Hsiao Ron Cheng

I usually prefer artists who work with their hands than a computer. I like handmade collages over digital manipulated ones. I admire photographers who briefly create dreamscapes in the real world rather than Photoshop post-processing. This isn't to say both methods don't require talent, I just like to know that there is a physical version of what I see online even if it was a temporary trick of props and smoke. All this to say: there are exceptions to every rule and the digital illustrations of Hsiao Ron Cheng is one of those exceptions. Her delicate, pastel creations are a beautiful combination of realism and romanticism. Find more of her work here.

Cat Coquillette

a few beautiful and inspiring illustrations by Cat Coquillette

Louis Icart

I'm feeling very inspired by the work of Louis Icart lately. His subjects range from looking as if they are in command of the elements and animals to flapper-like girls out for a good time. His work was at its height in the era of Art Deco and his illustrations depicted the high life of women in 1920s and 30s Paris and New York. But his style differs from others in the same period as he blended the modern look with inspiration from eighteenth-century French masters such as Jean Antoine Watteau, François Boucher and Jean Honoré Fragonard. I love his playful depiction of women; they are graceful ingenues in the latest fashion and spritely figures dancing with elephants. A delightful mix of the beautiful and the playful.

The Study Of Hidden Animals

This Cryptozoology project by Ken Schuck are some of the cutest classic monster drawings I have seen so far and I'm a sucker for a good monster drawing. I also really like how Cryptozoology translates to "study of hidden animals" which lets us all think these creatures we can't prove exist are actually just very good at hiding.

Grand Budapest Hotel Illustrations

I didn't like The Grand Budapest Hotel as much as earlier Wes Anderson films, but visually I thought it was one of his most distinctive films. So I can't help but be a fan of these beautiful flat drawings by Lorena G. Since where Wes Anderson films really excel are in the details and color palette it's a feast for the eyes to see some of those details separated from the movement of the film and presented clearly on a pink backdrop. You can even buy some of the designs in the form of an iPhone case or tote bag.

Donald Design

I'm addicted to Donald Design's Instagram which features his simple, bold illustrations. Minimal but effective his work makes you want to go outside with only your backpack and wits to take you to the horizon. Some of his work is also available for sale here.

Girls Only

by Mel Stringer

Asia Pietrzyk Loves To Draw

Asia Pietrzyk likes to draw, or so her site says and the work seems to verify the statement. If her work looks familiar it might be due to her recent collaboration with Ban.do. The "Hooray Hooray Hooray tote" I keep seeing on my favorite bloggers was Pietrzyk's design. One of her recent just-for-fun projects has the artist choosing her favorite pictures from Instagram and turning them into illustrations. The project called Instamissio is as fun and colorful as her other work and places the original photograph side-by-side with the final drawing.

Malika Favre

Something about Malika Favre's bold illustrations reminds me of summer. Maybe they remind me of billboards advertising refreshment at a beach, or the beach itself--bright towels lying beneath minimally dressed bodies. Whatever the reason and even without the association I'm a fan of Favre's work. I always admire people who can convey a lot of emotion and story in a few lines.

Courtney Wirth(it)

I really admire Courtney Wirthit's bold, minimalist illustrations. She also works in color and creates comic strips, but these mostly black and white drawings of sassy ladies are my favorite. You can follow along with her latest work on her blog.