Hand-Drawn Art with Wit, Elegance & Personality
Welcome! I’m Ian David Marsden, an illustrator, cartoonist, and designer with a lifelong passion for hand-drawn art. I have just opened an online art print gallery, Modicum Editions, where you can directly and exclusively order high-quality prints of my artwork. Every piece available in my gallery is carefully curated and professionally printed to ensure vivid colors, exceptional detail, and lasting quality. If you appreciate witty, intelligent critique, a touch of rebellion, and a refined, old-world aesthetic, you’re in the right place.
Aperol Spritz Riviera Giclée Art Poster
My prints are designed for people who appreciate: ✔ Art that makes a statement without shouting ✔ Intelligent humor & refined design ✔ Thoughtful, conversation-starting illustrations
My work blends nostalgia with modern relevance, drawing inspiration from classic illustration, mid-century travel posters, and timeless satirical art. Every piece I create is meant to spark thought, invite humor, and bring character to any space—whether it’s a bookstore, café, creative studio, or your favorite reading nook at home.
Retro Paris Jazz Bar by Night – Classy Poster for Bars and Restaurants
Sizing chart for prints: tinyurl.com/modicum-sizing
Why Modicum Editions?
The word “modicum” signifies something small yet profoundly important—a modest amount that makes all the difference. I chose “Modicum” to reflect my belief that we should always maintain at least a modicum of respect, self-reflection, humility, and wit as we navigate the world.
At Modicum Editions, you’ll find exclusive, high-quality prints—each one personally designed and hand-drawn or digitally painted by me.
Crafted for Quality, Designed to Last
Great art deserves great materials. That’s why all my prints are professionally produced using high-quality, eco-friendly materials, ensuring they last for years to come.
Want to see more of my work?
Explore: www.marsden.fr
Thank you for supporting independent, hand-drawn art.
Exclusive, hand-drawn prints – Only available through Modicum Editions
My personal way of looking at things
Art, literature, humor, and the ability to coexist with understanding and grace aren’t just luxuries—they’re essential. I see the world drifting away from the ideals of the Enlightenment—the “Lumières,” as we call them in France—toward a seemingly voluntary retreat into darkness and narrow-mindedness.
In a world that often feels more absurd than anything a cartoonist could invent, I hold onto optimism, creativity, and humanist values. These are things worth protecting—not through loud proclamations, but through thoughtful, beautifully crafted illustrations that make you think, smile, and reflect.
Most art prints and posters are available in these sizes.
Here are some of the highlights
Let’s start where my heart resides: the breathtaking landscapes of Southern France.
It’s been over 18 years since I first set foot in this sun-drenched corner of the world, and I haven’t looked back since. I’ve made my home in the scenic village of Claret, nestled near the majestic Pic Saint-Loup, where the wild nature of the Languedoc garrigue stretches as far as the eye can see. From my studio window, I look out at a landscape bursting with beauty, history, and an energy so palpable you can almost hear it whispering secrets of ancient times.
This region around Montpellier is no ordinary place. It’s steeped in centuries of history—from prehistoric sites to the mysteries of the Cathars and the Knights Templars, whose presence lingers like echoes in the wind. Mysterious castle ruins dot the hills, each with its own story to tell. And yes, if local legends are to be believed, even the Holy Grail is supposedly hidden not far from where I create my art. With all this inspiration quite literally on my doorstep, it was only a matter of time before I turned my pen to honor this remarkable land.
As a lifelong fan of classic graphic art and illustrated travel posters, I’ve created a series of pieces that pay homage to the region I call home. These aren’t mere imitations or nostalgia pieces. They are neo-graphics—a celebration of vintage aesthetics with a modern twist, designed not as fake reproductions but as tributes to a coming new golden age of graphic art. Here are my interpretations of vintage travel posters inspired by Southern France.
