GRAPHIC NOVELMARVIN
BASED ON
"THE WAY I WAS"Marvin tells the extraordinary story of composer Marvin Hamlisch, adapted and illustrated by Ian David Marsden from The Way I Was.
Born to parents who escaped Nazi-occupied Austria, Marvin was accepted into the Juilliard School at just six years old. Behind his talent was a boy who struggled with stage fright and self-doubt—but who never gave up. By his teens, he had his first radio hit, wrote songs for a young Liza Minnelli, and soon collaborated with Barbra Streisand on Funny Girl.
Marvin went on to become only the second person ever to earn the rare PEGOT (Pulitzer, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), leaving a legacy of unforgettable music.
Published by Schiffer Kids (2020).CHILDREN'S BOOKNO WAY!
A SCAREDY CAT
ADVENTUREEvery time his friends suggest an outing — to a museum, a trail, or even a picnic —
Scaredy Cat imagines the worst…
A humorous look at worry, creativity, and cautious courage.
Coming 2025Written & Illustrated by Ian David MarsdenNONFICTIONWILKOMMEN
IM
KOLLEGENZOO25 animal-based coworker archetypes brought to life through expressive design. A visual satire of modern office dynamics.
Published by Droemer Knaur | Knaur Verlag (2009)
Character designs and illustration Ian David MarsdenWritten by Markus SteinhausCHILDREN'S BOOKTHE
SECRET
EGGA rhyming storybook for early readers about a colorful egg found on a bus— featuring a gentle poetic rhythm and a friendly baby dragon, designed to support reading clarity and flow.
Ransom Reading StarsPublished by Ransom Publishing (2015) llustrated by Ian David Marsden Written by John Townsend.
GRAPHIC ANTHOLOGYTHE
FOOTBALL HERO
SERIESFootball Heroes Series (2006, 2008, 2012)
I was one of the only illustrators invited to participate in all three Football Heroes editions — large-format collectible books celebrating international football through portrait illustration and caricature. Featuring over 700 illustrations by top artists from across Europe, the series includes national teams from the World Cup, UEFA Euro finals, and historic squads. Published by Herzglut Verlag, these books remain landmark projects in sports illustration and design.CARTOON COLLECTIONZÜRICH
MY LITTLE
TOWNAt 16, after submitting cartoons since I was 14 (or younger), they finally gave up and bought some — and I became the youngest cartoonist ever published in Nebelspalter.
A few years later, the iconic Swiss satire magazine invited me to create my first book: a collection of cartoons capturing the quirks and character of the town I grew up in.
Both observational and personal, it blends humor, civic life, Swiss quirks, and illustrated storytelling from the inside out. Zürich, my little town
By Ian David MarsdenNebelspalter Verlag (1988)CHILDREN'S BOOKTHE
USELESS
THINGA curious, retro-style picture book in the spirit of Edward Gorey and Shel Silverstein. When a strange, useless thing falls out of a tree, it seems to have no purpose at all — until a family takes it in and shows that love doesn’t require explanation. A gently absurd story about belonging, kindness, and quiet meaning. Written & Illustrated by Ian David Marsden · 2014
Books · Lehrmittel · Corporate publications · Covers · Interior illustration · Sequential storytelling · English · German · French
Book Illustration, Children’s Books & Graphic Novels
Illustration built to live across pages, not just on one.
I create illustration for books, publishing and longer-form visual communication — from children’s books, graphic novels and illustrated nonfiction to Lehrmittel, educational publications, cartoon collections, anthologies and internal or external company publications. Some projects begin with a finished manuscript; others involve developing the characters, visual language and narrative structure from the beginning.
Character development · Covers · Interior illustration · Sample spreads · Sequential storytelling · English · German · French
Different kinds of books need different kinds of illustration
The archive includes published books, children’s characters, early-reader illustration, graphic-novel pages, illustrated nonfiction, cartoon collections, anthology work, covers, interior spreads and author-illustrator projects in development.
Children’s Books & Early Readers
Expressive characters, clear staging, emotional readability and imagery appropriate to the age of the reader.
Author-Illustrator Projects
Projects where story, character and image are developed together rather than passed from one discipline to another.
Graphic Novels & Sequential Books
Pacing, dialogue, page turns, scene changes and character continuity sustained across a complete narrative.
Illustrated Nonfiction
Character systems, humour and visual structures that help organise a subject across an entire publication.
Anthologies & Collective Editions
Individual illustration developed to work within a wider editorial framework shared with other contributors.
