Batman the Dark Knight - the Joker: Brush and ink (limited edition print with gold detail)

A while ago.. make that about a year ago I began painting this little ditty while holding my store at the Blender Lane Artists' Market (Wednesdays through summer, 110 Franklin Street Melbourne). While painting the piece I made a promise that two people would receive the finished work as a print with hand colouring post printing. Little did I know this piece would become a long winded 'background task' in what was going to be a busy year.

A few photos of how the first final print came out.

Fish: watercolour, pencil, brush and ink

Central Florida Aquarium Society: 'Immersed' art exhibition poster - design and illustration: watercolour, ink and brush, digital layout

Recently I was fortunate enough to receive a commission request from the Central Florida Aquarium Society (USA). I was asked if I would be interested in illustrating (and designing) a promotional poster and flyer for their future annual community art exhibition occurring in February.  Naturally I said yes.

If in Florida during February the 20th swing past the CityArts Factory for this exhibition which unites art with aquatic life.

Exhibition Poster- self illustrated and designed for the Central Florida Aquarium Society.

Exhibition Flyer- self illustrated and designed for the Central Florida Aquarium Society.

Burger - with the lot: gold ink, ink and brush.

Sharing a piece recently gifted for a birthday. Happy future birthday Dylan.

Early Harvest Magazine: Book 2

Recently 100 Story Building released their second Early Harvest magazine. This collaborative publication allows school children to have the opportunity to create alongside professional writers and illustrators. Themed 'zombies and space' this years edition is bursting with imaginative stories and wonderful illustrations.

100 Story Building (originally known as 'the Pigeons Project') have made many wonderful contributions to the Melbourne community by holding numerous creative writing and literacy programs. With the help of numerous amazingly dedicated volunteers, such projects result in self confidence, language /literacy development and personal development. Such benefits are priceless and we are lucky that such programs exist.

 Find out more about 100 Story Building by visiting their website: www.100storybuilding.org

Last year I was thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute illustration pieces to the first publication Early Harvest publication. This year, as well as contributing as an illustration, I was also invited to design and typeset the book itself which was an honour.  Below are some glimpses taken from the publication which rich with content.  The publication is available for purchase from the 100 Story Building website, sales go towards ensuring the great work of 100 Story Building can continue. 

Congratulations 100 Story Building! 

Early Harvest, Book 2. Cover illustration by Louie Joyce.

Can You Find? (spread)  Illustration by Emma Hewitt.

My Zombie Life (Poem) Written by Halima Akalo, Illustrated by Gianluca Maruotti

Old Hanna's Hut (Story) Witten by Sally Rippin, Illustrated by Felicita 

The Largest Ruby (story) Written by Keely Topalides, Illustrated by Holly Adkins

Take the quiz and find out exactly who you are.

A Light From Above (poem) Written by Poppy Ramage, Illustrated by (myself) Miranda Costa 

Illustration personally created for this year's edition of Early Harvest.

Gig Posters: Blender Lane Artists' Market

This season I've been fortunate enough to be involved in creating a series of gig posters for the Blender Lane Artists' Market. This market occurs every Wednesday night through summer at 110 Franklin Street, Melbourne and holds a variety of artists, crafters and musicians.

Below are the first posters created for the season. Big thanks to the Blender Lane Artist's Market for allowing me to get involved. If in Melbourne and looking for a way to break up the week this summer I recommend paying this market a visit.