Blog Archives

10 Feb '25

25th Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem

10/02/2025 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Cartoon, cartoon gallery, cartoon sketchbook, Cartoonist, euro kartoenale, experienced cartoonist, Illustration, kruishoutem, portrait cartoon

Hats Off! Ian David Marsden cartoon submissions to the 25th Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem

As a cartoonist, there’s something magical about taking a theme and letting it evolve into visual storytelling. For the 25th Euro-kartoenale Kruishoutem, this year’s theme—“The Hat – Hats Off”—offered endless opportunities to blend humor, satire, and creativity.

I’m thrilled to be one of the 16 participating cartoonists from France, contributing five original cartoons to this international cartoon competition. Each of my works explores hats not just as accessories, but as powerful symbols of culture, evolution, and individuality.

Exploring the Evolution of Hats Through Cartoons

From ancient alien theories to playful nods at fairy tales, my cartoons for this year’s Euro-kartoenale cover a wide range of interpretations:

• “Crown Wars” – Two kings engage in a comical power struggle, measuring their wealth and influence with ever-expanding crowns that defy logic (and balance).

Cartoon of two regal figures with oversized, ornate crowns, highlighting themes of greed and one-upmanship, created by Ian David Marsden for the European Cartoon Center.

Featured image of Ian David Marsden joining Cartoon Movement, showcasing editorial cartoons including Trump and Musk in satirical settings.

29 Jan '25

Ian David Marsden Joins Cartoon Movement

29/01/2025 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Cartoon, cartoon gallery, cartoon movement, Cartoonist, Cartoonist Marsden, Dessinateur, dessinateur BD, dessinateur humoriste, experienced cartoonist, freelance cartoonist europe, Illustration, portrait cartoon, Schweizer Cartoonist, swiss cartoonist

I am delighted to share some exciting news: I have joined the incredibly talented international community of cartoonists at Cartoon Movement. As a platform dedicated to showcasing editorial cartoons from around the world, Cartoon Movement connects artists with a global audience, offering fresh, insightful, and sometimes bitingly satirical takes on current events.

For those unfamiliar, Cartoon Movement is an independent platform that brings together professional cartoonists from across the globe. Founded with the goal of promoting press freedom and political commentary through cartoons, it provides a space where artists can share their work and engage with an international readership. The platform regularly features political and editorial cartoons tackling world affairs, culture, and social issues, offering a diverse array of perspectives through visual storytelling.

Ian David Marsden’s gallery on Cartoon Movement, showcasing over 20 editorial cartoons on political satire, cultural commentary, and humor.

Through this collaboration, my Ian David Marsden editorial cartoons will now have the opportunity to reach a much wider audience—perhaps finding themselves being scrutinized, debated, and misunderstood in multiple languages before ultimately being used as placemats under coffee cups. I’ll be regularly adding new work to my page, and you can find my latest contributions here:

My Cartoon Movement Page

https://www.cartoonmovement.com/cartoonist/34891

For those who enjoy a good editorial cartoon—whether it’s an incisive take on current politics, a visual commentary on society, or just an artistic way of saying “Well, isn’t this just a fine mess we are finding ourselves in again?”—I hope you’ll follow along.

Energy savings illustration with expenses for food, transport, leisure, housing, and utilities.

19 Jan '25

Comic Strips Sustainable Energy

19/01/2025 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: advertising comics, business comics, Business Illustration, comic, comic strip, comic strips, comic zeichner, comics, comiczeichner, comiczeichner deutschland, Deutschland, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, Schweiz, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, Schweizer Illustrator, Schweizer Karikaturist, vector comics

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.

A practical comic showing a fox and robot discussing utility bills and energy efficiency, featuring a colorful efficiency scale and meter reading. Bandes dessinées by Ian David Marsden, based in Montpellier, France.

Fox and robot discussing a breakdown of energy costs in a comic strip created by Ian David Marsden

07 Jan '25

Découvrez le jeu PILLAGE autour du Pic

07/01/2025 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: 34270 Claret, Claret, game design, graphisme pour jeu de societe, graphiste claret, graphiste jeu de cartes, graphiste montpellier, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, illustration montpellier, infographiste claret, jeu de societe, logo design montpelliler, Montpellier

Découvrez PILLAGE autour du Pic : Une Aventure Unique au Cœur du Pic Saint-Loup

Disponible maintenant dans la boutique L’Esprit du Pic, Place de l’Hermet à 34270 Claret

Plongez dans cette quête épique avec PILLAGE autour du Pic. Ce jeu de société captivant, où stratégie et observation se mêlent à l’exploration, vous invite à incarner des aventuriers prêts à affronter mille dangers et énigmes pour découvrir des richesses oubliées.

L’univers visuel de PILLAGE autour du Pic est sublimé par Ian David Marsden, un illustrateur et graphiste de renommée internationale, installé à 34270 Claret. Ses illustrations vibrantes donnent vie aux personnages et aux paysages, transportant les joueurs dans un monde coloré et immersif. Avec un style unique alliant précision et créativité, Ian a su capturer l’essence du Pic Saint-Loup, créant une esthétique aussi captivante que le gameplay lui-même. Ses contributions artistiques apportent une dimension visuelle exceptionnelle au jeu, transformant chaque partie en une véritable expérience sensorielle.