Cartoon Collections
Books built from satire, observation and recurring themes rather than one continuous narrative.
Across a Whole Book
A book needs a visual language, not a pile of illustrations
A strong individual picture is useful. A book requires something more: consistency across dozens of decisions.
Characters, proportions, environments, colour, page density, text-image relationships, viewpoints and visual rhythm all need to belong to the same world. That visual language is usually established early so that later pages feel related without becoming repetitive.
Published Projects
Books made for very different readers
The role of illustration changes with the book. A graphic biography, an early reader and an illustrated nonfiction title may all require character and storytelling, but they do not need the same visual solution.
Graphic Biography · Author & Illustrator
MARVIN — building a life across pages
MARVIN: Based on The Way I Was, published by Schiffer in 2020, is a full-length graphic biography that I wrote and illustrated based on the life of composer Marvin Hamlisch.
The work involved much more than drawing individual scenes: selecting and structuring biographical material, compressing time, developing recurring characters, balancing dialogue with image and maintaining continuity across the complete book.
It sits at the intersection of authorship, illustration and sequential storytelling, and is one of the clearest examples of how I approach long-form narrative work.
MARVIN — graphic biography written and illustrated by Ian David Marsden.
The Secret Egg — commissioned children’s-book illustration for developing readers.
Children’s Publishing · Early Readers
The Secret Egg — clarity, character and continuity
Written by John Townsend and published by Ransom Publishing as part of the Reading Stars series, The Secret Egg was created for developing readers.
The baby dragon and cat characters needed to communicate immediately through expression, gesture and simple staging. Character consistency is particularly important in this kind of book because the reader has to recognise the figures and understand what is happening from page to page without visual friction.
Illustrated Nonfiction · Character System
Willkommen im Kollegenzoo — 26 characters, one visual system
Written by Markus Steinhaus and published by Droemer Knaur in 2009, Willkommen im Kollegenzoo turns recognisable office personalities into a cast of animal archetypes.
I developed the complete illustrated character system. Each figure needed a distinct personality and silhouette while still belonging to the same visual family. The characters structure the book rather than simply appearing as decoration around the text.
Willkommen im Kollegenzoo — a complete cast developed to organise an illustrated nonfiction book.
Football Heroes — portrait and caricature work created across three international anthology editions.
International Illustrated Anthology Series
Football Heroes — illustration within a larger collection
The Football Heroes series brought together international illustrators to interpret major figures from world football through portraiture, caricature and collectible graphic design.
I contributed to all three books — Football Heroes (2006), Football Heroes See Red! (2008) and Football Heroes Gold (2012). The work needed to retain an individual illustrative voice while remaining compatible with a much larger international collection.
Cartoon Collection · First Book
Zürich, My Little Town — an illustrated city observed from close range
Published by Nebelspalter-Verlag in 1988, Zürich, My Little Town was my first book: an 80-page collection of cartoons about Zürich, everyday behaviour and local absurdities.
The archive includes material from throughout the book — city scenes, café life, local institutions and cultural references — rather than only the cover. It belongs to an early period of my career, but the observation, character and economy remain recognisable in my later work.
Zürich, My Little Town — Nebelspalter-Verlag, 1988.
Three Ways I Work on Books
The role can begin at different points
Illustrating an Existing Manuscript
The author or publisher supplies the text and I develop the characters, visual interpretation and finished illustration around it.
Author & Illustrator
Story and image develop together, allowing visual ideas to influence the writing and vice versa.
Visual Development
Character systems, sample pages, cover directions and visual concepts developed before a full publishing production begins.
Children’s Book Projects in Development
Author-illustrator concepts and character worlds
These projects are not published titles. They are children’s-book concepts I am developing as author and illustrator, and the gallery includes further character work and narrative scenes from both.
In Development · Author & Illustrator
No Way!
No Way! centres on Scaredy Cat, a character whose imagination has a habit of turning ordinary situations into reasons for considerable concern.
The drawings explore anxiety, imagination and cautious courage through exaggerated reactions, expressive poses, supporting characters and a visual world that remains consistent across different scenes.
In Development · Author & Illustrator
The Useless Thing
The Useless Thing is a children’s-book concept built around an odd little creature whose apparent lack of practical purpose becomes the point of the story.
The project explores belonging, kindness and the idea that being valued does not depend on being useful. The character work is intentionally simple, warm and emotionally readable.
From Manuscript to Finished Publication
Establish the visual language before producing the whole book
Longer publishing projects benefit from solving the important visual questions early.
