Customer Reviews

Illusive: Contemporary Illustration And Its Context

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I've been anticipating the release of this book for some time already. Finally got hold of it, and I can't stop flipping through it. It's definately the BEST book out there right now, if you're looking for a resource of the best contemporary illustrators out there. If you are an illustrator, graphic designer, or fine artist you will find this book indispensible as a source of inspiration. I discover something new every time I look through it.

This book follows the release of popular titles by the same publisher such as "Romantik", "Wonderland" and the "Pictoplasma" series. The book focuses on the new wave of contemporary illustration often using mixed media techniques. It's divided into "chapters" which focus on the techniques, genres and syles themselves such as vector, traditional analog, urban, collage, rock and roll etc. Many of the more prolific contemporary illustrator's, such as Deanne Cheuk are among those featured. My only complaint is that with the vast number of illusatrators represented, they are each only alloted one or two pages on average, and their works are displayed somewhat small so you can't enjoy all the details in some of the works.

I know that there are the Illustrators Annual Index publications which come out every year, and while they serve as a resource like "Illusive" for a reference of names of illustrators out there...I feel that many of those contained within Illusive are not as commercial oriented as they are fine art. Illusive definately blurs the boundaries between contemporary illustration and the realm of fine art.

The print quality is FIRST rate. The inks used are very bright and vivid, and the book is nicely cloth-bound. The retail pricetag alone is worth the many complex vector graphics which are eye-candy.

And BTW, the cover displayed is different.

I am a motion graphic designer, and used this book to give me inspiration... It has fantastic examples of the best in contemporary illustration artwork. A lot of my job is just keeping up with what is going on in the creative world. And this book definitely gives me a glimpse. There is a wide range of styles, concepts, and media. Highly recommended.

I bought this book along with the "Bologna Annual Illustrators of Children's Books" catalogue and leave both of them on my coffee table. The illustrations as well as graphic artwork for anything from books to band posters and advertisements are beautiful and very inspiring. I find myself sitting on the couch flipping through it regularly. Well worth the money!

Alright.
I got this book based on the rave reviews on here and the prospects of this being a fairly decent analysis of contemporary illustration and its context.

There are some essays in here. four at the beginning. two page spreads, with the essay only filling up half the page. From a design stand point, they layout looks beautiful. But not much in the way of anything in depth or all that enlightening.
The writing is, in and of itself, very well written, but like I mentioned before a little too general and surface.
its a shame they don't go into greater depth, since there doesn't seem to be (as far as I could find, though I'd love to find I'm wrong) any book that really delves deep into contemporary illustration and its context.

Another selling point to me was a vector art section. but like most of the book some of the illustrators and the works chosen to be included in here are a bit hit and miss. Some being awesome (Usugrow, Benjamin Güdel) others seem a little lacking (Nawel, Gul Stue). maybe that's just my taste.

For the price i would stick to either Spectrums or Society of Illustrator annuals or a subscription to Communication Arts or pick up some cool cheaper Taschen books.

This book is better than I expected, way better. Illusive has become a bottomless well of inspiration to me. Some of the art is a little out there and impractical, but thats what's great about this book. The art is both cutting edge and simple at times. My favorite chapter is the one that covers handmade elements combined with digital elements. If you're into cutting edge art and want to expand your skill set buy this book ASAP!!!!

For all illustrators and designers!
This book is a must have.
It contains the most amazing collection of art works.
I am graphic designer and illustrator.
This book gives me tons of inspirations.
I highly recommend to add this book to your collection.

I like this book series.

Pros: the book has a lot of images. Some of them super super cool. Great book to browse and get ideas from. I have it in my living room to get the pleasure art gives when I want to relax.

Caveats: Some other already stolen by the masses thus, you (the Reader) may have already seen this or that before somewhere.

Summary: I own this book and I like it very much. It gives me ideas and distracts me from my day job despite the caveats I stated above. Get the whole series (3 books) and be happier.

ive had this book for about a year and i still refer to it for some inspiration. there are plenty of different styles and media by talented artists. not a lot of text, just pictures and graphics from front to back.

I'm from Spain. I am a graphic designer, and my second passion is illustration. This book is absolutely wonderful. Many styles, great works!

I'm so glad I ordered this based on what I've read here. Most times, ordering on-line you take a chance, not being able to see the contents. This book was well worth the risk.
A wide variety of styles is what you'll find here. It's meant more for mature audiences, and less for children. The compilers had a bias toward the edgy and the experimental. Actually, some children's book illustrations would be a good compliment to this.
Inspiration is priceless in my line of work, and this book is just what I'd hoped for.