Hello there, my name is Chris, mid-weight designer here at underscore. I’m passionate about all things design, especially illustration, brand and typography.
Over the past week the annual design festival, devoted to contemporary graphics & illustration called, “Pick Me Up” is running at Somerset house.
Now in its’ fifth year, the festival never fails to impress with a plethora of talent throughout.
This year they featured the work from the exceptional London based artist and illustrator, Edward Carvalho-Monghan. His brightly coloured and psychedelic prints not only creates vibrant images and comics, it also renders surreal, graphic elements with simple shape. His highly original style combines bright colours with uniform black outlines creating a natural flair for narrative-rich imagery.
The work of Thibaud Herem, a French illustrator based in London, heralds a contemporary approach to crosshatching, which is typically a traditional etching style. Herem’s love for illustrating architecture using pencil and Indian inks was clearly evident, as was his meticulous attention to detail.
However, my honourable mention goes to, “Hey Studio”. I’m inspired by their flat, geometric illustration & design approach, which makes me their biggest Instagram fan. For you social media junkies, a quick look at their daily updates of minimalist style “cultural heroes” will allow you to immediately recognise these pop culture references.
Hey Studio’s exhibition inclusion was bold and full of colour as expected, but it was the simplicity in the approach and construction that is of particular relevance to me. The clean and sharp prints resonate with my current approach to designing using a minimalist methodology.
The upstairs festival area consisted of open studios and workshops, where you could participate and collaborate with the designers & illustrators. There was even the chance to get involved in everything ranging from letterpress printing, subbuteo teams and protest signs.
Pick Me Up is finishing at the end of the bank holiday until next year, so if you can, take a trip down to Somerset House and enjoy what’s on offer!
With people buzzing left, right & centre; it’s an enviable creative vibe to be a part.
But if that’s not your tipple, then upstairs on to Tom’s Kitchen Terrace for whatever takes your fancy and admire the breathtaking views of the Thames Skyline.