National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes about conquering his fear of heights with little success. His vertigo is not helped by his wife's love of unusual forms of transport and insists they take a ride on a cable car.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes about a US road trip ending in Monument Valley. Throughout the journey the rental car takes a beating, covered in dents, dirt and the rear passenger seat is spilling over with rubbish. But for David the cars terrible condition is a testament to a great road trip!

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitely writes, at the start of their holiday in Budapest the couple's petty arguments are a process of adjustment to one another's way of doing things. After a visit to the spa they can't agree how to get back to their hotel. But after a few days of blowing hot air, follows a mutual understanding between the pair and they enjoy the rest of their holiday.

40th Anniversary of the Cellphone

This year was the 40th anniversary of the cellphone. The early handsets were big and bulky nicknamed 'brick' phone, weighing 
over 2 pounds, battery life lasted half-hour and sold for around $4,000.
I created this witty image set in NY city of a smart businessman chatting on his new cellphone.

National Geographic Traveller UK

For this issue David Whitey reports on the troops of monkeys that overrun the Thai city of Lopburi. Behind their cute exterior these naughty primates regularly harass the tourists, stealing their personal possessions. Entering some streets can be quite intimidating, the roof tops are lined with monkeys on the lookout for their next victim!

Ted Baker - A Baker's Dozen, The Best Of British Pastimes

Traffic Jam print . title: Tea & Jam

I was thrilled to be asked by the Association of Illustrators to work on an exciting collaboration with Ted Baker, to be part of A Bakers's Dozen. The AOI members were asked to design a limited edition A2 litho-print to launch Ted Baker's Autumn/Winter 2012 collection. The exclusive prints, a 1000 of each illustrators image will be given out to customers as a 'gift with purchase' in Ted Baker stores worldwide.

The projects theme was celebrating The Best of British Pastimes. Each illustrator was randomly assigned a theme, mine was Traffic Jams. That was a bit of luck, because I'd been sketching cars and vans recently, the sketches turned out to be a good reference source for me. 

Vehical drawings from sketch book

 














Not wishing to interpret Traffic Jams showing angry frustrated drivers and passengers, as we've all experienced sitting in commuter or holiday traffic. I chose the more reserved, polite side of the British to create a cheerful witty image. The main focus of the print is on the couple in the open top car, framed by an arched road with a queue of vehicles. Look closely at the people in the vehicles, one boy is picking his nose, a driver engrossed on his smart phone and the old sailor is accompanied by his parrot in the back seat. These small details to the people and vehicles progressed bit by bit within the three weeks given to produce the artwork. Colour combinations drove me around the bend (no pun intended!), especially when I'm using my selective palette. The vehicle shapes and colours were often tweaked until I was happy with the results. Ted Baker asked if possible to include their icons in the prints. The 'bowler hat' worn by the bird strutting crossing the road. The 'lobster' on the white delivery van. The 'tea cup', this icon inspired the idea of the couple drinking a flask of hot beverage in a traffic jam, hence the title of the print 'Tea and Jam'.

Rough sketch for Traffic Jam

We were asked to sign and number our 1000 prints at The Absolute Group, the printers in east London. Here at last I got to see the other images, wonderful work by all the illustrators and richly reproduced by the printers on a slightly textured off white paper. On our signing day I was pleased to meet fellow illustrators Michael Woods and Robert Shadbolt. Both completed signing their prints well ahead of me, I was stuck in traffic!

Print 1000 signed and numbered

It was great to be part of this project, I really enjoyed producing the image and working with Fiona Smith from the AOI. Fiona liaised between Ted Baker and the illustrators, thanks to Fiona and the other AOI staff for organising the project. A big thanks to Ted Baker for originating the project and commissioning AOI members to create these exclusive prints for their customers.

To see the all the exclusive prints and short film about A Baker's Dozen project go to:

Ted Baker Promotions - www.tedbakerpromotions.co.uk
The Association of Illustrators - www.theaoi.com

Signed print No.1 hung in the reception of Ted Bakers HQ

Fellow illustrators and I were invited for lunch at Ted's global head quarters in London to meet the Creative Team who worked on the Baker's Dozen project. Heng Khoo Managing Director from the AOI popped along too. We were taken on a tour of the 'Ugly Brown Building' and shown the various departments which work behind the Ted Baker brand. It was great meeting Craig, Hannah, Megan, Zoe and Jodie. We had a lovely lunch the lemon cheese cake was very nice! 

Illostribute, tribute to Jack Potter

This tribute is to the American mid-century illustrator Jack Potter. 
After studying in California he moved to New York working on 
distinguished magazines such as The New York Times, Jardin de 
Modes and Cosmopolitan. He was a very successful commercial 
illustrator and at the peak of his career Potter joined the School of 
Visual Arts to teach drawing. He had a great enthusiasm for teaching 
and become an inspiring instructor.

Employee Benefits - Safety Drive

I created this fun illustration for a feature on safe driving for company 
employees. Employers need to formulate and implement a 'fleet risk 
management programme' to help prevent their employees from having accidents.

Secret London The Serco Prize for Illustration 2012

I'm very happy to once again be selected for The Serco Prize for Illustration, this years topic is Secret London.

I had to think hard for an idea, nothing sprang to mind of secret or little known places in London that I knew of. Then I remembered a friend inviting me to her St Martins College Alumni, held at the Barbican Conservatory on the third floor of the Barbican Centre. I was amazed at the size and variety of the lush tropical plants, it's the second biggest conservatory in London. Such a contrast to the cold concrete, steel and glass constructions of the City surround it. Like myself, I think few people know of this green hideout three floors up. It is only open to the public on Sunday afternoons and is hired for events such as weddings.

I had great fun in creating what is for me a busy illustration. My interpretation of the conservatory is more a roof garden, showing a selection of the plants that captured my interest on recent visits. There is an aviary with amusing little finches, a small pound with koi carp and to my astonishment I spotted a squirrel, how did that get in!

My illustration titled Third Floor Jungle will be part of 50 selected images on display later this year at the London Transport Museum in partnership with the Association of Illustrators.

National Geographic Traveller UK

In this issues column David Whitely regrets having rented a car in 
Orlando to pick up his wife from the airport. The short drive directed 
by the Sat Nav turns into an awful journey sending him around in 
circles and arriving very late at the airport, much to his wife's dismay.

Charging My Electric Car

Electric cars for city driving is good for the environment and the 
health of the city. London is encouraging drivers to switch to this 
friendly mode of transport and is increasing the number of charging 
points around the capital. I created this simple, lighthearted 
illustration showing a small city car on charge.

The Merry River

My image has been selected for the Serco, London Transport 
Museum and Association of Illustrators The River Thames 
Competition. An exhibition of the top 50 entries will be shown 
at the London Transport Museum and winners announced at the 
private view evening in May.

The illustration is based from my observations and sketches made 
on my many walks along the river. The central focus is the iconic 
London Transport logo which forms the River Thames. On and 
surrounding the river I've portrayed aspects of London's varied life 
to create an energetic and humorous poster. The image is far the most 
detailed I've created. I stayed true to my initial sketch, but I was adding 
new elements and rearranging them an hour before the entry deadline.
I did have lots fun creating this illustration.

Giant Book-Reading Amblers

Illustration about people who read whilst walking through 
busy streets.

Cycling in London

My entry for the Serco Prize for Illustration 2010 Cycling 
in London Competition.