Ben Cormack
Encyclopedia
Ben Cormack is a British writer
and illustrator
. His books have sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide and have been translated into over ten languages.
is the first novel
written and illustrated by Ben Cormack. In early 2007 the London Library Development Agency promoted the book, which was made available for free download, as part of its first literacy campaign targeted at children and young adults. The book received over 25,000 downloads within the first year and achieved national recognition from The Independent
, N.U.T. magazine and Viz comic.
The book's protagonist, 'Egmo' is an ill-fated anti hero whose many eccentricities put him firmly out of step with the world. When he unearths the global domination plans of local would-be-criminal-mastermind Krapodkin he sets out on a fantastical mission to restore relative normality.
'Francis and Bunty', a short story set in the 'Story of Egmo' universe, was used to front the 2009 'Best Writer in the Universe' short story competition. It was narrated for the Story of Egmo podcast by popular comedian and BBC presenter Adam Buxton
.
The funny thing about books on cartooning is that they're usually not very funny. Cormack's is not only witty, but it's surprisingly well written and comprehensive. The first four chapters explore tools and equipment, drawing basic elements, inking and coloring techniques, and composition and layout. Each chapter contains tutorials that deal with different areas to practice. The tutorials are interspersed with "clinics" where common cartooning problems are highlighted and solutions suggested. The final chapter consists of a very useful gallery of work in a variety of styles from a wide range of professionals. Cormack's chapters on cartoons and computers, hand gestures, and cartoon heads and facing are especially good. You have to love an art instruction book that covers "Hygiene Tips" and "Making Good Your Screw-Ups." Highly recommended. - Library Journal
' cover artist Glen Fabry. Since its release in 2005 it has sold over 125,000 copies with distribution across five continents (in several language versions).
Ben hosts a weekly radio show on Saint FM.
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
and illustrator
Illustrator
An Illustrator is a narrative artist who specializes in enhancing writing by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text...
. His books have sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide and have been translated into over ten languages.
The Story of Egmo
The Story of EgmoThe Story of Egmo
The Story of Egmo is a popular ebook and audiobook by Ben Cormack originally available in late 2006. In early 2007 the London Library Development Agency promoted the book, which was made available for free download, as part of its first literacy campaign targeted at children and young adults...
is the first novel
Novel
A novel is a book of long narrative in literary prose. The genre has historical roots both in the fields of the medieval and early modern romance and in the tradition of the novella. The latter supplied the present generic term in the late 18th century....
written and illustrated by Ben Cormack. In early 2007 the London Library Development Agency promoted the book, which was made available for free download, as part of its first literacy campaign targeted at children and young adults. The book received over 25,000 downloads within the first year and achieved national recognition from The Independent
The Independent
The Independent is a British national morning newspaper published in London by Independent Print Limited, owned by Alexander Lebedev since 2010. It is nicknamed the Indy, while the Sunday edition, The Independent on Sunday, is the Sindy. Launched in 1986, it is one of the youngest UK national daily...
, N.U.T. magazine and Viz comic.
The book's protagonist, 'Egmo' is an ill-fated anti hero whose many eccentricities put him firmly out of step with the world. When he unearths the global domination plans of local would-be-criminal-mastermind Krapodkin he sets out on a fantastical mission to restore relative normality.
'Francis and Bunty', a short story set in the 'Story of Egmo' universe, was used to front the 2009 'Best Writer in the Universe' short story competition. It was narrated for the Story of Egmo podcast by popular comedian and BBC presenter Adam Buxton
Adam Buxton
Adam Offord Buxton is an English comedian and actor. With Joe Cornish, he forms one half of the duo Adam and Joe. The pair presented Adam and Joe on BBC 6 Music, whilst Buxton also presents his own show on 6 Music on Sundays, called Adam Buxton's Big Mix Tape, currently on hiatus.-Major work:His...
.
Cartoon Clinic
Cartoon clinic is an instruction drawing manual aimed at younger artists. Cartoon Clinic places more emphasis on narrative drive by using several fictional cartoon characters which lead the reader through the book whilst dispensing advice in an informal manner.The funny thing about books on cartooning is that they're usually not very funny. Cormack's is not only witty, but it's surprisingly well written and comprehensive. The first four chapters explore tools and equipment, drawing basic elements, inking and coloring techniques, and composition and layout. Each chapter contains tutorials that deal with different areas to practice. The tutorials are interspersed with "clinics" where common cartooning problems are highlighted and solutions suggested. The final chapter consists of a very useful gallery of work in a variety of styles from a wide range of professionals. Cormack's chapters on cartoons and computers, hand gestures, and cartoon heads and facing are especially good. You have to love an art instruction book that covers "Hygiene Tips" and "Making Good Your Screw-Ups." Highly recommended. - Library Journal
Anatomy for Fantasy Artists
Anatomy for Fantasy Artists is a technical reference book aimed at teaching the artist principles of anatomy, from musculature and skeletal structure through to movement. The book is a collaborative effort between Ben Cormack and noted 'PreacherPreacher
Preacher is a term for someone who preaches sermons or gives homilies. A preacher is distinct from a theologian by focusing on the communication rather than the development of doctrine. Others see preaching and theology as being intertwined...
' cover artist Glen Fabry. Since its release in 2005 it has sold over 125,000 copies with distribution across five continents (in several language versions).
Other work
Animated short 'The Child' won the 'Best Piece' Rafta animation award in 2003.Ben hosts a weekly radio show on Saint FM.