Friar’s Club – Monk Character Design and Animated GIFs Champagne Juggling Monk
In 2012 I had the distinct honor of being asked by the legendary New York Friar’s Club, to create a cartoon character version of the club’s signature monk and a series of cartoons and animations for the official Friar’s Club website.
The briefing required animations and graphics featuring the monk in all kinds of different situations and poses to be placed on the homepage and also some special custom monks featuring caricatured faces of recognizable “brothers”.
Even the furniture such as the wooden bar and the pool table at which the Jackie Gleason monk is playing had to be recognizable.
As a previous member of the National Cartoonists Society, I had the pleasure of attending several Christmas brunches at the Los Angeles branch of the club, so it was a particular pleasure to be able to contribute to the Friar’s cause.
IMPORTANT! Some of these GIFs are showing weird boxy flashing animation on some displays which are NOT there in the original.
The original GIFs play nice and smoothly – you can see them by clicking on each image or by downloading them to your computer.
(This must be some kind of WordPress Bug. Sorry I can’t get rid of it here. If you know what settings I need to change, please contact me.)
It was on December 2nd, 1998 (almost 20 years ago!) that I started my first website “Marsdencartoons.com”.
It evolved over many iterations, and later for several years it also hosted the Marsdencartoons Cartoonist’s Directory which was a popular resource to find links to illustrators and cartoonists all over the world.
Since I don’t only draw cartoons but also create more “serious” illustrations and logos and character designs for various clients all over the world, I decided in 2014 to create my new homepage MARSDEN ILLUSTRATION, which you see before you and which embodies all the various facets of my work in my PORTFOLIO
For a few years it autoforwarded to my new domain, but a few months ago I let the old marsdencartoons.com domain name expire. A fresh new start.
It appears that another company has purchased the domain name marsdencartoons.com and is now putting up a website for Illustration and Graphics.
This is of course perfectly fine and quite normal I guess by Internet standards, although it would be interesting to know who the “Marsden” is who is featured in their domain name. Because one thing I can tell you is that it is NOT me.
For the record, I wanted to state categorically: that I, Ian David Marsden, am no longer the owner of the domain marsdencartoons.com, I am in no way involved in their enterprise, and am not affiliated anymore in any way with marsdencartoons.com. Any transactions with this domain will not include any involvement with me and you will not be purchasing artwork created by me.
If you wish to contact me (Ian David Marsden) regarding graphic design, illustrations or cartoons, then the only official website is this one: www.marsdenillustration.com
Thank you for your continued interest in my artwork and more from my studio very soon.
All the best,
Ian
PS: If you haven’t signed up yet for my personal newsletter, now is a good time because I am preparing the next one. (I send them out about 4 or 5 times a year with news and behind the scenes looks at some of the artwork I am currently working on)
Wacom: Drawing Tutorial Videos on official Wacom homepage
Various drawing tutorial videos demonstrating how I work with Wacom Cintiq 21UX and Cintiq27QHD pen displays in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Autodesk Sketchbook Pro, Manga Studio and other design software. More videos for Wacom are in production.
Sanafort AG, A renowned swiss provider of top of the line health products and vital mushroom extracts, commissioned me to design the appearance, product design, and branding for their new line of vitamins and minerals.
In addition to the labels and packaging, I also designed product flyers for each item and a 16-page catalog.
Here is a sneak peek before the official launch. LINK
Packaging and CI Design Sanafort
Ad, Flyer and Catalog Design Sanafort
I have updated the packaging design section of my portfolio with many new images and samples. CLICK HERE TO VIEW
I just uploaded a selection of recent sketches and pen and ink artwork to my sketchbook gallery.
I hope you enjoy them. These are all created with pen and ink, ballpoint pen, pencils and other traditional methods. I do sometimes scan them and color them in photoshop, but most of these are also colored with watercolor, ecoline and aquarelle / goache.
These are all just fun, free drawings that I like to do sometimes to relax and clear my mind. These were not commissioned. Often I don’t even know what it will be when I start drawing.
