Blog Archives

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 Software Development Workflow Explainer Video - Custom Animation by Ian David Marsden

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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Je Parle Anglais. Je Suis Français. Je Peux Aider

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]

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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.

🎅 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.

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Concept Art for Lindt Chocolate

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

Lindt Gold Bunny / Goldhase
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AN2V Kakemonos / Commercial Banner Illustration

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
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Drawn by Human Hand – Created by 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.

made by human hand - made with natural intelligence - illustrated logo - free to use, royalty free,

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...
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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.

Trainiere im Zuerich Gym – 24/7 Fitness mit Europameister 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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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.

Elisabeth Baume-Schneider VS Appenzell: Satirical Caricature for Nebelspalter
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Marsden Illustration