Gemma Correll

So this is a post about an amazing illustrator who I've been meaning to blog about for ages but just haven't got round to it. UNTIL NOW. Her name is Gemma Correll and I came across her randomly on one of my many (frequent) procrastination expeditions. 

Gemma is all about the 'cutesy' (a term that she may or may not hate...), with the majority of her work heavily featuring cats and pugs. Now I don't mind dogs, but I really don't enjoy cats. Unless they are kittens. So it's no surprise that the thought of a t-shirt with a cat or dog on it, would not excite nor enthral me in the slightest. It is a testament to Gemma therefore, that whilst I would not actually buy nor wear a t-shirt with a picture of a cat or dog on it, I would definitely consider a phone case, and some fridge magnets! I should mention that she does draw other animals also, but cat's and dogs are the large majority. 

If you've been to Urban Outfitters recently, you'll have probably seen the 'Pugs not Drugs' tee's, loitering on the trendy rails waiting to be snapped up. They're by Gemma Correll! I'm probably sounding a little more excited about this than I actually am, but still, props to her for drawing a t-shirt-worthy pug! Her designs can be found in WHSmith's and Paperchase also. Completely unsurprising, yet also quite comforting knowing, should I suddenly have a nostalgic urge to dash out and purchase all my new stationary for the academic year, Gemma Correll is at hand! (A moot point considering I'm just embarking upon my final term at university *sob*) 

If you've ticked everything off your 'to do' list today, and are twiddling your thumbs, then go and check out her website and have a browse! Even if you only make it to her home page, roll over the different linky things, and experience unprecedented delight as they illuminate with colour. Trust me, it's worth it. And if you've decided that the home page is, in fact, fantastic, and you want to see more, then check out some of the links! I would recommend the daily diaries, the blog and the portfolio. She's not only a talented illustrator, but also clever in the humour that she uses in her illustrations which makes it all that much better! ...I'm sure there was probably a better way of writing that sentence but shhhh. It's late.

Let me know what you thought if you had a look! 

Yellena James

Spore, Pen and Ink on Paper, 2009

I first came across Yellena James' work during an afternoon spent lounging around in my pyjamas, eating anything and everything I came across and typing random words into Pinterest to see what came up. Trust me, Pinterest is dangerous. MANY hours can be spent (wasted) on Pinterest. But I was completely content. Nothing could have touched me in this wonderful little bubble I'd created. 

I'd typed in 'illustration' into the search bar, and so many exciting images were popping up, from cat's wearing birthday hats, to cute little girls with pig-tales riding bikes, it was wonderful! And then I came across Yellena James. I was hooked immediately. Her illustrations are amazingly intricate, delicate and beautiful and I couldn't stop looking. They have a magical almost alien feel to them, as though she is depicting scenes from another world, and the names that she uses are very natural and 'organic' (I hate using that word, but I can't think of a better one right now!).

Synthesis, Acrylic on Wood, 2010

Trove, Pen and Ink on Paper, 2009

Yellena is originally from Sarajevo, though now lives and works in the US where she's had many exhibitions, and created pieces for brands such as Nike and Anthropolgie! 

She uses fine point pens, markers and acrylic paint (from what I can see) to create beautifully intricate pieces of art and the fluidity of the lines and many layers of pattern is mesmerising! They kind of look a little bit like coral don't you think?

Pods, Pen and Ink on Paper, 2009

For my birthday this year, I was given a print called 'Pods' by my lovely housemate who had picked up on a completely unintentional (yet extremely obvious) hint I'd left after gushing about how much I loved these prints! So it was a lovely surprise when I opened the package to find a print all of my own! Yellena had even put a lovely illustrated thank you note to my friend for buying the print, and it's little touches like this that add that je ne sais quoi!

VS, Acrylic on Wood, 2010

Watercrest, Pen and Ink on Paper, 2009

What do you think about Yellena James? She's great right?! Check out her website here and here to see more. It would make a great Christmas present!! 

Zahra x