Illustration in action

In this lecture, we focussed on the definition of an illustration and how drawings are often confused with illustrations.
Part of a definition of illustration stated-

‘…a shining, a spiritual illumination, vivid representation, an enlightening, light up, illuminate, make clear, disclose, explain, adorn, shine light, act of making clear in the mind…’

Illustrations effectively illuminate a page. Monks writing long texts had a desire to illustrate and fill the page with these illuminations.

So what is the difference between an illustration and a drawing? Our lecturer stated his idea of illustration-

"Strategic image making, used within the context of visual communication to convey meaning or concept."

He argued that if all the elements below are not present, is it really an illustration?


This Frosties box contains an example of an illustration. This is because Tony the tiger is smiling with a thumbs up to illustrate that the cereal is good and worth buying. 


Below is an example of a drawing, NOT an illustration. Why? Because there is no context, the image stands alone as a drawing. It has no purpose and it is not trying to communicate anything.



Aesthetics is a key element in successful illustration as this can communicate a mixture of messages. 

"As a result, the aesthetic of an image, its formal qualities, its media and composition can communicate as much as the semiotics of the signs and symbols employed.

I would argue that good illustrators not only communicates through use of sign and symbol, but also by the very aesthetic of their chosen media and its application."

A prime example of this is the illustrations of animals below -

 

Jillian Tamaki- Trafficked Animals for National geographic magazine

The aesthetics of these illustrations aim to communicate the fragility and vulnerability of these animals. Thus communicating a different message to this...

Lance Wyman- U.S National Zoo Washington

These animal illustrations have a much stronger, vectorised form. They have an instruction and informative aesthetic, which is hard so that the required information is easily communicated.

Also, the tone of voice of an illustration plays a key roll in what is communicated.

"Born from an individual image making process and creative practice that is unique to it’s creator, illustration often communicates with a specific tone of voice.

I would argue that it is the authenticity, craft, consistency and individuality of an illustrators visual tone of voice that will inform their success as an applied artist."

Here are some good examples on how tone of voice can change an image and reflect its purposes...

James Jean for Prada

This image aims to communicate the sophistication, elegance and sexiness of the designer brand. 

whereas...

Laura Carlin for The Guardian

This image aims to highlight the issues for the victims related to domestic abuse. The tone of voice is much sadder and triggers empathy.

"It is this combination of both an individual visual aesthetic and use of functional visual symbols that allows illustration to communicate both an explicit message whilst also being able to convey more subtle, nuanced or abstract sensibilities."

Illustration is a skill required by all disciplines. For example :

Animation studio employs illustrator to generate concepts and aesthetic for new short film

Art director commissions illustration for a newspaper article

Graphic Designer employs illustrator to work on branding project

Museum curator briefs Illustrator on mural for an exhibition

Photographer asks illustrator to design props for set

Creative Agency buys artwork from Illustrator to use in new branding campaign

App developer hires illustrator to design characters

Flagship retail store employs illustrator to collaborate on visual merchandising for shop window display

Interior design business commissions illustrated textiles

BUT illustrators are not subservient to to other disciplines.

It could be argued that during times of recession illustrations are not used because its decoration. What is required is the information. However this newspaper looks far more tempting to buy...

Sam Weber- New York Times