Oli Frape

Not the Christmas number 1

2011-12-11T11:49:00.000-08:00

I've got a rather exciting piece to post today, It's fair to say I've been looking forward to posting it!
So a couple of weeks ago I was contacted by digital agency STEEL with a an unexpected proposition - to design and produce a wall mural for a music video that accompanies a christmas charity single!

This was a fairly hectic project, a lot happened in a short time, but genuinely a really fun thing to work on. So last sunday, having had the illustration all signed off, me and a team of talented friends went over to Holborn Studios and got to work. Below are a selection of behind the scenes photos from the day, taken by the very talented Mark Chivers

Me and Tom prepping with the projector

Me having a closer look..

Me and the team doing having a bit of powow

Me and Ella checking our scaling.

Me, Simon and Tom having a giggle in between shots

Just about to draw in the Ghetto Blaster!

My wonderful illustration team
Tom Cardo Moreno, Ella Brock-Morgan, me, Simon Brader and Tom Goodfellow

And just there (above) is the final mural all finished off!

So it was a real good day, my team were all bloody amazing and really helped me to direct the production on the piece!

The song is called 'Not the Christmas Number 1' and is written and performed by an amazing band called Silvers who you should definately check out. More importantly than any of this, the single is to raise money for Help for Heroes. Im sure you already know of them and the work they do. So PLEASE go and check out the song on iTunes when it is released on the 19th December (i'll post a link as soon as its available)

And the video will be out tomorrow so as soon as It's there then I'll post it here, for you!

Stay tuned, and you should definately pop over to http://notthechristmasnumber1.tumblr.com/ for more of the story behind this project.

Celebrate with us....

2011-11-15T02:02:00.000-08:00

Another little update today. I recently produced this piece for a private client as part of a birthday celebration. This piece wasn't used for the primary invitations it was designed for but I think it is still being used elsewhere as part of the celebration event. Nice to do something a bit calligraphic for a change!

If John Wayne was a modern day Coffee shop owner...

2011-11-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

Isn't it great when a little thought pops into your head, just like that, BOOM.
That is exactly what happened here. I also took my new Poscas for a walk over my page - I'm like new to them and shit.

I also found that that the original quote by John Wayne of 'Get off yer horse and drink yer milk' is in fact not necessarily something that he ever actually said. How the hell did it get attributed to him then? And, more importantly, how can I get a quote attributed to me that I didnt say but that sounds cool? I welcome your suggestions on the matter, hey, by all means start passing around a cool quote that I'm supposed to have said......make it a peachy one though yeah?

Let's not of course overlook how I've cleverly re-contextualised this classic 'mis' quote to apply to the guys out there right now. I'd rather ride my bike than a horse anyday :)

Welco

2011-10-24T08:01:00.000-07:00

So as is often the case, a few things I did a while ago are starting to be ready for your eyes, in this case my first EVER typeface (above) called Welco.
In fairness, it has taken a long time to be released because it is part of something bigger. The lovely folk over at Cure Studio have painstakingly developed, alongside 12 of us lot, a type foundry. Its called The Type Foundry.

Its really a pretty exciting time, the guys at the foundry mentioned something in an interview about lots of things being written about type and I've been noticing more and more appearing in people's tweets. This is fine by me since even in my ususal working process I'm using hand-drawn type almost always anyway but the opportunity to develop a fully functioning proper typeface, all kerned and ready to use, is amazing.

There are all sorts of interesting things over on the typefoundry site so you should definately have a little look.

AND, having launched earlier on today, we've already had some lovely things written in an interview with Design Week. Have a read of that here

YCN

2011-10-12T15:29:00.000-07:00

In my various busy work days that have passed recently I absolutely forgot to mention that for the last three months or so I have been added to the roster of fine artists represented and working with the YCN.
Within a matter of days I was working on my first commission for them. Ace!

I'll blog that a little later but you should a) go give them a visit YCN
b) look at me there ME@YCN

Happy reading x

All the Questions

2011-10-10T10:26:00.001-07:00

So, I seem to have read a lot of interviews lately.................
Everytime time I go on twitter or the other places, I see people being interviewed. Ive gleaned all sorts of useful and pointless information. Now I have been interviewed a couple of times, but I figured I was due another turn. So with a little help from my friends of social media, I present you with 'All the Questions'. This title is misleading.......there are only a few.

THIS ^ is me! I always wonder what you lot all look like. That's the thing about this cyber world, we never know how we all look. And of course in some ways its great because we can't all judge each other by our looks so we have to base all our opinions on what we read - great for showcasing our intellect and shit but sometimes I wonder. So hello. I look like this. You can now judge my choice of fetching green hat. Enjoy.

The questions that follow are from people I chat to on t'internet but I have also actually met them all in real life too. They're credited, as you will see...

