Illustration Rally Ganbare Nippon: Japan Tsunami Appeal

We all remember like yesterday the terrible morning when we woke up and on TV were the devastating images of the big earthquake and the tsunamis that stroked Japan more than a month ago.

I got friends in Japan and immediately I was worried for them, it was unbelievable the images and videos over the Internet and the news, shocking!

A wonderful illustrator I have met in twitter and who runs Illustration Rally Natsuki Otani is from Japan and my thoughts were with her as well, She was comprehensible upset and feeling powerless in front of this tragedy that was affecting her country, She has the brilliant idea to run a rally for Japan to give them courage to keep going. The rally was a success and I think she is very thankful with each of us who support the idea and create a piece for Ganbare Nippon, which means don't give up Japan!

This is my little contribution to Illustration Rally, I wish all the best to people in Japan they are a strong community and I'm sure they will keep stronger and move on. :)

Here is also a link to a friend's blog about his experience of the tragedy. The blog of Loz Blackman 

Illustration and Design Blogs I follow for inspiration!

Like many of you illustrators and designers out there, I love to wake up in the morning and check my favourite design inspirational blogs. Of course I don't have the time to do it everyday but I would love to share with you all the lovely ones I have discovered .

We have Creative boom blog  part of Creative Boom  The site is run solely by Katy Cowan from Cheshire along with husband Tom and brother Alex, Interesting site updated everyday with the latest in design, Illustration, Advertising, photography and much more.  You can follow them in Twitter @Creative_Boom

Tigerprint  was formed in 1996 to supply exclusive cards and wrapping to M&S. In their blog they usually run competitions, the winner will get £200 and the possibility of a placement at Tigerprint studio. I would love to work for them.

Print and Pattern is a blog that focus on printed surface pattern. textiles, cards, gift wrap, stationery, wallpaper, tableware, books, illustration, etc.

Pikaland The "IT" blog for illustration, lovely cute and easy to read, features many many wonderful illustrators.

Book by its cover by Julia Rothman, she created the blog to share with us all her beautiful discoveries, lovely books and illustrations to be found, and a plus she is also an illustrator and pattern designer.

Creatures comfort is a beautiful blog where Ez collect all her inspirations and share them it with the outside world, There is also a section of projects and freebies, come on what are you waiting for?

Made by Girl by Jen Ramos. Is a blog featuring art, interior design, food, fashion, etc.  this blog is so inspirational, you can find anything from art prints to how to DIY your own furniture or spaces at home.

They draw and cook I discover this blog last year as part of my research for a university project, absolutely fantastic idea by Couple Nate and Salli. You can submit your illustrated recipes or look around for some yummy ones. i was meant to submit mine but never did.. Oh well I think I still have time.

Drawn Daily blog featuring  illustration, animation, comics.

Illustration Mundo run by amazing and talented illustrator, screen printer and hand letter Nate Williams.

Escape From Illustration Island  Here you can find Weekly audio podcast interviews with professionals, Portfolio workshops, tutorials, Interesting articles, a resource library with over 200 links. Run by Thomas James

Illustration Rally A blog featuring  international collaboration which takes a theme and runs with it. Illustration rally is run by the amazing Natsuki Otani.

Illustration Friday It is a weekly illustration challenge. A topic is posted every Friday and then participants have all week to come up with their own interpretation.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do, next week blogs I love.