The Essence of Contemporary Illustration

In recent years, illustration has evolved from a purely service-oriented trade to an expressive, poetic, and esteemed voice in contemporary visual culture. Even today, it continues to flourish and grow as a creative discipline––especially in its more artistic forms. Editorial design increasingly uses illustration in place of photography because of the way it depicts and enriches content in a manner that offers an expanded dimension of communication. Illustrators Unlimited presents the work of the latest cutting-edge illustration talents scouted from around the world.

October 6, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Design*Sponge at Home

The much anticipated Design*Sponge at Home by Grace Bonney is finally out and we couldn’t be more thrilled! The large and luscious book is a testament to all of the things that have made the blog the institution that it has become since it’s 2004 launch. Bursting at the seams, the book contains fifty exciting do-it-yourself projects; home tours of 70 interiors featuring artists and designers; step-by-step tutorials on home improvement skills; fifty before-and-after makeover submitted by readers; essential tips on flower arranging; and, not least, 700 photographs to boggle your design hungry mind.

We love the content and spirit of the site and its namesake book for making home design exciting, interesting and most of all accessible to all, which is, in our opinion, just as it should be. It’s not every day that a blog translates into a book as well as Design*Sponge at Home, so watch the trailer, pick one up to get inspired offline today. For more images, click here.

September 15, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Type Player 2

If you’re a typography fiend who loves the unexpected, you’ll want a copy of Type Player 2. Shunning the boring and predictable, the featured designers look to unconventional mediums to enliven type creations, playing with dimension, perspective, and motion. Sometimes the designers literally create type designs out of thin air – one project uses photo documentation of light in motion to form a T, while another manipulates the shape of the sky between skyscrapers to capture letters in the negative spaces.

Unusual materials used to create type design include Rubik’s cubes, feathers, electrical cords, and used plastic bags. Indeed, if you’re looking for inspiration, the each project is sure to ignite your imagination.

July 28, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Papercraft 2

When Papercraft was published 2 years ago, it covered the most current innovations in paper art. Since its release, the medium has flourished left right and center, from scenography and fashion design to marketing and advertising. Recently released, Papercraft 2 covers the amazing leap in breadth and level of quality since the early days of the first release. The book documents how techniques such as cutting, folding, gluing, and collage help designers craft innovative communication design, products, and artwork from these materials that reach new creative heights. Click here to watch the trailer.

June 23, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Hand-Printing Techniques

If you’ve delved in (and enjoyed) any of the inspiring books we’ve mentioned over the past month, we think you’ll love our latest pick. Christine Schmidt of Yellow Owl Workshop is adding to the DIY mix with her fantastic new book, Print Workshop: Hand-Printing Techniques + Truly Original Projects.

In her book, Christine shows you how to roll up your sleeves and create and do everything from custom printed fabric to a deck of cards with a wide range of ideas. Different types of printing techniques are explained and explored, materials and composition discussed, all put in an accessible voice that will have your mind brimming with ideas and a sense of possibility at your fingertips.

If you don’t believe us, check out her fun video tutorial on creating your own carved rubber stamps:

June 9, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik

Book Review: Cutting Edge of Wallpaper

If you’re into design, you’ve likely noticed the world of wallpaper has been steadily catapulting itself out from under the stuffy florals and wacky geometrics of our past.

Today, wallpaper can be traditional or modern, stretching boundaries of what once defined it. The Cutting Edge of Wallpaper pays tribute to this exciting trend, looking at the techniques, products and designers at the forefront of contemporary wallpaper design.

The book is beautifully comprehensive with sections covering the background and history of wallpaper, an exploration on how technology changes have affected the field presently and in the future, and a look at some exciting collaborations and intersections with architecture and art. Of course, there are an abundance of examples from some of today’s top and emerging talents in print and wallpaper design, all filtered into the categories of figurative, abstract, decorative, architectural, technical and Interactive.

For more images via Print Pattern, click here.

May 31, 2011 | By: Shayna Kulik