in West Sussex. Jealous, us?

How would you describe your work?
Geometric interpretations of natural shapes and objects. Maybe.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas?
Walking around, looking under things, poking things with sticks, jotting things down, trying not to go mental.

Please describe a typical day:
Take lady friend to work, make coffee, check internet things, work, chop wood, work more, eat lunch, walk in woods, work more, pick lady friend up, drink beer, watch basketball.

What is your working environment like?
Pretty amazing.

What are your top 5 influences / inspiration?
The great outdoors, rural Japan, ugly people, shapes, friends.

What are your top 5 albums / soundtracks to a working day?
It varies wildly depending on what I'm working on. Sometimes I work in silence. Sometimes Heavy Metal. Recent music purchases though are new albums from Ponytail, Marnie Stern and Deerhoof.

What are your top 3 favourite websites / blogs?
http://www.arcticsurfblog.com, http://thingsorganizedneatly.tumblr.com/, http://latitudinaltales.co.uk/

And finally, what is your favourite tea time biscuit?
No tea thanks. Sausage roll please.

Artist spotlight : Mikko Rantanen

2011-04-18T06:03:00.000-07:00

Ever wanted to know a little bit more about your favourite Unseen illustrator? Well, all is not lost, our new artist spotlight series starts this week, and to kick things off we have Finnish Illustrator Mikko Rantanen. To illustrate the interview Mikko very kindly took a photo of his workspace, shown above, intriguing don't you think? Please read on for Mikko's answers to our rather dull sounding questions (we're working on them!)....

How would you describe your work?
It's like a giraffe in a bear costume.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas?
I might research something, look at other things I like and get ideas from them. Sometimes I also just try stuff out and just see what happens.

Please describe a typical day:
It depends on what I'm working on that particular day. Usually I sit by my desk a lot, working on the computer, drawing or cutting and pasting. I often take a little walk in the afternoon and might check out a bookshop or an exhibition.
(Mikko currently lives in Berlin)

What is your working environment like?
I have a desk and a chair. I find it easier to concentrate when there's not so much stuff around.

What are your top 5 Influences/Inspiration?
The universe, people, stuff people do, nature, Internet.

What are your top 5 albums/soundtracks to a working day?
It could be anything from classical music to heavy metal, depends on my mood. Sometimes there may be a band that provides a soundtrack to my illustration and sometimes I work in silence. Today I'm listening to some electronic stuff a friend sent me.

What are your top 3 favorite websites/blogs?
Today I like ffffound.com, zombo.com and
twoyoutubevideosandamotherfuckingcrossfader.com

And finally, what is your favourite teatime biscuit?
Pizza.

Well, we hope that cast a little bit of an insight into Mikko's work and life as an illustrator, to view Mikko's amazing portfolio of work please click here. Keep 'em peeled next week for another artist spotlight...

Unseen @ Poolga

2011-04-04T03:22:00.000-07:00

Cat Johnston

Henry McCausland

Paul Bedser

Matthew the horse

Andrew Groves

A little bit late, but none the less worth waiting for! Here are the final five Unseen illustrators to collaborate with Poolga. All images available to download direct from the Poolga site here. Go grab yourself a fabulous new wallpaper for your i-Phone or i-Pad!

Ben Javens for Warburtons

2011-04-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

Ben was recently commissioned by Smith & Milton to create these illustrations for the new packaging of Warburtons' breakfast range of crumpets, potato cakes, pancakes and muffins, respectively. Available from your local supermarket right now, and brightening up Britain's breakfast tables everywhere!

Joe Snow for Poolga

2011-03-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Joe Snow continues our week long collaboration with Poolga, above are his two designs which are now available to download from Poolga's website.

Mikko Rantanen for Poolga

2011-03-15T06:31:00.001-07:00

Today it's the turn of Mikko Rantanen, both of Mikko's wallpapers are available to download from the Poolga website here. More to follow tomorrow...

