|
|
What is Illustration? About being an Illustrator |
|
An illustration is a visualisation such as a drawing, painting or
other work of art that stresses subject more than form. The aim of
an illustration is to elucidate or decorate textual information
(such as a story, poem or newspaper article) by providing a visual
representation. An illustrator is a graphic artist who specializes in enhancing writing by providing a visual representation that corresponds to the content of the associated text. The illustration may be intended to clarify complicated concepts or objects that are difficult to describe textually. Illustrations have been used in advertisements, greeting cards, posters, books, magazines and newspapers. A cartoon illustration can add additional humour to humorous essays; in this regard, Richard Thompson's past cartoon illustrations for articles in The Washington Post are notable. |
||
 |
Techniques Traditional illustration techniques include watercolour, pen and ink, airbrush art, oil painting, pastels, wood engraving and linoleum cuts. John Held, Jr. was an illustrator who worked in a variety of styles and media, including linoleum cuts, pen and ink drawings, magazine cover paintings, cartoons, comic strips and set design, while also creating |
||
| fine art with his
animal sculptures and watercolour landscapes. According to the
illustrator Al Hirschfeld, Held's income by 1924 was well over $1
million a year. There are no formal qualifications needed to become an illustrator. However, many established illustrators attended an art school or college of some sort and were trained in different painting and drawing techniques. Universities and art schools offer specific courses in illustration so this has become a new avenue into the profession. Many illustrators are freelance, commissioned by publishers (of newspapers, books or magazines) or advertising agencies. Most of the scientific illustrations and technical illustrations are also known as information graphics. Among the information graphics specialists are medical illustrators who illustrate human anatomy, often requiring many years of artistic and medical training. |
||
 |
Digital art Computers dramatically changed the industry, and today many cartoonists and illustrators create digital illustrations using computers, graphics tablets, and scanners. Leading digital illustrators include Nancy Stahl, Zina Saunders and the cartoonist John Marshall (Blondie). The illustrator Jim McDermott has created digital |
||
| illustrations that look identical to
watercolour and oil paintings. Modern - Fine Art Style Illustration Sometimes words and pictures together are necessary to get a point across well. Or music and pictures. Or pictures on a box. Illustrations open windows to further understanding different forms of communications. Pictures in a storybook, for example, help children learn languages and help to open their imaginations. Properly selected images on a well designed packaging grab attention, set the tone, and sell products, from food to software, from soft drinks to CDs. |
||
| Next |
Illustration Articles |
|
Illustration Prices and Rates Guide - Sydney, Australia |
 |
Articles for Beginners |
| What is Illustration? | |
| The History of Illustration | |
|
What is an Illustration
Application? List of Applications |
|
|
Illustration Media, Grounds,
Supports & Techniques |
|
|
Copyright info sheets |
| Copyright Basics | |
| Copyright for Illustrators & artists | |
| Getting permission for artworks | |
| Assigning & Licensing copyright |
|
|
| How to Contact Us | |||||
|
