2025 | Editorial
| Professional
- pronoun
he/him - Why did you create this work?
I was invited to create a series of illustrations for Politico Europe, illustrating the feature article on “Putin’s sanctions-busting shadow fleet” spilling oil all over the world without consequence. Inspired by vintage Russian propaganda posters, taking cues on the graphic use of form and limited colour palettes, I went on to create a three part illustration in my handcrafted multi-layered papercut style, viewing the tankers from various dramatic angles carving slicks of oil in their wake. - How were your illustrations used?
The illustrations were used for both the print and digital editions of Politico Europe, appearing on the printed cover, as well as within the main article. The illustration was also beautifully animated by Plastic Horse and used on the Politico Europe homepage, as well as on their social media platforms. - What materials and techniques did you use?
The illustrations were drawn up in Adobe Illustrator and then artworked for cutting – handcrafted out of sheets of paper, using foamboard to add depth between the layers. The layered paper artworks were photographed in my studio using natural light and the final images retouched in Photoshop. - Was this project commissioned?
Commissioned - Commissioner Name
Arnau Busquets - Commissioner Company
Politico - Commissioner Instagram
@politicoeurope - Agent
Grand Matter - Agent Instagram
@grandmatter_ - College / University
University of Brighton - Course and graduation date
Graphic Design, 2008 - Personal Website or Portfolio Link
owengildersleeve.com/
- Instagram
@owengildersleeve - Biography
Owen Gildersleeve is a multi-award-winning artist known for his expertise in handcrafted illustration, captivating set design, and visionary art direction. With a distinctive style refined over 15 years, Owen brings graphic designs to life through meticulous hand-cut layers of paper. His expertise spans from intricate illustrations and animations to expansive sets, window displays, and installations, collaborating with such esteemed clients as Apple, BAFTA, The New York Times, Penguin and NASA. - Where are you currently based?
United Kingdom (UK)
