Des Taylor

Desmond John Corey Taylor, Jr. (born 18 April 1971) is an English pop art and comic book illustrator from Tottenham, North London, England. He is the creator of Katie Rogers, a graphic novel originally published in 2008 by Ape Entertainment. and other forthcoming characters, Scarlett Couture, The Vesha Valentine Story, (published by Slave Labor Comics) Legend of the Blue Lotus and The Infamous Katie Rogers ( a brand new graphic novel in the works) .He has also published 'Learn This- How to Draw Comics and Manga by Wayland Books. His official print site is DESPOP. www.despop.co.uk.

Early life and education

Des Taylor was born 18 April 1971 in Tottenham to immigrants from Montserrat, West Indies. He was educated at Bruce Grove Primary School in Tottenham and Northumberland Park Secondary School in Northumberland Park. Taylor studied art, English and drama at Southgate College in Enfield from 1990-91. He took an art foundation course at the College of North East London from 1991-92. He graduated in 1994 from West Herts College in Watford, following studies in graphic design. Throughout his studies Taylor had always developed a passion for Fashion Design and was inspired by everyday people.

Illustration career

Taylor started drawing as a child after watching his older sister paint. Upon seeing Star Wars in 1977, Taylor was drawn into fantasy art. After earning his art degree, Taylor became a freelance illustrator working in London. Among his early professional clients was Watford's Geri Halliwell, before she became an international star with the Spice Girls. Taylor’s illustration of Halliwell is included in her autobiography If Only. In December 2009, Des Taylor hosted his first art exhibition-THE ART OF DES TAYLOR at the trendy Maverik Showroom in London's East End. He was assisted by (top art creative and famous fashion window designer for THEO FENNELL, Christian Louboutin, PRADA) close friend, Emma Davidge. His style has bridged the gap between POP art, Comic book illustration and animation so to be used commercially in Comics, Fashion and Design. Film studios and producers have show interest in his work to date. Among Taylor’s clients:

• Citroën
• Company
• Cosmopolitan UK
• Fabric (club)
• Theo Fennell
• FHM
• Chameleon Visual
• La Perla
• Ministry Of Sound
• More!
• Thomas Pink
• Pizza Hut
• Ann Summers

ITV studios America

• Touch
• Gerald Eve

Influences

Taylor has stated his influences are comic book creators Bruce Timm and Jack Kirby, along with painters Toulouse Lautrec and Roy Lichtenstein.

Michael Jackson

From 1990-92, Adrian Grant, publisher of Off The Wall, the official UK Michael Jackson fan magazine, tapped Taylor to provide original illustrations of the King of Pop. Taylor consequentially met Jackson backstage and the singer told him how much he loved Taylor’s cartoons. In June 2002 Taylor presented Jackson onstage at the Killer Thriller party at Equinox, Leicester Square, London.

Katie Rogers

In the summer of 2005, whilst recuperating from a serious soccer injury, Taylor started to flesh out the comics character Katie Rogers. The character is a fictional English-born publicist working in Manhattan. Taylor took inspiration from his visits to New York City, mixed with his experiences around the girls he had met working as a freelance illustrator in the world of fashion. Many of the character’s traits and personality quirks are based on Taylor’s friends.

Katie Rogers debuted on the social networking site Myspace in 2006 and gained an army of more than 7,000 followers. This led Taylor to launch Katie's Party, live events held in various nightclubs in Soho, London. The online character entered the real world in parties that featured cocktails, dancing and top London DJs.

In 2009 San Diego-based Ape Entertainment brought out the first Katie Rogers graphic novel. which was split up into a magazine format with an 88-page story, short stories and character InterViews. Although loved by fans Taylor felt that the book and character had more potential in the book market and was looking to target a new market as comic book sales had been suffering in the US.

In August 2011 Des decided to totally revamp and update the character to better compliment his changing art style. After mutual agreement he ended his publishing contract with Ape Comics and is working on a complete reboot of the character to keep up with the changing trends in Social Media and Digital Comics. A new graphic storybook called The Infamous Katie Rogers is currently in the works as well as a reboot of the original graphic novel- THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS.

THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS GRAPHIC NOVEL ==

THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS is a Graphic Novel created by British illustrator, Des Taylor in 2009. The book chronicles the life of a Katie Rogers, a young, British publicist from London working for a fictional media company GLOBOL MEDIA in New York City. The story is split between her trying to keep her celebrity clients antics out of the tabloids and her attempts to have some semblance of a relationship with her boyfriend, Brynes O'Grady. In 2009 San Diego-based Ape Entertainment brought out the first Katie Rogers graphic novel.[1] which was split up into a magazine format with an 88-page story, short stories and character interviews. Although loved by fans Taylor felt that the book and character had more potential in the book market and sought to target a new audience as comic book sales had been suffering in the US. The property is now in the hands of ITV Studios America.

