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Postage & Packaging Prices for 2023

Over the last few months, we have been working on updates to our Postage & Packaging prices following our own supplier's revised prices. In March, we updated our costs for Print Only orders to the UK and International destinations. At the same time, we created a new set of size brackets, introducing a new Extra Large group for prints larger than A0 (1188 x 841mm); prints larger than this are too big to be sent by mail and therefore need to be sent by a courier service with higher costs.

Last week we completed our update by revising our Postage & Packaging costs for orders with additional finishing options, from prints that are Flat Wrapped or Window Mounted all the way up to our Substrate Mounting, Bespoke Frames and Stretched Canvases.

Our delivery costs for these orders also got a new set of size brackets, taking inspiration from those created for our Print Only orders. We now have Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large for our two categories of Finished Prints; Flat Wrapped and Mounted Prints and Framed and Stretched Canvas Prints.

Here is a graphic to show you all the sizes featured in our Postage & Packaging size breaks. There's more information about this in our Knowledge Base here.

You can find our full and updated price list for Postage & Packaging on our website here.

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Choose a Sample Pack to Suit You

You may have noticed that we have been busy revising our paper range this year; in February, we updated an old favourite - Somerset Enhanced Velvet 255gsm is now 330gsm - and earlier this month, we introduced an exciting new paper from Canson Infinity, their highly regarded Platine Fibre Rag 310gsm joins our lineup.

At the same time, we took the opportunity to update our Sample Pack, some papers have received new example images, and we created a new Sample Pack focusing solely on photography. You can now choose to order an Art & Illustration or a Photographic Sample Pack to help you choose the best paper for your prints.

Both Sample Packs contain the same papers from our range; only the images printed on the samples differ.

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Our New Flexible Printed Proof Service

Our Printed Proof service has remained a constant for many years. It has always been a great way to order test prints of your images before larger orders or larger prints, so much so that we recommend it to anyone that wants to know how their images will print.

Over the last few months, we’ve thought there must be a better option that's adaptable to what you need from your Printed Proofs.

Our latest update is a new order form that allows you to choose how many papers you would like to print on, making proofs a more affordable option for those wanting to see their image printed on one paper.

Upload up to five images and choose one, two or three papers. Try it for yourself.

We're also excited to start adding our own embossing stamp to our Printed Proofs, as a sign of our quality and assurance.

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An Exciting New Paper

Following our recent update to Somerset Enhanced Velvet, we would like to introduce you to Canson Infinity Platine Fibre Rag 310gsm. A beautiful fine art paper made from 100% cotton with a smooth surface and a pearlescent coating, making it the perfect choice for photographic and fine art images requiring a premium semi-gloss finish.

To be able to add Platine Fibre Rag to our paper lineup, we have decided to retire two papers that have been less popular with our customers; Fotospeed Smooth Pearl 290gsm and Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl 285gsm. For those printing on Smooth Pearl 290gsm, we now recommend using Hahnemuhle Photo Luster 260gsm; although ever so slightly whiter, its surface is very similar, and we believe it to be a more than suitable alternative.

Platine Fibre Rag is the perfect replacement for Hahnemuhle FineArt Pearl 285gsm; the finish and print quality are very similar, if not better in many cases. We're also happy to announce that Platine Fibre Rag will be priced in our lower Fine Art group alongside Rag Photographique, making this new paper more affordable than previous options.

We're excited to have a second Canson Infinity paper within our range. Rag Photographique 310gsm has been a firm favourite for our customers since its introduction in 2019; we hope this will be the same for Platine Fibre Rag in the years ahead.

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Somerset Enhanced Velvet 330gsm

We've Added a Little Weight to an Old Classic

When we first started printing way back in 2003, Somerset Enhanced Velvet 255gsm was the first fine art paper we printed on, for nearly 20 years it has been consistently one of our most popular fine art papers. 

So if it's not broken, why change it? 

We believe that we can always improve and provide our artists and illustrators with something that's even better.

Somerset Enhanced Velvet 330gsm carries the same texture, the same surface colour and most importantly, the same print quality, but the increased weight gives the paper an increased sense of luxury. We’ve also found the added weight and thickness a real benefit for larger prints, providing them with added stability.

It's a very impressive paper and this update moves Somerset Enhanced Velvet from the lightest fine art paper we print on to the heaviest.

Changing to 330gsm has not changed Somerset Enhanced Velvet’s position in our pricing structure either, it will remain within our entry level Fine Art papers priced alongside Canson Infinity Rag Photographique 310gsm, so you'll benefit from the added weight and thickness at no extra cost.

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Carbon Neutral Printing & Delivery

We first offset our carbon emissions in 2020, 12 months on from completing our first report, we're pleased to publish our report from our emissions in 2021. Due to a combination of improved data collection, working hard to reduce our emissions across our company's workflow and initiatives like the installation of our solar panels, we have reduced our carbon footprint by over 65%.