@maddoline

Well, arguably I wouldnt need a pencil since I've got a drawing of one inked into my skin, but I do like to draw with pencils first. I think it's probably a bit cowardly, but I like to sketch and then ink a definate final line after. I hate working in sketchbooks because when I do I always try to be bold and draw everything first time and allow myself to make mistakes but then I feel like I've wasted pages and end up going back to loose A4 paper - I guess it just feels more disposable. I do keep all the loose sheets mind you, I've got draws and draws full!

@loadofolbobbins

Well I've already covered the implement one but in a broader sense, for my practice I use pencil then pen then I scan it in and colour it on screen. On the odd occasion ive used scanned textures on some type pieces - scratchy marker pen and even oil pastel.
I'm not currently affiliated with any brand of pencils or pens (awaiting that sponsorship deal as I write!) but I use a mechanical pencil and any variety of fineliners depending purely on what I find in the artshop. I've just started playing with some Poscas too - the mirror in my flat is gaining a word a day.

@jennisparks

Well I trained as a silversmith and jewellery designer so I suppose if the urge to make images and draw words wasnt so strong, arguably I'd be doing that.
Alternatively if I'd taken a different route I think I could have found myself doing something to do with writing and english. I dont claim to be any kind of wordsmith but I enjoy writing. Perhaps some kind of journalist or copywriter or something to that effect. I think I would perhaps like to be Charlie Brooker, his work always seems like it would have been fun to produce, and he's married to Konnie Huq......;)

@ollyshenton

Good questions! Keeping creative? That's quite difficult, I think I've only recently started to actively try to keep creative. For a while you just assume that it happens, and that's it.
For me, when I first started out I was spending so much time working, on learning about this industry, improving my skills and building my folio that I really only watched TV and got drunk with whatever time I had leftover. For a while this is OK but I've started to realise that not only do you have to do the obvious things that inspire you like visiting exhibitions, watching films and reading etc, but you also have to be out in the world having 'experiences'. Anything new, meeting people, going to new places, walking around instead of cycling or getting the tube, it all adds something in to your brain which can be drawn upon later. I find it very easy to be really habitual in my day to day life so for me that bit of effort every now and then seems to be good for my creative brain!

Id also say that I'm better when I'm instinctively creative rather than thinking too much. My best work has always come from a method I developed during my studies.

'Get new brief, read it. Re-read it. Put it down and go out and have fun for a couple of days. Sit down at your desk again. Capture ideas. Work them through'

In reality this isnt always all that practical, especially with a client who gives you a really short deadline, but where possible I find a bit of distraction helps ideas to happen more easily than sitting at my desk and forcing them. It's like the processors are whirring away in the background noticing things and starting to spark but if you look at them they stop. So leaving them alone until they present you with those sparks of an idea works for me.

@OandtheFoxes

Well its sort of of carries on from the last post, but actually yeah, a run. Or a shower. Sometimes both! I read a while ago about someone who simply walks to overcome creative block, just walks until an idea comes. I think that's great, I have had a 'block' for several days in a row though - that would mean a lot of walking for me.

Jay Moon

The dream commission question.......last time I answered this I just said something stupid about doing a billboard. I'll try harder this time.

The difficulty for me is that my career is still in it's infancy. With that in mind there are loads of things I havn't done yet that would be a dream for me. My childhood dreams are of designing book covers and album sleeves - I have done neither of these things yet but I would honestly be well chuffed to do both. I would still like to do a billboard, its just the sheer presence and size isnt it!! I have intentions of writing and illustrating a short book, I've just launched my first T-shirt and I'd like to do more exhibitions. A final thing would be to design a football strip or a pair of trainers - I did loads of designs like this when I was a child, it was probably as close to sport as i went in those days!

So basically I want to do everything. I want to put the things Ive drawn on things in the world that people see. You may as well aim high right?!

And finally,

@thisisthebang

Its probably Brioche :)

FIN

SO that's it for my interview. I've spent ages gradually getting this together, I've looked at it for so long that I'm not sure I've said anything even remotely interesting. But we shall see what you think....

All of the people mentioned above can be clicked and visited at their Twitter or Facebook, they're a talented bunch so you should check them out!

Thanks you lot xx

And finally, since this question is out of sync with the rest I've added it separately. This does not mean I do not value this question.......

@thisisthebang

Its probably Brioche :)

Life's Little Luxury

2011-09-27T14:57:00.001-07:00

Busy busy busy

2011-09-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Im sorry all you lot out there. Ive been very neglectful of my blog - im eagerly waiting for some work to publish before i can show you it. Ive got a couple of nice bits done recently but until they go live I cant show you. But hey, dont cry. If you follow me on twitter (which you really should ) then you'll know ive been giving away FREE ipad/iphone wallpapers. All you've got to do is email me oli@olifrape.co.uk and tell me which format you'd like, i'll pop you on my mailing list for selective and well timed updates of my new work and then BOOM, wallpaper arrives in your mailbox!

