kyri's blog

Illustration Inspiration Blog Launched!

2011-07-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Hi all! I haven't posted in a long time...mainly because I've been working away, got married etc. But the Illustrator's Lounge has just launched a new illustration news/inspiration site.

Check it out here!

That is one thing crossed off of my list. Now I must find a publisher for '100% Recycled Paper' and continue my graphic novel! All good things...lots of hard (but fun) work.

Thanks!

Get Around London (Free Vectors)

2010-09-07T14:43:00.000-07:00

You can download my free London vector icons at Vecteezy! Enjoy. They are free for commercial use also.

Re-working

2010-06-14T09:53:00.000-07:00

Yeah...this works a bit better. Thanks, Tarkan!

'Time'

2010-06-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

Well, I managed to get it done...back to work! (Best viewed full screen, click on the image).

'Time' (Work in Progress)

2010-06-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Please click on it to view large! This is a one off piece I'm working on in my spare time (not that I get much...)

Bitches Magazine

2010-05-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Bitches is a female hip-hop, art fashion and culture online magazine (I created the logo). Pretty cool. Great web design by GeoNeo, too.

Teddy Bear Factory Logo

2010-05-25T05:58:00.000-07:00

I designed this logo for a friends company. He sells personalised bears, using embroidery to add names and messages to the bear's jumper. Nice!

iPhone App Icon Design

2010-05-14T09:14:00.000-07:00

I am currently working on some iPhone App design work for a client of mine. The App is aimed at business, a kind of resource with down-loadable pdf files etc.

There are many routes this could have taken, such as warmer tones to suggest libraries and books. But in the end the client decided on the bright blue colour shown above; quite a good choice in my opinion. This is a friendly, approachable colour that also gives the impression of trust and professionalism, something very important when dealing with business.

Icon design is much more complicated than it looks; you have to send the message home in the simplest way possible. Not an easy thing to do! But I'm enjoying the challenge.

Also, these have been made originally as vector icons to ensure a quality finish. I think the way the web is going, I wouldn't be surprised if in a couple of years time we are all designing websites in vector programs. There would be many pluses for doing this, such as being able to print your designs out at a nice size. But also the quality would be better I believe.

Good times!

40 Flyers Showcase Site!

2010-04-28T04:39:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone. 40 Flyers is a great new flyer showcase website brought to you by my company Offset Media and Kailash Nadh. Check it out so far, and feel free to let us know of any bugs. Thanks!

An Old T-shirt Design

2010-04-08T10:30:00.001-07:00

Here's a t-shirt design I produced for Black Jay Films a while ago. It obviously depicts the camera being used as a weapon. I like the concept, very simple but quite powerful.

The Digital Economy Bill (Losing Our Freedom)

2010-04-02T06:24:00.000-07:00

My company Offset Media took the day off to take part in a “Digital Economy Bill” flash mob protest on the 01/04/10.

It was quite funny; they got a bit scared and closed the doors to the building! Don't know why; it was a peaceful protest...

An Early Valentine's Day Image

2010-01-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

This was created for artwork as part of a poster for The Olive Restaurant, based on the wallpaper they used in the venue (by Cole & Son, the most amazing handmade wallpaper company).

Isabelle

2010-01-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

Inside Book Jacket: Fields Design

2010-01-08T08:40:00.000-08:00

Loosely based on a Google Maps satellite image of Athienou, Cyprus.

Oh, and Happy New Year everyone! Thanks to all of you who have left messages, they are appreciated. I have been really inspired by many other bloggers, and it is been a privilege to have you visit me here on my little blog as much as it has been to visit you. Here's to 2010...

Breakin' House Logo Idea

2009-12-09T07:43:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of crests around, but I haven't managed to find a really cool modern one. Here's my attempt for a client of mine. There are a couple of small tweaks, like making the 'B' clearer in the word Breakin', but I'm feeling lazy. I'll leave it until tomorrow! Constructive criticism is always welcome...

More Character Design...

