Bob Case is an illustrator, designer, art director and animator currently working at The Lavidge Company. He often works in black and white, using his trademark perfect black lines to shade his work. There is something beautifully nostalgic about his illustrations, yet at the same time they appear so modern and punchy. View more on his website.

Though vector artist Souloff works in colour, her black and white work is equally powerful. Her outlines are smooth and sensual, with fat black marker lines thrown in to great effect. You can see influence from night club flyers, and also graffiti ([particularly in some of the lettering). Her ‘Mirror Mirror on the Wall’ series is inspired by fables and fairy tales, but with a modern twist. Do take a look at her website for more…

I cannot attempt to better the write-up on Otto Von Beach’s website, so here it is:

“Born in 1857, his successful career as an artist was interrupted while on an expedition to Siberia in 1896. Swept away by a freak uphill avalanche, Otto lay frozen in the Russian ice for the next 114 years.

Discovered by a passing hiker in March 2010, Otto’s body was sent to Moscow for routine analysis. There, scientists were astonished to discover faint signs of life and immediate steps were taken to resuscitate him.

After a lengthy and painful period of thawing, Otto was restored to full health and reunited with his descendants.

He has resumed his career as an illustrator and now shares a studio with his great-great-grandson and illustrator, Beach.”

Enjoy!

Today we share the wonderful work of Russian illustrator Maria Menshikova. She works in various styles, though her black and white work stands out as something absolutely unique and incredible. I honestly can’t tell if she blends in photo-manipulation with traditional illustration, or if is all traditional hand-made work. The strong line-work alongside some soft tones and gritty textures works so well, the imagery doesn’t need colour to be powerful and exciting; it’s simply brilliant! I highly recommend visiting her website to sample every bit of her portfolio. Head on over…

Despite Aubrey Beardsley‘s life being cut tragically short he achieved what most other illustrators can only dream of. A significant figure in the Art Nouveau movement, his stark black and white illustrations capture the decadence and erotica of his time. His poetic works are a perfect representation of the period they were created in, but you could be forgiven for thinking they were created yesterday.

Illustrator Matthieu Bessudo aka Mcbess combines the 1930s ‘Betty Boop’ style with a Japanese twist and detail that reminds me of the ‘Where’s Wally?’ books…all inked with superb skill. And it works. It really works.