Illustration is an art form that involves creating visual representations of concepts, ideas, or narratives. Illustration can be used for a variety of purposes, from advertising and marketing to entertainment and education. In this post, we'll explore the various types of illustration, what sets them apart, and how they're used.
Digital illustration refers to illustrations that are created using digital tools such as graphic tablets, software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop. Digital illustrations are typically created for online media, such as websites and social media platforms. They're versatile, cost-effective and easily shareable. Digital Illustrations can be easily adapted to different mediums which makes it perfect for branding purposes.
Vector illustration is a type of digital illustration that uses mathematical equations to create images with clean lines and smooth curves. Vector graphics are scalable without losing quality which makes them great for printing on large mediums like billboards or small business cards without losing resolution. Vector illustrations are commonly used in logos, infographics, product packaging, and more.
Editorial illustration refers to illustrations created specifically for use in newspapers, magazines or other print times - online or offline- where the main focus emphasize a specific article or story. Editorial illustrators work closely with editors to understand the message behind the piece before creating their illustrations. Editorial illustrations are commonly used in editorial columns.
Iconography involves designing icons that represent different concepts or objects in a simplified manner- think emojis but on more professional settings. Iconography plays an essential role in user interface design (UI), where icons can represent actions like refreshing a page or printing a document. They make interfaces more intuitive for users who may not read the language displayed on the platform.
Storyboarding involves creating a visual narrative of a concept or story in comic book style frames. Storyboards are commonly used in the movie, television and advertising industry to present ideas before production begins. They are created through a series of sketches that show the progression of a story visually. Storyboarding helps both clients and creators visualize how the story can progress before investing in its production.
Illustration is used in many different ways, including:
