Illustration: A Theoretical and Contextual Perspective

There are a wealth of examples of illustrative styles and techniques in this book, and I'm sure a great deal of very interesting and useful information in this book, but I don't pick it up often, and when I do it's just to flick through, because the narrow blocks of text are in such a small, closely kerned font, that it does not read well. Shame.

A must-read for - well - anyone, really. Insightful, well written, informative and interesting also for those who are not "doers" in illustration, design or art.

Speedy delivery, excellent product

easy to understand and informative, i'm glad to have it on my book shelf, it definitely deserves a place up there!

You: FoodAlan Male, an intellectual: VictualsYou: NowAlan Male, an intellectual: ContemporaneouslyYou: Without wordsAlan Male, an intellectual: Without textual inclusionThese are genuine words from the book. In the blurb it is strongly implied that this book is for graduates and post-grads, but it is actually a broad introduction to the field of illustration that would best serve first year students who still have the potential to choose between various avenues and specialisms. If they can understand it. A better book is Understanding Illustration by Derek Brazell and Jo Davies.

What a fascinating read! This book places emphasis on illustration's global community; highlighting one's need to be socially and culturally aware by combining one's practical skills with this awareness. The internet and thus, larger audiences means the illustrator has an increased opportunity for their work to be seen and valued. The author combines this discussion with a great array of images; the diversity of examples (from cough syrup bottles to Percival's medical illustrations) and the focus of the discussion complement one another. The author discusses how to answer a brief drawing from his own experience, which feels authentic and is of great use. The text flows and entices while maintaining structure and logic in its content. This means the reader never feels over-crowded with information. The tasks and projects at the end of the book are really useful, and it is handy that they are at the back of the book because you can flick to them throughout reading, at the end, or entirely separately from reading the text. Over all, a thought provoking read which includes practical information useful to academic study.

As a Illustration student i found this book very useful, it gives an in depth look at a variety of subjects from education to identity. I found the chapter on developing and answering briefs most helpful. Aimed at third year students i did find it a challenging read however the text is broken up into small sections and titles so its easy to navigate. The books looks at a large variety of different illustrators and is full of drawings. It definitely has more relevant information in than any illustration book I've read before focussing on theories and contexts of the subject, I shall use it as a point of reference and research rather than to feel inspired to get drawing. It is a very focused read and I would recommend it to anyone studying illustration as a degree.