Publication Magazine Volume 2 Art And Soul | Page 20

THE ART OF ILLUSTRATION
An illustration is a decoration, interpretation or
visual explanation of a text, concept or process,
designed for integration in published media,
such as posters, flyers, magazines, books,
teaching materials, animations, video games
and films. The origin of the word “illustration” is
late Middle English (in the sense ‘illumination;
spiritual or intellectual enlightenment’): via Old
French from Latin illustratio(n- ), from the verb
illustrate.
“Illustration beats explanation” Western Engraving & Colortype
Co. (1916)
Ngai created this illustration for McDonald’s’ 2012 Dragon New
Year campaign
Illustration by Jessie Willcox
Smith (1863–1935)
Adam Roselund creates
illustrations – such as this gig
poster – in his free time
Contemporary illustration uses a wide range of styles and
techniques, including drawing, painting, printmaking, col-
lage, montage, digital design, multimedia, 3D modelling.
Most illustrators work on a freelance basis.
Depending on the purpose, illustration may be expres-
sive, stylised, realistic or highly technical.
Specialist areas include:
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