Scott Hull Associates

For three of Scott Hull Associates main artists, Grant Gilliland, Rob Schwager, and Von Glitschka, seeing their illustrations on a fan’s body in ink isn’t something that comes as a surprise anymore.

The latest trend in artsy-expression is a tattoo culture that spans all genres and styles. You can get song lyrics, portraits of loved ones, replica’s of famous paintings, your favorite cartoon character, the solar system– basically anything your creative mind can think of visually, it’s getting produced via tattoo artists and their customers.

In this subculture, no longer restricted to biker boys and gang members, a new wave is catching on quickly in the varying forms of tattoo style. Illustration and branding is being used like crazy. Rob Schwager says his reaction to its prevalence is usually, “Holy cow! Wow! Thank you.” He continues by saying, “I feel a sense of real responsibility after I see a person getting my artwork tattooed on themselves. It’s a huge honor. But, it also kicks me into overdrive to make sure I don’t get complacent and start churning out schlock.  I see too many other artists getting lazy and re-hashing stuff they’ve done a million times before. I don’t want to fall into that trap. People digging my art enough to make a lifelong commitment to having it added to their bodies, keeps me in check.” Using this experience as a personal motivation for excellence and innovation is a common thread among our artists and Rob is no exception.

Of course there is a flip side to everything and this trend is no different. Von Glitschka says, “For those who commission me it’s a great gig. But for those who don’t, it’s a flattering copyright infringement when they use my art without paying for it. So ask permission before you become a walking portfolio of mine.” Von even took to his own blog to expose and create a discussion about the consumers he had found to be abusing his art.

But overall, I think for anyone who has seen their own artwork imprinted on someone else forever, the feeling is pretty swell.

Von Glitschka + Scripps Network (HGTV, Fine Living Channel)

To further prove the trend of illustration in web design is true, and as our research has found, is influencing up to 73% of all new websites being created today– in the next few months, via visualambassador.com and this monthly newsletter, we will be featuring a series of articles on just that.

So get ready to get re-educated in the business of illustration and it’s new wave of online application. It starts below with Von Glitschka.

Von was challenged to create a fun yet sophisticated brand logo and support illustration for various TV productions and demographics for Scripps Networks. You can see his genius in action here: http://www.dzgnbot.com/upload/chd_video.mov

And a sampling of the web design work is below:

Take one tablespoon of Jackson Pollack, mix in two cups of M.C. Escher and sprinkle in a pinch of William Morris-you’ll get “Drip Dot Swirl.” Finally, there’s an exceptional resource for creatives who love pattern, but can’t devote hundreds of hours developing swatches. In “Drip Dot Swirl,” you get an amazing professional resource library–with 94 premium, original vector patterns. Styles range from intricate knot-work to subtle florals to retro wallpaper to alien-inspired mazes. Patterns are equally useful for personal or professional projects.

This eye-popping book/DVD set features handcrafted vector patterns which tile seamlessly. In example usages from ten artists, you’ll see how top designers incorporate the patterns in various styles. The DVD contains all 94 source files in vector EPS format (three color options per pattern), swatch libraries and PDF tutorials on how to use the files. Beginners and advanced designed professionals will both be able to jump right in.

Designers and illustrators who want to wield the power of pattern will keep this book close by. It’s one you’ll use again and again, for brochures, scrapbooks, illustrations, website backgrounds, textiles, altered art and more.

Illustrative designer and author Von Glitschka is nationally recognized for his art and his passion to educate designers. As with his previous work, “Crumble Crackle Burn,” Glitschka uses “Drip Dot Swirl” to share some of his design mojo and to provide creatives and hobbyists a simple means to use high-quality art resources in their own work.

“Drip Dot Swirl” explodes with pattern. It’s unique and it jumpstarts the imagination. Take the fast train from Boringville, and enter the fascinating world of interlocked embellishments.