Depending on the project, my role can include visual research, character development, style exploration, thumbnail layouts, sample spreads, page composition, cover concepts, finished illustration and preparation of production artwork.
1. Read & define Audience, tone, format and the role of the images.
2. Develop Characters, environments and visual language.
3. Test Rough pages, thumbnails and sample spreads.
4. Produce Finished interiors, covers and production artwork.
Working Together
For publishers, authors, editors & art directors
Some commissions arrive with detailed art direction. Others begin with a manuscript and a discussion about character, tone, reader age, page count and what the pictures need to contribute.
I work directly with publishers, editors and authors internationally in English, German and French. For longer projects, sample pages and character development provide a useful shared reference before full production begins.
Related illustration work
Book projects often overlap with sequential storytelling, educational publishing and character development. Those areas have their own deeper portfolio sections.
Illustration for publications, learning materials and longer-form communication
I work with publishers, agencies, companies and institutions on illustrated publications, educational material, Lehrmittel, internal communication, booklets and other projects where images need to work coherently across more than a single page.
A broader archive of published books, children’s characters, covers, interior pages, graphic-novel work, illustrated nonfiction, anthology contributions, cartoon collections and author-illustrator projects in development. Click any image to enlarge it.
Book Illustration & Visual Storytelling | Ian David Marsden
Football Heroes Book Covers
Illustrated covers from Football Heroes: See Red and Football Heroes: Gold, two international anthologies featuring Ian David Marsden’s sports illustrations.
Football Heroes Character Cards
Sample portraits from the Football Heroes collectible book series — stylized depictions of players across international teams and eras by cartoonist and illustrator Ian David Marsden.
The Secret Egg – Book Cover
Cover illustration for The Secret Egg, a rhyming children’s book about a magical dragon — published by Ransom Publishing and illustrated by Ian David Marsden.
The Secret Egg – Character Pages
Inside spreads from The Secret Egg, showing expressive cat and dragon characters — illustrated in clean vector style for early readers.
Character designs for Willkommen im Kollegenzoo, showing workplace archetypes in animal form — illustrated by Ian David Marsden for Droemer Knaur.
Kollegenzoo Book Cover – Illustrated by Ian David Marsden
Cover of Willkommen im Kollegenzoo, a satirical workplace book featuring animal metaphors for office personalities — illustrated by Ian David Marsden for Droemer Knaur.
Kollegenzoo – Foldout with Character Designs
Interior foldout spread from Kollegenzoo, showing all 26 illustrated animal archetypes — visualizing modern office behavior through character design.
Kollegenzoo – All Characters Overview
Overview grid of all 26 characters from Kollegenzoo — a humorous book about office types illustrated through animals by Ian David Marsden.
A calm and passive office character from Kollegenzoo: the Ruhefant — a blend of “ruhen” (to rest) and “Elefant.” Symbol of inertia and quiet resistance in the workplace.
Kollegenzoo in online bookshop
Kollegenzoo Book displayed in an online book shop.
Cover: Marvin graphic novel by Ian David Marsden
Cover illustration for Marvin, a graphic novel by Ian David Marsden based on The Way I Was by Marvin Hamlisch — published by Schiffer Publishing.
MARVIN Graphic Novel Sample Pages — Childhood Episodes and Early Ambition
Sample interior pages from MARVIN, moving through childhood pressure, comic mischief and the brief liberty of summer.
MARVIN Comic Panel — Hopalong Cassidy, Television and Stickball in Young Marvin Hamlisch’s New York Childhood
Young Marvin’s schedule was not entirely Juilliard and piano lessons. He also found time for Hopalong Cassidy on television and stickball in the street.
MARVIN Graphic Novel — Purple Dragonfly Award 1st Place Graphic Novel
MARVIN: Based on The Way I Was by Marvin Hamlisch, published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., received 1st Place in the 2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards Graphic Novel category.
MARVIN Interior Comic Pages — Childhood, Music Lessons and Family Pressure
Interior comic pages from MARVIN, showing the young Marvin Hamlisch moving between music practice, school life and the affectionate pressure of a very ambitious household.
Marvin: Based on “The Way I Was” – Tomb of Grant Scene
A reflective moment from Marvin: Based on “The Way I Was”, as Marvin visits the tomb of Ulysses S. Grant with his father — from Ian David Marsden’s graphic novel.
