Illustration Lecture

Illustration is not a chronology. It can be described as pictures at work, illustration in action or emotional experience of image.

Illustration doesn't exist unless its applied to something. In other words, a drawing of a dog isn't an illustration. It is a drawing of a dog.

Illustration can also be defined as 'strategic image making used within the context of visual communication to convey meaning or concept'.

Style is a little bit of a taboo word in illustration. It is better to refer to an illustrators tone of voice, the way that illustrators personally inform success as an applied artist. It is also important to focus on the aesthetic of the image, and how that communicates the message, as well as the emotional impact experienced by the viewer.

Some well known illustrators:

Chrissie Macdonald- 3D Illustration

Jilian Tamaki- Wildlife campaign

Laura Carlin- Domestic abuse isolation

Malika Favre- bold geometric style

Marc Boutavant- Renown for children's illustrations

Micheal Gillette- James Bond cover illustrations

To conclude, there are many fantastic, different and diverse illustrators out there, but what makes a great illustrator is one that communicates meaning effectively, applies emotion through their work, and has a strong tone of voice.