Small but perfectly formed

Inspired by seeing a coffee mug decorated with an illustration of a cowboy familiar from childhood, Pentagram’s Angus Hyland hit upon what it is about illustration that he thinks is so important. According to Hyland, it is the childlike freedom to dream and the ability to recreate those dreams for others that lies at the heart of picture-making.

For the latest mini edition of The Picture Book, Hyland has collected work from these talented dreamers to create an illustration bible complete with examples of illustrators’ work and short interviews. Illustrators discuss their first scribblings, inspirations and working practices, giving an insight into the people behind the pictures that adorn our newspapers, paperbacks and packaging.

Like any compendium, The Picture Book doesn’t have space to cover all the leading lights in the field of illustration but it’s a good selection and will prove inspiring for those with an interest and fellow illustrators alike. 

The Picture Book: Contemporary Illustration is available from September from Laurence King, priced at £9.99.