Category Archives: behind the scenes

ALE + ALE Images are Sprouting Up Everywhere

We recently announced our partnership with surrealist collage masters ALE + ALE, and as we strategize how to position their work for the American Market, it is so fun to see their new portfolios popping up.

Those that are familiar with our company know that we appreciate working with the Ispot and the Workbook, so we are very pleased that they were eager to be featured in these terrific venues.

Please take a look at their new Ispot portfolio here, and don’t forget to mosey on over to the Workbook by clicking here!

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Sugar Skulls with Alice

MGI is not only home to a roster of talented visual artists, but the ladies behind the scenes are all creatives in their own right. Alice, our wonderful bookkeeper, has been studying to become an art teacher, and if her involvement in her son’s latest class project is any indication, she is going to be awesome at it.

Recently, she spearheaded a project that taught the class about the Day of the Dead festival by inviting students to create their own sugar skull designs. Here is what she said about the project:

“The children created sugar skull designs by using illustrative references and a lot of imagination. Each child was given a skull cut from thick water color paper. They created their designs in pencil and finished them with sharpie and metallic markers. The final pieces were applied to a painted canvas and covered in gloss gel medium. This painting not only shows an amazing amount of creativity, but also allows each individual’s personality to shine through. They were incredibly proud of their work, and rightly so!”

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The skulls are going to be auctioned off to benefit the school, New Explorations for Science and Technology + Math. Congratulations to all the students – and to Alice, of course. They look great!

Painting Demo with Patti Mollica

Patti Mollica has been enjoying a fun gig touring the country as an official ambassador for Golden Artist Colors. And recently, principles Vicki and Gail decided on an impromptu visit with the artist to see what these engaging demonstrations and lectures are really all about.

Showcasing both her marvelous talent as a painter and the quality of Golden’s products, Patti provided an intensive seminar jam packed with information. Moving seamlessly between traditional techniques and manipulating the featured products, the event surely provided patrons at the Woodstock School of Art plenty of information that they could take home and put to use in their own work.

Those interested in the possibility of attending one of these workshops might enjoy following Patti’s beautiful and illustrative blog, which will provide future event information, along with glimpses at her fabulous work.

Here’s the lady of the hour, Patti Mollica:

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And here we see Patti (middle) with principles Gail (left), and Vicki (right):

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Interview with Josee Bisaillon

We are big fans of Josee Bisaillon’s joyful and engaging collage-based illustration, and were very happy to learn that Kathleen Temean was intrigued enough by her work to reach out to the artist and write about Josee in her wonderful blog. In particular, we are big fans of learning about an artist’s individual process, so this was a real treat!

You can check it out here.

Image by Josee Bisaillon:

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Susan Gal’s “Day by Day” Receives a Starred Review from Kirkus

It can be a nerve wracking experience waiting for those first reviews to roll in, but what could possibly be more encouraging than a starred review from Kirkus?

Susan Gal’s “Day by Day,” which she both wrote and illustrated, is a heartwarming tale that follows an adorable pig family in their quest to build a home and become a part of the fabric of their Society. Here is what the reviewer had to say:

“Day by day, brick by brick, a community is built in this winning tribute to fellowship and family.

Across a golden prairie, a family of pigs heads west. Their small actions grow in significance as bricks become a house, beloved paraphernalia create a home, neighbors are welcomed and friendships begin. With each handsome spread, the author rephrases the proverb she was inspired by: “little by little, the bird builds its nest.” Words flow on a curvature that matches the lyrical nature of both text and artwork. Sophisticated, digital illustrations done in a pastel color palette dazzle the senses, allowing readers to feel the vastness of sky, the heat of summer; to smell the scent of flowers and fields; and to hear the slow dance-floor melody as they safely drift to sleep. Gal skillfully employs the computer to create a handmade, collage aesthetic. Through her application of textures, she creates a world that’s rich in pattern, color and, most of all, love. As pigs gather around a table, under a festive tree at twilight to enjoy the bounty they have grown, they give thanks.

A luminous celebration of family, food and home. (Picture book. 4-9)“

The lovely news was shared with us by Random House’s Nancy Siscoe, with whom Susan collaborated. She sent us an enthusiastic, “I love this book!”

