In Illusive we identified the main trends in contemporary illustration and introduced multiple young illustrators. Since then, the demand for illustration has only grown – and with it the range of application and the forms of expression in this medium. This positive development is confirmed by the exciting work of international illustrators that we have seen since publishing Illusive; consequently, presenting the best of these new works in Illusive 2 was a logical step.

Illusive 2 is a survey of current illustration from around the world; unlike other titles on this subject, all of the work was selected for inclusion based solely on its artistic merit. In it, a trend toward Neo-Realism can be discerned that is demonstrated by the willingness of today’s magazines to use illustration in almost the same way as they do photography. In general, the illustrations featured in Illusive 2 have become more differentiated and complex – the spontaneous-looking scribbles of years past have given way to elaborate, multi-layered collages. The variety of styles and new design approaches is impressive.

Illusive 2 includes a broad range of illustrations including personal work, fashion illustration and commercial projects, revealing a diversity that explains how the design discipline functions. At the same time, the book outlines current developments and the many design approaches that coexist today. Because it is hard to keep an overview amid so many attractive possibilities, texts and interviews with leading design agencies provide context and give surprising insights into techniques, methods and motivations.

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