Red Nose Studio illustrated for Microsoft’s recently launched Windows 7 operating system. Microsoft tapped Los Angeles-based design and advertising agency, 72 and Sunny, to commission 12 artists from around the world to create unique wallpaper designs that allow users to customize their desktops.

The artists, who were asked to create art that was light, energetic, inspiring and optimistic, include Klaus Happaniemi, Punga, Yuko Kondo, Nanospore, Pomme Chan, Kustaa Saksi, Adhemas Batista, Kat Leuzinger, Kai and Sunny, Nan na Hvaas and Osmand Nosse. Check out the 72 and Sunny website to see their work.

Ana Bagayan illustrated for the Spring 2010 Running Shoe Guide in the March issue of Runner’s World. Ana joins a line of great illustrators, including Magnet’s Nate Williams and Red Nose Studio, that have illustrated for the popular feature in past issues.

Catalina Estrada was one of 18 prominent female artists invited to design a 3-inch Dunny for their new Dunny Fatale series. Some are cute and sweet, others are bold and cruel, but all are irresistible. Each figurine includes a trading card and comes in a blind-box featuring Catalina’s illustrations. Keep an eye out for their super mystery figures not shown on the box. In the past, they’ve even included hand made one-of-a-kind figures by famous artists!

Other artists in this innovative series include Alex Anderson, KLOR, CW, Aiko, Kathie Olivas, Wendi Koontz, Koralie, Baroness, Anna Chambers, Amanda Visell, Amy Ruppel, Julie West, Toofly, Junko Mizuno, Aya Kakeda, Tara McPherson and Sara Varon.

Catalina Estrada illustrated for Brazilian author Paulo Coelho’s Inspirations 2010 diary. The agenda is a follow-up to 2009’s Joy diary and features a unique illustration for each month alongside quotes taken from the author’s best-loved titles, insights drawn from articles and previously unpublished works. Inspirations is published by Barcelona-based literary agency, Sant Jordi Asociados, and is available in 19 countries.

Marguerite Sauvage’s illustrations can be seen in the trailer for Cover Girl, a new game by Ubisoft for Sony’s PlayStation Portable. Designed for active young woman, Cover Girl is like your own customizable magazine, allowing you to choose content based on your own interests and lifestyle. Users can play fun and addictive mini-games and discover unique tools like the Sex-0-Meter, Manlation (a translator for explaining male behavior) and a size converter for shoes and clothing. Click here to watch the trailer.

Nate Williams illustrated for International Delight’s new line of coffeehouse-inspired creams. The line, Coffeehouse Inspirations, comes in three flavors – Caramel Macchiato, White Chocolate Mocha and Vanilla Latte – allowing you to enjoy your favorite coffeehouse flavors without the coffeehouse price. Visit the website for barista tips and tricks and to check out their online savings calculator to see what you could save each year with Coffeehouse Inspirations.

Marguerite Sauvage’s personal website, www.margueritesauvage.com, has undergone a complete make-over! Check it out and see Marguerite’s most recent work and browse categories that include Fashion, Work & Leisure, Lifestyle and more. The site also includes links to Marguerite’s blog and her online shop where you can find prints, housewares and apparel.

Raquel Aparicio contributed a piece to Thinkspace Gallery’s A Cry For Help in Los Angeles, CA. This benefit show features the work of over 100 artists with 20 percent of all proceeds going to Born Free USA, a non-profit organization that seeks to end the suffering of wild animals in captivity and encourage compassionate conservation globally. The show runs until Friday, February 5th, 2010.

Thinkspace Gallery 4210 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles CA

Nate Williams was invited to create a pattern for a tote bag and limited edition print in honor of recruiting agency SESA Select’s 30th anniversary. They also published a book featuring the work of 30 different artists, including Nate.

Nate Williams will be lecturing at the Society of Illustrators in New York on Friday, February 19th, 2010. As the founder of illustrationmundo.com and a former art director himself, Nate will discuss the dynamics between art director and illustrator, how to ensure your work gets maximum exposure and the importance of being part of the illustration community, both online and off. The lecture will include a print signing and will be followed be a wine and cheese networking event for art directors and illustrators.

Lecture: Friday, February 19th, 2010 6:30 – 8:30pm
Wine & Cheese Networking Reception: 8:30 – 10:00pm

Society of Illustrators 128 E. 63rd St., New York, NY

$15 for non-members, $10 for members and $7 for students
RSVP to Jessica at jessica@societyillustrators.org or (212)838-2560