CANT BE BAD! (as if im shouting :) )

I will be back soon, but do check me on Twitter if you fancy it xx

http://twitter.com/olifrape

You cant always get what you want.......

2011-07-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

With all th excitement of the upcoming Creative Review/ Tate social media event i decided to submit an image. This year the whole event is based around the Vorticist exhibition opening shortly and the submissions are based around the famous Vorticist manifesto BLAST.
I really hoped id get a BLAST, and a BLESSED submission together but i just havnt had the time.
So here is my BLAST image - because you cant always get what you want....

Check out the tumblr site http://blastbless.tumblr.com/tagged/we+bless

home made blade

2011-07-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

My latest type project, i may even make a whole typeface out of this in the near future. I enjoyed drawing this very much x

Self portrait

2011-06-27T00:35:00.001-07:00

I had a little downtime over the weekend so i decided to do a self-portrait.
Its not really in my usual style of working but it does look a bit like me.
Enjoy x

Play a new song....

2011-06-19T03:23:00.000-07:00

Well it really has been a while since ive posted here. Lets hope this makes up for it......

As a treat, you get the finished version and the b/w scan of the original drawing. Enjoy

BUY BUY BUY

2011-04-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Oh, did i mention i have an online shop now?

http://olifrape.bigcartel.com/

There are drawings there for you to buy with your money. What? You've got a friend who has a birthday coming up and you dont know what to buy them? BOOM!

Im sure you get the picture - ha.

xx

DONT PANIC pack illustration

2011-04-19T07:13:00.001-07:00

I was recently asked to illustrate the cover of the latest Dont Panic brown envelope. And here it is, they're flying all over London so keep your eyes open in the nice bars and shops that stock!

AND, if you'd like to see some people holding my drawing looking very happy with it, check this link -

Nice times!

One plain, one fancy.

2011-04-03T02:54:00.000-07:00

Alrite you lot, just a quickie here today....I came across this project that the guys from Mat Dolphin agency were doing, i thought it was a nice idea so BOOM, got involved. This is my response to 'One Plain, One Fancy'

Check out the project here - there's a nice one by Andy Smith on there as well!

Its a mouse doing scuba.

2011-03-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

Nothing clever here, just a mouse scuba diving, well, scuba swimming really.

He's just a man, that is all.........

2011-03-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

This was basically just a doodle, its really all about the beard. That is all. x

Making words count

2011-03-15T02:11:00.000-07:00

Holla!

This is a little sneaky peek of an illustration i completed recently for QTS. They're a fundraising agency and wanted a little something drawn for them. Itl go live shortly, il drop a link when they do. xx

Fame

2011-02-24T02:20:00.001-08:00

Mambo Surf Deluxe Competition

2011-02-24T01:37:00.000-08:00

So those guys and girls over at Mambo are holding a competition at the moment to become their next 'artist'. I figured id give it a punt in a few spare moments i had and this is what i entered.
The brief was kinda loose, 'mamboesque' was the phrase they used. I thought about beach bums and ended up here...........

If you'd like to vote for me check out the facebook group www.facebook.com/mambosurfdeluxe

xx

'Nearly'

2011-02-08T02:59:00.001-08:00

This is work from a rejected pitch. I decided to blog it anyway because i was strangely very satisfied with what id done on this occasion. So here it is.
I will find another use for it!

x

IM // UR Interview and feature

2011-02-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Hello.
OK, firstly, an apology. I havnt posted anything on my blog for some time, which is not through laziness, but due to a bit of a break followed by an extremely busy January. But i am back, and gradually il be able to show you some of the stuff ive been doing!

The first thing to go 'live' is this interview and feature on IM // UR. Lovely Christel and Raphael were kind enough to allow me this chance to personalise their highly covetable piece of cyberspace. I was happy to do it, those guys are really on it. You should give them a visit, if not to see my little face, then to peruse all the other stuff (some good mixtapes on there!)

My feature - http://imyouare.com/1048/Artist_--_OLIVER_FRAPE

Enjoy! Oh yeah, and if you didnt realise, im on twitter now, i try and pop on there every day or two and write some kind of rubbish. If that's your thing then im here

Bye for now!

Shoreditch Stop

2010-12-16T12:34:00.000-08:00

Hello! Firstly let me apologise for my lack of updates lately, ive been busy, with some work i cant show you yet, some other bits and bobs that are unrelated to illustration, and this.
Shoreditch Stop is a convenience store/ indian takeaway located in, yep, shoreditch, just next to the Old Blue Last. They asked me if i could put them a flyer together for some promo they wanted to do. They currently have no branding whatsoever so it was totally from scratch visually.