MARVIN Graphic Novel Spread — The Hamlisch Family Escape from Austria with a Saxophone
A tense pre-Marvin family-history spread: Max and Lilly Hamlisch leave Austria, and a suspicious officer on the train finds not contraband but a saxophone — to his own embarrassment.
MARVIN Graphic Novel Page — Songwriting Conflict, David Merrick and the Rabbi’s Call
A page from MARVIN moving briskly from songwriting fury to theatrical rescue mission, then back to a childhood memory of an urgent call from the rabbi.
Zürich, My Little Town – Cover
Cover of Ian David Marsden’s debut cartoon collection Zürich, My Little Town, originally published by Nebelspalter Verlag in 1988 — a humorous visual ode to Zurich the town he grew up in.
Vorwort – Verkehrsdirektor Erich Gerber, Stadt Zürich
Foreword written by Zürich Verkehrsdirektor Erich Gerber, introducing Zürich, My Little Town with civic humor and insight into local culture.
Zürich Kronenhalle – Lebenskünstler
Cartoon illustration showing a bohemian “Lebenskünstler” artist character seated at the historic Kronenhalle — satirizing Zürich café culture.
Frühling – Spitalgasse
An older happy gay couple strolls through Zürich’s Spitalgasse in springtime — capturing the gentle observational humor of Marsden’s early cartoon work.
Pinguine – Bahnhofstrasse
A surreal moment from Zürich, My Little Town — a march of penguins parading down Bahnhofstrasse, blending fantasy with everyday city life.
Sächsilüüte Parade & Böögg
Cartoon take on Zürich’s Sächsilüüte festival — featuring the symbolic burning of the Böögg snowman, an annual tradition marking the end of winter.
Mechanical Art – Tinguely Tribute
Homage to Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely — his statue at the Zürihorn, a cat hiding at the top and dogs waiting for it to start moving rendered in Marsden’s detailed pen-and-ink style.
Weingeister – Wine Bottle Apparitions
Whimsical scene with spirits emerging from a wine bottle — a playful nod to Zürich’s hidden indulgences and local folklore.
ETH Schach – Student Life
A newly invented chessboard at the ETH Zürich — capturing campus culture through a humorous observational lens.
Zürich, My Little Town – Spine & Cover
A clean view of the book’s spine and cover design — showing the title Zürich, My Little Town in hand-lettered style.
No Way! – Book Cover with Scaredy Cat
Cover of No Way! by Ian David Marsden — a humorous and heartwarming children’s story starring a timid cat with a wild imagination.
Scaredy Cat in the Rain – Fall Scene
A brave little cat gets caught in a gusty autumn storm — one of many lighthearted challenges faced in No Way!
Scaredy Cat’s World – Fears & Wonder
Whether in nature, at the museum, or facing the unknown, Scaredy Cat’s vivid imagination turns every scene into a dramatic adventure.
Stuck in the Mud – Cow & Cat Scene
Scaredy Cat finds himself knee-deep in trouble — and a bit of farmyard embarrassment — in this fun countryside moment from No Way!
Scaredy Cat’s Drawing Time – Creative Play
From pirate battles to rainbow monsters — Scaredy Cat’s imagination knows no bounds when it’s art time.
Buggy Hike – Scaredy Cat Meets the Insects
On a woodland trail, Scaredy Cat stumbles into a buzzing world of bugs — from bees to beetles — in this vibrant moment of outdoor adventure.
Scaredy Cat in Motion – Expressive Poses
A study in exaggerated gestures and body language — this character sheet explores Scaredy Cat’s personality in multiple animated poses.
Animal Friends – Bunny, Bear & More
A charming ensemble of Scaredy Cat’s animal friends — including Beach Bunny, Museum Bunny, Hiking Cat, and a paint-splattered Bear.
Scaredy Cat’s Beach Day – Weather Trouble
Too cold? Too hot? Too sandy? Scaredy Cat’s beach day is full of mixed feelings — and exaggerated reactions.
Café Scene Cutout – Bold Vector Style
A stylized square vector poster showing a vibrant café front and its quirky patrons, with a strong cutout aesthetic.
Cozy Santa and Rudolph – Winter Scene
A heartwarming holiday illustration of Santa and Rudolph sharing a quiet moment in the snow — rich in warmth and texture.
“Wanted” Poster – The Stubenrein Boys
A mock Wild West “Wanted” poster featuring outlaw cats with names like “Stubenrein” — a humorous spin on classic Western tropes.
“Just Be You” – Animal Friends in Hats
A cheerful poster reminding kids (and grownups) to be themselves — with a parade of expressive animals modeling silly, stylish hats.