19 Dec '24

Welcome to Marsden’s Art House: A Creative Space for Artists and Dreamers

19/12/2024 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Adobe Illustrator, adobe illustrator tutorial, adobe photoshop, christmas card video, Clip Studio, Clip Studio Paint, drawing tutorial youtube, Erklaervideo, Erklärvideo, Illustration, Illustration YouTube, Marsden's Art House, MarsdensArtHouse, photoshop tutorial, procreate tutorial, YouTube, YouTube Video

Step Inside Marsden’s Art House: A New YouTube Space for Artists

Where Creativity Lives!

Every great work of art begins with a single line. And every artist needs a space to explore, experiment, and grow. That’s why I’m excited to invite you to Marsden’s Art House, my brand-new YouTube channel—your creative studio away from home.

Procreate Beginner Level - brushes and coloring | Marsden's Art House 🍎

Here, you’ll find:

• Thoughtfully crafted step-by-step tutorials on sketching, inking, and digital art that break complex techniques into approachable methods.

• Behind-the-scenes insights into how I structure my graphic novels, from storyboarding in Clip Studio Paint to polishing pages in Photoshop and Illustrator.

18 Jun '24

Je Parle Anglais. Je Suis Français. Je Peux Aider

18/06/2024 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: France, Icanhelp, illustrateur, Illustrateur France, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, Illustration France, Ispeakenglish, JOParis2024, Paris, Paris Olympics

Rendez Paris Encore Plus Accueillant: Soutenez les Touristes Anglophones Pendant les Jeux Olympiques !

Bonjour chers amis parisiens ! Alors que Paris se prépare à accueillir les Jeux Olympiques, voici une initiative joyeuse pour aider les visiteurs à se sentir chez eux. Pas seulement à Paris, et pas seulement pendant les Jeux Olympiques de 2024. Cette initiative s’adresse aussi à toutes les villes et villages français, même après les Jeux Olympiques.

I am French. I speak English. I can help.
“Je Parle Anglais. Je Suis Français. Je Peux Aider”

Cette campagne “Je Parle Anglais. Je Suis Français. Je Peux Aider”, une idée originale d’Anne Weber, fondatrice du cabinet IN TALENT WE TRUST et de Facteur Humain Le Blog, ( www.anneweber.org ) , est parfaite pour les Jeux Olympiques, mais peut aussi être utilisée dans n’importe quelle ville ou village français, à tout moment, si vous souhaitez être ouverts et accueillants envers les visiteurs anglophones.

Pour vous associer, un superbe visuel illustré vectoriel, créé par le dessinateur et illustrateur Ian David Marsden, est mis à disposition. Parfait pour imprimer des badges, des t-shirts, des autocollants ou pour décorer vos vitrines, ce visuel vous permettra de montrer fièrement que vous parlez anglais et êtes prêt à aider. En affichant ce badge, vous faites savoir aux touristes qu’ils peuvent compter sur vous pour rendre leur séjour plus agréable et sans souci. Ce visuel est libre de droits et peut être utilisé gratuitement, à condition de respecter les spécificités indiquées dans l’avertissement légal ci-dessous.*

[Téléchargez le Visuel Illustré Vectoriel Ici]

24 Dec '23

Merry Christmas – I sing the Grinch song.

24/12/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: animated marketing video, christmas card video, christmas cartoon, christmas greeting, custom-created explainer videos, Erklaervideo, Erklärvideo, Erklärvideo Deutschland, Erklärvideo Schweiz, explainer video, hand-drawn explainer videos, Illustration, Music Video, pic saint-loup, Whiteboard Video, YouTube Video

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.

🎅 Illustrated Holiday Cartoon Card with Santa and the Grinch by Ian David Marsden 🍷

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.

13 Dec '23

“Gezeichnet 2023” in Bern: Schweizer Pressezeichnungen im Jahresrückblick

13/12/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Bern, Editorial Illustration, gezeichnet, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Schweiz, museum fuer kommunikation, Pressezeichner, Pressezeichnung, Schweiz, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, Schweizer Illustrator, swiss cartoonist, swiss illustrator

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

15 Oct '23

Concept Drawings: Volkswagen Sedric

15/10/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Advertising, advertising illustration, business, Business Illustration, comiczeichner deutschland, Concept Art, Erklärvideo Deutschland, Erklärvideo Schweiz, graphiste montpellier, Ian David Marsden, Ian Marsden, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, illustration montpellier, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, Marsden Illustration, Montpellier, Volkswagen

Creating Concept Drawings for the Volkswagen Sedric Concept Car Presentation at CEBIT 2018 *

As an illustrator, I encounter various projects, each offering distinct challenges and creative opportunities. One particular project that holds a significant place among my favortes is the creation of concept drawings for the Volkswagen Sedric Concept Car presentation at CEBIT 2018. These drawings aimed to convey a compelling narrative, capturing the essence of this innovative concept car in a visually engaging manner. Familiar with the unpredictable nature of creative projects, I embraced the challenge when the assignment came on short notice. Time constraints were no obstacle for me, as I thrive in such situations, drawing upon experience and adaptability to deliver results swiftly and effectively.

