Recently a nice lady called Claire Sambrook invited me to take part in a project called Southsea Deck Your Chairs, which basically involved designing a deckchair that will tour around the fair kingdom of Portsmouth in August, along with 24 of it’s friends.

I considered all the things Portsmouth is famous for, and decided to base my design on the mysterious sinking of The Mary Rose, the old flagship they dredged out of the Solent back in the eighties. You can see my entry entitled A Rational Explanation on my illustration page, and it’s well worth visiting the Flickr group to see some of the other designs. Looking foward to seeing it printed!

Well it was supposed to be anyway, but thanks largely to the joys of Flash, it did drag on a bit.

Before the New Designers show I spent about a week re-illustrating my Cancer Prevention Alphabet, the artist’s book I made as part of my Social Awareness project way back in the second year of university.

Also I’ve added a links section to the blog, something I’ve been meaning to do for a while in a conscientious effort to push a few of my fellow illustrators to the top of the mystical Google pile. With limited space to work with, so far I’ve only added the New Designers gang, and anyone who has linked to me on their site, but I’m always open to requests (especially ones with cake attached).

That’s about it for now, save a few tweaks here and there. Expect some more work soon though, I’m a busy bee!

Almost forgot, I entered a new design in Threadless’ Pre-loved contest. All votes and comments are appreciated. Cookies for everyone!

I cannot rest.

This is something I have learned to accept; now that graduation day has come and gone. A blog neglected through laziness has become a blog neglected through busyness, as hot irons are juggled in and out of the fire.

So, what’s been happening?

First there was graduation; or as I’ll always remember it, the day of waiting for things while dressed like a tool. To illustrate the full toolishness of my attire, I uploaded a few photos of the occasion here. Still, it was nice to see everyone reap the rewards of all their hard work as proud parents beamed from the stalls and the nosebleeds, enduring the heat and clapping stoically at every grand announcement. Well done to everyone, stay in touch and best wishes for the future.

Robes returned it was off to the station, and the 19:20 service to Waterloo. By the time we reached Islington it was half past nine, and New Designers had closed for the day. Bugger. Well we did what any sane person would do, and went to the pub.

The remainder of the week went comparatively smoothly, save a tragic yet hilarious drunken incident when an anonymous individual surrendered her phone to the denizens of the underground.

Stand VC23a proved popular with visitors and we all had a great time meeting fellow designers, promoting our work, eating burritos, drinking Shakeaway and dodging swine flu. Overall, a fantastic experience and thanks to everyone who came along to show their support.

Back to Devon and a full inbox, amidst the offers of cheap viagra, some people wanting work done. Brilliant, grateful for the opportunity but so very tired. Hoping to find some time for sleep soon but I’ve a lot to be getting on with, including a small update to the website. Look out for that in the next couple of days.

‘Til then, folks, take care!