I guess since I am working in digital art programs with my Wacom Cintiq most of the time, these little exercises also s to show myself that I still know how to do it “old-school”. 😊
Please don’t forget that I also have an Instagram channel which I update almost daily with new doodles, sketches and drawing videos.
What I love most of all about my profession as an illustrator and designer, is that I get to be creative in all kinds of different areas and I never really know what’s coming next.
Below, I have put together a selection of some of the fun projects I have recently worked on. I hope you enjoy it.
Before we get started let me wish you a wonderful summer, and just in case you are working during the summer months, it might comfort you to know that you are not alone. I will be doing the same.
I am not going away this year and can be reached in my studio both in July and August and can assist you with any illustration needs that may arise.
All the very best and here now my latest news…
Ian
PS: My portfolio has been completely updated with brand new work, so if you haven’t visited my homepage in a while, please have a look.
I started my own Instagram feedwith snapshots, sketches and doodles.
It’s been up for only a few months and I am delighted that I already have over 2200 wonderful people who are interested enough in my tomfoolery, to follow my feed.
My lovely wife Sheryl Marsden has founded a shop called Love French Linen featuring gorgeous linen items from the south of France (where we live).
What could be more appropriate than to use her very own in-house creative department for her photography and logo needs?
Even our dog “Watson” now features prominently in several images as the Love French Linen dog. Undoubtedly he will start his very own newsletter soon, when his modelling career takes off. 😊
Sheryl did a wonderful job and put a lot of thought and care into her linen collection. Please have a look and forward to your friends who might be interested in French linens for bedroom, dining room, bathroom and kitchen.
I hope you enjoyed some of the updates and I thank you for your interest.
Sehr geehrte(r) Besucher(in) meines Blogs, 2016 hat bei mir auf eine sehr aktive, positive und dynamische Weise begonnen.
Veröffentlichungen / VerlageEine für mich persönlich ganz tolle Neuigkeit ist dass mein Graphic Novel Projekt, an dem ich seit einigen Monaten zeichne, nun angenommen worden ist und seit letzter Woche von einer renommierten New Yorker Literaragentur vertreten wird. Ich freue mich schon darauf, mehr über das Projekt verraten zu können. Im Moment muss ich es bei diesem kleinen Teaser belassen.
Objekt Design / Lizenzen Die Firma RITZENHOFF wird der Öffentlichkeit an der Ambiente Messe in Frankfurt (12.2. – 16.2. 2016) zwei neue Designobjekte von mir vorstellen. Es handelt sich um zwei Cappuccino Tassen & Untertassen, welche ich hier leider noch nicht zeigen darf – eben, wegen Weltpremiere oben. 🍾😉 Die Cappuccino Sets werden ab Mai 2016 international im Handel und auch im Ritzenhoff Online Shop erhältlich sein. LINK ZU WEITEREN MARSDEN DESIGNS
Neue ProjekteEs kommt regelmässig vor, dass ich als Designer und Illustrator an Projekten arbeite, wo ich vertraglich zu höchster Diskretion verpflichtet bin. Dies bedeutet, dass ich oft die fertigen Arbeiten ohne Freigabe nicht in meinem Portfolio oder Blog / Newsletter vorzeigen darf und selbst über die Produktion selber schweigen muss. Ich möchte mich aber an dieser Stelle ganz generell bedanken, dass ich über die letzten Monate für diese tollen neuen Kunden kreativ sein durfte. Grosses Dankeschön an alle Beteiligten Teams.
Logo DesignMensa, der weltweite Verein für hochbegabte Menschen (High IQ Society) hat für 2017 Nizza in Frankreich als Gastgeber für ihr International Board of Director’s meeting (IBD) erkoren. Aus einer Auswahl von Designlösungen wurde mein Design als offizielles Logo und Corporate Identity für den Event gewählt. (Logo Horizontal / Landscape hier abgebildet.)
