This book is the second in-depth look by this publisher at the world of freehand graphics in the applied commercial field. Once again, as was well documented in the first edition, freehand brush and pen graphics prove to be a strong and viable source of imagery and have a strong impact on the graphic communications industry today. While The Creative Stroke 2 displays beautiful and exciting works of art created by the free and unencumbered human hand, it does not deny the arrival of the electronic age. More and more designers are discovering the advantage of using adaptive electronic techniques to enhance, distort, or otherwise manipulate freely rendered art. This is truly significant because it continues to utilize the freehand expression yet carries it into new dimensions provided by the computer and all the evolving software programs.
This edition of The Creative Stroke 2 focuses on the unique talents of many of the most prominent calligraphers and freehand designers practicing today. They have demonstrated that they can produce dynamic and successful art for the entire communications industry in all its varied applications. All forms of today's media welcome and in fact encourage the wonderful intuitive expression that comes from freehand. Therefore this book is structured around the flexibility of these artists and their ability to be adaptable to whatever media they encounter. Within each artist's section will be representations of design for publication, direct mail, posters or point-of-sale, corporate identity, and even packaging.
The Creative Stroke 2 is a remarkable assembly of art and design. It is further affirmation of the need for and importance of freehand graphics in the communications industry. The 250-plus, full-color illustrations indicate the vast reservoir of talent that exists, and the industry is much the richer for them. Here is a list of some of the prominent artists featured: Ivan Angelic, Anthony Bloch, Raphael Boguslav, Larry Brady, Marsha Brady, Sherry Bringham, Colleen, Nancy Culmone, Georgia Deaver, Claude Dieterich A., Jane Dill, Jean Evans, Jim Fedor, Joey Hannaford, Iskra Johnson, Terry Louie, Richard Lipton, Mike Quon, Frank Riccio, Daniel Riley, John Sayles, Paul Shaw, Susan Skarsgard, Bonnie Spiegel, John Stevens, Edward Vartanian, Brenda Walton, Julian Waters, and Sheila Waters.
The main part of this book featuring these artists is followed by a "Miscellany" section that presents the significant work of many more contributors.
The Creative Stroke 2 is intended to continue and expand the examination of freehand graphics and the significant impact it has on the communications industry.

Richard Emery is president and creative director of Richard Emery Design, Inc.