2009-12-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

I'm into the whole 'steampunk' look at the mo. This one is really sketchy, I know. But sometimes I like the rough look. I've thrown away my ink lately, but I think pencil sketches can look pretty good with a bit of colour thrown in.

The Admiral

2009-11-26T05:23:00.000-08:00

Based a little on Nelson. (I nicked his hat).

The Iron Prince

2009-11-24T03:55:00.000-08:00

Bad guys always look great in purple, don't they? There must be loads of animation villains that use this colour. Maleficent springs to mind straight away...she has got to be the ultimate baddy!

Some Photos from North Cyprus

2009-11-11T10:39:00.001-08:00

I don't usually post up photos, but this would be an exceptional case. In North Cyprus, they are building like crazy! And while development is a good thing, I for one will be sad to see the old 'village lifestyle' go.

Of course I could have easily posted up some sunny pics of 'tourist' Cyprus, but I find this a little more charming.

Oh, and sorry for the photoshop effects...I took these on a horrible disposable cam as that's all I could get hold of. Needless to say they came out a bit crappy!

Coffee Cup Reader

2009-11-04T09:12:00.000-08:00

In a lot of the Eastern Mediterranean and Arab world, coffee cup readers can tell your fortune...here's a quick sketch of one! Isn't she spooky? I might develop some of these Cypriot characters into something one day. It'd be great to set a story in Cyprus! I took loads of research snaps of interesting stuff while I was over there, can't wait to develop them...I just felt really inspired being somewhere different.

P.s. Turkish coffee is amazing.

Old Cypriot Lady

2009-11-04T06:52:00.000-08:00

I've just come back from Cyprus, where I met loads of people. I met many relatives I never knew I had...apparantly one of my uncles has 72 grandchildren and great grandchildren alone! Anyway, I thought I'd sketch out an old Cypriot woman in the old traditional hoods they wear. Not sure why she's green..but hey, artistic license!

Découcher Logo

2009-10-29T04:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a logo I designed for a nightspot in Kensington, London. Apparantly the signage for the venue looks great, but I haven't seen it yet. If I do I'll try and get a shot and post it up!

Menu Idea for The Olive

2009-08-13T04:43:00.001-07:00

Well, they changed their logo again! Anyway, I'm doing The Olive menus now. This is completely unfinished (dishes will change, prices too. The cover will probably change in the end, and we haven't added nut allergy and veg signs). But, I thought I'd post it up anyway, as I thought it was coming along quite nicely.

Spectacular Spiderman

2009-08-03T08:29:00.000-07:00

I love this show!

Old Retreat Blind Design

2009-07-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

I completely forgot who I referenced for this, but I remember really enjoying making this piece. It was a commission for a bar in London called The Retreat, which unfortunately has closed down now. But I stumbled upon it today and thought it was worth sticking up here!

Final Olive Logo

2009-07-14T07:41:00.000-07:00

Well, with just two-three weeks to go until opening, finally an Olive logo was decided upon...

Hulk!

2009-07-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

Yep, it's Hulk alright. Not my usual style, but it's for a job I'm going for. Fingers crossed!

Rough Logo Sheet (The Olive)

2009-06-22T07:27:00.000-07:00

Okay, I know the colours aren't brilliant, but these are some logos I've created for a restaurant opening soon in London. We are doing menus and other bits also...but not until they decide on one of these! I like the bottom right one, even though the balance isn't perfect it has a certain mood that I like. I think it has a quirky kind of sophistication to it!

My Font on DaFONT

2009-06-15T05:03:00.000-07:00

My font can now be downloaded at DaFONT! DaFONT is a great source for free fonts, I usually find what I'm looking for there. Check it out!

My New Comic Font, 'Kyri Kaps'!

2009-06-02T07:28:00.000-07:00

You can download it from the Offset Media 'Goodies' section at the bottom of the page. It's called Kyri Kaps.

The only stupid thing with this font is you have to have your caps lock on, as there are only capital letters. The good thing is there are loads of hidden characters, like degree signs, Euro signs, etc. I really like it! I designed it for a book I'm working on in my spare time, and I thought it might be useful for others, especially comic artists.

Feel free to use it however you like.

