Sophie's Pick - Semafor (Semaphore) - the nickname comes from Latin 'sema' - sign and 'phoros'- bearing. A Polish artist, based out of Warsaw who is one of the most talented illustrators and graphic designers I know. Apart from doing great illustrations he is also very passionate about logo design and has quite a few great ones in his portfolio.
Much of his art has appeared in many cool magazines (and Playboy).
http://www.horton-stephens.pl/