News

The latest news & current projects from illustrator and cartoonist
Ian David Marsden.

Affiches illustrés touristiques Pic Saint Loup par Ian Marsden, Illustrateur Freelance

En tant qu’illustrateur freelance expérimenté résidant dans la région de Saint Mathieu de Tréviers, près de Montpellier, je suis ravi de partager avec vous ma série d’illustrations inspirées par les scènes typiques et l’atmosphère vivante de la région du Pic Saint Loup, où j’ai élu domicile depuis près de 20 ans. Ces œuvres, capturent l’esprit de la vie quotidienne et des loisirs dans cette région unique, à travers mon expérience personnelle et artistique.

Après avoir quitté Los Angeles pour un village viticole dans le sud de la France, j’ai été captivé par le charme et la vitalité de la région du Pic Saint Loup. Mon style artistique, alliant la précision du dessin à la main à la douceur de l’aquarelle, offre une représentation authentique et attrayante, idéale pour des illustrations éditoriales ou publicitaires et bien sûr, j’ai aussi illustré des BD et des livres pour enfants..

Parmi ma collection d’affiches, vous trouverez “C’est l’heure de l’apéro”, où une charmante lapine et un sanglier élégant sont équipés de délicieuses boissons et d’amuse-bouches, le tout devant un magnifique coucher de soleil sur le Pic Saint Loup.

Dans “J’ai les boules”, le Loup et ses amis jouent à la pétanque sur la place du village de Claret, une scène qui respire la convivialité.

Une autre création, “La vie en Rose”, montre deux jeunes amoureux sur une Vespa rose en route pour un pique-nique romantique, avec un panier bien garni incluant un rosé frais de la région.

Et il y a “Objectif Pic”, un hommage à une célèbre couverture de Tintin. Ici, le loup et ses amis se dirigent vers le pic pour une aventure palpitante, au volant de leur classique véhicule Mehari.

Chaque affiche reflète le charme et la joie de la région de Saint Mathieu de Tréviers, illustrant mon amour pour ce lieu magnifique à travers un art vibrant et coloré.

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Quand l’Illustration, la Charité et Montpellier se réunissent

Quand l’Illustration, la Charité et Montpellier se réunissent

I love Montpelier - Dessin par illustrateur Ian David Marsden

Je suis ravi de partager un récent événement où l’illustration, la charité et la magnifique région de Montpellier se sont rencontrés. Mon parcours créatif en tant qu’illustrateur freelance expérimenté, dessinateur de presse, et auteur de bandes dessinées a pris racine a Vacquières dans la pittoresque région du Pic Saint Loup, non loin de la belle ville de Montpellier. Montpellier est non seulement le siège de la French Tech, mais aussi un pôle d’attraction pour les créatifs, les programmeurs et les experts en technologie cherchant à lancer les start-ups de demain, tout comme les futurs Googles et Apples.

Pendant les 18 dernières années, j’ai eu le plaisir de collaborer avec des clients non seulement en France, mais aussi dans toute l’Europe et aux États-Unis.

J’ai été approché par Arnaud Ellul, le président du Club Alliance Pro (Hérault 34), affectueusement connu sous le nom de CAP34, un “Club Business” et un collectif d’entrepreneurs dévoués de la région de Montpellier-Hérault. Arnaud a demandé si je serais intéressé à contribuer une œuvre d’art pour une vente aux enchères silencieuse lors d’un Gala organisé au Pasino de Maugio le 23 novembre 2023. Cet événement s’est démarqué car il présentait une vente aux enchères remarquable, mettant en avant divers objets et œuvres d’art offerts par des artistes locaux talentueux. Ce qui a distingué cette vente aux enchères, c’est sa noble cause : tous les bénéfices étaient dédiés aux Restos du Cœur.

Fondés par Coluche en 1985, Les Restos du Cœur, association reconnue d’utilité publique, « ont pour but d’aider et d’apporter une assistance bénévole aux personnes démunies, notamment dans le domaine alimentaire par l’accès à des repas gratuits, et par la participation à leur insertion sociale et économique, ainsi qu’à toute action contre la pauvreté sous toutes ses formes.

