What Is Illustration?

Eric Nolen-Weathington

Modern Masters Volume 25: Jeff Smith

At the age of nine, Jeff Smith dreamt up a cute, little character he named Fone Bone. More than a decade later, Bone became an overnight success, rocketing Smith to a level few independent cartoonists achieve. Published world-wide and winner of countless awards, Bone would seemingly be a career unto itself, but Jeff Smith isn't one to rest on his laurels. DC's Shazam: Monster Society of Evil and his newest creator-owned series RASL are proof that he is still one of the best cartoonists in the business. Now, Eric Nolen-Weathington explores the career of Jeff Smith, a true Modern Master, through a career-spanning interview with the artist, a discussion of his creative process, and mountains of rare and unseen art, including a huge gallery of commissioned pieces, plus 8 pages of full-color work.

Richard Cawthray, Edward Denison

The Big Book of Packaging Prototypes: Templates for Innovative Cartons, Packages, and Boxes [With CDROM]

"The Big Book of Packaging Prototypes" is both a source of inspiration and an invaluable reference tool. It provides a visual catalyst for the creation of exciting packaging designs. The diverse range of carton templates, which are also included on the accompanying CD, demonstrates the huge variety of packaging possibilities, and the beautifully photographed finished models inspire the imagination. Product suitability and distinguishing characteristics are included for each design, and a system of icons provides easy access to information on every aspect of the designs, from their ecological implications through to their material suitability. Authoritative essays detail the principles of packaging, along with the issues and challenges faced by contemporary packaging designers. A handy guide covers all the major types of closure, and a quick reference list summarizes common packaging materials and their typical uses.

Didier Ludot

Little Black Dress: Vintage Treasure

An essential piece of clothing in a woman's closet, the little black dress has maintained its popularity thought all trends because it is always the "right" thing to wear. It is a timeless classic and all great designers have created their own variation. Didier Ludot owns the most famous vintage clothing store in Paris, the fashion capital of the world. The store, La Petit Robe Noire, is housed in the prestigious Palais Royal, just steps away from the Louvre. Ludot has meticulously built and maintained a collection of black dresses, which features designs by Chanel, Balmain, Balenciaga, and Gaultier, among others. Photographs of these dresses are juxtaposed with archive photos of Romy Schneider, Catherine Deneuve, Jeanne Moreau, Sofia Loren, Edith Piaf, Paloma Picasso, Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor - all in their black dress finest. Ludot's collection is a delightful tour of the black dress from yesterday to today.