One of the fun aspects of illustrating for the new basecamp.com marketing site is getting assignments from Jamie, Jason, and Mig. One of my favorite briefs I got was “can you illustrate browser trouble?”
Upon getting art requests, I usually search to see if there’s a standardized image for the concept. In this case I didn’t find any imagery that rose to the level of iconic, or was particularly interesting or clear. I opted to start from scratch.
Hmmm, browser trouble…
Broken windows, bugs, injuries, cracked screens, dizzy people? I drew a page of visual brainstorms and posted it on our Basecamp project.
Whoever assigns me a drawing—in this case, Jamie—reviews my explorations and then ask me to flesh out one of the directions. Jamie liked the guy with the computer head and suggested that there be a browser window with a frown face.
I drew up another page with color.
With that, Jamie got back to me with “Awesome.”
I waited to see how the image would be implemented. Working with the Basecamp design team is great for me because I’m not particularly strong in Photoshop or Illustrator—those guys are all ninjas. I like to draw, and that is how my time is spent most efficiently.
Usually I have no idea how the images are going to be used until they are implemented live on the website, which is fine by me. I like the surprise of finding a fully rendered web page with my drawings.
Hopefully it is a page you will never have to find.
Michael
on 08 Mar 14I really like it! I would like to see the red/yellow screen show up sometime, too.
Robert
on 08 Mar 14Great branding. what kinda tools do you use?
Is this your first time working with a software company?
Nate Otto
on 08 Mar 14@Robert I tend to use Micron pens and Tombo brush markers, because they work well on wood, a surface I draw on frequently. They are also available in pretty much every art store so it is easy to find replacements. I have illustrated previously for a software company—this one! I illustrated the Basecamp Breeze site, and some other work here and there. The bulk of my output is not as an illustrator but as an “artist.” I enjoy the challenges of illustration, though, and I especially enjoy working with Basecamp.
Drazen Mokic
on 09 Mar 14I like it. Even though it is about having troubles, it has a touch of friendliness.
@Nate An illustrator is no less an artist than a painter or musician. I think what you mean is that the bulk of your work is done on paper if i didn’t misunderstand you.
How long did the whole process take?
GeeIWonder
on 09 Mar 14I’ll confess I don’t really get the computer/browser head thing. It seems a bit derivative and not especially intuitive.
I don’t love the result, but again thanks a lot for the process, which I think is very cool.
Ryan
on 09 Mar 14Reminds me of Chrome’s “Aw snap!” image which has always appealed to me.
Nate Otto
on 09 Mar 14@ Drazen Illustration is not lesser than fine art, but it is fundamentally different. These illustrations were done on paper, as is some of my art, but the objective is not the same. I take very few illustration jobs. I only do illustration when it is for a company I believe in and working with people I enjoy, as is the case with Basecamp. The rest of the time I draw and paint whatever I want.
Serkan
on 11 Mar 14Designing and developing are different types of professions and it should be. Thank you for very friendly and cool design.
Serkan http://www.infinpixels.com
Phil
on 12 Mar 14These images really ease up the page.
RAM
on 12 Mar 14How do you survive financialy? Do barely make rent!
Nate Otto
on 12 Mar 14@RAM Contrary to popular belief, selling art can be a legit business.
RAM
on 12 Mar 14Many artists I know are struggling, and working part time to pay rent. maybe you sold that painting for one million after all :-)
@RAM
on 13 Mar 14You could actually change that statement to be…
Many are struggling, and working part time to pay rent.
Its not just artists or any one profession experiencing this. However, people who possess talent and drive are doing fine, for the most part.
This discussion is closed.