Hopefully il pop up some more new work soon. Hope your all ok out there in the snow x

Wired Radio goes live (the branding, that is..!)

2010-11-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

A while back now, i created this re-brand for Wired Radio - Student Radio for Goldsmiths College. They were a bloody pleasure to work with, open to ideas, trusting and even prompt with the pay! Well done them!

You should swing by their site and give it a listen..

http://www.wiredradio.co.uk/

Half man, half machine.

2010-10-19T02:09:00.000-07:00

For all you keen cyclists out there, or indeed those who use their computer a lot, you'll understand this all too well!

x

Boing! Just a little experiment.

2010-10-06T11:14:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Dad!!

2010-09-26T10:40:00.001-07:00

It was Dads 60th the other day! A little visit to Sidcup for a 3 generation meetup lunch/dinner thing. Lots of steaks arrived at our table - it was a good day! But anyway, my gran always tells this story about the day dad was born, saying his brother ran downstairs from seeing my newborn dad saying 'he looks just like a little orange'. We've heard this story like A LOT of times over the years - and so it seemed fitting as an illo for his birthday card! Happy Birthday Dad!

Start admiring !

2010-09-22T04:23:00.000-07:00

A brand new avatar

2010-09-20T10:26:00.001-07:00

Ecoute - Intruder Records

2010-09-20T04:12:00.001-07:00

Hello! Here is a T shirt design ive just finished for Intruder Records. Nice yeah?

Go have a look........http://www.intruderrecords.co.uk/2010/09/ecoute/

xx

An Artful Tadger

2010-09-02T15:05:00.000-07:00

Whilst in the rhythm of getting involved in random stuff, today i also came across this project.

http://artfultodger.blogspot.com/

Stripping away the penis taboo. Done.

Yes, it is a snail carrying a drum.

2010-09-02T14:59:00.001-07:00

So, thanks to Twitter, i came across this project earlier today.

http://colonelwindpipe.blogspot.com/

Basically building a whole marching band out of a variety of character playing different instruments. I have a suspicion that they will want them in a specific style, and really, im no character illustrator. However, i was sucked in so i thought id give it a bash. Et viola ( as in 'behold', not the instrument - its clearly a drum. Im tired.)

Virgin - ROGER Magazine

2010-08-23T02:23:00.001-07:00

A little while ago i was asked by John Brown Media to produce not just one but TWO typey illustrations for Virgins' magazine 'Roger'. A small spot image about wellbeing at work and a whole page for their Virgin Tribe promos. Upon my return from my holidays, waiting for me was a copy of the magazine in print. Scanned in and posted for your pleasure!!

BLOGWARS

2010-08-23T01:42:00.001-07:00

So, i got asked by the guys at IM//UR to do them a flyer for their BLOGWARS night in Sao Paulo. I said YES. And this is what i gave them. Needless to say they loved it!

Here it is in context....
http://imyouare.com/816

Cordelier Club August

2010-08-23T01:15:00.000-07:00

Augusts' installment for the MacBeth residency of Cordelier Club. It was a tight deadline this time and i had to produce this illo whilst on holiday in sunny/rainy Cornwall. Just a small example of my unfaltering dedication to my craft. Haha.

Laissez Faire Club

2010-08-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

So, i still havnt posted the editorial work, im sorry, you'l have to be patient, im trying to be patient myself - it will soon be in print...........its nice, you'll like it!

Anyway, today's post is of my most recent flyer artwork for Laissez Faire Club. My man Jeremy over at LFC hit me up for the latest commission last week and here we are! Expect to see it out and about soon - hey, if you're really cool you might get handed one in your 'hood. Apparently this line-up is HOT, so check out the flyer and maybe see you there.

Oh, and as a sneaky treat for you, ive added one of my early designs that i proposed for this piece, all type innit and with a green scheme.

x

http://laissezfaireclub.com/

The Cordelier Club part 2 & 3

2010-07-14T00:55:00.000-07:00

It seems i totally forgot to blog some pieces of recent work in all the hurry to get it all finished.
Ive recently been doing a couple of more editorial pieces which il post as soon as they are in print!!

Meanwhile, ive carried on working with The Cordelier Club on their monthly residency at the MacBeth. The nights have gone really well, packed out shows each one!
My continued efforts working on the development of their 'brand' are above!

Bigfun July.

2010-07-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Another BigFun flyer done and dusted! As you'l see, its an extension of the last flyer i did for these guys, the whole stained glass thing is really floating my boat at the moment. Ive got a plan to do several more pieces like this, i wont tell you what they'l be about just yet, but keep it locked to olifrape.blogspot.com!!