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Quality Art, Custom Budgets: Let’s Make Magic Together!

Affordable, flexible pricing for creative services. Ian Marsden, freelance Illustration, animation, and explainer videos to fit your budget. High-quality, transparent solutions.

I want to address a topic that might be important to both of us: making high-quality illustrations and animations accessible, regardless of your budget.

Often, the first question in discussing a new project is, “How much would this cost?”

My answer is straightforward and tailored to you:
The cost is based on what you have budgeted for your project.

It’s really THAT simple.

Your interest in my work is incredibly encouraging time and again. Having illustrated for clients like Google, Mercedes, Lindt, etc., and having contributed to projects like the design of the official mascot for the Ski World Championships in St. Moritz, I understand there might be concerns about the affordability of my services. I want to address this directly.

When asked, “How much would this cost?” I prefer not to make a project estimate that may not fit into your planned budget, thus rendering further discussion unnecessary.

Instead, I prefer to turn the question around. I ask: What is needed? When is it needed? What is the budget?

If the project aligns with practical considerations and I am available, let’s get started!

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Merry Christmas – I sing the Grinch song.

As 2023 draws to a close, I reflect on a year filled with creativity, collaboration, and, most importantly, your continued support.

Enclosed is this year’s Christmas card from me to you.

🎅 Santa's Wine Fun! | 'Grinch' Song & Timelapse Cartoon 🍷

This year, our jolly friend Santa is enjoying a glass of exquisite Pic Saint-Loup red wine I left out for him – a refined alternative to milk and cookies and a tribute to the beautiful Languedoc region where my studio and home are located. The Grinch just couldn’t resist and grabbed a bottle too.

I even sang a little serenade on the video Holiday Greeting Card, the classic: “You’re a mean one, Mister Grinch”.

(Don’t worry, I won’t be quitting my day job – singing is just a hobby.)

Click HERE to view the full-size (and animated) version of the card on YouTube.

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“Gezeichnet 2023” in Bern: Schweizer Pressezeichnungen im Jahresrückblick

I’m delighted to announce my return to the renowned “Gezeichnet” exhibition in Bern, Switzerland. After several years, I am participating again, this time with five of my press drawings from the past year, showcasing my work as an editorial illustrator and cartoonist for the Nebelspalter satirical magazine.

The exhibition’s Vernissage, a key highlight, is scheduled for tomorrow evening, December 14th. It will commence at the Yehudi Menuhin Forum with an engaging Vernissage Talk, followed by an exhibition viewing and apéro at the Bern Museum for Communication.

This occasion presents a rare opportunity to personally meet many of the participating Swiss press cartoonists. The evening will also feature a live discussion hosted by Arena moderator Sandro Brotz, joined by two prominent politicians for a mix of political and humorous reflections on the year. Additionally, caricaturists Caroline Rutz and Carlo Schneider will offer live satirical commentary.

Exhibition Details:
“Gezeichnet 2023”
Bern Museum for Communication
Duration: December 15, 2023, to February 25, 2024
Location: Helvetiastrasse 16, 3000 Bern 6
Contact: T 031 357 55 55

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Concept Drawings: Volkswagen Sedric

Creating Concept Drawings for the Volkswagen Sedric Concept Car Presentation at CEBIT 2018 *

As an illustrator, I encounter various projects, each offering distinct challenges and creative opportunities. One particular project that holds a significant place among my favortes is the creation of concept drawings for the Volkswagen Sedric Concept Car presentation at CEBIT 2018. These drawings aimed to convey a compelling narrative, capturing the essence of this innovative concept car in a visually engaging manner. Familiar with the unpredictable nature of creative projects, I embraced the challenge when the assignment came on short notice. Time constraints were no obstacle for me, as I thrive in such situations, drawing upon experience and adaptability to deliver results swiftly and effectively.

