2025 | Design Product & Packaging
| New Talent
- pronoun
He/him/they/them - Why did you create this work?
Bits & Boobs is a line of soft toys devised in my last year of University.
The brief required me to explore the theme of identity: having been fascinated with the quirkiness and creative diversity of the human body, I created a gang of unashamedly naked characters. Their gender can only be speculated, and they leave plenty of space for uncomfortable questions: why is their – and therefore our – nudity sexualised? Are we not all odd, saggy assemblages of bits, boobs, and hair? - How were your illustrations used?
Babs, Bea, Biq, Bo, Boba and Blu – the first prototypes – followed me to my degree show and were used as a tool to prompt reflections surrounding queerness and identity in my dissertation. They became part of my exploration into working three-dimensionally, as well as my wish to use illustration to engage critically with themes of bodies, identities, gender and sexuality with a pinch of humour. - What materials and techniques did you use?
All prototypes were firstly designed on paper, their skin tone and details screen printed onto fabric, and finally sewn together by hand. They were photographed with the lovely support of my colleagues, posing for the pictures with their favourite character. - Was this project commissioned?
Un-commissioned / Self-initiated - Personal Website or Portfolio Link
ikethetike.co.uk/
- Instagram
@ike.the.tike - Biography
Ike the Tike is a creative mischief-maker and illustrator. He loves everything wobbly, weird, silly and queer.
Ike recently completed their BA Illustration degree from Nottingham Trent University and is currently in search for more opportunities to spread havoc all over the land. - Where are you currently based?
United Kingdom (UK)
