I've been getting back into the swing of things at university this week, so this feature is here rather late - however, it's good timing, as I'm looking at this term's brief (editorial illustration) through a more humorous light. Today's feature is Steve Bell, a prominent political cartoonist here in the UK. His style inspires me, both in its humour and use of media, and is always a source of great laughter.
(This week I also managed to pick up a copy of If ... Bursts Out, and it does not disappoint.)
The use of traditional media just adds to the cartoony style Bell uses - it's detailed yet has a great texture to it. Even on the occasion I might not get a political cartoon at first sight, I always catch myself examining the details whether it's background jokes, the artist's style of caricature, or media techniques.
An interesting series to check out is Bell's sketchbook videos on the Guardian's website - not only do you see the process from blank page to fully-coloured cartoon, but you learn a little bit about the artist himself and his way of working. A must-watch for anyone who is thinking of going into political illustration or caricature, it's very informative.
To wrap up this feature, I leave you with this: Bell's answer to "what do cartoons mean to you?" - and I totally agree.
Steve Bell's main website, Belltoons, is here:
http://www.belltoons.co.uk/
His Guardian profile, where his most recent cartoons are published online, is here:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/profile/stevebell
The images in this post are ©Copyright Steve Bell 2011- All Rights Reserved.
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