Above is a illustration that I recently completed for the L.I. Pulse magazine.
Historic Illustration
Early books were illustrated (and written) by hand. They were often created by the church and refered to as illuminated manuscripts. The next step in the evolution of illustration was wood block prints which was used in the 15th century. In the 16th century etchings were used and in the 18th century lithography was used because it was faster and more presice. In the late 1800's illustration became a major factor and illustaton's golden age came about. Howard Pyle, N.C. Wyeth, and Maxfield Parrish became well known for their mastery and illustraors/ authors such as Beatrix Potter became prevelent. The introduction of easier and more inexpensive photography equipment led to the decline of illustration in the early 1900's.
Illustration has intermigled with art for many years but it became very noticable during the Pop art movement in the 1960's. Warhol, Lichenstein, and Robert Rauschenberg had a obvious influence not just in style but in production. The used illustration techniques such as silk screen printing and lithography.
Illustration is still commonplace in magazines, newspapers, and on the web today. Advances in technology have led to a greater use of digital Illustration using programs such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. Illustrators today will still work in traditional materials such as paint, ink, & watercolor but the envelope has widened to allow nearly anything from collage to photography. On the right are links to interviews with three modern illustrators. Click the link and read the interview. Each of the illustrator's has a very distinct style and mood. Consistancy is generally necassary in order to market yourself as an illustrator.