New Offset Media Site!

2009-05-27T07:50:00.000-07:00

Check out my company Offset Media's new website! I think this is by far the best site we've had. We always put our website last, but not anymore! It's got a few freebies on the site, like textures and fonts. The work is displayed in a really nice way, and we even have a design blog...

Well I think it's cool!

Free Ugly Wallpaper!

2009-05-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

I was a bit bored, so I made this desktop wallpaper. Yes, it is extremely ugly. And I don't suppose anyone would have any use for it whatsoever. But who cares, I thought I'd post it up anyway! It's 1024 x 1280 for anyone mad enough to actually use it.

(P.s. two posts in one day! Very unlike me...)

Hugo Award Logo Submission

2009-05-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

Here's my submission for the Hugo Award logo competition. I tried to keep it simple, as I think all logos should be. This helps it to be instantly recognisable. I actually really enjoyed making this (and wouldn't it be great to win?!) I think Neil Gaiman is one of the judges. Pretty cool!

Hallowe'en came early this year...

2009-05-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

A little mess around. Sometimes I like to just whack out an image simply for the sake of drawing something. Boy am I rusty!

Make My Logo Bigger Cream!!!

2009-02-28T05:37:00.000-08:00

This is amazing stuff! My clients will be soooo happy!!!
This is going to change my life.

My Wordle 'Word Cloud'

2009-02-26T09:18:00.000-08:00

Make your own word cloud at Wordle! This was made using my blog. Completely useless but cool...

Sylvain Chomet's 'L'illusioniste'...Any News?

2009-02-25T11:13:00.000-08:00

I'm really looking forward to this...I'm sure it will be fantastic! This is the only still I could find from the film and was wondering if there was any news on the production side of things? 'The Secret of Kells' looks great too, as does 'Coraline'. This could be a good period for 2-d and stop motion...fingers crossed!

My Grandad, the Tailor

2009-02-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

I was named after my grandfather, Kyriakos Kyprianou. He was a great tailor, and worked on behalf of many of the establishments of Saville Row. He had his own shop in Finsbury Park for many years. I remember him telling me once he made a suit for Sir Cliff Richard. Sir Cliff gave him a free record (as well as full payment, obviously) in gratitude, but my grandfather had no idea who Sir Cliff was (and this was during his prime, Summer Holiday and all that)!

New Banner! (I've Stopped Smoking..)

2009-02-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Here's the tired old banner for my blog. I had that silly cigarrette there to remind me to stop smoking (dumb, I know). But HEY! I have gone since Boxing Day without, so I thought it was about time I changed my banner. I think it's a BIG improvement!

Some Old Stuff

2009-01-12T04:36:00.001-08:00

I haven't had much time lately to do any drawing, so I thought I'd post up some old bits. These were done during some work experience at Chase Animation after I graduated. That bird still scares me!

Merry X-Mas & New Year!

2008-12-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

Well, I missed out on doing any Hallowe'en illustrations this year...you didn't think I'd leave out Christmas did you? This went out to all my clients in print form. Gotta keep 'em sweet me-says...

Well, I'm off work from tomorrow. I'm going to start tiling and painting my kitchen at home. The in-laws are coming round for New Years... :)

Saul Bass "Why Man Creates"

2008-11-21T03:47:00.000-08:00

This is great, I just saw it for the first time on You Tube...

Is George W. Bush a Pill Head..?

2008-11-13T16:20:00.001-08:00

I can't for the life of me find the speech George made this morning. Those of you who were lucky enough to catch it (or not, depending on your opinion), would have seen 'Dubya' clicking his lower jaw bone to the side like an uncontrollable reflex. My guess is it was just that, an uncontrollable reflex brought about by pill popping. It's just a guess though of course...

Glad to be rid of you Mr. President (the sooner the better).

Kata! Restaurants Mascots

2008-11-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

Here are a few mascots I did for my friend Michael's Japanese restaurant. I really like these..! It's not my usual style, but vector drawing can be quite fun. I used Flash to create these, as I found it to be a bit quicker than Illustrator when it comes to using simple geometric shapes and curves. (That's just me though...I'm sure the Illustrator fanatics out there wouldn't do something like this in Flash, but there we go). Much fun!

