Ethel Traphagen's work <i>Costume Design and Illustration</i> is a detailed textbook for use by those working to create and accurately represent costumes using illustrations. This is clearly intended to be an instructional work for aspiring and practicing costume designers.<br><br>Before offering technical advice, Traphagen highlights what she believes to be an important distinction between designers and illustrators. Designers are those who must create a garment from their imagination and represent it on a page, whereas illustrators must take a garment that exists and accurately represent it through a drawing. Traphagen believes it is vital for both designers and illustrators to have an intimate knowledge of the skills and requirements of the other's task, and thus presents this book as essential to both groups.<br><br>The information presented in this textbook follows a logical progression. Early chapters detail strategies and techniques for effective sketching, including information on sketching both with and without models. Later chapters discuss specific methods to use when sketching, the use of colour in illustrations, the principles of effective fashion design, and specific information on period fabric selection, amongst other topics.<br><br><i>Costume Design and Illustration</i> is a brief and accessible work. The images presented within the book are useful and effectively illuminate the text. While this book would be most useful for those with some experience in costume design and illustration, it can also serve as a worthy introduction to the topic. At less than 200 pages, it can be read in a day, but would probably be best served by slowly digesting the techniques presented within and spending ample time practicing.<br><br>For anybody involved in costume design, or for those interested in getting into the art, <i>Costume Design and Illustration</i> would be an excellent addition to your library.