💚 2020 Emissions: 90.94 tCO²e ➟ 2021 Emissions: 30.21 tCO²e

Offsetting allows our partner, Carbon Neutral Britain, to fund critical projects around the world and this year we have offset to their Woodland Fund which supports Reforestation, Deforestation Prevention and Woodland Management Projects, with a strong focus on having a positive impact on the local wildlife, ecology and biodiversity.

Examples of the most recently supported projects include preventing deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest, reforestation after wildfires in Australia, as well as woodland planting in the UK. In addition, up to 10% of our budget is also spent on sustainable projects in Britain, for Britain.

We're pleased to be able to offer you carbon neutral printing and delivery of your fine art and photographic prints and as we declared last year, we're not finished yet. We want to continue reducing our footprint and creating the UK's most sustainable fine art print studio.

👉 View our updated Environmental Policy on our website here

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Substrate Mounting Now Available

We're excited to launch our brand new Substrate Mounting service. You can choose four different substrates to mount your fine art and photographic prints on to, Display Card, Foamboard, Foamex in either black or white, and finally Dibond. Each substrate has different options for wall fixings including Velcro, Hangers and Subframes.

Ideal for temporary and permanent gallery exhibitions, interior design projects and more, we're pleased to be able to offer Substrate Mounting to you as another option to display your artwork.

Follow the link to find out more about this new exciting new service and the options available. If you have any questions, or would like a quote, please contact us.

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Take Advantage of Your Cloud Storage

If you already use Google Drive or Dropbox for cloud storage, did you know you can share a folder of files with us and bypass uploading images when you place your orders? This will save you time when ordering, while at the same time allowing you to edit and add to your collection of images whenever you like.

Once you've organised your folder of images, share the folder with our email address; hello@dstudiouk.com and then head to your account settings on our website and select your chosen Cloud Storage service within Order Settings.

If you've not used Google Drive or Dropbox before and if you're interested in sharing your images with us in this way, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We have more information and guides on our website.Cloud Storage Knowledge Base Article →We will always allow image uploading through our orders forms, this Cloud Storage option is not a replacement and is only an alternative for those that use Dropbox or Google Drive, or those interested in speeding up the ordering process.

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Ready-Made Frames with Window Mounts

Do you have Ready-Made Frames with Window Mounts? This has been an often asked question since we launched our affordable range of Ready-Made Frames.

We've been busy over the last few months creating a solution for standard size prints to be mounted within our existing Ready-Made Frames, providing you with an affordable framing solution with Window Mounts, and with short lead times too.

Ready-Made Frames with Window Mounts have mount layouts for eleven standard print sizes, using our popular Bright White and Soft White mount board colours. Take a look at our website for the full list of sizes available.

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Refreshed Bespoke Frames

Last month we released our latest update to our services and included within this was a long awaited update to our Bespoke Frames for our Fine Art and Photographic Giclée prints. Behind the scenes we have been working at improving our range to create a better and wider selection of mouldings available.

We now have three different profile shapes and have added further wood finishes for you to choose from.

Flat

Previously our standard range of Bespoke Frames, Flat is available in a 20mm and 30mm wide frame and is 13mm deep. It is available in a range of wood finishes and includes two smooth finishes; black and white. Flat is the only profile that contains smooth mouldings.

Square

Square is the first of two new profile shapes for our Bespoke Frames.

Our Square mouldings are the same as what we use for our Ready-Made Frames with Brushed Black, Brushed White and Brushed Natural all available. We have also included a new real wood Oak veneer.

Like Flat, Square is available in 20mm and 30mm wide, however the profile offers a deeper frame depth, 20mm deep across both widths.

Box

Box introduces a new set of mouldings for 2022, available in 5 different wood finishes including our new real wood Oak veneer, it is a stand out moulding - literally - at 32mm deep and 20mm wide, it creates a contemporary look for your prints.

All of our frames are 100% sustainably sourced wood.

Take a look at the range for yourself on our website.

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dStudio is Vegan Friendly!

Veganism • noun • the practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in a diet and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.

As stated above, veganism is most commonly known as a diet based lifestyle, which means anyone living a vegan lifestyle will not eat meat, or any product containing animal produce (milk, cheese etc). It also means that they are also likely to be conscious of the types of products they use in their day to day life, areas such as make-up and cosmetic products are two of the biggest sectors currently. You can find lists of products & brands that are vegan and cruelty free on sites like Ethical Elephant.

What does this mean for the art and printing industry? That’s what we’re looking at in this article along with how we as a studio are making conscious, ethical decisions to better everyone. Keep reading below to find out more about what to keep in mind when selecting art materials for your business, or personal hobby, and the options that we can offer as a vegan friendly solution.