Artist Legends Reimagined – Frida, Van Gogh, Dalí & Picasso
A whimsical cast of legendary artists reimagined as expressive characters in a Provençal town — perfect for books introducing kids to art history with charm and wit.
Art Masters in Provence – Magazine-Style Double Page Spread
A magazine-style layout bursting with visual storytelling — Frida, Van Gogh, and friends come alive in this character-rich double spread ideal for editorial and educational storytelling.
Cetacea Wimmelbild – Office Communication Illustrated
A detailed Wimmelbild (hidden object scene) exploring communication breakdowns, chaos, and collaboration in the workplace. Ideal for books, learning materials, and visual storytelling around teamwork, productivity, and organizational dynamics.
Passport Panic – Dog Faces Photo Booth Woes
A humorous yet relatable narrative moment — this anthropomorphic dog’s bureaucratic frustration makes for perfect material in character-driven books or educational storytelling on identity.
The Journey Ahead – Contemplative Character Scene
A solitary figure gazes across a stark landscape — this image evokes themes of courage, future paths, and emotional metaphor, ideal for chapter intros, poetry, or conceptual narratives.
The Useless Thing – Cover Illustration by Ian David Marsden
Cover of “The Useless Thing”, an original children’s book written and illustrated by Ian David Marsden. A whimsical yet touching story about a little creature who feels out of place until it discovers that love doesn’t require explanation.
Sneaking Into Bed – Seeking Comfort
From “The Useless Thing” by Ian David Marsden — a quiet, emotional spread showing the creature curling into bed with a sleeping family, capturing vulnerability and the search for security.
Park Gates – Peeking at the World
An evocative image from Ian David Marsden’s “The Useless Thing” — the little creature peers out from behind iron gates, echoing themes of isolation, curiosity, and the longing to belong.
Reading the Subway – Trying to Fit In
A visual metaphor from “The Useless Thing” — the creature awkwardly reads over a stranger’s shoulder on the subway, humorously capturing the desire to understand human behavior and fit in.
Walkies – Too Tired to Go On
This humorous spread from Ian David Marsden’s book captures the all-too-familiar childhood exhaustion — the creature collapses during a walk, pulled gently along by its new human friends.
Brought Home – The Moment of Love
In the emotional resolution of “The Useless Thing”, the violinist father brings the quiet, awkward creature home — a beautifully illustrated moment where love arrives without needing explanation.
Inventor and the Freehand Machine – Exploding Ideas
Visual storytelling packed with energy — an eccentric inventor is caught mid-thought while ideas explode into diagrams, color, and chaos. Great for editorial spreads, innovation features, or STEM storytelling for young readers.
Spot Illustrations – Hard Hat Jobs and Radio Moments at Work
A set of expressive spot illustrations designed for editorial or educational use — featuring construction scenes, factory floors, and a light-hearted moment where workers enjoy a Queen anthem on the radio. Perfect for training materials or workplace culture storytelling.
Coloring Page – Animals and Crayons at Pic Saint Loup
Whimsical black-and-white forest scene created for young readers and coloring activities — featuring a hedgehog wielding crayons among wild boars, owls, and rabbits. A lively spread ideal for activity books or environmental storytelling for children.
Wolf and Friends Road Trip – Ligne Claire Style at Pic Saint Loup
Illustrated in clean ligne claire style, this vibrant piece channels mid-century European comics. It features a wolf and friends adventuring in a classic orange Mehari — perfect for stories about travel, friendship, or quirky road narratives.
Toro Piscine – French Pool Mayhem in BD Comic Style
Inspired by vintage French bande dessinée, this bright summer scene shows a wild “toro piscine” moment — perfect for humorous storytelling, festival scenes, or cultural illustrations in a playful narrative tone.
The Original Batman – Pennyfarthing Steampunk Mashup
A tongue-in-cheek fusion of superhero lore and Victorian engineering — this whimsical piece places “Batman” on a pennyfarthing bike, ideal for alt-history books, satire collections, or creative character reinterpretations.
Naptime Refuge – Cozy Cat by the Fire
A peaceful domestic moment captured in watercolors — a white cat naps beside a flickering fireplace, wrapped in a woolen throw. An ideal piece for themes of comfort, home, and quiet narrative rhythm in children’s publishing.
Evolution Parade – A Satirical Timeline
This clever black-and-white illustration traces a tongue-in-cheek “evolution” from amoeba to modern-day tech-addicted citizen, blending wit and observation with a distinct narrative arc — perfect for editorial or educational use.
