- Definition of Illustration
- Different Illustration Styles
- Graphic Design vs. Illustration: What Are Their Differences?
- The Difference Between Art and Illustration
- What Are the Best Illustration Styles and Techniques?
- How to Become a Professional Illustrator
- 10 Inspiring Illustrations With Different Illustration Styles (From Envato Elements)
Do you want to know more about illustration? Or do you want to become an illustration artist? Digital illustration, scientific illustration... such a lot of terms! In this article, you'll learn the meaning of illustration, discover illustration types, and much more!
1. Definition of Illustration
Let's dive into the definition of illustration. In short, illustration is a visualization made by an artist. It is a drawing (or painting, collage, engraving, photo, etc.) that explains something. The illustration doesn't have to be drawn—a photo in an encyclopedia is also an illustration, because it explains what is written.
So if your drawing is not explaining something, it is a work of art, not an illustration. We will talk about the differences between art and illustration later.
The definition of illustration also tells that an illustration can explain an idea even without the text nearby. People who look at the picture should see the story, "read" it as they would read the text. To tell a story with an illustration means to convey some meaning, to explain a certain context only with the help of an image.
Interesting fact: the word illustration comes from the Latin illustrate, which means spiritual or intellectual enlightenment. Wow!
2. Different Illustration Styles
Let's learn more about the types of illustration and where they are used. There are a lot of areas that require visualization; here are some of them:
- editorial illustration
- advertising illustration
- concept art
- fashion illustration
- technical (scientific) illustration
- infographics
- packaging illustration
What Is Editorial Illustration?
An editorial illustration is an illustration created to better express an idea from the text, usually used in a book, magazine, newspaper, or web resource. This type of illustration can't live without the text. If you want to know more about it, read our tutorial about editorial illustration.
What Is Advertising Illustration?
It is an illustration that is used in promotional material, and its main aim is to catch the viewer's attention. It can be used without any text (only the logotype of the company) but express a strong idea to make it easy to remember.
What Is Concept Illustration?
Concept art is used in movies, games, and other industries, as working material for finding the best image of the atmosphere of the work. Concept art is usually created in several iterations. The most important thing is not to create a perfectly beautiful image, but to choose the appropriate image. The final product uses the final sketch that went through the art director's criticism. Concept art is usually made for environments, characters, costumes, and items.
What Is Fashion Illustration?
Fashion illustration can be used to visualize a piece of clothing before it’s produced. Fashion designers use it a lot in their creative process. The garment should be drawn before being sewn. Also, fashion houses use fashion illustrators' work to promote their product and to show it in a special style.
What Is Technical Illustration?
The purpose of a technical (scientific) illustration is to accurately depict an object in order to simplify its understanding. In technical illustration, it is not the image and beauty that is important, but the clarity of the image and the absence of confusion.
What Are Infographics?
Infographics are a selection of images and diagrams with a minimum of text, allowing you to quickly understand the essence of the topic. Infographics are related to communication and graphic design, but can also be attributed to illustration. Good infographics make it easier to understand information and a large amount of data.
What Is Packaging Illustration?
Like advertising illustration, packaging illustration helps companies to sell their product. And it also should be eye-catching and grab the viewer's attention. But also, packaging illustration helps to define the brand, adding a personalized touch and custom feel.
3. Graphic Design vs. Illustration: What Are the Differences?
Usually, graphic designers work with ready-made objects, and their task is to create suitable compositions from them. Illustrators create products themselves (even if they are collages).
The main task of the designer is to create a successful product that will meet the requirements of the customer and the needs of the target audience.
A good illustrator will also think about the needs of their client and target audience, but should be more focused on the image itself, rather than on marketing goals—which the designer has already thought about!
Now you know the differences when it comes to graphic design vs. illustration!
4. The Difference Between Art and Illustration
Illustration art is not art in the literal sense of the word. Art is created to express the inner world of the artist, while an illustration is created to explain an idea. The main goal of a work of art is aesthetics. The main purpose of an illustration is to explain. An illustration is created for the needs of a specific customer with specific goals, and a work of art can be made without it. Good illustrators always think about their viewers' and their clients' aims.
5. What Are the Best Illustration Styles and Techniques?
It doesn't matter what technique the illustrator uses; what's important is what the illustration is for. This is not a story about how to create an image, but rather about what the purpose of the image is.
A commercial illustration can be traditional in technique: then it is drawn in pencil, ink, and paints. It can be made in digital programs such as Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, and others.
Some illustrators use a mixed technique: for example, draw with a pencil, and then process the image on the computer. There are also those who use the collage technique and engraving. You can use any technique; it depends on the purpose of the work and the preferences of the illustrator.
