empty head by kirra jamison

Here are some beautiful modern, illustrated oval portraits I've stumbled across this past week. The  illustration above was designed for Mod Cloth by Natalie Robb. Below are beautifully designed [& styled] invitations by the bride herself. (Snagged from Green Wedding Shoes)

illustrations by Virginia Kraljevic

oh, how lovely

Can't wait to frame this and hang it in the studio--

Apple Blossom Meadow by Anna Emilia

alli coate

Meet Alli Coate, a recent graduate of Rhode Island School of Design and freelance illustrator working in Providence, RI. I love the way Alli incorporates her love of textiles with her unique illustrative style, creating images that make you feel like home.

Check out Alli Coate on Etsy and visit her blog for updates and new work!

jill bliss

For those of you who are drawn to design trends specifically in illustration, you might already be familiar with the work of Jill Bliss. As a former student of Parsons School of Design and California College of the Arts Jill is has been selling handmade goods to her fans online or via indie boutiques around the world since 2001. Jill's work has led her to become a "lo-fi lifestyle brand - a grass roots counterpart to Martha Stewart or Ralph Lauren" (Martin Wong, Giant Robot Magazine). Jill Bliss strives to inspire others and also hopes to encourage a more thoughtful art and design industry that focuses on local economies, fair practices, reusable or sustainable materials, and less consumption tied to ever-changing trends.

As I was taking in Jill's website I stumbled upon a familiar product that I purchased as a gift for friend from a small handmade boutique in Northampton, Massachusettes. It was an illustrated date book like the ones Jill sells here. Fancy that!

Jill Bliss also has a collection of custom house portraits that I absolutely love! What a creative, unique gift idea...

I encourage you to check out Jills website, her blog AND her Etsy shop where you'll find posters, prints, cards, framed artwork as well as additional paper and fabric goods. 

natsko seki

The work of Natsko Seki. Curious. Dream-like. Beautifully composed. Playfully elegant. Seemingly effortless. When I look at Natsko's illustrations I think to myself, "Now THIS... this is the world I want to live in!" Natsko Seki grew up in Tokyo, but remained in the UK after attending Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design and the University of Brighton for Illustration. Currently living in London, Natsko uses her love of antique and vintage culture along with her original, mixed media style to create cheery cityscapes that whilst exist nowhere in real life they are brought to vivacity by her hand. Check it.

I can appreciate Natsko's work on so many levels so it's not surprising that Natsko has captured such a wide audience, freelancing for internationally recognized clients like Louis Vuitton, American Express and BBC. Here is some of Natsko's commercial work. 

the new look book

"Visceral Style" is the name of the new illustrated look book over at Mod Cloth, an online clothing, accessories and decor retailer based in Pittsburgh. The look book was designed by Miss Natalie Robb, a talented Graphic Designer and Illustrator as well as a dear friend of mine. She put many days and nights into these multi-faceted linear illustrations for Mod Cloth's new look and I think you'll agree that her work most certainly paid off. Natalie used my handwriting for the pricing and some titling, but that's nothing compared to her incredible use of water color and texture fills to bring these drawings to life-- they're incredible!

Visit Mod Cloth's blog to learn more about Natalie's artistic process and visit the Mod Cloth site to shop for some amazing finds.