A couple of months ago, I was honoured to be asked by Computer Arts to illustrate the typographic section openers for their 2014 CA Collection Illustration Annual. As I primarily draw and colour my work by hand, I immediately knew that it was a huge task but a challenge I wanted to take on nonetheless. I love creating abstract, typographic artwork but don't have many opportunities to do so. Here, I was given the chance to produce not one but TEN typographic illustrations. Above are just a few WIP shots of this expansive project. A few days into working on this assignment, it was confirmed that I would also be interviewed for the Illustration Annual and a photographer would be sent to shoot me working. As a self-confessed awkward and shy person, this proposition was extremely daunting but I swallowed my reservations and agreed.
As expected, I was completely gawky and weird on the day of the shoot but I did manage to relax and have fun. I created a cute, little faux studio setup at the home of my boyfriend (because my true place of work is far less glamourous!) and even had an extended shoot with him after the real professional photographer had left. The four images above are taken from that playful, amateur session.
It was really lovely to see all the artwork and interview once the Illustration Annual was published. There were a lot of early mornings and late nights needed to complete this project on time but it's always satisfying to know the dedication was worth it when you get results you're happy with. Make sure to grab a copy to see my work and to read the interview in full!
âž” see project
Hanny
13 August 2014 at 08:33
Nicky, admiring your job! You are so talented. May you suggest what kind of color pen donyou use for this ? Brand and pen size ? Thanks a lot
Nikki Farquharson
16 August 2014 at 18:23
Thank you! I primarily use fineliner Staedtler and Stabilo pens.
Jamie
26 October 2014 at 18:45
Hi, Love your illustrations! I was wondering about your pens. I use Sakura micron pens but the color range is pretty abysmal, so I’ve been looking for an alternative. It looks like you’re using Staedtler pens? How do they work for you? I almost bought some not too long ago, but came across a number of reviews (on Amazon) complaining about the ink fading dramatically in just a few months or less. Not okay! Has that ever happened to you? Sorry, that’s a lot of questions I guess! I’d appreciate any input if you have a minute. Thank you. 🙂 -Jamie
Nikki Farquharson
27 October 2014 at 11:30
Hi Jamie, yeah they are my favourite pens (so far) but the colours do tend to fade after a little while which is a shame. I try to scan my work in asap and not leave the originals exposed to bright light/sunlight to avoid this (keeping them in folders/portfolios etc.). RE the colour range – I recently bought their 30-piece set which looks awesome but I haven’t used as yet. They’re not expensive so I’d suggest giving them a go just to get a more informed and personal idea of how they work for you. 🙂