Susan Kare is one of the most influential computer iconographers ever. Since 1983, she has designed thousands of software icons that have become familiar to anyone who has ever used a computer. This spotted dog character was created by Susan in the Cairo “heiroglyphic” font that came with the original Macintosh. And now this “dogcow” as he came to be known by many, is available as a limited edition signed print as part of Susan Kare’s icon poster collection.

There’s a great little article in the current issue of The Bark about William Steig (1907-2003), award-winning cartoonist, illustrator and sculptor. If his cartoons look familiar to you, it might be because his drawings graced the pages (and cover) of The New Yorker over 1600 times. Steig, who just so happened to be the creator of the character Shrek, often depicted dogs in his illustrations — dogs who often seemed perhaps a bit too human for their own good.

Steig was also the author and illustrator of dozens of children’s books, including personal favorites Doctor De Soto and Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. In Caleb and Kate, Steig tells the story of a man who transforms into a dog and becomes his wife’s pet and companion. In his cartoons, Steig created humorous, often ironic situations, frequently turning to dogs to deliver some sort of observation about the world. I love the way you can practically trace the exact movements of his pen in his hasty, simple drawings.

There’s a new collection of Steig’s cartoons out called Cats, Dogs, Men, Women, Ninnies & Clowns: The Lost Art of William Steig.

[Images above via Conde Nast Store]

Ribbonesia is the brainchild of Japanese artist and illustrator ‘BAKU’ Maeda. He began experimenting with ribbon and the idea idea of traditional Japanese paper folding… ultimately turning the ribbons into animals. Each animal is made by hand and is completely unique. You gotta love the dog!

Photo by Kei Furuse.

[via Four]

Lucie Sheridan is a UK-based illustrator and screen printer who has a flair for vibrant colors and quirky prints. Recently, her work has been on the rise with her limited run prints becoming quite collectible. Here at Dog Milk, we fell in love with her Hybrid series for obvious reasons.

I happen to be a fan and the proud owner of a hybrid breed, and I love the way Lucie celebrates these designer doggies in her work. It’s such a clever idea! Lucie Sheridan’s signed and limited edition prints can be found on A Little Bit Of Art as well as through her own e-shop. Go get ‘em, hybrid lovers!

Tracey Long is an freelance illustrator and artist from Hereford, England. In her Etsy profile, Tracey states she’s inspired by “words, stories, poems and very tall tall tales” — which makes sense, as the characters in her pencil and watercolor illustrations all look like they’re right smack in the middle of some kind of wonderful story.

You can see more of Tracey’s work on her site and in her Etsy shop.

Ball Ball and Friends are a cartoon animal collective created by Hong Kong designer and illustrator Tetchan. The comic series follows Ball Ball, a cheerful and fun-loving Pomeranian and his pals through their somewhat madcap — but always cute — adventures and hopes to spread a message about animals along the way.

Tetchan, who illustrates via both canvas and computer, hopes to use the tales of Ball Ball and Friends to educate fans on animal concerns and issues (such as food safety and endangered species and habitats) and to encourage people to love and respect all animals. On the other hand, some of Tetchan’s illustrations are just cute for cute’s sake — and you will never hear me complain about that.

Visit the Ball Ball and Friends Etsy shop to purchase some of this cuteness.

Peter Clark is an epically-talented collage artist who focuses much of his expertise on creating dog collage portraits. The workmanship evidenced in his pieces completely blows me away. Peter uses an extensive collection of found papers as his palette “which are colored, patterned or textured by their printed, written, or worn surfaces.” He uses this found media to “paint” his collages. And the results are completely stunning!

Peter uses print densities to shade his collage portraits, which give them depth and substance not typically found in collage art. He also uses lines from some of the old maps he uses to create beautiful movement in his art. I think the Scottie above is a breathtaking example of that.

I can’t imagine how brilliant these pieces must be in real life! I hope to come across one someday. Until then, I’ll definitely be adding Peter Clark’s Paperwork book to my Christmas wish list!

Thanks, Tyler!

Sibling Rivalrie is the brainchild of three sisters living in three cities, competing for your affection, and creating sundry items for beautifying your life. Alice Au Quan, Cindy Au, and Winnie Au decided to join their sisterly forces to bring together a collection of beautiful dog-focused prints and postcards.

The youngest sister, Winnie Au, is the photographer behind the these gasp-worthy dog photos. Styled to perfection, these images, available as prints and/or postcards, are utterly gorgeous. I really just want to jump inside of each one.

I think I may just have to order myself this set of ten blank notecards. I have no doubt I’ll be getting great use out of them, and I know my card recipients are going to melt as soon as they open the envelop. In fact, they may just make a great alternative to traditional Christmas cards, just in case holiday motifs aren’t your thing.