The Volkswagen Sedric self-driving concept car is a pioneering innovation in the automotive world, representing a glimpse into the future of mobility. Designed with a focus on autonomous driving technology, the Sedric Concept Car aims to redefine the way we perceive transportation. This revolutionary vehicle embodies Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation, sustainable transportation, and cutting-edge design. With its sleek, futuristic appearance and state-of-the-art autonomous capabilities, the Sedric Concept Car is not just an automobile; it’s a visionary step towards a new era of transportation that prioritizes safety, convenience, and environmental sustainability.

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Künzli Optik’s Optical Illusion

Advertising Illustration for Künzli Optik Switzerland

In the world of advertising illustration, let’s explore a captivating scenario where eyeglasses have the remarkable ability to transform everyday people into potential celebrities. This imaginative concept found its way to my drawing board, thanks to Creative Director Daniel Matter from the respected advertising agency Matter & Gretener.

I’m Ian David Marsden, an experienced illustrator passionate about visual storytelling. I had the privilege of bringing this compelling idea to life. The task was clear: create minimalist illustrations that delicately balanced intrigue and recognition. The goal was simple – to make you ponder, “Could that be…?”

The outcome? Four remarkable posters and ads that captivated audiences and sparked conversations. Thoughtfully placed in prominent publications, on trams, in public transport, and along roadside billboards, these posters themselves became optical illusions. With a subtle touch, they left you wondering, “Hey, isn’t that a familiar face?”

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Concept Art for Lindt Chocolate

In this gallery I would like to show some concept illustrations created in 2015 for Lindt Chocolate.

Lindt Gold Bunny / Goldhase
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AN2V Kakemonos / Commercial Banner Illustration

I am frequently consulted by my clients to assist with marketing and advertising projects, with concepts and ideas, layouts and graphic design suggestions as well as of course drawings and illustration elements.

AN2V, the Association Nationale de la Vidéoprotection approached me for a very interesting project. Founded in 2004 by Dominique LEGRAND, this remarkable association was established to address the growing need for the exchange of experiences in the field of security technology. At the time, video surveillance, which we now call videoprotection, lacked structure, and many users were grappling with the challenges of deployment.

What sets AN2V apart is its unique combination of “demand” from both public and private users, along with companies offering products and services in the realm of security technologies. AN2V is truly one of a kind, and I was privileged to collaborate with them.

AN2V presented me with an exciting challenge – to create three distinctive, large-scale Kakémono display banners, each measuring 2.10 meters by 0.85 meters. These banners were designed to represent three key facets of AN2V’s activities: training, the association itself, and the universities they organize.

Two of the AN2V Kakemono banners on display at a tradeshow
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Cartoon Portrait Commissions from Photographs

Welcome to my homepage.

I’m Ian David Marsden, an internationally experienced illustrator and cartoonist. I also provide an additional service. I create custom, commissioned cartoon portraits from photographs for all kinds of uses. Social Media cartoon avatars, wedding or anniversary gifts as framed artwork, company or sports teams, vanity projects such as custom stationery or stickers, even artwork which is then transformed into actual tattoos. High resolution digital files are provided to you which allow you to produce items from cups, t-shirts, magnets, stamps, letterhead, stickers. Want to advertise your business with a fun portrait of yourself or your team? Suprise a loved one with a cartoon featuring a memorable (or embarassing) milestone from your lives? Digital files or actual hand drawn, inked and colored original artwork on high quality watercolor paper as a super exclusive and elegant present.

Let’s not forget birthday cards, company, team or family Christmas or Holiday cards with custom seasons-related illustrations. Graduations, Awards, Invitations, Parties, Special Events…

Crafting Your Unique Tale

What sets these portraits apart is the level of customization they offer. It’s about capturing the essence of individuals, the soul of a band, or the heart of a family. For instance, a blues band desired to have each band member’s distinctive head portrayed with their instruments, all of them cruising in a classic VW van. Families often want their pets to be part of the picture, their house in the background, enterprises might want their company logo lovingly hand-drawn on the holiday card featuring their team portrait. When I say customization, I mean anything is possible—it’s your story, after all.