Ace Tennis Magazine - Through The Ages

2010-06-10T02:00:00.000-07:00

Officially on shelves today, the latest issue of ACE Magazine featuring a little picture drawn by yours truly in the Baselines section.
The piece accompanies some humourous writing about tennis from prehistoric times through to King Henry VIII.
Lovely stuff! Now off to the courts.........
xx

Laissez Faire Club - Nottingham

2010-06-10T01:11:00.000-07:00

This is the second proper Laissez Faire Club flyer ive done - you'l see with the one below how a style is starting to form with these guys - hopefully have some more to post in coming months!
Meanwhile, check the links, LISTEN UP!

Laissez Faire Club

Chameleon Arts Cafe - Nottingham

xx

Laissez Faire Club 23 June

2010-06-10T00:44:00.000-07:00

This is another flyer/poster ive completed recently working with Laissez Faire Club.
'Dont get involved!' (Laissez Faire obviously) But DO get involved by going along and watching the bands, i hear its a pretty sweet night. Links below to the necessary

Laissez Faire Club

The Lock Tavern

BigFun June

2010-06-01T07:04:00.000-07:00

I just recently finished my latest work for Bigfun. Its was tough on the schedule and took some serious changing, but we got there eventually. The finished work is the better for it as well!!

Laissez Faire Club - Ice Black Birds

2010-06-01T06:54:00.001-07:00

Wow! Been so very busy with this and that! Goodtimes indeed. So, here is the first of several posts to give you a little glimpse of some of this fruitful time well spent.

I got asked to do some flyers for Laissez Faire Club, a new music label.
This one is for the Launch of one of the bands they look after - Ice Black Birds and their single 'As birds we'd be fine'.

Nicee x

The Cordelier Club

2010-05-19T01:49:00.000-07:00

A lovely little update for you today illustration fans. Been working with a band called The Cordelier Club of late and helping them with their visual identity. They shortly have a monthly residency starting over at the MacBeth in Hoxton, and below are my very first flyers for them. Ive also made them a revised version as a myspace background which looks pretty cool as well.

Check the band out on myspace - The Cordelier Club

A happy start to the day then, and its sunny outside in London. Smiles xxx

BigFun - May

2010-04-30T00:43:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest flyer for BigFun this May. Line-up is gooood. Gots to get down there.

Hindenburg Mile High Club - The Laurel Collective

2010-04-30T00:31:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogersphere,
So it seems its been a little while since I posted on here. Been pretty busy!

You may have seen the recent tour poster i made for the Laurel Collective at SXSW, well ive been working with them again. This time to help them promote their clubnight 'The Hindenburg Mile High Club' over at the stag each month. Long time followers might remember that i produced an image for this some time ago which was deemed a little too risque, this time however, all was good in the hood.

A little procrastination pour moi. Bisous.

2010-03-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

A Love Letter For You

2010-03-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Just what it says really.
And inspired by this inspiring project

http://www.aloveletterforyou.com/

Beautiful stuff x

The Laurel Collective at SXSW

2010-03-22T05:54:00.001-07:00

YO!

So the chaps from your new favourite band - The Laurel Collective - asked me to do a promo flyer for the extra dates they were playing as part of their SXSW performance last week in Texas

Awaiting stories and possibly pictures from their return, meanwhile, heres the flyer.

Check them out if unbelievably you havnt already -

http://www.myspace.com/thelaurelcollective

Bigfun - Take your pick

2010-03-22T02:41:00.001-07:00

The show she presents is the best in the city, radio is great please play me im pretty

2010-02-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello, thanks to adam and joe for my post title, no idea what im talking about? Check the 6 music blog

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/adamandjoe/

In other news, and basically the whole reason im writing, im going to be a guest on The Musicbox on Wired Radio this thursday at 3 i think! Im picking 5 songs that i wanna play and essentially trying very hard not to swear, say anything i regret and generally not make a complete tit out of myself - may be worth listening for that reason alone........I dun a little drawing wiv clues n that so u can try and guess wot im gona play innit.

I must remember not to even attempt to talk in the way ive just written - it is never funny. No one thinks so apart from me. Fact.

Ive added a link just in case you want to laugh at my mortification!! At least you can enjoy the typography above for a while as well.

Happy monday xx

http://wiredradio.co.uk/

The Music Box - Wired Radio

2010-02-01T05:47:00.001-08:00

OOh, thats a nice logo innit! Well thats what my client thought - not in so many words - actually not that far off. Apparently theres a website in progress as well, il link it when it comes fo' sure.
Great times, lets hope the music on the station this is for is as good as my scribbly skills, im reliably informed it will be! Happy monday etc x

Oooh, whats this?

2010-01-28T03:18:00.000-08:00

Hello. Just to let you know im busy and that im still here. Not neglecting you or anything, just cant put up the work that im doing now till its live! But expect version 2 of a logo im doing (its much better than the first one) something for charity, oh and when my camera finishes charging il pop up some pics of my latest batch of prints.............nicee.

xx

Bigfun January

2010-01-11T04:43:00.000-08:00

Welcome back to London after your festive fun. Hope it was good and your all ready for another year. I am, so are the guys at BigFun. Here's the latest flyer!

