Yuko Shimizu is a multi-award-winning Japanese illustrator based in New York City, with over 20 years of experience across a wide range of disciplines. In addition to her illustration practice, she is also an instructor at The School of Visual Arts. Her clients span major media, publishing, tech, and cultural institutions. Yuko is also a two-time Hugo Award nominee (2019, 2020) and a recipient of multiple Clio Awards (2023). She was awarded the Caldecott Honor in both 2021 and 2025 for her work on the children’s books ‘The Cat Man of Aleppo’ and ‘Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains’. In 2009, Newsweek Japan named her one of the “100 Japanese People the World Respects.”

Kacper Giłka is a Polish illustrator whose work has been commissioned by clients worldwide. His illustrations have appeared in projects for bands such as Whitechapel, Epica, Caliban, Sylosis and Matt Heafy of Trivium, as well as for the MetalDays Festival and brands including Soundgrowler Brewing, The Bookish Box, and Grains of Wrath. His artwork has been featured in books published by Heavy Music Artwork and Out of Step Books Press. His artwork has appeared on a wide range of formats, including book covers, vinyl, game art, posters, t-shirts, beer cans, and digital media. A proud husband and father, Kacper continues to grow an expansive portfolio, offering both custom commissions and pre-made illustrations available for print and licensing. 

Simon J. Curd is an illustrator based in the outer suburbs of Nottingham, UK. He's known for creating an ever-expanding world of curious creatures wandering through overgrown, abandoned places. His work celebrates nostalgia and the quiet beauty of forgotten things. Alongside his personal projects, Simon illustrates for bands, books, and businesses and regularly appears at markets and conventions across the Midlands and the North of England. 

We're currently working on a new book dedicated to the literary illustrations of Gustave Doré, and our research has inspired this week's article. Read on to find out how Doré's incredible talent has inspired filmmakers and famous artists alike, plus, we'll take a look at some of his mesmerising illustrations. Let's go!

Anatomical illustrations are an essential resource in the study of human anatomy. This article will examine the evolution of anatomical illustrations from the Renaissance to the 19th century to observe the developments in scientific understanding, changes in artistic expression, and technological innovation.

Few artists have been as influential as Leonardo da Vinci. His work in various disciplines - from painting and sculpture to engineering and architecture - has inspired generations of creators. He is also well known for his groundbreaking anatomical drawings. However, his revolutionary anatomical sketches remained a secret for centuries, only to be rediscovered in the modern era and finally receive their due recognition as one of history's most influential contributions to scientific knowledge. Read on to discover more! 

Have you ever wondered how the armour worn by soldiers and knights in the middle ages protected them? Many people will be familiar with the sight of a knight dressed in a full suit of shining armour, but how exactly did armour work? This article will examine different types of protective wear used in medieval times alongside magnificent illustrations from our pictorial archive, Brutal Weapons and Armour; An Image Archive For Artists and Designers. Read on to find out more!

In 16th and 17th century Europe, a figure encased in strange garments emerged from the shadows of plague-ridden cities. Clad in an unnerving bird-like beak mask and gloves, these mysterious men were known as Plague Doctors. Their backgrounds varied; some candidates had genuinely trained as doctors, but others, like one ex-fruit seller, were a little more unusual. Their job took them to the epicentre of plague outbreaks during one of Europe's darkest periods in history.

Angels have been a source of inspiration for artists and designers for centuries. These heavenly creatures feature in beautiful artwork, from paintings and sculptures to tapestries and stained glass windows. Our latest release, Angels & Cherubs: An Image Archive for Artists and Designers, includes 159 beautiful, lifelike images of angels and cherubs in various poses and scenarios. This blog post will tell the story behind some of the illustrations.