Since we published Illusive, our first collection of contemporary illustration from around the world, the demand for work in this medium has continued to grow – and with it its range of application and forms of expression. This positive development is confirmed by the exciting work of international illustrators that we have seen since its publication, and it was thus a logical step to present the best of these new works in Illusive 2. The book features an impressive variety of illustration styles and new design approaches that have become more differentiated and complex in comparison to the spontaneous-looking scribbles of years past.

In Illusive we identified the main trends in contemporary illustration and introduced many young illustrators. Since then, the demand for illustration has continued to grow - and with it the range of application and the forms of expression in this medium. This positive development is confirmed by the exciting work of international illustrators that we have seen since publishing Illusive ; it was thus a logical step to present the best of these new works in Illusive 2 . Illusive 2 is a survey of current illustration from around the world; unlike other titles on this subject, all of the work was selected for inclusion based solely on its artistic merit. The book reveals a trend toward Neo-Realism that is demonstrated by the willingness of today's magazines to use illustration in almost the same way as photography. In general, the illustrations featured in Illusive 2 have become more differentiated and complex - the spontaneous-looking scribbles of years past have given way to elaborate, multi-layered collages. The variety of styles and new design approaches is impressive. Illusive 2 includes a broad range of illustrations including personal artistic work, fashion illustration and commercial projects, revealing a diversity that shows how this design discipline functions independently of fickle fashion trends. At the same time, the book outlines current developments and the many design approaches that coexist today. Because it is hard to keep an overview amid such a wealth of material, texts and interviews with leading design agencies provide context and give surprising insights into techniques, methods and motivations.