WARNING: We touch on material aspects that traditionally use animal produce. Please skip Part 1 of this article if you do not wish to read about this. 

Part 1: Containing traditional material methods that may be upsetting. Please skip to Part 2 if you do not wish to read this.

There are lots of aspects within art and printing that go against ethical views and beliefs. Watercolour is a widely popular art technique, traditionally paper used for watercolour paint is sized with gelatin, this is so the paint does not sink into the paper. Canvas paper is another one to keep in mind. Again, the sizing of this paper is traditionally completed with a form of rabbit skin glue (gesso). Fortunately, other options are now available, there are natural ways in which gesso can be made that does not contain gelatin or any other form of animal produce. As well as the paper, watercolour paint is another culprit. Some paints may contain ox gall, gall is obtained from cows and is used as the wetting agent to the paints.

There are many products in this industry that may be contradicting vegan ethics. Paintbrushes, one of the first tools for many artists, are traditionally made with ‘natural’ ingredients, many artist material manufacturers have been in existence for hundreds of years and continue to create their products using historical methods. These products will often contain animal hairs to form the brush head, animals such as sable, squirrel and pig. Pencils, another simple tool for an artist, may be made with beeswax. 

Pigment colours are often linked to animal cruelty; Red can sometimes be made from ground cochineal beetles. Black made from charred animal bones. Sepia ink using squid and cuttlefish ink. As well as the colour pigments, ink binders can also often be made from shellac, which is formed by a female lac bug.

Part 2

We know at dStudio that following a vegan, vegetarian, and/or a more ethical lifestyle is widely considered to be a better option for the environment, humanity, religious beliefs and animal welfare. We also want everyone to feel comfortable and confident when they’re working with us on their projects. 

So, we have great news! dStudio is a vegan friendly studio! We offer a wide range of vegan, cruelty free options when it comes to our papers and inks. We work with Hahnemühle and Epson to supply the majority of our beautiful papers and incredible inks and printers we use. Both Epson’s inks and Hahnemuhle’s papers are vegan friendly. Therefore, any print you choose to order on one of our Hahnemühle papers will be 100% vegan and cruelty free, and everything we print is produced with vegan friendly, cruelty free ink pigments.

What’s important to you, is important to us. 

If veganism is a priority for you or your business, this information could benefit you … hear us out here. Carry on reading to see what we mean.

In 2019 there were approximately 600,000 vegans in Great Britain alone. That’s more than 1% of the population, crazy! Taking this into consideration, by either not offering any vegan friendly options within your business or even by not stating the facts in your product descriptions, you could be cutting 600,000 people from your audience reach … which is quite a lot. We’ve been doing some research on things, so you don’t have to, and we’ve listed some top tips to make sure you’re gaining the most from your services!

Using the correct terminology within your business and with your products is highly important.

“Vegan friendly” means that some / most of the products are vegan.

“Plant based” is another great term that’s widely safe to use, to lose the confusions, this means that products are made from vegan products, but may not be fully produced in a completely vegan way.

If you want to certify 100% veganism within your productions, make sure you know everyone you work with has the same values as you (if you have other sections within your business). It’s always good to be on the same page about things.

Marketing your products is one of the most important parts of the whole process, we all know that. Fantastic marketing will get you a long way, for sure, but are you hitting all the big points? If you’re choosing to print your work with us and you’re using any Hahnemühle paper, you’re vegan friendly! Increasing awareness for vegan friendly products can create new revenue and encourage interactions with your business. Like we said earlier, 600,000 is a huge potential audience reach, but if you’re not making that green leafy tick clear, you could be instantly turning people away from your products without realising it. 

Ways in which you can increase this sector within your business: 

1. Share more information about your products. You could offer special discount codes or promotions for these vegan friendly products, you could even design special packaging for these items. Make them stand out from the crowd!

2. Non-vegans are the largest market for vegan friendly businesses, it’s the persuasion to start buying more ethically produced products, especially from small or local business owners. You can be part of a massive change.

3. Targeting vegans is an obvious choice when you’re selling vegan friendly products. Try linking your work with certain events such as World Vegan Day (November 1st, 2022), this would be a great time to add those special discounts we mentioned earlier!

4. Something for everyone. If you don’t already incorporate or offer any vegan friendly products, why not? There are some incredible options on offer. Maybe include one, or swap to one of these options? 

If you’d like to see more resources about ethically produced products, we’ll link some helpful sites below. Check them out!

At dStudio, we believe in creating a healthier, happier future for everyone. We’ve made many changes within our studio and our production lines to make sure we’re working towards a greener change for our future. In 2021, we became a carbon neutral company, you can read more about our carbon neutral journey here. As well as our in-house production, we have made changes to all of our packaging materials to make sure that everything we send out can be reused, recycled or composted, nothing goes to waste!

As well as everything we do ourselves, we also take part in supplier recycling schemes to make sure leftover product and packaging from inks and papers are recycled too. We won’t leave anything behind!