Happy Hallowe'en Everyone!

2008-10-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do an image for Hallowe'en, but it turns out I don't have the bloomin' time. Pah!

'Madeleine'

2008-10-11T06:17:00.000-07:00

Here is a sneak preview of my contribution for '100% Recycled Paper', a book collaboration I'm putting together. Loads of talented illustrators are involved from all over the world, with the aim of making a bit of money towards The World Land Trust.

Pass by the production blog and show us your support...it is always welcome!

Who Will Win??

2008-09-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in a while!! Here's a little mess around. I might develop these characters further, it could make a funny comic methinks...

'A Letter from the King'

2008-09-01T03:28:00.000-07:00

I've been REALLY busy with loads of other stuff recently, including The Paper Project (go check it out, it's coming along really well). Here's a piece that was intended for that, until I came up with a slightly more elaborate idea. I still like it though, so why waste it?

New Crafts Site by Me and the Gang!

2008-07-24T08:29:00.000-07:00

We've just launched Scribble Scribble, a new arty-crafty site by my studio Illustrator's Lounge. Download, print, enjoy!

Me? A Sexist?

2008-07-10T04:37:00.000-07:00

No, I'm not a sexist. Well, only on the rare occasions when my girlfriend winds me up the wrong way. Then I draw little doodles like these to make myself feel better! (Sorry Kim...)

Work, work, work...

2008-06-26T08:24:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't been around much lately. Client work and deadlines are taking over my life as of late! I will be back soon. Meanwhile, check out the Paper Project (see last post for link). It's going really well so far!

The Paper Project

2008-06-11T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm organizing a comic book collaboration called The Paper Project, at the moment. Some really great artists are involved from all over the world, and I'm very excited about it!

"The Paper project aims to be a great collection of comic strips based around the given word 'paper'. By the end, we should have a lovely book which we plan to print on 100% recycled paper."

Go and check it out...

2008-06-03T11:03:00.000-07:00

We've just launched Trump Labs, our new online games company!

I had fun this week...

2008-05-15T03:36:00.000-07:00

Well the studio was a bit quiet, so I thought I'd splatter some paint on these mirrors that were lying around from a previous job. Waste not want not...

This is my new desk lamp buddy!

Here's my purple mirror. He's a bit square.

Oh no! Blue has EATEN purple!

I have no idea what I'm going to do with these now. I think I'll just let them live in the studio for a while.

Astro Fight!

2008-05-09T03:12:00.000-07:00

Not to be confused with Astro Fighter, an old Space Invaders type game. Check out Trump Labs if you'd like to know more!

Summer Classes at Offset Media

2008-05-06T08:33:00.000-07:00

We are currently taking students at Offset Media! Very exciting stuff. I am a huge supporter of after school classes as they have worked for me in the past. Hopefully we can help sharpen the skills of young budding designers from our own premises...I'm looking forward to it!

Murder on the Manor

2008-04-24T10:30:00.000-07:00

Here's a sneak preview of a possible future game by the Lounge. Unfortunately we believe it is such a good idea, I can't share too much about it! But yes, it's a murder mystery game. Shazaam!

Goodbye Ollie!

2008-04-17T03:00:00.000-07:00

I just found out about the passing of Ollie Johnston, the great Disney animator. I was quite sad to hear it, so I thought I'd post up this video of Glenn Keane talking about Ollie's work. There are some great close-ups of his drawings, and you really get a sense of the passion that went into creating those memorable characters.

Need Your Votes! Sleep with Me T on Threadless!

2008-04-10T09:09:00.000-07:00

Just click on the pic to take you there. All votes are much appreciated, I need all I can get!

Illustrator's Lounge Re-vamp

2008-04-03T03:03:00.001-07:00

Check out Illustrator's Lounge, my studio's website! We've just given it a facelift, and to promote this we are giving away loads of cool freebies!