Plot summary (Original Graphic Novel)

Katie Rogers is a beautiful, independent, British born publicist working in New York with some of the city’s biggest celebrities. A-list parties, award ceremonies, exclusive nightclubs and penthouse dinners are the sort of places her job requires her to be. But Katie’s personal life isn’t so glamorous. She is a workaholic that is on the brink of losing her boyfriend due to her work load. And her nemesis at work – the evil Crystal Rose – is out to make Katie’s life a misery every time she goes into the office. In the OGN we see Katie with one of her clients, Movie star David D eBartolo, on the eve of his biggest movie release " A Diamond In The Rough". That very morning, Katie finds out through the tabloid press that before Hollywood beckoned for her client, he had worked at a sleazy escort service and his boss Wes Leslie had filmed David in a lurid act with 2 of Hollywood's leading ladies.

Katie suspects that Crystal Rose is somehow involved in the plot to destroy David's movie career before it had even begun, which would see Katie lose all credibility as a publicist in her industry. Katie has to use all of her contacts and street smarts to help restore the integrity of her client by retrieving footage of David with the two female stars, save her job, patch up her love life with her boyfriend and get her "borrowed" dresses back to the fashion department before David DeBartolo's appearance on a chat show that evening.

Katie's History

n the summer of 2005, whilst recuperating from a serious soccer injury, Taylor started to flesh out the comics character Katie Rogers. Taylor took inspiration from his visits to New York City, mixed with his experiences around the girls he had met working as a freelance illustrator in the world of fashion. Katie Rogers debuted on the social networking site Myspace in 2006 and gained an army of more than 7,000 followers. This led Taylor to launch Katie's Party which featured introducing the character in live events held in various nightclubs and bars in Soho, London. The online character would enter the real world through parties that featured cocktails, dancing and top London DJs.

In 2009 San Diego-based Ape Entertainment brought out the first Katie Rogers graphic novel.[1] which was split up into a magazine format with an 88-page story, short stories and character interviews. Although loved by hordes of female fans Taylor felt that the book and character had more potential in the book market and started to look at other avenues to promote his character as comic book sales had been suffering in the US.

New Re-boot

In August 2011 Des Taylor decided to totally revamp and update the character to better compliment his changing art style. After mutual agreement he ended his publishing contract with Ape Comics and began working on a complete reboot of the character to keep up with the changing trends in Social Media and Digital Comics. A new series of Katie Rogers Graphic books is currently in the works as well as a Digital reboot of - THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS title. The new digital title shall feature the usual main story along with short stories, pin-ups and style contributions from Des Taylor's various friends in fashion.

Influences

In the prologue of the original novel, author and artist Des Taylor states that his original inspiration for the character of Katie came from a close friend named Lauren Cox and the characters personality from another friend named Rosie Solomon. Working as a freelance illustrator on women's glossy magazines More!, Company, and Cosmopolitan Taylor states that listening to the stories from various female colleagues helped create and idea of Katie's environment. Unlike in the original book where Katie wardrobe consists of top designer clothes, the all-new Katie sports a more 60's influenced look. Inspiration for Katie Rogers new look comes from classic designers and the 60's designs of Marie Quant, Emilio Pucci,Paco Rabanne, Dior and Chanel fused with modern style influences. Bridget Bardot, Suzanne George, Kylie Minogue, Sienna Miller and Holly Willoughby are attributed to Katie's character design.

Main Characters (NEW RELEASE)

• KATIE ROGERS

Born in Brick Lane, aged 25, Katie Rogers was a tear-away young student who left a life of anti-social behavior to find a career. At first working as an intern at media company GLOBOL ROSS she excelled to become a P.R girl in their London office before being offered a position in their New York office. With her quirky style, assertiveness, winning personality and ability for getting in and out of adverse situations Katie quickly started to gather a reputation around the city for creating minor miracles in Public Relations. She was head-hunted by Fashion legend Juliette Haute during New York Fashion week to be a fashion publicist at a brand new fashion media project called HOT PROFILE. Katie was hired for her skills in repairing the damage from the wacky antics of her previous clients. At HOT PROFILE she finds herself in a new challenge in the fashion industry... and all the diva behaviour that goes with it.