Ben Javens for Poolga

2011-03-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

Unseen Agency week at Poolga is GO! First up: Into space with Ben Javens, available to download from the Poolga website here.

Unseen Agency @ Poolga week

2011-03-13T10:23:00.001-07:00

We're delighted to announce that today marks the start of our collaboration with Poolga, the online source for inspired and beautifully illustrated and designed digital wallpapers. Work from seven Unseen artists will feature each day this week, all available to download via the Poolga website. Make sure you keep checking in to the website so you can collect them all! With big thanks to JC for making it all happen.
Image above by Ben Javens.

New artist - Joe Snow

2011-02-24T00:22:00.000-08:00

A very warm welcome to Joe Snow who joins the agency this month. Harking from a small Cumbrian village in the Lake District Joe has been working as a freelancer since 2007.

After graduating with a BA(Hons) in graphic design from Bath Spa University he has worked with a diverse range of clients such as Jack Daniel's, Thorpe Park and Orange to name a few.

Joe's retro vintage style stems from a love of iconic cartoons, comic books, science fiction and 1950's era advertising. Using a combination of handmade and digital techniques he aims to communicate strong ideas while keeping it as simple and eye catching as possible.

To see more of Joe's work click here and for further info contact us here.

Space Is The Place - new pattern from Ben Javens

2011-02-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

Gorgeous new pattern from Ben Javens. More of his patterns and illustrations here and on Ben's own website here.

Unseen @ Glug, NEXT THURSDAY! (24th February)

2011-02-18T04:44:00.000-08:00

The wonderful folk at Arts & Business will be hosting this month's Glug at Cargo next Thursday 24th February. With Unseen artists Cat Johnston, Cornelia O'Donovan and Henry McCausland providing fabulous live illustration throughout the evening and a roster of great speakers confirmed (see above), the evening should prove to be a real treat.

Glug is a regular after-work creative drinks and 'Notworking' event for designers, creatives, clients and friends brought to you by Ian Hambleton of Studio Output and Nick Clement of Made Studio. It’s an eclectic mix of people from all creative walks of life; from advertising and graphic design through to fashion and architecture.

Tickets can be bought here at £5.50 each and include some free food or drink on the night, as well as a gift to take home. Tickets are going fast with 300 sold already so hurry!

We look forward to seeing you there.

When: Thursday, February 24, 2011 from 6:30 PM

Where: Cargo, 83 Rivington Street Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY, London
020 7739 3440

Roof Party!

2011-02-11T00:52:00.000-08:00

Brightening up this grey Friday morning, here's a new piece by Henry McCausland, view more of Henry's work here.

Henry McCausland for The Telegraph

2011-02-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

Henry McCausland has recently lent his talents in collaboration with producer Matt Simmonds to this lovely spot for the Telegraph website to mark their appointment as official media partner to the London 2012 Olympics.

Unseen @ Glug, Thursday 24th February

2011-02-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to announce that Unseen will be participating in this month's Glug event 'Things To Make & Do', on the evening of 24th February at Cargo, London.

Glug is a regular after-work creative drinks and 'Notworking' event for designers, creatives, clients and friends brought to you by Ian Hambleton of Studio Output and Nick Clement of Made Studio. It’s an eclectic mix of people from all creative walks of life; from advertising and graphic design through to fashion and architecture.

Unseen artists Henry McCausland, Cat Johnston and Cornelia O'Donovan will be lending their exceptional talents to some live illustration throughout the evening. The final line up of guest speakers has just been confirmed, including Designers Block , Eliza Williams from Creative Review, Mr. Smith and Catherine Lock. It should prove to be an insightful and fun evening for all, so do join us down there!

Booking is essential for this event and tickets can be bought at £5.50 here. Tickets will include some free food or drink on the night, as well as an extremely collectable gift to take home.

A few final details for the evening are still tbc, but watch this space for updates coming soon...

