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.

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.

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. 

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? 

The Fundamentals of Photo-Illustration in Photoshop

An illustration is graphical representation created by drawing, sketching, painting, digital rendering, lithographic or woodcut printing, etc. of things real or imagined. The term illustration comes from the Latin word meaning enlighten. In fact, in the medieval age illustrations were called illuminations.  Illustration is often found in the sphere of commercial or popular media.  An illustration artist can choose to work with existing styles or create their own. Beyond the ability to draw, it is necessary to have a sharp eye for creating illustration that tells a story. These artists can produce masterful expressive images which serve practical application. Illustrative art is a form that is defined by its context not medium.

Illustration artists have the unique gift of communicating their ideas and telling stories through their visual renderings. Not every artist can be an illustrator but illustrators are artists. Visually striking imagery in illustration can also be paired to work with something else, adding personality or character to that other thing without overwhelming it.  Such is the role of illustration in books, cartoons, calendars, billboards, clothing, packaging, store displays, posters, cover art, and comic books to clarify or embellish something else. This is the context that illustrators work within.

"Breaking Home Ties" Satu... Buy From Art.com Various museum exhibitions, magazines and art galleries have featured the works of illustrators, however, some consider them less important compared with fine artists and graphic designers. Illustrative art is subject to condescension. What is popular and fun is so often hard to take seriously by the elite of the art world, yet that does not change the fact that illustrators are creative and competent artists. Original illustration art from renowned book, poster and magazine illustrators can bring high dollar values at auction. Norman Rockwell's his painting "Breaking Home Ties" sold in a 2006 Sotheby's auction for over 15 million dollars.

Illustrations are important to the advertising industry.   Illustrating  is a  rewarding career for both making fans happy and being paid for doing so. Commercial illustration copy with artwork created by leading advertising agency McCann Erickson has won awards. Another look at context will set apart the fine art and illustrative art forms: Andy Warhol started out working as an ad and magazine illustrator; however, Warhol’s work that represented irony in advertisement was considered separate from illustration. 

"real" by estherfib
 source

If you find you have a talent for conveying real life concepts into meaningful illustrations and have confidence in your style, it is time to rise above the mundane and promote your illustrative work. If you are such an artist, please share with us in the comments section. To read more on examples of illustrative art continue with this article:  Examples of Illustration Styles.

© Rebecca H Knight