Life Drawing

2008-03-18T11:29:00.000-07:00

I don't often have time to do any life drawing anymore. It used to really help me get figures down, and apart from that, it loosened me up a bit. Sometimes it's hard to just be natural with the pencil. So here's a piece I did at uni anyway.

Helvetica Documentary

2008-03-07T10:45:00.000-08:00

I saw this documentary recently, and I recommend it to anyone who has any interest in how typography effects our day to day lives. And believe it or not, this hasn't got a dull moment in it.

Xénos Game Design Update

2008-03-05T04:45:00.001-08:00

Here's another character for our battle card game, Xénos. His name is Akos, and he's a kind of villager/peasant tough guy.

We're hoping to start the programming side of the game in a month or so, and we are all very excited! You can find Kailash Nadh's (our programmer's) blog in my links, it's called "Road to Geekdome". Check it out, he does a lot of great work for the web.

Illustrator's Lounge Style Sheet

2008-03-03T03:52:00.000-08:00

This is an illustrated idea for our studio's image, for when we decide to promote ourselves (like we have the time). Not sure if we'll go with this yet, but I do like it. Very simple.

'Vincent' by Tim Burton, narrated by Vincent Price

2008-02-29T03:08:00.000-08:00

What more can I say??

My Font!

2008-02-28T09:13:00.001-08:00

I've just finished creating my first 'proper' font. It's a bit rough around the edges, but I'm pleased with it over all. There are no capital letters though, hence the title! Might add those later.

Sleep with Me T

2008-02-25T11:43:00.001-08:00

This is a t-shirt design that I never used in the end. Might change the caption. Any ideas..?

My Morris Pattern

2008-02-22T02:37:00.001-08:00

A client of ours required a 'William Morris style' pattern for her start-up company. Here's a few bits I created using William Morris' Thistle pattern as a starting point. Did I mention she wanted it in pink?

Pib and Pog!

2008-02-21T02:06:00.000-08:00

This is a funny bit of animation! I'm pretty sure it's from Aardman Animation. Enjoy!

Milt Kahl Pencil Test

2008-02-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

Wow! I found this on the Animated Jam blog. A nice bit of animated treasure!

Who d'you think will win?

2008-02-19T10:33:00.001-08:00

Here's an old t-shirt design of mine. I really liked making this piece. It was a good excuse to use those great western fonts, which never come in handy! It's always the way, you go around these free font sites, then you see this amazing font that you MUST download...only to never use it. Well I have now! Mwah-ha-ha!!

Kata! Sushi Restaurant

2008-02-14T09:56:00.001-08:00

This was done for my friend Michael's restaurant in Seven Sisters, London. He's a great lad, and his food is just about the only great thing in Seven Sisters (apart from our studio, of course!)

Cramp!!

2008-02-13T09:47:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I've been working so hard on the game that my hand has cramp. Bloody ouch!! I think I have blisters. Poor me.

Jolam

2008-02-13T02:44:00.001-08:00

The game is coming along really nicely now. We have fully designed the site, including illustrations...well, all but the splash for the home page. That's my job for today. Here's another card, Jolam. He's a big tough guy, guarding the South Gate! We've designed a map of the Xénos world too. I might post that nearer the time of release.

Slarrg!

2008-02-11T04:05:00.001-08:00

Everyone beware...Slarrg is here! Another character for the Xénos game. Although he's not too strong, he is super intelligent. Yes he is. Colours by GeoNeo.

Scrolls

2008-02-08T02:02:00.001-08:00

A little more character design. Most of this still needs a lot of tweaking. That's Julius Caesar in the middle btw!

Sketchpad Doodles

2008-02-07T01:43:00.001-08:00

Out of boredom sprung these scribbles in my sketchbook one day. I must get bored more often methinks...

A very old sketch

2008-02-06T02:46:00.001-08:00

This sketch is about five years old. I was trying out these 'fat' eyebrows, when I was searching for my own style of character design. I still like this, which is very unusual (I loathe my old works with a passion).

Qualia

2008-02-05T11:29:00.001-08:00

This is Qualia, another fantasy character for our Xénos game. I'm pleased with how the wings turned out! Well, just another 98 characters to colour in now. We are on the way!!

