Above, European Panda by Bex Glover, reproduced by permission of European Panda.
European Panda, a ‘zine project exploring black and white illustration, has been put together by Joel Millerchip, Chris Nunn and Chris Plowman. We’ve covered the project in the ‘Zeitgeist’ section of issue 12 of Digital Artist (on sale 9th September 2010), but as any dedicated reader knows, we love our pandas here at DA, so we caught up with the guys to find out a little more…
What is European Panda?
European Panda is a blog, a small ‘zine press and a project house that specialises in and promotes black and white illustration, graphic design, and art.
Who are the illustrators behind it?
European Panda was thought up by black and white illustrator Joel Millerchip and created with help from artist Chris Nunn and our very own creative hero Chris Plowman. We all come from very different backgrounds which helps to keep the vibe here at Panda HQ ‘lo-fi and lovely’ (our favourite saying at the moment!).
Where did the idea for European Panda come from?
Joel wanted to create a small ‘zine press that created ‘zines based on black and white illustrators from around Europe, giving them a platform to showcase their creative talents, and create something which is darkly beautiful and simply printed. After a few emails and phone calls we have been lucky enough to bag some hugely talented artists for our first ‘zine called “Lost Milk” which is planned for release late September.
What do you want people to do?
We want people to design and create a European Panda. The one and only rule is it must be black and white.
What media can they use?
Anything at all. We have had submission enquiries from screen printers, doodlers, vector artists, and a few crafty types that want to create plush toys.
What kind of artwork and subject matter can they submit?
Any kind of artwork is acceptable, we would just like pandas of all shapes and sizes and from all over the world; we want to do what most Pandas find tricky, and procreate! Creating pandas for the world! Create your piece, take a picture and email it across to us!
Why black and white?
Because it is a beautiful thing… illustration in its earliest, simplest form and in print terms the cheapest form, which ties in with the ‘zine ethic.
Where should they send it and in what format?
As long as it’s black and white…..Any which way they like. You can post it, email it, or if it’s huge we can meet up and take some photos of it and then have a nice natter and a brew. For first contact you can email us at europeanpanda@ymail.com
How will it be presented?
European Panda submissions would be presented on the website www.europeanpanda.co.uk (coming soon) and on our flickr account. All art work will be titled and linked to the artist’s website.
And finally; is it true pandas do handstands when they wee?
…We believe that statement to be factually incorrect. How could a panda do a handstand and hold a newspaper at the same time?!
To submit your work to European Panda, visit www.flickr.com/photos/europeanpandapress or tweet the guys on @EUROPEAN_PANDA if you have a question.
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