Although primarily I am a pen and ink illustrator/graphic artist, my 9 to 5 is very much removed from the creative realms of acrylic paints and photoshop. I work for a bank. It’s a behind the scenes roll and I can get away with not wearing a tie but it is very much the polar opposite of friedandy. However, today and Friday 24 November 2017, the two collide in a brilliant explosion of arty farty people, all usually beavering away in different departments of the bank, coming together to exhibit their talents. I’m excited because it gives Raymond a proper outing! If you’ve not already met Raymond then you are in for a treat as he’ picking up speed on the run up to Christmas. Raymond tends to make an appearance in late October with the release of three brand new Raymond Christmas card designs and he has gained quite a following since he first popped up in 2010.  Unfortunately the exhibition is for bank employees only but it’s a starting block.

You can get your hands on Raymond Christmas cards over at the facebook page where you can get friends and family discount as well as bagging yourself some Raymond stickers too (new for 2017)

Some see a blank canvas as a new beginning. It’s exciting. It’s a foundation. Others see a blank canvas as daunting. It stunts the creative process. I tend to attack a page already full of ideas. The ink it already leaking from the tip of the pen even before it’s come into contact with the paper. However, there are times, like right now, when I’m required to write a few lines on who I am and what I do from an illustration perspective, in preparation for an exhibition and I’m sat staring at the flashing cursor…