Sayaka Yamamoto's recent Kitchen Insects collection is a graphic illustration of imaginary insects that would not be out of place in a children's book or animated series. The collection is part of Yamamoto's Little Wonders' series, described here by the designer: "When I was little I lived in the countryside, very close to the world of insects. I always enjoyed watching their many different shapes, colors and behavior - sometimes they made me scared and sometimes fascinated me. After I moved away from my parents' house to the big city, I was seeing less insects and I almost started forgetting the great times I spent with them. In Little Wonders I evoke the same feeling as I had in my childhood and express those feelings in four different ways ..."

Artist: Sayaka Yamamoto
+ sayakayamamoto.com

Relax, have fun, take a nap.

Artist: Lisa Evans
+ firefluff.blogspot.com

Peace on earth and goodwill to all.

Artist: Lisa Evans
+ firefluff.blogspot.com

This delightful illustration by Lisa Evans for Country Living reminds us that the hush that comes upon late December 24 is a moment of peace we all need. It's time to tie up all those loose ends: presents still need wrapping (and hiding!), some food needs popping into the oven and where are all those lists? Or perhaps the loose ends are behind us and it's time to make a toast to loved ones before settling in under heavy, cosy covers and waiting for the magic to come.

Artist: Lisa Evans
+ firefluff.blogspot.com

Si Scott is an illustrator who works almost exclusively in pen and pencil. Swirls and great detail make up Scott's signature style. The image above is a piece called Babel, which was created as a poster on the theme of God for Don't Panic magazine. The theme was wide open, so Scott chose a verse from the book of Genesis. ("God punished their audacity by confounding their language to prevent them from communicating with one another and they were dispersed throughout the world." Gen 11:1-9.) Catch the Don't Panic interview for more Si Scott.

Artist: Si Scott
+ dontpaniconline.com

Kimberly Baker's series of Olympic posters makes use of the traditional colours and formation of the familiar logo. But instead of rings, Baker uses symbols that reflect social ills of which she is critical, such as homelessness, a major problem in parts of Vancouver. When she was getting the work printed she was told that the use of the Olympic logo made her posters illegal. Was this true? Well, it seems that she can be as critical as she wants, but when it comes to the use of the term "Vancouver 2010,"artists do indeed have to be careful. Read the article on Baker's website.

Artist: Kimberly Baker
+ kimberlybaker.ca

Hannah Stouffer's illustrations are fantastical and intricate depictions of animals, nature, femininity, luxury and darkness. This grand array is full of swirls and spirals in the form of writhing snakes, flowing tresses, ram's horns, the curve of a spine, the back of a horse's neck, entangled branches and more. There is nothing sickly sweet about this fantasy.

Artist: Hannah Stouffer
+ grandarray.com

Yesterday we looked at paintings by Miguel Ornia-Blanco, and today we have some illustrations, having been completely bowled over by the Striped Stress Snacker. As Migy puts it, "This big old bird has a stressful job selling insurance. People in the office are always buying cookies and muffins and this bird just can't say no." All too recognizable. Bus Number 253 to Hackney might also be recognizable, but perhaps to fewer people. And face it, we've all enjoyed our own favorite Voodoo Jazz outfits.

Artist: Miguel Ornia-Blanco
+ migy.com

+ 826la.org

Artist: Samantha Hahn
+ samanthahahn.com

Artist: Lisa Bengtsson
+ lisabengtsson.se