Thoroughly profound ... A wonderful and interesting read that creates an inspiring aura from start to finish. * Association of Illustrators * A rich array of important, exciting and inspirational work, intelligently collated. -- Kirsten Hardie * The Arts University College at Bournemouth * Beautifully curated ... One of the loveliest aspects of the book is the attention to detail throughout. The photography is excellent, giving a real sense of each artist's workspace ... Making Great Illustration reveals the 21st century illustration world to be in rather rude health. -- Steve Pill * Artists & Illustrators * Jo Davies and Derek Brazell do a brilliant job at highlighting the influence that illustration has in everyday life. * Grafik * This exquisitely produced survey of contemporary work and workers in the field of illustration provides a cornucopia of images showing what's going on in the world at the moment ... something for everyone ... a heavyweight and authoritative volume that says pretty much all there is to be said on its subject. -- Henry Malt * Art Book Review * Illustrators should gain insight, empathy and a rich seam of passive advice within the deftly distilled thoughts of these artists. -- Stuart Ian Burns * Feeling Listless * A very good reference book ... [suitable] for a wider reading audience interested in art and design and who enjoy 'straight from the horse's mouth' accounts from those making a successful living from their artistic talents ... Contributors have examples of their illustrative work beautifully showcased in full colour photography. * TSS Reviews blog *
Derek Brazell and Jo Davies are also authors of Understanding Illustration and the bestselling Becoming a Successful Illustrator. To create a platform for discussion and investigation into the subject of illustration they developed The Journal magazine for the Association of Illustrators (AOI) and edited it collaboratively until their subsequent launch of the award-winning and internationally acclaimed Varoom magazine in 2006, to which they continue to contribute as writers. Derek has closely supported illustrators in all areas of their careers through his Project Manager role at the Association of Illustrators, and speaks on and campaigns for creators rights. Jo has worked as an illustrator since the 1980's and her clients include Weidenfeld and Nicholson, British Airways and Sony. She is Associate Professor of Illustration at Plymouth University and has been a Board member of the Association of Illustrators and sits on the editorial board of Varoom.
1. Editorial publishing/political illustration 2. Design and advertising 3. Graphic novels 4. Typographical 5. Children's publishing 6. Fashion illustration 7. Authorial practice 8. Surface pattern and decorative illustration/ merchandising 9. Adult publishing 10. Topographical illustration