Walk the Contemporary Graphic Art Fair – Supergraph!

In design forums there is a keen interest in trade shows. When you’ve never had a booth before, it’s always a good thing to hear what others do that works well. At Supergraph, Contemporary Graphic Art Fair held in the Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne this month, I paid particular attention to the best decorated booths and the way illustrators showcased their wares. It made a difference having an attractive display; some artworks in and of themselves.

I interviewed the most creative booth owners on my phone and put together a short clip to share as I thought it would benefit others. It was so much fun and all were happy to oblige. I have credited those filmed. Most of us a little awkward or shy in front of the camera, but not too obvious.

Warning: I have never done this before and promise to turn my phone around next time! Take a look inside Supergraph and see some of the creative and unusual ideas there – complete with a very cute blooper. And please give me a like on Youtube if you enjoy it!

Video Art Showcase: Illustrators and designers share there display booths at Supergraph Melbourne February 2015

I was represented on the Illustrators Australia Showcase. I popped in to say hello and found myself helping out with handmade business cards as they had run out.

Illustrators Australia at Supergraph
Illustrators Australia business cards on the fly! Is that a run of 1/20 or 1/30 limited editions from me?

Me with my print, Koala Hugs (limited run soon available on my website)

My print, Koala Hugs displayed with Illustrators Australia at Supergraph

In collaboration with Yarra Trams and The City Of Melbourne, Supergraph held an Instagram competition of which I was runner up. This is my entry.

Yarra Trams, City Of Melbourne and Supergraph Competition: Trams to Supergraph
Yarra Trams, City Of Melbourne and Supergraph Competition: Trams to Supergraph

Face O Mat joined Supergraph with his quirky portrait booth.  I think it would be fair to say, participants paid a small fee for the entertainment experience rather than a portrait of any resemblance. The machine installation spat out an rather unusual but fun result.

Face-O-mat at Supergraph Design Show, Melbourne February 2015
Face-O-mat at Supergraph Design Show, Melbourne February 2015

The Royal Exhibition Buildings in Melbourne are worth seeing; beautifully decorated and maintained.

Interior of the Royal Exhibition Buildings - Supergraph Contemporary Graphic Art Fair
Interior of the Royal Exhibition Buildings
Interior of the Royal Exhibition Buildings - Supergraph Contemporary Graphic Art Fair
Interior of the Royal Exhibition Buildings

The paper arch installation made interesting abstract photos.

Supergraph paper arch installation
Supergraph paper arch installation
Supergraph paper arch installation
Supergraph paper arch installation

Browsing the Supergraph favorite picks wall, I mistakenly thought you filled out the little scrap of paper to win one of the paintings. I picked one by Ian Mutch, titled Grow. It wasn’t until I handed my slip in at the desk, the lady asked if I wanted to pay cash or credit card. I then realised my vote didn’t count. You can take a better look here: http://www.ianmutch.com/prints/grow

Supergraph picks and my own from that wall: Ian Mutch, Grow
Supergraph picks and my own from that wall: Ian Mutch, Grow

It was Valentine’s Day. I was reading the wall of statements on Before I Kick The Bucket installation when a young man wrote Make a family with the woman of my dreams. I wondered if he hadn’t found her and was sad for him. Then I saw her melting over his dedication – so sweet!

Supergraph 2015 - Before I Kick The Bucket wall
Supergraph 2015 – Before I Kick The Bucket wall
Valentine on the Before I Kick The Bucket wall, Supergraph 2015 -
Valentine note on the Before I Kick The Bucket wall, Supergraph 2015

Redbubble had a live painting installation where a group of cousins could be scribbled on and they created an art piece once finished. I left a little random bird doodle behind with the words, Born to FLY. Their photographer took a few photos of me scribbling away. Redbubble also created the OZ Lounge Area where we had beds to lounge on.

I was impressed with the quality of their products too. I had a feel of the fabric and it was so thick! The printing was great. I am looking forward to setting up some products through them soon even more now.

Redbubble at Supergraph Design Show, Melbourne February 2015
Redbubble at Supergraph Design Show, Melbourne February 2015

Wood engraver, David Frazer was working away on very intricate wood blocks. I was fascinated. The process was kindly explained to me and part of me wanted to race off and try it! David has one-day workshops running in May 2015 in Castlemaine – very tempting!

Wood engraver, David Frazer at Supergraph 2015
Wood engraver, David Frazer at Supergraph 2015
The Drawing Olympics at Supergraph
The Drawing Olympics at Supergraph

The was lots more going on. The agencies had some gorgeous works too, some of artists I follow on Instagram. I could go on and on but you’ll have to go yourself next year and see for yourself 🙂

http://www.supergraph.com.au/


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