Front page of tonight’s issue of the London Evening Standard.

The front cover of this week’s ES magazine.

Front cover of tonight’s London Evening Standard

Tonight’s Evening Standard Front Page

30th October 2012

The front page of last night’s issue of the London Evening Standard.

‘mocha iced’

with tonight’s Evening Standard & ES magazine.

And my new NorthFace backpack which I have needed for months.

My spine already feels the difference.

Last weekend was all about resting.

GameFace on, it’s Back to Business.

& hello, September.

nevver:

Ok

I wish I believed you.

‘peroni pair’

Epic!

1 day to go, London!

ciablog:

Last week the Evening Standard published an article on The Dark Side of The Web. It described how simple log-on codes allow all sorts of sinister products to be bought, from narcotics to weapons and even hit men.

Ross Crawford from Ahoy There illustrated this sensitive issue and we were eager to find out how he got on:

Were you worried about illustrating this particular article? 

I knew I had to inject impact to this piece and worked closely with the art director deciding what to include. We underplayed certain controversial topics, referenced others and chose deliberately moody colours.

Without strong imagery the illustration would have lacked punch and not depicted the dark side of the subject matter. The end result must have worked, the illustration landed up trending on Linked In!

Do you enjoy creating pieces for magazines and newspapers or find it restrictive?

Creating an image that ‘speaks’ the article is a welcome challenge; the rush of the deadline, the press, the exposure, the change in layouts, the various content- just a few of the traits I enjoy!

Also sometimes whilst working on commissions you get an idea for a personal project ( although in this case I had about a day to turn the whole thing around so really had to focus) 

What materials do you prefer to use for editorial briefs?

It’s hands on in the early stages of a project, producing roughs and comps by hand then always finishing digitally. Time management is key so working digitally helps my workflow. 

Where do you dream up ideas and how do you get started? 

The first thing I normally do at the start is some visual research, generate some mood boards as inspiration then brainstorm. I find most of my ideas are born from outside of the working environment; fresh air with no distractions and a clear head really works for me.

We agree, fresh air all the way! Thanks Ross!

‘Monday’

I’m sitting in the cafe with Jony Ive.

My Evening Standard is here also. Whatever.

Along with my cup of tea & diet coke with ice. Whatever.

But it’s Jon who’s got my full attention.

*Swoon*