• CRYSTAL ROSE DUVALLE

Crystal Rose along with her sister came from a privileged background. Her rich Italian father, Allesandro Rosa Director of the 1980s fashion label ROSZARA sent Crystal to a private school to study Art, Fashion & Drama to which she came through top of her class. Crystal became leader of the ROSE PETALS, a group of obnoxious, ignorant rich kids, Crystal went about bullying the weaker members of her campus and became the most hated and feared person at school. Not that she cared. She loved the power and attention. Even the staff feared her. Years later, with a few calls from her powerful father Crystal was given a job at GLOBOL ROSS as a gossip columnist but after losing out on a new Star Publicist role to Katie Rogers she became even more twisted and evil. When she is not spreading gossip or trying to humiliate Katie Rogers, Crystal works as a press agent for tabloid media company, RUTHLESS PR.

• BYRNES FITZPATRICK

Byrnes Fitzpatrick is a 3rd generation plain clothed New York policeman who had dated Katie Rogers for over two years before dumping due to her constant work-related excuses for not spending quality time together. Unfortunately, he wants Katie back and has the unique talent for playing on her emotional insecurities and luring her into frequent late-night trists. His partner, Joe Varley always lectures him on how [...]-whipped he is by ‘Princess Kate’.

• JESSE GORDON

Jesse is an extremely handsome 30 yr old Art Director at HOT PROFILE. Described as Paul Walker meets Brad Pitt, he lightens up the day of every woman who walks into the office, especially Katie Rogers. Jesse is intrigued by the various stories he has heard of Katie's exploits and there is an obvious attraction between the two co-workers but neither one will make the first move. Jesse's temptation to succumb to his desire is only held back by his loyalty to his insecure girlfriend, Gabriela Simpson.

• MEMPHIS ST. JOHN

Tall, Dark, Handsome and a bit of a Diva . Memphis is the Afro-American Chief stylist and head of the fashion department renamed ( and re-designed) by him as the "Glam Lab". Katie is the only person at HOT PROFILE that Memphis trusts enough to open up to about his personal feelings and the secret online Underground Fashion Network he created named BLACKFINGERNAIL. The BLACKFINGERNAIL network has become invaluable for both he and Katie to keep abreast of what is going on "behind the scenes" in the world of fashion.

• JULIETTE HAUTE

Katie Rogers boss and owner of HOT PROFILE. Born in Paris with Egyptian heritage, Juliette had a successful career as a Model before becoming a top fashion photographer. Using money from her successful cosmetic line she as collateral she sought investors to help her start a new venture. A brand new fashion media agency that would combine magazine/digital publishing, expertise in Fashion P.R. and promotion and online live streaming of shows and events. She named it HOT PROFILE. Unlike most fashion editor's in the business, Juliette is quite easy going and will always acknowledge and reward her employees for good work. However, she has been known to be merciless when staff do not meet her high standards or worse... bring any bad press to her company.

• ANTONIO STRUNZ (Known as ANTONIO) Katie's main client and complete pain in the [...]! Antonio is a complete neurotic that speaks the truth about what he sees, and on many occasions manages to upset or insult the establishment. Only his reputation as a genius designer has kept him going in the fashion world. He has been known to use drugs to help him create his artistic visions and help him from having a complete nervous breakdown before a show.

He seems to get on with Katie as she is the only person around him that is not fake and can put him in his place. The only thing bigger than his bank balance is his ego!

• KARLY

An Amy Winehouse meets Naomi Cambell type supermodel. In other words... you never know who is going to turn up. The Jekyll or Hyde? Known for having a fiery temper, throwing tantrums and being a complete diva, Karly is always in the tabloids papers for one thing or another. If she's not her destroying a hotel room with a post-show party then she is sleeping with some famous rockstar. Katie spends most of her time doing Karly's press releases and calling in favours from reporters to detract statements when representing her.

• AUSTIN MQUEEN

Katie's photographer and flatmate. Like his father before him Austin is a complete charmer, and ladies man. When he is not taking photos of models in designer clothes, he's taking them to bed. He likes the single life and sees women more as pursuits more than meaningful relationships. Katie often finds herself making breakfast in the morning for his many conquests. Austin acts as the brother Katie never had and brings valuable advice about men to the table should Katie ever ask. As well as being a very good cameraman Austin's other talent lies in the kitchen as he is a very good chef.

• CHELSEA TUTORO ( known as Chelsea White)

Originally from Queens New York, Chelsea changed her name when she moved to Manhattan in order to make herself sound more stylish.Much to the disapproval of her strict Italian parents. Chelsea is a freelance stylist and one of Katie's closest female friends. One of her major flaws is that she likes to hark on about the beauty of Italian Style and culture without ever being to Italy. She is always on the back-foot when trying to explain her surname when asked about her Italian heritage...by real Italians!!