The Volkswagen Sedric self-driving concept car is a pioneering innovation in the automotive world, representing a glimpse into the future of mobility. Designed with a focus on autonomous driving technology, the Sedric Concept Car aims to redefine the way we perceive transportation. This revolutionary vehicle embodies Volkswagen’s commitment to innovation, sustainable transportation, and cutting-edge design. With its sleek, futuristic appearance and state-of-the-art autonomous capabilities, the Sedric Concept Car is not just an automobile; it’s a visionary step towards a new era of transportation that prioritizes safety, convenience, and environmental sustainability.

10 Oct '23

Künzli Optik’s Optical Illusion

10/10/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Advertising, advertising agency, advertising comics, advertising illustration, business, business comics, Business Illustration, caricature portraits, cartoon portraits, Erklärvideo Schweiz, graphiste montpellier, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, illustration montpellier, illustration portfolio, Illustration Schweiz, Illustrator Schweiz, Montpellier, Publicite, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, strassenwerbung, swiss cartoonist, swiss illustrator, weltplakat, werbeagentur, werbung, werbung in transportmitteln

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?”

Lindt Santa Claus figures, illustration to chocolate sculptures, "Lindt Concept Studies" text.

09 Oct '23

Concept Art for Lindt Chocolate

09/10/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Adobe Illustrator, Advertising, advertising comics, business comics, Business Illustration, Cartoon, Cartoonist, Concept Art, Dessinateur, Freelance, Freelance Illustrator, Freischaffend, graphisme, Ian David Marsden, Ian Marsden, Illustrateur France, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration France, Illustration Schweiz, illustration vectoriel, Illustrator, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, independent illustrator, infographisme, infographiste, Lindt, Marsden Illustration, Vector, Vector Art, vectoriel, Vektor, Vektor Illustration

In this gallery I would like to show some concept illustrations created in 2015 for Lindt Chocolate.

Lindt Gold Bunny / Goldhase

07 Oct '23

AN2V Kakemonos / Commercial Banner Illustration

07/10/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: Adobe Illustrator, adobe photoshop, Banners, business comics, Business Illustration, Freelance, Freelance Illustrator, Freischaffend, graphiste montpellier, Illustrateur France, illustrateur montpellier, Illustration, Illustration Deutschland, Illustration France, illustration montpellier, Illustration Schweiz, independent illustrator, Kakemono, logo design montpelliler, Marketing, Montpellier, Point of Sale, Trade Show, vectoriels montpellier

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.

Two of the AN2V Kakemono banners on display at a tradeshow

11 May '23

Drawn by Human Hand – Created by Natural Intelligence

11/05/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: AI, AI Art, AI illustration, art of illustration, artificial intelligence, Book Illustration, Business Illustration, Cartoonist, Editorial Illustration, experienced illustrator, explainer illustration, Freelance Illustrator, Graphic Design, graphisme, human intelligence, Illustration, Midjourney, natural intelligence

Is the technological singularity just around the corner?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity

This is not an anti-AI post. It’s remarkable to see how far artificial intelligence (AI) has come, to the point where it can now compete with human abilities. I stare in marvel (and horror) at the current generation of AI generated images.

Maybe the above logo will become the art equivalent of the BIO labels at grocery stores

I am not someone who shies away from new tools or techniques, nor am I a technophobe. As someone who has been an avid fan and user of computers since childhood, I have experienced the evolution of technology firsthand. It always seemed inevitable that this day would arrive at some point, I think what is most surprising is how rapidly it is suddenly advancing. It is difficult for us to understand, because the human brain is not wired for exponential growth. We simply can not understand and imagine it.

Made by human hand and natural intelligence...

22 Mar '23

Erklärvideo Schweiz – Part 2 LAP Learning Video

22/03/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: animated marketing video, Cartoon, cartoon animation, Erklaervideo, Erklärvideo, Erklärvideo Deutschland, Erklärvideo Schweiz, explainer video, explainervideos schweiz, Freelance Illustrator, Illustration, Illustrator, Illustrator Deutschland, Illustrator Schweiz, LAP vorbereitung, Learning Video, Lehrabschlussprüfung, Schweizer Cartoonist, scribing video, swiss cartoonist, swiss illustrator, Video, video explicative, videos explicatives, viral cartoon, viral video, Whiteboard Video, YouTube 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.

Next Generation Learning: Hand-Drawn Explainer Video

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 .

Two smartphones with animated screens and colorful business comic strips displayed.

26 Feb '23

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

26/02/2023 | Comments: 0 | Posted by: idmarsden | In: advertising comics, Bande dessinee, Bandes Dessinees, BD, business comics, Cartoon, cartoon animation, cartoon GIF, Cartoonist, Character Design, comic, comic strip, comic strips, comic zeichner, comiczeichner, comiczeichner deutschland, explainer illustration, explainer video, explainervideos schweiz, Illustration, Schweizer Cartoonist, schweizer comic zeichner, schweizer comiczeichner, vector comics

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.