Caricature, Cartoon of the Band Take the 55, illustration
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Creating the Artwork for the Mercedes-Benz Employee Manual

Today, I want to take you on a journey that holds a special place in my heart—the creation of the illustrated Mercedes-Benz Employee Manual, affectionately known as the “Mitarbeiterknigge”. *

Back in 2010, as an experienced illustrator, character designer and concept creator, I had the pleasure of collaborating with esteemed advertising agency Sieber & Wolf on this fascinating project. Join me as I walk you through the process of bringing this comprehensive manual to life, highlighting the importance of effective visual communication within the context of a luxury brand like Mercedes-Benz.

When Sieber & Wolf approached me with the opportunity to work on the “Mitarbeiterknigge”, I knew it was a project that demanded precision, creativity, and dedication to excellence. The manual aimed to train Mercedes-Benz staff who interacted with customers, covering topics such as maintaining contact, politeness, and proper behavior in various situations like vehicle purchase, repairs, sales, events, lunches, dinners, and business correspondence. It was crucial that the illustrations reflected Mercedes-Benz’s high standards, precision, and commitment to quality.

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Illustrated Workflow of Graph Database Modeling – Explainer Video

In this illustrated explainer video, I was tasked by the client to follow the steps of graph database development from the architect to the database admin to the developers. 

With appealing illustrations that unfold before your eyes, this explainer video showcases the step-by-step process of how each team member contributes and collaborates to create a successful graph database. The animations and illustrations by created by me (artist Ian David Marsden) effectively communicate intricate procedures by utilizing character designs that personify different professions, along with vibrant graphic symbols. This approach results in a clear and visually appealing presentation.

Illustrated Workflow of Software Development for Businesses - Explainer Video

Custom illustrations and animations by artist Ian David Marsden.

 Contact Ian for a free consultation to discuss your project.
ian@marsdenillustration.com

 #illustration #explainervideo #softwaredevelopment #teamcollaboration #databaseadministration #businessillustration #customillustrations #startups #advertising #marketing #illustrator #illustration #cartoonist #graphdatabase

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Drawn by Human Hand – Created by Natural Intelligence

Is the technological singularity just around the corner?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity

This is not an anti-AI post. It’s remarkable to see how far artificial intelligence (AI) has come, to the point where it can now compete with human abilities. I stare in marvel (and horror) at the current generation of AI generated images.

made by human hand - made with natural intelligence - illustrated logo - free to use, royalty free,

Maybe the above logo will become the art equivalent of the BIO labels at grocery stores

I am not someone who shies away from new tools or techniques, nor am I a technophobe. As someone who has been an avid fan and user of computers since childhood, I have experienced the evolution of technology firsthand. It always seemed inevitable that this day would arrive at some point, I think what is most surprising is how rapidly it is suddenly advancing. It is difficult for us to understand, because the human brain is not wired for exponential growth. We simply can not understand and imagine it.

Made by human hand and natural intelligence...
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Animiertes und illustriertes Video für Zürich Gym

Als Illustrator, Cartoonist und Produzent von Erklär- und Promotionsvideos hatte ich die Freude und Ehre, ein einzigartiges Hand-gezeichnetes Erklärvideo für das Zürich Gym zu erstellen. Das Fitnessstudio wird von Inhaber und Europameister Frank Müller geleitet, der nicht nur ein erfahrener Personal Trainer, sondern auch ein Experte für Sporternährung ist. Er ist auch ein alter und guter persönlicher Freund von mir, so hat es Spass gemacht ihn in meinem Video mit mehreren handgezeichneten Porträts zu verewigen.

Zuerich Gym - 24 Stunden Geöffnet - Trainieren im Gym des Europemeister Frank Müller

Das Zürich Gym – Hurt Locker – 24 Stunden geöffnet – ist ein erstklassiges Fitnessstudio, welches seinen Kunden ein volles Topp-Programm bietet. Dank der neuesten Fingerprint-Sicherheitstechnologie können Kunden jederzeit das Studio betreten und ihre Trainingseinheiten beginnen.

Das Ziel des Erklär- und Promotionsvideos war es, in spielerischer Weise auf die Vorteile des ZürichGym aufmerksam zu machen und potenzielle Kunden anzusprechen.

Animiertes und illustriertes Video für Zürich Gym

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Marsden Illustration