Illusive: Contemporary Illustration And Its Context

by Robert Klanten, Hendrik Hellige (Editor)

Today, illustration appears in design-related projects in a wide range of styles. One can find drawings done fleetingly by hand just as often as polished vector graphics created on computers. Motifs are not only being produced in pencil, chalk, airbrush and marker but also by mixing media, for example by combining illustration, photography and wallpaper. But when so many alluring possibilities currently exist in illustration, how can one stay up to date and how should one evaluate new developments? Illusive is a collection of contemporary illustration from around the world that addresses the variety of existing techniques and puts them into context with explanatory text. It features personal designs alongside fashion illustration and commercial work produced for books or magazines – a diversity that reveals how the medium of illustration functions independently from trends. At the same time the book is also a survey of current tendencies and design approaches. Features introducing leading protagonists supplement the examples shown. The fact that it presents manifold methods by such a broad spectrum of international designers side by side makes Illusive stimulating and educational reading for the professional illustrator.

Genres: Art, Design

283 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Robert Klanten has been a key figure in the global creative industry for more than a quarter of a century, helping to reimagine the way we approach publishing. He has driven over 800 publications and commercial projects.
Robert is the CEO of gestalten, the company he founded in 1995. Under his leadership, gestalten has established itself as a pillar in the field of contemporary visual culture, design and architecture, by immersing its readers in creative landscapes, cultures, people and art. gestalten regularly collaborates with the biggest names in the creative world and is known and loved by millions around the globe for its iconic books.
He has shown how creativity has no limits in the digital age: through inspiration, inclusivity and promoting understanding; and by connecting the global and the local through storytelling.

Reviews

[Laycee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book for inspirations on illustrations, composition and color. Includes a wide variety of illustration styles and contemporary artists' works.
Whether you're into patterns, line drawings, textures, collages, clean cut illustrations or grungy, layered images, you are guaranteed to find some good source of inspirations and references. And whether you're a beginner or an experienced illustrator, this is a good book to get exposed to new works.
Illusive 2 just came out, featuring some really amazing artists as well and with a better layout. I strongly recommend buying these two!

[Andre · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great hardcover collection of modern illustrations, very inspiring.

[Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning book! Great for inspiration and ideas aswell as for art admirers. I am definately adding this to my to buy list.