Understanding Illustration

Understanding Illustration asserts the continued power of illustration as a vehicle for meaning and message by offering an in-depth examination of a selection of great images by a broad range of artists. While many illustration books have minimal information surrounding their pictures, Understanding Illustration in contrast focuses in on a selection of work by 37 artists with an analytical and in-depth approach, showing how illustrators communicate through their images in order to narrate a story or stimulate thought. This stunning book offers both glorious images as well as informative text, including information on the artist but more importantly an explanation of the ideas behind the work. Looking at a broad range of illustration, from journalistic reportage to children’s books, it offers an insight into how an artist might tackle a brief, or build up layers of information within their image in order to get a message across. A fantastic book for students and professional illustrators, or indeed anyone interested in the thinking behind contemporary illustration.

Derek Brazell graduated with a degree in Graphic Design and Illustration from Middlesex University. He has been illustrating since 1984 and some of his clients include Penguin books, Harper Collins, Next and Scholastic Books. He was the editor of the Association of Illustrators magazine and he now is on the editorial board and is production administrator for Varoom.

Jo Davies got her BA in Graphic Design Illustration from Maidstone College of Art and her MA from Kingston University. She has worked as an illustrator since 1985 and her clients include Weidenfeld and Nicholson, British Airways and Sony. She has has been a council member of the Association of Illustrators and is an editorial board member of Varoom.