Illusive 4: Contemporary Illustration

Illustrations increasingly set the tone as visual accompaniments to content and as independent attention-grabbers. Illustrations shape

the visual worlds of advertising and communication, reporting and other media implementations. Visual storytelling reinforces the impact of messages and is gaining in importance in today's information-rich environment. This is hardly surprising, given the enormous range of expressive possibilities. Illusive 4 is the reference work on this development. It sheds light on the dynamic discipline of contemporary illustration, highlights key trends and identifies global tendencies. Around 200 successful, globally active illustrators are presented with their works: established artists as well as up-and-coming talents. Fashion drawings, figurative painting, collage techniques and photographic elements are used to surprise the viewer. Accompanying texts help to classify the illustrative works and their possible applications. Illusive 4 describes how and where illustrations are used and the range of topics they cover: fashion, lifestyle and sport, politics and society, culture, advertising and sales promotion. This is not just about decoration, but about visually conveying both content and emotions. In this respect, illustration functions as a transmitter and trendsetter, yet also independently of trends – in some cases with impressive artistic independence. The results are as astonishing as they are inspiring. Its scope, diversity and lavish design make Illusive 4 a huge source of ideas for illustrators, painters and draughtsmen, for graphic and editorial designers, and – not least thanks to the descriptions – equally valuable for communicators and commentators in all industries, for editors, newsmakers, but also for anyone who is passionate about following the development of illustration. In short, for anyone who is interested in new visual experiences and involved in their creation.