Michi Mathias. illustration & comics.
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Who wants a boring business card? Not Yangalang

26/7/2015

4 Comments

 
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Recently I received a request for the funniest commission ever:  

"For our business card we would like an illustration showing a few steps on how to wash a finger puppet."

What could I say? What fun! The client was a wonderfully enthusiastic performing arts student at university, just starting a new theatre company with her friend. The two had already been booked at a small festival, and although I hadn't a clue as to what finger puppets have to do with their act (if anything!) I loved the quirky challenge of this. 

They wanted to make square business cards, so I thought four steps the optimum to fit the tiny space, show enough information, and be clear.  Despite the size restriction, I drafted a rough sketch with two puppets rather than one, to help the key image stand out better; they were very happy with this as they're a duo. (I hadn't even thought of that aspect!) I decided to simplify things to show only one hand in each step since both hands, as naturally used in real life, would feel cluttered and make it harder to see what's going on. 

So, what kind of theatre company wants finger puppet washing instructions on the back of their cards? As they told me, they'd had quite a few puzzled faces when trying to describe the concept, and were truly grateful that I'd got it and didn't think they were crazy.

They are a comedy duo called Yangalang, using "absurd humour and physical theatre" and aiming to engage and challenge audiences. I haven't had a chance to see their shows yet but that sounds good to me!  And I wish them the very best of luck as they're off to the Edinburgh fringe next month. 



4 Comments
Richard Pettitt link
27/7/2015 11:34:05 am

Michi, this piece is so accomplished! Fantastic! Love the way the rabbit's ear flops over in the third panel, and back again in the fourth. An example of the detailed thought that went into this. And you're right, limiting each image to one hand avoids cluttering.

Reply
Michi
27/7/2015 03:11:34 pm

Thanks so much! Really nice to hear - esp coming from an artist such as yourself!

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Katherine link
25/8/2015 09:58:46 am

Love this Michi, fantastic illustrations - what a great business card!

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Kaye link
20/4/2021 08:00:43 am

Share your contacts and socials with others instantly. Tap your Blue Smart Card on someone’s smartphone and they’ll instantly be able to accept your details into their contacts. Besides standard contact details, you can share all social app pages and websites. Work and social – you get to choose.

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Michi Mathias     illustration & comics    

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