News

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

07 Oct '23

AN2V Kakemonos / Commercial Banner Illustration

07/10/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Adobe Illustrator, adobe photoshop, Banners, business comics, Business Illustration, Freelance, Freelance Illustrator, Freischaffend, graphiste montpellier, Illustrateur France, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration France, illustration montpellier, Illustration Schweiz, independent illustrator, Kakemono, logo design montpelliler, Marketing, Montpellier, Point of Sale, Trade Show, vectoriels montpellier

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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29 Aug '23

Cartoon Portrait Commissions from Photographs

29/08/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: birthday gift, caricature mugs, caricature portraits, caricature t-shirt, cartoon portraits, Cartoonist, cat cartoon portrait, customized birthday card, customized holiday card, dog cartoon portrait, family cartoon portrait, framed cartoon portrait, graduation gift, hand drawn cartoon portrait, Illustration, Illustrator, pet cartoon portrait, Portfolio, portrait cartoon, wedding gift

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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Drawn by human hand - made with natural intelligence logo
11 May '23

Drawn by Human Hand – Created by Natural Intelligence

11/05/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: AI, AI Art, AI illustration, art of illustration, artificial intelligence, Book Illustration, Business Illustration, Cartoonist, Editorial Illustration, experienced illustrator, explainer illustration, Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Design, graphisme, human intelligence, Illustration, Midjourney, 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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10 May '23

Animiertes und illustriertes Video für Zürich Gym

10/05/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: animated marketing video, custom-created explainer videos, Erklaervideo, Erklärvideo, Erklärvideo Deutschland, Erklärvideo Schweiz, experienced illustrator, explainer video, explainervideos schweiz, Fitness Center, Freelance Illustrator, Gym, hand-drawn explainer videos, Ian David Marsden, illustrateur, Illustrateur France, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration France, illustration instragram, illustration newsletter, Illustration Schweiz, Illustration YouTube, Illustrator, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, independent illustrator, Learning Video, Marsden Illustration, Schweizer Illustrator, scribing video, swiss illustrator, video explicative, Whiteboard Video, YouTube Video, ZuerichGym, Zürich, ZürichGym

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.

Trainiere im Zuerich Gym – 24/7 Fitness mit Europameister 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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27 Apr '23

Homage to Aline Kominsky-Crumb

27/04/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Aline Crumb, Cartoon, cartoon gallery, Cartoonist, exhibition, Galerie Vidourle, Illustration

Homage to Aline Kominsky-Crumb

1st May to 21st November 2023
Galerie Vidourle Prix, Sauve (30)
4 rue des bourgades
+33 (0) 4 66 88 76 33
galerievidourleprix.com

I’m honored to be participating in an exhibition in homage to Aline Kominsky-Crumb (1948 – 2022) at Galerie Vidourle Prix in Sauve. The noted underground and feminist comic artist and wife of Robert Crumb, who sadly passed away after a brief illness in 2022. The exhibition will feature a retrospective of her art, as well as new and unseen artwork by over 20 artists, including myself and also Robert Crumb and their daughter Sophie Crumb. The exhibition runs from May 1st until November 21st.

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21 Apr '23

A Festive Creation: An Animated Holiday Card to Remember

21/04/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: animated card, Animated GIF, animated greeting cards, animated marketing video, animation, applepencil, business comics, Business Illustration, cartoon animation, Cartoonist, e-mail marketing, graphiste montpellier, illustrateur, Illustrateur France, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration France, illustration montpellier, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, iPad Pro, logo design montpelliler, Montpellier, Procreate 5, vectoriels montpellier

As we celebrate the holiday season, I’m excited to share with you a project that truly captures the spirit of joy and togetherness. I had the distinct pleasure of working once again with AN2V, the Association Nationale de la Vidéoprotection. Established in 2004 by Dominique LEGRAND, AN2V stands as the foremost authority on videosurveillance and videoprotection in France. Their commitment to facilitating the exchange of experiences in the field of security technology is both impressive and inspiring. AN2V’s unique approach, bridging the needs of public and private users with the expertise of security technology companies, sets them apart as true innovators in their field.

Now, let me take you on a journey into the heart of the holiday season. I am delighted to introduce you to an elegant and captivating animated holiday card I had the pleasure of bringing to life. This enchanting card features the newly designed 3D version of AN2V’s logo, representing the evolution of their visual identity, which I had previously crafted for the client. Picture a serene winter night, where a charming chalet stands amidst a blanket of snow, surrounded by towering pine trees. Warm light spills from the chalet’s windows, casting a gentle glow on the pristine snow below. In the foreground, a beautifully adorned Christmas tree adds a touch of festive magic, while a welcoming wreath graces the chalet’s door. AN2V’s logo rests gracefully in the snow, bathed in the soft radiance of the holiday season. What sets this animated card apart is its timelapse transformation, evolving from intricate black lines into a vibrant, heartwarming scene that captures the essence of the season.

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13 Apr '23

Cartoon Nebelspalter – Wenn Bastien Girod zweimal klingelt

13/04/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Bastien Girod, Cartoon, Cartoonist, comiczeichner deutschland, Deutschland, Erklärvideo Deutschland, Erklärvideo Schweiz, explainervideos schweiz, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, karikatur, nebelspalter, Nebelspalter Zeichner, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, Schweizer Illustrator, Schweizer Karikaturist, swiss cartoonist, swiss illustrator

Illustrator und Cartoonist Ian David Marsden – Illustrations Blog

Ich freue mich sehr, hier meine jüngste Illustration im Nebelspalter Nummer 4/2023 mit euch teilen zu können.

