# Crosshatched Celebrity Drawings David Despau Pays Tribute to Stars with Layered Line Portraits By Jason Soy | Published 2012-01-16 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-despau References: [abduzeedo](http://abduzeedo.com/awesome-work-david-despau) & [despau](http://despau.com/) Looking at the work of David Despau is like looking through an encyclopaedia of art techniques; he incorporates so much rendering styles into his illustrations. Though consistently varied, Despau does seem to have an affinity for defining value in his [celebrity portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/glass-portraits) using the crosshatch. Layering opposing lines on top of one another, he is able to form shadows and shapes that ultimately bring these realistic-looking star tributes into reality. Also noteworthy within these David Despau illustrations is his use of watercolors to render wispy hair, as well as the distinct typefaces he uses to denote celebrity names. How he managed to spell out Marilyn Manson’s name in blood, I’ll never know. Other stars featured in Despau’s work include Amy Winehouse, Madonna, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, Michael Jackson and much more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 93% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Celebs](https://www.trendhunter.com/celebs) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Multidimensional Portrait Art:** Crosshatching and layering techniques are being used by artists to create multidimensional portraits, adding depth and texture to traditional illustrations. - **Innovative Use of Watercolors:** Artists are experimenting with innovative watercolor techniques to add unique and lifelike elements to their work, demonstrating potential for further advancements in this medium. - **Creative Typography in Art:** Artists are utilizing creative typography techniques to add character and personalization to their artwork, showcasing potential for further exploration of text incorporation in visual art. ### Where This Applies - **Fine Art:** Fine art could benefit from incorporating multidimensional techniques and innovative use of watercolors in artwork, creating more realistic and layered pieces that differentiate from traditional approaches. - **Graphic Design:** Graphic design industries could incorporate creative typography techniques in branding, advertising or marketing materials, distinguishing brands and visually representing their personality and identity. - **Publishing:** Publishing industries could use multidimensional portrait art techniques to create unique and intriguing book covers, potentially attracting more readers through the art's incorporation and capturing the essence of key characters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stunning Origami Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/origami-portaits.md) - [Collectible Historical Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrilljoy-pix.md) - [Reimagined Puzzled Artful Paintings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portrait-of-a-woman-in-a-hat.md) - [Painter-Inspired Afternoon Teas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/david-hockney-afternoon-teas.md) - [Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/danny-cortes.md) - [Surreal Artist-Inspired Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salvador-dal-collection.md) - [Stylized Portrait Generators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/face-to-all.md) - [Sci-Fi-Inspired Classical Posters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sen-donnan.md) - [AI Pet Portraits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drawmypet.md)