Defying Description

and writer. "George" trained as a graphic designer and created record covers; now he works freelance solving graphic problems with illustration. "Mary" studied graphic design, began her career as a printmaker and art school lecturer, then freelanced for advertising agencies before becoming creative director of a packaging design company. "John" studied illustration and works as a freelance artist, writer, conservationist, and photographer specializing in natural history, leading expeditions, and contributing to television programs.

I also asked the discussion e-groups if they felt the illustration market is strong. Some feel there is a growing market for illustration and don't have any trouble finding work. Others state that, due to the availability of clip art, royalty-free imagery, stock books, and CD-ROM art libraries, quite the opposite is true for them. They believe the market is becoming diluted with work sold by those with computer skills who put together pieces of work and sell them for next to nothing, thereby cutting their own value.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment of visual artists (fine artists, graphic designers, and illustrators) is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Good news!

In summary, illustration is an ancient art form that began with an understanding and use of symbols; it has evolved over time to its uses today that serve the practical needs of the media. Whether traditional or cutting-edge, whether used in books and magazines or in multimedia or Web animation, illustration's roots will always be in drawing and painting. Though it may be difficult to define, we all recognize effective illustration at its best.

Now to further the debate, take a look at the artwork featured at the beginning of this article. Fine art? or ad-ready illustration? You decide!

Works consulted:

1. Jennings, Simon, ed. Complete Guide to Advanced Illustration and Design. London: Quarto, 1987.

2. "Fire in the hole!" Online posting, May 2000. Illustrators. www.egroups.com/message/illustrators/15007?&start=14983&threaded=1.

3. "Illustration work." Online posting, May 2000. Illustrators. www.egroups.com/message/illustrators/14905?&start=14897&threaded=1.

4. "Gee did I miss anything?" Online posting. May 2000. ProDesign. www.egroups.com/message/ProDesign/724?&start=707&threaded=1.

5. "Illustration work." Online posting, May 2000. ProDesign. www.egroups.com/message/ProDesign/678?&start=676&threaded=1.

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