Der Cartoon ist als “Tor des Monats” in Begleitung zu einem Text von Ralph Weibel entstanden, und bildet eines der neuesten Abenteuer des Schweizer grünen Politikers Bastien Girod ab.
“Cartoon Nebelspalter – Wenn Bastien Girod zweimal klingelt”

Die Szene ist in einer luxuriösen Wohnung angesiedelt, wo eine schnelldenkende Dame ihre Haustiere kurzerhand in Menschenkleidung in Szene gesetzt hat, um es so aussehen zu lassen, als ob sie viele Mitbewohner hätte. Girod, als Karikatur hoffentlich erkennbar, macht gerade einen Überraschungsbesuch, um seinen Vorschlag zur Umsiedlung von alleinstehenden Menschen, die in großen Wohnflächen leben, zu diskutieren. Wie Sie sich vorstellen können, wird die “viele Bewohner”-Illusion bei Girod nicht unbedingt ankommen.

Link: Gallerie mit vielen weiteren Cartoons

Link zum Artikel: Printausgabe Nebelspalter

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22 Mar '23

Erklärvideo Schweiz – Part 2 LAP Learning Video

22/03/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: animated marketing video, Cartoon, cartoon animation, Erklaervideo, Erklärvideo, Erklärvideo Deutschland, Erklärvideo Schweiz, explainer video, explainervideos schweiz, Freelance Illustrator, Illustration, Illustrator, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, LAP vorbereitung, Learning Video, Lehrabschlussprüfung, Schweizer Cartoonist, scribing video, swiss cartoonist, swiss illustrator, Video, video explicative, videos explicatives, viral cartoon, viral video, Whiteboard Video, YouTube Video

Part 2 in a series of fun and inviting presentation videos for Learning Nuggets for the Swiss Lehrabschlussprüfung (LAP) Vorbereitung training course. Success and a good grade for the LAP test are ensured.

Next Generation Learning: Hand-Drawn Explainer Video

See Part 1 here: https://marsdenillustration.com/learning-videos01/

Next-Generation Learning and #BYOD (bring your own devices) prepares you for all phases of this important milestone for your career in Switzerland.

Evolving drawings, llustrations and caricatures invite you to find out more about this outstanding training program in a series of short explainer videos illustrated by Ian David Marsden – marsdenillustration.com .

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Business comic strips and character design by illustrator Ian David Marsden
26 Feb '23

How to Effectively Use Mascots and Comic Art to Convey Your Message – Marsden Illustration

26/02/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: advertising comics, Bande dessinee, Bandes Dessinees, BD, business comics, Cartoon, cartoon animation, cartoon GIF, Cartoonist, Character Design, comic, comic strip, comic strips, comic zeichner, comiczeichner, comiczeichner deutschland, explainer illustration, explainer video, explainervideos schweiz, Illustration, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, vector comics

Mascots and comic art are powerful marketing tools that businesses of all sizes and types can use to effectively communicate their message to audiences of all ages and completely transcend language barriers.

The Power of Comic Strips

Comic strips can communicate concepts and ideas to audiences of all ages and completely transcend languages. They can be used to give friendly reminders, offer tips, and provide educational material. For example, Coca-Cola assigned me to create wordless comic strips to remind people to recycle cans which were printed directly on the cans. These strips can also be used for internal purposes such as employee training and skill development, corporate training and executive briefings, or to enhance presentations and PowerPoint slides. They are also a wonderful media for e-learning or educational material.

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24 Feb '23

Nebelspalter Caricature – Appenzell not happy

24/02/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: caricature, Erklärvideo Schweiz, Illustration, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Schweiz, karikatur, nebelspalter, Nebelspalter Zeichner, portrait cartoon, Schweiz, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, Schweizer Illustrator, Schweizer Karikaturist, swiss cartoonist, swiss illustrator

Cartoon / Caricature Illustration for Nebelspalter Magazine 02/2023 – Tor des Monats.
Apparently Swiss Bundesrat Elisabeth Baume-Schneider said a few things that made the inhabitants of the Appenzell regions somewhat upset.

Elisabeth Baume-Schneider VS Appenzell: Satirical Caricature for Nebelspalter
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23 Feb '23

The Power of Custom-Created and hand drawn Explainer Videos: Why They’re Worth the Investment

23/02/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Advertising, art of illustration, brand recognition, business, Business Illustration, clean illustration, conversion rates, cost-effective, custom-created explainer videos, customer retention, engagement rates, experienced illustrator, explainer illustration, explainer video, explainervideos schweiz, hand-drawn explainer videos, Ian David Marsden, illustrateur, Illustrateur France, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration France, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, Marketing, Marsden Illustration, startups, Whiteboard, Whiteboard Animation, whiteboard schweiz, Whiteboard Video

Explainer videos have become a popular tool for businesses and startups to market their products and ideas in an engaging and informative way. But not all explainer videos are created equal. Cheap productions that use reusable clipart and avatars may seem like a cost-effective option, but investing in custom-created and hand-drawn explainer videos can have numerous benefits for your business.

Custom-created and hand-drawn explainer videos offer an elegant and tailored solution to suit any product or presentation. With the art of illustration, any scenario is possible for a reasonable budget, making it a more cost-effective option than traditional methods such as a photoshoot with models, influencers and moviestars and tons of costumes and props in a fancy studio, or on location on a yacht or a private jet. (Why not just draw all of these elements?)

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Marsden Illustration