Book Review of "Imagine Too!: Towards the Future" by Patrick Kelley

Patrick Kelley’s Imagine Too! is a visual feast for automotive designers, offering a curated collection of innovative and inspiring concept car designs from around the world. Here’s a more in-depth look at what makes this book so special

“Imagine Too!: Towards the Future” is a stunning collection of concept car designs from the past. Published by Dalton Books, this book serves as a companion to Kelley’s earlier work, “Imagine!”, which featured concept cars from the 1930s onwards. “Imagine Too!” showcases a new crop of images and artists, along with some familiar favorites.

Content:

The book features 300 incredible designs that have been untouched and unseen since they were first drawn. These designs provide a singular look into the imagined futures of the past, complete with visions of flying cars and other marvels. The vast majority of the drawings spotlighted in “Imagine Too!” are concepts that never made it off the drawing board to the factory floor or showroom. However, their imaginative designs can still inspire car designers today.

Artists and Illustrations:

Kelley has gathered works from 87 individual artists, showcasing 235 unique images. These illustrations highlight the creativity and vision of the artists who designed these concept cars. The book takes readers back to a time of unlimited dreams and vision, providing a glimpse into the world of automotive concept art.

Relevance to Car Designers:

For car designers, “Imagine Too!” is a treasure trove of inspiration. The book offers a look at how past designers envisioned the future of transportation, providing valuable insights into innovative design elements and futuristic concepts. By studying these designs, modern car designers can draw inspiration for their own projects, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation.

It also shows the various techniques used throughout the various times, from Canson to Vellum, from pencil and marker through to airbrush and paints. Looking at all this art and trying to decipher how they were created can be inspiring for any artist or designer to use the techniques of the past today, instead of the standardized computer illustrations from which it is difficult to distinguish any personal style.

Impact on the Industry:

While many of the designs in “Imagine Too!” never made it to production, they represent the creative spirit and innovative thinking that drives the automotive industry forward. These concepts challenge designers to think outside the box and explore new possibilities for the future of transportation.

A Celebration of Diversity

Global Representation: Imagine Too! features designs from designers hailing from various countries, showcasing the global reach of automotive design.
Stylistic Variety: The book presents a wide range of design aesthetics, from futuristic and avant-garde to classic and timeless.
Emerging Talent: Imagine Too! highlights the work of both established designers and emerging talent, offering a glimpse into the future of automotive design.

A Source of Inspiration

Conceptual Freedom: The designs featured in Imagine Too! often explore unconventional ideas and push the boundaries of automotive design.
Technological Innovation: Many of the concept cars showcased in the book incorporate cutting-edge technologies that may not yet be commercially available.
Design Philosophy: The book offers insights into the design philosophies of the creators, providing context and understanding.

A Visual Treat

High-Quality Images: Imagine Too! features stunningly detailed illustrations and photographs of each concept car.
Informative Captions: The accompanying captions provide valuable context and background information on each design.
Layout and Design: The book’s layout and design complement the content, creating a visually engaging and immersive experience.

A Must-Have for Automotive Designers

Inspiration: Imagine Too! is a treasure trove of inspiration for designers seeking new ideas and approaches.
Reference Material: The book can serve as a valuable reference for designers working on concept cars or production vehicles.
Career Development: By studying the work of other designers, you can gain valuable insights into industry trends and best practices.

Conclusion:

“Imagine Too!: Towards the Future” is a must-read for anyone passionate about car design and the history of automotive innovation. It serves as a reminder of the boundless creativity that has always been a part of the industry and encourages designers to continue pushing the envelope.