Creative Review Magazine - March 2001
Illustration Opens Eyes / A Letter

Firstly, let me say; I don't write letters to magazines. That off my chest, I felt I just had to comment on a recent phenomenon. Just four issues in since Creative Review's introduction of the Centre-fold and illustration is level pegging with photography 2-2. Who would have thought that equal space would be given to illustration? When did this turnaround occur? Ian Wright and Paul Davies are both part of a group of illustrators creating the best contemporary work in the UK. It is witty, edgy, pushy and demands to be seen. I would like to think that since the coverage in your magazine, younger advertising art directors and designers have had a chance to look at illustration with fresh open eyes and not through the eyes of the cynical and jaded folk that still think 'illustration' is a dirty word. Why does Creative Review stand alone, at the moment, in championing some of the best illustration? The discipline itself has not undergone change, it has not regrouped or shed it's poor image. Your magazine has recognized the undercurrent, the work being produced by illustrators that don't sit comfortably in the old scene and is prepared to give this new work a platform. Of course Wright and Davies are not alone. If you are looking for more cover and Centrefold material consider the following: Marion Deuchars, Jasper Goodall, Reggie Pedro, Aude Van Ryn, Joe Magee, Andy Martin, James Jarvis, Tony Burrill, Tam Kan... the list goes on. The best stuff always rises to the top but a little help from yourselves is doing no harm!

© Lawrence Zeegen