Custard Cream

2009-12-15T01:45:00.000-08:00

In other news, i drew a custard cream, for no other reason than there was one sitting in front of me.
Profound as fuck!

xx

Keep it Pure

2009-12-15T01:07:00.000-08:00

A piece about art, illustration, drawing and the impact they have. Fine art steps away from the obscure conceptual attention grabbing work of previous years to allow the return of some far more 'drawn' or 'painted' works. We all understand this art better dont we?? Perhaps not, but seeing work with a greater sense of discernible skill from the artist is always suited for broader appeal.
Meanwhile, my creative block is slowly starting to wear away within my personal work. This piece is also about that. I feel rubbish when i cant produce new and exciting work. Its on my mind constantly, cant escape it. Its like being on smack. (i have never, and will never take heroin, i simply suggest a likeness in the strength of the addiction and how the plight of getting the drugs/doing the work is what your life becomes about)

Er yeah, was that clear? It was? Great!

Part 2

2009-12-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

The next piece exploring the themes of the daily tasks that are essential to our general existence and involvement in society today. We all gotta eat. No escape there, it connects us all. And it always has done. The end.

Wash. Dry. Wear.

2009-12-01T08:02:00.000-08:00

A new piece ive been working on, its all about those necessary innane tasks that act as pillars in our daily existence. They're unavoidable and often tedious but they stand as the reference points by which the more abstract experiences relate. You can keep washing your clothes, and drying them, and wearing them until you die aged 79 (on average). This is, for me at least, a lifelong commitment it seems.....x

3 Prints, just in!!

2009-12-01T07:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of the latest set of prints ive ordered. Sadly, all are spoken for, tough being so popular, but of course il be ordering again soon. Im only an email away............

Oh and i hope you enjoy the scenic green carpet background, a nice touch i thought!!

Plims innit

2009-11-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

So, Kings of Neon, yes Neon, the guys who do the illustrated plimsoles, now have some of mine on there, for sale.

Sent them loads of designs so hopefully some more will be added shortly, be one of the first to get a pair and go home for xmas to see your friends wearing sumtin' fresh. Or treat someone to a pair for xmas, show em how much thought you put into gettin your unique gift. Yea. or yes.

Check them here - http://www.kingsofneon.com/acatalog/oli_frape_plimsolls.html

Peace.

Good old Boris.......

2009-11-04T14:34:00.000-08:00

Couple of sketches, over the top of the newspaper today, with my new pens, as an ode to Boris Johnson, our new hero x

BigFun November

2009-11-03T04:27:00.000-08:00

OK you people who do stuff and go to places - here is a place to go where stuff is on. I drew their flyer n that. Hit Hoxton this 27th November - Turn lead into solid gold fun xx

BigFun Oct - All your favourites

2009-10-20T07:28:00.001-07:00

The latest flyer for the guys at Bigfun. Another late night as well. x

Remain Silent

2009-10-18T17:43:00.000-07:00

Editorial

Illustrating a story on modern policing and the plans to issue smartphones to officers to aid their work.

Localism.

2009-10-11T11:43:00.001-07:00

In real life i dont entirely subscribe to this attitude. If you know me, that may not surprise you. At all. I just wanna be able to throw a frisbee around my local park on a saturday or sunday morning without tripping over the leftover revellers from the night before. Wearing sunglasses, when its grey and overcast, cos they're still up. And cant be arsed to go back to wherever it is that they actually do live, cos this is where people 'like us' go now.
On a side-note, ive rarely/never attempted to take the frisbee from its place on the shelf on either of these mentioned occasions to the suggested locations. But i couldnt. Even if i did want to, i couldnt. And i know i couldnt, because i hear you talking about it on Monday. You were at the park again were you? Again, oh yeah a heavy night, right yeah. Me? Nah i didnt go out. I stayed in and sulked.

The illustrated version of this outpouring will follow. Perhaps annotated with why i can go anywhere. Just for balance you understand.

x

There's no 'ino' or 'atte' and stuff. Im a filter cofee. Cheap as fuck.

2009-09-28T07:03:00.001-07:00

Type-bloc bag drawing. By hand with the ole' marker pens.

2009-09-28T06:40:00.000-07:00

YOU. WANT. ONE. 'n' that.

oli@olifrape.co.uk.

A heart on a sleeve.

2009-09-28T03:20:00.000-07:00

And cos im well lame, i re-re-did this image again. 'Get a life'. Yep.

2009-09-22T16:42:00.003-07:00

Honestly, a bigger marker pen makes my drawing look like this.....