We’re always around to help, if you’d like to know more information about any of our products or services, you can always contact us, or send us a message on any of our social media platforms.

dStudio Twitter

dStudio Facebook

dStudio Instagram

Links for further information:

Double Check Vegan - Art Supplies

Vegan Art Stuff - Paints & Papers

Vegomm - Art & Craft Supplies Information

Shop Like You Give a Damn - Veganism Within Art Materials

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The Year of The Tiger

Happy New Year!

The year of 2022 sees the year tiger, more specifically, the year of the water tiger, which is pretty special seems as the water tiger only appears every 60 years. Tigers are born in the years 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022 and 2034. 

Being the third animal in the Chinese zodiac, the tiger represents strength, bravery & leadership. However, the year of the water tiger tempers the tiger’s strength with its stillness, rest and rejuvenation. This year, we shall be celebrating the playful yet fierce nature of a tiger. 

People born in the ‘tiger’ years are believed to be fiercely independent and possess strong self-esteem. Usually people that like to act alone and are not seen as being very gregarious. However, they are most likely optimistic people and are extremely enthusiastic by nature. As well as possessing endless energy, especially when it comes to their work...

Tigers can be very rebellious, often a little too self-confident to want to co-ordinate and communicate with other people, this links back to their nature of wanting to act alone. They can be seen as stubborn, maybe even brash at times, possibly willing to use whatever means to achieve their goals. When it comes down to it, a tiger knows what it wants and it will not stop until they get it. You go tiger, you go! 

2022 is the year of the water tiger, which means although they possess some of the same behaviours and traits as the tiger, they tend to enjoy more of a quiet and peaceful life. Something to note, is that they must learn to practice their patience and their love, especially when it comes to their families. The exterior of a tiger seems brash and impulsive but they are very much prone to indecisiveness and restraint on the interior. 

Superstitious

China has made its name into a top 10 list of most superstitious countries (we’ll leave a link to the full list at the end*), it actually made it to number 4! So no doubt, there’s a list of **superstitious ‘don’ts’ for the New Year... here they are...

1. You should avoid taking medicines

2. Don’t sweep or take out your rubbish

3. Avoid using unlucky or negative words

4. Don’t eat porridge or meat for breakfast

5. Don’t wash your hair or get a haircut

6. Don’t wash any clothes

7. Needle work should be avoided

8. Don’t use scissors or knives

9. No odd amounts of money or unlucky amounts of money should be used

10. Certain gifts should not be given, such as clocks, knives & scissors

11. Try and avoid breaking any plates, bowls or glass

12. A married daughter should not visit her parents home on New Years Day

13. Keep children from crying (if you can...)

14. You shouldn’t visit hospitals 

15. Avoid lending or borrowing money

16. Don’t wear damaged clothes

17. Don’t wear white or black

18. No killing (state the obvious... but this is more linked to meal preparations and food)

Dragons in Chinese Culture

 Although this year is all about the water tiger, we feel it’s only right to share some appreciation for one of the most notable creatures in Chinese history. As everyone knows, Dragons are spotted everywhere within the Chinese culture, art & architecture. Dragons are seen to be a creature of great power, good luck and vital strength along with power and authority. The mythical creature is also believed to have control over waters, rainfall and floods, which is odd considering they have since been portrayed in many Western cultures to be fire-breathing creatures. It’s been said that Chinese Emperor’s descended from dragons, given their power, authority and wisdom. So it’s clear to see why the dragon is the most popular of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals.

A dragon is believed to have the powers to overcome any obstacles in its way to see success. He is spirited, confident, enthusiastic, intelligent and determined. As well as their spiritual beliefs, dragons are a massive influence within the Chinese art scene. From ancient times to the present, its image has been portrayed in various paintings. Chen Rong is considered to be the best dragon painter of all time. He has painted wonderful and mesmerizing dragon artworks which are now present in the museum of fine art over in Boston. One of his most notable artworks was  a piece called ‘9 Dragons’ which you can see partially pictured below.

Here are some other dragon inspired artworks that we discovered that we think are definitely worth sharing! 

You can see a whole list of brilliant artists below***

That’s a wrap! If you’ve enjoyed our post today, we’d love to have your support by simply sharing this article with other people, tell us you had a good read or just give us a shout on any of our social pages! We’d love to hear from you either way! You can find us on any of our social links which are just down below:

dStudio Facebook

dStudio Twitter

dStudio Instagram

dStudio Website

Links from the post:

*Superstitious Countries Top 10:

https://www.thetoptens.com/superstitious-countries/

**New Year Superstitions

https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/chinese-new-year-taboos.htm

***Dragon Artists

https://blog.spoongraphics.co.uk/articles/30-legendary-chinese-dragon-illustrations-paintings

[dstudiouk]

It’s National Lego Day!

