OUGD401- Illustration

Pictures at work, illustration in action, emotional experience of image.

Illustration is the difference between decorating through image and communicating; it is the strategic image making used within the context of visual communication to convey meaning of concept. Images have always been used to communicate messages because they seem to make sense of text without the need for an understanding of written language.

Illustration is the idea that an image alone cannot communicate anything, it must be a concept and be in context to mean anything. This is similar to other art/design forms such as Graphic Design. (For an image to mean anything it must have a purpose)

"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."

These two images express the quote directly, they are both created and crafted by the same illustrator however the use of colour and how it is applied affects the overall aesthetics as well as the connotations that it provides. The first is a children's book that connotes happiness through its use of bright colour however yet through the same method an incredible difference has been created through using dark tones to signify war. 

"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."

Example: Malika Favre

http://www.malikafavre.com/Vogue-UK-1

Vogue UK- Perfect Chemistry. Animated Illustrations commissioned for november 2013.

Her work suits to be on the cover of vogue because her illustration tends to portray beauty, elegance and is also highly provocative. Her work shows how illustration is still highly used even through stereotypical doubts that illustrators are not needed as much. Illustration is still as strong as a design form and will continue to develop to keep its place within design. 

Even though I am studying Graphic Design I do still have a passion for Illustration and Photography and with projects further ahead I would thoroughly enjoy collaborating with other students from other courses.

Illustration is not only used within advertising and brands but it can also be commissioned to portray a fact or express a concern. 

This image created for the Guardian newspaper was created by Laura Carlin to subtly express the loneliness that women feel due to domestic abuse through court cases. It subtly expresses this due to the use of colour; muted tones for the whole painting expect the singular woman in focus- inked in black.

"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."

Examples of Illustration: 

Book/Novel covers- 

The Folio Society.

http://www.foliosociety.com

"Great books should be outstanding not only in literary content but also in their physical form: this has been the philosophy of The Folio Society since it was founded in 1947 by Charles Ede, with a dream of publishing beautiful books that would be affordable to everyone. Our pleasure in reading is enhanced by the book itself, in which typography, illustration, paper, printing and binding all play a part in creating a harmonious whole. In a world of declining publishing standards, where most books are cheaply printed, and bound using low-grade materials, The Folio Society resolutely sets store by traditional values of excellence; for our designers and production personnel the term 'quite good' means 'no good': only the best is good enough."

Having a personal love for traditional and classic literature, to be introduced to this website and company was extremely fascinating; to see how artists have portrayed a book within a cover of image and typography is incredibly interesting. 

The New Yorker

The New Yorker is an incredible network of creatives including writers and artists- just as much as it is a magazine. The contacts of artists and writers is astonishing and their self worth and bold nature of the magazine is always portrayed within the cover to create innovative designs and engage the audience. The cover on the right from 2004 captures the moment of two people engaging eye contact due to reading the same book which the audience truly engage with, this is because it captures a small romanticised version of city life (New York). 

Much like Graphic Design, Illustration can be used to express an opinion or communicate an idea, this image is incredibly striking and emotive due to its unique approach to connecting animals with nature, therefore expressing the title and article- the use of artwork can make people read the article and can be the difference between attracting an audience, or not. 

Steve Powers

His work includes beautifully crafted hand painted signs and also now studio based design work which all include considered typography which communicate messages, his work is not only for brands but he also works conceptually. I personally love the idea of creating artwork traditionally due to my love for design from older era's.