Meet Fox, a curious and enthusiastic cartoon character eager to embrace a more ecological, energy-efficient lifestyle. Alongside him is Major Domo, a resourceful and witty little robot who offers insightful tips to save energy, reduce costs, and protect the environment. Created for my France based Client: Sustain-D. Together, they navigate various everyday scenarios, showing how small changes can lead to big improvements in sustainability.
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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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?”
In this gallery I would like to show some concept illustrations created in 2015 for Lindt Chocolate.
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.
Clean and clear line-art illustrations intended to explain how to prepare and use Henkel cleaning products (Bref, General) and their effects and lasting protection in the kitchen, bathroom and toilet. The artwork needed to be understood without words / language independent.
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.
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.
A series of 4 videos and posters created for Dräger on the topic “Break the chain of infection”
The comic strips have no text so they are language independent and can be used internationally. The same goes for the video series.
The four different areas covered are: Infection prevention and control, increase Patient Safety,
Infection Prevention by Design and Improved Workflow
Short intro animation created specifically for the Friars Club, New York City.
Several monk friar characters were created for animated GIFs and icons for the website
including Jackie Gleason playing pool and this little friar for the animation.
All artwork was created in Adobe Illustrator as vector art and then animated in Adobe Flash.
Client: Friars Club, Date: 2008, Artist: Ian David Marsden – www.marsdenillustration.com
Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali cartoon portraits
Colorful cartoon caricature portraits of Pablo Picasso walking his surrealist dog, Frida Kahlo showering flower petals, Vincent van Gogh with his lovely painted easter egg and Salvador Dali dribbling his melting clock all over the place.
Artwork by illustrator and cartoonist Ian David Marsden
Full Gallery and slideshow of artist series below:
Below a YouTube video presentation of 10 animated greeting cards for various occasions. I had the pleasure of inventing and designing this series of animated greeting cards for client 1&1 Mail & Media GmbH for GMX, Web.de, Mail.com Germany via the agency dieKLEINERT.de
The topics that were presented to me in the briefing were: Happy Birthday, I’m Sorry, Thank You, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Get Well Soon, Happy New Year and Thank You!
(with YouTube Video Radio Interview with Mascot Designer Ian Marsden)
I n 2002 I was contacted by the organization for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in the renowned pristine alpine resort town of St. Moritz, Switzerland. I was informed, that I had been chosen as the designer and illustrator to create the official mascot for the event.
Celsys is pleased to announce the Creative Together! Connected Ink 21-hour Drawing Party at Wacom’s Connected Ink, one of the world’s most advanced digital pen & stationery events.
Drawing LIVE, Tuesday November 17, 2020 from 20:00 to 21:30 (CET) on the
Theme: THE CITY AT NIGHT, Ian David Marsden (France) will be drawing on his Wacom Cintiq 27 QHD Touch in Clip Studio Paint software.
Artist: Ian David Marsden
www.marsdenillustration.com