“Only the best is good enough” - Lego, 1936

Creativity, imagination & a goal of perfection with every product. We can admire that, for sure.

Here’s where it started... Founded back in 1932 in Billund, Denmark as an unnamed company. Lego has since become one of the biggest, most popular toys around the world, loved by the kids, the parents and, well, literally anyone ever, to be honest. Let’s take it back to 28th January 1958, that’s 64 years ago today, saw Ole Kirk Christiansen (a brilliantly talented Danish carpenter) submit his patent for the original Lego brick. This is why it was decided on when Lego day should be celebrated. 

Right, let’s have a look at some fun facts... (these are always our favourite bits to read and you never know, one of these might help you out in a general knowledge round one day).

Around the world, the company sells approximately 4 million pieces of Lego every hour. 

If you stack around 40 billion Lego bricks, it can reach the moon (this might take a while.... and a lot of money saving....).

Christiansen (the founder of Lego) originally made the toys out of leftover wood.

The first Lego mini-figure that was made was a police officer.

Lego may extend its license with Star Wars again this year (2022). Star Wars was one of the first partnerships with Lego, originally licensed from 1999 to 2008. An extension to this was agreed with Lucasfilm which then ran from 2011 to 2022.

The tallest Lego tower ever made measured nearly 115ft tall. Created using approximately 550,000 Lego bricks, standing at about 35m which well and truly earned its place in the Guiness World Records.

The design of the Lego brick has barely changed since the 50s. So, if you’ve got any vintage Lego bricks knocking about, you can still use them with all of the new sets you can buy today!

We love being able to show our love and support to small businesses and independent artists and creators whenever and wherever we can, so here’s a list of some great accounts you can go and check out to celebrate today!

1. Rob Haglund - 777artdesign

2. Ethan T - myst33ry

3. Red Square Brick

4. Noah R - noah_rdraw

5. legoleered

6. legosketchart

7. Jonathan Farrell - ferrell_lego

Maybe you fancy having a go yourself? There’s an entire list of creative ideas on the Lego website (we’ll leave the link down here for you to browse through) if you’re feeling up to it... 

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/letsbuildtogether/365-activities

If you’ve not really got the time to build an entire Lego empire, but enough time to see a list of incredible creations, you can check this video out! 15 Amazing Lego Sculptures and Buildings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O51egQGuQJU

If you’ve enjoyed our post, we’d love to have your support by simply sharing this article with other people, tell us you had a good read or just give us a shout on any of our social pages! 

dStudio Facebook

dStudio Twitter

dStudio Instagram

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Artist of The Week - Fan Art Architecture

This week’s featured artist are James & Kenneth, collectively known as Fan Art Architecture. Two passionate artists, architects and film lovers. Using digital rendering to form structures and translating that as a blueprint onto paper, James & Kenneth create beautifully intricate artwork in large scales.

Credit: Fan Art Architecture 

What are your biggest inspirations?

For us, it’s the films and television we watched as children that have had such a deep effect on us as we've grown up. Not just the final presentation but the process of filmmaking that we have such a passion for. In particular the model makers and set builders. Both of us used to watch extended special features for franchises like the lord of the rings and were enamoured with the detail and intricacy of the models they built for the films. Our most popular artwork, our interpretation of Hogwarts Castle, is largely based off of our library of photographs taken of the actual model used for many of the sweeping shots in the film, located in the WB studios.

How did you start your art career?

Our process always begins with detailed modelling of the target structure in 3D. We then turn this into a two-dimensional artwork. For many years, modelling Hogwarts Castle was purely a passion project. Done for a love of the building itself and all of the intricate touches the original model makers included. It was only when we shared this with close friends that we realised the potential of the work and that people would love to own their own copy of our intricate designs.

What is your favourite piece of art you have created so far?

Our interpretation of the iconic Orthanc Tower, better known as Isengard, is our favourite artwork that we’ve designed so far. Whilst not on the same grand scale as Hogwarts, the menacing style of the architecture and the incredible level of detail we were able to include within makes for such a beautiful final design. We’re both in love with it. We have the original 2 metre piece hanging in our living room!

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

What art tools could you not live without?

It may not sound like a typical art tool, but for us, it’s Google Sketchup. This is the program that allows us to visualise these grand structures in all their stunning detail. Without this, we wouldn’t be able to create our intricate final designs.

What is your biggest challenge with your work?

Finding the time is our biggest challenge! Each building takes many many hours of painstaking study to recreate. As such, it requires a deep passion and love to dedicate the time. When we hit a particularly challenging part of a structure, it can take a real leap of inspiration to get them finished! We both have full-time careers outside of Fan Art Architecture so time is a precious resource!

If you could be a character in any book or movie, who would you be?

If you’d asked me a child, I’d probably have said Legolas. Ask me now as a grown-up, I’d probably say Legolas.