War on Democracy, a documentary by John Pilger

2008-02-05T11:00:00.000-08:00

This really moved me, by far the best documentary I've ever seen. It's very truthful, and the Hugo Chavez section was amazing. How can the U.S. call this socialist a terrorist?

Chaji, Tribal Shaman

2008-02-04T14:00:00.001-08:00

Chaji is a character for a game we are making, over at Illustrator's Lounge. We are very deep into production at the moment, so I'll be updating on our progress right here. The game is called Xénos Battlelands.

Pierre Alary, you are Great!

2008-02-04T10:22:00.001-08:00

Check this out! I am a huge Alary fan, so although he doesn't update his blog that often, I go back again and again. This is a good example why. Look at the framing, the story telling, I just love this page. You can tell he has that animation background in him, can't you? Well, this'll do just fine until next month Pierre. I'll be back for my fix.

Seen, Godfather of Graffiti

2008-02-04T10:18:00.000-08:00

Hunted Front Cover

2008-02-04T10:00:00.002-08:00

This is the front cover to issue one of Hunted, a comic I'm working on in my spare time. It's written by David A.J.Berner, who you can find at Broken Voice Comics. I'd recommend checking out some of his other stuff, as it's all top draw.

Hunted is set in a fictional Baltic state, and tells the story of Elena, a young vampire...

I usually shun scary movies and anything to do with vampires, but once I'd read through the script, that was it. I was sold. Berner really tells this one with a touch of humanity. (And the drawings aren't too shabby either!)

Will Web 2.0 survive, or is it just a fad?

2008-02-03T14:04:00.000-08:00

We've been talking about this quite a lot down at our studio (or the lounge, as we affectionately call it). What is the deal with web 2.0? Are we sick of it yet? Why has everyone gravitated to the same sort of style anyway? Is there nothing else going on out there at the moment? I think some designers are playing it safe, and I have to admit to being one of those, for at least a brief period of time. To understand why, we have to list the positives to using the web 2.0 method.

Web 2.0 is very clear in its nature. The great simplicity of it all, loads of white space, big clear lettering, cute iconography etc. is a far cry from the early days of the web. I think web 2.0 was a reaction to the nineties, where a lot of web design felt cluttered and unfriendly (don't get me started on myspace, I don't know how that made it so big). From an every day user's point of view, everything is easy. But do we need design to be almost stripped to the bare bones to do this? Don't get me wrong, I loved the whole web 2.0 style when I first saw and used it. I really loved it! I got on the web looking for tutorials...'how to make things look web 2.0' etc. But I now feel as a designer, a little starved of creativity. Starved of detail, workmanship...we are not painting the Mona Lisa, just painting by numbers. The funny thing is, I think your average user doesn't care too much. It works. That's why it is still here. It just bloody works...

It is us designers that probably feel bored of it. That's okay, it is in our nature. But lets bloomin' well do something about it please? Can't we keep the great user friendlyness we have inherited from web 2.0, and take the next evolutionary step? I wonder what it will be...

Yet another blog to clutter the internet...and it's all MINE!

2008-02-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

Well first off, I thought I'd write a bit about myself, for the millions who are interested. At the moment I run my own design studio, Illustrator's Lounge. Together with my partners Tarkan and George, we are trying our best to deliver good, strong work for our clients. Web design seems to be our bread and butter at the moment, but we've done a hell of a lot outside the realms of the web. I also work on a comic called 'Hunted' in my spare time. It's written by David A. J. Berner of Broken Voice Comics, and I have a lot of respect for what he does.

But enough of all that...what am I going to be talking about here? Well, I'll definately be posting up some personal work of mine, from character design to web design, possibly some graffiti and other bits I do. I'll probably air my views on what I think is bad design, or anything else I think is shite. Like people who add an 'e' on the end of shit just to seem interesting. And maybe, just maybe, a post here and there about Arsenal Football Club. Yes, I know it seems out of place, but this is my soddin' blog, so I'll do whatever I bloomin' well feel like up in here. So here we go!