Russell Walker – Creative

Narrated by Dr. Mark Doherty, with foreword by Brian Grimwood.

Scribble is exclusively available by e mailing [email protected] £20.00 inclusive of postage and packing

Review by Marianna Madriz

Illustrator, Designer and Educator Russell Walker has marked 30 years of professional practice with the release of Scribble, a limited edition book accounting his career from his college years up until the present day.

AOI Patron Brian Grimwood (one of Walker’s mentors) names him ‘the king of lateral thinking’, a fit description for an Illustrator whose conceptual solutions have helped shape commissions for IBM, Oxfort University Press, Live aid and EMI Records over the course of his fruitful journey.

The book provides a thorough glimpse on Walker’s creative journey, detailing his many inspirations and briefs undertaken throughout his studies. AOI Patrons and member organisations such as Ian Pollock, George Hardie, Central Illustration Agency and even the AOI receive a significant mention in the publication, especially those who tutored him during his formative years.

The trajectory further includes his first commissions and multiple endeavours to reach the visual look that defines him today: simple, bold, striking and colourful. Sketches, works in progress, roughs and development for cancelled projects (such as a rebranding for Lacoste!) form altogether a great part of the book.

Although the written tone makes it hard to grip the attention of its readers, the production and design of the book is of a high standard; All content is presented chronologically, structured in a way that is very easy for the eye to follow. Russell’s words are always found on the right columns of the page, and it’s always interesting to read his own personal perspective on a specific project or a defining moments of his long practice.

Many creatives will identify themselves with Russell: the process to find a personal voice, the hard work that goes into self promotion, the transition from education to work and then back to education. The book will appeal to freelancers and students alike. Whilst it may be a specially inspiring resource to Illustrators with design sensibilities, it will appeal to all those who endeavour to discover proactive Illustrators with a great history behind them.

We look forward in seeing the new projects Russell creates in the future.

Other reviews you may be interested in:

Yellow

Design Thinking for Visual Communication

Understanding Illustration