Monika Melnychuk Posters for 24 Hours of Light

"Ride all night long in the glow of the midnight sun" is the enticing caption to this year's 24 Hours of Light. This is a mountain biking event held each summer in the rugged wilderness of Whitehorse, Yukon. Mountain biking is one of Monika Melnychuk's biggest passions--illustration being the other.

When asked to create the posters for this event Monika tapped into her funky sense of style to illustrate some out of this world bike designs along with a couple kick-butt characters. Wild pops of color, original lettering, great expression and a serious sense of whimsy typifies Monika Melncyhuk's illustration.

Check out more of Monika Melnychuk's illustration. Represented by i2i Art Inc.

Monika Melnychuk for Owl Magazine

It always pays to be prepared! Owl Magazine, art directed by Jill Monsod, has put together a pretty handy guide to the 'great outdoors' for their Summer issue. i2i Art illustrator Monika Melnychuk knew quite a bit about this topic already, spending much of her leisure time biking through the backwood trails in Whitehorse, Canada.  

And Monika's illustrations give a humorous twist on those all too important survival lessons. Have a quick read and smile along the way as Monika's characters show us a thing or two about those great outdoors.

Monika Melnychuk for Owl Magazine
Monika Melnychuk for Owl Magazine
Monika Melnychuk for Owl Magazine
Monika Melnychuk for Owl Magazine

See more of Monika's endearing characters and illustrations. Monika Melnychuk is represented by i2i Art Inc.

Monika Melnychuk for Wine & Spirits Magazine

The Wine & Spirits 26th Annual Restaurant Poll is out this month with their famed list of the top 50 wines Americans love most. This year's cover showcases the elite bunch of sommeliers that help make these decisions.  The sophisticated playfulness of Monika Melnychuk's illustration style couldn't have been a better choice to capture the group's likeness.  

Armed with all the pics art director Michael Rush could get his hands on, Monika meticulously drew each somm's portrait, happily revealing a little (or a lot) of each personality and style.

Cover Wine & Spirits Featuring Monika Melnychuk Illustration
Cover Wine & Spirits Featuring Monika Melnychuk Illustration
Wine & Spirits Cover Featuring Monika Melnychuk
Wine & Spirits Cover Featuring Monika Melnychuk

Monika Melnychuck adds to the Naked Flock

Monika Melnychuk has designed and illustrated a delightful fourth sku for the growing Naked Flock brand.  The premium cider maker Jonathan Hull (aka Apple Dave) says, "Our Cider is for people who crave unique flavor and are on the hunt for quality." For the interesting story behind the brewers of the Naked Flock Brand, check out this post from the Great Brewers blog.  Read reviews about the new Citra Premium Hard Cider here.  And for those of you who missed our story on the first three skus of Naked Flock cider, check it out here.

Monika_Melnychuk_Naked_Flock_CitraTo see much more of Monika's illustration check out her portfolio here.

 

 

Monika Melnychuk for Canada Post: Adopt-A-Pet Campaign

  We are excited to unveil this special postage stamp series created by Monika Melnychuk for Canada Post.  Monika's whimsical line art style serves this playful concept, which features photography of actual homeless pets, in environments that could become reality--if only they are adopted.  A brilliant example where the concept is the message!  The would-be homes for these pets, are left up to the viewer to fill in, by adopting a pet!

Working with Vancouver based design firm, Subplot, Monika illustrated the collectable Souvenir Sheet, Official First Day Cover, as well as the Five  Collectable Stamps for Canada Post's Adopt-A-Pet campaign.

It's great to see Canada Post using their currency to help bring awareness to such an important cause.  In 2010, close to 150,000 homeless pets were admitted to shelters across Canada. Partnering with the CFHS, Canada Post wanted to create awareness around the need for animal lovers to adopt from their local Humane Society or SPCA, and give homes to animals who so desperately need them. As of today, April 22 2013, the full package below can be purchased through Canada Post--the collectable Souvenir Sheet Official First Day Cover, complete with all five Canadian stamps.

CdaPost_Adoption_stamp_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart
CdaPost_Adoption_stamp_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart

Project Director: Danielle Trottier, Canada Post.

Designer, Ross Chandler, of Subplot.

Creative Directors: Roy White and Matthew Clark of Subplot Inc.

Photography by: Raeff Miles (cages) and Raina + Wilson (animals).

Monika Melnychuk for Naked Flock

  i2i Art was approached by cider maker Jonathan Hull of Applewood Winery to have Monika Melnychuk create new packaging for their Hudson Valley Hard Cider, which was to be relaunched under the new name, Naked Flock.  The product name was inspired by a very colorful, visual folk tale about a pastor who plants some poppy seeds and a flock of geese who eat the poppies and fall into a deep sleep.   Thought dead the geese are plucked for their feathers--hence the name Naked Flock.  Read the whole tale on Applewood Winery's website.

Monika says, "This is one of my favorite projects to date.  And the first project I have been hired to do the illustration and design as well.  Naked Geese?  The story is hilarious, so when I approached the project I wanted to create something funny, but a bit edgy as well."

Monika designed the logo and labels and illustrated all three skus of Naked Flock Hard Cider:  Original, Draft and Pumpkin.

Naked_Flock_Pumpkin_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart
Naked_Flock_Pumpkin_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart
Naked_Flock_Draft_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart

Naked_Flock_Draft_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart

Naked_Flock_Original_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart
Naked_Flock_Original_©MonikaMelnychuk_i2iart

Happy Howlidays from Monika Melnychuk!

  After illustrating the Dogbook app, Monika Melnychuk was asked by Geoffrey Roche, of Poolhouse Enterprises, to dress up the dogs for the 'howlidays'!  Monika had tons of fun doing the illustrations (cards designed by Poolhouse).  To check out the poodle sporting a string of holiday bling to the mischievous gift ripping duo, and the adorable Chiuaua aka"Rudolph's brother from another mother", click here to get to visit the Dogbook Facebook page (and while you're there go ahead and send a free e-card to your favorite 'pet'!).

Dogbook Holiday Card illustrations ©Monika Melnychuk/i2iart
Dogbook Holiday Card illustrations ©Monika Melnychuk/i2iart

Monika Melnychuk for Dogbook iPhone App.

Monika says, "I have been a dog geek forever.  When I was a teenager I drew x-mas and birthday cards with dogs.  Then I worked dogs into any assignment I could.  For example in first year illustration we had to design a shopping bag and mine of course, was all dogs. Before I became an illustrator I tried being a dog portrait artist.  Wow, I am a nerd, but I just love dogs!"  Fast forward... Geoffrey Roche, partner at Poolhouse, saw some of Monika's dog drawings and he had to have her illustrate the landing page for the new Dogbook iPhone App.  Can you spot *your* dog?  If you're looking to connect with like minded doggie lovers get the free app here. Also below, see a recent piece on the theme, created for surface design applications.

Dogbook_iphone_app
Dogbook_iphone_app

We think it would make a cool wallpaper or fabric for your favorite dog house.

©MM621_dogsPAINTED
©MM621_dogsPAINTED

Monika and her dog Boogaloo share a breathtaking moment in their beautiful world.

Monika_Melnychuk_and_Boogaloo
Monika_Melnychuk_and_Boogaloo

Monika Melnychuk for Marquis Wine Cellar

This was a super fun project for the Marquis Wine Cellar, a specialty wine store in Vancouver, BC. They wanted to show off Vancouver's amazing attractions and culture with a twist. So, we had wine be a part of each illustration. From downhill skis in the shape of wine bottles to Inukshuk's holding wine glasses. The art featured on the van creates an eye catching 'out-of-home' advertisement for Marquis.