Unexpected Arrival – Tropical Tarmac Reception
A playful twist on customs and arrivals — tourists land at a tropical airport only to be greeted by surreal oversized viruses and curious creatures. A humorous BD-style scene in retro atomic ligne claire style with current themes and vibrant retro energy.
Screen Time at the Museum – Time Travel Interrupted
A witty illustration bridging classical art and modern distractions — museum-goers sit beneath a Renaissance painting, all engrossed in their smartphones. Commentary-rich and ideal for educational or cultural editorial content.
Media Overload – Dog Absorbing TV Static
A dreamy and surreal image of a dog bathed in colorful static waves from a glowing TV screen. This whimsical yet reflective illustration offers metaphorical weight about media saturation and imagination overload.
Morning Warmth – Illustrated Coffee Moment
A charming watercolor study of a steaming teacup bursting with floral energy. This domestic still life adds a moment of calm and brightness — perfect for children’s books or lifestyle editorial illustration.
Scratchy Cat – Bedtime Surprise
A humorous black-and-white illustration capturing the chaos of nighttime pet mischief. The wide-eyed elderly lady and wild-eyed feline speak to classic children’s book comedy and exaggerated domestic antics.
Windmill Dreams – Don Quixote Reimagined
A modern character interpretation of Don Quixote — playful yet respectful, blending dynamic linework with narrative clarity. Ideal for literary adaptation, educational illustration, or publishing covers.
Nomad Caravan – Wind and Companionship
This elegant ink drawing evokes desert winds, solitude, and partnership. A serene piece that could accompany folktales, geography books, or meditative children’s stories about nature and journeying.
Pillage – Game Art Poster with Characters and World
Poster-style key art from the board game Pillage, combining heroic fantasy with visual humor. Created for branding and storytelling, this piece showcases main characters, environments, and marketing elements.
Pillage Character Ensemble – Heroic Fantasy Adventure
A key illustration from the fantasy board game Pillage, featuring core characters — the Pirate, Spider Lady, Dona Flora, and Zephyr the Mediterranean wind — posed dramatically in front of a glowing treasure chest. A rich fusion of humor and heroism, ideal for publishing, tabletop world-building, or fantasy properties.
Fantasy Character Cards – Pillage Series
Character design cards from the Pillage universe, showcasing distinct illustrated personalities including pirates, mystics, and elemental figures. Dynamic and collectible, these are great examples of consistent world-building in fantasy IP design.
Setting Cards – Atmospheric Locations in Fantasy World
Lush location cards evoking the romantic spirit of Provence — featuring olive groves, churches, and stone crosses. These atmospheric background illustrations help transport players into a Mediterranean-inspired world full of mystery and history.
Tea Time Dog – Cozy Moment of Calm
A gentle, humorous spot illustration of a content dog savoring tea and biscuits — this piece speaks to emotional warmth and a childlike love for routine. A great fit for lifestyle publishing, children’s books, or educational materials about emotional regulation.
Pioneers on the Slopes – Character Spot for Ski History
Character-driven spot illustrations for a feature on ski pioneers like Henry Lunn and Arnold Lunn. Combining editorial clarity with historical context, these line artworks depict the evolution of skiing with wit and personality.
“The Textile Kings” – Die Fetzenkrämer – Swiss Historical Line Art Portraits by Ian David Marsden
Line art portraits of Swiss Textile magnates, part of an illustrated feature of historic Swiss industrial aristocracy. Rich with character design
“Coat of Arms Creatures” – Swiss Cantonal Animals Reimagined
A playful reinterpretation of Switzerland’s cantonal heraldic animals — rendered as expressive, animated characters. Designed to bridge education and entertainment for young readers and museum visitors.
“Big Shadow, Bigger Dreams” – Character Confidence Illusion
A charming metaphor in character illustration — a small fashionable feline throws a towering muscular shadow. Visual storytelling about confidence, identity, and how we perceive ourselves.
“Captain Power vs. Dr. Disturber” – Comic Pages and Character Designs
Comic panels and hero/villain character concepts created for an energy company educational series. A visual blend of superpower tropes and real-world messaging for younger audiences.
“Robots, Writers & Brainstorms” – Retro Tech Editorial Scene
A chaotic yet stylish editorial cartoon for NZZ am Sonntag — featuring a retro-futuristic take on publishing under pressure, with robots, scientists, and frazzled creators all vying for the final word.