Other than creating art, how do you like to relax?

Other than art one of my biggest passions is flying. I’m a qualified private pilot and love the challenge and dedication that flying takes. James is heavily into crafts and enjoys making paper models as well as a passion for Lego! And of course, we love nothing more than sitting down to our favourite fantasy films on our home projector. Watching all the Harry Potter films and extended Lord of The Rings trilogy at least once a year is almost ritualistic for us!

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

What has been your biggest achievement in life so far? For me, it’s qualifying as a pilot. A lifelong dream achieved after plenty of hard work and study. For James, it’s becoming a teacher. He knew since the age of 14 that was what he wanted to do, and achieving this was a dream come true. Of course, starting Fan Art Architecture and seeing how much people love our artworks has also been a massive achievement and satisfaction.

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

For James, it’s any Disney park. The man is obsessed! Whereas me, I’d rather be on the road somewhere, coast to coast USA is the dream. I love a road trip! Of course, if we could travel to fictional places and see some of our favourite buildings for real, we’d certainly be up for that!

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

What is next for your business/career?

We’re looking to expand the range of buildings that we’ve recreated. We’ve got lots of ideas in the pipeline, so now just a case of making the time. Other than more artworks, the ever-present nightmare of learning more digital marketing skills awaits. A necessary evil!

What makes you happiest in life?

Travelling, flying, food and art. For James; “Sitting on Main Street with an ice cream, watching the world go by - Told you he’s Disney mad.

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

Big thank you to both James & Kenneth for taking part in this week’s feature. You can find more of their work online and on their instagram! 

Fan Art Architecture - Instagram

Fan Art Architecture - Website

Fan Art Architecture - Etsy

[dstudiouk]

Artist of The Week - Fan Art Architecture

This week we’re featuring Fan Art Architecture over on all of our socials! We’re really excited to share this week’s interview with you all, it was such an interesting conversation we had with both Kenneth and James about their work, how they create their art and more about them individually too! We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did! 

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

What are your biggest inspirations?

For us, it’s the films and television we watched as children that have had such a deep effect on us as we've grown up. Not just the final presentation but the process of filmmaking that we have such a passion for. In particular the model makers and set builders. Both of us used to watch extended special features for franchises like the lord of the rings and were enamoured with the detail and intricacy of the models they built for the films. Our most popular artwork, our interpretation of Hogwarts Castle, is largely based off of our library of photographs taken of the actual model used for many of the sweeping shots in the film, located in the WB studios.

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

How did you start your art career?

Our process always begins with detailed modelling of the target structure in 3D. We then turn this into a two-dimensional artwork. For many years, modelling Hogwarts Castle was purely a passion project. Done for a love of the building itself and all of the intricate touches the original model makers included. It was only when we shared this with close friends that we realised the potential of the work and that people would love to own their own copy of our intricate designs.

What is your favourite piece of art you have created so far?

Our interpretation of the iconic Orthanc Tower, better known as Isengard, is our favourite artwork that we’ve designed so far. Whilst not on the same grand scale as Hogwarts, the menacing style of the architecture and the incredible level of detail we were able to include within makes for such a beautiful final design. We’re both in love with it. We have the original 2 metre piece hanging in our living room!

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

What art tools could you not live without?

It may not sound like a typical art tool, but for us, it’s Google Sketchup. This is the program that allows us to visualise these grand structures in all their stunning detail. Without this, we wouldn’t be able to create our intricate final designs.

What is your biggest challenge with your work?

Finding the time is our biggest challenge! Each building takes many many hours of painstaking study to recreate. As such, it requires a deep passion and love to dedicate the time. When we hit a particularly challenging part of a structure, it can take a real leap of inspiration to get them finished! We both have full-time careers outside of Fan Art Architecture so time is a precious resource!

If you could be a character in any book or movie, who would you be?

If you’d asked me a child, I’d probably have said Legolas. Ask me now as a grown-up, I’d probably say Legolas.

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

Other than creating art, how do you like to relax?

Other than art one of my biggest passions is flying. I’m a qualified private pilot and love the challenge and dedication that flying takes. James is heavily into crafts and enjoys making paper models as well as a passion for Lego! And of course, we love nothing more than sitting down to our favourite fantasy films on our home projector. Watching all the Harry Potter films and extended Lord of The Rings trilogy at least once a year is almost ritualistic for us!

What has been your biggest achievement in life so far? For me, it’s qualifying as a pilot. A lifelong dream achieved after plenty of hard work and study. For James, it’s becoming a teacher. He knew since the age of 14 that was what he wanted to do, and achieving this was a dream come true. Of course, starting Fan Art Architecture and seeing how much people love our artworks has also been a massive achievement and satisfaction.

