The Anthology Project

Collaborations are always an awesome idea and ' The Anthology Project' is no exception. Combining stories of artists from the US and Canada, it's a book I now desperately want on my bookshelf. Especially Volume 1.

One of the authors of the book also happens to be the artist behind that magnificent looking hard cover illustration. She goes by the name of Joy Ang, her name being a dead give away for the art she creates. After discovering her this morning I happily spent most of my day looking through her work on Deviant Art. You should too. Her comics are laugh out loud funny and her illustrations, simply wonderful. You can tell the amount of thought she put into each piece as they will make you go, "Oh yeah! That's an awesome idea." It's these ideas of hers, they go so well with each other. Things you might ordinarily never put together manage to find themselves looking pretty content in Joy's paintings.

The book throws together some of the most creative artists out there telling nothing more than stories. Stories of their own creation and the wealth of styles this book contains makes it a 'must have' for any illustration/comic junkie. I love it. As I looked through the project's blog, I came across some stunning examples of how the work was made and it also had a wonderful 'making-of' the book cover as well.

I bet it's a wonderful read. As the description on the website will tell you, the book's "humble intent is only to delight." So, anyone willing to pretty please buy Volume 1 for me :)

Sometimes

you need to see other people draw to get inspired to do it yourself.

LOTs to share with you

I've come across some wonderful links to artists whose websites are a must see for those seeking inspiration when low on supplies. All these links are given on the right in the 'Rat Recommends' section:

1. Marshall Vandruff, a freelance illustrator who has worked for Mad magazine, Dark Horse, WB and many others. He currently teaches animal anatomy at the Laguna College of Art & Design in California.

2. Lauren K Cannon, amazing artist who writes frequently for ImagineFX magazine. She dabbles in both digital and traditional art.

3. Joel Dos Reis Viegas, concept artist whose interests range from hip-hop to sci-fi to animation. His style is simply amazing!

4. Tom Nel, storyboard artist who has worked on projects spanning from low-budget animations to live-action blockbusters.

5. Darren Rawlings, a canadian-based illustrator who is now working on his own comic book/graphic novel called Agent Orange and the characters are really interesting. Check out his blog for more!

6. Jessica Gonacha, for all things wonderfully illustrated or animated in beautiful patterns, delicious colours in such simplicity that you WILL get hooked immediately.

Do check them out.