6. How to Become a Professional Illustrator
It all depends on the field in which you want to develop, and the technology that you will use. To become an illustrator, it is desirable to be able to draw. But now this is not the main thing, because there are illustration techniques that are not directly related to drawing. But you will definitely need a good knowledge of composition, color, and perspective, as well as a lot of practice.
There are a lot of online courses and universities where you can get an education. I advise you to choose courses that focus on the basics of composition and the ability to work with text rather than on individual techniques and materials. Many good tips are collected in our article about editorial illustration.
Knowledge of the basics of marketing, the skill to work with the client, and an understanding of legal subtleties will be a good help.
10 Inspiring Illustrations With Different Illustration Styles (From Envato Elements)
In this section, we've gathered a list of the best illustrations from Envato Elements.
Have you checked out Envato Elements? This is the ultimate creative subscription for illustrators and designers. For a low monthly fee, you can get unlimited downloads of traditional or commercial illustrations, fonts, backgrounds, graphics, and so much more!
Just take a look at these example illustrations from Envato Elements:
1. Astronaut Concept Illustration (EPS)
This is the perfect concept illustration for any sci-fi fan. The best thing about concept illustrations is that you can use them to tell a story or explain a complex idea. Download a vector illustration that’s 100% fully editable and easy to customize.
2. Traditional Illustration of Wild Animals (PNG)
Here are some traditional illustrations done in watercolor. These were hand-drawn and will stand out in any of your projects. Download this premium traditional illustration to get foxes, deer, bears, squirrels, and more!
3. Commercial Illustration of Diverse People (AI, EPS, PNG, SVG)
Diversity and representation are important. Using commercial illustrations of diverse people from various backgrounds will help your audience feel more engaged with your content. Use these commercial illustrations to enhance team presentations or design projects. These are 100& editable and come with unlimited color variations (only when editing with Adobe Illustrator).
4. Pictorial Illustration of Italian Town (PSD, JPG, PNG)
Pictorial illustrations are well-known for capturing the three-dimensional structure of a scene. Some examples are landscapes, objects, and people. This striking pictorial illustration of Porto Venere was created with ink and then digitalized. Go ahead and download it and start painting it with your favorite colors.
5. Custom Illustrations of Modern Women (PSD, JPG, PNG)
Creating custom illustrations from scratch is a regular part of an illustrator's job. Clients enjoy seeing themselves or their loved ones portrayed in a custom illustration. Download this premium file and get two amazing illustrated characters.
6. Abstract and Simple Illustrations (AI, EPS)
Abstract art is an excellent choice for interior design because it has the ability to quickly change the mood of a room. Simple illustrations like these can evoke emotions such as calm and joy. Download these simple illustrations with abstract drawings and receive 12 editable, print-ready files.
7. Concept Illustration of Chinese City Lights (EPS)
Bright neon lights are always eye-catching. This concept art illustration depicts a modern Chinese city with a mix of cool and warm palettes created with purples, blues, and reds.
8. Commercial Illustration of a Girl by the Pool (EPS)
Doing commercial illustrations is a great way for illustrators to work with brands while also earning money. Ads are boring, so creating a custom illustration for a brand's campaign is a great way to step outside the norm and make something that is eye-catching and interesting to a specific audience. This commercial illustration would be ideal for a liquor or hotel brand.
9. Retro Cartoon Illustration Style (AI, EPS, PNG)
Cartoons are not just for kids. Cute vintage cartoon characters have been widely used by many brands in recent years. This illustration style immediately evokes nostalgia, trust, and fun. Download this illustration pack to add color to your designs.
10. 3D Commercial Illustration for Promotional Ads (FIG, PNG)
Discounts come and go. Get ready with amazing 3D artwork to promote that special offer to your target audience. Download this commercial illustration and get five ready-to-use files with easy customization and color changes.
Conclusion
Illustration is a very interesting area that simultaneously contains a lot of creativity and close work with clients and designers. But the pleasure when you see your work printed in a magazine or on a shelf in a store cannot be compared to anything!
I wish you good luck and patience on this difficult but very exciting journey.
Want to learn more about illustration and graphic design? Check out our other tutorials and articles! I'm absolutely sure that you will find the perfect tutorial for improving your skills.
What Is Editorial Illustration? (& How to Get Into It)
65 Design Terms You Should Know
The Principles of Design
Defining and Valuing Art
Smart vs. Stylish: How to Balance Design Principles With Design Trends
Adobe Illustrator Tips and Tricks: A to Z of the Best Hacks!
A to Z of Graphic Design Software: InDesign, Affinity Designer and More! (Free & Premium)