Design des neuen Logo für WO Magnetische Wasserentkalkung-Systeme (Frankreich)
Sympathiefiguren / Character Design Eine Abteilung der Universität Bern hat mich schon vor einiger Zeit damit beauftragt eine Serie von Bären-Figuren zu entwickeln, mit Schwerpunkt dass sie auch Kinder ansprechen sollen. Im Januar durfte ich die kleine Bärenfamilie um ein neues Mitglied erweitern.
Eine weitere Figurenwicklung welche sehr Spass gemacht hat, war die Modernisierung des existierenden “Pfiffikus” für die “Si“ das Fachmagazin für SHK-Unternehmer. Ich durfte bereits schon diverse Posen und Varianten zeichnen. Diese werden jeweils als 100% Vektor Dateien in Adobe Illustrator gestaltet, welche ohne Pixel Auflösung rauf und runterskaliert werden können.
Etiketten / Verpackung Ich arbeite aktuell an einer Serie EtikettenDesigns für hochwertige Französische Olivenöle und Essige. Hier ein Schulterblick auf eine nicht verwendeten Skizze.
Freie Arbeiten In meiner Freizeit und wenn ich mal in einer Projektphase eine kleine Pause einlege (Ja, auch ich mache Pausen. 😀) entspanne ich mich gerne mit kleinen Spielereien (Kritzeleien?) in meinen Skizzenbüchern, oder auf losen Blättern die in meinem Atelier herumliegen oder auch auf Tischtüchern oder Servietten… egal. Einige dieser Doodles schaffen es dann auch auf meine Facebook Seite oder meine anderen Social Media (ein weiterer Zeitvertreib). Falls Sie mich dort besuchen möchten, finden Sie die Links am Ende dieses Mails.
Hier packe ich gerade ein persönliches Projekt aus, welches frisch vom Drucker geliefert wurde. Eine moderne Interpretation eines Mond-Symbols, auf Leinwand (80cm x 60cm) gedruckt.
Druck / PrintIm Januar habe ich meine Belegexemplare der Digades Dfreeeze App Broschüre mit meinem mehrseitigen Comic erhalten. Ich bin mit dem Resultat sehr zufrieden. Dfreeeze ist übrigens eine tolle Sache. Eine Fernsteuerung der Auto-Standheizung per App. Sie können sich die Broschüre hier ansehen: LINK
Für meinen sehr guten Kunden Sanafort durfte ich diverse Print Assets wie Preislisten und Konditionen gestalten. Dies beinhaltete auch Bildkorrekturen und Retuschen in Photoshop sowie Grafik, Designelemente und kleine Spotillustrationen. http://www.sanafort.ch
Video / YouTube Im neuesten Videoauf meinem YouTube Kanal kann man mir folgen, wie ich das kleine Vögelchen im Header dieses Newsletter zeichne. Ich hoffe das Video macht Ihnen Spass. LINK
Ich hoffe das eine oder andere Update hat Sie interessiert. Ich bedanke mich herzlich für Ihr Interesse. Mehr zu meiner Person und meinen Zeichnungen und Designs gibt es auf meiner Homepage: www.marsdenillustration.com
Möchten Sie gerne über meine neuesten Illustrationen und Projekte informiert werden? Ich versende zirka viermal im Jahr eine E-mail mit Neuigkeiten und neuen Projekten. Hier können Sie meinen Newsletter abonnieren: http://eepurl.com/bFSTF9
Social Media Links oben können angeklickt werden. Sind wir eigentlich schon auf LinkedInmiteinander verbunden? Falls nicht, würde ich mich sehr freuen in den Kreis Ihrer Verbindungen aufgenommen zu werden. https://www.linkedin.com/in/idmarsden
Exciting News and Updates from Illustrator Ian David Marsden
I am a freelance illustrator, designer, cartoonist and I also produce and animate whiteboard and explainer videos.
You can sign up for my newsletter in the box on the right. I send a newsletter roughly four times a year.
