Happy Howlidays from Monika Melnychuk!

  After illustrating the Dogbook app, Monika Melnychuk was asked by Geoffrey Roche, of Poolhouse Enterprises, to dress up the dogs for the 'howlidays'!  Monika had tons of fun doing the illustrations (cards designed by Poolhouse).  To check out the poodle sporting a string of holiday bling to the mischievous gift ripping duo, and the adorable Chiuaua aka"Rudolph's brother from another mother", click here to get to visit the Dogbook Facebook page (and while you're there go ahead and send a free e-card to your favorite 'pet'!).

Dogbook Holiday Card illustrations ©Monika Melnychuk/i2iart

i2i Artists Support LGBT Youth Line

i2i artists Thom Sevalrud, Ian Phillips and John Webster are 3 of 20 artists and designers commissioned by Shaun Moore of MADE  to create custom auction paddles for the Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Youth Line's upcoming yearly Line Art Auction taking place November 6th at the Neubacher Shor Gallery. Ian Phillips' paddles inspired by his beloved dog and muse, Fancy Polanski, RIP.

'IPAuctionPaddles' illustration ©Ian Phillips/i2iart

John Webster's paddles, everything Webster wonderful...do I hear bling, bling?

'JWAuctionPaddles' illustration ©John Webster/i2iart

Thom Sevalrud says, "The concept for my paddles was influenced by Semaphore signalling flags. I used the Semaphore alphabet to create the word YOUTH. Then I took liberties with the designs by 'complicating' them with flamboyant and crazy patterns that I made myself. The overlaying word QUEER is meant to complete the visual statement to go along with the symbolic representations to form the words QUEER YOUTH. Defiant, colorful and individual!".

'TSAuctionPaddles' illustration ©Thom Sevalrud/i2iart

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Who's growing a new stache for MOVEMBER?

About a month from now, men from around the globe will be sharpening their shaving tools of choice, to clear way for a fresh Movember canvas.  Mo Bros., with the support of their Mo Sistas, work towards a well groomed stache to prompt private and public conversation around the often ignored issue of men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and male mental health initiatives.  Looking for some stache ideas?  The surface design pattern below, by Ian Phillips was created with fabric and wallpaper in mind, but it may inspire the perfect design for you.  All the fun aside Bros., we hope to inspire you to get your pledge machines fired up and grow for the cause.

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Monika Melnychuk for Dogbook iPhone App.

Monika says, "I have been a dog geek forever.  When I was a teenager I drew x-mas and birthday cards with dogs.  Then I worked dogs into any assignment I could.  For example in first year illustration we had to design a shopping bag and mine of course, was all dogs. Before I became an illustrator I tried being a dog portrait artist.  Wow, I am a nerd, but I just love dogs!"  Fast forward... Geoffrey Roche, partner at Poolhouse, saw some of Monika's dog drawings and he had to have her illustrate the landing page for the new Dogbook iPhone App.  Can you spot *your* dog?  If you're looking to connect with like minded doggie lovers get the free app here. Also below, see a recent piece on the theme, created for surface design applications.

Dogbook_iphone_app

We think it would make a cool wallpaper or fabric for your favorite dog house.

©MM621_dogsPAINTED

Monika and her dog Boogaloo share a breathtaking moment in their beautiful world.

Monika_Melnychuk_and_Boogaloo

Thom Sevalrud in Season Opener: Art Show + Launch Party

Garrison Creek Bat Co. is kicking it off in style with an art show! Come check out the custom-painted bats by a ton of great illustrators and artists tonight (April 26th) at AWOL Gallery, 76 Ossington Ave. Opening runs from 7pm to 10pm--more info here.  Here's a sneak peek of Thom Sevalrud's bat in progress.

Meet Mark Hoffmann

Graduate, BFA, from Rhode Island School of Design in illustration.  He's just gone live on our website so you can check out his work here.  A great big i2i welcome to our new artist Mark Hoffmann!  

©Mark Hoffmann_MH138

©Mark Hoffmann_mh139

Monika Melnychuk for Marquis Wine Cellar

This was a super fun project for the Marquis Wine Cellar, a specialty wine store in Vancouver, BC. They wanted to show off Vancouver's amazing attractions and culture with a twist. So, we had wine be a part of each illustration. From downhill skis in the shape of wine bottles to Inukshuk's holding wine glasses. The art featured on the van creates an eye catching 'out-of-home' advertisement for Marquis.