At the cutting edge

Cutting Edges is a visual feast for anyone interested in collage and image making and celebrates the work of prolific creatives of this genre, such as Anthony Zinonos and Jelle Martens. Flipping through the book, you'll laugh, giggle or even grimace at the sort of imagery mixed together to create the final pieces.

A new find for me was the complex artwork of Valerie Roybal whose work seems to play on the subconscious as well as the eye. Imagining the time taken up finding, cutting and putting back together might make you wince but it is definitely worth the effort and makes for an individual, if not painstaking take on collage.It is also great to see some digital collage work in the book which sits very nicely next to hand made pieces and shows just what goes into making up digital illustration.

The cover oozes cool and contemporary - the inside doesn't disappoint either giving you a visual feast of contemporary cutting and sticking.

Cutting Edges, Contemporary Collage Editors: R. Klanten, H. Hellige, J. Gallagher

Buy online here

A Cutter's Edges: James Gallagher on Creating and Curating Contemporary Collage

Behind the Zines

Zine's have recently become a popular output for designers and illustrators - not just for those of the political persuasion. In 2011, there are so many digital outlets such as blogs, Twitter, Facebook for example, where you can have your own voice so you might wonder why people still like to cut and stick their thoughts and images into a little book. However, with a rise in popularity Zine's have been given a designer's touch and are as appealing to the style-savvy as those who like to read the opinion's of others. You might even learn something! This book celebrates and showcases the more 'visually refined' of zines where artists and designers have started to experiment and update this medium which has long enjoyed a cult status. Some may also say that it is the impact of the recession that is promoting the 'make do and mend' attitude not only in crafts – but also in self-marketing and the arts.

The spot gloss cover and open spine give a shiny impression but it is the pastel pages which really caught my eye and really give the feel of zine. A jam-packed book full of inspirational projects, and some great examples of various print process make this a book I'd definitely recommend.

Buy online here

Behind the Zines: Self-Publishing Culture Editors: R. Klanten, A. Mollard, M. Hübner Publisher: Gestalten

Got Ammo?

I've been a fan of Ammo for a year or so now after meeting editor & founder Dave at The Publisher's Club Meet-up and have loved the little mag ever since. The postcard (or handbag) size mag is perfect for showing off the beautiful illustration and design work and bite-size features are easy to digest, wherever you are.

The cover of this latest issue has been gracefully designed by Gabriella Barouch whose work is wonderfully girly and mystical. Inside, you'll find the work of Soupa illustrators Carlos Garde-Martin, Harriet Gray and Luke Waller all of whom have submitted exclusive pieces for the magazine. Check out their work on pages 16, 31 and 53. There are some great interviews from Timba Smitts, Rilla Alexandra and also an interesting insight into the work of Claire Hartley. Claire was invited to take part in Yarn Festival back in February to produce a live illustration pitted against Soupa's own Jamie Littler.

As always, the magazine is designed in a way which only further enhances the work featured in it.

Check out and buy Ammo Magazine here

Images © Ammo Magazine sourced from Flickr

A peek inside the world of Print & Pattern

For several years now, blogs have led to some great books and Print & Pattern by Bowie Style is no exception.

Marie Perkins aka Bowie Style, started the super popular Print & Pattern blog in 2006 'while researching mood boards in her job as a textile designer. Creating trend books for leading UK stores meant she needed images to demonstrate print trends, and after finding no dedicated blogs at that time decided to start one.'

Inside this beautiful book, published by Laurence King you'll find page after page of bold and brave prints from some of our best-loved designers – and some you won't be as familiar with.

From a textiles point of view – expect work by Alice Burrows

and Lovely Lovely...

While a coffee table book is all well and good, you'll not only be inspired by Print & Pattern, but I think it's quite likely, that it will become a source book for art students the world over.

And those of us who can only dream of creating such prints and patterns.

Print & Pattern by Bowie Style is published by Laurence King, priced at £19.95

Images copyright of individual artists. Book jacket courtesy of Laurence King.