“Parisian Snow Globe Santa” – Holiday Book Illustration by Ian David Marsden
A hand-drawn scene capturing the magic of Paris in winter, with Santa inside a snow globe delivering festive cheer. A warm, atmospheric piece perfect for storybooks and seasonal campaigns.
“The Rat Race” – Gnome on the Hamster Wheel of Life
A metaphorical cartoon exploring modern life’s dizzying routines — a gnome character endlessly runs on a hamster wheel while lugging his briefcase. A clever visual for articles, books, or educational discussions on work-life balance.
Blonde Courage: Dragon's Veil of Fire
A bold, empowering twist on classic mythology and fairy tale — inspired by Rosie the Riveter and the legend of Excalibur, this editorial-style illustration features a defiant Little Red slaying a dragon twenty times her size. A visual anthem of strength and defiance wrapped in fairy tale form.
“Hooray, It’s Raining” – Grumpy Dog with Cocoa
A humorous and charming image of a disgruntled pup caught in the rain, clinging to a steaming mug of cocoa. A perfect metaphor for those moody moments in books and emotional visual storytelling.
“Influencer Amoeba” – Social Media Parody Under the Microscope
A playful piece of editorial commentary — amoeba and other microorganisms parody influencer culture, likes, and hashtags. Whimsical yet pointed in tone, ideal for science-themed books with a twist.
“Wear Your Microbiome” – Bacteria Characters on Apparel
A vibrant collection of microbe and germ characters designed for apparel and merchandise. Each little organism has personality — blending science communication with playful design for young audiences.
“La Vie en Rose” – Rabbit Couple on a Vespa
A romantic and joyful piece capturing a bunny couple riding a pink scooter through pastel countryside. Evokes classic French charm and playful energy — ideal for storybooks or travel-themed children’s content.
The Path (Black & White Version) – Pen and Ink Symbolic Journey Illustration
Created in dip pen and India ink on paper by Ian David Marsden, this symbolic black-and-white illustration explores themes of introspection, personal growth, and the spiritual journey. Tarot cards, ancient pillars, and celestial symbols guide a lone pilgrim as he ascends a winding path toward a distant tower. A strong piece for educational, reflective, or allegorical book projects.
The Path (Color Version) – Digitally Colored Symbolic Narrative Illustration
This vibrant colored version of “The Path” by Ian David Marsden brings a modern, luminous touch to a timeless metaphor. Using digital watercolor techniques, the scene becomes dreamlike and layered — perfect for narrative publishing, spiritual storytelling, and children’s books exploring inner discovery or mythical archetypes.
Fox & Bot – Expressive Character Lineup
Dynamic and friendly character designs by Ian David Marsden featuring a clean-lined anthropomorphic fox and a quirky robot sidekick. These expressive poses are ideal for children’s books, early reader materials, or lighthearted educational publishing.
Quiet Moments – Fox Reading Comic Panel
A calm moment with the fox character reading by the window, captured in a clean, paneled style ideal for narrative sequences. Marsden’s uncluttered comic aesthetic supports readability for young audiences and early learners.
Break It Down – Fox Explains with Bot
A sleek and humorous informational comic panel designed for clarity — the fox and robot characters explain a concept using a poster-style breakdown. A perfect visual approach for children’s nonfiction or learning materials.
In the Kitchen – Fox Comic Sequence
Character-driven slice-of-life comic strip featuring the fox in a kitchen scene with comedic flair. Clear storytelling, limited color palette, and appealing character expressions make this a strong asset for beginner graphic readers.
Clean Up Time – Shower Comic for Kids
This piece explores daily habits through character-led storytelling. Using humor and minimal visual clutter, it supports children’s routines or hygiene themes in a way that’s both clear and friendly.
Ideas Take Flight – Cartoon Tribute to Discovery
A curious scientist contemplates a tiny floating mouse tethered to a balloon, a whimsical nod to invention, curiosity, and the thrill of new ideas taking flight.
Forest School – Autumn Gathering with Owls and Squirrels
A cozy woodland scene featuring curious squirrel students, an owl teacher, and acorns in abundance — capturing themes of learning, nature, and community.
Armored Snail Concept Art
A humorous twist on protection and mobility — this snail wears full armor and rides a blade-like path, blending absurdity with a touch of ancient Sparta.
The Long-Nosed Crooner – Melancholy Mouse
A long-nosed mouse slouches over a drink, its eyes low with blues — an emotional character sketch full of quiet mood and noir tones.