2009-09-22T16:38:00.001-07:00

There is really very little further to communicate here

2009-09-22T04:11:00.001-07:00

Brace yourself.........for BigFun

2009-09-18T13:55:00.000-07:00

Here we are. The latest BigFun flyer. Seems appropriate in light of the recent weather dunnit. xx

We all need some exposure dont we..........

2009-09-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Give yourself a pat on the back. Very well done.

2009-09-12T17:06:00.000-07:00

And another. Thankyou and goodnight.

Why not get us nobodys involved instead. How about that

2009-09-12T17:03:00.000-07:00

Just a little new text layout illustration im playing with at the mo. Early stages of development like! Sneak preview innit x

Meanwhile in celebrity town........

2009-09-07T01:52:00.000-07:00

Michael Jackson had his funeral last week. Oh it was a who's who of anyone who's anyone in the weird microcosm of the hollywood bizarre. Maybe it looked a bit like this....

Got me a big new marker pen! Already run out....

2009-09-07T01:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes when your workin hard and its tough, you just want some praise. A 'well done', or to quote Alan Partridge ' That was negative, and right now i need two positives. One to counteract the negative and one just to have a positive!'

A little bit of validation then...............

New and revised and available

2009-08-25T02:21:00.000-07:00

Well hello. Been a while. Whilst i have been working on new images over the last few weeks (always) ive also been tweeking some older ones for Stockillustrations.com where you can now buy/licence my work for all of your art direction needs! Follow the link below to have a look - and tell your friends, particularly those who need some new illustration for their editorial/ad campaign etc! These two images are just a selection of the work that will be on there - an old and a new. Nice.
On a side note, listening to the new Horrors album on Spotify..........hype considerably justified!!

http://www.stockillustrations.com/

You and me......

2009-08-18T02:52:00.000-07:00

This is actually for some friends of mine - romantic innit xx

Where im at currently, haha

2009-07-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Just a couple of simple but narrative self-initiated pieces - i havnt. Think i might turn these into prints in the coming month......

BIG FUN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-20T09:08:00.000-07:00

And it will be, line up is looking good, especially the Paddingtons. Check out my lovely flyer design as well.......you'l probably see one in hoxton, or just on the floor somewhere east - ha, as if anyone would throw one away........haha

Secret Blisters

2009-06-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

So the exhibition opened last nite - it was a really good event, thanks to those of you who came by and those who bought one of my prints. Dont forget if you havnt visited yet its on all day tomorrow as well. Just as a sneaky peek, here is one of my sample prints. Enjoy x

Website is HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

Finally thanks to my good friend Tom (link below) i have a website. A proper website. Not just a lovely blog but an even better actual internet website. Er yeah. Fairly happy n that. Thanks Tom.

Check it out

http://www.olifrape.co.uk

and Tom is here

http://www.tomcardomoreno.co.uk

Here is power

2009-06-20T09:23:00.001-07:00

Feast your eyes

2009-06-20T09:03:00.000-07:00

A promotional poster

Make Me

2009-06-20T04:58:00.000-07:00

A cover illustration for the guys at Make Me magazine.

Vice/ Virtue and Wyborowa

2009-06-17T02:41:00.000-07:00

Couple weeks back i got asked by Vice magazine and the Virtue Ad agency to pitch for a project for Wyborowa Vodka. The idea was to design a new bottle illustration for their new UK launch. Here is what i submitted.........

Secret Blisters

2009-05-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

Guess what? Yep, you guessed right, im taking part in Print Club London's 'Secret Blisters' screen print exhibition at the end of june. What that means is you can buy one of 35 editioned screenprints for £35 from myself and some other fantastic illustrators. Check the poster, visit the site, get your name down for the opening, they had 1000 people there last year so get in early for the first chance to get those prints. Happy days.

Consciousness #1

2009-05-27T17:33:00.000-07:00

Im thinking about consciousness and perspective quite a bit at the moment. Im gona muse on it verbally and visually some more - il get back to you on that one, for now his is a quick-pic i did earlier today x

Nothing to say.

2009-05-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

And this is, according to Mary Poppins, is thus what your supposed to say when you have nothing to say. It also has a lesser known meaning aluding to something about 'Atoning for educability through delicate beauty'. Sounds like me.

