Because it's Friday... Ann Peebles

 10 points if you can tell us who sampled it (without the use of google)

Grafika X Holly Form Collaboration

We wanted to post a couple more of Holly's brilliant paper sculptures. It seemed a waste not to.

Interview: Monster Riot.

Monster Riot are creative duo, Catherine McDaid and Jason Ruddy. Jason is the illustrator of the pair and he creates the fun, retro creatures that Catherine later makes into plush toys. Jason answered our quick 10.

What is your greatest achievement?

Having the guts to go freelance 18 months ago. So far I haven't looked back. 

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

Colourful, funny and retro. 

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

There are no flying cars in 2012 so stop wishing for one.

Who/what has had the biggest influence on your work career?

Not listening to tutors I had at University.

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Working in a supermarket to put myself through university. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

Matt Damon! (personal joke)

What is the greatest song of all time?

Beetlebum by Blur.

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

The need to be 'Liked'

What is the greatest invention of all time?

Flying Cars.

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

Own a sweetshop.

All images courtesy of www.monsterriot.com

Because it's Friday... Rick James.

No explanation needed.

Back in Stock!! Sanna Annukka.

Due to popular demand the Sanna Annukka Navajo Pink wrap is now back in stock. Get yours HERE

Interview: Thereza Rowe.

Thereza Rowe is a London-based illustrator and graphic designer. Her designs are bright, happy and often feature stylised creatures. She was kind enough to take a few minutes to answer our quick 10.   

What is your greatest achievement?

I guess it's feeling comfortable and happy with where I'm at in my life right now, bother personally and professionally. 

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

Playful, fun, happy.

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

It's ok to be a space cadet. 

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Penguin! Doing a set of classic book covers would be ace. 

What is the worst job you have ever had?

To be honest I don't think I've ever had a bad job. Surreal ones, yeah. Like when I worked at Southampton Guildhall and for a couple of evenings I was picked to be Derek Acorah's mic holder whilst he claimed to be talking to Rusty, this poor lady's dead dog. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life?

As long as the movie was directed by Pedro Almodovar, I'd just let him do the casting. I love pretty much all of his actresses.

 What is the greatest song of all time? 

'Close to you' by The Carpenters. "Why do birds suddenly appear, every time you are near" awww... but then there's Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen... Oh well, it depends what mood I'm in. 

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

Too many social networks. I can't keep up.

What is the greatest achievement of all time? 

Nutella. 

If you didn't do what you do what would you do?

Feed Unicorns. 

All images courtesy of therezarowe.com

Grafika X Holly Form Collaboration

We found Holly Form on Instagram and instantly fell in love with her paper sculptures. We sent a box full of our Grafika wrapping papers to her studio in Hamburg and this is what she sent back. We were blown away by what she produced. You can find more of her work on Instagram: @hollyform or check out her blogs HERE and HERE

Because it's Friday.....Mayer Hawthorne

Its well sunny here... 

The Blogs. HYPN∆

HYPN∆ is a huge collection of imagery that aims to explore 'contemporary art and electronic music'. If you are looking for igloos made of books or cathedrals made from 55,000 LED lights then this is the blog for you. 

 all images courtesy of www.hypna.net

Interview: Luke Bott.

Luke Bott is one third of Kansas based design company Duct Tape and Glitter. An accomplished illustrator and designer Luke's work is fun and instantly recognisable. We love his colours and shapes and were made up when he answered our quick 10.

What is your greatest achievement?

Apparently I make one mean grilled cheese. So that is rad. 

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

Geometric yet playful and whimsical. With a bright colour pallet.

What one piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Draw more.

Who/what has been the biggest influence on your career/work?

 Mary Blair, Golden Books & Charley Harper.

What is the worst job you have ever had?

Picking up golf balls by hand on the driving range while people were aiming for me. 

Who would play you in the movie of your life? 

Morgan Freeman - Besides the striking resemblance - I think he is one of the greatest actors of all time.

What is the greatest song of all time?

This Charming Man - The Smiths

What do you dislike most about popular culture? 

Reality TV. Don't even get me started on the Kardashians.

What is the greatest invention of all time?

The computer.

If you didn't do what you do. What would you do?

Training animals to do my evil bidding.

All images courtesy of www.lukebott.com

Because it's Friday (on Thursday).... Al Wilson

Have a lovely Easter weekend everyone.

New!! Ben Javens Gift Wrap

We are very excited to launch these great new wrapping papers from Ben Javens. The set features his gorgeous illustrations from his card range and are all printed on recycled paper. 

Interview: Genevieve Ryan.

Scottish illustrator Genevieve Ryan currently resides in Sydney, Australia. Her illustrations 'capture a bright mix of pattern, painted shapes and graphic elements'. Here she answers our quick 10.

What is your greatest achievement?

Designing for one of my favourite snowboarding companies.

How would you describe your work/style to someone who hadn't seen it?

Linear pencil drawings transformed into screen prints. These involve creatures, nature, patterns and architecture.

What piece of advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Do what you want to do, not what you think other people want you to do.... until you become a designer - then do the opposite.

 Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Element Eden

What was the worst job you have ever had?

Being a slave.

Who would play you in the story of your life?

Audrey Hepburn.

What is the greatest song of all time?

Happy Birthday

What do you dislike most about popular culture?

Copying.

What is the greatest invention of all time?

Aeroplanes.

If you didn't do what you do, what would you do?

I always wanted to have my own farm with lots of happy animals to look after.

all images courtesy of www.genevieveryan.eu