Pic Saint-Loup Travel Poster
A Moment of Untamed Beauty
I wanted to capture a moment of pure, untamed beauty—the Pic Saint-Loup mountain basking in a flash of sunshine, silhouetted against a striking blue sky. Unlike many postcards or tourist prints, you won’t find houses or vineyards here. Just the raw, untouched landscape, frozen in time. It’s a love letter to the Hérault countryside, a place where nature still reigns supreme.
For those who appreciate minimalist elegance, I’ve also created a white border version with vintage-style text, giving it a touch of timeless sophistication.
Shop Pic Saint-Loup Full Image Version
Shop Pic Saint-Loup White Border Version
Montpellier Arc de Triomphe
Daytime Version
Ah, Montpellier—the “Paris of the Mediterranean” where history and modern life weave together as seamlessly as a good plot twist. In the daytime version, the Arc de Triomphe stands tall against a dazzling blue sky, a radiant sunburst gleaming behind the French flag. It’s an invitation to stroll down Rue Foch, lose yourself in the winding streets of the historic center, and perhaps enjoy an espresso while pretending you understand existentialism better than Sartre.
Shop Montpellier Arc de Triomphe Daytime Version
Nighttime Version
If Montpellier by day is a sophisticated waltz, then Montpellier by night is a slow, sultry tango. In the nighttime version, a luminous full moon casts its glow over the Arc de Triomphe, dreamy clouds drifting lazily across a deep blue sky. Golden typography blends seamlessly with the scene, giving the composition a poetic, timeless elegance.
Shop Montpellier Arc de Triomphe Nighttime Version
Neverending Global Fiasco
The Official Assembly Guide
If you enjoy the current feeling of sitting in the back of a bus heading at 90 miles per hour towards a cliff, driven by someone without a license who doesn’t believe in gravity and is inexplicably distracted by a Russian voice yelling in his earpiece—then this poster is for you.
It’s a precision-engineered schematic detailing the inner workings of dysfunction with the accuracy of an IKEA assembly guide—except this one is less likely to result in broken furniture and more likely to result in existential despair. Political wall art for collectors!
The diagram includes:
• IQ
A small, decorative gadget perceived by the unit as a state-of-the-art supercomputer. In reality, roughly equivalent in processing power to a concrete garden gnome.
• RACISM
A deeply instilled conviction that the white man is inherently superior—despite overwhelming daily evidence, provided by both the unit and its followers, to the contrary.
• IMPULSIVITY AND RECKLESSNESS
Converts stray thoughts into sweeping policy decisions, reckless proclamations, and all-night social media rants spaced one minute apart.
• CONFLATION OF PERSONAL AND NATIONAL INTERESTS
A critical malfunction equating personal grievances, legal troubles, and business concerns with the fate of an entire nation.
Available in two versions: the Original Version, bold and unapologetic, and the Burgundy Text Edition, for those who prefer their satire with a touch of sophistication. Both versions are crafted with meticulous detail and sharp humor, making this a must-have for political junkies, history buffs, or anyone who’s ever shouted at the news.
Shop Neverending Global Fiasco Original Version
Shop Neverending Global Fiasco Burgundy Text Version
Masterpieces vs. Mindless Scrolling
Satirical Digital Age Illustration by Ian David Marsden
In the battle of art vs. endless scrolling, who wins? Masterpieces vs. Mindless Scrolling is a sharp and witty illustration by Ian David Marsden that brilliantly satirizes the digital age. Set in a museum, the artwork depicts distracted visitors glued to their smartphones, oblivious to the Mona Lisa right in front of them. Meanwhile, Leonardo da Vinci himself stares out from the painting, visibly horrified by what the future has become.
This thought-provoking piece blends humor, satire, and social commentary to highlight how modern technology is reshaping our relationship with art and culture. Perfect for art lovers, educators, museums, and anyone who’s ever witnessed someone film an entire concert through their phone. Printed using eco-friendly inks on high-quality paper through Gelato, ensuring vibrant colors and museum-quality detail.
