Whether you’re married to your computer or prefer more traditional materials, if you’re an illustrator or designer, it’s quite likely that you’ve turned to Computer Arts magazine for inspiration more than once.
This year has seen the publication take a step further as a platform for innovative artists and trending themes. So far, ‘Computer Arts Collection’ includes the first four parts of volume one of a new annual showcase. In all, the six instalments cover graphic design, typography, illustration, branding, photography, and advertising. We take look inside the pages of part three, ‘Illustration’.
What’s especially useful for students and emerging artists about the 224-page guide, for those who may not as yet had that much professional experience, are the various sections that break down project-specific processes. The most in-depth look is dedicated to the ‘Studio Project’ guest editors, Vault49.
The design studio created a lovely limited edition, A2 poster to mark the 10th anniversary of its founding, which of course comes free for you to put on your wall. The whole project is broken down over 48 pages but is also complimented by a whole load of exclusive, online video content, including video diaries, technique walk-throughs, and sketches.
Most interesting for us was probably just the sheer wealth of talent to look through. The whole thing has more than 60 illustrators and other creative types in its different sections, with folio reviews, current trend breakdowns and interviews.
They spend 24 hours with illustrator, Hellovon, and talk about a few of the many Scandinavian artists who are leading the way. They also have Kate Franklin, co-founder of trend forecasting agency, Franklin Till talking about micro trends such as 80s Pop and Airbrush, and bigger trends like the influence of the larger availability of technology. Editor, Nick Carson gives an introduction.
“Our long-term collaborator Vault49 celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2012, and with its strong roots in illustration the NewYork-based studio was the ideal choice to guest-edit this issue’s Studio Project.”
“The team have produced a stunning CA Collection-exclusive double-sided poster, bound in at page 114, and also walk though the entire process from concept to production over 48 pages.”
“By its nature, illustration is hugely subjective, and identifying meaningful aesthetic movements can be tricky— but for our regular Trend Report, FranklinTill has selected emerging styles sure to pique art directors’ interest.”
“We also go behind -the-scenes on very different briefs for Nike, Penguin and Kenzo, and take a tour of Scandinavia’s illustration scene. I hope it inspires you.”
‘Computer Arts Collection Vol 1 Part 3: Illustration’ is out now, as well as parts one, two, and four. Pick them up at Magma and WHSmiths in the UK (£15), Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million in the USA ($25), and various other stores worldwide, including Chapters in Canada and Mag Nation in Australia. You can also grab copies online here.
© Computer Arts Collection, 2012