We sure do, too.

Congratulations, Susan!

You can click here to see a brief presentation of this wonderful tale.  Why not see what all the fuss is about!

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The Great Googa Mooga

This past weekend saw an awesome event for New York’s foodie set. The Great Googa Mooga, a two-day festival that takes place in Prospect Park, brought together dozens of local food and drink establishments for a weekend of gluttony. Artisanal bacon, lobster rolls, pastries, and even treats from Momofuku’s infamous Milk Bar were all in attendance, and VIPs that purchased tickets to the “Extra Mooga” were also able to meet some of New York’s top chefs (Anthony Bourdain! David Chang!) while drinking champagne and having access to special lectures about varied subjects like “how to open a restaurant” and “molecular cocktails”.

Another treat for VIPs were these wonderful images created by Rick Tulka. The sophisticated and humorous illustrations, originally commissioned as small take aways for guests, were also displayed prominently as posters in the park’s lovely boathouse. Rick’s work certainly added a distinctive touch!

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The MGI Weekly News Roundup

There has been an awful lot going on behind the scenes, and we have been looking forward to sharing this week’s post with you!

Victo Ngai recently traveled back to her native Hong Kong, where she was selected to receive two silver medals and one judge’s pick for the Second Greater China Illustration Awards – a competition that includes illustrators from Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau and Mainland China. She explains that this particular accomplishment means a lot to her, as it is the first time that she has won an award in her homeland. She wrote a little bit about the experience on her wonderful blog, which you can read by clicking here. And congratulations, Miss Victo!! She keeps reeling them in.

Here is Victo, third from the left, bottom row:

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The awards:

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Victo also received a wonderful acknowledgment from CommunicationArts, which featured a brief interview with the artist, along with some of her works. Take a peek here!

One of Victo Ngai’s featured pieces:

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We were also thrilled to receive some very exciting press. Recently, we announced a very high-profile collaboration between Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden and our very own Raul Colon. Dr Biden’s first children’s book, “Don’t Forget, God Bless our Troops” is a touching story told through the eyes of a child dealing with a parent fighting overseas, and we were thrilled to receive an announcement from Publisher’s Weekly celebrating its release (click here). It goes without saying that we are rather confident that we’ll be hearing an awful lot about this book in the months to come.

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And finally, we would like to congratulate the MTA’s Arts for Transit program, with whom we have had the joy of collaborating on several occasions. They have just announced the release of the Arts for Transit on Meridian App, a virtual gallery of all of the mosaics, installations, paintings, posters, art cards and more that pepper the lives of New Yorkers every day. Now, wherever you are in the world, you can always enjoy a little piece of NYC. Take a moment to view a little video announcing this interesting development here.

Here is a poster that was created for the MTA by Sylvie Daigneault:

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Dave Calver created this beauty for the program:

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And a mural created by Raul Colon:

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Introducing…Paul Garland!

We’d previously encountered Paul Garland’s textured, graphic work in coveted publications such as the 3×3 Annual and American Illustration, but when he sent us this darling Holiday card, we were absolutely charmed:

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We knew immediately that we wanted to chat with this talented fellow.

With a great personality that matches the strength of his work, it was evident that there was potential for a terrific partnership. We are now very pleased to announce the arrival of Paul Garland, MGI’s latest illustrator!

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Inspired by the bucolic English countryside and the joyfulness of his little girl, Amber Rose, Paul’s bold, digital imagery begins with traditional hand made textures, drawings, paintings and printmaking. Many of his Gold Medal and award winning works enjoy clever word play as part of their conceptual solutions, and we are so happy to welcome this dynamic new addition to our group. Please take a look at his portfolio and take a moment to get acquainted with this talented artist.

All images copyright Paul Garland:

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Great Chat with Aviva Michaelov of the New York Times Op-Ed Section

We are big fans of the terrific interviews conducted by Thomas James of Escape from Illustration Island, and it was very exciting to come across this insightful chat with one of the most important art directors in the industry. Aviva Michaelov is responsible for designing the engaging Op-Ed section of the New York Times, and it is a real treat to have the opportunity to hear her perspective. Take a listen here!

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