Image: Catherine Lock

When: Thursday, February 24, 2011 6:00 PM
Where: Cargo, 83 Rivington Street Shoreditch, EC2A 3AY, London
020 7739 3440

Farewell Colin...

2011-01-31T11:46:00.000-08:00

We wave a sad farewell to Unseen artist Colin Henderson this week, who leaves the agency in order to focus wholly on his MA studies at the RCA. We (and I'm sure many other fans) will be eagerly awaiting his degree show. But for the time being you can keep an eye on all his latest work and general musings here on his blog and website.

2011 - shiny happy new year!

2011-01-07T06:57:00.000-08:00

Wishing you all good health and happiness for the forthcoming year, may it be a happy and inspiring year for all of us.
Illustration above by Andrew Groves, to view more of Andrew's wonderful work click here.

Happy Christmas folks!

2010-12-16T08:03:00.001-08:00

As most people seem to be nursing hangovers from their office Christmas parties today, we thought Henry McCausland's illustration would brighten up the day and get everyone back in the mood for more festive fun! Happy Christmas everyone!

Paul Bedser: Winter Maiden

2010-12-07T04:14:00.000-08:00

Paul Bedser completes his set of Seasonal Maidens illustrations with the 'Winter Maiden' shown above. Very topical considering the cold and snowy winter weather we're all experiencing! To see more in this series, click here.

Cornelia O'Donovan - Selvedge Christmas Fair

2010-12-03T01:17:00.001-08:00

If you feel like braving the cold and snow this weekend head up to Archway, London, to the Selvedge Christmas Fair, on this Saturday 4th December from 11am - 5pm. You'll find all sorts of handmade goodies and Cornelia O'Donovan will be selling her beautiful range of hand printed Christmas cards and screen prints, a selection of which are shown above. Great opportunity to buy some very special Christmas presents for your loved ones!

Ray Fenwick - FormFiftyFive™

2010-11-29T10:41:00.000-08:00

Last but not least, Ray Fenwick completes our artist takeover of the FormFiftyFive website header, his illustration is shown above. To view it in all it's brilliance click here. A million thanks to Glenn and all at FormFiftyFive - it's been great!

Welcoming new artist - Henry McCausland

2010-11-23T07:59:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to introduce new artist Henry McCausland who joins UNSEEN this month.

Henry's illustrations take the shape of skewed observations of the world around him. His subtle layering of textures and hues and his unique use of perspective create an otherworldliness that draws the viewer in. This combined with Henry's innate capacity for recording intricate detail and capturing the idiosyncrasies of everyday life, is what makes his work so beguiling.
Inspiration ranges from films, a childhood of watching cartoons and trips to a thousand museums.

Henry graduated from Central St Martins College of Art & Design and lives by the seaside in Kent with his three year old daughter.

If you would like a closer look at Henry's portfolio please get in touch or click here to view his online folio.

Nick Deakin - FormFiftyFive™

2010-11-22T06:48:00.000-08:00

Nick's illustration for FormFiftyFive's most excellent website will be gracing their masthead for this week only, catch it here before it goes...

Nick Deakin - Floodit

2010-11-22T05:58:00.001-08:00

Santos Java
Floodit 06

Floodit is a live silkscreen and music event, held at theNottingham Contemporary. Floodit is a collobrative project between Waste Studio & Gringo Records. It’s aim is to merge both the arts and music scene together in one event where the crowd get to listen to live bands and buy limited edition artwork.

'Santos Java' will be available as a limited edition poster and screened live onto t-shirts.

Floodit

Nick Deakin - 'I Saw You' / Don't Believe The Type

2010-11-22T05:56:00.000-08:00

'I Saw You'
Don't Believe The Type

Don't believe the type is a one-day typographic festival ran by Trapped in Suburbia. This year held in The Hague, it features artists such as Alex Trochut, Anthony Burrill and Craig Ward, and workshops held by Hort, Jeff Can Ham and Sean Freeman.

