Proving that a one-man band can take on large agency style set-ups, Nathaniel Eckstrom has enjoyed the fruits of his labour.

Eckstrom’s Bravery illustration, published in Australian Art Review, was selected for the upcoming Lüerzer's Archive 200 Best Illustrator's Worldwide Book. He was a finalist in CREATIVE's Hotshop Awards this year.

Continuing on with his successful collaboration with Home and Human Fashion's new label Lalaland, Eckstrom illustrated a set of four tea boxes, which were selected to appear in the book Boxed and Labelled – New Approaches to Packaging Design, published by Gestalten Verlag in Germany.

Design event Semi Permanent also included his Victory illustration in its 2009 showcase book. As well as working on various magazine editorial projects, Eckstrom was also able to work on some personal pieces and exhibited at international gallery spaces.

Last year, two of his illustrations were showcased at the first Blue Book Group Show for 2009, which took place at the Momaeye Art Gallery in Tehran, Iran. The travelling exhibition also visits Spain, Germany and Japan.

He also exhibited at Power In Numbers 4 Show (PIN4), held at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra, California.

(PIN4) invites artists and illustrators from all backgrounds, industries and aesthetics to take part in creating art for a good cause. Summing up Eckstrom's year, one judge said: "Great work, industriously applied – shine on you crazy diamond!"