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

For James, it’s any Disney park. The man is obsessed! Whereas me, I’d rather be on the road somewhere, coast to coast USA is the dream. I love a road trip! Of course, if we could travel to fictional places and see some of our favourite buildings for real, we’d certainly be up for that!

What is next for your business/career?

We’re looking to expand the range of buildings that we’ve recreated. We’ve got lots of ideas in the pipeline, so now just a case of making the time. Other than more artworks, the ever-present nightmare of learning more digital marketing skills awaits. A necessary evil!

What makes you happiest in life?

Travelling, flying, food and art. For James; “Sitting on Main Street with an ice cream, watching the world go by - Told you he’s Disney mad.

Credit: Fan Art Architecture

Big thank you to both Kenneth and James for taking the time to answer our questions for this week. We hope you enjoyed this week’s post & get ready for the next artist of the week next Monday! If you want to support Fan Art Architecture or just see some more of their work, you can find them on all the below links.

Fan Art Architecture - Instagram

Fan Art Architecture - Website

Fan Art Architecture - Etsy

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Artist of The Week - Peter Ware

This week, we spoke to Peter Ware (aka 17th and Oak) after years of putting his efforts into a graphic design practice, Pete decided to take a plunge and follow his dreams of becoming a freelance illustrator working for himself. There’s a distinct style to Pete’s work that is hard to miss and we think you’ll really love them!

Credit: Peter Ware

What are your biggest inspirations?

Comic and animated art has always beeb a huge influence on me for as long as I can remember. It totally dictates my style with the process and the action and story I want to convey. Some of my favourite artists in that field are Jamie Hewlett, Gennedy Tartakovsky, Evan Dorkin, Jim Mahfood & Bruce Timm, to name a few. I get really influenced by photography too. I’m always amazed when a photographer captures a story, action and emotion in a single still shot and this is something I try to do in my own artwork. I love bands/music photographers like Glen E. Friendman and Pat Graham and war photographers like Robert Capa and Larr Burrows for this reason.

How did you start your art career?

Like most artists, I’ve been drawing from a young age with a goal to draw comic books as a career. I started studying illustration at University but changed to Graphic Design and eventually graduated University with a degree in Graphic Design. After Uni, I managed to get a job as a junior designer and worked as a graphic designer for around 8 years. Feeling that design didn’t quite scratch any creative itch, I moved to Vancouver, Canada for a year long career break from the creative world. When I got back I decided I wanted to go back to my roots as an illustrator. I spent about 6 months building up my illustration portfolio and put it in front of as many eyes as I could and eventually, work started coming in. Through the course of my career I’ve steered towards creating movie posters and have worked with most major movie studios. I’ve still got my sights set on creating comic art.

Credit: Peter Ware

What’s your favourite piece you have created so far?

Tough question. I would probably have to say ‘The Mandalorian’ artwork, commissioned by Lucasfilm, Disney and The Poster Posse. Not so much because of the artwork itself, but more because it was such a huge career goal for me. I love and grew up on Star Wars, so being commissioned by Lucasfilm was a dream come true.

What art tools could you not live without?

I wish I could say it was a pencil and paper or paint and brushes, something more traditional, but I have to say my computer and iPad. I always start with sketching out on paper with a pencil or pen but ultimately I will create my pieces digitally in Photoshop.

Credit: Peter Ware

What is your biggest challenge with your artwork?

The two main challenges I face is initial ideas and deadlines. Most of the time when I get a brief, ideas just jump into my head and I run with them but on occasions I draw a blank and have to work to build an idea until one feels right. A process I find frustrating because I’m so used to going with my gut and initial idea. Deadlines are a challenge because my process is fairly long, with each piece taking me 2-3 weeks of solid drawing to complete. We’re in an instantaneous age and often deadlines are super tight and I’ll be working on more than one project at once so I’ll have to work long hours to meet these deadlines. 

If you could trade lives with someone for a day, who would you pick?

Wow! Good question. I totally would jump at the chance of seeing the world through someone else’s eyes. But who? Hmmm. I’ve been racking my brain and the only person I can think of is no longer with us and that is Anthony Bourdain. He accomplished so much in his life and brought this crazy world into people’s homes and in such an accessible way. To be able to travel to interesting places, eat interesting food and meet interesting people like he did would be amazing. I hope that’s not cheating…

Credit: Peter Ware

If you could be a character in any movie (or book), who would you be?

That’s an easy one.. Indiana Jones. To travel the world and have the adventures he had would be so so cool!

What is the best thing you’ve ever purchased?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted a Star Wars stormtrooper helmet, so a couple of years ago I treated my 10 year old self to one! It now sits proudly on my book shelf. I currently have my eye on a Ghostbusters Proton Pack for my next 10 year old self purchase! 

Credit: Peter Ware

What has been your biggest achievement in life? 