Don't Believe The Type

Nick Deakin - Now Then

2010-11-22T05:52:00.000-08:00

Cover, feature and interview for Sheffield's Now Then Magazine.

Nick Deakin - The Light

2010-11-22T05:29:00.001-08:00

>The Light, Leeds / Retail campaign.

A selection of characters and type produced for The Light shopping centre retail campaign directed by Ledgard Jepson.

Nick Deakin - Lausbuben Zine

2010-11-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

I contributed to Stefan Joch’s zine 'Lausbuben'.

Lausbuben is a 36 page limited edition b/w illustration zine about 22 different makers of mischiefs.
Lausbuben translates as 'Rascals'.

Full Zine

Buy Lausbuben

Nick Deakin - Ledgard Jepson Boardroom

2010-11-22T05:13:00.000-08:00

I was asked by the good people at Ledgard Jepson to draw all over their boardroom wall. So I did.

Paul Bedser - 'Seasonal Maidens'

2010-11-17T01:38:00.000-08:00

Spring
Summer
Autumn

Since relocating to Osaka, Japan, Paul Bedser has been busy working on a new series of illustrations. Entitled 'Seasonal maidens', Spring, Summer and Autumn are shown above, watch this space for Winter which will be following shortly....brrrrrrrrrr!
To view more of Paul's work click here and to read all about his new life in Japan check out his blog here.

New work from Andrew Groves

2010-11-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Andrew has recently completed work for a brand new TV ad for Chevrolet. Andrew worked with W&K Delhi and animation studio Captive. Amazing to see Andrew's illustrations come to life!
View the full ad here.

Matthew the horse for FormFiftyFive

2010-11-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Our takeover of the FormFiftyFive masthead illustration continues this week with the work of the supremely talented Matthew the horse, check it out here...

Ray Fenwick for Houghton Mifflin - more photos

2010-11-01T06:42:00.000-07:00

As previously posted, Ray has completed a collection of 4 illustrated book covers for Houghton Mifflin. The beautifully designed books are shown above and include designs for George Orwell's 'Down And Out In Paris And London' and Virginia Woolf's 'Mrs Dalloway' and 'A Room Of One's Own'.

Ben Javens for 8th Continent Soy Milk

2010-10-28T06:50:00.000-07:00

Ben's illustrations for the range of 8th Continent Soy Milk packaging continue to attract fans across the pond.
We only wish we could pick up a carton or two at our local cornershop!
(Photo with thanks to Billy Craven)

Ray Fenwick for Houghton Mifflin

2010-10-27T00:46:00.000-07:00

Ray Fenwick has illustrated four classic book jackets for Houghton Mifflin. The range is shown in all it's glory above. View more of Ray's work here.

New work from Nick Deakin

2010-10-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

Above are a selection of prints Nick Deakin has created for The Becton Centre for Children and Young People, a part of Sheffield Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
'The Arts for Health programme aims to improve the environment and amenities of the hospital and the Trust’s other sites for patients, their families and visitors. It also enables our young patients to get involved in activities whilst in hospital, which help pass time and alleviate some of the anxieties, as well as adding a lot of fun along the way.'
To view more of Nick's series of prints for the project click here and here.

FormFiftyFive

2010-10-18T06:37:00.000-07:00

Starting from today and for the next six weeks, Unseen artists will be providing the masthead illustrations for the very brilliant design website FormFiftyFive. Catch Andrew Groves illustration, above, here for this week and keep your eyes peeled on the site over the forthcoming weeks for more visual treats from our artists.

Cat Johnston at Multiplied

2010-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

Editions from Cat Johnston will be featuring at Multiplied Contemporary Editions Fair, hosted by Christie's in South Kensington. The showcase in collaboration with more than 30 London galleries will coincide with Frieze Art Fair to present editions from some of the most exciting names in emerging artistic talent. Admission is free from 15th- 18th October. Click here for further info on Multiplied Art Fair.

