Unusual City Illustration Books

Strange Island is an NYC-Themed Photo Book

Strange Island is a beautiful book of illustration that focuses on the oddities, urban legends, and daily weirdness that lurks under the surface of life in Manhattan.

Pending a successful Kickstarter campaign, freelance illustrator J M Cooper is heading to NYC to make a small and peculiar book of illustration, in her signature vector style. The illustrations will be based on the stranger side of life in New York City, the urban myths, legends, rumors and just plain weirdness that underpins daily existence.

From alligators in the sewers and ghosts in central park, to hints of alternate dimensions and legendary inhabitants, this book will contain 30+ illustrations of weirdness in Manhattan.

Implications - The use of crowdfunding platforms to fund projects that artists would otherwise be unable to create is a rising trend. This example illustrates how a freelancer can create work for his/herself through self-initiated projects - and is also a showcase for J M Cooper’s style - a subtle, textural approach to vector illustration that is fast gaining popularity.

Crowdfunding Art Projects
Crowdfunding platforms are increasingly being used to fund projects that artists would otherwise be unable to create.
Self-initiated Art Projects
This example illustrates how a freelancer can create work for his/herself through self-initiated projects.
Textural Vector Illustration
J M Cooper’s style - a subtle, textural approach to vector illustration that is fast gaining popularity.

Sectors Adopting This

Graphic Design
Graphic designers can explore crowdfunding platforms to fund self-initiated projects.
Publishing
Book publishers can consider using crowdfunding platforms to fund unusual or niche projects.
Tourism
Tourism companies can use unique city-themed art projects to attract visitors to their locations.
SCORE
1.6 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 27%
Activity 12%
Freshness 8%

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