Croydon Citizen Covers

January 6, 2016 Matt Bannister

In the last few months, I have been commissioned by a local newspaper to create two illustrations for them. The Croydon Citizen produces web content as well as a free hard copy each month. The first commission was for an article called "Is Croydon Fair?". They came up with the rough concept of the old weighing scales, and suggested local landmarks and services to fill the plate with. The image was used on the front, and inside with the feature.

My new cover illustration for the latest issue of the Croydon Citizen. #illustration #Croydon #SurreyStreetMarket #southlondon #newspaper
A photo posted by Matt Bannister (@bannister_images) on Nov 11, 2015 at 4:12am PST

Here's the 'clean version' without text, followed by some of the initial drawings of elements to go in the dish:

A few months later, I was asked to do a cover image for their Christmas issue, this time highlighting the concerns some Croydonians have had about the temporary closure of the Fairfield Halls.

They, again, had an idea that they wanted bringing to life: the Fairfield Halls in a half and half state of open and closed.

Here's the final version, without text, followed by a drawing of an early version featuring two contrasting trees (that we decided not to use in the end, as it might have hindered the lay out).

The Great Outdoors

June 24, 2015 Matt Bannister

I recently entered a competition to illustrate 'The Great Outdoors', aimed an adventure-loving male audience. Sadly, I didn't get a prize, but I enjoyed making the two images shown here. I used some linocut techniques to create the background elements, with pencil and Photoshop helping me along the way elsewhere. In the age old artistic tradition, I resorted to using images of myself for inspiration, there being no hikers nearby to draw!

illustration of man climbing with a camera

The two images are not, strictly, inspired by London. I suppose for the purposes of this blog, though, I can say that the desire to escape the city for some fresh air is nicely implicit.

Volunteers Needed for Crystal Palace Festival

May 13, 2015 Matt Bannister

I was commissioned by the Crystal Palace Overground Festival charity to create a recruitment poster for them. The 2015 event in SE19 is fast approaching, and they needed an image to go on flyers, A4 and A3 posters that would attract people. Most of the effort for the festival is provided by volunteers, so there is always a need to get more people involved. Of course, I returned to some familiar characters but gave them a kick up the bottom in terms of colour. Now all I need to do is get my hands on a poster for my archives!

Something For Everyone

April 22, 2015 Matt Bannister

Seeing as I've been slack on posting here, recently, here's a jumble of bits and bobs. There's no particular way of grouping these finds and images: it's just a digital pile of goodies to rummage through. In an effort to garner some more viewers, though, this will be arranged into Buzzfeed-esque numbered list.

Mermaid Court, London SE1. Inspired by a photo I took on my phone, I created a little birthday card for someone. She liked it, but was desperate to find a meaning in the arrangement of people, bollards and road markings. Any interpretations welcome.

The Past on Glass (i). I've recently started doing some volunteer work with the archives department at Sutton Library, to help digitise their collection of glass negatives. Here are four images of Edwardian ladies that I thought looked intriguing (and quite modern).

Expression Through Drawing. In an effort to show what is inside my head, and how drawing helps it come out, here's a new illustration. Oil, pencil and photoshop.

A Return To Life Drawing. I found a new untutored session in Croydon at Matthews Yard. I've only been once, but it's good to be back.

Balham High Road. I started this image last summer, but have only managed to complete it recently. I think the day that I shared it on Twitter, I was asked by Mimi's Artworks (81 Balham High Road, London SW12 9AP) if they could sell it in their gallery as prints. The lesson I've learnt is: finish every piece of work. You never know.

Look what's just arrived signed prints by #Mattbannister next stage framing and displaying @magbanno @MrsCarlieWelch pic.twitter.com/Rff9EZZbNH
— Mimi's Artworks (@mimivanger) April 17, 2015

Here it is again pride of place in the front of the window @magbanno @NPBalham @balhamdotcom @Balham_Life #art pic.twitter.com/Yw4w4MwIai — Mimi's Artworks (@mimivanger) April 21, 2015