Ben Javens for Anorak Magazine

2010-09-16T06:34:00.000-07:00

Ben has recently contributed to the latest publication of the superb and quite brilliant Anorak Magazine. His illustration above is to accompany an extract from the diary of Oscar Kirk.

Matthew the horse - 'House Party'

2010-09-16T06:23:00.000-07:00

Matthew's latest work, illustrating the perils of what can happen when things get weird at a house party....soon available as an A3 screen print too. View more of Matthew's work here and here and buy one of his unique and ultra cool t-shirts here.

Ben Javens for Hotline Magazine

2010-09-02T01:38:00.000-07:00

Illustrations by Ben Javens for an article about the Liverpool Biennial in this months Hotline Magazine.

Corneila O'Donovan - Shop

2010-08-27T07:29:00.001-07:00

Check out Cornelia O'Donovan's online shop where you will find an array of her beautiful prints, handmade toys, artist books, cards and wrapping paper, all available to buy - what are you waiting for?!

Alice Stevenson - new type work

2010-08-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

New type work from Alice Stevenson. Beautiful.

Ben Javens For Time Out Magazine

2010-08-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

Ben has illustrated his second cover for Time Out Magazine which will be in shops this week.

NEW ARTIST - Cornelia O'Donovan

2010-08-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

A very warm welcome to the lovely Cornelia O'Donovan who joins Unseen this month.

Cornelia's work is hard to pin down. Her illustrations start in a documentary spirit and then evolve to larger scale more detailed collages and drawings, full of energy and playfulness. These are often then translated into 3-D pieces, whether it be ceramics, product design or surface design for textiles.

Having previously trained in Printed Textile Design at Middlesex University she then went on to receive her Masters degree in Communication in Art and Design at the RCA. This breadth of experience informs Cornelia's art and adds a depth that gives it a truly unique feel.

Her exploring artistry makes a poetic mix from technique and narrative. The expressive subject matter focuses on a love of the handmade, coasting through urban landscapes, superstition, folklore and the day to day. In Cornelia's words, she is 'just having fun', what more could you ask of an artist!

To view Cornelia's portfolio click here and for further info contact us here.

H-O-R-S-E

2010-08-10T09:18:00.000-07:00

Matthew The Horse has just launched a limited edition range of beautifully hand printed, limited edition t-shirts. All t-shirts are 100% cotton and ethically produced, available from H-O-R-S-E.

Alice Stevenson - Wigtown Book Festival

2010-08-09T03:23:00.000-07:00

Alice Stevenson recently illustrated the cover for this years Wigtown Book Festival Program. The image is inspired by elements of the Galloway countryside- where the festival will be held. She particularly enjoyed depicting a literary lapwing.

Alice Stevenson- New Screen Prints

2010-08-04T11:28:00.000-07:00

Alice Stevenson has produced two, new 4 colour screen prints- Alcafar and Santa Maria.
They are both part of an edition of 20 and available to buy.

They are both currently on display at the Summer Exhibition at The Cambridge Contemporary Art Gallery until the 10th of December if you happen to find yourself in East Anglia!

Woods At Big Sur

2010-08-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

New work by Alice Stevenson inspired by the Californian landscape.

Doom 3.0 Private View Photos

2010-07-30T05:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from the opening of Matthew The Horse and Jon Boam's stunning new show, Doom 3.0 at Nobrow Gallery, London. If you weren't able to make the opening last week, the show runs until the 23rd September- not one to be missed! Photographs courtesy of Pro from Itdrewitself- look out for the feature on Matthew The Horse's sketchbooks at the show...

Ben Javens for 8th Continent - a detailed look...

2010-07-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

Above shows a selection of Ben Javens' characters and icons created for the 8th Continent website. Have a peek at it all in action here!

