
By matching an illustration to a specific feature, it can add information, context, and clarity, or can lead the user to the next step.Ĭustom illustrations can help users get a feel of the purpose of the product, a deeper understanding of the brand, and can show what the product or a specific feature does. When a feature is being bypassed, misused, or underused, an illustration can help the user focus on it. Illustrations can add some life and whimsy to what can often become a very mechanical and sterile process of doing things (such as managing finances, making appointments, or shopping for a gift). Product illustrators see their illustrations as a way to create a whole unique identity for a product and as an important part of the story that needs to be told in order for the product to be successful.Ī user's experience of a product can be greatly improved by having new concepts or complicated features explained visually. They create illustrations for items like brochures, commercial packaging, online products, and various forms of advertisement. For illustrators who can deliver artistic skills along with conceptual ideas, opportunities abound.Ī product illustrator consults and works with private clients or with advertising agencies to create a finished drawing or painting of a product or a product feature. There are hundreds of magazines, journals, or newspapers out there to suit just about every style of illustration, from traditional illustrations to photo illustrations, collages, caricatures, maps, or simple beautiful drawings. Editorial illustrations bring stories to life, bring out the main points in an article, and get readers to become involved with sometimes hard-to-understand written content (for example, political, scientific, or medical illustrations can make things easier to envisage).Īrt directors rely heavily on editorial illustrators to provide them with attention-getting images so as to visually deliver information and convey ideas - they work closely together as a team to create the best possible illustration(s) to either tell a story or to illuminate a concept. Editorial illustrators create images that partner with written articles in newspapers, magazines, and journals. There are many types of illustrators across a range of industries:Ī well-crafted illustration can immediately bring forth the essence of an idea, eliminating the need for detailed explanations. While an illustrator’s work is incredibly creative, it sometimes means that they have to keep working even when they are not feeling particularly inspired. Illustration has become a very competitive career which means that most illustrators develop a very distinct design aesthetic so that their work stands out. Natural talent, education, and continuous practice is necessary in order to become successful as an illustrator. It is important for the illustrator to listen and understand the client’s needs, and be able to exchange ideas and rework multiple concepts until both parties come to a final interpretation and illustration. Every illustrator has excellent drawing skills so that they can produce all kinds of images and designs. They can choose the medium that works best for their style and their client’s needs. Illustrators can work from pencil and paper, or digitally on the computer. Once they have an idea of the quantity and the general outline of the whole project, they begin working on drawing each illustration. Producing the illustrations by the deadlineĪn illustrator will usually begin by sketching out a draft of the images they want to make.Developing a sample to go over with the client.Discussing the client’s illustration and design needs.There are various stages in an illustrator's work flow that usually include: Illustrations can simplify a complicated idea, compliment the words or message being delivered to the user, and sometimes stand alone without any needed explanation.Īn illustrator is usually hired or commissioned to produce a visual representation within the context of an associated text or idea. Illustrations can convey a feeling, a meaning, or an essence sometimes more effectively than a wall of text can. Words can explain something to you, but an illustration can show you something - "a picture is worth a thousand words". Illustration is an amazing communication tool. What is the difference between a graphic designer and an illustrator?.What is the workplace of an Illustrator like?.
