Handsome Futures x Grace Park
Handsome Future is an initiative that we set up in late 2012 which aims to help one emerging artist develop their portfolio. This year we are delighted to introduce Grace Park, an illustration graduate from the ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena, California, and winner of the 2021 SAA Agents’ Award for New Talent.
Handsome Frank co-founder Jon Cockley explains:
“We’re constantly approached by artists who want advice and guidance on how to improve their chances of being a successful commercial illustrator. Unfortunately, it’s just not possible to help everyone so we decided to pick one promising artist and invest some significant time and energy into helping shape their talents and giving them direction.”
“Hi! My name is Grace Park. I am a freelance illustrator with a BFA in Illustration from ArtCenter College of Design. I enjoy making images that are relatable to others, and I strive to tell stories that console people and bring warmth into their lives.”
A big thank you to the panel of judges at SAA (Society of Artists; Agents)- Christine Isteed from Artist Partners, Trina Wymandski from Phosphor Art along with our very own Jon. Grace was a firm favourite with all of the judges... as you can see from the quotes below;
Trina: "Judging the New Talent was a challenging but very enjoyable task. Fortunately we all agreed on the winner - Grace Park. I loved the detail and sense of design, plus the beautiful colour palette, and it was great to see illustration work used in an interesting way printed onto silk. The standard was very high but Grace’s talent stood out so she is a very deserving winner!"
Christine: "Impressive work submitted to us for judging on the AOI/WIA - SAA New Talent Award. Between us we comfortably made our selection of the winner, and the talented shortlisted selection of artists. Beautifully presented ideas and cleverly conceptualised, it was an enjoyable task! Our winning entry by Grace Park was a popular and outright favourite, the beautiful palette and detail and the original idea which was printed on silk was totally unique.”
Grace's prize will be six month’s mentoring and career development with Handsome Frank, during which we hope to find her some live working briefs.
As Cockley explains: “The idea is for the chosen illustrator to be working on active client briefs from day one. Our previous winners include Thomas Danthony who went on to work with clients including The Royal Mail, The New Yorker, Hennessy, The English National Opera and Penguin, as well as Cannes Lion and D&AD winning advertising campaigns."
Grace Park is also available for commissions with immediate effect. Please email hello@handsomefrank.com for more information.