Illustration Graphic Evidence

Scottish illustrators are stretching the boundaries of their art, with themes ranging from surreal fantasy to autobiography – a far cry from newspaper gags and talking animal adventures. There is a small but healthy small press community of Scottish illustrators self-publishing comic books and other forms of visual narrative and attracting growing interest from major publishers. Here Instant showcases some of them.

CURT SIBLING

Real name Ciaran Slavin, Curt has been involved in comics and illustration since 1990 and has been published in various magazines. He has produced a comic collection called Total Fear, from which this illustration is taken. The character depicted, Mary Lou, wants to summon aliens to destroy the world, hence the mushroom cloud. http://totalfear.blogspot.com

BARRY THOMSON

A self-taught illustrator and designer, Barry’s work is influenced by skateboard graphics, counter culture, comic art and his home city of Glasgow. Not restrained by a singular style, his pieces focus on the best way to relate the subject matter at hand, whether oils or pixels. www.thomsonvthomson.com.

The Diary of Anne Frankenstein

TOM GREEN

Tom grew up feasting on comics like The Beano, The Dandy, Whizzer and Chips and Funny Fortnightly, so it’s no surprise he became a cartoonist. His style ranges from “the cutest darn thing you ever done saw to creepy underground weirdo stuff.” Frustrated by the lack of work in the UK, he headed to Australia, where he worked for advertising agencies. Homesick for decent fish and chips and a good cup of tea, he returned in 2006 and has been chained to his drawing board ever since. www.egg-and-chips.co.uk

CATHERINE HEFFERNAN

Beginning as a formal portrait artist, Catherine progressed to studio-based illustration and design specialising in character, caricature and figure using both digital and traditional media. As a freelance artist she enjoys diversifying and experimenting in both her technique and range of illustration. She currently creates artwork for corporate clients, publishing companies and private commissions. Portfolio available upon request: hef@almightygrin.co.uk

DAWN LYNCH

A graduate of Edinburgh’s Telford College with an HND in Illustration with Design, Dawn now works for an advertising agency. Her favourite artists are Klimt, Mucha, Dali and Banksy. Art influences the places she visits, such as Barcelona and Vienna. She loves stencil graffiti, but hasn’t tried her own work on any walls yet. “I don’t want to get arrested!” she says. http://members.lycos.co.uk/dawndevil