Becoming a freelance illustrator. To make that leap into doing this full-time was extremely scary. I didn’t want to be the person who spent my life wondering what it would have been like to follow my dreams. If it doesn’t work out, at least I tried it! Within that, as mentioned before, being able to create official artwork for Star Wars was a true pinch me moment. The main achievement I’m working towards is to have my artwork on the cover of ‘The New Yorker’.

If you could have any superhero powers, what would you choose?

I think being able to fly would be cool. Being able to strap on my backpack and fly to my studio everyday would beat sitting in traffic. It’s a lot greener too! But the ability to just take off and fly anywhere would be great. If you’ve ever been in a hot air balloon, you’ll know how silent it is up there. It’d be cool to chill out in the clouds and watch the world below.

Credit: Peter Ware

Big thank you to Pete for taking part and chatting to us for this week’s feature! We loved finding out more about his work and where he takes inspiration from for his work! Looking forward to seeing more great work in the future! Make sure you check out Pete on his website 17th and Oak and on his socials!

Peter Ware - Website

Peter Ware - Instagram

Peter Ware - Facebook

Peter Ware - Twitter

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Artist of The Week - Abby Hope Skinner

Abby is a fabulous contemporary figurative artist and portrait painter, often between Cyprus and the UK Abby works on portrait commissions and other fine art projects. She has also been shortlisted/long-listed for several prestigious competitions including the National Portrait Gallery’s BP Portrait Award!

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

What are your biggest inspirations?

Egon Schiele’s drawings.

Frida Kahlo - her life story and the fearless honesty within her paintings and self-portraits.

Lucien Freud - his early portraits, especially from the 1950s. ‘Girl in Bed’ is a favourite.

Arthur Rackham’s Golden Age illustrations.

The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck - the exquisite detail and technique in oil, especially on such a small scale.

Hans Holbein.

I’m always inspired by contemporary portrait exhibitions such as the Royal Society of Portrait Painters at the Mall Galleries, and The BP Portrait Award held at the National Portrait Gallery.

My portrait ‘Harlequin’ was shown at the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in May this year. It has been a dream come true, and has fuelled and inspired my work.

Fairytales and literature.

Music.

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

How did you start your art career?

I was awarded the ‘Highest Mark in the World’ for my A level Art and Design Cambridge International Examinations in 2012. I was subsequently interviewed and featured on the Student Art Guide, which helped to start a presence online.

Then, in 2014, I was on Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year, where Lord Melvyn Bragg selected my painting to take home with him. It was a wonderful experience and I received several portrait commissions after the show was aired. From this I began to build a small group of patrons and collectors.

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

What's your favourite piece you have created so far?

My favourite piece is always my last piece which, at the moment, is ‘Alice and the Playing Cards’. It’s a homage to one of my earliest inspirations, Arthur Rackham.

But you can’t have favourites with your children anyway!

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

What art tools could you not live without?

I couldn't live without most of my art tools. One of my favourite colours, which I tend to use in all of my paintings, is Florentine Red by Mussini. It’s a rich, luscious and transparent earthy red.

What is the biggest challenge with your art?

It’s quite a solitary occupation, and you have to focus for long periods of time, which can be a challenge.

What was the first book you fell in love with?

‘Treasure Island’ by Robert Louis Stevenson. I read and reread it when I was younger. I have an old, battered copy which is a treasured possession.

Recently, my parents bought me a beautiful hardback edition illustrated by one of my favourite illustrators, N.C. Wyeth.

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would you pick?

Caravaggio. I’m sure a day in his life would be quite an experience, and I’d love to get the inside track on his painting process.

What's the best thing you've ever purchased?

Flights to Vienna to see the work of Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt ‘in the flesh’ for the first time.

What do you listen to / watch when you're working?

I enjoy listening to music and podcasts while I’m working. One of my favourite art podcasts is John Dalton’s ‘Gently Does it’.

@johndaltonart

www.johndalton.me

Who would you like to paint in the future?

Emeli Sandé. I’ve always had a dream to make a painting of her for one of her album covers.

@emelisande

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

What would your dream house look like?

It would have a beautiful spacious art studio, with large windows, overlooking the sea.

I’d take inspiration from Frida Kahlo’s Blue House in Mexico, and decorate with vibrant colours.

Do you prefer the city or the countryside?

On balance, the city. There’s more opportunity to be around art and people, and to visit all the wonderful museums and galleries.

Where is your favourite place to travel to?

I currently live in Cyprus, so I’m spoilt with the Mediterranean weather and beaches.

I like to travel back home to London whenever I can, to catch up with exhibitions and see my friends and family.

Credit: Abby Hope-Skinner

Huge thanks to Abby for taking part this week! It was a pleasure to chat with her about her work and inspirations! Make sure to check out her work on her website and socials.

Abby Hope-Skinner - Website

Abby Hope-Skinner - Instagram

Abby Hope-Skinner - Facebook