My artist portfolio, biography, client list and referrals/testimonials can be found on my homepage at: https://www.marsdenillustration.com
I hope you enjoy these latest updates including some exiting news about my graphic novel project, new clients, new YouTube drawing video tutorial and more.
Dear visitor to my blog,
2016 started off in a very active, busy and fun way for me.
Publishing
Some very exciting news for me personally, is that a graphic novel project I have been developing has been accepted and is now being represented by a New York literary agency. I look forward to telling you more about this very soon. Below is a little teaser sample:
Object Design / Licensing
RITZENHOFF
will be unveiling two new cappuccino cups with saucers, which I designed, at the Ambiente trade show in Frankfurt (12th to16th February 2016).
Ambiente is the world’s most important consumer goods trade fair, which boasts a globally unrivalled range of products in the Dining, Giving and Living areas.
The cups will be available in retail stores world-wide and also in the Ritzenhoff online shop here: LINK
New Projects
I regularly consult as an artist and designer on projects where I am bound to contractual discretion. This means that I am not at liberty to display or reference my work in my portfolio, blog or newsletter even for self-promotional purposes. Nevertheless, without divulging any further information or details, I am thrilled to have worked on projects for the following new clients.
Logos
Mensa
, the international High IQ Society has awarded their 2017 International Board of Director’s meeting (IBD) to the town of Nice, France. Out of a selection of proposed graphic solutions, I am delighted that my design was chosen as the official logo and CI for the event. (Logo horizontal landscape version below)
Design for the new logo for WO magnetic water purification devices.
Character Design
One of the departments of the University of Bern in Switzerland commissioned me a while ago, to design a series of likeable bear characters that should also be appealing to children. I added some new bears to the ever-growing family in January.
Another fun character design project I have been involved in for a few years is this one for the company Si. I was originally tasked to take their existing “Pfiffikus” mascot and give him a more dynamic and modern appearance, all the while retaining his work clothes and color scheme.
Over the years, several poses and applications of the character have been created. All versions are created as fully-scalable 100% vector artwork in Adobe Illustrator.
Labels / Packaging
I am currently designing a series of labels for exclusive, high quality oils and vinegars.
Leisure Projects
In-between projects or just to take a break (yes, I take breaks 😀), I like to relax doodling in my sketchbooks or on loose scraps of paper around my studio (or tablecloths or whatever I can get my hands on). Some of these scribbles end up on my Facebook and other social media. (Another favorite source of distraction) Links at the bottom of this e-mail. in case you feel like joining me.
Here is another personal, non-commissioned art project. A modern interpretation of a moon symbol. (digital print on canvas 80 cm x 60 cm)
Printed media
I recently received a package with my copies of the printed Digades Dfreeeze app brochure featuring a multi-page comic I drew. I am very pleased with the result. You can read the whole booklet here: LINK
I designed and implemented several catalogs and price lists for my very good customer Sanafort, a producer of high quality vital mushrooms, teas and health supplements. http://www.sanafort.ch
Video / YouTube
My latest video on my YouTube channel is of me drawing the little bird for the header of this newsletter. I hope you enjoy it. LINK
Well, that’s all for now. I hope one or the other item might have been of interest.
Freelance Illustrator, Cartoonist, Whiteboard Explainer Video Producer and Designer on LinkedIn.
My name is Ian David Marsden and I am an experienced, professional independent illustrator, cartoonist, character designer, mascot and logo developer and whiteboard video producer.
