Why Study Illustration? Exploring the Art and Career of Illustrators
Illustration is an art form that has the power to inspire, captivate, and communicate in ways that words alone cannot. Whether it's a captivating graphic novel, a thought-provoking image on a card game, or compelling cover art, illustration has the ability to evoke emotions, tell stories, and convey messages with incredible depth and complexity; transcending linguistic barriers, allowing its message to resonate universally, regardless of spoken or written language.
If you're someone who appreciates the beauty and significance of art, then you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving into the captivating world of illustration, exploring what sets it apart from traditional art forms, and why studying illustration is a worthwhile pursuit.
Jump ahead:
What is Illustration?
Illustration is more than just drawing pictures; it's a powerful form of visual communication. Whether it's bringing stories to life in children's books, creating eye-catching advertisements, or designing engaging infographics, illustration helps us understand the world visually, which plays a crucial role in our everyday lives.
Illustration vs. Fine Art
The distinction between illustration and fine art lies in their purpose and audience. While fine art is often created for personal expression and interpretation, illustration is created with a specific purpose in mind—to communicate a message or tell a story. While both forms of art require creativity, skill, and talent, illustration is more focused on engaging and communicating with a specific audience, and it is often more stylized.
Types of Illustration
There are countless styles and types of illustration, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. Whether it's the whimsical drawings in a children's book, the sleek designs of a fashion magazine, or the detailed visuals of a scientific journal, there's something for everyone in the world of illustration. Some common types of illustration include album cover art, editorial illustration, children's book illustration, and concept art, to name just a few.
Types of Products Needing Illustration
The demand for illustration is vast and diverse, with illustrations appearing in a wide range of products and industries. From books and magazines to advertisements and product packaging, illustration is in high demand across various sectors. Illustrators have the unique skill to grab our attention with compelling imagery, convey complex ideas, and evoke emotions, making them an essential component of many products and campaigns. Some common products that require illustration are:
Books (children’s books, cover art, etc)
Comics and graphic novels
Album covers (ie. vinyl, cd, etc.)
Editorial art in magazines and blogs
Advertising & Marketing
Fashion and material design
Infographics in posters and videos
Animation
Storyboarding
Packaging and Instructions
Video Game Art
Board Games and Card Games
Concept Art
Tattoo Art
Technical Illustration (medical, scientific, or instructional)
Prints, stickers, merch
Commissioned Art (ie. Portraits, Gifts, Character Art, etc.)
Why Study Illustration?
Now, you might be wondering, why study illustration? Here are several compelling reasons why this field is worth exploring, even in the age of AI:
Creative Expression
Studying illustration allows you to unleash your creativity and express yourself in meaningful ways. Whether you're passionate about storytelling, character design, or visual problem-solving, illustration provides a versatile outlet for your creativity and artistic vision.
Effective Communication
In today's fast-paced world, effective communication is more important than ever. Illustration enables you to communicate complex ideas quickly and clearly, making it an invaluable skill in various industries. By studying illustration, you'll learn how to convey messages visually, engaging and captivating your audience in the process.
Versatility and Opportunity
The field of illustration offers endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Whether you're interested in traditional media like pen and ink or digital techniques using software like Clip Studio Paint, there's a niche for every illustrator. From children's books and editorial illustrations to concept art and graphic novels, the possibilities are truly endless.
Impact and Influence
Illustration has the power to inspire, inform, and influence people's perceptions and behaviors. As an illustrator, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the world around you. Whether you're raising awareness about important issues, sparking imagination and creativity in children, or helping businesses connect with their audience, your work has the potential to make a difference.
Job Satisfaction and Fulfillment
For many illustrators, the greatest reward comes from being able to create on a daily basis, and seeing their work come to life, knowing that it has made a positive impact. Whether you're freelancing, working for a company, or pursuing personal projects like a graphic novel, a career in illustration offers a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that few other professions can match.