Promises

2009-05-03T17:01:00.000-07:00

So thanks to Twitter, which ive now been on for a little while (thanks for the reminder simon - twitter.com/olifrape) ive been checking in on numerous links and interesting web nuggets. I stumbled across the site of Keri Smith. She has a great section of helpful words and tasks to both remind us illustrators why we do what we do and a variety of ways to help with those ever painful moments of creative block and crippling self doubt. I was proper indulging in some of that stuff and her lovely thoughts and a little word or two from a couple of the closest amigos somehow kicked me back into gear. And thus i produced this piece. Perhaps just cathartic for me but a reminder for everyone. Gona get it DONE.
Now to enjoy the remainder of the bank holiday. For whatever reason you should check keri out at

http://www.kerismith.com

and my homeboy simon at

http://www.simonbrader.blogspot.com/

x

Editioned, hand-drawn business cards/ small scale illustrations

2009-04-28T14:48:00.000-07:00

OK, so here's the lowdown. Ive been workin on customising some business cards for the eventual launch of my own new website (when i finally get that shit sorted) but as i began i thought how nice it would be to turn them into limited edition mini-illustrations. Thus here are several of the first batches ive produced. All of these and the next 3-4 sets will strictly limited editions of 5! Im keeping back the firsts for myself but two to five will be available to you, for FREE! Il sign them all like as well so itl be a nice little piece for you to own.

All you gotta do is email me up saying you want one and then send me a SAE to post it back to you - and thats it.

More designs to come guys - drop me a line - oli@lo-tec.co.uk

Power in numbers - WINDOW

2009-04-23T02:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a preview of a competition piece ive been working on. Its all about WW2, bits of cut-up tin foil, disrupting enemy radar, looking bigger than you actually are and coming together in difficult times...........make sense? And its big - 500mm X 500mm - nice to work large innit x

http://www.olifrape.blogspot.com

olifrape.co.uk........nearly

2009-04-03T03:34:00.000-07:00

OK so finally, for those of you who visit here only, here is the happy news that i have now purchased a web domain and hosting meaning that shortly there will be a whole new place to see all of my illustrations and other work.

Somewhat unoriginally it is called www.olifrape.co.uk.

Only have the holding page up there for now but by all means check it out and of course add it to your bookmarks. Il update you all more when we have lift off.

x

Pixels Rings in FLUX

2009-03-30T15:56:00.000-07:00

So once again the lovely pixel jewellery has been picked up by another cool magazine, this time its FLUX.
They describe Lo-tec as a 'minimalist brand' - we likee that but what they've missed is that rather than being part of the 'newer rave' movement of 09 (a descendent of the new rave movement of 07) the pixel jewellery designed by my good self is in fact part of the 'im so mad ahead of my time' movement of 05 when it was actually first designed and made!

Smugness over (its not becoming i know) thanks a lot to FLUX for their lovely coverage and of course to lik+neon from where the lovely press originated.

Once again if you want to get hold of some of the jewellery (rings and earrings right!) then pop down to lik + neon on sclater street just off brick lane - its like that mysterious box of curiosities that you find in the dusty corner of a old relatives attic but transported into the future by a time machine that hasnt been invented yet.
Check that shit!

www.likneon.com

Get smart......

2009-03-30T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes on the way to my local shop which is quite literally 4 doors away from my own, i get accosted by one of the local homeless guys. Sometimes there are three of them at periodic stops along the route and i get asked by all of them to spare 75p for a beer/ food/ chips/ a bed for the night. Sometimes they dont even give me a tangible.
Sometimes they ask me on my way into the shop and sometimes they ask me on my way out. Sometimes they ask me both before and after.
One of them is lovely and polite. Simon looked into his eyes the other night and it made him feel sad.
Two of them are angry and agressive and verging on abusive.
Sometimes, rarely, i give a few pence.
Ive only ever given to the one who is lovely and polite.
'At least he wishes you a good evening' we've been heard to say.
Thanking us for acknowledging his request even if we dont help him out.
Sometimes i cant understand how he can be so polite, in spite of it all.
Sometimes i think that we're stupid.
Sometimes if wonder if he's clever.

Ambidextrous

2009-03-16T07:59:00.000-07:00

For some reason ive been thinking about hands a lot lately. I just got a tattoo of a pencil on the wrist of my drawing hand (il post that some other time!) so ive been thinking about pencils as extensions of hands and how i use my palms and digits.
This drawing is about wishing i could draw with both hands - if i had two hands that could draw independently of one another i could work on two pieces at the same time thus doubling my output.
This would give me more time to sleep.

All of the above does however imply that i would have the ability to multi-task. Which, frankly, i dont.

Five Fingers, One Fist.

2009-03-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Feeling defiant and trying to stir some creative spirit i eventually made this piece. It looked realy rather nice in the sketch book just as the original line drawing but im thinking i might enter it for a competition so i tweeked it dans le computre.
Here's to gettin back on the bike, closing some of those unpleasant doors and submersing myself back in this place again!

Spinal Brap

2009-03-06T02:29:00.001-08:00

So, did this for a blog of a guy i know. It was nice. Then he sort of vanished off the face of the planet. I wanted to give you an update before i posted it here but since comms are down fuck it. Here it is! BBrrraap

Fourth time lucky? Oh, no.

2009-02-20T16:09:00.000-08:00