References

I BLOG FASHION exclusive look at new Katie Rogers An interview with Des Taylor and the love affair with Katie Rogers Percy Carey's comic book corner- The Trouble With Katie Rogers review. Sexy Brit in the City- Katie Rogers Myspace Comic books- THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS MTV star gets her hands on Katie Rogers Louise Redknapp shows her love for Katie Rogers An interview with Des Taylor, creator of Katie Rogers and DESPOP Des Taylor's Katie Rogers entry at Europe's Oldest Comic book store Major Spoilers, Katie Rogers arrives at comic stores near you! An Interview with Des Taylor by Cosplay Queen Victoria Centeno Fashion writer/stylist Annmarie O'connor styles Katie Rogers for new book release.

Vesha Valentine

In late 2010 (after a first appearance in Celebrity jeweler Theo Fennell's store Christmas window displays around London) Des Taylor began to flesh out a comic character that would put him and his talents on the radar. Created out of a love for the screen siren's of classic cinema, Taylor moulded the character Vesha Valentine. Part cabaret artist, Burlesque performer and all around Show Girl. The book, designed to be read like a fictional autobiography. Unlike your traditional comic book of panels and speech ballons Taylor designed Vesha Valentine to be read in a more ' storybook' type of adventure, a format he has called 'Modern Graphic Pulp' or Graphic Storybook.

" The Vesha Valentine Story is presented like an episode of E! True Hollywood Stories. It traces the rise and fall of a Hollywood starlet (who is a composite of famous screen queens like Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth), from her days of entertaining diner patrons to becoming a big time Hollywood actress. As a young girl born to a famous mother, Vesha had a natural gift of song and dance, performing at the cafe owned by her grandparents in France. Like many young girls of the time, Vesha set her sights on performing on stage in front of large crowds. She would find herself in a small rinky dink revue that was struggling to compete with the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergere. However, Vesha's gift for performance would bring the house down as hundreds would flock to see her show. Vesha wanted more and after starring in several successful films, she would move to Hollywood and start living an all too familiar life: she would date movie executives, famous heartthrob actors and eventually stick to a young Navy captain. In typical Hollywood fashion, Vesha would be met with financial ruin as elements from her past catch up to her and news of her husband being shot down over Vietnam drive her to drinking. Vesha would ultimately bounce back and recapture the success that drove her to become America's sweetheart." so an adequate quote explained from part of a review from the blog Life, The Universe and Video games .

Vesha Valentine was released to great reviews in March 2011, published by Slave Labor Graphics in San Jose. The book was Number 10 in the Top 25 Small Press graphic novels at Diamond Distributors in April 2011. Two launch parties were held to celebrate the books launch in London at Bar Bodega, Watford and at bespoke lingerie/ [...] store BORDELLO in which model Nina Hearne posed as the comic book star. Celebrity jeweler Theo Fennell and his family attended the BORDELLO party as well as other creatives in the art and fashion industry. Taylor plans to create more Vesha Valentine art and books in the near future.

DESPOP

In 2007, Taylor created his own POP ART print company DESPOP due to the wave of interest of his artwork. Primarily a Limited Edition Print company it showcases a variety of his designs and artwork from a select crew of his friends in the comic art world. Since then, with the publication of books in his portfolio, DESPOP has gone on to creating Graphic Novels concepts. Released under the DESPOP banner are the books THE TROUBLE WITH KATIE ROGERS and THE VESHA VALENTINE STORY. The properties SCARLETT COUTURE INVESTIGATIONS, THE LEGEND OF THE BLUE LOTUS and PULPHOUSE are to be released at a later date in 2013-2014.

Personal

In 2001 Taylor appeared on the UK game show Blind Date as the picker. The show was hosted by 1960s icon Cilla Black. He went to the isle of Aran, Scotland, as a grand prize.

In 2002 Taylor presented popstar Michael Jackson on stage at the KILLER THRILLER party at Equinox nightclub, London

Taylor resides in Watford. He is a lifetime Tottenham Hotspur F.C. supporter and follows world football. He collects comic books and Star Wars collectibles with a passion.

He is happily married to his wife, Wiesia Taylor( who inspired the name 'Vesha' for Vesha Valentine) and has a baby daughter named Scarlett.

External links

• Official Katie Rogers site
• Official artist site
• Review from Comic Book Resources
• Review of Vesha Valentine
• Bookgasm review of Vesha Valentine Story