Matthew The Horse PV at Nobrow Gallery Thursday 22nd July

2010-07-20T03:28:00.000-07:00

Matthew The Horse and Jon Boam will be showcasing their marvellously outlandish take on the absurd, the humorous and the colourfully horrific in forthcoming show Doom 3.0 at the acclaimed Nobrow Gallery, London. The exhibition will feature new work including original paintings, screen prints, 3D and digital work and runs from 22nd July- 23rd Sept.

Nobrow Gallery
62 Great Eastern St.
London EC2A 3QR

Private View: Thursday 22nd July, 6.30-9.30 pm

New work by Ben Javens for 8th Continent

2010-07-14T07:17:00.001-07:00

Ben Javens has worked his socks off to create this joyful new world for the 8th Continent Soy Milk website. Commissioned by BBDO West, his work in all it's glory can be seen here. A feast for your eyes...and your stomach (if you like soy milk!).
More of Ben's work can be viewed here.

Turn Up The Colour

2010-07-13T10:13:00.001-07:00

Ben Javens and Matthew The Horse will be showing work alongside a stellar line up of artists in a group show at Analogue Books in Edinburgh.

Alice Stevenson- San Francisco Drawings

2010-06-08T09:44:00.000-07:00

I've posted some drawings I did whilst in San Francisco on my blog. You can view more here...

Tate Modern 10th Anniversary event

2010-05-30T01:16:00.000-07:00

A selection of photos from the live painting event held in the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern on May 14th - 16th, to celebrate it's 10th Anniversary. Cat Johnston in collaboration with Scrawl Collective, created a 6 metre wide mural inspired by prog rock album covers, Ulysses 31 (remember that cartoon from the eighties?) and Flash Gordon.

To Dry For

2010-05-27T02:08:00.000-07:00

New tea towel design by Ben Javens available now from To Dry For.

Album Cover by Ben Javens

2010-05-19T03:50:00.000-07:00

New album cover for Ass by Ben Javens. Released soon on Headspin Recordings in Sweden and on wax in the UK by Static Caravan.

Lazy Oaf Drawing Club Tee by Andrew Groves

2010-05-18T08:07:00.000-07:00

Lazy Oaf recently collaborated with Andrew Groves on a limited edition t-shirt as part of their Drawing Club collection. The t-shirt is now available to purchase from their website. Also, look out for an exclusive interview with Andrew on the Lazy Oaf blog- coming soon!

Andrew Groves at Freakshow- A Few Pictures

2010-05-18T07:58:00.000-07:00

A few pics here of Andrew Groves' limited edition screen prints for Freakshow in Brighton. Exhibition runs until the end of May. Photos courtesy of the lovely Ollie Munden.

Alice Stevenson - Updated website

2010-05-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Take a peek at Alice Stevenson's updated website here. You'll find a selection of beautiful new work plus examples of Alice's collaboration with ceramicist Mary Fenton resulting in this striking collection of hand etched pottery. To view further work of Alice's please click here.

Cat Johnston at Tate Modern 10th Anniversay, 14th-16th May

2010-05-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Cat Johnston will be lending her live drawing talents this weekend with Scrawl Collective as part of No Soul For Sale, which will celebrate the Tate Modern's 10th Anniversary. The weekend will be filled with live performances, music and film from 70 of the world's most exciting art spaces, non-profit organisations and artist collectives. For more information about No Soul For Sale, click here.

Andrew Groves (IMakeThings) at FreakShow

2010-04-27T04:12:00.000-07:00

Andrew Groves (IMakeThings) will be featuring in FreakShow, an illustration extravaganza showcasing some of Brighton's finest image making talent. FreakShow will open this Friday at St. Peter's Church, Brighton and will run every Saturday throughout May from 10am until 5pm. For directions, please hit the link.

Hugo Boss 'One Fragrance One Tree' - Finale event Covent Garden

2010-04-27T01:43:00.000-07:00

Photos above from the finale event in Covent Garden for the Hugo Boss 'One Fragrance One Tree' initiative. Ben Javens' completed tree (top & middle) and Alice Stevenson's trees together with Ben's tree (above).

