Blog Archives

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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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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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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Homage to Aline Kominsky-Crumb

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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A Festive Creation: An Animated Holiday Card to Remember

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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Cartoon Nebelspalter – Wenn Bastien Girod zweimal klingelt

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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Erklärvideo Schweiz – Part 2 LAP Learning 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.

Lernnuggets Presentation Video 2

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

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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Nebelspalter Caricature – Appenzell not happy

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.

Caricature Drawing Elisabeth Baume-Schneider VS Appenzell
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Next Generation Learning Presentation Video

A series of presentation videos for an excellent training course to assist students in completing and scoring high on their LAP test. Next-Generation Learning and #BYOD (bring your own devices) prepares you for all phases of this challenging test. A modern, step-by-step teaching approach covering every chapter of what you have learned over the years. The course gives you all the tools to ace the test.

Fun, light-hearted illustrations and caricatures lead you through the video and explain what you can look forward to in this training course.

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Marsden Illustration