Bear Hug – Sweet Connection Between Friends
A soft, heartfelt illustration of a bunny and bear locked in a warm embrace. A gentle reminder that love and comfort don’t need words.
Pop Science – Balloon Experiment Gone Wrong
A chaotic moment of discovery as a wild-haired scientist pops a balloon next to an unsuspecting observer. A visual joke about curiosity and consequence.
Footsteps – Lost in a Giant’s Path
A lone figure wanders through deep snow, dwarfed by a mysterious footprint. A quiet image of introspection, scale, and emotional winter solitude.
Stilt Cow – Moo-ving Above It All
A surreal and comical image of a cow perched on tall stilts, playfully elevating the everyday farm animal into something completely unexpected.
The Star Reflects – Dog in Dressing Room
A heartwarming character piece of a small dog in a dressing room, smiling into the mirror. A tribute to self-belief and quiet moments before the spotlight.
McKitty & Henri – Detective Duo Character Art
Introducing Master Detective McKitty and Inspector Henri — a sharply dressed feline and his loyal hound partner, ready to solve any mystery with style.
Jester Delivery – A Letter Full of Mischief
A flamboyant jester delivers a whimsical postcard, peeking from a mailbox with theatrical flair. A celebration of playful storytelling and colorful character design.
The Giant Bird Visit – Sudden Snack Request
A surreal encounter between a startled pensioner and an excitable oversized bird bursting out of the bushes, demanding birdseed. Comic, odd, and strangely relatable.
Squawk – The Skinny Bird with Something to Say
A quirky long-legged bird cries out beneath a blooming tree, spelling “SQUAWK!” in floral bloom. A fun and expressive take on sound and springtime nonsense.
Rocket Birds – Ready for Lift-Off
A group of birds prepares for launch, standing proudly in front of giant, homemade rocket fireworks. A blend of childlike imagination and visual punch.
Under the Red Moon – Quiet Wonder
Two dogs sit side-by-side beneath a vast night sky, gazing at an oversized glowing red moon. A poetic, emotional piece about companionship and awe.
Monday Meltdown – A Questionable Enthusiasm
A melting green creature slumps across a desk, eyes glazed and exhausted, while declaring its undying love for Mondays. Sarcastic workplace humor in full drippy form.
Theater of the Mind – Literary Spirits
A dreamy pen drawing where a woman reads while theater masks and characters emerge from the pages, hovering in the air. Light, whimsical, and full of imaginative motion.
The Perfect Cupcake – Culinary Reverence
A black and white character illustration of a focused chef admiring a single, perfect cupcake with reverent awe. Visual storytelling through precision and restraint.
Nevermore – Psychiatrist and the Raven
A weary analyst listens to a raven perched nearby, taking notes as the bird repeats just one word: “Nevermore.” A dry literary gag with echoes of Poe.
Window Companions – Shared Quiet
A gentle, emotional piece of a retired man and his very elderly dog gazing quietly out the window together — a reflection on time, stillness, and companionship.
The Happy Camper
A soft, humorous character portrait of a dog in a tiny cap — completely relaxed, perhaps questionably so — grinning like he’s won at life. Or at least lunch.
Loch Ness Load-Bearing Backpacker
A smiling Scottish man trudges out of the loch, carrying the entire Loch Ness Monster like a backpack. Plaid, pipes, and preposterousness.
The Love-Laced Lounge Poet
A French beatnik lies on a heart-covered couch in classic pose, penning poetry in his notebook with serious glasses and serious feelings. Possibly about croissants.
Sherlock Claus – A Hidden Case
A cozy pen-and-ink drawing of Holmes and Watson mid-discussion by the fireplace, unaware that Santa and his reindeer are eavesdropping behind a curtain. Not your typical deduction.
The Egg Within the Egg
A tiny bunny diligently paints an ornate giant Easter egg… of himself… discovering a golden egg. Recursive, magical, and delightfully self-referential.
“I Could Have Made That”
A lumpy abstract sculpture stands proudly in a gallery space while two unimpressed dogs stare up and judge — “I could have made that,” one mutters. An ode to artistic ego, taste, and canine confidence.
Retired Mouse
A soft and slightly absurd image — a full-body pink mouse costume slouched on a chair like it’s had a long day. Whimsical, nostalgic, and quietly funny in the best way.
A visual metaphor from “The Useless Thing” — the creature awkwardly reads over a stranger’s shoulder on the subway, humorously capturing the desire to understand human behavior and fit in.