Most illustrators have a preferred style and favorite medium to work with. Some work with markers, others with pens, and yet others use their artistic talent in computers. The process in general stays the same; it begins with an idea, molded to suit the artist's style, and then is brought to life on paper or board. Here are three popular types that you may well be familiar with.
Humor
These illustrations are characterized by the expression of the absurd and of otherwise uncomfortable situations. Humorous illustrations often involve a wide range of topics: irreverent, critical, realistic and sometimes burlesque. Generally, the characters exhibit striking features and look cartoonish and funny. This type of drawing takes lots creative imagination, irony, and the ability to come up with a laughable side to a story. In other words, these artists are always considering different ways of making a joke out of an unfunny situation.
Modern Gothic
Another style that is found in many publications is the modern Gothic, which has several expressive characteristics. A key feature is its oppressive presence and strong medieval appearance. Characters in modern Gothic have a particular dark kind of quality while at the same time a sense of freedom in movement. The Gothic style can be described as an internal rebellion that does not accept the idea of "good" as promoted by society in general. Stories delivered in this style also tend to contain illustrations of medieval clothing, furnishings, weapons and utensils, among other things.
Manga
Manga comics and cartoons or anime have a unique style hailing from Japan. The characters’ facial expressions play an important role in the Manga style. The Manga illustrator connects with the viewer or reader through emotive eyes on faces with often exaggerated features. These faces are still sweet and will be perfectly designed to tell a story. Drawing the lines of manga characters is essentially based on accuracy and sensitivity. Manga illustrations not only must have excellent form but, usually emphasize inking techniques specialized to create each character.
This simple overview with samples and explanations of some styles of illustrative art can serve as a primer. If you would like to learn more, check out this previous article which tackles the question What is Illustrative Art?
Humor
These illustrations are characterized by the expression of the absurd and of otherwise uncomfortable situations. Humorous illustrations often involve a wide range of topics: irreverent, critical, realistic and sometimes burlesque. Generally, the characters exhibit striking features and look cartoonish and funny. This type of drawing takes lots creative imagination, irony, and the ability to come up with a laughable side to a story. In other words, these artists are always considering different ways of making a joke out of an unfunny situation.
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| Henri Gerbault [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons |
Modern Gothic
Another style that is found in many publications is the modern Gothic, which has several expressive characteristics. A key feature is its oppressive presence and strong medieval appearance. Characters in modern Gothic have a particular dark kind of quality while at the same time a sense of freedom in movement. The Gothic style can be described as an internal rebellion that does not accept the idea of "good" as promoted by society in general. Stories delivered in this style also tend to contain illustrations of medieval clothing, furnishings, weapons and utensils, among other things.
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| By Theodore Von Holst (1810-1844) (Tate Britain. Private collection, Bath.)[Public domain] |
Manga
Manga comics and cartoons or anime have a unique style hailing from Japan. The characters’ facial expressions play an important role in the Manga style. The Manga illustrator connects with the viewer or reader through emotive eyes on faces with often exaggerated features. These faces are still sweet and will be perfectly designed to tell a story. Drawing the lines of manga characters is essentially based on accuracy and sensitivity. Manga illustrations not only must have excellent form but, usually emphasize inking techniques specialized to create each character.
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| The Looking Glass Wars, Alyss & characters © Frank Beddor |
This simple overview with samples and explanations of some styles of illustrative art can serve as a primer. If you would like to learn more, check out this previous article which tackles the question What is Illustrative Art?
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| The Fundamentals of Photo-Illustration in Photoshop |
