Tag: shawna x

Artist Research: Shawna X

Artist Research: Shawna X

by turquoisecho ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Shawna X is the name of a successful contemporary illustrator. She works digitally, but her designs are often realised as paintings or prints on a very large scale for commissioners e.g. Adidas, Doc Martens, Dropbox etc.

Conventions of her working style include heavy use of gradients and very bright colours. I am inspired by the blockiness of her work and the colour schemes.

This piece really interested me: I love painting on objects I find or own. Here, the surfboards reflect the beach-centric content. In a scene that takes place at Brighton, I might paint on beach rocks, a piece of driftwood, or even fish and chip packaging! It’s a shame that social distancing is keeping me from visiting…

I’ve actually used Jamie as help to create a big list of things we associate with the beach. Any form reflecting these items would be a big help in creating a cohesive illustration about the beach.

  • BALL
  • SURFBOARD
  • PARASOL
  • SUNCREAM
  • WAVE
  • SAND
  • SPADE
  • HAT
  • TOWEL
  • DECKCHAIR
  • SUNBED
  • ICE CREAM
  • FISH AND CHIPS
  • ROCKS
  • STONES AND PEBBLES
  • SWIMSUIT
  • BEACH BAG
  • CRAB
  • FISH
  • SHARK
  • CORAL
  • SHELLS
  • SEAWEED
  • BARNACLE
  • WOOD
  • SHIP
  • SAIL
  • COCONUT
  • NET
  • FISHING ROD
  • CLIFF
The 60’s inspired graphic design here is exciting to look at. The colour scheme is looking pretty tasty for stealing, too.
I just really like the way this image has been edited. The colours make me happy. It’s a photograph, but the blocks of colour make the scene almost abstract and take it out of any recognisable place.
This was a commission from Doc Martens. The feeling it creates is pretty cool. I hope to work with block colours a little.