Traditional vs. Digital Illustration
Despite digital illustration being the industry standard, learning traditional illustration is important, especially in the age when digital artists fear generative AI will replace them. However, most traditional illustrations must be digitized in order to be reproduced as books, cover art, or other types of products, which is why digital illustration is more widely used in the industry. Not only is the process of digital illustration simpler and easier, it reduces the need for art supplies, paint drying time and the higher cost of producing something physical and then making it digital.
But there is something to be said about the satisfaction of making something from scratch, unaided by computers or technology. Being able to match a paint colour by eye instead of colour picking, the texture of the perfect brushstroke, and having a true original one-of-a-kind physical artwork in the end are things that can never be replaced with digital processes.
Even though the process of traditional art takes time and lacks the efficiency of modern tools, it heightens our craft and fuels our human desire to create. The ability to create something from scratch using our hands will remain a valued skill that will only become more rare and thus higher paid as more people rely on digital shortcuts and AI tools to generate images that mimic what real art once was.
The value of traditional illustration is that there is original, physical artwork that can be collected and sold like fine art, even though it wasn’t created for a gallery. For example, every cel animation frame that was hand-painted in a classic Walt Disney animation or Studio Ghibli firm can be sold as collectible art. Every Dr. Seuss illustration that was originally made for mass-produced children’s books is a rare item that only increases in value as time goes on.
Most modern illustrators create both traditionally and digitally as it makes them more versatile artists. New digital art software, like Rebelle 7, can replicate the intricate details of traditional art such as metallics, brushstrokes, and realistic watercolour texture.
Visual Art Student vs. Illustration Student
If you're considering a career in illustration, you might be wondering how it differs from studying visual art. While both are valuable fields of study, illustration programs often place a stronger emphasis on storytelling, communication, and technical skills. Illustration students learn how to effectively communicate ideas and emotions through images, honing their skills in composition, color theory, and visual storytelling along the way.
A Day in the Life of an Illustrator
Ever wonder what it's like to be an illustrator? A typical day might include brainstorming ideas, sketching out concepts, collaborating with clients, working with an art director, making revisions, and creating original artwork. Most Illustrators have the flexibility to work from anywhere, make their own schedule, and be selective about the projects they take on.
Many modern illustrators also make a great living by creating content that shares their process and experience, while earning passive revenue and building an audience and business around their art. It's a dynamic and rewarding career that offers endless opportunities for creativity and growth. Whether you're working from a home studio or collaborating with a team in a creative agency, no two days are ever the same in the world of illustration.
Famous Illustrators You May Know
Get to know the inspiring illustrators behind some of your favorite artworks. Watch our illustrated biography videos to explore the artworks and careers of famous illustrators that every aspiring artist should know!
Beatrix Potter is a beloved English illustrator you may recognize from one of your childhood picture books, Peter Rabbit.
Norman Rockwell is an American illustrator known for his iconic depictions of American life and illustrated covers for The Saturday Evening Post.
Faith Ringgold is an African-American artist renowned for her narrative quilts and social justice advocacy work.
Takashi Murakami is a well-known Japanese artist known for his iconic flower designs and famous collaborations.
How to Start Learning Illustration
Firstly, how do you know if illustration is the right career path for you? Illustration is a good fit for you if you love drawing characters and comics or naturally use your art for storytelling. Most importantly, you must be willing to put in the time to learn the foundations and refine your technical skills.
Illustration is a creative major at many reputable art schools, as well as online schools suitable for adults and people looking for alternative ways to self-study. Regardless of the medium you work in, a good start could be beginner-intermediate online classes at Winged Canvas including Drawing Foundations, taught traditionally, and Cartooning & Anime, taught digitally. For advanced students, we recommend Digital Illustration Mentorship for guidance on building your illustration portfolio or personal artwork.
Final thoughts
Whether you're an aspiring illustrator, a seasoned art enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the power of visual communication, illustration is an art form worth exploring. By understanding its significance and versatility, we can all gain a deeper appreciation for the role that art plays in our lives. So why study illustration? Because it's more than just a career—it's a passion for creating, a calling pulling you toward telling captivating stories through your art, and a chance to make your mark on the world.
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