Traditional Romantic Illustrations

Traditional romantic illustrations that had been influenced by Pre-Raphaelites. Children’s book illustrations became very popular by British illustrators. Basically, every child read the Peter Rabbit tale and seen the wonderful watercolors by Beatrix Potter. The Grimm brothers’ mysterious stories were also heavily illustrated with intriguing dark images by Arthur Rackman. The artwork created by illustrators was centered on propaganda posters and flyers during the troubling times of the two world wars. In the 1950s the Push Pin studios were founded by Cooper Union classmates Seymour Chwast, Milton Glaser and Edward Sorel. One of the most popular graphic design and illustration studios in the world is Push Pin, which has influenced and contributed to many artists and to the field of illustration itself.

The growing development of photography from the 1970’s onwards causing illustration to lose its place in the market. Photography took over the art scene and became the dominant medium used in the media world. In the late 20th century illustration declined, however, the continuous evolution of computers and the introduction of software such as Photoshop and Illustrator allowed for the re-invention of illustration. Illustrators and graphic artists have more control now due to the capabilities of this software, along with the increasingly digital nature of the media world and the globalized nature of today’s market.

The different types of illustration are divided on the basis of the technique used. There are two major groups: Traditional illustration and Modern style illustration. The techniques for creating illustrations have changed gradually over time, as materials have changed and evolved. Artists relied on materials such as paper, paints, pencils, and charcoal but with the digital era evolution and advancement of the electronics, the possibilities for artists grew rapidly as they started working digitally with the help of software such as Photoshop, 3DMax, and Maya. Artists can use a tablet’s pen and surface to draw and the device can transfer the image. The digital tools and techniques imitate traditional materials and effects achieved with them so it is easy to switch different materials and experiment.

Traditional methods of illustrations require a lot of effort and time. The maximum output using traditional methods is about three illustrations per day, which is much less than what can be achieved using digital illustration tools. Modern Illustration methods many design firms in the US and the UK transferred their work from outside the office to inside. Meanwhile, the artists and illustrators started moving out of offices and working from home since the new technology allowed more flexibility and mobility. The new arrangement worked well for everyone as long as the illustration work was professional and produced to the deadline.

Some illustration techniques include

1. Woodcutting which I one of the oldest types of illustration. Woodcutting is an ancient technique seen in some of the world’s oldest manuscripts. This technique was distinctive due to its contrast between dark and light areas in the illustration, as well the big strokes.
2. Metal etchings were created when a metal was covered with a waxy ground resistant to acid and then the artist scratches off the ground with a pointed etching needle. The plate is then dipped in a bath of acid. The plate is inked all over leaving only the ink in the etched lines. The plate is then put through a high-pressure printing press with a sheet of paper. The paper picks up the ink from the etched lines, making a print.
3. Pencil illustrations may be one of the most popular types of illustration. Pencil allows illustrators to create soft shadows and transitions, as well as creating sharp, accurate lines.
4. Charcoal illustrations are a preferred choice for illustrating shorts stories.