Cat Johnston for Pick Me Up at Somerset House

2010-04-15T05:23:00.000-07:00

Cat Johnston will be featuring in Pick Me Up graphic art fair at Somerset House which opens on the 23rd of April. Concrete Hermit will be hosting a room and some of the scenes from Cat's solo show 'The Crows Are Wiping Their Beaks' will be making another appearance.

Andrew Groves joins UNSEEN

2010-04-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

A very warm welcome to our newest artist Andrew Groves who joins Unseen this month. Conjuring up an atmosphere of other worldliness, Andrew creates weird and wonderful scenes inhabited by fantastical creatures and beasts. Supremely talented, his inventive and often playful illustrations have attracted a wide ranging clientele, recent projects include those for Orange, Panasonic & Foundation Skateboards. Andrew is happiest when he is immersed in the natural world, be it up a mountain or swimming in the sea, although luckily for us he's prepared to draw occasionally as well!

To view Andrew's online portfolio please click here.

Alice Stevenson & Ben Javens live painting event for Hugo Boss

2010-04-09T07:52:00.000-07:00

Alice Stevenson and Ben Javens, commissioned by Hubbub PR, took part in live painting events across the UK to promote the 'One Fragrance One Tree' perfume initiative of Hugo Boss. Each artist hand decorated 8ft wooden trees with designs inspired by the ecological message behind the project.

Ben Javens for 8th Continent

2010-04-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Commissioned by BBDO West (San Francisco) Ben Javens has completed a series of illustrations for 8th Continent's new look Soy milk packaging. 8th Continent is a family-owned dairy in California that sources its soy beans domestically and makes it's milk in small batches.

Ben Javens - New Website

2010-04-06T06:49:00.000-07:00

New website for Ben Javens here.

Alice Stevenson for TU Clothing

2010-03-31T03:24:00.000-07:00

Alice Stevenson, working with AMV BBDO, has created this beautiful backdrop for the TU clothing label from Sainsbury's. Catch the ad on TV now and for the next three months!

Ben Javens for Hotline Magazine

2010-03-11T06:38:00.000-08:00

Illustrations by Ben Javens in this months Hotline, the onboard magazine for Virgin Trains.

Cat Johnston Private View Pics

2010-03-10T07:50:00.000-08:00

For those of you that weren't able to make it down (or squeeze in!) to the busy opening night of Cat Johnston's solo show 'The Crows are Wiping Their Beaks' last week, here are a few taster pics, kindly taken by Tony Mines.

Show runs until 20th March at Concrete Hermit Gallery, 5A Club Row, London E1 6JX.

Santa Maria

2010-03-02T09:33:00.001-08:00

A new piece of personal work...

Cat Johnston Solo Show 'The Crows Are Wiping Their Beaks'

2010-02-26T08:31:00.000-08:00

We are very excited to announce that Cat Johnston will be exhibiting in her first solo show 'The Crows Are Wiping Their Beaks' at the Concrete Hermit Gallery, 5A Club Row, London E1 6JX.

Exhibition runs from 5th-20th March.

Private View on 4th March 6pm-9pm.

The Working Proof

2010-02-10T06:07:00.000-08:00

New screenprint by Ben Javens available at The Working Proof. Along with showcasing the work of artists through ltd edition prints, the Working Proof aims to promote a variety of different charities and so each artist is paired with a charity of their choice to which 15% from the sale of each print will be donated. To find out more about the project go here, if you'd like to buy Ben's print or read what he had to say for himself, go here.

www.alicestevenson.com updated

2010-02-01T07:28:00.001-08:00

I have updated my website www.alicestevenson.com!

Alcafar- Personal Work by Alice Stevenson

2010-01-31T07:55:00.000-08:00

New artist - PAUL BEDSER

2010-01-26T06:59:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Paul Bedser who joins Unseen this month.
Paul draws inspiration from a diverse range of subjects, from Japanese pop-art, Victorian design to European folk art and animation. His bold style combined with decorative elements reflect his passion for combining the old and the new, and has been seen on billboards for Vodafone, commissioned for editorial pieces such as for the European style magazine WAD, and used in animation for MTV.

