Hasta La Ideas

London-based illustrator Stephen Cheetham has been experimenting with 3D design for his latest range of products – a charming set of Friendly Faces.

The faces are made from laser-cut sheets of coloured acrylic, which Cheetham has stuck together to create one of five characters.

There’s Dora (top); Coco the Clown:

Pablo:

The unfortunately named Gimp:

And the aptly named Spots:

Each face is limited edition, costs £100 and is available to buy on Cheetham’s website.

“I’ve always had an urge to see my work in 3D – I studied product design at university with the illustration coming once I graduated, so it’s nice to do 3D work when i can. The use of layered acrylic to create these pieces came from a conversation between myself and my girlfriend at a gallery opening last year,” he explains.

Represented by illustration agency Handsome Frank, Cheetham has produced some brilliant illustrations for clients including Waitrose, the Guardian, Nike, Bloomberg, Google and BA.

He also produced this for the September 2012 issue of Creative Review:

And releases a different illustration each day on his Tumblr site.

Through clean lines, bold colour and his use of humour, Cheetham has developed an instantly recognisable signature style, and is inspired by cartoons, toys and characters from his childhood.

“The Mr. Men series of characters and playmobil were both big parts of my early childhood, as they were for a lot of children, and they seem to have stuck with me,” he adds.

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The July issue of Creative Review is a type special, with features on the Hamilton Wood Type Museum, the new Whitney identity and the resurgence of type-only design. Plus the Logo Lounge Trend Report, how Ideas Foundation is encouraging diversity in advertising and more