For this artist spotlight, I want to feature some of the recent books (and cardsets) I’ve acquired recently. Along with recent publications by friends, I picked up quite a few promo books by the Illustration thesis students. From left to right, top to bottom:

Love Story in the Woods – Grim Wilkins
I mentioned this book in the last spotlight, but it is worth mentioning again. Absolutely gorgeous art. I could go on, but just buy it so you can see for yourself. http://www.grimwilkins.com/

Illustrated Adaptation of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close – Yina Kim
Yina Kim’s style really solidified in the course of her thesis. Her illustrations walk the fine line of intentional naivete and whimsical line work. Plus the colors are bananas. http://yinakim.com/

Fish Hooks Vol. 1 – Brynn Metheney
Since graduating CCA, Brynn has been on a warpath. She cranks out top level fantasy and concept art faster than most people can view it. This collection shows her range and process and intimidates all in her way.  http://www.brynnart.com/ and  http://www.fishhookstudio.com/

What are you doing here? – Yon Kyung Lim
Yon was a student of mine and I had no idea she could paint like this. Her watercolor is mature and sophisticated with a strong personal aesthetic. Every page in this book is a home run. http://yonlim.com/

Kandyland – Katharina Conrad
Katharina reimagines the board game Candyland through the lens of American dysfunction (my words). Messed up in all the best ways, Candyland will never be the same… http://katharinaconrad.com/

Rare – Alex Babakitis
Alex turned out one of the more straightforward and elegant thesis projects I’ve seen in a while. Homeboy can really work his lines and cranks out some stunning portraits of endangered life on earth. http://babakitis.com/

Apana – Laurel Planas
Apana Chang was the Hawaiian supercop who served as the inspiration for  Charlie Chan. This short graphic novel is a primer to his bad assery. http://laurelplanas.com/

Waking Dreams – Lisa Jeong
Lisa really stepped up her game in her thesis project based around her not-so-typical dreams. Dreams have been done before, but the descriptions are comprehensive and the nature of the pieces are so surreal that it rises above the standard. Plus the multimedia technique kills it. http://lisajeong.com/

Ten in One – Nicole Gervacio
Nicole’s thesis consists of portraits of circus and sideshow performers. Her technique is really unique and integrates loose painting with collage. Really cool  subject with an interesting approach. http://nicolegervacio.com/

What is Your Paradise? – Alek Morawski
Alek started this project by sending out a request for people’s personal ideas of “paradise”. Narrowing a list of over 50 responses to ten pieces, Alek took those concepts are ran with it. Alek’s work feels straight hip hop but completely personal. http://alekmorawski.com/