David Sparshott

I came across David Sparshott whilst doing some research, he is an excellent drawer! Absolutely brilliant! Really nice to see some 'proper' drawing, real skill.

I admire this guy!

You can see more of David Sparshott's work on his website www.davidsparshott.com

Just Brilliant!!

Hope you like!

Back To Basics: My Work

I've had the urge recently to do some drawings, just pencil and nothing else! I often like using collage and anything I can get my hands on but want to go back to basics!!

 I studied Fine Art in St Albans when I was 18 (prior to Graphics and Illustration), I want to use the skills I learnt  there, just basics of drawing and composition.

Here are some of my drawings from my sketchbooks.

Just pencil!!

Sketch of a Bill Brandt photograph

James and the Giant Peach: My final design for book cover

Here is my final design for the Puffin competition.

All of the elements are hand cut using a scalpel. I considered type, I wanted it to look hand generated and playful because it's a children's story. I wanted to create a whimsical feel to my design, which I feel I have achieved. 

If i could change my design I would focus on the skyline, but as this is a photograph I obviously cannot change this in Photoshop and so it would mean me having to set up and photograph the whole front cover again! I am working on a new project now and unfortunately I don't have the time!! It was my first time experimenting properly with photography and I have learnt a lot, which I can take with me when doing future projects.

I will be entering the Puffin competition after seeking advice about the computer generated text on the back of the cover, as this is not my strong point!! 

My personal work: cushion cover design

My design for a cushion cover, (pencil and sequins). I will photocopy this and make it into a screen, which I can then use to print onto fabric (screen print).

Here is one of my screen prints on fabric. This was made into a cushion. I made a few in different colours and sewed lots of pearly beads on for added detail..this took me ages but I loved doing it! 

I love designing cushions, I am currently working on more designs!

Penguin Design Award 2011: book cover for 'James and the Giant Peach'

I am currently working on a design for the Puffin Design Award 2011.

 The brief is to design a book cover for Roald Dahl's 'James and the Giant Peach'.

I had several ideas for this brief regarding techniques. I wanted something 2D but layered or suspended (I love hanging things!!) to create shadows and a feel of depth. I want to keep it naive as it's a children's story but at the same sophisticated.

I tried to create a little scene like a stage, I set it up in the photography studio with adequate lighting and then took some shots. It's been a productive day today!

I am happy with these shots! My design is still in progress and the next step is to play about on photoshop, I think I will add more of the New York skyline. I also have ideas for the text on the spine and the back. These photos are very clean which is my style however, I will experiment with adding some collage to add extra detail.

I will upload my final book cover very soon!