New artist - PIPA

2010-01-26T06:27:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to welcome Brazilian artist Pipa to the Unseen roster. She describes her work as 'repetitions that produce optical misunderstandings and illusions'. An illustrator whose work is steeped in rich colour and pattern, her stunning portfolio spans several years of work with notable clients such as Bang & Olufsen, Coca-Cola, Selfridges, Vogue Japan and Penguin Books. Pipa's moving image work is equally as diverse and eye-catching, and can be seen to full effect in these short animations here.

1st Draft

2010-01-26T04:02:00.000-08:00

Matthew The Horse recently exhibited a selection of his darkly witty illustrated short stories for '1st Draft', a group show at Kunstfreund Gallery in Leeds.

Matthew The Horse for Nature Magazine

2010-01-26T03:52:00.000-08:00

Latest editorial piece from Matthew The Horse for 'Nature Magazine'.

Fishing Boat- Personal Work

2010-01-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

New illustration of a Menorcan fishing boat from Alice Stevenson.

Chris Martin joins UNSEEN

2009-12-17T06:37:00.000-08:00

We are extremely pleased to have the exceptionally talented Chris Martin join Unseen. Chris's work draws on a diverse range of influences that range from surrealism, Hokusai and Pixar to the local pub, house music and David Attenborough. He describes his work method as traditional in manner, sketching with pencils and pens on paper before opening his precious Mac and going digital. Chris also likes to experiment with different media and styles which helps create his distinctive style, and enables him to be both flexible and commercial. He may be adept at drawing pimp elves, sexy monsters and porn-reading robot men, but he can also draw plenty of pretty pictures too.

His fledgling, yet already impressive career has seen him illustrate the cover of the Guardian’s G2 supplement; provide character design for the award-winning Comcast mobile phone advert working with Nexus Production; design the Shoreditch Map and work for brands including Nokia, Umbro, Nike and Alive Records amongst others.

If you would like to view Chris's portfolio please get in touch here.

The illustration above is a specially commissioned piece by Chris - Happy Christmas to you all!

Bara Volante Exhibition

2009-12-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

Cat Johnston has been super busy as of late with another show, Bara Volante opening on the 18th December at Prescription Gallery in Brighton. Cat will be exhibiting some tasters that will be featuring in her forthcoming solo show in London early next year- more details coming soon!

Soft Furnishings by Ben Javens

2009-12-09T02:03:00.000-08:00

New hand made cushions from Ben Javens. For a behind the scenes view of the process head over to share some candy by clicking here.

Photos from Silver & Black opening night

2009-12-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

A selection of photos from the Private View of Silver & Black at Archipelago Works, Sheffield, featuring new work from Cat Johnston....

Silver & Black Exhibition

2009-12-07T08:13:00.000-08:00

Cat Johnston exhibits in 'Silver & Black', a group show curated by Kid Acne of new limited edition screen prints from a selection of the UK's finest illustrators and designers at Archipelago Works, Sheffield. Exhibition runs until the 10th January 2010.

Cat's screen print (edition of 20), 'The Cat and The Castle', features at Silver & Black.

Al Murphy - New website!

2009-12-03T07:55:00.000-08:00

Al Murphy has a super duper new website, take a peek here...

Nick Deakin - 'I've Never Felt Like This' Exhibition

2009-11-04T01:41:00.000-08:00

'I've Never Felt Like This' / Exhibition / The Forum, Sheffield, UK / 25th Oct - 27th Nov 2009

Mikko Rantanen - Tranoi Magazine

2009-10-28T08:38:00.000-07:00

Tranoi fashion fair in Paris commissioned me to do a series of illustrations for their Womenswear Spring/Summer 2010 magazine.