Work in Progress*

On Tuesday morning I will be off to Benidorm arriving back late on the following Saturday. I have promised myself to read a book whilst away. I noticed, not so long ago, my parents have kept a small selection of old books up on the loft. I came across a book called ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan.’ Printed in 1915, it’s aged deep maroon cover with distressed pages; whilst turning the scent of dust growing ever stronger. Intrigued, I decided this was the book. The book itself has a selection of short stories with a sense of nostalgia.

Earth: Open brief to design for Amelia’s Magazine and Shelter
Open brief for illustrators • Closing date: June 29

How strong are the bricks and mortar that hold your house together? Chances are they are flimsier then you would think. Especially if you have ever fallen behind on a rent check, mortgage payment, or found that your job no longer exists, or that your employers can’t afford to keep you on. These scenarios are affecting thousands of people every day, in every party of Britain. Millions of people are trapped in a vicious cycle of spiralling costs, a precarious job market and a serious shortage of funds - all which are contributing to a level of uncertainty that has not been experienced in our life time. When this all hits, it hits hard and its impact is usually centered on whatever place that you call home. It’s at this moment that you realise how fragile your home really is. Suddenly, the idea of becoming homeless doesn’t seem so far removed from your reality. Right now, there are 1.9 million households on council housing waiting lists and repossessions are predicted to rise to 75,000 in 2009. And right now, the entire housing market seems as fragile as a house of cards. Which is why Amelia’s Magazine would like to help raise money for Shelter. Read on for the design brief.

DESIGN BRIEF:
Amelia’s Magazine has been asked to produce a piece of artwork for an exhibition that Shelter will be putting on in the summer. Other designers and artists who will be contributing to the exhibition include Stella Vine, Basso and Brooke and Rachel Whiteread. The final artworks will be auctioned to raise money for Shelter, and it’s a great honour to be asked to contribute to this. I’ve been given the TWO OF HEARTS, and the plan is to put together a patchwork quilt of cards in many different styles and designs, all depicting the TWO OF HEARTS. But I am not going to do this alone; in keeping with the way that I have produced the magazine this patchwork will be made up from contributions from illustrators. So I need your submissions! The best playing card designs will be added to the quilt and your name will be credited in the exhibition which you will also be invited to attend.

Please visit Amelia’s website to view technical details and how to submit here.

I admire nature
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With every breath I appreciate it ever more. Especially now as morning breaks I awake to the sound of a birds song, as I turn, the air fresh against my cold pillow from an open window. I love how every morning I open my door to the awe-inspiring views of the nearby fells and heart pounding, the smell of the green. Every morning, no matter if rain or cloud, I feel exactly the same. Every morning I take the same deep breath as though experiencing for the first time the golden sun kissing the fells. I leave, taking time to appreciate dreams of my childhood; yearning to live in the heart of the Lake District.

Hand-lettering Artist
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I never tire of viewing equisit graphics, and I am certainly mesmerised by the work of Alison. With the sedutive hand rendered letterforms, every piece show so much originality; creative and stylish.

[Alison Carmichael]