International Dylan Thomas Day

I had the honour of being asked to design the logo and posters for this year's International Dylan Day by poet Mab Jones, this year's organiser. I was given free reign to do what I wanted but was asked to concentrate more on the younger Dylan Thomas and, in particular, the photographs taken by Nora Summers.

I produced a lot of sketches of Dylan Thomas and once I'd achieved a look I was happy with I tried to abstract it. I use a brush to draw with and I wanted the sketch to have a calligraphic and lyrical look. I tried different brushes and papers (including Japanese calligraphy paper until I got the look I was after).

Despite the artwork needing to be produced digitally I needed the original image to be created as traditionally as possible. Each layer was created using brush, ink and paint (and in some cases painted on acetate) and combined in Photoshop. All the lettering on the posters was written by hand (a bigger task than normal as all posters and logos were required in English and Welsh).

It's a pleasure to see my Dylan Day posters out and about and across social media. A real honour to be associated with an artist of Thomas' stature (especially as a Welsh illustrator). Details about the day itself can be found HERE and the event kicks off with sand artist Marc Treanor recreating my portrait of Thomas on the beach at New Quay. I can't wait to see this! If you'd like to learn more about Dylan Thomas before the day itself I recommend the excellent "Set Fire To The Stars" film starring Celyn Jones and Elijah Wood.

Prints of my Dylan Thomas portrait can be bought from my online shop.