Each of the recent annuals made significant improvements to the book, so our challenge with this one was to go a step further to create a package that would have universal appeal, not just for art directors and illustrators. The stipulation that each page should feature a single piece of art (we had proposed this notion for the first annual in 1982) allows the reader uncluttered access to the work. Christoph Niemann’s response to the cover (and inside illustrations) was brilliant. His exquisite technique combined with his whimsical sense of humor gives the book its individuality.