The Ups & Downs

Creating art is not always a joyful experience. Rewarding - yes, but not always joyful.

The ups & downs of creating a single illustration can often flow as frequently as waves rolling onto the sand on a stormy afternoon. With one movement of the pencil I can feel a sense of incredible inspiration & with the next feel like the inspiration has done the dash. It sounds fickle but I surprise myself in how often this happens. 

I often have to remind myself that the process is worth the ups & downs because what I learn through it all is perseverance. This is often the cornerstone in which beautiful art is created & a truth that I have learnt the hard way more often than not. I need to remind myself that its not always about the final piece of art, but rather how my imagination has grown & in turn how that may shape my future ability to create.

It is in doing nothing that I find the greatest thief of creativity.

All that being said - I thought you may enjoy the beginning stages of my current hand lettering process...

Grandpa Fox's Home-Made Irish Cream

"When elderly woodland folk mix up delicious liquors in their candlelit kitchens, there's only one man they call for classy label design. Introducing Grandpa Fox's homemade Irish Cream.
Strong. Creamy. Distinguished.
Personally dressed by Andrew Frazer; purveyor of hand-drawn arts."

- Grandpa Fox

A pleasure to recently partner with my talented younger brother - Martin Frazer in creating this hand drawn label for his new Home-Made Irish Cream. 

Currently SOLD OUT.

It's Now Cool Interview

Many thanks to the kind folks over at online magazine -  IT"S NOW COOL for this recent interview...

IT"S NOW COOL 'AIMS TO FACILITATE THE GROWTH AND EXPOSURE OF AUSTRALIA’S CREATIVE INDUSTRIES THROUGH A CREDIBLE, RELEVANT AND ACCESSIBLE PLATFORM.'

"I'm not sure if I ever consciously made the decision as much as it was something that was always available & always encouraged from a young age. Growing up..." (Full Interview)

Polka Dot Bride !

Many thanks to the friendly folks over at Polka Dot Bride for their kind words. It is my pleasure & privilege to be profiled on their site today. Looking forward to designing many invitations as 2013 unfolds.

Absorbing Our Surroundings

It is easy to become self focused, self absorbed & self centered - to think that what I do is the most important reality that exists. This is of course an illusion & something that I would not like to admit to, but in the same breath it can be a very real temptation when heading into each day. To live this way is a lonely & unfulfilled path, & so this post is simply about breaking the mold & looking beyond learning what it looks like to absorb our surroundings.

My wife & I have the pleasure of living in a beautiful neighbourhood within the little city of Guelph in South West Ontario, Canada. Although the sidewalks are covered in ice (not common to an Australian) I decided to go for a little walk with my camera & take a break from the drawing table & lap top. 

There are so many little details that are easily overlooked in the fast paced movement of life so I thought capturing an image would be a better form of communication. My hope today for all of us is that we would remember to absorb our surroundings & more importantly remember those around us because where would be without quality relationships?

It is a perfect day for a walk - enjoy!

Fawn Magazine Interview

Many thanks to Jess, Ellen & the crew over at Fawn Magazine for their generosity in profiling some of my illustrations alongside a recent interview. Based out of Australia, Fawn is a '...quarterly online magazine showcasing creativity at its finest.'

While you are reading through on the Fawn Magazine website - make sure to browse around because there is a bounty of inspiration in fashion, design & art waiting to be unpacked. 

Enjoy

Give Away!

GIVEAWAY !!! - Win this 11" X 15" original illustration - 'Lets Grow Old Together' that I completed in 2012. To be in the running - simply leave a comment below and follow my feed on facebook. Extra entry if you repost this picture (& let me know). Open internationally & the winner will be announced on Thursday (Valentines Day)!

Cheers

Working From Home

One of my favourite gifts about working from home is sharing time with my wife Drea. I love sitting down together & brewing design ideas, recipes, inspiring travel destinations, adventure, God, possiblities & a good cup of coffee. Below is a shot of my beautiful wife kicking back & enjoying her morning.

Today is going to be a good day!

The Studio

Im always interested in knowing where people create & are inspired. As an illustrator I am a firm believer in the importance of having a comfortable & engaging environment to brew ideas & to have a sense of personal expression hence the reason why I thought sharing a few photos would be (hopefully) interesting. 

I read a great quote the other day that simply said - "Make your home as beautiful as you can, & then get on with living." A good reminder in our day to day lives.

I currently work from home in our second bedroom & while it is not as visually dramatic as a wooden floor board, exposed brick, loft apartment - it is home & it is shared with my beautiful wife. Im a blessed man & I wouldnt change it for anything. 

A few interesting details... the wooden crates acting as shelves are originally from a cheese factory that closed down just outside of where I grew up in Westenr Australia... the desk is a recycled barn door... alphabet is screen printed & given to us as a wedding present... amber bottles - what more can I say?

New Business Cards

As time unfolds there are more & more methods of communication that are online such as my blog that you are currently reading, but there is something special & personal about sharing a business card which you can touch and burry away in your wallet. All this to say - Im happy to have received my new crest business cards. Its good to celebrate the small moments in life that make you smile & for me this is one of them. Stickers coming soon.