Shop Masterpieces vs. Mindless Scrolling
JUST BE YOU
Sometimes, the best thing you can be is unapologetically yourself. Just Be You is my playful tribute to individuality and self-expression, featuring a delightful cast of quirky animals, each wearing a different hat. From the detective dog in a deerstalker to the Carmen Miranda-inspired octopus with a fruit hat, this illustration celebrates the delightful weirdness that makes each of us unique.
This is the kind of print that brings joy wherever it goes—perfect for children’s rooms, creative studios, classrooms, or any space that could use a little extra whimsy. It’s also a not-so-subtle reminder that life’s too short to blend in, especially when you could be the octopus in a fruit hat.
Shop: JUST BE YOU by Ian David Marsden
Girl Power – Slay the Dragon, Keep the Sword
Move over, knights in shining armor—there’s a new hero in town, and she’s not waiting for rescue. Inspired by the bold spirit of Rosie the Riveter but set in a fantasy world of dragons and legends, Girl Power is my tribute to resilience, courage, and unapologetic confidence.
This illustration captures the moment of victory—our heroine standing triumphantly over the defeated dragon, sword in hand, smoke and fire swirling dramatically in the background. She’s not a damsel in distress. She’s the slayer of beasts, the conqueror of fears, the embodiment of feminist empowerment.
I wanted this piece to be bold and inspiring, a visual reminder that courage comes from within and that the only permission you need to break barriers is your own. Whether you hang it as a daily dose of motivation or gift it to someone who’s faced their own dragons, Girl Power is a statement that refuses to be ignored.
Famous Artists Ballade in Provence
A Stroll Through Genius
What happens when Salvador Dalí, Vincent van Gogh, Frida Kahlo, and Pablo Picasso all show up in the same scene? Chaos, brilliance, and just a touch of surrealism. Famous Artists Ballade in Provence is my playful homage to four legendary artists, celebrating their iconic styles and larger-than-life personalities.
In this vibrant caricature, Dalí casually balances his melting clock, Van Gogh stands before a Provençal building while holding an Easter egg painted in his signature swirling strokes, Kahlo wears her signature floral crown, exuding strength and elegance, and Picasso strolls nonchalantly with his Cubist-style dog on a leash. It’s a whimsical walk through art history, bringing these geniuses together for a once-in-a-lifetime promenade.
Dali, Van Gogh, Frida and Picasso stroll through Provence
At Modicum Editions, you’ll find:
• Hand-drawn Art, Not AI-generated
Every piece is an original creation by Ian David Marsden, © Copyright 2025, and includes a printed signature—because real art deserves a real artist behind it.
• Museum-Quality, Professionally Produced
Crafted with eco-friendly inks and premium paper by Gelato, ensuring vibrant colors and impeccable detail.
• Thoughtful, Witty, and Timeless
Art that speaks to the curious mind and the sharp wit, with just the right amount of irony.
• Perfect for Lovers of Art, Satire, History, and Books
Whether you’re decorating a bookstore, coffee shop, office, library, or your own cozy nook, these prints add character and depth—without overwhelming your space.
More Than Just Art
A Word from Ian David Marsden
For me, art, literature, friendship, and civilized cohabitation aren’t just luxuries—they’re essentials. In a world that sometimes feels like it’s drifting away from the light of the Enlightenment—the “Lumières,” as we call them here in France—and into a voluntary retreat of narrow-mindedness, I hold fast to optimism, creativity, and humanist values.
We live in an age where reality is often stranger than fiction, and the absurdities of daily life can outpace the imagination of any cartoonist. Yet, it’s precisely because of this that I believe in the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and even bring a smile. Through my illustrations, I aim to contribute to the light—not with loud proclamations, but with elegantly crafted visuals that invite you to think, laugh, and reflect.
If you share this vision—or if you simply enjoy clever, beautifully made art—I invite you to explore the full collection. After all, the world could always use a little more wit, wisdom, and wonder.
Celebrate the Launch – 15% Off for One Week
Browse the Full Collection Now on Modicum Editions.
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