ILLUSTRATION 60S

A cool book has crossed my radar this week called Lifestyle Illustration of the 60s. From the press release: "A glorious celebration of the Swinging Sixties- a groundbreaking decade heralding a new creativity, freedom and liberation. This lavishly illustrated book surveys how those years were depicted by illustrators for some of the UK's best-selling magazines. This also reveals the social aspirations of this unprecedented era of political optimism and sexual freedom, tracing the decade's evolution from the homemaking ethos of romantic coupledom to the stylish liberation of mini-skirted Chelsea girls! It features page after page of stunning artwork, much of it by the very best artists of the day and provides a wonderful, nostalgic escape into a world of retro sophisticated living. Editor Rian Hughes is an award-winning graphic designer, illustrator, comic artist, logo designer and typographer. He studied graphic design at the London College of Printing before working for an advertising agency, i-D magazine and record sleeve design companies. In 1994, he founded his own studio, Device, and has since worked with a wide range of international clients in publishing, advertising, music and fashion." Looking at these images reminds me of some great conversations I've had with US illustrator Gil Cohen. Gil now specializes in aviation images, but he was one of the main artists supplying images to popular publications- and Men's Magazines- back in the late 1950s and 1960s. He even got to illustrate James Bond! When we spoke he didn't recall many details about specific assignments, but he did remember his breakneck schedule as a freelancer churning out jobs. Sometimes he worked so close to deadline, he had to meet reps on train platforms with his artwork, the paint still wet, to be carried back to the city for publication. I still want to post an interview someday here on Spy Vibe with him. Now, take a look at this book and see if you can find some inspiration. More info at Bud's Art Books and Amazon. Enjoy!

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