Customer recommendations can be found on my homepage at www.marsdenillustration.com
Some of my clients include: Auto Bild, Blick Online, BOLD Werbung GmbH, Coca Cola, Coley & Associates, Chemmedia, Diesel Jeans UK, Digades, Droemer Knaur Verlag, Evonik Industries, Fox Television, Fraunhofer, Zum Goldenen Hirschen, GMX.de, Google, HauntedHollywood, John Morrison / Johnny Mundo, KHW, La Toya Jackson, Lindt Chocolate, MAD Magazine, Mac Directory, MAN, Mercedes Benz, Mövenpick, Neue Zürcher Zeitung (NZZ), Deutsche Telekom, Publicis, PwC, Richmond Publishing, Ritzenhoff, Rock Brasiliano, Roland Berger, Samsung, Santillana, seele, Showtime Television, Sieber & Wolf, Strobe Solutions, Ski WM 2003, The New Yorker, Universal Music Group, Universität Zürich, Universität Bern, VISA, Wacom, YJOO
I find LinkedIn to be a very valuable and efficient tool to stay connected with my connections and to find valuable resources through their connections. If you are also using LinkedIn I would love to be added to your contacts, even if you are not currently looking for illustrations or custom designs, I will be there for the day when the need arises. You can find my profile here:
Can you believe that it’s November again? It seems like the months have just flown by since I last sat down to write you a few lines from my illustration studio.
I’ve been having a lot of fun doing freehand sketches between projects. Here are some glimpses into my sketchbooks and Moleskines.
I’ve been posting some of my doodles to my Facebook page and sometimes I also upload short videos of my sketching to my YouTube channel.
This year we created a 12 page comic which continues the adventures of the main protagonists, Michael, Anne, Stefan and Julia and their Dfreeeze car heater remote control application.
Regular client Sanafort AG (a renowned Swiss producer of natural Reishi mushroom and other tonic herbs and food supplements) needed website and newsletter graphics for Christmas and the New Year and to advertise upcoming product launches and promotions.
As always they allowed me a lot of creative freedom and I think the results are quite elegant.
My very good personal friend Helmi Sigg, Swiss actor, comedian, writer and renaissance man has partnered with STEINER Meats to create their own delicious Swiss-made twist on New York Style pastrami.
He entrusted me to create the logo for this culinary delight which is aptly named ‘Pastrelmi’ after it’s creator.
The last few weeks have been very exciting on a personal level, as we have been preparing for my first exhibition of original drawings in quite a while.
Over 60 pieces of artwork are on display in the exhibition, organized by the Association Artistique Monet at the Espace George Brassens in St Gely du Fesc (Montpellier).
I am exhibiting together with famous French cartoonist Ptiluc and two German artists, Heike Negenborn and Carmen Stahlschmidt.
It would be my pleasure to talk to you about any new projects you might have.
Please call me at +33 6 42 49 82 11 or e-mail me at ian@marsdenillustration.com for a free consultation.
Can you believe that it’ November again? It seems like the months have just flown by since I last sat down to write you a few lines from my illustration studio.
I’ve been having a lot of fun doing freehand sketches between projects. Here are some glimpses into my sketchbooks and Moleskines.
I’ve been posting some of my doodles to my Facebook page and sometimes I also upload short videos of my sketching to my YouTube channel.
This year we created a 12 page comic which continues the adventures of the main protagonists, Michael, Anne, Stefan and Julia and their Dfreeeze car heater remote control application.
Regular client Sanafort AG (a renowned Swiss producer of natural Reishi mushroom and other tonic herbs and food supplements) needed website and newsletter graphics for Christmas and the New Year and to advertise upcoming product launches and promotions.
As always they allowed me a lot of creative freedom and I think the results are quite elegant.
My very good personal friend Helmi Sigg, Swiss actor, comedian, writer and renaissance man has partnered with STEINER Meats to create their own delicious Swiss-made twist on New York Style pastrami.
He entrusted me to create the logo for this culinary delight which is aptly named ‘Pastrelmi’ after it’s creator.
The last few weeks have been very exciting on a personal level, as we have been preparing for my first exhibition of original drawings in quite a while.
Over 60 pieces of artwork are on display in the exhibition, organized by the Association Artistique Monet at the Espace George Brassens in St Gely du Fesc (Montpellier).
I am exhibiting together with famous French cartoonist Ptiluc and two German artists, Heike Negenborn and Carmen Stahlschmidt.
It would be my pleasure to talk to you about any new projects you might have.
Please call me at +33 6 42 49 82 11 or e-mail me at ian@marsdenillustration.com for a free consultation.