Category Archives: Typography

Loving this alphabet series of city maps created by Chicago-based illustrator and designer, Katie Lukes. The maps were created for the ‘36daysoftype’ challenge. The artist has an affinity for celebrating everyday objects and scenarios within her work. On Creative Income blog she says this about her work process:

“They almost always start out as a simple sketch. Even before that though, I keep a small moleskin with me at all times and I always jot down random illustration/card ideas in there before I sketch. My illustrations aren’t too complex, so the sketching usually involves working out unique yet simplistic ways to represent my idea. After the sketches are worked out, I sometimes decide to use paint or ink to recreate the sketch, and then I scan everything in to my computer. Depending on the illustration, the amount of work I do digitally from the scan varies.”

More of her work can be viewed on her website, Behance and Instagram.  

Images:  Courtesy of Katie Lukes.

Josie Portillo is a prolific illustrator based in Los Angeles.  She has created illustrations for a variety of clients but today we are focusing on her illustrated alphabets.  The artist is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design receiving a BFA in illustration.  She draws inspiration from mid century design, vintage children’s animation, folk art, nature and traveling.  On an interview with Red Cap Cards she says this about inspiration: 

“Reading is important to me, and is a big source of inspiration. I’m also inspired by some of the travels I’ve done and a lot of what I do is based on memories of experiences I’ve had and places, people, and things I’ve seen. As far as reference goes, I was looking at a lot of 1950’s children’s books when I was in college – I think a lot of the simplistic shapes of that era stuck with me.”

Learn more about the artist on her website, Behance and Instagram.

Images:  Courtesy of Josie Portillo.